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.
Sarah"Gosh, Sarah, your love life is like a rollercoaster ride through a maze!" Natalie exclaims, her straw twirling like a tiny tornado in her drink.I roll my eyes. "You think?" I retort."I mean, in the beginning you told me you hate him, saying he is an absolute villain. And now you're saying you love him? What's with the change of heart?" She asks."Well, you know how it goes, Nat. Love is like a box of chocolates—full of surprises and sometimes a little nutty," I quip, stirring my own drink absentmindedly. "And yeah, maybe he started out as the villain, but then he turned into this... I don't know, charming anti-hero or something. It's complicated."Natalie raises an eyebrow, her straw finally settling into her drink. "Charming anti-hero, huh? Sounds like you've been watching too many superhero movies."I shrug, a sheepish grin spreading across my face. "Maybe. But hey, at least my love life is never boring, right?""Hah, you got that right!" Natalie laughs. She suddenly turns
Vincent"Ugh, I have to go on a shopping spree!" Sarah whines as she rummages through her overstuffed closet.I let out an exasperated sigh. "Why? You have a ton of clothes already," I reply.Sarah gives me a mischievous look. "I start college soon, Vincent. I can't be seen wearing the same outfits from high school."I roll my eyes dramatically. "I told you that when we got married, but no, you insisted on dressing like a goddamn teenager even after Sophia picked out some clothes for you."Sarah's lips curl up in a smile. "That's because I knew it annoyed you when I didn't listen to you."The little brat...She strides toward me and grabs my arm. "Let's go," she says.I narrow my eyes. "Go where?""To the mall, obviously," she says, sounding almost frustrated.Hold on. Does she expect me to go shopping with her? She has got to be kidding me!I shake my head in disbelief as a small smile tug at the corner of Sarah's lips. "No way, Sarah. I'm not going shopping with you," I protest, try
SarahVincent and I are walking inside the clinic. His fingers are gently entwined with mine, and I can't help but feel the warmth radiating from him.He kept his promise to me, and now attending my first doctor's appointment."Can you believe we're going to be parents?" I say, my voice filled with excitement.Vincent doesn't smile. But his hand tightens around mine. "I blame it all on myself. For my lack of using protection during sex."I roll my eyes. Of course, he can't just be appropriately excited. Always have to act all moody."Mr. and Mrs. Sterling?" called the nurse, ushering us into the examination room. As we settle into our seats, the anticipation seems to hum through the air like electricity. The doctor, a kind middle-aged woman with a warm smile, enters the room carrying a clipboard."Hello, Sarah and Vincent," she says warmly. "How are you both feeling today?""Excited!" I exclaim while Vincent nods quietly."Good, good," she replies, her eyes scanning the notes on her c
SarahI stand in front of the full-length mirror, gently lifting my shirt to get a better look at my growing baby bump. It's still very tiny, but it's starting to show. My fingers trace the curve of my belly."Look at you, little one," I whisper, smiling at my reflection. "Growing so fast already.""Checking yourself out again?" Vincent's gruff voice startles me as he enters the room, looking slightly disheveled from sleep. His demeanor softens when he sees my reflection in the mirror."I am checking out our baby!" I chirp.Vincent comes closer and stands behind me, his hand hovering just above my belly.Since that day at the clinic, Vincent's protectiveness has reached new heights. He meticulously compiled a list of foods I should avoid and handed it over to Jennifer, who was now preparing special meals for me.Usually, this kind of controlling behavior would annoy me, but this time, I was on his side. I want our baby to be born healthy."Are you ready to work on the nursery?" I ask
SarahLeaning against the doorframe with my arms crossed, I can't suppress the grin spreading across my face.There they are, Vincent and Nathan, each holding a different end of what's supposed to be the sides of the baby dresser. The instructions are spread out on the floor like a treasure map that neither seems able to read."Guys, you do realize that it's just a baby dresser, not a spaceship, right?" I quip, watching as their brows knit even tighter, if that's possible."Easy for you to say, Sarah," Vincent shoots back without looking up, his fingers fumbling with a tiny bolt. "This thing has more pieces than a jigsaw puzzle."Nathan, ever the optimist, chimes in with a chuckle. "We've got this under control. Right, Vincent?""Totally," Vincent says, though his voice lacks any real conviction.I saunter over, perching on the edge of the unfinished drawer that sits upside down on the carpet. "So, which one of you is going to tell me your secret talent is actually carpentry?" I tease
VincentThe room is pitch black when I feel a gentle prodding on my shoulder, barely noticeable at first.I try to ignore it, burrowing deeper into the warm embrace of my covers. But the poking persists, and I reluctantly open one eye to find Sarah hovering over me, her eyes wide with urgency."Vincent," she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. "Wake up."I groan, squinting as Sarah reaches over to switch on the small bedside lamp."Sarah, what the hell?" I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The grogginess clings to me like a heavy blanket, and I fight to shake it off."Vincent," Sarah begins, her eyes searching mine with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I want to know about Lucy. What was your relationship like?"I groan again."Sarah, it's the middle of the night. Can't we talk about this later?" I mumble, hoping she will take pity on me and let me go back to sleep."No, Vincent, I want to know now." Her voice holds an edge of impatience."You've got to be kidding me right n
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