Alton's POVKneeling before my son's funeral, my chest tightened as I gazed at his picture resting on the altar. I had only been gone for a few days, never imagining that my world would shatter upon my return.As soon as the plane touched down in Massachusetts, I rushed to Solana's house, only to find it empty. Mary and Arthur's house, too. Seeking answers, I asked their neighbours, and that's when I received the heart-wrenching news—my son was gone.I drove to the address of the funeral home they had provided, and upon arrival, my heart shattered into pieces. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my gaze fixed on my son's picture."I'm sorry," I repeated, the words echoing through my mind.Guilt, pain, and anger consumed me. Solana was right; I blamed myself for our son's death. If I hadn't insisted on that DNA test, maybe Atlas wouldn't have had an attack. Perhaps he would still be alive today.Kneeling before my son's funeral, I paid no mind to the prying eyes and whispered conversations of
Solana's POVMorning arrived, and I hadn't slept a wink. Mary kept urging me to rest or at least take a quick nap, but I stubbornly refused. Instead, I found solace in staring at my son's photograph.I didn't want to prolong this funeral any further. Today would be the last day."Solana, you should eat," Mary offered me a plate of food, but I merely smiled at her.She sighed deeply, placing the food to the side. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?" she said. I smiled and nodded in response.Tears no longer streamed down my face, but my chest felt tight, and my heart shattered into pieces. I was merely breathing, but I no longer felt alive because the reason for my existence had already departed.I felt as though I had lost my purpose.Attending my son's funeral was a torment no mother should ever endure. It felt as if I had died alongside him. The child I carried in my womb for months and watched grow had been snatched away without warning. It was the most excruciating experienc
Solana's POVAs morning arrived, Arthur and Mary accompanied me to the airport. The weight of leaving behind the place that had been my home for the past five years hit me hard, and tears welled up in my eyes as soon as I stepped onto the plane. This was the place where I had raised my son and where his memories lingered.Once the plane took off, I wiped away my tears, leaned back against the seat, and tightly closed my eyes, mentally preparing myself for the new life that awaited me in New York. Kris had no idea about my plans to fly there, but I knew I could count on her. I needed her help for a fresh start—a place to stay. She was the only person I knew in New York, and I hoped she would be willing to offer me shelter while I searched for a job and began rebuilding my life.After a few hours in the air, the plane finally touched down, and I took a deep breath, mustering the courage to step out into the bustling streets of New York.Carrying my luggage, I exited the plane and scann
Alton's POVI buried myself in work, hoping it would serve as a distraction, but it proved futile.I feigned strength, putting on a facade that I could handle everything, but deep down, I am on the edge of giving up with each passing day.During breakfast, my mother spoke up, breaking the uneasy silence."I attended Atlas's funeral the other day..." she began.I looked at her, eager for more details."His ashes were brought to Solana's house," she added.I nodded, acknowledging that Solana deserved to keep our son's remains."Son..." she hesitated, reaching out for my hand.I could sense that she struggled to express something."Solana came here the day you and Allison flew to New York..." her voice wavered as she started.I stared at her, waiting for her to continue."She pleaded with me to see you..." she finally confessed.My grip on the utensils tightened.I regarded her with a furrowed brow, confusion clouding my thoughts."What did you do, Mom?" I asked, my anger rising.I could
Solana's POVAs Kris saw me, she immediately pulled me into a tight embrace, her eyes brimming with excitement and joy."Are you alone? Where is Atlas?" she inquired, and at the mention of my son's name, the sorrow I had been suppressing surged through me.I mustered a sad smile. "He died," I managed to say, my voice breaking, and the tears I had held back began to stream down my cheeks."Oh my God," Kris exclaimed, panic evident in her eyes. She held me tightly, comforting me with gentle caresses.After a while, we broke the embrace, and I surveyed our surroundings. All eyes were on us."Let's go to your unit," I urged Kris, gesturing towards the elevator. She nodded without hesitation.Together, we pulled my luggage, making our way to her unit. As we entered her unit, Kris guided me to the couch.She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. Taking a seat beside me, she handed it to me, and I mustered a grateful smile before taking a sip.Setting the glass o
Alton's POVI glanced away abruptly when I spotted Solana, not expecting to see her there. The desire to approach her and talk to her overwhelmed me, but I held myself back. I couldn't risk approaching her because I knew I wouldn't be able to stop myself from begging her to take me back. So, I settled for stolen glances.A genuine smile adorned Solana's face as she conversed with a child seating beside her. He appeared to be the same age as our son, Atlas, which explained Solana's fondness for him. My chest tightened as I imagined Atlas in the child's place. I could sense that Solana felt the same way, for I saw longing in her eyes as she looked at the child.After some time, a man joined their table. Solana lifted her head, and our eyes met once again, causing me to quickly avert my gaze. "Are you okay, Mr. Sanders?" Mr Lim inquired.I looked at him and nodded, pretending that everything was fine."You seem preoccupied. Is something bothering you?" he asked, concerned.I shook my
Solana's POVWorking at a coffee shop for a year helped me save enough money to open a physical store in the A & S shopping centre. The mall had recently opened, so the rent was affordable, allowing me to slowly achieve my dream.I decided to quit my job at the café and dedicate all my attention to my newly opened store. On the opening day, Kris volunteered to help me. She had done me so many favours, and I had no idea how to repay her kindness."Do you think I can sell at least one item today?" I asked Kris, my voice tinged with fear.Kris walked towards me, placing her hand on my shoulder. She made me look directly into her eyes and gave me an assuring smile."If no one buys anything, which I highly doubt, I'll buy a piece for you as your avid fan and customer," she said, making me laugh."Thank you," I said, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes."Just make sure you give me a discount," she added playfully.I nodded my head and smiled at her.Kris continued to check the rack
Alton's POVAs I stepped into Sebastian's bar, I accidentally bumped into Allison at the entrance, leaving me with no choice but to walk alongside her. We made our way towards the bar counter, and I took a seat on a bar stool while she settled beside me."It's great to see you again, Alton. It's been years, right?" she asked, her face beaming with a bright smile as if our last encounter had been a pleasant one.I glanced at her and simply nodded. I don't have the energy to engage in conversation, so instead, I ordered my usual drink, scanning the bar for any sign of Sebastian."Where's Sebastian?" I asked, turning to one of the bartenders when I couldn't spot him."He's in the VIP room, sir, on the right wing," he replied. I nodded when I heard his response and patiently waited for my drink before making my way towards the VIP room. Allison followed me, despite my complete indifference towards her.Upon entering the VIP room, I saw Sebastian enjoying drinks with our college buddies
Solana's POVI felt a cold breeze brush my skin as I walked on the shore.The wind brushed my hair and every time I felt its soft embrace I was at peace.It was the usual morning.Crystal blue water.Cold breeze.Fresh air.And them. My family.When I saw my daughter waving her hands at me I waved back and walked towards them a smile never left my lips."Hi Mommy," she happily uttered when I sat beside her father.I opened my arms and the moment I did that she immediately sat on my lap leaving her father."You little traitor," Alton uttered as he playfully pinched Aisha's nose.Her giggles filled our ears. I hugged her tightly and showered her with kisses."Mommy it tickles," she said while laughing so I stopped and made her face me.I stared at her face and brushed off the strands of hair that covered her face."Are you ready to go to school?" I asked.She pouted her lips which made me smile.I can see that she is not yet ready to attend school but she's already four years old so she
Alton's POVI still feel like I am living in a dream.Everything feels too good to be true.I just imagined this to happen and now that it finally came true I feel the happiest.Waking up every morning and being greeted by my wife's beautiful face always put a smile on my face.She looks angelic to look at and I will never get tired of staring at her.The sun is already shining brightly but I am still lying on our bed waiting for Solana to wake up.When I saw her slowly open her eyes my smile grew wider."Good morning," I greeted the moment her eyes met mine.She smiled back at me and stared at my face for quite some time."Good morning," she greeted back.I gently caressed her face and kissed her lips softly."What do you want for breakfast?" I asked.She paused and thought for a while before her lips rose for a smile. She must have thought of something she had been craving to eat."I want avocado toast with lots of strawberries,"I looked at her in disbelief but I guess I need to ge
Solana's POVHappiness. Contentment. Love.That's what I felt as I walked down the aisle.A smile is formed on my lips while tears are about to fall from my eyes.I can feel my heart swell in happiness. Everything looks perfect.Everyone close to our hearts is here witnessing how we will be finally joined in front of God.It was no longer forbidden. We no longer have to hide. We finally found our freedom to love each other without any limitations.It took us everything to get here.I lost my career when I allowed myself to be drawn to the fire of our forbidden love.My mother whom I tried to please my whole life disown me.I lost my friends.My fame.My money.My success.But I found myself.I found peace.I found happiness.When I lost everything and I was on my downfall I thought I was being punished but little did I know God was redirecting me. He is making me realize what I want in life.It's not other people's attention nor the blinding spotlight but peace and a life filled with
Solana's POVI watched her as she walked towards us.I can't believe she's here."Why are you here?" I asked not because I didn't want her here but because I was shocked that she managed to go to Massachusetts without telling me."I want to see you bitch," she said then pulled me into a tight hug.When Kris broke off the hug she stared at my face intently. "I'm happy for you," she said with tears forming in the corner of her eyes.I know she is. She has seen how much I suffered when I tried to hide my relationship with Alton.She held my hand and gently squeezed it before turning her head on Alton. "I'm happy for you too Alton," Alton nodded his head and smiled at Kris. I know Kris witnessed how Alton suffered when I went missing for five years.She was there to help Alton cope. She became our anchor during the worst times.She was there to help Alton find me and to make Alton feel that he wasn't alone in believing that I was still alive."It happened so suddenly and I didn't get th
Alton's POVCold breeze.Sound of waves.Beautiful sunset.And Solana.I wouldn't complain if I would spend the rest of my life here...as long as she's with me.We can build a family here.I am tired of living in the city anyway. I want peace."Let's live here?" I asked while gently caressing her hair.Solana turned her gaze at me and looked at me directly in the eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked.I smiled at her and nodded my head. "Let's raise our kids here. We'll watch them play at the beach. Creating sand castles while we are having our morning coffee and when night comes we can have a bonfire,"Her soft laughter filled my ear. "You plan everything out?" she asked.I smiled at her and gently held her hand. "It's has been my dream when I met you,"I planted a soft kiss on her lips before turning my gaze back to the ocean.After a while, Mary called us for dinner.We walked towards their house and upon seeing their table I couldn't help but be amazed at all the food they had prepared.
Solana's POVThe morning breeze brushed my skin.I haven't opened my eyes yet but I already know where I am upon smelling the fresh air.A smile grace on my lips as I listen to the sound of the waves and my smile grew wider when I felt his warm lips on mine."Good morning," he greeted me the moment I opened my eyes.I stared at his face. I'll never get tired of looking at him. "Good morning," I replied."Let's have breakfast?" I got off the bed and walked towards the glass window where I could see the beautiful sunrise and crystal clear beach."How long had you been awake?" Alton held my waist and hugged me from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulder and buried his face on my neck.I giggled when he started planting soft kisses on my weakest spot. "You smell good," he said as he sniffed my neck."I just woke up,"He's exaggerating it. I know he just said those words to make me smile and it worked."I love your natural scent,"He continued kissing my neck while I softly caressed h
Alton's POVA smile slowly crept on my lips when I heard her say those words.When I could no longer contain my happiness I pulled her into a tight hug."I am not sure yet Alton," she said worry evident in her tone.I broke off the hug and stared at her face."Let's buy a pregnancy test then," I suggested.Fear crossed her eyes so I held her hand and gently caressed it."I won't get mad whatever the result will be, we will just check it,"She let out a deep breath and then after a while nodded her head agreeing to my suggestion.While driving I held her hand. It felt cold so I caress it.I know she's scared to disappoint me. We are ready to have a baby. We are eager to have another child and we always pray for it to happen but if we are not yet meant to welcome another blessing then it's fine, we will just patiently wait for our angel to arrive.After buying the pregnancy test I drove towards the condominium building where we are currently staying.The moment we stepped inside the uni
Solana's POVDays passed and I felt the happiest. I feel free now that I am with Alton.I no longer hide what I truly felt about him."Let's have dinner later," he said before I stepped out of the car.I smiled at him and nodded my head. "Okay," I gave him a quick kiss and I thought that was enough for him but he cupped my face and claimed my lips once again, this time longer.I slapped his chest when I was out of breath. I glared at him...panting. "That's too much," I complained but his smile erased the irritation that I was feeling.He caressed my face and stared at my eyes. "I'm sorry Love I can't help it," he reasoned out then gave me a quick kiss."I'll pick you up later," he reminded me before I stepped out of his car.I waved my hands as I watched him drive away. When his car disappeared I headed inside the mall so I could help Brianna in opening the store.When I reached the store Brianna was already there and a teasing smile was already present when she saw me."What?" I ask
Alton's POVI helped Solana pack her things.It took us an hour before we finished and once done we stepped out of her room carrying her luggage.When we reached the living room I saw Beatrice and Allison waiting for us.They immediately pulled Solana into a tight hug and to give them privacy I stepped out of the house and put all the things that we had packed inside my car.After a few minutes of waiting, I saw them stepping out of the house.Beatrice smiled at me and gently held my hand the moment she got closer."Take care of her," she said so I smiled and nodded my head. "I will,""Don't you dare hurt my sister, Alton," Allison added which made me chuckle.I looked at her and held Solana's waist."I won't do that," After bidding goodbye we drove towards my unit. "Where do you want to build our house?"Solana turned her head on me and stared at my face intently. "I want to live in Massachusetts," she said.I smiled at her and nodded my head. I reached for her hand and planted a