ETHAN I stormed into the prison visitation room, my heart racing with anticipation, fueled by the burning desire for justice. The sterile air reeked of desperation, and the fluorescent lights above seemed to hum with tension. Victor's smirk greeted me, a cold, calculated smile that twisted his features into a grotesque mask. His eyes gleamed with malevolent intent, sparkling like polished onyx in the harsh light. "You're a hard man to kill," Victor drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm, each word a deliberate taunt. I slammed my fists on the metal table, the clang echoing through the room like a battle cry. "You're running out of time," I growled, my voice low and menacing. Victor chuckled, a low, menacing sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Time's on my side," he declared, his confidence unnerving. Our eyes locked, the air thickening with tension, heavy with the weight of unresolved conflict. The silence between us crackled with electricity, a live wire waiting to spark
As I stood beside Ethan, watching Victor's downfall unfold like a crumbling edifice, relief washed over me like a warm wave. But my focus shifted to Andrew, my brother, my responsibility.The weight of my determination settled upon me, a mantle of protection I vowed to wear. I squeezed Ethan's hand, a silent communication of my resolve."I need to see Andrew," I said, my voice firm, each word a promise.Ethan nodded, his eyes understanding."Let's go," he said, his voice soft, a gentle accompaniment to my unwavering resolve.As we walked to Andrew's hospital room, the antiseptic scent and muted beeps of machinery created a sterile symphony. My heart ached with every step, but I steeled myself, fortifying my resolve.Inside the room, Andrew lay motionless, machines surrounding him like sentinels. The soft rise and fall of his chest was a reassuring rhythm, but my gaze lingered on the fragile lines etched on his face.My son.My responsibility.I took a deep breath, the air filling my l
REINA As I strolled alongside Lucy through the hospital's serene corridors, the soft beeping of machines and gentle hum of conversation created a soothing melody. The scent of disinfectant and fresh flowers wafted through the air, a poignant reminder of the fragility and resilience of life. "Thanks for being here, Lucy," I said, genuine gratitude warming my voice, my words echoing off the sterile walls. Lucy's smile illuminated her face, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm happy to help," she replied, her voice infused with sincerity. "You and Andrew are important to me." Her words wrapped around my heart like a gentle hug, but a lingering doubt remained, a whispered caution in the recesses of my mind. Was Lucy genuinely invested, or did she have ulterior motives hidden beneath her benevolent facade? I studied her profile, searching for any hidden agenda, my gaze tracing the contours of her face. Her features seemed chiseled from kindness and compassion, yet experience had t
REINA Ethan's strong arms enveloped me, holding me close, his warmth seeping into my skin. I felt safe, shielded from the world's chaos."You're my home," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.My heart swelled, overflowing with emotion."You're mine too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.We stood in our cozy apartment, the city lights twinkling outside like stars. Soft music drifted from the stereo, a gentle melody.Challenges still lingered, shadows of our tumultuous past.Lucy's secrets.Andrew's recovery.Victor's haunting legacy.But in Ethan's embrace, fear dissipated, replaced by tranquility.Love conquered, its gentle touch soothing my soul.His lips brushed mine, a gentle kiss that sent shivers down my spine.Time melted away, leaving only us, suspended in this moment.The world outside receded, its noise and worries fading.Only Ethan's touch mattered.Only our love remained.Ethan pulled back, his eyes sparkling like diamonds."Forever?" he asked."Forever,"
Reina Some weeks had passed. Weeks we all enjoyed until something happened. The sun was just setting. It casted a soft orange ray through the windows as I carefully set the last plate on the dining table. I glanced at the clock one more time. It was almost time. Tonight was very important to all of us. We had not had the whole family over in a while, and I wanted everything to be just right. No complications at all. “Andrew, slow down! You're going to break something!” I yelled out. I tried to conceal my laugh as I watched my son run round the living room like he was being pursued by something. "I am just excited, Mom!" he giggled, his legs running circles around the coffee table. He was too high on energy and his energy was infectious. It drove me crazy sometimes but, I just have to remind myself that he is just a boy. I smiled and shook my head, turning my attention back to the dining table. I lit up the candles and made sure they remained that way throughout dinn
ReinaThe next few days after Riri’s unexpected visit felt heavy. The air between Ethan and me was so thick that we hardly spoke to each other. We moved around the house like strangers, speaking only when necessary, mostly about Andrew. Every time I tried to bring up the topic, Ethan would brush it off, assuring me that I was overthinking things. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.I went about my daily routine, trying to distract myself. I cleaned, cooked, just to keep myself busy. But, no matter how hard I tried, my mind kept drifting back to RiRi. I hated feeling this way, like I was losing my grip on something important. I had always trusted Ethan, but now, doubt had taken root, and I could not ignore it.Not this time. Ethan had gone out to pick up Andrew from school, leaving his phone on the kitchen counter. He forgot it because he was in a hurry and was running away. I was not the type to go through his things. In fact, I hardly go through his
ReinaIt had been two days since our confrontation. I didn't like how things were going on between the both of us. We are love birds and should remain as such. I hate to admit that a random person from the past was coming in between us and causing trouble. If he was really transparent with me. We won't have these issues. I was very sure of that. Ethan had tried to be present, to show me how serious he was about fixing things between the both of us. I could see all the efforts he was putting in but, no matter what. I was human and my mind would not stop spinning about things like this. Every time I looked at him, I saw RiRi’s face. I saw the messages, the lies and the secrets that he hid from me. Andrew was at school, and Ethan had left for work. I was sitting at the dining table, staring blankly at my cup of coffee, trying to make sense of everything when my phone buzzed. An unknown number flashed on the screen. My heart skipped a beat as I answered and my spine stiffened as
Reina I had been leaving the house nowadays to avoid seeing Ethan.We have stopped sleeping in the same room and most of the time, I wake up before him and leave the house. I was still reeling from Riri's confession a few days ago. Ethan had been quiet since then, trying to act normal, but nothing felt normal between us anymore.It was surprising that we were a sweet couple and suddenly everything changed. The distance between us was growing. I didn’t know how to talk to him, and every time I looked at him, I felt a wave of anger, confusion, and sadness within me. The man I thought I knew was becoming a stranger. He was becoming so distant from me and I could not help it. The rain that was falling this afternoon had plans on keeping me at home. I could not step out of the house to do anything. Instead, I occupied myself by watching some series, trying to distract myself from the endless thoughts in my head. Andrew was at a friend’s house, so I was alone when the doorbell rang.