(Sebastian’s POV) The city lights blurred into long, glowing streaks as I sped down the highway, the tires humming against the asphalt in a relentless rhythm. My hands clenched the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned bone white, the leather groaning beneath my grip. The hum of the engine filled the suffocating silence, but inside my head, it was louder, chaotic, stormy, an unforgiving whirlwind of thoughts that refused to quiet. Evelyn and Peter. The image was seared into my mind, like a cruel photograph on repeat. Evelyn’s soft smile was gentle, almost radiant as she sat beside him. Her laughter, light and unburdened, echoed in my ears. I hadn’t heard that sound in weeks, maybe longer. Not from her. Not when she was with me. And Peter’s gaze? It lingered on her, steady and... protective. His eyes followed her like she was something fragile, something worth safeguarding. That look gnawed at me, scraping against my already frayed nerves like sandpaper on raw skin. Doe
(Evelyn’s POV) The cold night air bit into my skin as I sneaked out of the hospital’s back exit, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear my footsteps. The city hummed in the distance, cars, life, everything moving on, yet it felt eerily silent around me, like the calm before a storm. Shadows stretched long beneath the flickering streetlights, the scent of rain lingering in the air as if the universe itself anticipated what was coming. I pulled my coat tighter around me, wincing as the stitches tugged with every hurried step. Pain radiated through my side, sharp and unrelenting, but I welcomed it. It reminded me I was still alive, still capable of feeling something other than the suffocating emptiness that had threatened to consume me within those sterile hospital walls. I wasn’t supposed to be out of bed, let alone sneaking into the night like some fugitive, but I had no choice. Staying meant surrendering, allowing the crushing weight of memories, regret, and betrayal to drow
(Evelyn’s POV) The cold bit into my skin as I wandered through the unfamiliar streets, my steps heavy against the damp pavement. I had no idea where I was, only that it was far from everything I once knew. The city loomed around me, tall buildings casting long shadows under the dim streetlights, their facades both inviting and menacing. People passed me by without a second glance, bundled up in coats, lost in their own worlds. For them, this was just another night. For me, it felt like the start of something terrifying and unknown. I clutched my coat tighter, feeling the sting of tears threaten my eyes. You can’t fall apart now, Evelyn. I whispered the words in my head, but they sounded hollow. The ache in my body from the stitches pulled with every step, a brutal reminder of everything I had lost, everything I was running from. I paused under a flickering streetlight, my stomach tightening with hunger. How long had it been since I last ate? The hospital food hadn’t exactly been a
(Evelyn’s POV) Time had a strange way of moving, slow in the mundane moments and then rushing past when life felt whole again. Days turned into weeks, and weeks blurred into months. Before I even realized it, I was eight months pregnant, my belly round and full, the baby inside me growing stronger with each passing day. The first few weeks had been tough. Settling into a new routine, adjusting to the changes in my body, and trying to navigate this new chapter of life felt overwhelming at times. But through it all, Mia had been there, a guiding light in what had once been complete darkness. She wasn’t just my savior anymore. She had become my closest friend, my family. We built a rhythm together, an easy, comforting pattern that made the days feel warmer, even when the world outside seemed uncertain. Mornings were filled with the smell of coffee and the sound of laughter as we fumbled through breakfast, often burning toast or flipping pancakes that landed more on the counter than
(Evelyn’s POV) The pain was unbearable, ripping through me like jagged Shards of glass. My breath hitched, Coming in short, Panicked gasps as Sweat slicked my forehead. I could barely process the heartbreak from the Call about Mia before my body betrayed me, forcing me Into the worst pain I had ever known. A fresh Contraction tore through me, Seizing my body in an Iron grip. My fingers clawed at the worn-out fabric of the bus seat, Knuckles turning white. My stomach twisted violently, a sharp, unbearable pressure building between My legs. The bus jolted over a bump, Sending another bolt of agony through my core. I screamed, clutching my belly, tears blurring My vision. The world around me faded, swallowed by the Overwhelming torment that consumed every inch of my being. “Please, hold on! We’re almost there!” the driver shouted, his voice tight with panic. But I couldn’t. My body wasn’t waiting. “Help! Someone, please!” I sobbed, my head lolling back as another Contraction ripped
(Vanessa POV) The moment my Plane touched down, a wave of relief washed over me. Finally, I was home. The Familiar city lights outside the window blurred as the aircraft taxied to the gate. But my mind was elsewhere. On him. Sebastian. I exhaled slowly, willing my nerves to settle as I reached for my phone. My fingers tremble Slightly, anticipation curling in my Stomach. He Should be here by now. I had told him my arrival time. Sent him a reminder even. I tapped the call button, bringing the phone to my ear. The line rang once. Then twice. My heartbeat picked up its pace. Three rings. Four. A part of me clung to the hope that he was already waiting outside, maybe caught up in traffic. Just seconds away from answering with his usual deep, soothing voice. Five. I chewed the inside of my cheek, shifting in my seat. Then, finally… "Yeah, Vanessa. What is it?" The coldness in his tone hit me like a slap. I blinked, thrown off by the detached way he said my name. No w
The days went by in a haze of meetings, late-night drawings, and minor achievements. Evelyn had established a routine of balancing her job, her pregnancy, and the ongoing intricacies of her relationship with Sebastian. It wasn’t simple, but it was hers to manage. Sebastian's existence in her life was now unmistakable. He called often, inquired about the baby, and even assisted with grocery shopping or getting items she required for the nursery. His attempts were sincere, or at the very least, they appeared to be. However, each gesture, every kind remark, seemed infused with an underlying tension that Evelyn couldn't dispel. She was uncertain about how to release the past how to pardon the person who had wounded her so profoundly. He could be attempting, yet the agony remained, lurking in the silent times when she permitted herself to recall. One afternoon, as Evelyn was creating a new design for a nearby boutique, her phone vibrated with an unknown number. She paused briefly before
The weeks that came after were a whirlwind of planning, minor wins, and increasing doubt. Evelyn felt conflicted between optimism and prudence as she moved through this new chapter of her life with Sebastian. His existence in her life was unmistakable, and despite her attempts to persuade herself that she could manage everything by herself, the reality was beginning to dawn on her. She didn't wish to face this by herself. However, that didn’t imply she was prepared to trust him anew. Every day appeared to present a new obstacle, medical visits, arranging the nursery, juggling professional duties with the physical demands of pregnancy, but amidst it all, Sebastian stayed a steady presence. He often called her to see how she was doing, providing assistance with whatever she required. It seemed as though he was attempting to wipe away the past, to compensate for all the moments he’d been missing, apathetic, and disloyal. Yet the pain persisted, hovering in the atmosphere like a dense
Sebastian’s POVThe drive to school was quiet. Too quiet.The kind of quiet that Was not peaceful but unsettling. Crawling under my skin like an itch I could not scratch.My fingers gripped the Steering wheel. My Knuckles White as My thoughts tangled into a mess I couldn’t unravel. The call. The nagging doubts. The questions that loomed without answers.Beside me, Vanessa talked. Her voice was light, animated. Filling the silence with talk of Princess, the dress, the shoes, something about a tiara. Normally, I’d nod along, maybe even throw in a comment to show I was listening. But today, her words barely registered. Drowned under the weight pressing against my chest.“Seb?”Her voice cut through the fog, followed by a gentle nudge against my arm.I blinked. The road ahead had blurred for a moment, the lines smearing together before snapping back into focus.“Hm?” My voice came out lower than I intended, rough around the edges.Vanessa sighed. “I said, should we get her the pink one or
(Sabatine pov)My finger hovered over the answer button, but I didn’t press it.Not yet.A bitter taste lingered on my tongue, a mix of betrayal and something far worse, realization. If Vanessa had lied about something this big, what else had she been hiding? What other secrets had she so effortlessly buried beneath that sweet smile?I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening around the phone. The screen glowed in the dim light of my office, her name flashing insistently.Vanessa.My pulse pounded in my ears, each ring fueling the storm brewing inside me. I wanted answers. No, I needed them. But I wouldn’t be fooled again, wouldn’t let myself fall into the same trap.Not this time.The phone buzzed again, vibrating against my palm like a silent challenge. I exhaled sharply, steadying myself. Proof. I needed proof before I faced her. Because if my suspicions were right, then Vanessa was capable of far worse than just a simple lie.And I refused to be the fool who found out too late.Her nam
(Sebastian’s POV) The soft hum of the air conditioner pulsed through my office, blending with the rhythmic clatter of my fingers against the keyboard. The glow from my dual monitors bathed the room in an artificial bluish hue, casting long shadows over the towering stacks of documents cluttering my mahogany desk. Numbers blurred together on the screen, but I kept my focus sharp, filtering through reports with the precision drilled into me over years of discipline. Then..buzz. The sudden vibration of my phone shattered the quiet. My fingers froze above the keys, my gaze flicking toward the screen. Unknown Caller. A slight frown tugged at my brow. I wasn’t expecting any calls, certainly not from an unlisted number at this hour. A part of me considered ignoring it, letting it go to voicemail. But something, instinct, curiosity, a nagging pull I couldn’t quite place, made me reach for the device. I hesitated. Then, inhaling slowly, I swiped to answer and brought the phone to my ear
( Evelyn’s POV) The city hummed beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a living, breathing force of ambition and power. Lights flickered in the distance, a constant reminder that somewhere, someone was always chasing success, just as I had been for years. But now, I wasn’t just reaching for it. I was standing in it. Yet, the weight of the journey still clung to me. Every betrayal, every sacrifice, every tear, I had carried them like stones in my pockets, dragging me down, threatening to drown me. But instead of breaking me, they had sharpened me, reforging my spirit into something unbreakable. I let out a slow breath, my fingers grazing the rich mahogany surface of the desk. My desk. The reality of it was still sinking in. Mr. Alberts had built an empire, brick by brick, deal by deal. And when the time came to pass it on, he hadn’t chosen his bloodline. He had chosen me. “You’re family now, Evelyn,” he had said, his voice calm but firm. “This company… it needs someone with vision, s
(Evelyn’s POV) The city lights streaked past the tinted window. neon reflections smearing across the glass like a painter’s reckless brush strokes. I sat motionless in the Backseat. My fingers absently tracing the Seam of my dress as the adrenaline still pulsed beneath my skin. The rush of power. Of dominance. Clung to me like expensive perfume, heady, intoxicating. I made my move. And it was a bold one. My phone lay face down on my lap, its screen dark, but the words I had sent still burned in my mind. I don’t play games with babies. A smirk curled my lips. It had been the perfect response, sharp, final. A statement that left no room for doubt. I imagined the sting of my words sinking in, imagined the moment of hesitation on the other end, the quickening of breath, the anger coiling behind clenched teeth. The thought alone sent another thrill through me. Then, my phone buzzed. Once. Twice. A violent, repetitive hum against the smooth leather seat, shattering my momentary sat
The cheerful giggle of a baby resonated in the small apartment as Evelyn skillfully held two bottles of milk in one hand and repositioned the high chair with the other. The twins, just a few months old, made up her whole universe. Maya's deep eyes shimmered with intrigue, as young Mason laughed at the sound of the wind chimes near the window. Their arrival brought a happiness to the small apartment that Evelyn had never experienced before. Yet today, a darkness hung over Evelyn's heart. She received another email from the graphic design company she freelanced with, a proposal to move to a larger city if she wished to handle more distinguished projects. It was a chance that could transform her profession, yet the idea of dismantling her small, meticulously built haven frightened her. Once she laid the twins down for their nap, Evelyn settled by the bay window with her laptop. She had always hoped to provide Maya and Mason with a better life, one free from the burdens of her history.
Evelyn rose to a serene morning, with gentle sunlight streaming through the curtains, creating warm golden rays on the ground. The quiet of the apartment, the tranquility she had discovered in recent weeks, provided solace. However, the burden of her choice regarding Sebastian still remained in her thoughts. She had dedicated numerous hours in the past few days contemplating everything: Sebastian’s apology, his efforts to connect, and the way he had constantly assured her that nothing would separate them. However, following his betrayal, she questioned whether those promises were merely hollow phrases. Was he genuinely remorseful, or was he just attempting to mend something damaged, not entirely grasping the extent of the pain he had inflicted? While sipping her tea by the window, the gentle buzz of the city beneath reminded her that life kept progressing, even when she felt trapped in her own reflections. The only sound that filled the room was the rhythmic tapping of her fingers o
Evelyn found herself contemplating the heaviness of Sebastian's words for days. He approached her, exposed and defenseless, conveying his remorse and his wish to seek forgiveness. However, Evelyn was uncertain whether it was sufficient. Is it possible for him to really change? Could she really rely on him enough to offer him another opportunity? Her heart was pained by the doubt, yet she would not make any choices without first reflecting on her emotions, and the truth of their circumstances. The next day, following Sebastian’s visit, Evelyn tried hard to resume her usual routine. She worked remotely, concentrated on her design assignments, and went to her prenatal check-ups. Yet, even during the silent times, the resonance of his presence lingered. His apology lingered in her mind, yet she couldn’t overlook the intricacy of her feelings. Whenever she believed she had control over the situation, she ended up questioning herself. At night, with the gentle murmur of urban noise coming
The days that ensued were marked by a delicate feeling of equilibrium. Evelyn maintained her schedule of work, medical visits, and peaceful nights by herself in her flat, yet the emotional struggle between her history with Sebastian and the current life she aimed to build was growing harder to overlook. Sebastian’s efforts to be included in her life were constant, nearly overly constant. He called frequently, visited at least weekly, and brought small presents for the baby, a plush toy on one occasion, a baby blanket on another. He was making an effort, and Evelyn sensed it, yet the question remained: was he genuinely regretful, or was he merely attempting to atone for his past misdeeds? One afternoon, while she was at her small desk in her apartment creating a new design for a client, Evelyn's phone vibrated. It was a note from Sebastian. May I drop by later? I need to discuss something significant. Her heart raced, and she placed her pen aside, gazing at the message for an exten