NoahShould I dance with this Raymond lookalike? In my drunken state, it was almost funny. It was like the universe was playing a grand, cosmic joke on me. Here I was, in the middle of a crowded Las Vegas club. Facing a man who looked so much like my husband. The same husband who had broken my heart.I hesitated for a moment, lost between the intoxicating buzz of alcohol and the flood of memories that came with just looking at him. My lips curved into a dazed smile at the ridiculousness of the situation. Thomas interpreted my smile as a yes, and moved in closer. His movements synced up effortlessly with mine as the beat pulsed through the air.I stepped back slightly, raising my voice to be heard over the thumping bass. “Oh no, no… I’m married. To Raymond, in fact.”His eyes widened in recognition. And then he laughed, the sound somehow both charming and mocking. “No way! That explains the look of confusion last night.” His grin didn’t falter as he raised his hands. “Don’t worry, I
NoahThe girls erupted into excited cheers. “Whoa, Noah! A million dollars!” Cassandra beamed at me. Harper was practically bouncing in her seat, her wide eyes glittering with enthusiasm. But I just sat there, frozen, as the reality of my win sank in.Across the table, Thomas leaned back in his chair. His light brown eyes twinkled with amusement. “Looks like luck’s on your side tonight,” he said, his voice low and smooth.I barely heard him over the rush of blood in my ears. What was I supposed to feel? Joy, shock, confusion? It was as though my brain hadn’t caught up with what had just happened. The flashing lights of the casino felt overwhelming. The excited chatter around me was deafening. All I could think about was how unreal it seemed.“Are you okay?” Cassandra asked, her hand squeezing mine. I blinked, pulling myself back to the present.“I... I think so,” I stammered, clutching the chips tightly in my hand. “I just can’t believe it.”The others laughed and cheered again, swep
NoahMy heart sank. Neil needed me. But I was hundreds of miles away. I squeezed the phone tightly, forcing myself to focus on Raymond’s words through the ringing guilt in my ears.“Oh no, I’m really sorry, Raymond,” I stammered, glancing at the table of rowdy gamblers nearby. Their cheers cut through my thoughts. “I can’t today.”There was a pause. A heavy silence that seemed to grow between us. Then, Raymond’s voice shifted, tinged with suspicion. “Where are you, Noah?”I winced, my stomach twisting in knots. “I’m in... Las Vegas. It’s Cassandra’s bachelorette party. Just a few days.”“Las Vegas?” His tone sharpened, laced with shock and something else I couldn’t quite place. Disappointment? Anger? I could feel his frustration even through the phone.“Yes,” I admitted, guilt seeping into my voice. The noise of the casino felt deafening now. The flashing lights were too bright. I shouldn’t have come here. What was I thinking, running off to Vegas in this dire time for my family?Raymo
NoahRaymond's words stung, piercing deeper than I’d expected. His eyes burned with a cold anger that I hadn’t seen in a long time. Fear twisted inside me. I could feel the foundation of our marriage trembling beneath us. But I didn’t want to have this confrontation in front of Neil."Why don't we grab a coffee, Raymond?" I said, trying to keep my voice light. I glanced at Neil. My heart ached at the sight of his pale face and cast-covered arm. “We’ll be right back, honey.”Raymond nodded silently and followed me out of the hospital room. I could feel the tension thickening between us as we walked down the hall.Once we were out of earshot, I turned to him. "Raymond... Why would you say something like that?" My voice trembled, betraying my calm facade. "I came home as soon as you told me about Neil’s injury. Do you really think I’d lie about something like that?"He raked a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. “Well… I just…” He let out a long breath, and when his eyes met mine
Noah“What are you talking about?” I asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. Raymond’s sudden outburst took me off guard. My stomach tightened with anxiety.His expression was hard as he yanked his phone from his pocket, thrusting it in front of me. “What is this, Noah? Who is this man?”I blinked, trying to focus on the screen. I immediately recognized the source of his anger. It was Cassandra’s latest social media post: “Fun in Vegas with the girls! #bachelorette” Below the caption were photos of us at the casino. Most of them were harmless—just us posing with drinks, laughing, enjoying the night—but one photo made my heart stop. It showed me sitting at a small table with Thomas. He was leaning in close. His face was tilted toward mine, as if sharing something conspiratorial.Raymond’s voice was tight, barely holding back the frustration. “You said nothing happened, Noah. Then why were you sharing drinks with a man? And why does he look just like me?”I glanced at the photo again, my th
NoahSwallowing the lump of fear rising in my throat, I slowly pushed the door open. Every sense was on high alert. The apartment was eerily quiet. Nothing seemed out of place at first glance. But that didn’t calm the growing dread in my chest."Hello?" I called out, my voice trembling slightly. Silence greeted me in return.I stepped inside, my hand instinctively clutching my phone in case I needed to call for help. Each step felt heavier than the last as I moved further into the living room. I scanned every corner for signs of an intruder. But everything seemed normal. Almost too normal.Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flicker of movement near the kitchen. My heart leapt into my throat. My fingers fumbled through my purse until I grasped the cool metal of the pepper spray. I carried it with me ever since the Blackwoods incidents.Before I could pull it out, a voice suddenly called, "Surprise!"I froze in place, blinking rapidly as my brain caught up to what had just happe
Noah"Hello?" Thomas’s smooth, deep voice greeted me on the other side of the line.I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts. "Hi, Thomas? It’s Noah."There was a slight pause, and then his voice brightened with warmth. "Noah! It’s good to hear from you. Have you given my offer some thought?"I hesitated, feeling the weight of my response. "I have, and… it’s a great opportunity. But I’m not sure if a full-time job is what I’m looking for right now."He didn’t miss a beat. "Well, there are certainly ways we could work around that. In fact, I’m in Edendale to scout new business venues for a couple of days. How about we meet for lunch tomorrow? We can discuss things further over a meal."I blinked, surprised by the suddenness of his offer. "Oh, uh... sure. That sounds good," I agreed, though nerves were beginning to churn in my stomach."Great! I’ll make a reservation and text you the details." His voice had a natural, reassuring quality. But still, I felt the unease twisting in my chest.
NoahThomas looked past me, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Uh... Excuse me, miss, who are you?" he asked.A sharp, mocking laugh cut through the air. "Who am I? Really, Raymond? Don’t tell me you’re going to pretend you don’t know me…" the woman scoffed, her voice dripping with condescension.My heart sank as I turned to face the figure behind me. She hadn’t changed a bit. Her platinum blonde hair was styled in that same sharp, immaculate bob. And as usual, she was dressed to draw attention—this time in a low-cut, form-fitting dress that left little to the imagination. She was always on the prowl, hunting for another innocent soul to drag into her web of deceit and manipulation."Clara," I said, my voice cold and steady. Though every muscle in my body was tensed.Thomas glanced between us, his curiosity evident. "You know this woman?""We’ve crossed paths…" I admitted reluctantly. I hated even acknowledging her existence. Clara was the embodiment of trouble—no good could come fro
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—