The warm sunlight streamed through the curtains as Stefani stretched, listening to the excited giggles from down the hall. Today was a special day, one she had been anticipating for weeks—Ethan and Elara's fifth birthday. Five years. Stefani could hardly believe how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she was cradling two tiny newborns in her arms, overwhelmed with love and exhaustion. Now, they were running around the house, full of energy and life, growing faster than she ever thought possible.The house buzzed with activity as Stefani got ready. Balloons lined the walls, colorful streamers were draped across the ceiling, and the smell of freshly baked cake filled the air. Today wasn’t just about celebrating the twins; it was also about celebrating how far their family had come—through sleepless nights, laughter-filled days, and moments that had tested them but ultimately brought them closer.“Mommy!” Elara’s voice echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of li
The house was aglow with festive cheer. Warm lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, and the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. Stefani stood in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of cupcakes. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the living room, where both sides of the family—hers and Jacob’s—had gathered for the holidays.This was exactly how she had always imagined it—a full house, filled with the people she loved most. The twins, Elara and Ethan, were playing with their new toys, their excitement bubbling over as they showed their grandparents everything Santa had brought. Stefani glanced over at them and smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the fireplace.It was Christmas, and in just a few days, it would be New Year’s Eve. A fresh start. Stefani couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since the last holiday season. The ups and downs, the struggles, the tri
Summer’s Point of ViewI married the youngest handsome rich guy like I've ever dreamed of.It was our third year anniversary and yet this was the gift he gave me. A divorce paper.I used to think that my life would be complete when he would choose to stay with me, but I was wrong. Those three years “together” felt hollow, as our relationship could not be considered a genuine marriage, since he never gave us the opportunity to build a family together.Why did he marry me again? Oh, I already had forgotten.He is rarely in my presence. Most of the time, I only hear about him on the TV news.[Breaking News! Steven Carter was spotted having dinner with Amby Black, a famous model and actress at a VIP Premium restaurant. It was widely believed that the two of them had had an intimate connection since childhood. Could this possibly be a suggestion that the feelings we believed had been extinguished will be reignited?]The news I heard didn't seem to register in my mind.In the darkness of my
Summer’s Point of View [One Month Later] “Just don’t push yourself too much. I am confident that you will make a speedy recovery.” I was relieved when the doctor told me the news and I couldn't help but smile, feeling the pain in my head subside. For the initial weeks following my awakening, it felt like my brain was being freshly plucked from my head and the pain was unremitting. The doctor told me that this was one effect of the memory loss I experienced from the trauma of the accident. To tell the truth, I didn't remember the details of how I got into the accident or what caused it. But I saw messages on my phone. “Thank you, Doc,” I replied to the female doctor, then returned her with a small smile. She smiled at me in return and then went on her way. The moment she stepped out of the room, I picked up my damaged phone again and swiped it open, reading the message that still left me baffled and confused. [I’m going home tonight and by the time I get home you should have
Summer's Point of ViewA heavy stillness descended upon us, so loud it felt like a deafening silence. My ears felt as though they were completely numb, and I could practically hear the chirping of crickets. The phrase that I shared with him was like a moment of enlightenment. Not even a trace of surprise was visible in his eyes anymore, but his expression had become a bit more gentle. Even though it seemed unlikely, I still held onto a spark of hope that perhaps what Celine had said about my husband was all made up and that the news had been twisted, intending to damage his reputation.Nonetheless, my hope dwindled to nothing when he asked me with a much colder and callous question, "When?"The once complete heart I had has been slowly breaking apart, leaving it more and more fragmented. My head was wrapped in thick gauze and I couldn't move because of the casts on my hand and foot. He turned a blind eye to my current situation. He had not bothered to ask a word about it since ente
Summer’s Point of ViewIn the space of a split second, he released his hold on my waist, pulled my wrist firmly, and shoved me solidly into the bed. Before I had the chance to respond, he swiftly lifted both my arms up above my head and buried his teeth in my shoulder.His movements were so fast that I could not keep up with what was going on. It was like I was soaring through the sky, pursuing something intangible and elusive. And as soon as I comprehended what he had done to me, I rapidly elevated my foot to kick him.“Mr. Carter, what on earth do you think you are doing?” I looked at him in surprise as I tried to kick him, yet he was quicker and locked my legs with his knee, then pushing his other knee in between my thighs, not allowing me to move.“What am I doing, you ask?” he asked, grinning slightly before glancing down at my somewhat exposed breast. “Don’t act virgin. We both are aware of who typically insists on sex and who made the loudest moans on the first night we spent t
My eyes again sought the woman who shamed me in front of those who praised my husband and his mistress. Nonetheless, instead of finding her, I noticed Steven's glue-like stare directed at me.His gaze was not fixed on me, but it was directed towards my neck and the slight exposure of my chest. Adding a unique touch to the formal event gown I was wearing, I had a slit design on the side of my legs.I was just about to return to him the strange stare he was giving me. However, when my eyes turned back to his and Amby's eyes, a woman entered behind them wearing a Maxi Dress and her echoing stilettos up to five inches long. The red of her lips matched the excitement of the evening and her ponytail was styled so high that it was appeared like she was the star of the night.She rushed in front of me while chewing gum and raising her eyebrows. After she had stopped, she gave me an impish grin that revealed her intentions to tease me."Long time no see, great pretender," she taunted.I return
I was feeling restless and anxious as we made our way to the hallway that was lined with a red carpet. I wanted to think about when this night was going to be over, but how could I do that when the man's eyes behind me were drilling into my back?I knew I could not put it off any longer, so I paused my steps and bravely looked him in the eyes. Drawing in a deep breath, I said, “I'm not here for your entertainment, Mister Carter, so kindly take your eyes off my back. There is nothing enjoyable here but my bare skin.”"That's what I'm wondering about. You know it's not a good view, so why did you even thought wearing backless," he said and maintained his cold air.Despite the hallway being too dark for the sun to penetrate, his eyes radiated a powerful energy, though they were dark and tranquil.They typical Steven Carter. Elegant and majestic.I was jolted out of my trance when I realized his words. I gritted my teeth because I was so irritated and astounded because he still had time to
The house was aglow with festive cheer. Warm lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, and the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. Stefani stood in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of cupcakes. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the living room, where both sides of the family—hers and Jacob’s—had gathered for the holidays.This was exactly how she had always imagined it—a full house, filled with the people she loved most. The twins, Elara and Ethan, were playing with their new toys, their excitement bubbling over as they showed their grandparents everything Santa had brought. Stefani glanced over at them and smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the fireplace.It was Christmas, and in just a few days, it would be New Year’s Eve. A fresh start. Stefani couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since the last holiday season. The ups and downs, the struggles, the tri
The warm sunlight streamed through the curtains as Stefani stretched, listening to the excited giggles from down the hall. Today was a special day, one she had been anticipating for weeks—Ethan and Elara's fifth birthday. Five years. Stefani could hardly believe how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she was cradling two tiny newborns in her arms, overwhelmed with love and exhaustion. Now, they were running around the house, full of energy and life, growing faster than she ever thought possible.The house buzzed with activity as Stefani got ready. Balloons lined the walls, colorful streamers were draped across the ceiling, and the smell of freshly baked cake filled the air. Today wasn’t just about celebrating the twins; it was also about celebrating how far their family had come—through sleepless nights, laughter-filled days, and moments that had tested them but ultimately brought them closer.“Mommy!” Elara’s voice echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of li
Stefani’s heart fluttered with excitement as she paced the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, mentally calculating the minutes left before Jacob was supposed to arrive. The house had been transformed into a celebration space, a labor of love that had taken weeks of planning and countless late nights spent coordinating with friends and family. The air was thick with anticipation, and the only thing left to do was wait for the guest of honor to walk through the door.Jacob had reached a major milestone in his career—winning a prestigious award for excellence in business management, something that had been his goal for years. It was a recognition of his hard work, long hours, and dedication, but more than that, it was a symbol of how far he had come. Stefani had watched him pour his heart and soul into his work, even though he once lost sight of their family.So, when she heard about the award, Stefani knew she had to cel
The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden glow over the city, but Stefani had been up for hours. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and making final adjustments to her outfit. Today was the day. After years of dreaming, planning, and putting it off for her family, she was about to open her very own bakery.Stefani had always loved baking. It was more than a hobby for her; it was a passion, a way to express her creativity and share joy with others. From the time she was little, she would spend hours in the kitchen, covered in flour and experimenting with different flavors. But as life moved forward—marriage, children, and all the responsibilities that came with them—her dream of opening her own bakery had taken a back seat.Until now.Jacob had been her biggest supporter, urging her to follow her heart and make this dream a reality. He’d helped her find the perfect location for the bakery—a charming l
The school auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with the soft murmur of parents, teachers, and children waiting for the talent show to begin. Stefani sat beside Jacob in the front row, her heart racing with a mix of pride and anticipation. She held Jacob’s hand tightly, glancing at the small stage where, in just a few moments, Ethan and Elara would perform in their first-ever talent show.The twins, now five years old, had been practicing for weeks. Every day after school, Stefani and Jacob would find them in the living room, dancing, singing, and occasionally arguing over who got to lead. It had been a rollercoaster of giggles, minor frustrations, and endless rehearsals. Now, the big day had finally arrived.Stefani shifted in her seat, excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the children backstage. "I can't believe our babies are up there," she whispered to Jacob, her voice filled with awe. "It feels like just yesterday they were learning to walk."Jacob smiled, squeezi
The gentle breeze rolled off the sea, carrying with it the salty freshness of the ocean. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pristine sands of the island they had just arrived on. It felt surreal to Stefani—the beauty of the place, the laughter of her children echoing in the air as Ethan and Elara chased each other down the shore. This island was nothing like anywhere they had been before, and for the first time in a long while, Stefani felt the worries of everyday life slip away.Jacob stood beside her, his eyes locked on the twins with a soft smile tugging at his lips. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice warm.Stefani nodded, her fingers lacing through his as she leaned into him. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I can’t believe we’re actually here. No work, no stress—just us.”He glanced down at her, something unreadable in his expression. “That’s exactly what I wanted, Stef. Just us. We’ve been through a lot, and I thought we could use so
It was a Wednesday afternoon when Stefani sat by the window, staring out at the garden while Elara and Ethan played outside. Their laughter echoed through the yard, but Stefani couldn’t find it in herself to join in. Her mind was miles away, consumed by the growing distance between her and Jacob.Days had turned into weeks since their last conversation about his workaholic tendencies, and though Jacob had apologized and promised to do better, nothing had changed. He was still coming home late, still missing family dinners, and still buried in projects that seemed more important than their family.The door opened, and Jacob walked in, looking as exhausted as ever. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his shirt was wrinkled from a long day at the office. He glanced at Stefani, his eyes filled with that same apologetic look she had grown used to."Hey," he greeted her, dropping his briefcase by the door. "Sorry I'm late again. The meeting ran longer than expected."Stefani sighed, h
Stefani sat at the dinner table, her eyes tracing the empty seat across from her. The warm glow from the chandelier above felt dim compared to the brightness that used to fill their family meals. It wasn’t the first night Jacob had missed dinner, but it felt like the hundredth. His absence weighed heavily on her heart, an unspoken distance growing between them.Elara and Ethan, now five, chatted animatedly as they poked at their food, their little voices filling the silence Jacob had left behind. Stefani tried to focus on their laughter, their joy, but her mind kept drifting back to the clock on the wall, ticking louder and louder with every passing second. Each tick felt like a reminder that Jacob was missing yet another evening with his family.“Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?” Ethan’s soft voice cut through her thoughts. His big brown eyes were filled with innocent hope, the kind that still believed his father would walk through the door at any moment.Stefani’s heart clenched. S
Stefani sat by the window in their bedroom, watching the sunset as the soft orange hues danced across the horizon. The house was unusually quiet, save for the distant laughter of their children playing in the living room with their grandparents. She sighed, clutching her phone as her thumb hovered over Jacob’s contact.It had only been a few hours since she last saw him. He had left early in the morning for a meeting, and now the day was fading into night, with no sign of him returning. She knew Jacob loved her deeply, and she had no reason to doubt his loyalty. But still, the whisper of insecurities crawled into her mind ever since Olivia started working in his office.Despite Jacob’s reassurances and the fact that Olivia no longer bothered him, Stefani couldn't help but feel unsettled. She had always been confident in their relationship, but lately, small things seemed to gnaw at her sense of security. The little voice in her head was louder than usual.What if Olivia is still aroun