I was watering a few of the flowers near the window when dizziness began to creep over me. I ignored it, brushing the sensation away. I wasn’t ready to be sick, not now. I had just accomplished something I’d dreamed of for so long, opening this shop. But the feverish warmth radiating through my body hinted that this was beyond my will."Good morning, Vera." A middle-aged woman greeted me as she entered, her voice warm and familiar. She wandered toward the flower pots in the corner, admiring the displays. The purple flowers, as always, caught her attention, their beauty was undeniable.Their velvety petals, in deep shades of violet and lavender, seemed to glow softly in the morning light. Clusters of lilacs filled the shop with their sweet, delicate fragrance, while the tall, graceful irises stood proud with their intricately folded petals.“This is beautiful,” she exclaimed, lifting a flower pot from the table and bringing it over to me. "I want this one."“That will be ten dollars,”
“I don’t know if I can do this, Brenda,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. “I left that life for a reason. And now, it feels like it’s all pulling me back in.”Brenda’s eyes softened, understanding washing over her face. “You don’t have to go back to that life,” she said quietly. “You’ve built something new here, Vera. This baby doesn’t mean you have to return to the past. You can still do this your way.”I shook my head, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. “You don’t understand. Ivan—he’s the father. I didn’t tell anyone why I left Canada, but it wasn’t just for a fresh start. I had to get away from him. Things between us... they weren’t good. I couldn’t stay.”Brenda’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything, letting me continue.“I thought I could close that chapter for good,” I whispered, the tears finally spilling over. “But now... this changes everything.”Brenda squeezed my hand tighter, her voice gentle but firm. “Vera, you’re stronger than you reali
~Three years later~“Are you planning on taking that one?” Kelly asked, standing next to the elderly woman who had just entered our shop. “You know, this is the best flower we have. My mommy always smiles when she waters them, and I’m sure it’ll make you smile too.”The woman chuckled and picked up the flower. “You know what, cutie? I’m going to take this one. If my daughter likes it, I’ll come back and get something just for you.”Kelly grinned, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m sure she’s going to love it.”The woman placed the flowers on the counter, still smiling, while Kelly wandered off to the other side of the shop. She had a special way of making our customers feel welcome every time they came in.“Your daughter is truly remarkable,” the woman said as she handed me the money. “You must be so proud to have such a wonderful child.”“Thank you,” I replied with a smile. “She has a gift for making people happy.”As the woman left, Kelly returned to my side, her hands clasped b
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Brenda said, her mouth forming a perfect circle. “Are you saying Ivan Carlos came to your shop today, after three years?” I nodded, still trying to process it myself. “Yes, Brenda, and now he knows about Kelly. He even asked me if I was married.” Brenda shifted on the couch, settling into a more comfortable position, her eyes wide with intrigue. “What a coincidence! I knew if Ivan loved you, he wouldn’t just let you go.” I rolled my eyes at her comment. “Brenda, this isn’t some romantic reunion. This is far more complicated than that. I don’t want Ivan anywhere near Kelly or me.” “Why?” Brenda’s tone shifted, her expression serious as she studied me, making me feel the weight of my decision. I sighed, rubbing my temples. “There’s so much you don’t know, Brenda. When I left, it wasn’t just because of Ivan. His mother… she made it impossible for me to stay. She threatened me, told me to leave or else she’d ruin my life.” Brenda’s brows furrowed. “What? W
"Kelly, sweetie," I leaned down to her level and gently ran my hand through her hair. "I promise we'll come back another time, but Mom isn't feeling too well right now."Kelly pouted, her bottom lip sticking out in disappointment. It tugged at my heart. I knew how much she had been looking forward to this trip, but I had to do what I had to do.I took her hand softly, squeezing it gently. "I promise I'll make it up to you."She sighed, her small hand resting on top of mine. "Okay, Mommy," she said with a hint of sadness in her voice. "But I really wanted to see the lions today."My heart clenched. “I know, baby. We’ll come back soon, I promise.” I kissed her forehead, hoping that would ease the sting of disappointment. She gave me a weak smile, nodding in understanding, though I could see she was still upset.Brenda shot me a look, silently asking if I was okay. I nodded, but I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep up the charade of calm. Ivan and that woman, whoever she was, were
“Mommy, I got ice cream for you!” Kelly shouted, skipping towards me with a bright smile, holding out a small cup of melting strawberry ice cream. Brenda followed closely behind, but when she saw Ivan, her steps faltered. She gave me a knowing look, her eyes wide with concern.Kelly stopped just a few feet away from Ivan and tilted her head. “Hey, I remember you,” she said innocently. “You’re the one who came to buy some flowers.”Ivan's face softened as he crouched down to her level, offering her a small smile. “That’s right. And you helped me pick the best ones,” he said gently, his eyes shifting between Kelly and me.Brenda cleared her throat, breaking the moment. “Vera, do you want me to take Kelly for a walk around the park while you... finish up here?” she asked, her tone hinting at the tension.“That won’t be necessary, we should head back home,” I replied, trying to sound calm but feeling the tension coil tighter in my chest. I didn’t want any more interactions between Ivan a
“That’s for the patronage,” I said, waving to Mr. Hawkins as he headed out after placing a large order of flowers. “I hope to see more of you.”“Very well, Veronica. Say hi to that little angel for me,” he replied, pushing open the door with a smile.I took a deep breath, returning to the ledger to finish logging the sale when a voice, one I hadn’t heard in years, froze me in place. That voice, cold and commanding, had chased me out of Canada three years ago.“Good morning. My son said he got some flowers from this shop yesterday. I’d like to order more for his wedding ceremony.”The words echoed in my head like an alarm. Slowly, I looked up, and there she stood—Mrs. Carlos. Her eyes widened with shock, her mouth forming a perfect O.“Veronica Carlisle?” she gasped, her voice breathy with disbelief. “Oh my, what a coincidence.”I clenched my jaw, the memory of her threat hitting me like a wave, and I could feel the anger bubbling up inside. This was the woman who had forced me to leav
After putting Kelly to bed, I walked into the living room and collapsed onto the couch, rubbing my forehead and taking a deep breath to steady myself.“Don’t tell me you’re overthinking again,” Brenda said as she entered the room, taking a seat beside me. She grabbed the remote and switched on the TV.“I’m not. I just finished putting Kelly to bed,” I replied, trying to sound casual, though my mind was still racing. “So, how was your day? How did the date go?”Dean, Brenda’s co-worker, had been a new interest in her life, and she’d been excited about their date. The blush on her cheeks was all the confirmation I needed.She smiled, looking down shyly. “It was pretty amazing. Dean’s so easy to talk to, and he comes from a wealthy family.” She turned to the TV, flipping through channels, but suddenly her eyes widened, nearly popping out of her head. “Oh my gosh!”Curious, I followed her gaze to the screen. My stomach dropped. There, on the screen, was a video of Ivan Carlos, my Ivan, an
He pulled out and put it in again, going faster as I held onto him, his mouth finding mine in a searing kiss. As his thrusts increased and I felt that wave of pleasure again washing over me, I could only grip him tighter and close my eyes, willing myself to come faster. My climax ripped through me and I clutched onto him, my whole body shaking uncontrollably as my release hit me hard, sending me into oblivion. I felt his warm cum spilling over my stomach, soaking into me as he held me tightly. His breathing slowed and his hands smoothed over my body, soothing and comforting, making sure that I was okay.He kissed me softly as he let me down, pulling out of me and laying me gently on the bed. When he got under the covers beside me. I smiled, snuggling into his warmth.He kissed me on my neck softly slowly the urge to have another moment came once again, and I leaned in kissing him my tongue diving into his mouth surveying his tongue. I climbed over him my body onto his erect as I bega
We spent a long time on the lawn that night, our bodies entwined as we lay side by side on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. The moon was full, its silvery light casting a glow over the world around us. A gentle breeze rustled the trees in the distance, carrying with it the scent of pine and fresh earth. I felt a deep sense of contentment, a peacefulness I hadn’t known in years.“I never thought a time like this would come,” I said softly, breaking the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “After all that your mom did to me.” I turned my head to look at Ivan, who still had his gaze fixed on the sky, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.He didn’t respond right away, but I saw the faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. After a moment, he turned toward me, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away. “I knew it would come,” he said, his voice steady, reassuring. “But I didn’t think it would be this soon.”He pulled me closer to hi
Brenda had her bags packed as we stood together at the doorway, holding each other in a long, tight hug. She had been my rock throughout all the madness, and now she was going on a vacation for her work trip.“I’m going to miss you,” I said, my voice heavy with emotion. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through any of this without you.”Brenda smiled, pulling back to look at me, her eyes filled with warmth. “You’ve been strong, Veronica. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. I’m always just a call away, and don’t you dare forget that. You're always welcome in Paris whenever you feel like seeing your Fav cousin.”“I won’t forget all you did for me.” I said, wiping a tear that had started to roll down my cheek. “Thank you for everything.”We shared one last hug before she picked up her suitcase. Mark, her new romantic interest, was waiting by the car, ready to drive her to the airport. She gave me a wink and a playful nudge toward the house.“Take care of that man in there and
“Yes, Alfonso, I'll come over today to give you the mansion documents,” Ivan said as I walked into the living room. He was sitting on the couch, phone in hand, his tone serious. “Make sure it's confidential. I don't want anyone knowing about it.”I placed the cup of coffee I was holding on the table and took a seat opposite him. His call ended, and he looked at me with a warm smile. “Thanks, my love, for the coffee,” he said, reaching for his cup.I smiled back, taking a sip from mine, but I couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in my mind. I lowered my gaze, and Ivan noticed the unease written across my face. He stood up, still holding his cup, and moved to sit beside me, his expression softening with concern.“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked gently, placing his hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it wasn’t enough to ease the knot tightening in my chest.I sighed, my voice shaky as I spoke. “I’m just thinking... since you're selling the mansion here in Pa
Ivan’s hand found mine, squeezing it gently. “I was blind, Veronica. I thought I was protecting my family, but in reality, I was only protecting their lies. I hate that it took me so long to realize.”I was silent for a moment, letting his words sink in. The hurt, the betrayal, it was still there, but hearing Ivan acknowledge his role in it, hearing him apologize with such sincerity, softened some of the walls I had built.“I just wanted to be enough for you, Ivan,” I whispered. “But your mother made me feel like I was nothing, and you… you never defended me.”He turned toward me, lifting my chin so our eyes met. “You were always enough, Veronica. I’m so sorry I didn’t make you feel that way. I was too wrapped up in my own fears, in trying to live up to what my mother expected. But that’s over now.”I nodded, my heart aching with a mixture of relief and sadness. “I don’t want to go through that again, Ivan. I can’t. Kelly can’t.”“I know,” he whispered, his voice full of regret. “I do
“Daddy, why's mommy over there is she trying you?“ Kelly asked looking up at Ivan. Her question seemed innocent enough, but it hung in the air like a fragile thread, threatening to unravel the delicate balance I was trying to keep.Ivan glanced at me, his eyes searching for some kind of permission or understanding. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not sure how to handle the moment. How could we explain this tangled mess to Kelly without breaking her heart?Ivan smiled down at Kelly and gently stroked her hair. “No, sweetheart. Mommy’s just giving us some time to enjoy our ice cream. She’s not avoiding me.” He tried to keep his tone light, but even Kelly could sense that things weren’t right.She wrinkled her nose, unconvinced. “But you should sit together. Like in the movies.”Ivan chuckled softly, though it was strained. “Maybe someday we will, princess. For now, let’s just enjoy our ice cream, okay?”Kelly, satisfied for the moment, returned her focus to her ice cream, but I coul
“Mommy, are they gone?” Kelly whispered, pushing open the door and making her way towards us.I turned towards her and scooped her up into my arms. “Yes, honey. They’re gone,” I said softly as I carried her over to the couch in the living room, placing her gently down.She looked up at me, her innocent eyes filled with expectation. “Is it Daddy?” she asked, her voice small but hopeful.I hesitated, glancing at Brenda, who was sitting on the couch, her attention fixed on her phone. The weight of Kelly’s question hung in the air. How could I explain everything to her, a child who only wanted to feel safe and loved by the people she thought should protect her?I opened my mouth to say something when the door creaked open. I looked up and saw Ivan standing in the doorway, watching us with a mixture of hope and regret. He was part of Kelly’s life, whether I liked it or not, but the complexities of our situation made everything more difficult.I sat down next to Kelly, brushing a hand throu
Mrs. Carlos’ face paled, her eyes widening in shock as the weight of Ivan’s words hit her. For the first time, her composed mask slipped, revealing the fear and desperation underneath. “Nathaniel told you…?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That ungrateful, how dare he?”Ivan released her wrist and stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief. “Yes, he told me everything. And I still can't believe you of all people would do that to me, I thought father was the bad one. Because he left when we were young, but now I see you for your true colors. I thought the problem was Nathaniel, all this time, I thought it was just him acting out of spite, but it was you pulling the strings. You did everything you could to make sure we would never be happy. And for what? Your pride? Your obsession with control, money? Did you stop for once your think about me?“Mrs. Carlos’ eyes flickered between Ivan and me, her face contorted with a mixture of fury and panic. “I did it to protect you!” she spat.
The loud banging on the door drew our attention, and I immediately stood up. "Wait here, baby. Don’t come out until I say so." I told Kelly “Okay, mommy.“ She nodded, her wide eyes filled with fear, as I closed the door behind me. My heart pounded as I made my way to the living room. The constant hammering on the door sent chills down my spine. Who could it be? The first thought that flashed through my mind was Ivan's fans. Maybe they hadn’t accepted my statement on the news and had come to confront me in person.Brenda appeared from the laundry room, her expression mirroring my own, fear. We were both terrified of who might be on the other side of that door. I stepped forward to check, but Brenda held up a hand, stopping me."You should go back," she whispered urgently. "I’ll open the door and see who it is.""It’s too dangerous. I can’t let you do that," I whispered back, glancing toward the kitchen as a possible hiding place in case it really was Ivan's fans."I’m scared, V," she