Vivian’s POV…I sink into the sofa, feeling the frustration and disbelief coursing through my veins. My gaze remains fixated on the closed bedroom door, where George has seemingly barricaded himself. The audacity of his actions leaves me dumbfounded and bewildered.‘Why is he doing this? Why is he here instead of being with Megan?’ I can’t help but wonder.Ding-Dong…The sound of the doorbell shatters the tense silence, jolting me out of my thoughts.I hasten to answer the door, half expecting to see Michael standing there. He might be worried. But my expectations are dashed as I come face to face with Megan, her eyes blazing with anger."You… Why are you so shameless?" She starts accusing me, her voice filled with venom. "How dare you seduce George even after the divorce? Are you not ashamed of yourself?"I furrow my brows, taken aback by her aggressive stance. "Excuse me… Stop accusing me when you know nothing," I retort, my voice laced with frustration. She deliberately angers me.
With determination coursing through my veins, I wipe away the lingering tears and retrieve a familiar folder containing my design drawings. As I flip it open, memories of my aspirations and dreams flood back to me.My main focus was on the design of the bridal gown. I had planned to design my own wedding gown at the time. But I never got the chance.George offered a contract marriage to me, and I quickly signed it. The wedding never happened.When I look at the design drafts, my eyes well up with tears once more. Among the neatly organized pages, my attention is drawn to a particular design, one that holds significant meaning.It is the very design that earned me the championship in a prestigious design competition during my university days. A photograph of myself with the trophy in my hands, adorned with a proud smile, is affixed to the corner of the drawing.For a fleeting moment, I allow myself a small smile, reminiscing about the confidence and hope that once radiated from within
George’s POV…As soon as I enter my office, my attentive secretary approaches me. With a composed demeanor, she informs me that Megan has been waiting for me.I squint a little at her and ask, "When did she come?""An hour ago."I nod and sit down in my chair. I know her visit is not solely driven by personal reasons but rather by a professional aspiration to become the brand ambassador for our company's clothing line.Megan is a model, and she looks stunning. I have no objections to her becoming the brand ambassador. But I haven't responded to her yet.The company can find other models, but the management wants to know my thoughts first since Megan is my girlfriend before making any decision.The secretary then narrated to me about the new product line, the wedding dress market. This is an area our company has never tried before."A famous design company has already approached us and expressed their desire to collaborate with us," she says.My curiosity is piqued. I think it is worth
Vivian’s POV…I am so excited to see the response to my email that I sent the day before to the famous design company. They are very happy with my work and want to talk with me. I am excited and nervous at the same time.I get ready and hail a cab to the company.As I enter the premises of the fashion design company, I am greeted by an elegant and modern space that exudes creativity and style. The walls are adorned with framed fashion sketches and fabric swatches, showcasing the artistic essence of the company.The reception area features a sleek, white marble desk where a friendly receptionist welcomes me with a warm smile. Behind her, a large logo of the company is prominently displayed, representing its brand identity and reputation in the fashion industry."Hello… How can I help you?""I am here to meet Miss Amanda Smith.""Your name?" She checks something on her computer."I am Vivian Simons."She smiles at me and says, "Miss Simons, your appointment is already fixed. You can dir
As I step out of Amanda's cabin, a surge of exhilaration washes over me, buoying my spirits higher than ever before. A newfound sense of accomplishment and purpose seems to have taken the place of uncertainty and self-doubt.A radiant smile adorns my face, its glow rivaling the sun's warmth.Unable to contain my joy, I quickly dial Nancy's number, eager to share the news.She answers promptly, her voice filled with anticipation."Nancy, guess what? Amanda offered me the job! I got it!" I exclaim, the thrill evident in my voice.Nancy's delight is palpable as she responds, "Oh my goodness, that's amazing! I knew you could do it! We need to celebrate this momentous occasion, my dear." Her words drip with excitement and genuine happiness for my success.She then suggests, "Why don't we invite Michael to join us? He has been such a pillar of support throughout your journey, and he deserves to share in your triumph."The idea of celebrating with both Nancy and Michael is tempting, as they
The air grows tense, and a mix of emotions floods through me. George's presence triggers a surge of conflicting feelings. Memories of our shared past, the dreams we once held, and the pain of our broken marriage collide within me.George's mother and grandmother wear expressions of surprise mixed with feigned delight at our unexpected encounter. Their forced smiles attempt to mask the underlying tension that hangs in the air."Mr. and Mrs. Simons. What a delightful surprise!" Grandma says. "You are also here for dinner! What a coincidence. Why don’t you join us?"My parents offer warm greetings as well, masking their own inner turmoil for my sake."Thank you, Mrs. Stanley," Mom says. "We appreciate the invitation.I stand there, speechless, staring at George. I see a reflection of the changes that have taken place within both of us.The distance between us is palpable, and it becomes evident that the once unbreakable bond has weakened. The realization dawns on me that I can indeed for
My parents exchange concerned glances. They look surprised by the unexpected turn of events. They remain silent.Grandma’s face contorts with a mix of frustration and resistance, a storm brewing beneath the surface. The weight of her disappointment and disapproval lingers palpably in the air.With measured words and a calm tone, I implore Grandma, "Please, Grandma, let's not resort to violence. We can find a way to resolve this peacefully."Grandma's eyes meet mine, her gaze fills with a mix of resistance and contemplation. The lines on her face soften slightly, betraying a hint of vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior.I continue to hold her gaze, hoping that my words have reached a deeper part of her heart."You shouldn’t be biased against Megan," I say. "If you get along with her, you will find she is good. You should give her a chance."After a tense pause, Grandma lets out a heavy sigh, her anger momentarily subsiding. She takes my hands in hers and asks, "Are you willing t
Amanda's eyes sparkle with anticipation as she shares the exciting news. She leans forward, her voice filled with enthusiasm and a touch of pride.I feel a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I can't help but feel a sense of pride in my work being recognized."That's amazing, Amanda!" I say, my voice tinged with excitement. "I'm honored that they liked my design and want to collaborate with us."Amanda nods, her excitement contagious. "Absolutely, Vivian. Your talent and creativity are truly remarkable. And here is the best part—we want you to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming meeting with the company. You'll have the opportunity to present your design and showcase your vision as the designer."My eyes widen in surprise, and a mix of emotions washes over me. The idea of being the center of attention and presenting my work to a prestigious company is both exhilarating and daunting."I... I don't know what to say," I stammer,
A few months later…The narrator’s POV…The sun bathed the elegant garden in a soft, golden glow as George and Vivian stood beneath a pristine white gazebo, surrounded by a sea of vibrant flowers.The venue for their wedding was nothing short of breathtaking, with its lavish decorations and stunning floral arrangements that seemed to burst with color and life. It was as if the very earth itself was celebrating their union.Vivian, radiant in her ivory lace wedding gown, held a bouquet of exquisite roses in various shades of pink and white, their delicate fragrance filling the air. George, in his dashing black tuxedo, looked every bit the handsome groom, a broad smile gracing his lips.The gazebo was adorned with billowing white fabric, which fluttered gently in the warm breeze. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a soft, enchanting glow over the entire scene. The aisle was strewn with rose petals, creating a path of delicate beauty for Vivian to walk down.As Vivian took her
In the meantime, Evan and Barbe enter. Their faces light up with a grin when they see me awake."Mommy!" The voices that reach my ears are filled with excitement and pure delight. They rush over to me.With open arms, I welcome them eagerly. The warmth of their tiny bodies envelops me, and tears of joy stream down my cheeks. Their presence is a balm to my soul, soothing away the lingering echoes of fear and pain. I hold them close, cherishing every moment of their embrace."My babies," I murmur, my voice quivering with emotion. "Mommy is here. Mommy is fine."Evan's eyes glisten with unshed tears as he speaks, his voice trembling with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety. "You scared us," he admits, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "Barbe has been crying a lot."I brush away their tears, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Shhh, my darlings. Mommy is fine. Look, I'm smiling. Give me your precious smiles."Their grins are like radiant sunshine, and I revel in the warmth of their lo
The guards had been looking for the man who sprayed the powder on the wedding gowns. They finally caught him and interrogated him, and he revealed that Michael had paid him to do that to frame me.He confessed everything to the police.I ordered the PR department to make a statement. Finally, the crisis in the company has been resolved, but Vivian is still unconscious.Thirty-six long hours have elapsed, and her continued unconsciousness gnaws at my very core. I sit by her bedside, my hand clutching hers as if it could coax her back to consciousness. I long for her to awaken, to see those beautiful eyes once again, to hear her voice, and to feel her presence fill the room.Evan and Barbe are worried as well. Tears stain their young faces as they grapple with the fear that their mother may never awaken. It breaks my heart to see them in such despair, and I pull them close, enveloping them in a desperate attempt to offer solace."Why is she not waking up?" Barbe's voice trembles as she
On the way, I receive a video message on my phone from the chief security officer. It is the video recorded on the pendant.As the video message unfolds on my phone's screen, I am drawn into a vortex of shocking revelations. The images and sounds contained within this digital tape serve as a bitter pill to swallow, awakening me to the harsh truth that I've been living a carefully crafted lie for years.My eyes widen in disbelief. The guilt and regret that surge within me is like a turbulent sea, threatening to overwhelm my senses.Vivian, the woman who has always been there for me and who has loved me unconditionally, emerges as the true heroine of that fateful kidnapping incident.I thought it was Megan who saved me from the kidnappers back then, but it was Vivian. Megan twisted the facts and acted as if she risked her life to save me. In reality, she ran away, leaving me in danger while Vivian fought back with the goons. She even partially lost her memory.Tears well up in my eyes,
My body twists and jerks in an attempt to evade the blows, but her strikes find their mark, the impact sending shockwaves of agony through me.Blood drips down my face. I cry out in pain and fear. Each blow feels like a stab of darkness, threatening to extinguish any hope of survival.Megan has gone crazy. She won’t stop until she kills me. But I don’t want to die, not like this, until I punish her. I need to tell George everything."George…" My voice is a raw scream of pain as I plead for George, hoping that somehow my cry will reach him and that he will come to my rescue.Everything is turning black. My eyes are getting closed. I feel a sense of lightness as if I am flying."Vivian…" His voice echoes in my ears, a lifeline that seems just out of reach. Is he truly here, or is he a mirage born from my desperation?The room blurs and the edges of my vision grow hazy as if reality is slipping through my fingers. My body is weakening with every passing minute. I feel like I am leaving t
All the scenes are playing as a recording in front of my eyes. I feel like I am reliving the terror of the past.The goons take us to an abandoned house on the hilltop. They throw us on the cold floor and close the door. The room we're trapped in feels like a desolate prison, cold and damp. The muffled sounds of the outside world barely penetrate the thick walls.George is still unconscious. His forehead is bleeding. I'm driven by a fierce determination to protect him. I tear my dress with my teeth and use the fabric as an impromptu bandage to staunch the bleeding. His vulnerability, lying there unconscious, tugs at my heartstrings.I glance around the room, my eyes landing on the meager comforts of a mattress and a blanket. Gently, I drag George over to the mattress, huddling close to him and pulling the blanket around us, seeking whatever warmth and reassurance it can provide.As the night wears on, George's condition worsens. His fever rises, and he trembles in his fitful sleep.In
Her eyes blazed with a mad intensity, her pupils dilating as she spoke. "I loved him since I was a child," she said, her voice low and even. "I always wanted to be around him, play with him, and marry him. But he liked to play with you. I hated you for grabbing his attention."Megan's confession is both unsettling and tragic. Her childhood infatuation with George has festered into a twisted obsession, and her jealousy of my connection with him has fueled her hatred. Her admission paints a grim picture of her psyche, revealing the depths of her delusion.I feel a cold dread creeping up my spine as she continues to speak. Her words are laced with venom, her anger and resentment palpable.Why is she saying such things? Has she mistaken me for someone else?I have no recollection of playing with George. George and I had never met before high school. I narrow my eyes, trying to process her words.I struggle again, trying to break free from her grasp. But Megan is too strong, her hold too s
As my consciousness gradually returns, the world around me materializes in fragments. The grimy, dilapidated surroundings of the room come into focus, casting an eerie atmosphere that matches the unsettling situation I'm in. Cobwebs cling to corners; shadows dance on the walls of my vision.My head feels heavy, and my ears still ring from the blow I received. I blink, trying to clear my vision, and my heart skips a beat when I realize I'm bound to a chair.The voices, hushed but audible, pierce through the haze in my mind. My senses sharpen, and I strain to listen, piecing together the conversation unfolding before me."I told you to stay away from here. Why did you come here?"I squint as I find this voice familiar. It’s Michael’s voice. Who is he talking with?"Ugh…" I groan and try to free my hands from the ropes that are restraining me.A second voice joins the conversation, and my heart sinks as I recognize it.Megan.The pieces fall into place, and I'm struck by the cruel revela
A few days later…Megan visits me when Vivian is away. I can't help but feel a wave of annoyance wash over me.She is so shameless. She has the nerve to show up in front of me again."George, oh, my God. Look at you, how badly you have been injured." She comes closer to me with tears in her eyes.I used to feel sad whenever I saw her cry. But now I can see through her malicious nature hidden beneath this pitiful exterior. Megan is pretentious. Her tears and sweet words can’t change my perception of her anymore. I now know how cunning she is.She tries to reach out and touch my face, but I swat her hand away instinctively. I don't want her touching me; doesn't she understand that? I glare at her, my eyes flashing with warning."I have completely lost my patience with you, Megan," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "Stop trying to get closer to me. Get lost."She gives me a hurt look as if she is the one who has been wronged. "How could you say such a thing to me?" she asks, her voice