Imogene ScottEarlier that night…“You seem to be doing better today,” Breonna says, leaning back on the couch.We’re both sitting in the living room. I’m here but my mind isn’t. I haven’t slept well in days. And now, the baby. I don’t know what to do about the baby. I’m not ready to tell Breonna about it either.“I’m fine,” I reply too quickly. “Let’s not talk about me. Tell me about your life for a change. How’s everything going?”Breonna gives me a small smile. “Actually… I think I’ve found my passion.”“Really? How?”“The other day, Emmett took me to this book reading event. It was for an indie author he knows, and I…I think I like the art of it. I might be interested in writing and publishing.”I nod slowly. “That’s amazing, Breonna. But Emmett helped you discover it?”“I know, right? I’m equally shocked.”“So…is there something going on between you two?” Her smile fades a little, and she shifts in her seat. “Well, we’re in a relationship.”Wait, what?My eyes widen in surpri
Damien Shaw I lie in bed for the second straight day, staring at the ceiling of this hotel room. I haven’t shaved. I haven’t eaten properly. I’m a coward, no doubt about it. But it’s not just cowardice. I’m hurt. Angry. My ego is bruised. And yet, that nagging voice in my head keeps whispering, What did you expect, Damien?I don’t know how to move forward. I’ve distanced myself from everything, from everyone. Imogene’s words replay in my mind like a broken record. I was so focused on what she did wrong that I couldn’t see the bigger picture, how I’m the one who’s been running from everything. Running from her. From us. From myself.My phone buzzes, cutting through the silence. I glance at it. It’s a text from Howard. [I’m at our favorite bar. Can we get a drink?]Howard… it’s been a while since we caught up. We’ve known each other since forever, way back when we were just two kids in a neighborhood full of empty promises. Now he’s a CEO of a major conglomerate, and I’m hi
Imogene ScottBreonna comes up with oddly last minutes ideas and she was the one that brought the idea of going on a last minute trip together. Not exactly a trip, but she’s meeting with this Hong-Kong editor for a job interview and she’s refusing to disclose details about, so she urged me to go with her too. To clear my head.I told her you can’t just take a trip all the way to Hong-Kong to clear your head. But when she told me the company would be paying for our tickets, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Plus, I really need to clear my head. Decide on a plan B if Damien really doesn’t come back.Two lives her depending on me now.The plane touches down with a slight jolt, and I open my eyes to the sight of Hong Kong’s vast skyline. I glance over at Lily, who’s still sleeping peacefully in my arms. Breonna nudges me as the seatbelt sign goes off."We're here!" she says.Her voice is carrying that electric excitement she always gets when something big is happening. She unbuck
Imogene Scott I glance at her. “Does this mean you’d move here? To Hong Kong?”Breonna gives me a long look. I’m not really sure what she’s contemplating. Maybe about to tell me I might go back to not having anyone around again.She waves off the question. “Not necessarily. They’ve got branches in other places too. But come on, I’m not expecting to get the job. I’m just taking a leap of faith.”I swallow hard. The taxi arrives and we pile inside. I settle in next to Breonna, Lily still dozing in my arms. Just as I start to relax, Breonna reaches over, grabbing my phone out of my lap and switching it off. I blink.“Hey, why’d you do that?” I ask.She shrugs nonchalantly. “Because. If Damien calls, you’ll answer, and we both know you shouldn’t.”I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off. “Look, if he reaches out, it means he’s finally realized he messed up. But that doesn’t mean you should make it easy for him. He needs to go crazy wondering where you are, wondering if he’
Imogene Scott “So... when were you planning on telling me?” Breonna asks slowly.I blink, trying to stall for a moment, but there’s no hiding it from Breonna. She can see through me. She always could.“A few days ago,” I say softly.Breonna’s eyes widen. “A few days? Imogene, why didn’t you tell anyone?” I can feel her gaze burning into me, waiting for an explanation. I want to explain, but I just don’t know how to. I was all in my head, things spiraled quickly and I just…“I didn’t want to pressure anybody. I didn’t even know how to process it myself.” the words come out slowly even though I’m not even sure they make sense. I feel so confused.“That’s not fair.” “I know,” I mutter, turning to face her. “I’m sorry.” Breonna crosses her arms, studying me closely. “Does Damien know?”I shake my head. “No, he doesn’t.” The idea of telling him makes my stomach churn. What would he even say? Would he care, or would it just complicate everything all over again?Breonna lets out a
Imogene Scott My heart tightens at the sight.“I wonder who Cinderella is, getting married to her Prince Charming over there,” I say wistfully.Breonna glances at the lights, then back at me. “The wedding’s probably tomorrow. I’ve always wanted to attend a beach wedding.”I laugh softly. “I’ve always wanted to have a beach wedding.”“Wishes do come true, you know.”“As if,” I murmur, turning away from the dreamlike scene and back toward reality. As we head back to the room, Breonna grows quiet again, her brow furrowed like she’s deep in thought. I can’t ignore it anymore. “What’s on your mind, Bre?” I ask.She hesitates, chewing on her bottom lip before finally speaking. “I haven’t been able to reach Emmett for a few days now.”I stop. “Really? That’s odd.” Breonna nods. “I’ve tried calling and texting, but nothing. It’s not like him.”“Can I see my phone?” I ask, holding out my hand. “Maybe I can try to reach him.”She hesitates for a moment before she finally hands my phone o
Imogene Scott I continue to stare at the screen, mouth slightly open, watching the news anchor talk about Emmett Harrington, billionaire heir to the Harrington empire. My brain is spinning. A glossy image of Emmett is still on the television, he’s standing tall in a sharp suit.“I knew something was up,” I mutter, leaning back into the couch, shaking my head. “I totally called this. I’ve always known there was more to him.”Breonna, sitting beside me, is pale. She hasn’t said much since we saw his face flash on the screen, but now, she lets out a disbelieving laugh. “He’s been lying to me this entire time. To all of us.” She says it like she’s still trying to convince herself that it’s real.I glance at her. “He’s been lying to all of us, Breonna. And now he thinks giving credit to my gallery on TV is going to make it better? Like it’s some grand gesture to wipe away all the deception?”“How... how can someone be so good at lying? I should’ve known when he said he went to high
Imogene Scott The next day, Breonna and I are fully ready ready to return to LA but our flights got canceled. Something about a technical issue or a booking delay, I can’t even keep track. Now, we have to spend another whole day in Hong-Kong. Good for me, I’m another twenty four hours away from facing my problems. And it’s even more daunting now that ‘Emmett’ problems have been added to it. God, when does this ever end? Breonna, though, looks excited about staying another day. How is she so unbothered? I still can’t wrap my head around how she’s just quote-unquote moved on from Emmett so fast. I suppose it’s easier when you were never in love. Still, it’s impressive how she can bounce back so quickly. We’re sitting in the hotel room now in silence. I can tell Breonna is thinking, she’s probably wondering what to do with this unexpected extra time.“How about we go shopping again?” she says.I laugh a little. “The clothes we bought last time are still packed. I’m not sure I’ll
Imogene ScottIt’s midnight, and I still can’t sleep. I lie on my back, staring at the ceiling because my mind refuses to quiet down. The room is dark except for the faint glow of moonlight seeping through the curtains. The house is silent. I curl my arms around my stomach, my fingers lightly tracing the curve of my belly. Two months. That’s all the time I have before the twins arrive, and yet I don’t feel ready. I barely feel capable of handling Lily some days. How am I supposed to take care of two more babies? I exhale slowly, willing the thoughts away, but they keep creeping back in. Damien was right about one thing—I’ve been forgetful lately. Not just little things like where I left my phone or if I locked the front door, but important things. I should have cleaned up the broken glass earlier. I should have been more careful. What if it had been worse? What if Lily had gotten seriously hurt because of me? My throat tightens. I know I should see a doctor, but the very
Damien ShawI let out a slow breath, my fingers pressing against my temples as I watch Imogene walk out of the room. The door doesn’t slam, but the sound of it clicking shut is just as final. My jaw tightens. Of course, she walked away. That’s what she does when she doesn’t want to hear something, shuts down, closes herself off. I loosen my tie, feeling the frustration settle in my chest. I hadn’t meant to start an argument. But how could she act like this wasn’t serious? It’s not just about her anymore. She’s been forgetting things more and more lately, and now Lily’s gotten hurt because of it. Just a small cut, sure. But what if it had been worse? What if she had stepped on something deeper, something that couldn’t be patched up with a bandage and a sticker? I exhale through my nose, rubbing a hand down my face. Fighting with Imogene never gets me anywhere. She’s stubborn. Too stubborn. But damn it, I don’t want to wake up one day and realize something terrible has happened be
Imogene Scott I carefully press the small, pastel-colored sticker onto the bandage covering Lily’s tiny foot. A smiling cartoon bear grins back at me, as if that alone can erase my guilt. I kiss her forehead, inhaling the soft, baby-powder scent of her hair. "I'm sorry, baby," I whisper, brushing a stray curl away from her face. Lily shifts on the couch, pulling the plush blanket over her lap. "It's not Mummy’s fault," she says in her small, serious voice. "Lily wasn’t careful." My heart clenches. Even at four, she’s trying to take the blame for something that’s entirely mine. I should’ve cleaned up the glass right away. I should’ve been more careful. I lift her tiny hand to my lips and kiss it. "Do you want me to get you anything?" Lily’s eyes brighten. "Chocolates!" I shake my head, smiling despite myself. "You know you can’t have sweets past seven, baby. It’s almost eight." "Please, Mummy?" She pouts, her big brown eyes glaring at me.I sigh. "Fine," I relent,
Imogene ScottI jolt awake, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. For a moment, I don’t know where I am. The room is dimly lit, the heavy curtains keeping most of the daylight out. My heart is racing, my body damp with sweat. I sit up slowly, pressing a hand to my chest. The dream is already slipping away, but I know what it was about. Georgia. It’s always Georgia. My dreams are always about her. Mostly about that night she died.I exhale shakily and push a damp strand of hair from my face. My nightgown clings to my back, sticky with sweat. The dream lingers, making my skin prickle with unease. Why won’t these nightmares stop?I reach for the glass of water on my nightstand, desperate for something to soothe my dry throat, but my hand meets empty space. I blink, frowning. It’s always there. I always leave it there. And then I remember—I moved the jug before my nap. But where? I try to picture it, but my mind feels sluggish, foggy. Did I put it in the kitchen? On the dr
Damien Shaw I’m at my desk, working through a contract revision when Kia steps into my office. I don’t look up immediately, still focused on the document in front of me. “Sir, someone’s here to see you,” she says. I finally glance up, rubbing the bridge of my nose. The first thought that comes to mind is the damn principal. I hope he hasn’t shown up here to grovel in person. I already made it clear—either they fix their behavior toward Lily, or I pull every last cent I’ve donated to that school. I don’t need another pointless apology. But when the door opens wider, it’s not the principal. It’s Sheila. I frown, leaning back in my chair as I take her in. She looks… fine. Not sick. But Imogene told me Sheila was unwell and wouldn’t be coming in for a few days. So what the hell is she doing here? “Sheila,” I say, watching her carefully. “Mr. Shaw.” She nods in greeting. “What are you doing here?” My tone is sharp.She offers a small smile, shifting on her feet. “I was
Imogene ScottI take my time getting Lily ready for school the next morning. With Sheila still sick and not coming in, the task is entirely mine, and I don’t mind. I cherish these moments—though today, my mind feels sluggish. I’m bothered by Georgia’s bracelet I found yesterday and the strange sense of forgetfulness creeping into my life lately. Lily sits on the edge of my bed, swinging her little legs back and forth as I button up her white blouse. She tilts her head back to look up at me.“Mommy, what’s wrong?” she asks. I pause for a second, startled. “Nothing, baby.” I smooth down her collar, making sure it sits perfectly. “I just want to remind you that if anything happens at school, if you feel sick or if someone makes you uncomfortable, you have to tell me, okay?” Lily nods, her curls bouncing with the movement. “Yes, Mommy.” “That’s my good girl.” I kiss the top of her head and take her small hand in mine, as I lead her out of the house. The drive to school is fi
Imogene Scott Lily giggles as she picks at the last piece of her banana pancake. Her tiny fingers are sticky with syrup. I watch her as I rest my head against the back of the chair. But my mind is somewhere else. The bracelet. I close my eyes and tilt my head back, staring up at the ceiling as if the answer is hidden somewhere in the cracks. Did I put it there? Had I forgotten? That’s the only logical explanation. Lately, I’ve been forgetful—missing appointments, losing track of time, misplacing things. Maybe this is just another slip, another thing lost in the chaos of my mind. But it doesn’t feel right. I inhale deeply, my fingers curling into my lap. I need to see it again. “Lily, baby, I’ll be right back,” I say, pushing my chair back. She nods, too focused on her food to question me. I walk upstairs slowly, each step. When I reach my bedroom, I hesitate for a moment before stepping inside. The room is dim. I make my way to the dresser. The drawer creaks
Imogene Scott Lily swings her legs under the table, her tiny feet barely brushing the ground as she happily digs into her mint chocolate ice cream. A small smear of green is at the corner of her mouth. She hums quietly as she eats, completely lost in her own little world. I should be able to enjoy this moment. Watching her be this happy should bring me peace, but it doesn’t. My stomach twists as I stare at her even though my own ice cream is melting in the cup. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have let things get this far. I shouldn’t have let my past mistakes bleed into Lily’s life. She’s just a child, my child, and she deserves to grow up without the weight of my sins pressing down on her. She looks up suddenly, “Mommy, are you okay?” I force a smile, even though my face feels stiff. “Of course, baby.” Lily nods, satisfied with my answer, and goes back to her ice cream. “Very good, Mommy,” she says in her soft, sweet voice before taking another spoonful. I w
Imogene Scott I pull back from Damien’s embrace. He exhales heavily, brushing his fingers over my cheek before saying, "I need to get back to work. I’ll see you at home tonight."I frown. "You don’t think you should go home first? Shower, change?"He smirks, rubbing his jaw. "It’s already midday, I’ll do everything later tonight."I shake my head, wrapping my arms around him again despite the sweat and stress clinging to his skin. "I want to hug you all day even though you smell so bad.""No, I don’t," he scoffs, tightening his hold on me. "You’re just being mean."I smile against his chest, inhaling deeply before stepping back. "Where are you headed now?" he asks, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear."Lily’s school."His expression shifts. "Something wrong?"I open my mouth to say no—because I don’t want to worry him, because I know how he gets—but then I remember: no more secrets. That’s what we promised each other.I press my lips together and nod. "One of Lily’s clas