Summer’s Point of ViewHailey’s eyes narrowed and her fists balled up as she stormed towards me. I could hear the sharp sound of her heels hitting the pavement with each step. Her jaw was clenched so tight that I could see the muscles bulging in her face.“The hell did you say, bitch?” she spat out, her voice laced with venom. “Are you fucking fooling me?”I responded by rolling my eyes and crossing my arms while raising an eyebrow. “Please be mindful of your words, Missy. Were you taught to behave shamelessly and uneducated? I certainly hope not.”As the words left my mouth, I couldn’t help but recall the exact words she had said to me. I was returning them with a retribution, using this same spot and the same people who were present on that fateful day, so that she could feel the same pain I had felt. It was time for her to taste her own medicine.As she glared at me and panted, holding back her temper, I stepped past her. But before I could leave completely, I halted without turnin
Summer’s Point of ViewMy ears perked up at what she had said, and I couldn’t help but clench my palm, revealing the white in my knuckles. Despite feeling like my ego had been trampled on, I attempted to swallow my honor and present her with the kindest smile I could muster before retracting. “Are you excited, Miss Taylor? Do you happen to be one of those girls who eagerly await for us to split so you can have your way with my husband? It seems like you’re displaying a bit of desperation, aren’t you?”I laughed as I observed her restlessly turn her head from side to side, as if apprehensive that the press would hear what I had just said. Her ears turned red, and she swallowed anxiously, but I wasn’t done yet. I expressed my thoughts, asserting, “Initially, I believed you were only upset with me because of my past with your brother. However, I had no clue that you were also envious of me for being Steven’s wife. Unfortunately, I have to break it to you that a divorce won’t be happening
Summers Point of ViewInitially, I was indecisive about whether to respond to it or not. However, eventually, despite my reluctance, I opted to hit the green button and held the speaker close to my ears. Pull yourself together, Summer! You were not to blame. She provoked you!A prolonged silence ensued after the call connected, and I found myself unable to break it. I anticipated him to inquire and hold me accountable for the latest media frenzy, but I was taken aback when he asked nonchalantly.“How is your day off with Nana going?”As opposed to responding, a stream of tears gushed out of my eyes and a faint sob broke through my throat. He didn’t utter a word or inquire as to why I was crying, and I assume he was already aware of the rationale. The mere sound of his voice granted me some relief, as I realized he wasn’t upset.Is he truly not angry, or could it be that he simply hasn’t received the news yet?Wiping away the tears that had fallen into my eyes, my voice was croaky as
Summer’s Point of ViewAs I stood there, a heavy stone seemed to be stuck in my throat, causing me to remain rooted to the spot. The sound of my racing heartbeat drowned out the faint rustling of leaves nearby. My knees felt as if they were made of wobbly Jell-O, barely able to support me. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut grass, but my mind was too preoccupied to fully register it. All that existed for me in that moment was the emptiness that seemed to define me. I searched the depths of my mind, trying to find the right words to say to him.“Uhm…” I found myself at a loss for words, uttering only a hesitant mumbled when suddenly—“I’m just kidding,” he said, before closing the distance between us and ruffling my hair playfully like I was a child. He then walked forward, and I assumed he was heading inside the mansion. However, he stopped at the entrance and turned back, his hands in his pockets. “Why are you still standing there? Let’s go inside.”I nodded and hurried
Summer’s Point of ViewFollowing that night, just as Steven had promised, he rectified the problem and the article regarding the event vanished without a trace. Before we knew it, a month had elapsed, and we were oblivious to the fact that only two months remained.I was still getting his meals ready, but I wasn’t delivering them anymore because I was swamped with work. I had to return to the office to catch up, and thankfully, Celine was helping me out so we could wrap up the tasks I had to leave after my accident. “Mrs. Carter, do you not wish to head home yet?” Celine inquired while organizing the collected paper designs. “You’ve been laboring for a month, and I am concerned it may have an impact on your health.”Without looking at her, I picked up the pen once more and replied, “I’ll complete this design since it’s what Missus Easton requested and she’ll require it next week. I just need to refine it by tomorrow.”“But don’t you need to see your doctor tomorrow?”“Oh, shoot! It t
Summer’s Point of View “I despise the dynamic between us,” he murmured, piercing me with his gaze. “You have the power to turn my world upside down in a moment, yet you can depart just as quickly, leaving me to pick up the pieces. Isn't it so unfair?”“…”“You hold the power to shatter my world, yet I cannot bring myself to hold a grudge against you,” he spoke softly, the moonlight illuminating us. “It’s funny how I always keep my door open, hoping you’ll return to witness the impact you have on me. But as each day passes, you become more of an outsider in my life than a part of it.”After he uttered those words, he left the door open and left me outside. I assumed he would retire to bed, but to my surprise, he appeared with two pillows and a blanket. He ignored me and walked right past without saying a word. “W-where are you going?” I asked, with a hint of fear in my heart. “Do you really not want to sleep in our room? I can sleep in the guest room instead.”Without turning around,
Summer’s Point of View“How many days have passed since you did it?” asked the Doctor.“Probably in three weeks now,” I answered restlessly.“Do you want to run a test?”After analyzing the doctor’s words, I eventually shook my head. Given what had happened with our past baby, I was certain that Steven wouldn’t want to have another child. Even if he had asked me that day if I was willing to carry his child again, I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Before I came back, I took a deep breath and stated, “No need, doctor. I have experienced no pregnancy symptoms, so I think everything is okay.”“Are you sure?” she asked with an uptight look. “There are instances when a baby is robust, and consequently, the mother might experience a delay in these symptoms, or sometimes they may engage in other activities that hinder such symptoms.”“Don’t worry, Doctor. I’ll keep you updated if anything strange happens to me again or if there are any other changes.”“Okay then,” she conceded and crossed out the
Summer’s Point of View“S-Steven, I-I thought you were on a business trip?”As our gazes intertwined, a fleeting moment of connection was abruptly shattered as he averted his eyes. In that split second, I could discern a profound anguish that seemed to emanate from the depths of his mesmerizing black eyes. However, as his pupils returned to meet mine once more, the pain that had momentarily consumed him vanished, replaced by the familiar bitter detachment that characterized his usual demeanor. Without moving, he assisted me in drinking the water. We shared a moment of eye contact before he shifted his gaze to the doctor, who promptly understood Steven’s unspoken message. The doctor rushed out the door and secured it.After a prolonged period of silence, the air hung heavy with nervousness as I summoned the courage to break down the solitude once more. My voice, barely a whisper, escaped my parched throat, its feeble sound struggling to reach his ears. “Why are you here? I thought you
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