It was as if I couldn’t tear myself away, but I also knew that I needed to step outside, to get some air. For just a moment, I needed to disconnect from the weight of the room.“Okay,” I whispered, standing up with her help.We stepped out into the cool air of the early afternoon, the bustling outside world a stark contrast to the stillness inside. I felt the weight of the grief in my chest, but for now, I focused on the gentle rhythm of our footsteps, the calming presence of Sansa beside me, and the knowledge that, in this moment, I didn’t have to carry everything alone.As we walked in silence, I tried to collect my thoughts, but the overwhelming weight of the loss made it hard to focus. Sansa’s quiet presence beside me was a comfort, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just drifting, going through the motions.After a while, Sansa broke the silence. “Kirsten,” she said softly, “have you thought about what’s next? What you want to do after... everything settles?”I stopped w
I nodded, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak further. The quiet support from Mr. Reyes, Lilith, Jacob, and the others was overwhelming, but it was exactly what I needed in that moment. For the first time since my mother’s passing, I felt a small sense of comfort, even if just for a fleeting second.When I finally found the opportunity to speak to Mr. Reyes alone, my thoughts seemed to rush all at once, making my words feel like they were tumbling out faster than I could control. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I met his gaze."Mr. Reyes, I... I need to tell you something important," I began, my voice laced with hesitation. "I've been offered a job at Rockwell. They've agreed to cover all my expenses in exchange, and they want to offer me their support during this difficult time. I... I’m sorry, sir. I think I need to take this opportunity."The weight of the words hung in the air between us. It was hard to say, harder still to admit it aloud.Mr. Reyes
I could hear her breathing softly beside me, her presence a constant reminder that I had people who cared, even in my darkest moments.“I’m here, Kirsten,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “You don’t have to go through this alone. We’ll get through it together.”I turned to her, my eyes filled with tears that had long been held back. “Thank you, Sansa. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”She smiled gently, her eyes filled with understanding. “You don’t have to worry about that. You have me, and you have everyone here who cares about you. We’ll help you through this, step by step.”And in that moment, as I sat there surrounded by those who cared, I realized something important. The grief was still there, but it didn’t feel as heavy. With the support of those around me, I could start healing. It wouldn’t be easy, but I would face it, one day at a time.I took a deep breath, feeling the quiet strength that had slowly been building up inside me. My mother had always be
The breeze carried a faint scent of flowers, and I closed my eyes, imagining it was my mother’s embrace one last time.The exhaustion that had lingered for days started to creep in. My body felt heavy, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave yet. I traced the edge of the fresh earth with my fingers, grounding myself to this moment, as if holding onto her presence."Kirsten?" Sansa’s voice broke through the silence, soft and cautious. I turned to see her standing a few steps away, her face filled with concern. She hesitated before continuing, "Everyone's waiting for you. Maybe... it’s time?"I looked at her, then back at the grave. How could it ever be time to leave the person who meant the world to me? But deep down, I knew Sansa was right. My mother would want me to go on, to face life with courage. Wiping the tears from my cheeks, I slowly stood up, feeling the weight of loss in every movement.“I’ll be okay,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if I was saying it to Sansa, my mother, or
Her belongings were still exactly where she had left them. Her scarf was draped over the chair by the window, her reading glasses perched on the bedside table, and a neatly folded sweater lay on the bed. My chest tightened as I walked further inside, the weight of her absence pressing down on me.I noticed a small photo frame on the table and picked it up. It was a picture of her during one of her happiest moments—her head tilted back in laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy. Tears blurred my vision as I ran my fingers over the glass, tracing the lines of her face.“Mom…” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Why does it hurt so much?”I sat down on the edge of her bed, clutching the photo to my chest. My mind drifted to all the moments we had shared—her reassuring words when life felt overwhelming, her warm embrace when I needed comfort, and her laughter that could brighten even my darkest days. Each memory was like a thread, pulling me closer to her and yet reminding me of how far away s
Each item I touched carried a memory, a piece of her, but instead of bringing tears, it brought a sense of peace.By the end of the day, I was exhausted but content. Standing in the middle of the living room, I looked around at the tidy, warm space that still felt like home.It was a small step, but it was a step forward.As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and pink, I found myself sitting at the small wooden desk in my bedroom. My fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of a photo frame, my thoughts drifting between memories of my mother and the uncertain path ahead.Then, as if a lightbulb went off in my mind, I remembered something—Vincent's calling card. The sleek, elegant piece of paper that had seemed so unimportant in the whirlwind of grief now felt like a lifeline, a possible first step toward rebuilding my life.I stood, my heart beating a little faster, and began searching. Where had I put it? My room was still in disarray from the c
“Thank you for the opportunity,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “I’m ready to contribute in any way I can.”Vincent nodded, sliding a folder across the table toward me. “This contains the job details. It’s a position in our events and catering division—an area where your skills and experience can truly shine. We’ll be hosting high-profile clients, so attention to detail and professionalism will be crucial.”I opened the folder, scanning the contents. The role sounded challenging yet exciting, a chance to push myself and grow.“You’re also welcome to ask questions or share concerns,” Vincent added, his tone encouraging.I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I appreciate the support Rockwell has offered me. But may I ask—why me? There are so many more experienced professionals out there.”Vincent’s expression softened. “Because I see potential in you, Kirsten. Sometimes, it’s not about experience but about heart and determination. You’ve faced challenges, yet you’re here, ready to re
I hesitated for a moment before answering. "I... I withdrew from school, Vincent." I didn't want to go into the details just yet. The pain of losing my mother and everything that followed was still too fresh.Vincent seemed to take in my words with a quiet understanding. His smile softened, and he gave me a nod. "I see. Well, you don't have to worry about that now."I blinked, confused by his response. "What do you mean?"He leaned against the counter, folding his arms thoughtfully. "I’ll sponsor your degree, Kirsten. If you’re still interested in finishing your studies, I can help make it happen. I can’t let you miss out on opportunities just because of what happened."I stared at him, stunned by his offer. It was something I hadn't even dared to dream about."Vincent, I don’t know what to say..."His expression was kind, but firm. "You don’t have to say anything yet. Just think about it." He paused, then added with a grin, "But I do think you’ve got the smarts. It’d be a waste not t
Anton reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine in that reassuring way that always made me feel safe. “I’m right here with you.” Together, we made our way to the venue—a small, private room in a government building. It wasn’t extravagant, but it felt right. The judge greeted us warmly, and after a few moments of formalities, we stood facing each other, the weight of the moment settling around us. Anton’s eyes never left mine as the judge began to speak. I could feel the anticipation building in my chest, my emotions swirling. This was it. This was the beginning of everything. When it was time to exchange vows, Anton went first. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by your side in every moment, no matter what comes our way. You are my heart, and I am yours.” Tears welled up in my eyes as he spoke, his words so genuine, so full of meaning. I could feel the sincerity in his voice, and my heart swelled with love for him. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath,
As we stepped through the door, our hands still intertwined, the world outside seemed distant. The comfort of our home wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Anton pulled me close, his arms slipping around my waist as he held me from behind. I could feel his breath against my neck, soft and warm, as he kissed me slowly, tenderly."Mrs. Rockwell," he whispered, his voice teasing, sending a shiver down my spine. His words were full of promise, of a future that, no matter how uncertain, felt like it was finally within reach.I let out a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Not yet," I replied, glancing back at him, my eyes meeting his with a playful glint.His lips curled into a mischievous grin, the kind that made my heart race. "Oh, you will soon," he said, his voice low and intimate, as he tightened his hold on me just enough to make my heart flutter. "And I want you to practice a new signature with my surname in it soon."His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. It w
I smiled, a warm glow spreading through me. "I'm glad we took the chance. I can't imagine my life without you now."As we shared a tender kiss, the fire crackled once more, as if celebrating our newfound love. The sofa, witness to our passionate encounter, seemed to sigh contentedly, its cushions inviting them to stay a while longer. And so they did, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in a world where only they existed, a world filled with love, passion, and the promise of a future together."When did you fall in love with me, Anton?" I asked, my voice soft as I looked up at him.He smirked, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my arm. "I fell for you when you were just a delivery girl," he admitted with a chuckle.I giggled, remembering those days. "I was so naive back then. I only wanted to get your attention so you would hire me. That’s why I started sending those special meals to your office. I thought if I impressed you enough, you’d give me a job."Anton smiled as if recallin
I stopped, turning my head slightly, but I didn’t let go of Anton’s hand. “Yes?”He hesitated, his lips parting and closing as though he couldn’t quite find the words. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. “Do you think I even deserve peace? After everything I’ve done to you… to both of you?”I sighed, glancing at Anton, who gave my hand a small squeeze. He didn’t intervene, allowing me to face Vincent on my own terms. “It’s not about deserving it, Vincent,” I said gently. “It’s about whether or not you want it. Whether or not you’re willing to change and work toward it.”He leaned back in his chair, his cuffed hands resting heavily on the armrests. His gaze fell to the floor as if searching for answers in the patterns of the tiles. “I don’t know if I can live with the guilt. Every time I think about what I’ve done… it’s like it’s eating me alive.”“Then stop running from it,” I said firmly. “Face it. Own your mistakes and make amends where you can. That’s the only way you’ll ever
He looked down at his cuffed hands, his voice lowering to a whisper. "So, I took advantage of it. Out of jealousy, out of spite. I wanted to take away something he cared about, something he might love, just to prove I could. I wanted to hurt him the way I thought he had hurt me... and you became the collateral damage."His words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. All this time, I had thought Vincent’s actions were about me, about control, about possession. But now I realized—it was never about me. It was about his insecurities, his bitterness toward Anton, and his need to win a game only he was playing."You used me..." I whispered, the hurt evident in my voice.Vincent’s eyes met mine, and for the first time, they weren’t filled with arrogance or anger. They were filled with regret. "I did," he confessed. "And I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.""I can’t believe you..." I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief and pain.Vincent nodded slowly, h
"Anton..." I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap as I searched for the courage to voice what had been weighing on my mind. "Can I meet him?"The room fell silent, the air suddenly thick with tension. Anton’s jaw tightened, his usually soft eyes hardening as they locked onto mine. "Why do you want to meet him, Kirsten?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Because I feel like I need to," I said softly. "To free myself from him completely—for real this time. I need closure, Anton. I need to look him in the eyes and tell him that we’re done. And... I want him to ask for forgiveness."Anton’s gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the conflict brewing behind his eyes. For a moment, I thought he’d argue, tell me it was unnecessary, that I didn’t need to reopen that chapter of my life.But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "If that’s what you need," he said quietly, his voice firm but filled with understanding, "I’l
The days passed like a dream—soft, fleeting, and almost unreal. I hadn’t been counting them because, for the first time in years, I was truly happy. But that happiness was laced with an edge of unease, especially when Anton told me what had happened.Vincent had been captured. By Anton’s men.The news left a strange weight in my chest, and though I tried to push it aside, it lingered."What are you going to do to your brother, Anton?" I asked, my voice quiet but firm as I sat across from him in the spacious living room.Anton leaned back in his chair, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier. His brow arched slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You sound like you’re worried about him."I hesitated, unsure how to answer that. Was I?Despite the cruel way Vincent had treated me, a part of me couldn’t deny that he had once been a significant part of my life. But worry? Love? Those feelings had long since faded."I’m not worried about him," I said, shaking my h
I learned from him that Vincent had resorted to sending death threats, demanding Anton leave the country. My stomach turned at the revelation. It was a side of Vincent I hadn’t fully understood until now. Anton, however, seemed unfazed, stating firmly, “He’ll pay for that. I’ll make sure he does. Threatening me gives me the leverage I need to put him behind bars.”The thought of Vincent—once the man I thought I loved—going to prison left me torn. A part of me felt justice was inevitable, but another part still struggled to reconcile this side of him with the man I had once known.And then there was Anton. The man who had been a stranger not so long ago but now felt like a lifeline. It was surreal to think back to the days when I would deliver lunches to his company, never once imagining that the CEO himself was aware of me. And now, here I was, living under the same roof with him."Can you believe this?" I murmured to myself one evening as I stood by the window, looking out at the exp
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But instead, he turned away, laughing bitterly. "We’ll see about that," he muttered, disappearing into his bedroom and slamming the door behind him. I exhaled shakily, my entire body trembling. This wasn’t living. This was survival. I picked up my phone and opened Anton’s message again. Without overthinking, I typed: Me: I need your help. I hit send and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. Within seconds, his reply came. Anton: I’ll be there in the morning. I stared at the message, a mix of relief and fear washing over me. Tomorrow, things would change. Whether for better or worse, I didn’t know. But one thing was certain—I couldn’t keep living like this. The morning light filtered through the curtains, and I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by everything that had happened the night before. Vincent’s words still echoed in my mind—his possessiveness, hi