NoahThe drive into town was quiet. The silence between Alejandro and me was thick with tension. The sleek black car glided smoothly along the coastal road, the ocean glittering to our right. Despite the beauty of the scenery, my mind was racing. Replaying every unsettling moment with Alejandro. My hands rested stiffly in my lap, my knuckles white as I gripped my bag. I felt trapped. Alejandro’s fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road. He hadn’t said much since I got in the car. But I could feel his gaze flicker toward me every now and then. The silence wasn’t comforting—it was suffocating.We finally arrived in the heart of the town, a bustling area filled with tourists and locals alike. The streets were narrow, lined with colorful shops, cafés, and market stalls. The aroma of fresh bread, spices and coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of distant laughter and chatter.Alejandro parked the car in a shaded spot near the town squar
NoahAlejandro and I walked back to the car. My thoughts drifted to Raymond and Neil, to the safety and warmth of home. I wished desperately that I had never agreed to this outing. But it was too late for regrets.Just as we reached the car, my phone buzzed inside my purse. For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe it was Raymond, finally noticing that something was off. Maybe he would come and rescue me from this nightmare. But as I fumbled to pull out my phone, Alejandro’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with startling speed. “Give it to me,” he said, his voice dangerously low. “No contact.”My heart skipped a beat. There was no warmth in his tone now, only cold command. I hesitated, but Alejandro’s grip tightened. There was no escape from this.Swallowing hard, I handed over my phone. And with that, I surrendered any hope of reaching out for help. Alejandro took it without a word, slipping it into his pocket with an air of finality.Alejandro’s demeanor shifted as he sta
RaymondThe day had begun like any other. When Noah said she wanted to go out by herself, I didn't think much of it. She often needed some time alone, and I respected that. But as the morning unfolded, a growing unease began to gnaw at me. It was subtle at first—a shadow of doubt that lingered in the back of my mind. But by noon, it had settled in my chest, heavy and persistent.Clara seemed to sense my discomfort and was quick to suggest some activities to distract me. “Raymond, why don’t we play a little tennis? You’ve been working so hard lately. You deserve some fun.”I glanced at her, noting the eager smile on her face. “I don’t know, Clara. I have a lot on my mind.”“Oh, come on! Just one game,” she pleaded, her voice sweet and insistent. “It’ll be good for you. Besides, you’re always so focused on work. You need to relax a bit.”Reluctantly, I agreed. The idea of hitting a few balls sounded like a good way to clear my head. We headed to the tennis court on the premises of my vi
RaymondNervously, I clicked on the text and read it seriously, in fear that I might miss a word. But Clara was always distracting me from my phone with trivial conversations.“Sorry, Clara, I need to check the messages. We'll talk about it later. ” I said.“Okay, fine.” She compromised reluctantly and gave me an embarrassed look. The world was finally quiet. Indeed, I was tired of Clara’s constant interruptions. When I read the text it seemed that nothing happened.“Hey babe! Don’t worry, I’m okay. I just need some space. I’m staying at a hotel tonight. Love you x”The message was a small relief… and yet, something didn’t sit right. The tone wasn’t quite right, and why would she stay at a hotel? We were on vacation—this was supposed to be our time together.I read the message again, a knot of confusion tightening in my chest. Clara noticed my hesitation and was quick to jump in.“See? She’s fine, Raymond. Just taking a little time for herself. You don’t need to worry.”But I was worr
RaymondI hoped to get some useful information from him, even though his son might conceal it perfectly. I couldn't miss any opportunity to find my wife.“Sorry about that, my friend,” Roberto’s voice blasted through the speaker, cheerful and oblivious. “You know how it is with the kids.”“Of course, Roberto,” I replied, my mind racing. “I believe I might have met your son at the beach the other day. Alejandro, was it?”“Ah yes, that’s possible. He’s a lifeguard, always out there. I wanted him to take over my company, but he’s not ready. Prefers to spend his time on the beach, meeting exotic girls.” His tone was light, almost proud.“I see…” I murmured, trying to piece together the information.Roberto continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. “I asked around with my staff, but there’s no sign of your Noah. Sorry, my friend.”“No problem, Roberto. I’ll find her.” My voice was strained, barely containing the worry bubbling beneath the surface. “Just one more thing… Your son seems to b
NoahThe luxurious glamping tent was a scene straight out of a romantic film. The large fire bowl burned brightly, casting a warm, flickering glow over the cove. The stars above us shimmered with an intensity that only the darkness of deserted places could offer. The rhythmic sound of lapping waves and the chirp of crickets added to the atmosphere. It would’ve been incredibly romantic—if it weren’t for Alejandro.I was alone with him, in the middle of nowhere. Every part of me wanted to be anywhere but here. The secluded spot, the setup, it all screamed luxury and romance. But it felt like a trap. I had expected to be home by now, with my family, in the comfort of my own space. But Alejandro had made it clear that wasn’t an option. He said that Raymond knew I wasn’t coming home.But how? Had Alejandro used my phone? The thought made me shiver. I was spiraling deeper into a situation that was both terrifying and surreal.We sat by the fire. Alejandro’s gaze was unsettlingly intense a
Noah“Raymond? Clara?” My voice cracked with shock and anger as I stood in the doorway. The sight of them curled up together on the couch was too much to handle. My emotions surged, and I could barely keep myself steady.“Noah… It’s not what it looks like,” Raymond said, his voice tinged with panic as he quickly pushed Clara away and leaped to his feet. His eyes were wide, desperate.I turned on my heel, heading for the door. Raymond followed me, his footsteps echoing in the empty villa. Outside, the cool morning air did little to calm the storm inside me. I was hyperventilating, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.“You lied to me, Raymond!” I shouted, my voice breaking. “The kiss, Clara’s advances—everything was real. You made me believe you, and give you another chance… But you’ve been seeing Clara all along, haven’t you?!”“Noah, no, it’s not like that,” Raymond pleaded, reaching out to me.“Please, don’t try that again,” I snapped, turning to face him with a bitter glare. “I won’t f
Noah“Oh my God,” I muttered under my breath, my heart racing. I quickly diverted Neil’s attention from the glaring magazine covers in the store. "Hey, Neil, look at this! Why don’t we get some extra snacks for the trip back home?" My voice sounded too high-pitched, even to me. He smiled, happily distracted, and dashed off towards the candy aisle.I glanced back at the magazines. A lady nearby had noticed it too, her eyes flicking from the cover to me with thinly veiled judgment. She didn’t even bother to hide the disdain on her face. I could feel my chest tighten as embarrassment and rage battled within me. I needed to get out of there.With Neil trailing beside me, we hurried to the cashier. The line seemed endless. My skin crawled under the weight of whispered gossip. Were they talking about me? Did they recognize me from the magazine? My mind was racing. How did this happen? Did Alejandro set this up, hiring paparazzi to catch us in compromising situations? What would he get out
NoahI opened the box, and there it was—a delicate golden necklace with a teardrop-shaped ruby nestled at the center. It caught the light with a soft, familiar glow.“Wait a minute… Is this…?”Raymond’s smile widened. “The necklace Owen gave you after you saved his life as a child? It sure is.”I shook my head in disbelief, my fingers brushing over the ruby’s multifaceted surface. This was the necklace that had started it all—the one that ended my relationship with Owen, fractured my friendship with Josie, and, in the end, brought Raymond and me together.“No way… Where did you find it?” I asked breathlessly.He took my hand. “I went to Josie’s apartment after she passed away and found it tucked away in a jewelry box. I remembered the story you told me about it. I just knew you should have it back.”Overwhelmed, I looked up at him, my eyes filling with gratitude. He held my gaze, and we shared a lingering, tender kiss. One that was filled with years of love and unspoken promises. As
NoahThe grand hall was resplendent, draped in soft whites, blush pinks, and touches of gold. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the orchestra played a melody that filled the air with romance and elegance. I took a deep breath, looking out over the sea of familiar faces, and then my eyes found Raymond’s.He stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed on me, his smile both proud and tender. The love in his eyes was so deep, so steady, that my nerves began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that filled my entire being.With every step, my heart beat faster, the anticipation building with each note of the music. Raymond’s gaze never wavered, and as I drew closer, I could see the emotion glistening in his eyes.Finally, we reached him. My mother released my hand and turned to Raymond, her own eyes shimmering. She placed my hand in his, her voice choked with emotion. “Take good care of her,” she said softly, her words laced with love and a hint of the strength that had carried us both.Ra
NoahAs I looked at Evelyn, her gentle smile seemed to melt the tension in my shoulders. Her eyes, always so full of determination, held a glimmer of joy as she spoke.“Don’t worry, Noah. It’s good news.”A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me. “Good news?” My voice was barely a whisper.She nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. “The doctor said… well, they said there’s a chance I’ll walk again. The prognosis is good if I keep exercising, eating healthy, and pushing myself.”My relief quickly turned into a grin as the magnitude of her words hit me. “Mom, that’s amazing!”She wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. Her touch was warm and filled with the quiet strength that I’d come to admire even more through her recovery. “I know, right?” She laughed, her voice tinged with the thrill of newfound hope. “I can’t wait for the day I can pick up Rosie all on my own, to hold her without limits.”We sat there, both smiling, both overwhelmed by the idea that she migh
NoahCassandra’s labor dragged on, stretching through two long days. I felt every minute of it from my room. My worry and helplessness coiled tighter with each update. The doctor had ordered me to stay in bed. Although it felt good to rest, I hated that I couldn’t be there for her. She’d been such a support to me during my own labor with Rosie. Her words had steadied me through every contraction and every wave of pain. Now, here I was, stuck in bed while she struggled on her own.Little Rosie was my solace. Every time I looked at her, I felt a soft warmth spread through me, all the worry and exhaustion melting away. She was a tiny, perfect miracle with her miniature fingers and rosy cheeks. I couldn't stop staring at her. Raymond was wonderful too. He moved back and forth between rooms to check on Cassandra and then back to me, sharing gentle updates that kept me grounded.On his fourth or fifth return, Raymond’s expression was strained. He sat by my bed, taking my hand gently. “She
NoahThe words fell like a stone in the room. My heart stuttered as I looked between her and Raymond, my grip tightening around his hand. “What… what kind of complication?”The midwife took a steadying breath. “It seems your baby may be in a posterior position—facing up, rather than down. This can make labor slower and a bit more challenging.”A wave of worry swept over me, and I felt my breaths quicken. Cassandra placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. “Hey, Noah, breathe. She didn’t say impossible—just more challenging.”The midwife nodded, her tone reassuring. “We’ll try some different positions, some movements that might help encourage her to turn. This happens often enough, and there are ways we can support the process.”I nodded, feeling the tension ease a fraction as I met Raymond’s eyes. He gave me a brave smile, squeezing my hand. “We’ve got this,” he murmured. “We’ll help her get into position, and soon, we’ll be meeting our little girl.”The midwife guided me through some po
NoahI stared, slightly panicked, down at the small puddle forming beneath me. Cassandra brought her hand to rest gently on my arm. “It will be fine, Noah. Looks like your little girl has her own schedule,” she said with a reassuring smile. Her voice was calm and warm. Her words broke through my anxiety. I managed a shaky laugh, nodding in agreement.An employee approached, casting an understanding look at the situation. “Don’t worry about a thing—we’ll clean it up,” she said, a gentle smile on her face. “Good luck!” She gave a supportive nod as we carefully made our way out of the store. Cassandra held my arm to steady me.Once we were outside, Cassandra reminded me, “You don’t need to rush to the hospital just yet. They usually want you to wait until active labor is in full swing.” Her calm certainty helped, but I still felt jittery. I immediately grabbed my phone, dialing Raymond’s number. He picked up after the first ring.“Raymond?” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s ha
NoahThe room erupted in cheers and joyful shouts as pink confetti rained down around us. It took a second to sink in: we were having a girl. Barely containing my smile, I felt Raymond’s strong arms wrap around me from behind. He leaned his head close, his voice a low, gentle murmur. “A little girl, Noah… our little girl.”My heart swelled as I looked at Neil, who was watching the confetti with wide eyes. He had a look of pure wonder on his face. It was the brightest smile I’d seen on him since everything that happened, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. He was still healing. But moments like these, surrounded by love, felt like the very first steps toward a new beginning.Evelyn rolled over, her eyes filled with emotion as she held out her hands to us. Slowly but surely, she was regaining control over her muscles. I leaned down to her, and she wrapped her arms around both Neil and me. “Oh, a little girl,” she whispered, her voice thick with joy. “Our family just keeps grow
NoahThe house buzzed with excitement and laughter as we invited everyone inside. Each new arrival was greeted with hugs and cheers. Cassandra's friends—Harper, Lila, and Gia—were here, their faces lighting up when they spotted me. Our trip to Vegas and Cass’s wedding had bonded us. Seeing them again brought a sense of closeness, comfort and normality after recent events. Raymond’s colleagues filled the space with their lively energy, and Simon’s friends mingled easily with Raymond’s parents, whose faces were aglow with anticipation.Neil quickly spotted his friends from school, darting over to hug a small girl with a sweet smile. I couldn’t help but smile knowingly; he’d mentioned her more than once—his little primary school girlfriend. Seeing him run and laugh, his face bright with joy despite the shadows of recent events, filled me with a deep, almost overwhelming sense of gratitude. After everything he had endured, there was hope that he might find his way back to himself. Seei
Noah“Oh, Raymond…” I murmured, my heart brimming with emotion as he knelt before me, the words barely forming in my mouth, tangled up with a happiness that felt almost surreal.He waited patiently, still on one knee. His hazel eyes sparkled with flecks of gold in the bright sunlight. His hand was steady, holding out the ring as if it were a promise. A reminder of how far we’d come. I glanced at my old engagement ring. My fingers trembled as I noticed the way this new ring was designed to nestle perfectly against the first one. It was so unmistakably Raymond—thoughtful, detailed, crafted to fit me like a missing piece.“Yes,” I finally said, smiling through my tears. “Of course, I will marry you… again.”His face lit up with a joy I hadn’t seen in years. He slid the ring into place, its sleek band clicking softly as it nestled against my old ring. The two pieces formed a sparkling whole. As the diamonds caught the golden glow of sunset, it felt like the most perfect reflection of us—