Summer’s Point of View“And they lived happily ever after,” I muttered as I gazed down at the serene young woman who had already drifted off to sleep.I shut the book and ran my fingers through her sleek black hair. After planting a kiss, I got up and left, closing the door behind me. As I stepped out, Celine, who was standing by the bar table, turned to me with a faint smile on her face. However, I could tell she was also hurt by what she had witnessed. She took a gulp from her beer can and swallowed it down hard.“Is she already sleeping?” she asked.“Hm-mn. She dozed off right after I put her down, but I continued telling her the story just to be certain she wouldn’t stir awake.” As soon as that, a wave of exhaustion hit me, and I reached her for a warm embrace, and mumbled, tears threatening to fall, “I feel more resilient now. Stronger than before. Stronger than anyone…”“Yes, Summer,” she comforted, patting my back gently before stepping away from our embrace. “You’re stronger n
Steven’s Point of View“Mister Carter, I have some great news for you! We have finally identified the individual who spread rumors four years ago about your fake arranged marriage with Miss Amby.”As I sat in my office chair, I spun gently with my fingers resting on my chin and my legs crossed. “Tell me. I’ll go see for myself just how capable this person is of after destroying my marriage and tarnishing my reputation.”“Here is his profile, sir. You are free the whole day after your meeting with Mister Klein, so we can see him whenever you’d like. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”“How about Mister Turner? Has he contacted you?”“Not yet, sir. He received the file case we elected to him.”“Alright. I need you to clear my schedule for tomorrow because I have to meet the person who spread the news four years ago. After this meeting, I’ll take some rest and go home first,” I said, rubbing my head and leaning back in my chair. I closed my eyes and dismissed Brandon, saying,
Summer’s Point of View“I always did, Steven… Throughout the course of our relationship, I have consistently dedicated myself to nurturing and sustaining the beautiful bond we share. However, it deeply saddens me to acknowledge that I have witnessed no reciprocal efforts from your end. The absence of your proactive response has inadvertently given rise to a relentless storm of overthinking within the depths of my mind, causing me to question and second-guess my own abilities and worth.”My words were full of pain, as he was just so fixated on me. Since I didn’t receive a response, I continued, “The formidable intentions of maintaining my love for you become more challenging as I am consistently met with a void of meaningful love you are saying.” I stared thoroughly into his eyes, offering how he traumatized me. “Steven, I must express my deep disappointment. It is crucial that we embrace the notion of progress and forge our own unique journeys, rather than perpetually assigning blame
Summer’s Point of ViewI found myself lost in thought, unable to grasp the passage of time as I stared at the name of the building. The silver name plaque was polished to a shine, reflecting the bright sunlight that beat down on it. The sounds of people chatting around me faded away, leaving me in a bubble of silence as I stood there, feeling the rough texture of the concrete beneath my feet. I was unsure whether to turn to Steven or simply continue walking.[SUMMER MEDICAL HOSPITAL]“It’s such a waste, isn’t it?” he suddenly spoke, standing beside me and gazing up at the building. “Before you lost your memories, you had dreams of becoming a doctor and owning your own hospital, while also pursuing your passion as a famous clothing designer - all without relying on your title as my wife.” He paused for a moment, causing me to turn my head towards him. “So, I decided to build that dream for you, so you wouldn’t feel like you weren’t enough. But in the end… you left.”“Because you made m
Summer’s Point of View“Nana! Nana!” I let out a loud cry as Steven tugged me by the waist. In a split second, a team of doctors and nurses rushed into the ward, but I still attempted to reach my Nana. However, Steven’s grip stopped me from getting any nearer. “Please, Steven, release me. I must touch Nana. I want to hold her hand,” I begged desperately.I held onto his arm, attempting to break free from his grasp. However, I paused as I felt warm water drip down the back of my neck. I looked up and saw Steven gazing at Nana while the doctor worked to revive her. After observing him for a feaw moments, he spoke with a steady and brave voice. “We should let her rest.”It took me a moment to realize that he was hurt even more than I was. He had been with Nana since he was a child - she was there when he first started school, when he rose to become CEO, and when he married me. Nana was also present when I left him. I wish I could have introduced her to Stefani and told her that her prese
Summer’s Point of ViewI couldn't help but steal a glance at his phone, and as soon as he saw my curiosity, he let out a deep, throaty line that sent shivers down my spine. “It’s him.”He spoke with such poise that even the simplest line seemed profound and worth listening to…‘Get a grip, Summer! You are better than this!’ I took a deep breath and scolded myself for allowing those thoughts to linger before banishing them from my mind. ‘Your child is in danger! These trivial matters are the last thing you should think about!’I breathed out softly and steeled myself to rush to his spot as soon as he picked up the phone. He held the phone close to his mouth instead of putting it on his ear, ensuring that both of us could hear what was being said.“Det är jag igen. Vi fick reda på att personerna inne i huset redan var evakuerade och de som var instängda där inne är de kunder som inte visste att butiken var nära,” the man said. He spoke slowly and clearly, which helped me understand a l
Summer’s Point of ViewWith unwavering concentration, I fixed my gaze upon the majestic skyscrapers that pierced the heavens, their towering presence commanding attention from the topmost floor of the luxurious hotel. The view stretched out as far as the eye could see, with rolling hills cascading into a vibrant tapestry of colors, each hue more vivid than the last. The sky above was a masterpiece in itself, painted with wisps of cotton candy clouds that seemed to dance in harmony with the gentle breeze. The soft, gentle glow emanating from each light source created a captivating ambiance, as if the city itself was adorned with a celestial aura.A hushed stillness descended, carried on by the gentle breeze of the air conditioner. Its cool embrace seemed to wrap around the entire space, creating an atmosphere that was both tranquil and chilling. In that moment, a flood of memories from four years ago washed over me, each one resurfacing with vivid clarity.The room became a canvas upon
Summer’s Point of ViewThe following day, we arrived at the villa early and settled in. However, Celine opted not to accompany us. She mentioned that her condominium was returned to her, but she did not reveal who gave it back. I felt guilty because she had sold it to join me and even invested in our small business. I refrained from questioning her any further and simply respected her decision. Nevertheless, I assured her that once I had saved enough money, we could return to another country if she wanted to join us again.On the other hand, Steven and Stefani were still chatting away. My daughter was over the moon after Steven promised to enroll her in one of New York’s exclusive schools. Although I wanted to object, I couldn’t bear to ruin their joyous moment.“But my teacher told us that a man and a woman can’t be in the same room unless they are a couple. Does that mean that Mister and Mom are in a relationship?”I was caught off guard when Stefani asked her innocent question. We
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