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
As Eleanor heard the name "Colonel Frederick Smyth," a profound respect flickered in her eyes. She couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for this soldier who had endured the harsh realities of war."Colonel Frederick Smyth," she repeated softly, as if testing the weight of the name. "It suits you, my dear. A name with a sense of honor and resilience."Frederick managed a weary smile, touched by the kindness in Eleanor's words. The weight of his experiences seemed to momentarily lift as he shared more about his life as a soldier, the camaraderie forged in the crucible of battle, and the challenges faced on the front lines.“Are you married?" She asked out of the blue.Frederick nods, and immediately his expression dims. His thoughts goes to Samara and how she must be feeling with his absence. What exactly was the information passed on to her concerning him? He thought grimly.“Colonel?" He heard her call him out of his thoughts, her voice laced with worry. “Soon you'll be fit to go
Samara shook her head, trying to dispel the lingering “what ifs.” Dwelling on the past wouldn’t change the reality she now faced. Ethan deserved her full focus, and she couldn’t afford to let her unresolved feelings for Frederick—or the growing cracks in her relationship with Damien—cloud her judgment.Her phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn’t Damien.Debrah: How’s it going? Thought I’d check in after our chat last night. You okay?Samara let out a bitter laugh. Debrah always had a knack for reaching out at just the right—or wrong—moment.Samara: I’ve had better mornings. Frederick just left. Things are… complicated.The reply came almost instantly.Debrah: Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe your life right now. Call me when you’re ready to vent. I’m here.Samara smiled faintly, grateful for her sister’s unwavering support, even when she felt entirely untethered.Her gaze drifted to the table, where her phone displayed Damien’s unanswered text. She hesitated, torn between c
Samara’s resolve felt a little stronger as she finally allowed herself to close her eyes. The weight of the day hadn’t entirely lifted, but Debrah’s words provided a flicker of clarity in the chaos. She needed to stop letting others’ expectations and manipulations shape her decisions.Ethan’s face, etched with innocence and joy, floated into her mind. He was her anchor, her purpose, the one pure thing in all of this mess. She would protect him fiercely—even if it meant standing alone against the storm brewing around her.But as much as she wanted peace, sleep eluded her. Thoughts of Damien, Frederick, and Caroline tangled together, forming a knot of unease in her chest. Debrah’s pointed question lingered too: What’s your plan with Damien?Samara had been dodging the answer. Maybe because deep down, she already knew what it was—she just wasn’t ready to face it.Her phone buzzed again, jolting her upright. The screen illuminated with a message from Damien.Damien: I meant what I said ea
At home, Samara sank onto the couch, her head in her hands. Her phone buzzed on the table, and she hesitated before picking it up.Caroline: I hope you took my advice to heart. Frederick and I are stronger than ever, and I’d hate for anything—or anyone—to come between that.Samara stared at the message, her grip tightening around the phone. Caroline’s words echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of anger, frustration, and something she didn’t want to admit—doubt.Her fingers tightened around the phone, her frustration boiling over. For the first time, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of the tangled mess her life had become.Samara stared at the message, Caroline’s words echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of anger, frustration, and something she didn’t want to admit—doubt.Her jaw clenched as she dropped the phone onto the couch and stood, pacing the small living room. The audacity of Caroline to send such a message infuriated her. It wasn’t just the words—it was the thi
The next day, sunlight streamed through the hospital window, its warmth doing little to ease the chill in Samara’s chest. She sat by Ethan’s bedside, watching him stir awake with a weak but comforting smile.“Good morning, sweetheart,” she whispered, brushing his hair back.Ethan’s small hand reached out, and she held it gently. “Mama’s here,” she reassured him.A knock at the door broke the moment. Samara turned, expecting Damien or a nurse, but instead, Caroline walked in, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.Samara tensed. “Caroline. I wasn’t expecting you.”Caroline offered a polite smile, but her eyes gleamed with a sharpness that made Samara uneasy. “Good morning, Samara. I hope I’m not intruding.”Samara gestured vaguely. “It’s fine. Is Frederick with you?”“No, he’s at work,” Caroline replied, moving closer. Her gaze flickered briefly to Ethan before settling on Samara. “I thought I’d stop by and see how Ethan is doing.”“He’s stable,” Samara answered cautiously.
The tension in the air lingered long after Damien left the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Samara stood frozen, tears blurring her vision as she looked at Ethan, who was now peacefully asleep.Her mind raced, replaying the events of the night. Damien’s words, Frederick’s hurt expression, and Ethan’s fragile smile all swirled together in a maelstrom of emotions. She sank into the chair beside Ethan’s bed, resting her head in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.A soft knock at the door startled her, and she quickly wiped her tears. Frederick stood there, hesitant but resolute.“Can I come in?” he asked softly.She nodded, her voice barely audible. “Of course.”Frederick stepped inside, his gaze immediately drawn to Ethan. His face softened, a blend of awe and heartbreak etched into his features. He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, the silence between them heavy but not unwelcome.“I’m sorry for earlier,” Frederick began, his voice quiet. “I didn’t mean
The hours after Ethan’s transfusion stretched on, filled with tense silences and fleeting moments of fragile hope. Samara sat beside Ethan’s hospital bed, watching him sleep, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest the only reassurance she had. Damien stood by the window, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the cityscape outside, though his mind was elsewhere.Frederick’s words echoed in Samara’s head: He’s my son. The finality of the statement rattled her, each syllable hammering into her heart with unrelenting force. She had spent years building a life with Damien, but this moment had shattered the illusion that their life was complete.Her eyes flit to Frederick, who sat silently across the hallway. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, as his gaze meet hers through the glass.Ethan stir in the bed and soft whimper broke the heavy silence. Samara instantly leaned over him, her voice gentle. “Hey, sweetheart. Mommy’s here.”Ethan blinked up at her, his small hand reaching fo
Samara’s hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone. Damien’s words echoed in her ears, each syllable slicing through her already frazzled mind. Frederick? After all this time? She hadn’t spoken to him in years, not since she had chosen to move forward with Damien.“Samara, we don’t have time,” Damien urged, his voice strained. His usual calm demeanor had been replaced with sheer desperation.She nodded, her fingers unsteady as she dialed the number she had sworn never to call again. The ringing felt endless, each tone heightening her anxiety.Finally, a familiar voice answered. “Samara?”Her breath caught. Hearing Frederick’s voice after so long sent an unwelcome pang through her chest. “Frederick,” she managed, her voice breaking. “I… I need your help. It’s my son, Ethan. He’s in the hospital. They say neither Damien nor I are a match for a blood transfusion. You… you might be.”There was silence on the other end of the line, and for a moment, she thought he might hang up. Then his
Two Years LaterThe morning sun filtered through the drapes of the room, casting a golden glow on Samara as she stood before the mirror in her bridal gown. She turned slightly, smoothing the lace sleeves and adjusting the delicate veil cascading down her back. Her heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nerves—today was the day she’d officially start a new chapter with Damien, the man who had been her rock for the past two years.In the adjoining room, Damien fussed with his tie, a rare grin lighting up his face. He glanced at the reflection in the mirror and chuckled softly to himself. The past two years had been a whirlwind—but today he finally gets what he wanted, everything felt perfect."Samara," he called out, stepping into the room where she stood. "You look breathtaking. Are you ready to finally make this official?"She turned, her smile radiant. “I’ve been ready, Damien. Let’s do this.”Their moment was interrupted by the patter of small feet. Their two-year-old son, Ethan,
Damien nodded, pulling her into his arms, offering her a safe space to release the emotions that had been building up inside her. She allowed herself to cry, feeling the catharsis of finally letting go of the past and the heartbreak that had accompanied it. Damien held her, his presence steady and reassuring.After a while, they moved inside, and he guided her to sit down with him on the couch. “You’ve been through so much, Samara. And now that it’s all out in the open, maybe… maybe it’s time to focus on building something new. For you, for the baby.”She looked at him, wiping her tears. “It feels surreal, letting go of something I held onto so tightly. I thought Frederick would be the one by my side through all of this, but… I guess life has its own plans.”Damien brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Sometimes, what we need isn’t what we think it is. I’ll be here for you, however you need me. I know we’ve both made mistakes, but I’m ready to be there for you and our baby if y