The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. Victoria stirred in Nelson's arms, her mind tugged from the haze of sleep by the familiar pang of unease. The warmth of his body beside her was comforting, yet her thoughts drifted back to Gerald—the heartbreak etched into his face as he stood in the doorway.She untangled herself carefully, not wanting to wake Nelson, and padded barefoot to the window. The city below bustled with life, oblivious to the turmoil in her heart. She wrapped her arms around herself, the chill of uncertainty seeping into her bones. Despite the sizziling sex she had with Nelson last night, it couldn't still take Gerald out of her thoughts. It felt odd to be here and not with Gerald.A soft rustle behind her made her turn. Nelson was awake, his dark eyes watching her with a mix of concern and longing. "You're up early," he said, his voice husky from sleep."I couldn’t sleep," she admitted, her gaze dropping to the floor.Nel
Victoria stepped out of the coffee shop, her heart heavy and her mind a swirl of emotions. Gerald’s words clung to her like a shadow, each step away from him feeling like a betrayal of the love they once shared.Her phone buzzed again. She pulled it from her bag, half expecting another message from Gerald. Instead, it was Nelson.Nelson: Back early. Dinner tonight?She hesitated before replying. Being with Nelson had become a way to escape her pain, but now it felt hollow. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard before she typed a short reply:Victoria: Sure.As she slipped the phone back into her bag, her thoughts returned to the strained conversation at the café. Gerald’s pain was raw and real, but his accusations still stung. How could he claim to still love her after what he’d done?The chill in the air bit at her cheeks as she walked toward her apartment. She needed to clear her head, to sort through the chaos.---Nelson was waiting for her when she got home, a bottle of wine open o
Victoria awoke the next morning to an empty bed. The space beside her was cold, the sheets undisturbed, as though Nelson had been gone for hours. Her body ached—a reminder of the night before—but her mind was restless. The unanswered questions from the text thread she’d glimpsed now gnawed at her thoughts.She reached for her phone, only to find Nelson’s still sitting on the nightstand. Her heart raced. He’d never leave it behind.Temptation won.Unlocking it with the code, she scrolled back to the messages with Mildred. The words on the screen froze her in place:Mildred: Don’t forget our agreement. You need to talk to Gerald.Her blood ran cold. What agreement? What were they hiding? And what does Gerald have to do with all of this?Nelson’s voice startled her, breaking the silence. “Looking for something?”Victoria turned to see him leaning casually against the doorframe, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp, watching her ever
Victoria’s declaration hung in the air like a thunderclap. Nelson’s eyes widened, and his lips curled into a satisfied smirk, but she caught a flash of something darker—triumph.“Finally,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “You’re making the right choice, Toria. Gerald doesn’t deserve you or your loyalty.”“He doesn't,” she repeated, her voice shaking. “I need to take control of my life, my future. And my daughter’s.”Nelson stepped closer, his expression softening. “And I’ll be by your side every step of the way. Whatever you need.”But Victoria wasn’t ready to let her guard down. She stepped back, clutching the envelope like a shield. “I’ll handle this myself. I need to get custody of my baby, Nelson.”He nodded his head in agreement with het. “Of course. Whatever you want. I will get you the best lawyer.”Victoria looked away, her thoughts racing. The photograph in her hand was damning, and it gave her the ammunition she needed against Gerald. But it also raised more questions
Monday morning came all too soon. Victoria Morgan contemplated whether to get up and go to work or stay back in bed. The truth she really had no option, if she didn't go to work she could lose her job. She stole a glance at her fiance who was stretched out beside her on the bed. He was still asleep and she took a moment to admire his body in the light. They had spent the weekend together in his apartment, that was after he had asked her to marry him. Nelson Brown was the right man for her, she thought as she smiled at herself contentedly. They've been dating for four years now, but despite so many problems they've had in the relationship she was assured of his love for her and she loved him as well. Victoria braced one hand against the blanket, about to get to her feet when Nelson's hand closed around her wrist. "Where are you going? " he murmured, sounding still half asleep. "It's a Monday morning my love, I have a job to go to. " Toria gave a little shrug, "though I reall
Victoria Morgan walked into the restaurant where her friends were waiting to have dinner together and quickly spotted them at their usual table. "Finally. " said Becca, Victoria's best friend who had helped her when she newly relocated eight months ago far away from Nelson. "I'm sorry I am late. " Victoria said as she drew out a seat to join them. "Aren't you always? " Bianca hissed out. Victoria eyed her, she knew Bianca didn't like her much, she wasn't really fond of her either but she was Becca's friend. "I said I am sorry. " Victoria said angrily. "It's okay, let's order already I am hungry." Becca cuts in. "But Mildred isn't here yet. " Bianca says, "I thought us meeting today is because of the big news she has for us. ""Yes, receiving the news with filled stomach seems better. " Becca scoffed and goes ahead to wave down a waiter. "Hello sweethearts, sorry I kept you waiting. " Mildred greets her friends with a peck each on their cheek before taking a seat with them. "So
Victoria was set aback by the expression on the faces of her friends who had come to take her out that weekend. They had succeeded in cajoling her to leave the work she had brought home and go out with them, and she had took her time to dress up only for them to wear a disappointed look. "What are you wearing? " Bianca asked disgustedly "What's wrong with what I am wearing? " Victoria asked confused. Becca shook her head in disapproval. "No way! You are not coming with us looking like this". "How do I look? " Victoria asked perplexed. "Do you have to ask, wearing such a dress that does nothing but conceals your beautiful shape". Bianca answered instead.Victoria takes a good look at herself. She was wearing a loose-fitting flower print dress with the length below her knee. She also had no jewelry on. "Well, I feel comfortable and really like what I am wearing". "What?! " Becca exclaimed, "what happened to your sense of fashion? ""That's if she had any. Ever since I met her, sh
Victoria Morgan was brought back to reality from the knock on her door in her office. Kate opens and walks in with a scowl on her face. "Didn't you hear me knock? "Actually, Victoria didn't. She was busy replaying in her head everything that has happened during the weekend. "I'm sorry". She said simply, "what can I do for you Kate". Kate hesitated to speak as she took her seat. "How did you spend your weekend Toria?"Victoria looks at her amazed by her question. Her and Kate weren't friends, so why was she interested in knowing that her weekend was far from what she expected. That she had met a fine man but was still not sure she wanted to see where that leads to because her past still haunts her. "Don't look so surprised, "Kate says, "I just couldn't help but notice how early you came to work today. It's very unlike you". "Well, I... " Ring Ring Ring... Victoria's phone interrupts. "That's your ringtone? " Kate says more to herself than to Victoria. Victoria swallows hard, coul
Victoria’s declaration hung in the air like a thunderclap. Nelson’s eyes widened, and his lips curled into a satisfied smirk, but she caught a flash of something darker—triumph.“Finally,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “You’re making the right choice, Toria. Gerald doesn’t deserve you or your loyalty.”“He doesn't,” she repeated, her voice shaking. “I need to take control of my life, my future. And my daughter’s.”Nelson stepped closer, his expression softening. “And I’ll be by your side every step of the way. Whatever you need.”But Victoria wasn’t ready to let her guard down. She stepped back, clutching the envelope like a shield. “I’ll handle this myself. I need to get custody of my baby, Nelson.”He nodded his head in agreement with het. “Of course. Whatever you want. I will get you the best lawyer.”Victoria looked away, her thoughts racing. The photograph in her hand was damning, and it gave her the ammunition she needed against Gerald. But it also raised more questions
Victoria awoke the next morning to an empty bed. The space beside her was cold, the sheets undisturbed, as though Nelson had been gone for hours. Her body ached—a reminder of the night before—but her mind was restless. The unanswered questions from the text thread she’d glimpsed now gnawed at her thoughts.She reached for her phone, only to find Nelson’s still sitting on the nightstand. Her heart raced. He’d never leave it behind.Temptation won.Unlocking it with the code, she scrolled back to the messages with Mildred. The words on the screen froze her in place:Mildred: Don’t forget our agreement. You need to talk to Gerald.Her blood ran cold. What agreement? What were they hiding? And what does Gerald have to do with all of this?Nelson’s voice startled her, breaking the silence. “Looking for something?”Victoria turned to see him leaning casually against the doorframe, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp, watching her ever
Victoria stepped out of the coffee shop, her heart heavy and her mind a swirl of emotions. Gerald’s words clung to her like a shadow, each step away from him feeling like a betrayal of the love they once shared.Her phone buzzed again. She pulled it from her bag, half expecting another message from Gerald. Instead, it was Nelson.Nelson: Back early. Dinner tonight?She hesitated before replying. Being with Nelson had become a way to escape her pain, but now it felt hollow. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard before she typed a short reply:Victoria: Sure.As she slipped the phone back into her bag, her thoughts returned to the strained conversation at the café. Gerald’s pain was raw and real, but his accusations still stung. How could he claim to still love her after what he’d done?The chill in the air bit at her cheeks as she walked toward her apartment. She needed to clear her head, to sort through the chaos.---Nelson was waiting for her when she got home, a bottle of wine open o
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. Victoria stirred in Nelson's arms, her mind tugged from the haze of sleep by the familiar pang of unease. The warmth of his body beside her was comforting, yet her thoughts drifted back to Gerald—the heartbreak etched into his face as he stood in the doorway.She untangled herself carefully, not wanting to wake Nelson, and padded barefoot to the window. The city below bustled with life, oblivious to the turmoil in her heart. She wrapped her arms around herself, the chill of uncertainty seeping into her bones. Despite the sizziling sex she had with Nelson last night, it couldn't still take Gerald out of her thoughts. It felt odd to be here and not with Gerald.A soft rustle behind her made her turn. Nelson was awake, his dark eyes watching her with a mix of concern and longing. "You're up early," he said, his voice husky from sleep."I couldn’t sleep," she admitted, her gaze dropping to the floor.Nel
Victoria sat by the window of Nelson's apartment, her fingers gripping the warm mug of tea he’d handed her hours ago. The skyline outside was a blur of lights, but her mind was somewhere else—stuck in the doorway where Gerald had stood, pleading with her. His voice still echoed in her ears, raw and broken.Nelson moved quietly in the background, and stood behind her. He had sensed her unease since Gerald’s departure, and though he didn’t say much, his presence was comforting. She appreciated it—but it didn’t stop the storm brewing in her chest.Finally, she set the mug down and turned toward him. “Make me forget him, please?”Nelson looked at her, his eyes darkened with lust. The vulnerability in her voice struck him deeply, stirring something primal within him. He stepped closer, his hands finding her shoulders. "I'm not only going to make you forget him, but also male sure you never forget me again, Toria" he said with a hoarse voice that made Toria shiver. She nodded, her breath
Gerald’s car screeched to a halt in front of Nelson’s building. His heart raced, panic gripping his chest. The thought of Victoria inside with Nelson twisted his insides, a vicious knot tightening with each passing second. He had to make her see reason.He parked quickly and rushed out of the car, his footsteps echoing as he approached the entrance. He tried calling her one more time, but it went straight to voicemail. “Damn it,” he muttered, clenching his fists as his mind raced with thoughts of what might be happening inside—Victoria, vulnerable, angry, and in the arms of the man he had always feared would take her from him.He didn’t care about leaving messages. He needed to act now.As the elevator ascended, Gerald’s heart pounded louder in his chest. He could feel the walls closing in around him. When the doors finally opened, he stepped out, his eyes scanning the hallway. There were only a few doors, but he knew where she would be, and he wasn’t about to let Nelson have her. He
Victoria drove aimlessly through the city, her hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, hurt, betrayal—all swirling together in a chaotic storm.She had suspected Gerald of being unfaithful, but seeing him at Mildred’s was confirmation of her worst fears. The image of him standing there, looking guilty and pathetic, was seared into her memory. Her phone buzzed on the passenger seat, and she glanced at the screen. It was— Gerald. For a moment, she considered answering the call, but then she thought better of it. She wasn't ready to talk to him. She needed someone else. Someone who could make her feel good and forget all of her sorrow. Someone like— Nelson.She knew the consequences of going to Nelson. But she didn't give a damn! Her mind was made up. She picks up her phone and dials him.“Hey,” Victoria said, her voice shaky as she spoke into the phone.“Victoria? Why are you calling me?” Nelson's voice cam
As Gerald reached the door, he paused for a moment, his hand on the doorknob. He could feel Mildred's eyes on him, her presence heavy in the room. But he didn’t look back. With a final deep breath, as he pulled the door knob, a sudden knock on the door startled them.Gerald froze, his heart skipping a beat as the sound of the knock echoed through the room. His hand remained on the doorknob, and he shot a glance at Mildred, who looked equally startled. Her expression quickly shifted to one of annoyance, her lips pursing as she walked toward the door.“Who could that be?” Mildred muttered under her breath, her tone dripping with irritation.Gerald’s pulse quickened, a cold sweat forming on his brow. What if it’s Victoria? The thought sent a jolt of panic through him. He stepped back from the door, retreating into the shadows of the room as Mildred reached for the handle.“Wait!” Gerald hissed, grabbing her wrist. “Don’t open it.” he whispered.Mildred raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying
Upstairs, Victoria lay awake, listening to the faint sounds of Gerald moving around the house. Her mind was racing, replaying the events of the past few weeks, searching for clues, for something she might have missed. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something—or someone—was coming between them. The idea that it could be Mildred made her stomach turn. Mildred was the only woman he had cheated on her with. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Victoria decided she would pay Mildred a visit. She needed to know the truth, to hear it from Mildred herself. And if her suspicions were correct, then she would confront Gerald with everything she had. She wasn’t going to let her marriage fall apart without a fight.By the time Gerald returned upstairs, Victoria was already out of bed, getting dressed.“You’re up early,” Gerald said, trying to sound casual.“I couldn’t sleep,” Victoria replied, her tone neutral. “Where were you?”“Just downstairs, needed some coffee,” he answered, avoid