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SarahI am buzzing with excitement as I stand in front of the full-length mirror, watching my reflection.Tonight's the night – my birthday party, and everything needs to be perfect. Everything will be perfect."Sarah, you've got this," I whisper to myself, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips.I scrutinize my outfit, running my hands over the silky fabric of my dress. The deep red hue contrasts against my skin, making me feel like a femme fatale ready to take on the world. The slit up the side shows just enough leg to give a hint of mystery, and the low-cut neckline accentuates my curves without going overboard."Damn, I look good," I think, giving myself a once-over, ensuring every detail is flawless. My hair cascades down my back in loose waves, framing my face and drawing attention to my smoky eyes. "Perfect," I say out loud, nodding in approval.As I twist and turn in front of the mirror, I can't help but let my mind wander to Vincent, my smoldering partner-in-crime. He thi
SarahI am having a great time at my birthday party. Everyone is having a great time, laughing and dancing. It couldn't be going any better."Happy birthday, Sarah!" someone shouts, cheering me on as they pass by. I grin, my cheeks flushed from the heat and excitement."Thanks!" I yell back, scanning the sea of faces for one in particular.Vincent. The man who's been a constant shadow over my life, his smug smile and piercing eyes always leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. But tonight, this night is mine, and he's nowhere to be found. Good. Maybe he went back to hell where he belongs.I feel lighter already, as if a dark cloud has lifted. A wave of relief washes over me, freeing me from his oppressive presence. I can finally breathe again.I watch as Natalie sways her hips in time to the music, laughing loudly at something Nathan has just said. Their joy radiates outward, brightening the room with its warmth."Sarah!" Natalie calls out, beckoning me over. "You've got to try thi
As I dance with Jared, our bodies moving to the rhythm, I steal another glance at Vincent. Our eyes lock for a moment, the intensity of his gaze sending a shiver down my spine.It's a silent battle of wills, the charged atmosphere crackling between us like an electric current. I refuse to be the first one to look away, and I can feel the satisfaction swelling within me when he breaks eye contact first.Jared twirls me around, laughing as I stumble into his arms. "You're really going all out tonight, aren't you?" he teases."Damn right," I retort, my heart racing with adrenaline and anticipation. "It's my birthday, after all." But that's not the only reason I'm pushing the boundaries tonight. No, it's more than that – it's about winning this power struggle against Vincent, the man who's been holding me captive.I know seeing me this close to Jared is making him angry – I'm getting under his skin, throwing him off balance.I know it's dangerous, this game I'm playing. But the rush of p
VincentHelen takes a slow sip of her drink, trying to stifle her laughter."What's so funny?" I snap, feeling my patience wearing thin."I just can't help but find this whole situation hilarious," Helen chuckles."What situation?" I ask, not finding anything amusing about being manipulated by a 20-year-old girl."The fact that this sweet, innocent girl has you, the stoic and unshakeable man, wrapped around her little finger," Helen bursts out laughing again.I scoff at Helen's words. "You couldn't be more wrong, my dear. I have zero interest in Sarah.""Am I, though? You haven't taken your eyes off her since we got here. I thought the plan was to bring me here and make her think you are into me. Instead, you've been ignoring me all night," Helen feigns disappointment, but her eyes are twinkling with amusement.I narrow my eyes at Helen, feeling a surge of annoyance coursing through me. "You don't know anything about me or my relationship with Sarah," I retort sharply, though her word
SarahThe candles flicker wildly as I blow them out, the room erupting in cheers and applause. I can feel the electric energy pulsating through the crowded room. This party's in full swing, and there's no stopping it now."Alright, Vincent," Sophia says playfully, nudging his shoulder. "Go ahead and feed Sarah a piece of cake. Don't be shy!"I roll my eyes at her antics but can't help the smirk that creeps onto my face. She's so full of mischief, and this is just another one of her attempts to push Vincent and me together."Really, Sophia? You want me to feed her cake now?" Vincent's voice drips with sarcasm, his annoyance evident in every syllable. His arms cross over his broad chest, and I can see the tension coiling through his muscular frame."Come on, Vincent," Sophia teases, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You are her husband, so you should be feeding her the first piece."He hesitates for a moment, clearly weighing his options. But eventually, he gives in to Sophia's relent
SarahI stride confidently towards Helen, my head held high to show her that I am in control. However, inside, I am trembling with anxiety. Confrontation has never been my strong suit, and the thought of confronting my husband's new lover leaves me feeling helpless. I take a deep breath and pray for strength as I approach her, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum."Helen, right?" I purr, sidling up next to her, careful not to spill my drink. "You're looking absolutely ravishing tonight. What, are you trying to seduce Vincent or something?" My words are playful, but my eyes betray a hint of challenge.Helen turns to me with a knowing smirk, taking in my question without missing a beat."Sweet Sarah," she whispers teasingly, "I'm just keeping dear Vincent entertained for the night – you know how he gets when he's bored." The sultry tone of her voice sends a shiver down my spine, but I refuse to let her see me falter."Good," I snap back, my words dripping with sarcasm. "You're mor
VincentAt first, I didn't pay much attention to the scene in front of me, but I suddenly spotted Sarah and Helen immersed in a deep conversation. Their heads are bent close together, and their gestures are animated.A sense of unease began to creep into my mind. I can't shake off the feeling that something is brewing between them, and I am not sure I like it.Helen better not be blowing my cover! I stride over to them immediately.Helen's cheerful voice breaks through the chatter of the crowded room as she sees me coming. "There you are, Vince, we were just talking about you!""What the hell are you doing?" I bark, my anger rising as I approach them."As you can see, Vincent, I'm enjoying a drink with your lover," Sarah says with a sassy smile, taking a sip from her glass."Why are you having a drink with Helen?" I narrow my eyes, trying to hide the confusion coursing through me.Helen raises an eyebrow, unfazed by my rudeness. "Relax, Vincent. We were just having a friendly chat.""
SarahVincent laughs and slowly lifts himself off of me while maintaining eye contact the entire time.My heartbeat quickens as he towers over me, his gaze lingering on my flushed features and heaving chest. I kept my eyes locked on his.Slowly, he extends a hand to help me up, but at the last moment, he takes it away.Instead, Vincent used that hand to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't want to get off," he admits.My breath hitched at his husky admission, my eyes widening ever so slightly. "Why not?" I whisper."I want to fuck you... right now," he whispers against my ear, his voice low and rough with need.I shiver as goosebumps prickle my skin, and despite my better judgment, I feel myself arching towards him slightly."I won't let you. Not when you have a mistress," I force myself to say."I didn't sleep with her." Vincent almost sounds annoyed."But you will, right?" I ask.He grins. "Maybe."I narrow my eyes at Vincent, refusing to let him get the best o
SarahMy heart feels like it will burst right out of my chest. Bryce is home. It has been two weeks since the kidnapping but I don't want to think about it anymore. My baby is finally back in my arms after the agonizing days of not knowing where he was or if I'd ever see him again. I cling to him tightly, tears of joy and relief streaming down my face."It's okay, Mommy's got you," I whisper, stroking his hair as he nestles against me.Vincent wraps his arms around us both, and we stay huddled together on the couch for a long time, just holding each other and crying. We are exhausted, completely drained after the trauma of Bryce's kidnapping. But now that he is home safe, some of the crushing weight has been lifted off our shoulders."I can't believe this nightmare is finally over," Vincent says hoarsely, his voice heavy with emotion. "We've got our boy back."I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. The terror and despair of the past week still cling to me, making my hands
VincentThe whiskey burns my throat as I swallow hard. Across from me sits Detective Mills, his steely eyes boring into mine."It's the work of Thomas. I know it," I tell him.I shift in my seat. Thomas Whitmore. Just the sound of his name makes my blood boil.Mills nods. "We have to consider every possibility. Especially given your...history with the man."I let out a bitter laugh. "History. That's one word for it." My hands curl into fists at the memory. "I stole everything from me. So he stole my son."Mills holds my gaze steadily. "I appreciate you being so candid. We'll leave no stone unturned in investigating Whitmore's involvement. I promise you that."I let out a shaky breath, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on my chest. But for Bryce, I have to stay strong."Just bring me back my boy," I say hoarsely. "Whatever it takes."Mills nods, his eyes filled with grim determination. "We will, Vincent. You have my word."Mills gathers up the case files on the table, tucking the
VincentMy heart pounds like a jackhammer as I pace back and forth across the living room floor. The clock on the wall ticks deafeningly loud, each second an eternity as I wait anxiously for the phone to ring. I run a shaky hand through my hair, swallowing hard past the lump in my throat.Sarah is sitting on the couch, sobbing quite while the police detective stares at the phone. I am told that the kidnappers always call immediately after the kidnapping."Come on, come on," I mutter under my breath, glancing at the silent phone for the hundredth time. I bite my lip until I taste blood, trying to rein in the panic rising in my chest.Where is he? Is he okay? A million terrifying scenarios race through my mind, each one worse than the last. I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head sharply. I can't go there. I have to keep it together for Bryce.I stop pacing and take a deep breath, rolling my shoulders back. I just have to hold on a little longer. Everything is going to be okay. The phon
SarahIt is finally Christmas day and I am feeling pretty festive as all of us gathered around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree."Look at all these presents!" Sophia exclaimed, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You guys went overboard.""Sarah did most of the shopping," Vincent announces."I couldn't help it. I love spending your money," I grin. "Besides, it's Bryce's first Christmas!""Where is the little guy?" Lucy asks."Upstairs, sleeping. I will wake him up in a few minutes," I say."It's also my first Christmas with my wife," Vincent says, pulling me closer.My heart flutters as I look at his loving gaze. "That's the real present," I tease, nudging him gently.Nathan suddenly enters the room, carrying a tray of steaming mugs of hot chocolate."Hot chocolate, anyone?" Nathan offers, his gaze lingering on Lucy for just a moment longer than necessary."Thanks, Nathan," I say, gratefully taking a mug from him. I noticed the subtle tension between Nathan and Lucy.
Sarah"Alright, ladies," Vincent says with a grin, "I've got to head out. Take good care of our little furball, won't you?""Of course!" I reply, giving him a quick peck on the lips before ushering him out the door. "Have a great day at work.""Thanks, love. See you all tonight." With a final wave, Vincent closes the door behind him."Alright, girls, let's go play with the new puppy!" I exclaim, clapping my hands together in excitement. "Let's take him outside in the garden.Lucy and Sophia laughed, but I knew they were just as excited as I was.Outside, the sun was shining bright, so it was the perfect weather for the puppy to run around."Is Bryce is going to be okay?" Sophia asks."Oh, yes. He is fast asleep, and I can hear the monitor on my phone, "I reply. I can't wait until he is old enough to play with Teddy," I add as I look at the little dog frolicking around.I watch with amusement as Teddy leaps into the air, trying to catch a butterfly that is just out of his reach."What
SarahAs soon as we enter the animal shelter, my heart leaps. I take in the sight of all those wagging tails and perked ears poking out from behind chain link fences."Hey there, cutie!" I coo, stopping to scratch a spotted mutt behind his floppy ears. His tail thumps against the concrete floor in appreciation.Vincent chuckles, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "Someone's excited.""Are you kidding? Just look at all these faces!" I gesture excitedly. "How could I not be? There are so many puppies here!"Vincent smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How will you choose?""I will know when I see the right one," I say determinedly.We make our way down the crowded aisles, pausing every so often so I can offer a scratch or a kind word. Somewhere among all this fur and fluff was a new member of our family, just waiting to be found.I can't wait to welcome them home.I let my feet guide me, weaving through the maze of kennels as I take in all the unique personalities around me. There are
SarahI scowl as I see Lucy striding toward me in the garden.Should I pretend like I didn't see her and walk back inside the house?No, that's just silly. Besides, I have no reason to be this hostile to her. She hasn't done anything to me to deserve such treatment. If anything, it's my insecurity that's the real problem!"Sarah! Hi!" She says cheerfully as she finally caught up with me."H-hi," I say, holding Bryce pressed against my chest. He is finally able to breathe without oxygen tube and is healthy enough to see some sunlight. So I had him wrapped inside one of those baby slings so I can walk with him in the garden.Lucy's grey eyes warm as she looks at Bryce. "Oh my goodness, he's adorable! How's he doing?""He's doing great," I reply, my initial tension easing a bit. "He's come a long way.""I'm so glad to hear that," Lucy says, her smile warm and genuine. "You must be so relieved.""I am," I admit, my voice softening. "It's been a tough few months, but seeing him like this m
Vincent"Humph!"Sarah mutters under her breath, but I hear it clearly.My lips quirk into a mischievous grin as I revel in her obvious discontent.Meanwhile, Lucy remains blissfully unaware of Sarah's disapproval, flashing a toothy smile my way."Vince! Oh, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you," Lucy says.She had rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace earlier right in front of Sarah.Oh, boy. I'll be in trouble later.Jennifer's daughter Lucy towered over Sarah, her long and slender frame accentuated by the ash blonde locks cascading down her back. Her piercing light grey eyes seemed to radiate an intense energy.Right now, we are all sitting in the living room. Jennifer served us coffee and some snacks so we can catch up with Lucy."My god, Vince. I can't believe you got married. And to someone so...young at that," Lucy says, looking at Sarah."I am not that young," Sarah nearly barks, her tone defensive and her eyes narrowing.Lucy raises an eye
SarahSix days until Christmas. Oh god, I'm so excited!Bryce is now two months old, and he looks healthier than ever despite being so small. The little guy has brought so much joy into our lives, and this will be his first Christmas. I can't wait to see his reaction to the lights and the decorations!I am running around the house, adding final touches to the decorations. In two months, I also regained my health, feeling stronger and more energized each day.I take a moment to admire the scene, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything we've been through recently, this moment of peace feels even more precious.I walk over to the crib where Bryce is lying, watching the mobile spin slowly above him. His big eyes are wide with wonder, and he coos softly."Hey there, buddy," I whisper, leaning down to gently stroke his tiny hand. "Ready for your first Christmas?"Bryce's fingers curl around mine, and I can't help but smile.I feel a presence behind me, but I don't turn ar