Lilah’s POV :The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. The ocean breeze wafted in, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and tropical flowers. It was idyllic, a setting plucked straight from a dream. But I woke up feeling anything but serene.A dull ache throbbed in my lower abdomen, and an overwhelming nausea forced me to rush to the bathroom. Leaning over the sink, I splashed cold water on my face, willing the unease to subside.“You okay, Lilah?” Lucy called from the living room.“Yeah,” I lied, my voice trembling. “Just need a minute.”I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Something wasn’t right.By mid-morning, the nausea hadn’t eased, and I found myself struggling to eat even the simplest breakfast. Lucy, ever perceptive, noticed immediately.“You’ve barely touched your toast,” she said, narrowing her eyes.“I’m just not hungry,” I mumbled.Lucy set her coffee cup down, her
Lilah’s POV :The bright, bustling streets of Honolulu were a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me. Lucy and I had managed to slip away from the island under the cover of darkness, boarding the first flight we could book. Now, amidst the tropical paradise, I couldn’t shake the oppressive weight of my reality.Ivan was out there. And he wouldn’t stop until he found us.Lucy walked beside me, her shopping bags swinging lightly at her sides. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she said, nudging me gently. “Relax. No one’s going to find us here.”I forced a smile, but my gaze swept the crowd instinctively. Every shadow seemed sinister, every stranger a potential threat. “I know. I just... I can’t stop thinking about it.”Her expression softened, and she looped her arm through mine. “You need to let it go for now. Worrying won’t help, and you’ve got more than yourself to think about now.”My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, the reminder of my growing secret both a comfor
Lilah’s POV :The air felt heavy with unspoken words as Ivan stood there, his intense blue eyes fixed on mine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the lingering intensity of his presence. The silence stretched out between us, thick with memories and unshed tears.I tightened my grip on Lucy’s hand, finding strength in the warmth of her touch. She stood beside me, her expression a mixture of fear and determination. “Lilah, we should go,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He’s dangerous.”I shook my head, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “I can’t run forever, Lucy. I can’t hide from him forever.”Ivan’s expression darkened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “You shouldn’t have left,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You should have trusted me.”“Trusted you?” I spat, the bitterness in my voice surprising even me. “You were going to kill me, Ivan. Just like you killed my brother.”His face paled, the flash of pain in his eyes only fueling my anger. “Robert was a liability,”
Lilah’s POV :The days that followed were like a haze, a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty. Lucy and I had found a tiny, isolated cabin deep in the woods, a place where we could hide and regroup. But even here, the weight of what we’d escaped from lingered heavy in the air.I avoided Ivan’s calls and texts, turning away from the messages that popped up on my phone, pretending I didn’t see them. It was a survival tactic, a way to protect myself from the pain of knowing he was out there, hunting us. Every time his name flashed on the screen, my heart clenched, a sharp, agonizing twist of emotion that I couldn’t bear to confront.The truth was, I was scared of him. Not just scared—terrified. Terrified of what he’d do if he found us, of what he’d become if he ever caught up with us. And more than that, I was terrified of the darkness that seemed to swirl around him, a darkness that had already claimed my brother and threatened to take everything from me.Lucy tried to comfort me,
Lilah’s POVThe night was dark, the only sounds around us the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the woods. Lucy and I moved swiftly through the trees, our breaths shallow, hearts pounding in our chests. Robert had made the call earlier, securing tickets for a flight to France, away from everything. Away from Ivan and the terror that had crept into our lives.I glanced over at Lucy, her face pale in the moonlight, eyes wide with fear. “You really think this is the best idea?” I whispered, the words heavy on my lips.Lucy nodded, her voice low and determined. “It’s the only way, Lilah. We can’t stay here. Not with him still looking for us.”I bit my lip, glancing back at the small cabin we’d called home for the past few weeks. It felt like we were abandoning it, running away like criminals in the dead of night. But there was no other choice. Not if we wanted to survive.Robert had arranged everything, a taxi waiting for us at the edge of the woods. We hurried toward it, th
Lilah’s POV :The village was small, nestled in the lush countryside of southern France. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, dotted with vineyards, olive trees, and cottages that seemed untouched by time. It was picturesque, serene—everything we needed after the chaos we’d escaped. But no matter how beautiful it was, I couldn’t shake the heaviness that lingered in my chest.Robert had found the village through a contact of his, someone who knew how to keep secrets. The house he rented for us was small but cozy, with pale stone walls and a thatched roof. It sat at the edge of the village, overlooking a field of sunflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. For most people, this would be paradise. For me, it was a hiding place.Lucy and Robert were already settling in, unloading the few belongings we had from the car. I stood in the doorway, staring out at the quiet street, my hand resting on my stomach. The thought of the life growing inside me still felt surreal, l
Lilah's POV :The streets seem quieter than usual, but maybe that’s just me. Every step I take feels heavier, as if the weight of someone else’s gaze is pinned to my back. I glance over my shoulder again, my heart skipping a beat, but the sidewalk behind me is empty. Just a woman walking her dog, a cyclist pedaling lazily, and the occasional honk of a car. Normal. Too normal.I pull my coat tighter, the brisk December air biting through the fabric. My doctor said I was fine, perfectly healthy, yet I feel anything but. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or the constant ache in my chest that has nothing to do with my health and everything to do with him—Ivan.He doesn’t want me. Worse, he probably wants me dead. I remind myself of this every time my thoughts drift to the way his voice dipped when he was angry or the rare moments when his icy exterior thawed. Foolish. There’s no going back, no undoing what’s already been done.I shake the thoughts away and focus on the walk home. Robert and Lu
Lilah's POV :The next morning, the air in the apartment feels heavier, as if the walls themselves are closing in. I barely sleep, tossing and turning until the first rays of dawn seep through the curtains. The note lies on the nightstand, its message burning into my mind.You can’t hide forever.The words feel like a noose around my neck.By the time Robert comes home from the bakery, I’ve managed to convince myself to stay calm. He sets a box of leftover pastries on the counter and eyes me suspiciously.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he says, brushing flour from his hands.I force a smile. “Just a rough night.”“Rough how?”“It’s nothing, Robert. Drop it,” I snap, sharper than I intended.He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push further. Instead, he grabs a cup of coffee and retreats to his room, leaving me alone in the kitchen.Lucy stumbles in later, her shift at the bar clearly taking its toll. She flops onto the couch with a groan, her red hair sticking out in all directions.
Lilah’s POV Fifteen Years Later...Life had a way of sneaking up on you, didn’t it? One moment, you’re sitting in a hospital room, holding your newborn daughter, and the next, you’re standing in the living room, watching her head off to high school with a backpack almost as big as she is. Time was a thief, stealing the days and weeks, leaving behind only memories of laughter, tears, and endless love.Emma was fifteen now, and her personality was a perfect mix of Ivan and me. She had his stubbornness and my kindness, his determination and my sense of wonder. She was beautiful, inside and out, with her father’s blue eyes and my dark curls. And she was all grown up.“You ready, sweetheart?” I asked, smoothing a wrinkle from her uniform.Emma turned to me with a smile, her cheeks flushing a little. “I guess so, Mom. It’s just high school, not the end of the world.”I chuckled, trying to keep my voice steady. “I know, but it’s a big step, isn’t it?”Emma shrugged, her eyes showing a matur
Lilah’s POV Five Years LaterLife had a way of speeding up when you weren’t looking. Five years had come and gone in the blink of an eye, each day a blur of laughter, tears, and endless love. Emma was now a lively, talkative little girl, full of questions about the world and a heart that overflowed with kindness. She had turned five, and her boundless energy and curiosity seemed to grow with each passing day.Ivan and I were sitting in the living room after putting Emma to bed, sipping on our favorite wine. The house was quiet, a rare occurrence in our busy life, and the peacefulness was almost surreal.“I can’t believe how big she’s getting,” I said, looking at the framed pictures on the mantel. They were filled with memories—Emma’s first steps, her first day of kindergarten, and the many other small moments that had made up our life together.“I know,” Ivan said, his voice soft. “It feels like just yesterday she was a little baby.”I smiled, tracing a finger over a picture of Emma
Lilah’s POV Four Years LaterTime had flown by in a blur of sleepless nights, endless laughter, and countless little moments that had quickly filled our lives. Our daughter, Emma, was now a spirited, four-year-old little fireball, her wild, curly hair and mischievous eyes mirroring her father’s playful nature. She was the perfect combination of Ivan and me—independent, stubborn, and fiercely loving.It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when the naughtiness in Emma finally made itself known. Ivan and I were in the living room, sharing a quiet moment after putting Emma down for her nap. The house was blissfully silent for once, a rare occurrence with a young child in the house.“I can’t believe our little girl is four already,” Ivan said, pulling me close for a kiss.I smiled, resting my head against his shoulder. “I know, it’s gone by so fast.”“I can still remember the first time I held her,” he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. “It feels like only yesterday.”I squeezed him tightl
Lilah’s POVIt had been two weeks since our daughter’s birth, and life had settled into a new rhythm. Ivan and I were finally finding our footing as parents, learning the delicate balance of late-night feedings, diaper changes, and quiet moments of bonding with our little girl. The early days were a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless love, but slowly, we found our groove, leaning on each other for support and sharing the joy of our growing family.The house was filled with the soft coos and gurgles of our baby girl, a constant reminder of the love and happiness she’d brought into our lives. Ivan was an incredible father—so attentive, patient, and gentle with her. Watching him with our daughter melted my heart. It was a side of him I hadn’t seen before—soft, tender, and deeply loving.“I can’t believe she’s already two weeks old,” I said one evening as Ivan rocked our baby in his arms, a smile on his face.He glanced up, his eyes twinkling with pride. “I know. Time flies when yo
Lilah’s POV Three months had flown by in a blur of love and anticipation. The honeymoon felt like a distant memory, replaced by the reality of settling into married life with Ivan and the excitement of preparing for our new addition. We’d talked endlessly about names for our baby, tossing ideas back and forth, and now, finally, the day had arrived. It was a crisp, early morning when I felt the first pangs of labor. Ivan had been at the gym when I woke him, my voice trembling with excitement and fear. “I think it’s time, Ivan.” His eyes widened, his face lighting up with a mixture of awe and panic. “Are you sure?” I nodded, squeezing his hand tightly. “Yeah. It’s happening.” Ivan didn’t waste a second. He was on his feet, grabbing the hospital bag we’d packed weeks ago, his face a picture of pure determination. “Let’s get to the hospital, Lilah. We’re having a baby today.” It was chaos from then on. The drive to the hospital was a blur of hurried conversations, Ivan’s hands gripp
Lilah’s POVThe days following our wedding felt like a dream. We were finally married, our bond solidified, and now it was time for our honeymoon. Ivan had surprised me with a secluded beach resort, far away from the world’s noise, a place where we could just be together. It was perfect—the gentle waves lapping against the shore, the soft sand beneath my feet, and the endless blue sky above.We had spent our first night as husband and wife in a beautiful beachfront bungalow, the sound of the waves soothing as we lay together, holding each other close. It was surreal, waking up beside Ivan, knowing he was mine now, forever. He looked at me with those intense, dark eyes, his love for me shining through in every glance, every touch.“I can’t believe we’re here,” I said, lying on the bed, feeling the softness of the sheets against my skin.Ivan smiled, his eyes softening. “I know. It feels like a dream.”“Like the best dream ever,” I said, reaching out to take his hand.“I’ve dreamed of t
Lilah’s POVThe weeks leading up to the wedding were a whirlwind of emotions, each day bringing a new layer of anticipation and nerves. Ivan and I had talked about marriage for a long time, but now that it was actually happening, it felt surreal. My heart fluttered with excitement, but there was also a deep sense of fear. I was about to marry the man who had once terrified me, the man who had been both my captor and my savior. And now, he was my everything.We’d decided to keep the wedding simple—a small ceremony with just a few close friends and family. I didn’t want anything big or extravagant; all I wanted was to be with Ivan, to make a promise to each other that we would be there for each other, no matter what. And now, with our baby on the way, it felt even more important to make those promises.The day of the wedding arrived, bright and sunny with a hint of warmth in the air. I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself in the simple white dress I had chosen. It wasn’t anyt
Lilah’s POVThe days blended together, a steady stream of quiet mornings and shared evenings with Ivan. Our new routine was comfortable, almost domestic, and I found solace in the simple things—cooking dinner together, the sound of his laughter, the feel of his hand brushing mine as we walked through the gardens. It was a life I never thought I’d have, a life I never dared to dream of.I was still adjusting to this new version of Ivan. He was different now, softer, more attentive. The hard, ruthless man I had first met had softened, his rough edges worn down by the years. He was still commanding, still powerful, but there was a vulnerability to him now, a need for me that was oddly comforting. I was learning to see beyond the tough exterior, to the man underneath—the one who had always been there, even when I didn’t know it.Tonight, as we sat in the garden, a light breeze ruffling the leaves around us, Ivan’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t known in
Lilah’s POVThe days after Lucy and Andrey’s departure passed in a quiet blur. The mansion seemed emptier without them, the walls echoing with an emptiness that seemed almost symbolic. Ivan and I settled into our new routine—me in my old room, Ivan always close by. There was a sense of stability now, a promise that made the loneliness and fear of the past seem like faded memories.I spent my mornings helping Ivan with the business, trying to find my place in this world I had once been so afraid of. The dynamics had shifted, though. Robert had found his stride, and it seemed Ivan’s unyielding support had finally clicked for him. The atmosphere in the office was more relaxed, the tension that had once hung heavy between them lightened.Ivan was different too. Softer, somehow. The hard edges that had always defined him had been polished away by time and the challenges we’d faced together. He was more patient now, less prone to the ruthless displays of temper that had once been his tradem