Colonel Frederick Smyth felt sore in every part of his body, but the pain couldn't compare to the anguish pulsating in his heart. He had succumbed to his desires, indulging in a guilty pleasure that now tormented his soul. His lustful escapade with Caroline had not only left him riddled with guilt but also disappointment that he had betrayed the woman he had vowed to love and cherish. The hours passed like days as Frederick paced his room, wracked with anxiety and regret. His mind was in a whirlwind as he replayed the events of the night before, each memory more excruciating than the last. The image of Caroline's face, those luscious lips that had drawn him in with such ease, continued to haunt him. "What have I done?" he muttered to himself, his hands running through his hair in frustration. He knew the answer, of course, yet he still found himself searching for a way to make it all disappear.The days that followed were a blur of sleepless nights and wracking sobs. Frederick found
Frederick's blood ran cold at Caroline's words. "She knows?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.Caroline nodded, tears once again brimming in her eyes. "I told her. I couldn't lie to her, Frederick. She noticed the awkward mood in the house, and asked."The room seemed to shrink around them as Frederick tried to process Caroline's confession. Eleanor knew. The thought sent a shiver down his spine."What...what did she say?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.Caroline's shoulders slumped, her face etched with pain. "She was...disappointed. Hurt. But she also said that we needed to make up our minds, and do the right thing.""And... what's the right thing?" Frederick asked, his heart pounding in his chest.Caroline shook her head, the strands of her hair brushing against her cheeks. "No need. You already said you were going back to your wife." she stepped forward, placing her hands on Frederick's shoulders. "Or have you changed your mind to be with me?"."I can't do it, C
As the soft morning light filtered through the stained glass windows of Samara's bedroom, she sighed for the umpteenth time as she got ready for her wedding. It was a picture-perfect day for a wedding. Or so it seemed. Clad in her silken white wedding gown, Samara stood at the mirror of her bedroom. Her gaze lingered on her reflection, but her mind was far away. As she reached for the intricate pearl hairpin to adorn her upswept hair, a feeling of dread and uncertainty washed over her. It was as if the weight of the impending nuptials bore down upon her, threatening to crush the fragile joy that had carried her this far. "What if this is a mistake?" she whispered to her reflection. She lowered her gaze, her fingers still grasping the hairpin, now forgotten in her hands. Her eyes fell on the engagement ring that adorned her ring finger, and her mind raced to recall the day Damien had proposed. It had been very unexpected, but followed by a magical moment, filled with pleasure, love
The church fell into a stunned silence as Colonel Frederick made his abrupt departure, leaving Samara, Damien, and the bewildered guests grappling with the sudden turn of events. Samara's heart raced with a whirlwind of emotions - relief at seeing Frederick alive, guilt for moving on, and confusion about what to do next. Damien, his face a mask of shock and hurt, watched as Samara followed Frederick out of the church, his own heart heavy with disappointment and disbelief.“Samara..?" He calls her, stopping her in her strides.She turns to look at him. “That's my husband, Damien..."“Just like that?" he questioned, obviously hurt by the turn around of event.Samara's eyes softened at the sight of the pain in Damien's face, but her resolve did not waver. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her voice quivering with emotion."Damien, you have been nothing but kind and loving to me, and I will always cherish the time we had together," she said. "But Frederick... he's my husband. He's a pa
Back at their house, the air was heavy with tension as Samara met Frederick quietly seated in their dimly lit living room. The weight of unspoken words hung between them, suffocating the silence that enveloped the space.Samara's heart raced with uncertainty as she watched Frederick, his expression unreadable as slowly got up, and began to pace back and forth, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. She longed to reach out to him, to bridge the chasm that had formed between them, but she knew that their wounds ran deep, their hearts scarred by the pain of betrayal and loss.With a heavy sigh, Frederick finally stopped pacing, his gaze meeting Samara's with a mixture of anger and resignation. "I don't know what to say, Samara," he began, his voice strained with emotion. "I never thought I'd see the day when I would lose you to someone else." Samara's throat tightened at his words, her pain mirrored in his eyes. "Frederick, please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I ne
Colonel Frederick couldn't take his eyes off Samara, as she started unbuttoning his shirt, while he undid his belt buckle. Done with his shirt, she helped him with his belt, pushing his pants and underwear off, and he quickly kicks them away. Now they were both naked. Samara's whole body quivered with anticipation. She was breathing hard, everything felt so heightened.He reached out and touched her, her body tensing at his gentle caress as his hands moved slowly, feeling allof her.He eased her back on the bed and she lay beneath me. She touched his face as he lowered his body to hers. She breathed out a deep sigh as she plunged into her slowly and gently. Samara moaned softly, as felt him enter deep into her.Frederick watched her face as she closed her eyes, her body felt so good and warm inside, and he loved her so completely. They moved together in rhythm as hermoans became a beautiful song. He felt a deep joy within him growing and filling him, gaining intensity until it brok
Damien paced back and forth, fuming and cussing. He hadn't spoken to Samara after the intrusion by her resurrected husband at their wedding. He had tried several ways to reach her, but it looked like she was intentionally avoiding him. Why would she do that though? He thought, panicking and stressed, as he worried about what exactly was going on in Samara's head. He needed to know where her head was at? “Damien..?" Sebastian called, as he walked in and saw how restless his friend was. “What's going on?" “What you mean what's going on?" Damien snaps at him. “I was supposed to be a happily married man now." Sebastian sighs. “I'm sorry about that man." “What's worse is she isn't even picking up my calls. She is avoiding me," he complains. “I understand your frustration, but you also have to understand the fact that her husband is back and she is definitely in a difficult situation." Sebastian tried to explain. “What's difficult about the situation though? She loves me and not
Samara's heart felt heavy as she welcomed her sister into her home, wrapping her in a tight embrace. "Thank you for being here," she whispered, a tear escaping her eye. Debrah returned the hug, offering silent support before pulling back slightly to ask, "And what about the Colonel?" "He's at the hospital, getting his wounds checked," Samara replied, leading her sister towards the living room. “Madeleine please get us two cups of tea," she orders, and Madeleine nods and disappears to the kitchen. "How are things between you and the Colonel?" Debrah inquired gently as they settled on the couch. Samara's expression darkened. "Horrible," she admitted with a sigh. "He still hasn't forgiven you?" Debrah asked, concern evident in her voice. Samara shook her head sadly. "He did, but then he found out..." "Found out what?" Debrah prompted, sensing the weight of Samara's words.Madeleine interrupts their conversation as she serves them both with two cups of hot brimming tea, befo
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