RaymondSeveral days ago, I got a call from my father, the previous owner of Elite Vision Enterprises. He had left the business to me when he retired. Despite his age, he was still a powerful and impressive man. I respected him and was slightly intimidated by him. I grew up in Australia with my mother, so he and I were never very close. We discussed business, but kept private matters to ourselves.“Hello, Father. It’s good to hear from you. How is retirement in the Maldives?” I answered the phone."Raymond, hi. It’s lovely here. But I’m planning a trip home soon,” he replied.“Oh, great. I look forward to seeing you again,” I said. He didn’t contact me often - I was curious to hear the reason for his call.“I have an interesting proposition for you, Raymond. The Davis family wants to arrange a business marriage. They’re a rich and powerful family. Being tied to them would be great for our company. You’ve been single for so long now. It’s about time you settled down,” he said. “You’re
NoahRaymond's words shocked me. His father knew about our marriage. My mind raced. What should I do? I turned to Raymond, who was sitting on the edge of my bed. It was late at night, but his words got me wide awake. I asked, my voice barely a whisper, “How does he know?”Raymond hesitated. His eyes locked with mine for a brief moment before he spoke. He explained that his father wanted him to marry Ava Davis to secure a business alliance. Raymond had no choice but to confess our love. It was the only way to refuse the marriage.He reached for my hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “I’m sorry, Noah. I had to tell him. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Not with anyone else. Please, forgive me.”I didn’t know how to respond. A part of me was upset, but another part was relieved. I couldn’t deny that I had grown to care deeply for Raymond. Maybe I was even in love with him. The realization made my heart race. I nodded slowly, “I understand. I think… I think I lo
NoahHis father’s stern expression softened just a fraction. He nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. “Very well. I needed to be sure.”I knew Raymond would do everything in his power to minimize any pain that might come my way. That’s why I answered so firmly when his father questioned me. I needed to show my resolve. To prove that my love for Raymond was real. That my dedication to our family was unwavering.Raymond looked startled, even frightened, by my declaration. His father's gaze remained unreadable. He stated that he had something to discuss with me alone. Raymond immediately protested. His protective instincts kicked in. I gently squeezed his hand, offering a reassuring smile.“It’s okay,” I whispered, hoping to ease his worry. “I’ll be fine.”Reluctantly, Raymond let go of my hand. His concern was evident in his eyes. I followed his father to the study. The room was dimly lit. Shelves lined with books and a large mahogany desk dominated the space. The air was thick with u
NoahI couldn't find the words to describe my mood. The revelation that this had been a test for our love was beyond my expectation. Yet, the relief of knowing I was accepted by his family filled me with a warmth I hadn't anticipated.The antenatal went well. The baby and I were healthy. The doctors and nurses were all very kind and professional. Their equipment was of the newest technology, allowing me to see our baby in 3D. I was amazed at its perfect little features. I asked them not to tell me the gender - I wanted it to be a surprise. As I left the luxurious private hospital, I couldn't wait to share the news of his family's approval with Raymond. And to tell him that our baby and I were healthy. When I arrived home, I was surprised to find Raymond already there. He was sitting on the terrace by the lake in the afternoon sun. His favorite spot to think. I walked up to him, “Hello darling,” I smiled. He turned around. His eyes were red. He had clearly been worrying. The moment
NoahThe day of the family gathering was a flurry of activity. Raymond chose a tailored suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and strong physique. I chose a beautiful, flowing gown. It was a pale lavender, soft and elegant, perfect for the occasion. Raymond couldn't take his eyes off me as I got ready.I had just finished a new set of jewelry and decided to wear it tonight. I carefully fastened the delicate silver necklace, its shimmering amethyst stones perfectly complementing my lavender dress. The matching earrings sparkled in the mirror as I admired my handiwork. Lastly, I clasped an elegant silver bracelet around my wrist, completing the ensemble with a touch of pride and satisfaction."You look stunning," Raymond whispered, his voice filled with
NoahRaymond was worried about me. After ensuring that I wasn’t seriously hurt, he turned to Owen. His voice was icy with anger. “Stay away from Noah, or you’ll pay for what you did today,” he warned. Owen’s reaction didn’t interest me. I was exhausted and just wanted to rest.I turned around and walked away from the drunk, angry man who was once my husband. I found a quiet spot in the garden. Surrounded by the scent of roses, I sat underneath a blooming magnolia tree. Its large white petals were glowing softly in the moonlight. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets created a peaceful ambiance. A much-needed escape from the chaos of the evening.I took a deep breath, letting the sweet fragrance of the flowers
NoahOverwhelming pain swept over me. The last thing I thought before I passed out was, "Who is going to save my baby?" I instinctively called out for Raymond. He’s the only one who would save us regardless.I had no idea how long I had slept for. When I woke up, I saw Raymond’s secretary standing by my bedside. The sterile smell of the hospital and the beeping of machines surrounded me. From the fancy equipment and luxurious bedding, I could tell we were in the same private clinic where Raymond's father got me tested. I wanted to say something, but I could barely make a sound.Stephanie suddenly noticed I was awake. With kindness in her eyes, she said, "Hi, Noah, how are you feeling darling? Raymond has stayed with you for three days and nights and has barely eaten.""Where is he now?" I managed to whisper, my throat dry and sore."He had to get something to eat. His blood sugar was low. He’ll be back very soon," she replied with a gentle smile.Several minutes later, the door burst
RaymondThe loss of our baby plunged Noah into great sadness. She was a shadow of her former self. Her bright eyes were now dull, and her beautiful smile absent. She barely left her room and didn't even sit by the lake anymore. I missed the woman she once was. The kind, intelligent, enthusiastic, loving, creative, passionate Noah. One day, she was sitting in the living room after dinner. Determined to lift her spirits, I brought out a small music box. I found it in a local antique shop earlier that day. It played our wedding song. When opened, the box revealed a couple twirling around in circles. As the gentle melody began to play, I saw a flicker of recognition in her eyes. I sat beside her, taking her hand in mine. I said softly, "This reminded me of you, Noah. All the beauty you bring into my life." For a moment, a faint smile touched her lips. I felt a glimmer of hope that we could find our way back to happiness together. I tried everything I could think of to comfort her, bu
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—