SarahWhen I wake up in the morning, I realize that Vincent isn't next to me.I squint at my phone. It was only eight am. Vincent must've got up really early and left. But where did he go?I stretch like a cat and groan. My muscles are still painfully sore from last night's dance lessons. This is what I get for never exercising!After I freshen up, I go out to the living room.Nathan is sitting on the couch, lazily flipping through a magazine. He looks up and smiles when he sees me. "Good morning," he chirps."Hi, Nathan. What are you doing here so early?" I ask."Reporting to my station as your bodyguard, obviously," he replies casually.I roll my eyes. "Oh, is that still happening? You are tasked to watch me like a hawk 24/7?""Hey, now. I haven't been doing that now, have I? You've been pretty free of me these past few days if you ask me," he reminds me.True. I haven't seen Nathan much these days. "So, where have you been then?" I ask curiously.He shrugs. "Just busy."King of vag
SarahI find him in the bedroom, undressing. He slowly unbuttons his white shirt. The fabric falls off his broad shoulders, revealing his toned chest and defined abs.And for a moment, I forget why I came here in the first place. Holy hell, this man is gorgeous. I want to lick his…No! I need to be strong! I can’t let his sexiness distract me.“Vincent!” I cry to get his attention.Vincent turns to me, his shirt hanging open. He takes it off entirely and throws it on the floor. "What?"His voice is like gravel, sending shivers through me. I fight to keep my gaze on his face."I wasn’t done talking to you."Vincent moves toward me. I have to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. He has a good foot and a half on me.“Well, I was done with the conversation. My decision is firm. You are not going to college.”“I…I think we should talk about this,” I stutter, my voice coming out in a whisper.Vincent leans in, close enough that I can smell his cologne. It’s woodsy and fresh, and it makes me
SarahWhen I woke up in the morning, I was surprised to find him still next to me, his body warm against mine, his arms wrapped tightly around me.I can't help but smile, grateful for this small moment of tenderness between us. In the past, he had always left before I woke up, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone. But this time, he stayed.Maybe he is finally starting to warm up to me.I trace my fingers along the contours of his chest, memorizing every dip and curve. It is hard to believe that this beautiful, troubled man is real and that he is here with me.And he is mine.Yup, I have decided. Vincent is mine whether he likes it or not.I nuzzle his chest, a small giggle escapes me as his chest hair tickles my nose."Wha..." he mumbles in his sleep and tightens his embrace."Shh," I whisper, "Go back to sleep." I am not ready to get out of bed yet. It's not like he will hold me like this when he is awake, so I want to enjoy this while I can.But his eyes fly open, and his brows fu
Sarah"Are you okay in there, Sarah?"Sophia's muffled voice calls to me from the other side of the bathroom door, her concern evident in every syllable. My palms are slick with sweat as I sit on the cool tile floor, my heart hammering against my ribcage."Yeah...I'm fine. Still waiting," I reply shakily, trying to mask the fear in my voice.My whole world revolves around this one plastic stick that rests between my fingers, its tiny window holding the answer to my future. Two more minutes and it will decide my fate.My mind races with thoughts of what will happen if it shows two lines instead of one. Panic sets in as I consider all the possible outcomes and try to come up with a plan.Shit...what will I do if it turns out to be positive? The weight of this question hangs heavy in the air, causing my stomach to churn and my palms to sweat even more. All I can do is wait for those last few agonizing seconds.I called her immediately after I had that conversation with Jennifer and remem
Sarah"What's going on, Sarah?" Vincent asks."Vincent," I start, my voice quivering like a violin string plucked too hard. Damn it, Sarah, pull it together. This is your power play, not his.I shove the nervous energy aside, plant my feet firmly on the ground, and lock eyes with him. His gaze is all sharp edges and suspicion, but I've got a bombshell that'll crack that cool exterior."Look, I'm just going to say it," I declare, my heart punching against my ribs. Taking the leap, I force the words out before fear can clamp them back down my throat. "I'm pregnant."I let the sentence hang between us, watching as Vincent's meticulously crafted composure strains at the seams. My lips tug into a half-smile, a mix of triumph and challenge. Yeah, you didn't see that coming, did you?Vincent's face does a performance of its own, his eyes ballooning out like they're trying to escape his skull. He's a gaping fish, all open mouth and silent gasps, the news sucker-punching every ounce of Mr. CEO
Sarah As I made my way back to his office, my heart was pounding. Why does he want me to stay? I would've preferred to go home with Sophia. What more can he tell me right now after freaking out like that? He was on the phone, so I quietly slipped into his office and sat down on the couch in front of him. As I sit on the couch, trying to calm my nerves, I can't help but wonder what is going through his mind. His conversation on the phone seems serious, so I stay quiet. I fidget with the hem of my dress, stealing glances at him, waiting for him to finish his call and address me. The anticipation is almost unbearable. On the other end of the line, I can hear a faint voice. "Yes, I need those reports finalized by tomorrow morning. It's crucial for the meeting with the investors," Vincent says, his tone firm and authoritative. A pause follows, during which I can only imagine the response on the other end. "I understand the challenges, but we can't afford any delays. Make sure the te
SarahBy the look on Dad's face, he still didn't know what to say. He looks like a fish out of water."Is this true, Dad? Did you really ruin someone's life like that?" I ask quietly. I believe Vincent, but I want to hear from him directly."Don't believe him, Sarah. It wasn't like that. Maya was young, and she got too obsessed with me, so I had to end things. How would I know she will end up killing herself?" Dad says."You were still married and you took advantage of a young girl!" Vincent yells."I didn't know she was pregnant!" Dad says as he backs away from Vincent."It doesn't matter now, does it? She is dead. And now you are left with nothing," Vincent hisses."This is ridiculous! I won't stand here and listen to this. I will report you to the police for tricking me into signing over my company," my father says.Vincent chuckles. "Good luck, Thomas. I have paperwork to prove that you gave everything to me willingly."I flinch as I hear the bitterness in Vincent's voice. I knew
VincentI steal glances at Sarah as she munches on her sandwich. Her cheeks look swollen every time she takes a bite, making her look like a chipmunk.So darn cute.Has she always been this beautiful? Or is it because she is carrying a baby inside her, giving her that sweet glow of pregnancy?My baby.God, I had never given much thought about having a child of my own. Ever since Maya...after seeing how much she suffered after losing her baby, I thought I wouldn't dare impregnate someone. But now here we are."Vincent?""Yes babygirl?" I mumble.Sarah smiles widely and a small giggle escapes her throat."What's so funny?" I grumble."Nothing. Um...do you want a bite?" She asks and looks at me innocently.I had to force myself not to smile. "No thanks.""Just a little one? It's really good," she insists."I am not hungry," I say, trying my best to sound annoyed even though I feel a strange bubble of happiness in my stomach. What an odd feeling.Sarah looks at me and smiles. "Okay, then.
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