I returned home to Sandra. As I walked through the door, I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. This was my safe haven, a place where I could let my guard down and be myself.Sandra greeted me with a warm smile, immediately sensing that something was wrong. I tried to hold back my tears, not wanting to burden Sandra with my pain. But she knew me too well, and she gently pulled me into a comforting embrace.As we sat on the couch, I played with my baby Liam, marveling at how much he had grown in the two years I had been away from Reuben. I couldn't believe that I had managed to stay away from him for so long, but now I couldn't ignore the burning desire for revenge that consumed me.Sandra, sensing my inner turmoil, tried to calm me down. She reminded me of the progress I had made in building a new life for myself and Liam. She urged me to focus on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.But I couldn't shake the anger and resentment that had built
As I stepped out of the car, holding Liam's hand tightly, my heart raced with anticipation. Returning to the city after two long years, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The bakery, the place where I had grown up and where my passion for baking had flourished, held a special place in my heart. I had hoped to find solace and familiarity within its walls, but as I approached, my heart sank.The bakery, once bustling with life and the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods, now stood dark and empty. The sign that had proudly displayed the name "Naomi's Bakery" was gone, replaced by a plain, nondescript board. My breath caught in my throat, and a wave of agony washed over me.I couldn't understand why the bakery had been closed down. Had it fallen into disrepair during my absence? Or had the royal families, angered by my disappearance, taken it away from my family as retribution? Questions swirled in my mind, but the answers eluded me.Desperate for answers, I
As I followed the guard through the grand halls of the palace, my heart pounded in my chest. It had been years since I last saw Reuben, and now he was the king. The thought of facing him, of confronting the person who had broken my heart and allowed my family to suffer, filled me with a mix of fear and anger.As we entered the throne room, I couldn't help but notice the opulence and grandeur that surrounded me. The room was adorned with gold and jewels, a stark contrast to the empty darkness of Naomi's Bakery. But I refused to be swayed by the extravagant display. I was here for my family, for justice.As I walked further into the room, the maids and servants nearby whispered amongst themselves. I could hear snippets of their conversations, words of how my baby Liam looked so much like Reuben. It sent a pang of both joy and sadness through my heart. Joy at the resemblance that connected Liam to his father, and sadness at the reminder of what we had lost.Finally, I stood before the th
lAs I looked up, Salie's expression softened slightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and longing. It was clear that forgiveness wouldn't come easily, that healing the wounds of the past would take time and effort.As I continued to plead with Salie, tears streaming down my face, she interrupted me with a mix of anger and frustration. "Naomi, do you even realize what our family has gone through because of you?" she exclaimed. "The royal family came to our bakery, spreading lies about how you ran away from your obligation as Reuben's betrothed. They disgraced us, Naomi!"Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I had no idea that the royal family had spread such false accusations, tarnishing our family's name and reputation. Salie had tried to find me, to defend our honor, but I had gone off track, lost in my own pain and confusion for two whole years. The weight of guilt settled heavily upon me as I realized the extent of the damage I had caused."Salie, I had no idea," I wh
As Rachel's anger intensified, she was momentarily at a loss for words. Her attempt to discredit Liam had failed, and now her son Jade had openly supported me and affirmed Liam's identity as Reuben's son. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited to see Rachel's next move.Finally, Rachel regained her composure and turned her attention back to me. Her voice was filled with venom as she spoke, "Naomi, I've had enough of your presence in this palace. Leave now, and take your so-called family with you."I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. I couldn't let Rachel dictate my actions or tear my family apart. My voice was filled with determination as I stood my ground. "I will not leave without my family," I declared firmly. "We belong together, and I will not let you tear us apart."Rachel's face contorted with frustration and anger. "You dare defy me?" she spat. "I am the queen, and my word is law. Leave now, or face the consequences."I turned my gaze towards Reuben, de
As the queen stormed out of the throne room, her anger and disappointment radiating from her every step, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and satisfaction. Finally, Reuben had taken a stand against his mother and chosen love over duty.Without wasting any time, Reuben rushed towards Liam, who stood at the side of the room, watching the events unfold with wide eyes. They embraced each other tightly, as if they had known each other for years. It was a heartwarming sight to witness, and it filled me with curiosity.I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and approached Reuben. "Reuben, have you seen Liam before?" I asked, my voice filled with anticipation. "I mean, before today?"Reuben looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. "Yes, Naomi," he replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I have seen Liam before, but I didn't know he was our son."My heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. Liam was our son, and Reuben had unknowingly crossed paths with him in
I nodded, absorbing Jade's words. He was right. We needed to find a way to appeal to Rachel's interests and motivations, to show her that accepting our family was not a threat but an opportunity for growth and unity."Jade, do you think we can find any common ground with Rachel?" I asked, a glimmer of hope in my voice. "Is there anything that she values or cares about deeply that we can use to bridge the gap between us?"Jade paused for a moment, deep in thought. "Rachel has always been fiercely protective of the royal lineage and the stability of the kingdom," he finally replied. "If we can show her that our presence can strengthen the royal family and ensure a peaceful transition of power, she might be more inclined to listen."I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. If appealing to Rachel's sense of duty and loyalty to the kingdom was our best chance, then I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.As I returned to the throne room, I took a seat on one of the ornat
Naomi flashbacks to the pastIt was all coming back to me..how much I had cared and loved Martha like my own sister…Chapter 19Martha stared at me in surprise as I smiled sheepishly at my words.“You want to ruin the princess ball?” Martha asked again to be sure she had heard me right.I nodded positively to her words, a smile still widely plastered on my face.“She won’t know what hits her.” I said to Martha who seemed a bit nervous at my words.“That won’t be safe and the queen might punish you again.” Martha murmured but I smiled before standing up from my bed and heading straight to the large mirror on the wall as I stared at my reflection and smiled.“The maids were mocking me and trying to say I am not worth being called the queen in the future so I should at least step in there in grand style. All I need is an invitation but come to think of it I don’t really need an explanation.” I said as an idea popped into my head.“What do you plan on doing?” I smiled at Martha’s question.