RaymondI looked up, blinking in disbelief. An old lady stood in the doorway. Her kind blue eyes were filled with determination.“Mrs. Evelyn! Thank God. It’s you!” Owen shouted, his face lighting up with hope.Evelyn… The name rang a bell. Where did I hear it before? My mind was still blurry. Then, the sudden realization hit me…Of course! She’s Noah’s mother!This was the first time I met Noah’s mother. She looked very gentle. Age hadn’t taken away her beauty and grace. I could even see Noah's shadow in her face. She had the same soft eyes. The same kind smile that had first captivated me when I met Noah. Her presence radiated a quiet strength that instantly put me at ease, despite the turmoil swirling inside me.She was being held by another gentleman. I guessed he was her husband. Noah had told me that her mother had a happy family. He stood by her side with an air of protectiveness, his arm gently supporting her. They looked like a picture of enduring love. A stark contrast to th
NoahI had a long, strange dream. At first, the world in my dream was white and empty. I stood alone. I searched for an exit. But there was no direction, no path. Only a bright, blinding white all around me.“Hello?” I called out. No answer. I heard only my own voice echoing through the void. I felt an overwhelming sense of confusion and loneliness. “Where am I?” I whispered. “What happened?” My heart pounded as I wandered aimlessly through the blank void. My thoughts were spiraling into an abyss of fear and uncertainty.Suddenly, out of the whiteness, several men appeared with wicked smiles on their faces. Their eyes gleamed with malice. I recognized them instantly—they were the ones who tried to rape me. Terror surged through me as they started to chase me. Their laughter echoed in my ears. "No!" I screamed, my voice sounding hollow in the vastness. I ran as fast as I could, my feet barely touching the ground. But no matter how fast I ran, their laughter seemed to grow louder.Then,
OwenI rushed into the room where the nurse and Bob had been staying. My heart pounded as I took in the scene. The nurse lay motionless on the ground, her face pale. I dropped to my knees and tried to wake her up.I shook her gently. She didn’t react. Panic surged through me. I felt something wet on my hand. When I moved it to the back of her head, I found blood. She must have been attacked by Bob. That’s why we found out he escaped too late.I stumbled out of the room, shouting for a doctor. My mind was a chaotic swirl of fear and anger. As I ran back to the operation room, I heard medical staff discuss Noah’s situation. “She had eye movements. That’s a good sign.” The words barely registered, but they sparked a flicker of hope.Raymond was still waiting outside the operating room. His face was a mixture of worry and anticipation. “How is Noah?” I asked, my voice trembling. “What did the doctor say?”“The doctor is checking her condition now,” Raymond replied. His tone was strained b
RaymondThe doctor's words made my heart sink. My poor Noah had been through so much. It felt like the doom was never-ending. How could life punish this innocent, loving, kind woman so much?Owen got a phone call and left the room. I was alone with the love of my life. But she wasn’t fully here with me. “Oh, my Noah... Please, come back to me…”I sat at the edge of her hospital bed, gently touching her face. It was pale and haggard, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman she once was. She had lost a lot of weight during her coma. Her long, dark hair was usually thick, vibrant and wavy. Now, it hung lifelessly around her face. I hoped and prayed my darling would recover without long-term damage.Guilt washed over me. If only I had discovered the kidnapping earlier. If only I had found her sooner. If only I had protected her better, she wouldn’t have suffered so much. I failed her. And I failed Neil. He missed his mother so much.“I’m so sorry, Noah,” I murmured with tears in my eyes. Ev
NoahOn the edge of the dream world, I walked a long, winding road with Raymond. It stretched endlessly before us, shrouded in a hazy twilight. The edges of the path blurred into a fog that enveloped us.Despite the uncertainty, I felt safe with Raymond by my side. I knew he would bring me home safely. We trudged on, our steps synchronized. I couldn’t wait to come back to reality. Back to my family.Suddenly, the thick fog swallowed Raymond. I was alone again. But this time, I wasn’t afraid. I knew beautiful things were waiting for me on the other side.I stood alone in the vast, empty space. Slowly but surely, I began to hear distant voices calling out to me. They echoed around me, filling the void with a sense of urgency and lov
RaymondNoah’s awakening filled me with hope. “Noah! Oh, I’m so glad you’re with us again.” Her eyelids fluttered as she looked around. Yet, she didn’t meet my eyes.Her gaze seemed unfocused. As if she were still lost in her dreams. I tried to reassure myself. I figured she just wasn't fully awake yet.Owen came back with the doctor and a nurse. My heart pounded as they began a physical examination. I waited, my mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts and fears. Would she suffer long-term damage?“Well, she’s out of danger,” the doctor finally said, a slight smile on his lips. “But she has to be kept in for observation.”Relief washed ove
NoahLying there, although too weak to react, I heard every word the doctor said. It felt surreal, like I was trapped in a nightmare. The thought of being blind, even temporarily, was too dramatic. I couldn’t do anything by myself!I wondered how Neil would react if he knew. Thankfully, he was being looked after by his grandparents. Yet, a gnawing fear took hold of me. What if I would never see my loved ones again?When Raymond left the room to get more water, tears filled my eyes. I felt helpless and alone. Owen, sensing my distress, tried to engage me in conversation. I knew he was worried I might sink into negative thoughts. I couldn’t bear the idea of everyone being so distressed because of me.Owen pulled u
NoahRaymond’s reaction made my heart race with anxiety. Despite all the suffering Damian and Josie had inflicted on me, it seemed they weren't finished. Why did Josie despise me so much? Was it mere jealousy, or was there something deeper that I didn’t know about?“What were you saying, Raymond?! Damian Blackwood has a twin brother?!” Owen’s voice rang out as he returned with a nurse.Raymond nodded, his tone grim. “Yes, Damian’s twin brother, Malcolm, was kept hidden by Blackwood. Unlike Damian, Malcolm was favored by his father and groomed to take over the family business. Damian’s arrest must have provoked him to seek revenge. He likely disguised himself as a doctor to infiltrate the hospital. We’re not safe here.&r
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—