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
The dimly lit lounge buzzed with low murmurs and the occasional clinking of glasses. Damien adjusted his tie, scanning the room before spotting Caroline in a secluded corner booth. She waved him over, her red lips curving into a sly smile.“You’re late,” Caroline said as he slid into the seat across from her.“Traffic,” Damien replied curtly, his eyes narrowing. “Let’s get to the point. Why did you call me here?”Caroline leaned back, swirling her drink lazily. “Samara,” she said, the name slipping from her lips with disdain. “She’s trying to get closer to Frederick again. We both know what that could mean.”Damien’s jaw clenched. “So, you can see it too,” he said, a hint of anger in his voice. “Frederick is also playing the devoted father card, inching his way back into her life.”Caroline leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Frederick still has feelings for Samara. That much is obvious. If they reconnect, you and I both lose. You lose your family, and I l
Caroline stood frozen in shock at her mother's words, her carefully constructed facade threatening to crumble. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. How did her mother find out? No one knew the truth asides her.“Mother,” she began, her voice steady but laced with warning, “you don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Oh, I know more than you think,” Eleanor said, her eyes narrowing. “I also know what you’ve done—coming between Frederick and Samara, ruining their marriage, and using Ella as leverage to keep Frederick close.”Caroline’s jaw tightened, but she forced a calm tone. “I did what I had to for my family. Samara didn’t deserve him, and Frederick deserves someone who truly supports him.”Eleanor's laugh was cold and humorless. “Don’t you dare justify your selfishness as noble. You’ve lied, manipulated, and destroyed lives. Frederick deserves to know the truth.”Caroline’s eyes flashed with anger, her voice dropping to a hiss. “You wouldn’t dare.”Eleanor leaned closer, h
Damien stood there for what felt like an eternity, his thoughts a chaotic whirlpool of frustration, anger, and desperation. He had always been the one to take charge, to steer situations in his favor. But tonight, Samara had shattered that illusion with just a few carefully chosen words.He finally moved, his footsteps heavy as he made his way to the living room. Dropping onto the couch, he pulled out his phone and stared at the screen. A part of him wanted to call Caroline, to vent his frustration and recalibrate their strategy. But another part of him, the part that still cared for Samara beyond his ambitions, wondered if he was losing her for good.The sound of Ethan’s soft laughter from his room broke through Damien’s thoughts. It was faint, accompanied by the muffled sound of a cartoon. The innocence of it was a sharp reminder of what was at stake.Damien ran a hand through his hair and muttered to himself, “I won’t let this fall apart.”Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his hand, jo
Samara sat on the couch, a soft blanket draped over her lap, absently flipping through the pages of a book she wasn’t reading. The knock on the door made her pause. She glanced at the clock—Damien.She stood, her nerves prickling as she made her way to the door. Opening it, she was greeted by Frederick’s warm yet hesitant smile instead.“Hey,” he said softly, holding a small toy truck in his hand.“Frederick, i didn't know you were coming around.” Samara said, stepping aside to let him in. “And you didn’t have to bring anything.”He shrugged, walking into the living room. “I was in the area and decided to drop by." He handed her the toy, "It’s for Ethan. I figured he might like it.”Samara smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture. “He would. He’s asleep now, but I’ll make sure he gets it in the morning.”Frederick nodded, his gaze drifting toward a framed photo of Ethan on the mantle. “He’s growing so fast. Every time I see him, he’s bigger, smarter, more curious.”Samara sat down, g
Frederick’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Caroline, your mother has never been shy about voicing her opinions, but why now? What’s changed?”Caroline took a seat on the couch across from him, her tone softening. “She thinks it’s the best way to stabilize things—for Ella and for us. She’s worried about how things might look to the outside world. And honestly… I can’t say she’s wrong.”Frederick leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. “So, she thinks rushing into marriage is the solution to everything?”“It’s not just about appearances, Frederick,” Caroline said, her eyes pleading. “It’s about giving Ella the stability she needs. Don’t you want that for her?”Frederick’s gaze softened at the mention of Ella. “Of course I do. But marriage isn’t something to be decided because of external pressure. It’s something we should want for ourselves, not just for others.”Caroline leaned forward, placing a hand on his knee. “I want this, Frederick. I want us to be a family, to raise Ella togethe
Frederick hesitated, searching for the right words. “It’s not about what you need to do, Caroline. It’s about us being honest with ourselves—and each other. We’ve been trying to force something that maybe… isn’t meant to be.”Caroline’s eyes widened, and for a moment, her calm facade cracked. “You don’t mean that,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You can’t mean that.”“I don’t want to hurt you,” Frederick said gently. “But we can’t keep pretending everything is fine when it’s not. And your mother pushing for marriage—it’s just another layer of pressure we don’t need right now.”Caroline stared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line as tears welled in her eyes. “So that’s it? You’re giving up on us?”Frederick reached for her hand, but she pulled away. “I’m not giving up,” he said, his voice firm. “I’m saying we need to face the truth. Whatever that may be.”Caroline stood abruptly, her face hardening. “The truth? The truth is you’re still hung up on Samara. You can’t let her
As the door closed behind him, Samara turned to Damien, her eyes blazing. “What the hell was that, Damien?”“What was that?” Damien shot back. “You’re the one who invited him over. What were you thinking?”“I was thinking about Ethan,” she said, her voice rising. “Not that it’s any of your business.”Damien’s expression hardened, and he took a step closer. “It is my business, Samara. I am Ethan's father too, you need to decide where your loyalties lie.”Samara stared at him, her chest heaving with anger. “Maybe you should start by asking yourself the same question.”Without waiting for a response, she stormed off to her bedroom, leaving Damien standing alone in the living room, his fists clenched and his jaw tight.-----Damien paced the living room, still seething from the argument with Frederick and Samara. His hand trembled slightly as he picked up his phone and dialed Caroline’s number. It rang twice before she answered, her voice cautious but curious. “Damien, what’s going on?”
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