Ava sat on the floor, her back resting on the queen-size mattress, her shirt, and black undies a stark contrast to the darkness that consumed her. She gazed out the window, the moon's gentle light casting an ethereal glow on her skin. Her eyes, weak and watery from crying, seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. The tears had long since dried, but the pain remained, a constant ache that refused to subside.As she stared into the night sky, her hands rose to her hair, her fingers tangling in the tangled locks. She felt lost, alone, and adrift in a world that seemed determined to crush her. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant hum of a car.And then, a whisper seemed to caress her ear, the voice like a cold breeze on a winter's night. "Why don’t you just kill yourself? Kill yourself, Ava. Your father is gone, your mother might die soon, and your best friend is dead. What's the point of living?" The words hung in the air, a malign
“Stop it! I’ve said it before,” Luke's response was immediate, "She's not suicidal, Mia. I know her." Mia's sigh was audible, "Luke, she's been hurt badly in the past and no woman can ever take that experience lightly. I mean, no woman. What those people did to her, was what one would have called ‘HELL’ but they damaged her more than that. She's been destroyed completely. What she needs is someone who can love her more than she can love herself." “I know that already, but,” Luke's voice faltered, "I...I don't know how. I don’t know how to love her more than herself. I don’t want to hurt her when she’s already hurt." “Luke! Do you love her?”Mia's question cut to the heart of the matter, "If it’s true that you do, Why are you at the bar
Ava's gaze lingered on Luke's eyes, the intensity of the moment drawing her in. Luke's face descended, his lips claiming hers in a tender, yet passionate kiss. Her lips almost falling away from hers, he put it tenderly and caressed it up. Ava's senses were overwhelmed by the taste of alcohol on his tongue, and she withdrew, her eyes narrowing slightly."Have you been drinking?" she asked, her voice husky.Luke nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Ava's face broke into a sly smile as she pulled him in by the collar, catching him off guard. Their lips intertwined once more, the kiss deepening.Ava turned her head, Luke's hands digging into the back of her hair as he raised her in his arm, setting her bottom on the kitchen cabinet. The kiss continued, Luke's lips tracing a path down her nape, sending shivers down her spine. She moaned. Finally, Ava released his lips, her chest heaving. "I want to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Luke's lips were hungry
The next day, Ava sat in the hospital waiting room, her hands clasped tightly in Luke's. He smiled reassuringly, his eyes never leaving hers. The doctor entered, a somber expression on his face, and seated himself in front of them.Luke's grip on Ava's hands tightened as the doctor sighed, his eyes scanning the results in his hands. Luke's posture straightened, his voice filled with concern. "What is it, Doctor?"The doctor's face transformed, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Congratulations, you two! She’s having a baby girl!"Luke's reaction was instantaneous. He jumped to his feet, his eyes shining with joy, his face alight with excitement. Ava's tears of happiness began to flow as Luke pulled her into a tight embrace, spinning her around in a circle."We're having a baby girl!" Luke exclaimed, his voice echoing through the waiting room. "Oh, Ava, we're going to be amazing parents!"Ava's laughter mingled with her tears as she clung to Luke, her heart overflowing with joy.
Without another word, Luke's lips crashed down on Ava's, his kiss passionate and all-consuming. Ava's heart soared as she melted into his embrace, knowing that their love would conquer all. As they broke apart for air, Luke's eyes shone with adoration. "I love you too, Ava. More than words can express." Ava’s cheeks reddened as her whisper was barely audible, her voice trembling with emotion. "I know, Luke. I feel it too."** Mr. Timberlake lay motionless on the hospital bed, his face frozen in a mask of helplessness. The doctor's words hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the room. “He has stroke.”Gloria's voice trembled as she asked, "Will he...will he be able to come out of this?" The doctor's expression was somber. "We're managing him for now, but he needs intensive care. I wouldn't worry too much, Gloria. We'll do everything we can." Gloria's sigh was a mixture of frustration and despair as the doctor left the room. She turned to her brother, her eyes bl
Ava and Luke stepped into the ravishing restaurant, surrounded by lavish decor and soft, golden lighting. The room was filled with the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of fine china. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls.Luke pulled out a chair for Ava, his eyes locked on hers as she sat down. The table was set with crisp, white linens and adorned with a stunning floral arrangement.Ava's gaze met Luke's, her smile radiant. "This is breathtaking," she whispered.Luke's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to make tonight special."Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream, as they discussed everything from their dreams to their passions.As they talked, a waiter approached, his demeanor impeccable. "Good evening, sir, madam. May I take your order?"Luke glanced at Ava, his eyes seeking her input. "What will you have, my sugar?"Ava's eyes sparkled as she scanned the me
Two months later, Ava was settled into the comfortable couch in Dr. Veronica's office, her therapist. The doctor's warm, genuine smile put her at ease as she asked, "Ava, have you been experiencing any more nightmares or flashbacks?"Ava shook her head, a gentle, relieved smile spreading across her face. "No, I've been sleeping peacefully. It's been a huge relief, not waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, with the memories haunting me."Dr. Veronica's eyes lit up with joy, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm so happy to hear that, Ava! Your progress is truly remarkable. You've come a long way since we first started our sessions. The coping mechanisms we've worked on, the strategies to deal with your past... it's all paying off."The doctor's gaze drifted to Ava's belly, which had begun to rise slightly, a subtle sign of the new life growing within. "And how's the baby doing? Any exciting developments?"Ava chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "Always kicking! I
Amelia entered the villa of the Timberlakes' building, her casual dress a stark contrast to the luxurious surroundings. She wore a simple polo shirt and jeans, her feet clad in comfortable sneakers. A canvas bag was slung over her shoulder, and a cap shaded her face. A camera hung around her neck, a testament to her passion for photography.As she strode through the villa, her eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the opulent decor. The sound of gentle splashing drew her attention to the pool at the front, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sun's rays.Seated on a small bench outside the villa was Gloria, her shades perched on her nose, her eyes fixed on Amelia. She wore a longer, flowing dress, its colors vibrant and bold, a statement piece in the serene surroundings.The villa's exterior was a testament to the Timberlakes' wealth, with lush greenery and meticulously manicured lawns. The sound of birdsong filled the air, and the scent of blooming flowers wafted through the b