Raymond's POV My fingers continuously drummed an agitated rhythm on the steering wheel, a clear expression that I was growing impatient.“What on earth are they still doing in the hotel?” I mumbled, my voice was heavy in anger.I stole a glance at my wristwatch and realized that two hours had passed since Elena and my father had disappeared into the hotel.“Fuck it!” I exclaimed as I swung open my car's door and climbed down, shutting it angrily.I stormed into the hotel as if I were chased by a wild goose.I walked over to the receptionist, ignoring the piercing eyes of the hotel's staff.“The Laurence. Where did they head to?” I questioned, my voice hoarse.The receptionist; a young beautiful girl, stared at me for a brief moment, as if scrutinizing my features.“You’re Raymond, I guess,” She said seductively while looking me in the eyes.I was thrown off balance by her lack of emotional control. Couldn't she notice my grim face? I was in no mood to flirt with her.“Are you seriou
ELENA’S POVThe rays of the sun crept down the window blinds and rested on my eyelids. I woke up to greet one of the most important days of the Lauren family; Ralph's wedding. My eyes fluttered open, only to realize the other side of the bed was empty. Raymond didn't return from the bachelor's party. I sat upright and my eyes scanned the room for nothing in particular. “Today is going to be a big day,” I whispered as I dragged my feet off the bed and into the bathroom.I turned on the shower and the warm liquid cascaded down my body, enveloping me like a warm embrace; Just what I needed to start my morning.With a towel wrapped snugly around my waist, I stepped into the bedroom, the rhythmic rustle of fabric against my skin as I slipped into my clothes signaling my readiness to join the Laurence household in the buzzing excitement of the day.From the mezzanine, I looked out over the bustle of activity below. Every servant and steward moved with purpose, their feet tapping a steady
ELENA’S POVA smile played on my lips as I used the faucet, the warm water washing over my hands in a gentle caress. The day was indeed lovely, or so I thought."A lovely day indeed," a voice dripped with cold sarcasm from behind me. My reflection in the mirror shifted, replaced by the chilling image of my stepmother, the very person who had traumatized me while growing up. "M-mother," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. It was her daughter's wedding, how could I forget that she was meant to be here?I whirled around to face her, my eyes landing on her hateful stare. A cold laughter reverberated through the atmosphere, sending chills down my spine. "Look at you," she mocked, her hand covering her mouth as she spat out her words. "You're far from the woman you once were."I was taken aback by her statement, confusion swirling in my head. What does she mean by her statement? Who was I previously?“What are you talking about, Mum?” I asked, trying to sound calm.She scoffed,“You a
Raymond's POV Moments after Elena disappeared into the bathroom, she resurfaced with an unusual smile tugging beside her lips. As we danced, I caught the shift in her expression. Her gaze was fixated on the floor, lost in thought. I didn't bother her with questions, certain that if she felt the need to share her worries, she would do it effortlessly.I let the musical notes carry us, our bodies moving in the wordless symphony, hoping the music would trigger a little fragment of joy in her.I watched her slip away from me and mix with the crowd even when I was against her leaving.“Nice performance with Elena, ” a voice said behind me, startling me from my thoughts.With a half cup of whiskey in my palm, I swiveled to find Ralph, wearing a smile on my face.“You stole the show,” he laughed, hitting me on the shoulder in a joking manner.His gaze darted around the corners in search of what I was oblivious to.“Where is she?” he said“Who?” I asked, placing my lips on the cup and gulp
Elena's POVThe curtains fluttered, a gentle caress on my skin as the wind brushed through it. I sat upright on the bed, my eyes darting around the corners of the bed.Raymond wasn't beside me, perhaps he might have headed to work.“Early birds,” I muttered as I stretched my arms and started my day.I dragged my exhausted feet into the bathroom and turned the shower on, the gentle chilling water cascading down my spine. For a brief moment, I had forgotten about the conversation I had with my stepmother and was feeling relieved.As I emerged from the shower, I reached for the towel and wrapped it around my waist as the morning lights peeked through the curtains, casting their soft rays on my body. I walked to the wardrobe and ran my fingers across the dresses that hung there. My gaze settled down on the sky-blue gown; a secret gift Ralph had given me on my birthday. He was the only one who remembered my birthday and gifted me. “Great guy,” I mumbled.I slipped into the soft blue gow
Raymond's POVI paced back and forth, my feet continuously drumming on the tiled floor of the shopping mall. With each minute that passed, my fury brewed. “Where the bloody hell is she?” I gritted, cursing her under my breath as I scanned the area.She called herself Anonymous and had chosen to remain hidden, even after sending such a stupid email to me. Hours had passed since our conversation and she chose to remain hidden.“Coward. She has no balls to speak to me,” I hissed. Does she take me for a joke? Why is she gonna tell me to meet her in the shopping mall and keep me waiting? Is she scared? My eyes scanned the bustling shopping mall marking each face I came across. “Raymond,” a familiar deep voice called behind me, startling me. I turned around to see Mike, wearing a smile that revealed his dents.“What’s up, mate?” he asked, extending his hand for a handshake. I stretched out mine and gripped his hand, feigning a smile.“Chillin’ like a villain dude,”
Raymond's POV I stood there seethed in discomfort as they threw a barrage of different questions at me.“You are meant to protect and keep watch over her”For fuck sake, Raymond, you're her fucking husband!” Ralph barked, visibly irritated by my silence.“I saw her before I met the anonymous lady, where had she gone?” I answered as a look of puzzlement crossed my face.“Are you dumb?” She’s not here, in what other house does she live? My father's voice broke, interrupting my thoughts.“I had a glimpse of her before going out to meet someone,” I muttered, different questions swirling in my mind.“Is that all the information you can provide Raymond?” Ralph snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes at me.I ignored his sarcastic comments and my grip tightened around my phone as I dialed her number, again and again, frustration mounting as each call went unanswered.“Where the fuck could she be?” I muttered, my voice barely audible. “The cops are on it. I've contact
Elena’s PovMy heart raced so fast as I said my last prayers tied up on both hands and legs. “Please let me go!”“I beg of you” “Please, I have a child!” I pleaded again. “My b-b-baby needs m-m-me” I pleaded with a voice trembling in fear and uncertainty as I continued to beg for mercy.It was at that moment that I remembered my little one “Hope” who had just spent just a little over 23 months with me.I couldn't help but worry about how my son would have the same fate I had as a child. “A life without a mother”He is too young to be thrown into the mercy of Alana and My mother-in-law because those two would definitely make his life a living hell.Who can my baby manage on his own? I know he has Mary and my father-in-law but their love cannot be compared to the kind of love he was gonna get from his mother His well-being weighed heavily on my mind as I begged Violet to let me go.Suddenly a masculine voice broke the tension that surrounded the room for so long.“Don't do it, Vee!
Elena's Point of ViewI stood in the poorly illuminated room, tears streaming down my face as I recounted everything I'd been through—the loss, the pain, the gain… everything.I hugged myself, memories of my son flashing before my eyes. I could still see him running toward me and planting kisses on my face. I shut my eyes, letting the tears fall freely, hoping that maybe the pain would go away if I just admitted that I was hurt. I could still hear Ralph's deep voice speaking to me:“Elena, stay strong. Raymond might be a jerk, but once you understand him, you'll be cool with him,” he would tell me each time he saw me drowning in pain.Now, they were all gone. The building made me feel a little uncomfortable with its tranquil state. Raymond, on the other hand, had always been moody, unwilling to discuss anything with me.I wiped my tears with the edge of my palm and stood up. Today, my father-in-law would be buried at the cemetery.I glanced at the mirror. I was dressed in a dark gown,
Raymond's point of viewThe sitting room was filled with laughter and sift clinging of glasses, particularly from my friends. I had invited only a few friends; we didn't want to make it known to avoid the prying eyes of the journalists.My father sat on the stool like a king with a warm smile, watching my friends drink to their satisfaction; it was his birthday.“Where is the baker?” I asked, my mom's eyes scanning the room as I searched for her. Just then, she walked in with the cake cradled in her hand. Her face was covered with a veil; she was an Indian, and maybe she was respecting her culture. I knew little about Indian culture. She had tattoos on her hand, which I observed as she slowly dropped the cake on the table.“I should be taking my leave,” she whispered, her voice tiny.“So early?” Elena asked, walking up to her.“Yeah, I've got some unfinished business to attend to,” she replied, her voice firm.Elena tried protesting, but I stopped her just in time with a kiss, which
Alana's Point of ViewI sat in the corner of the room, my eyes stretched wide as I focused on the window. Cadwell Psychiatric Hospital could be defined as hell. My hair was unkempt and untangled, resting on my pale face, and my clothes were loose, hanging on my shrugged shoulders. I had spent two months in this hell, and no one bothered to reach out to me.I dragged my hair and groaned, my eyes reddening as I thought about Elena. Her life was fixed, and mine was damaged.Just then, a lady walked into the room with a guard, her face pale.“Alana Laurence, you have a visitor,” she said. Visitor? That sounded like a word foreign to my life.I stood from the marble floor and strutted out of the room with her. My heart sank as I stared at Violet on the other end of the table, a smile crawling up her lips. Her hair was tinted, her lips crimson, and she wore a long red gown. She stole my breath away at that moment.She picked up the phone at the other end, her eyes urging me to do the same.
Alana's Point of ViewThe distant hum of machines could be heard, the strong scent of antiseptic evident in the air. I tossed and turned on the bed, pain coursing down my abdomen. I was at the hospital; even without opening my eyes, I knew it.The low, distant chatter of patients and doctors added to my unease, and I had no other option but to let my eyes open.“Damn it,” I cursed, sitting upright. Sweat raced down my forehead as I stared at the doctors and nurses running around me.“She is awake, Doctor,” one of the nurses said, signaling the attention of Doctor Lucas.Maintaining his friendly demeanor, he walked over to me, a smile spreading across his lips.“Alana, welcome on board,” he teased, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. Honestly, his sense of humor sucked. I couldn't believe that I had come to the hospital after being pushed down by Elena.“How do you feel?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.“Better,” I grumbled. To be honest, I felt that he should shut up and
Elena's point of viewEver since my stepmother's burial, Alana's health has deteriorated. She had handled her departure like a grown woman, but now she acts like she lost it. Her change of behavior was secretly causing an alarm. I don't mean to use the word, but she acted insane.“You awake this morning?” Raymond's voice sliced through the air, startling me from my thoughts. A smile tugged beside my lips as he leaned in, his hands cupping my boobs. He pressed my nipples, and I let out a soft moan.“What's bothering my angel?” He asked, his voice hoarse.“Nothin’.” I replied, relaxing on his chest, his cologne dominating the air.“Alright, if you say so,” he whispered, biting my ear, and I giggled in response.“You going to jog today?” I asked, playing with his darkened nipples, which were perched on his muscular pecs.“The only exercise I want to do is with you,” he whispered, rolling me over and staying on top of me. I could feel his bulge harden on my stomach, our gaze fixated for
Alana's point of viewMy eyes were weary as I stared on a pillar, trying to avoid everyone's attention from my direction. The hot, steamy chocolate coffee enveloped the air. I reached out and took a sip, my eyes still fixated on the pillars. It wasn't easy acting like I was grieving my mother; well, I was good at what I did. It was obvious I was better than I had given myself credit for.Raymond stared at me from a distance as he played with Hope. I wasn't a telepath, but I was sure whatever was going on in his mind was clearly not good. The news felt unbelievable in his ears. It was pretty obvious that he wasn't convinced that my mother died so fast, even after he demanded an autopsy.I got up from the couch, walked over to the table, and dropped the coffee cup. I could notice his gaze trailing behind me as I walked out sobbing. I had requested an emergency burial for mom; the authorities had their doubts, but I seventy had my way after so many pleadings from my lawyer and my surna
Alana's point of viewI could feel anger course through my veins as I paced back and forth.My mother had one job to do, and now she screwed it up. If she was as smart as she claimed to be, I wouldn't be stuck in this mess.My knuckles collided with the pillars, and my brows arched as I stared at the mirror in front of me. The beating of my heart quickened as I bit my lips. I rolled my eyes in anger, sinking into the soft mattress. I was torn apart between seeing my mother's face and staying back at home. With a frustrated sigh, I rose, dragging my feet across my spacious room. Striding gracefully with a poised elegance, I walked down the stairs, Elena's gaze trailing behind. She had halted her lively conversation after she saw me. My shoulders shrugged, and I walked outside the sitting room and into my car. The car swerved through the streets, and I got to the police station in no time.The harsh fluorescent light of the prison visiting room flickered slightly as I walked in, my f
Elena's point of viewThe afternoon sun streamed down the window, casting warm glows on the floor.My hand grasped the baking pan as I carefully grazed butter on it, humming my favorite song ‘Bad Guy by Billie Eilish.’ It was Hope's birthday; he just turned six, and we decided to throw a little party. I had chosen not to allow my dad's condition to take a toll on me for now.The scent of freshly baked chocolate cake wafted through the atmosphere, perching on my nostrils. I stood erect as my eyes scanned the kitchen for any other thing that needed to be done; thankfully there was none.Quickly, I dropped everything I was holding and walked into the shower cubicle to wash away the day's exhaustion and grimness. As the cool liquid ran down my spine, I felt a sigh of relief engulf me. Seconds stretched into minutes, and I was done with my bath. Just as I was about to select a gown from the vast collection of clothing in my wardrobe, my eyes rested on the CD, which stayed lazily on the n
Elena's Pov.I was seated by the balcony and delighted in the refreshing cool breeze and invigorating fresh air, which provided much-needed comfort for my stressed body.Been pretty stressed lately, and I was advised by Doctor Lucas to have enough rest. The sweet melodies of the birds nearby transferred a calm sensation into my soul.So lost in thoughts, I jerked upon hearing the shrill sound of my phone ringing. I got back into my bedroom to check who the caller was. On realizing that it was my father's doctor, I picked it up instantly.“Good evening, doctor, please, how is my father doing?” “I am so sorry to break this news to you, Elena; your father passed on in the early hours of the day,” he explained with sadness evident in his voice. What! How!“This isn't happening, W- What happened?” I stuttered with short breaths. My heart raced rapidly as my fears began to resurface. I could feel sweat beads forming on my forehead even with the cool breeze that filled the air.“I have in