Samara couldn't stop smiling as she walked stealthily back home. Every time she spends with Damien always leaves her flushed and giddy. The passion between them was growing each day, her feelings for him more real. She always looked forward to spending time with him. Was this how love felt? Was she finally experiencing her long life dream? “Where have you been?" She heard a familiar voice ask her. She looks up and sees her husband. He was back? How? When? She thought as she stared wide eyed at him.“When did you get back?" Samara asks, fidgeting a bit as she spoke.“I have been trying to reach you all day but to no avail". He moves close to her and pulls her into his arms. “I was so worried". He whispers to her.“I took a stroll and lost track of time". She lies, hoping he doesn't probe further.“Why did you go alone? Why didn't Debrah follow you?" He inquired.“She asked me, but I had an headache and I couldn't follow her". Debrah cuts in, eyeballing her sister.“Come inside my love
The following day, Samara woke up with a determined resolve. She knew she had to address the conflict within her heart. Gathering her thoughts, she decided to have an honest conversation with Damien. Her marriage to Frederick might have not been what she wanted at the beginning, but she was already getting to enjoy their relationship and accepting him and their marriage. Being an adulterous woman was, and will never be on her bucket list, and she definitely needs to put a stop to this madness.As days passed, Samara focused on self-reflection, seeking clarity and making decisions that prioritized her marriage to Frederick. She spent quality time with him, and ignored Damien completely. When the day reached for Frederick to go, she felt sad. She didn't want him to go. “I'll be back before you know it". He tells her as he pulls her into his arms. “I love you Samara".“I love you Frederick, and can't wait for you to be back". Samara replies looking him in the eyes.Frederick eyes widen
Samara couldn't help but smile at her sister's teasing comments. Debrah has been fond of doing so lately. Ever since she severed ties with Damien, and put real focus on her marriage with Frederick.“I can bet you can't wait to have him back". Debrah continues in her teasing tone.“I miss him a lot, and this is the longest he has been away".“Well, it's just a week away now and you'll be reunited with the true love of your life". Debrah says, smiling at her sister.Samara blushes deeply.“Who would have thought you'll eventually fall in love with the Colonel?" Debrah continues.“I can't believe it myself. He has somehow become my dream man, giving everything I have ever wanted in a relationship". Samara admits. “Can I tell you a secret?" She asks looking her sister in the eyes.“Please do, I am all ears". Debrah says anxiously.“We haven't consummated our union". She says shyly.“Wait, what?" Debrah exclaims in shock.“It was one of the conditions I gave at the beginning of our marriage
As the day of Frederick's return approached, Samara's excitement and anxiety intensified. She meticulously prepared for the surprise dinner, ensuring everything was perfect for their anniversary celebration. Her heart raced with anticipation, the thought of finally reuniting with Frederick bringing both joy and nervousness.On the fateful day, the house is filled with the smells of freshly cooked food. Samara stands in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a meal she has prepared with love. She looks up at the clock in the living room, hoping that her husband will be home soon. She wants everything to be perfect, and she can't wait to see the look on his face when he walks through the door. As the minutes tick by, her excitement builds. Throughout the day, she couldn't contain her restlessness. She rearranged the decorations, double-checked the menu, and glanced at the clock every few minutes. Debrah, noticing her sister's anxiety, tried her best to keep her distracted, helpi
The air was heavy with grief and sadness, but there was also a sense of pride and honor. The colonel's flag draped casket sat at the front of the church. The casket was unfortunately empty, as his corpse was yet to be found from the bottomless sea where the vehicle he was in had dived into after the tragic collision.The church was filled with people, dressed in black. The pews were crowded with friends, family, and colleagues of the fallen soldier. Samara sat close with her family members who had come all the way to the city for the funeral. Debrah's reassuring grip on Samara's trembling hands conveyed more support than words ever could as the funeral service began.The priest's voice, steady and somber, echoed through the hallowed space, sharing passages of solace from the holy book. With heartfelt words, he painted a portrait of Colonel Frederick's unwavering courage and selflessness, illuminating the depth of his sacrifice in service to his nation.When it was time for Samara to s
In the following days, family and friends came to offer their condolences and support. They bring food and flowers, trying to do anything they can to help Samara cope with the loss. However, no matter how much support she receives, the pain of losing Frederick is still too raw and intense. She feels like a part of her has been ripped away, and she doesn't know how to move forward without him. As she struggles to make sense of it all, she wonders if she'll ever be able to find peace and happiness again.“Samara..." Debrah calls her sister's name for the third time, but still no response from her. She walks into her bedroom, and sees her laying on the bed, facing the wall, her back to the door. She is completely still, not even breathing. Debrah panics and runs over to her, shaking her and calling her name. Finally, Samara turns over and opens her eyes, a look of confusion and sadness in them. Debrah breathes a sigh of relief, but it's clear that Samara is not doing well. She's distant
It's been two months since Colonel Frederick Smyth was laid to rest. For Samara, coming to her hometown to heal, was a very good decision. She felt light and better, and the most interesting part was her reconnection with Damien. It felt different this time. Maybe because there was no more Frederick in the picture.She shouldn't be thinking like this, but maybe the universe saw how difficult it was for her to make a choice. She loved Frederick, but still harboured strong feelings for Damien. She couldn't deny she still had those feelings for him. And she was keen to know where the feelings they had for each other will lead them to.“I will be returning to the city this weekend?" Samara announced to her family one evening during dinner.“Really? So soon?" Her Mother asked.“What are you going to do there all by yourself?" Her Father added.“Philandering with her lover". Debrah chips in spitefully.“A lover?" Her father questioned, staring Samara hard in the eyes.“It's so soon, what wil
In the days that followed her heartfelt conversation with Damien, Samara found herself contemplating the words they shared. The uncertainty within her heart seemed to ebb and flow, but amidst the turmoil, a quiet resolve began to form.Gathering her thoughts and feelings, Samara decided to reach out to Damien once more. With a sense of determination, she dialed his number, hoping to find the clarity she sought."Hi, Damien. It's me again," Samara greeted, her voice a mix of nervousness and determination."Hi, Samara. How are you?" Damien's voice sounded warm and welcoming."I've been doing a lot of thinking," Samara began, her voice steadier than she felt. "About us and where I stand."There was a brief pause on the line, filled with anticipation and a silent exchange of emotions."Go on, Samara. I'm here," Damien encouraged, his voice gentle yet supportive."I've realized that despite the pain of losing Frederick, I can't keep living in the past," Samara confessed, her words laced wi
A Few Months LaterThe sun cast its golden glow across the sprawling garden, the air alive with the scent of roses and the gentle hum of a string quartet. Frederick stood at the altar, his tailored suit a perfect fit, but it was the warmth in his eyes that truly defined him. This wasn’t just any wedding. It was a second chance—a rekindling of a love that had weathered storms and emerged stronger than ever.By his side stood Ethan, their little groom, looking dapper in his miniature suit. The boy’s chest puffed with pride as he held the rings tightly in his small hands. His bright eyes scanned the aisle with excitement, waiting for the moment his mother would arrive.The guests—all family and close friends—watched in quiet anticipation, their faces lit with joy. Ella, their sweet little bride, stood at the top of the aisle, her flower basket in hand. She giggled as she scattered petals with each step, her white dress billowing gently in the breeze.And then came Samara.Clad in an eleg
Damien stormed out of Caroline's apartment, his mind a whirlwind of anger and regret. He had thought he could control the situation, but Caroline's scheming had unraveled everything. Samara was gone, her trust shattered, and now he stood alone in the chaos he had helped create.As he drove through the city streets, Damien’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Caroline had pushed too far this time, and he wasn’t going to let her get away with it. He needed to find a way to repair the damage, but what actually could he do to win Samara back? Has he really lost her after all this time of scheming to be with her? Meanwhile, back at Caroline’s apartment, she reclined on the couch, her wine glass in hand, savoring her perceived victory. She had shaken Damien and pushed Samara out of his reach. Everything was the way it should be now. She smiled to herself. If she can't have Frederick, Damien can't have Samara either.----The next morning, Samara woke in Frederick’s arms, sunlight stream
Samara drove aimlessly through the city streets, the cool night air seeping through her car’s cracked window. The confrontation with Damien had left her emotionally drained, but beneath the exhaustion was a strange sense of liberation. For the first time in months, she felt like she was in control of her own story.Her phone buzzed on the passenger seat, breaking her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—Frederick.After a moment’s hesitation, she picked it up. “Hello?”“Samara,” Frederick’s voice was calm but concerned. “Are you okay? You left so abruptly earlier. I was worried.”“I’m... better,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I ended things with Damien.”A pause. “You did?”“Yes,” she said firmly. “I couldn’t stay with him after what I found out.”“I’m proud of you,” Frederick said after a beat. “It takes strength to walk away from something that isn’t good for you.”Samara swallowed the lump in her throat, grateful for his unwavering support. “Thank you, Frederick. I don’t know what
Frederick opened the door almost instantly when Samara knocked, as though he’d been waiting for her. His expression shifted from concern to alarm when he saw the tears streaking her face and the phone clutched tightly in her hand.“Samara, what happened?” he asked, stepping aside to let her in.She walked past him, her body trembling with the effort to stay composed. “I was right,” she said, her voice breaking. “Caroline… Damien… they’ve been working together this whole time.”Frederick frowned, shutting the door and guiding her to the couch. “What do you mean? What did you find out?”Wordlessly, Samara unlocked her phone, pulled up the video, and handed it to him. She couldn’t bear to watch it again, but the sound of Damien and Caroline’s voices filled the room, each word cutting deeper than the last.Frederick’s jaw tightened as he watched. By the time the video ended, his hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, his voice low and furious. “Th
Frederick’s hand covered hers, his touch steadying. “Samara, Damien isn’t the kind of man I’d trust with anything important. But this... this also sounds like something Caroline would orchestrate. She’s manipulative, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.”“But what if he’s lying to me, Frederick?” she whispered. “What if everything we’ve built is a lie?”Frederick hesitated, his grip tightening slightly. “Then you deserve to know the truth. You don’t have to make any decisions tonight, Samara. Take your time. Don’t let them rush you into anything.”She looked at him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. “I don’t know where to go from here.”He gave her a faint, bittersweet smile. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ll figure it out.”Samara felt a sudden rush of gratitude for him. Despite everything they’d been through, Frederick was still there for her, steady and unwavering. She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as the weight of the eveni
Samara sat frozen in her chair, the café's lively atmosphere fading into the background. Her mind replayed Caroline's words, the images she had shown, and the implications they carried. The thought that Damien might have been working with Caroline all along made her stomach churn.Gathering herself, she took a deep breath and stood. She couldn’t let Caroline get to her—not without hearing Damien's side of the story first.---Later that evening, Samara sat in the living room, her arms crossed as she waited for Damien to return home. The engagement ring on her finger seemed to burn against her skin, a symbol of trust she now questioned. The door clicked open, and Damien walked in, his usual confident stride faltering when he saw her expression.“Samara?” he asked, setting his briefcase down. “What’s wrong?”She stood, holding her phone tightly. “Caroline,” she said flatly.His brows furrowed. “What about Caroline?”“She met with me today. She showed me pictures, Damien. Pictures of you
Caroline sat on the plush sofa in her mother’s elegant living room, her legs crossed as she sipped a glass of wine. The tension from the courtroom battle had faded, replaced by a smug satisfaction. Across from her, Eleanor watched her daughter closely, her expression a mix of pride and concern.“Now that you’ve gotten custody of Ella,” Eleanor began, setting her teacup down delicately, “what’s your plan? You’ve won the battle, but what about the war?”Caroline swirled her wine, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Oh, Mother, you know me. I always have a plan.”Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “Caroline, I’m serious. Frederick won’t take this lying down. You’ve poked the bear, and he’s bound to retaliate. You need to be careful.”Caroline laughed lightly, the sound tinged with bitterness. “Careful? Frederick can try whatever he wants, but I’m one step ahead of him. He’s predictable—too righteous for his own good. Ella’s mine now, and I’ll make sure he knows that.”Eleanor leaned forward, her to
As the court recessed for deliberation, Frederick sat silently, his heart pounding. The wait was excruciating.When everyone reconvened, Judge Carter addressed the room. The courtroom was silent as she prepared to deliver her decision.“This case has been difficult,” she began, her tone measured. “Both parents clearly love Ella and want what’s best for her. The court’s role is to determine the arrangement that will most benefit the child.”Frederick held his breath, his pulse pounding in his ears.“While Colonel Smyth has provided a stable environment, the court recognizes the importance of a child having a meaningful relationship with her mother. Ms. Caroline Matthews has demonstrated a commitment to her personal growth and to being a responsible parent.“Therefore, I am awarding primary custody to Ms. Caroline Matthews. Colonel Frederick Smyth will have visitation rights, including alternating weekends and scheduled holidays.”Frederick felt as though the ground had been ripped out
A frown creased Frederick's forehead as he set his briefcase on the table and walked through the house. The kitchen was immaculate, no sign of the half-finished sandwiches Ella often left behind or the coffee Caroline habitually abandoned on the counter.“Ella?” Frederick called again, a hint of worry creeping into his tone.He climbed the stairs to Ella’s room. When he pushed the door open, his heart sank. The room was disturbingly bare. Ella’s favorite stuffed animals were gone, her bookshelves empty save for a stray coloring book. Her pink suitcase—the one Caroline insisted was for “special trips”—was missing from its usual spot in the corner.Frederick’s pulse quickened as he turned and headed to the master bedroom. He flung the closet doors open, his stomach dropping when he saw Caroline’s clothes missing. Drawers that once held her belongings were now empty, leaving only a stray hanger or two.Panic clawed at his chest. He pulled out his phone and dialed Caroline’s number, pacin