Elena's POVAfter a long drive, I pulled up at home, feeling no need to return to work.I walked into the Laurence mansion, my steps steady as I made my way to my room.As I entered the Lawrence mansion, my pace remained steady while I navigated toward Hope's room."Hi, Mummy,” a tiny voice called.I paused, a warm smile escaping my lips as I turned around, staring at my little one racing toward me.He returned, and I had completely forgotten that I asked Mary to pick him up from the hospital earlier on.A smile crept across my lips as I crouched down to his eye level, spreading my arms for a warm embrace.He rushed in, and I lifted him, bathing him with lots of kisses as he giggled.“I was expecting you, mummy,” he said, frowning a little.With a smile still evident on my cheek, I replied softly, “I’m sorry, my love. Mummy was a little busy today. I'll make it up to you.”My lips brushed over his cheeks as I clung to him. An emotional silence engulfed the air. Immediately, I realize
Raymond's POVShe looked at me with a pale face, as if she had seen a ghost.“Who is Joe?” I asked, with a cringe playing on my lips and my brow knitted in anger.Her lips trembled as she tried to speak the words, which were unable to come out.“I don't think I should repeat myself,” I said, closing the door behind me, my eyes piercing into hers and a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.“I don't think he's important,” she mumbled.“What did you say?” I asked, raising my brow as I closed my eyes tightly, attempting to regain control of my breathing.Immediately, Elena rose from the bed, gazing intently into my eyes as she yelled, "He's not important," her voice unwavering and resounding through the room.I scoffed, taken aback by her conduct and boldness.“I’ll find him, Elena.”“And when I do, he’ll regret ever coming close to my wife.” I growled, clenching my fists and anticipating a reaction from her.“I should be getting the papers today. Where are they?” she asked, her voice q
Elena's POVI could tell the strict rules were out because I left the firm to be with Joe.Gently closing my eyes and leaning against one of the pillars in the hallway. My mind wandered into a world of imagination, pondering the possibilities of life without being part of the Lawrence family.“I can't wait for the divorce process to be over,” I mumbled, rolling my eyes as I walked out of the hallway to the modeling division.A smile appeared across my face as I saw Selina looking more gorgeous than ever. I had never seen Selina look this way; her silk gown was tailored to perfection.“Can we speak for a while?” she asked, as a smile played across her lips.“ I replied Okay, nodding numbly. The last conversation we had turned out to be hell. I hope it won't happen again.“Thank you,” she whispered, as she signaled for me to walk with her. I trailed behind her, my curiosity getting the better of me.We sat on her office couch, relaxing, an awkward silence engulfing the air.“Sorry about
Raymond's POVBecoming a ghost at home has never been my style. Whenever I'm home, my family always seems to flock around me for a good time.I had to watch everybody act like I was invincible, like I didn't exist.Well, I deserved all that. Maybe this was the best way to pay for my sins. The coffee cup was cradled in my hand. I took a sip, the hot liquid rushing down my throat.I could still remember Ralph's voice in my head, living rent-free. I felt his presence stalking me, just like he had always done when I behaved nonchalantly.“Raymond, you got to own your life. This sh*t isn't going to help you.”“For fuck sake, Raymond, try having a sense of responsibility.” I could hear Ralph yell as I staggered into the mansion, a warm breath of whiskey escaping my lips.If I could change the taunting fingers of the clock, I would. Weirdly enough, the punishment I had gone through in the past—when I lost my jasmine—was lower compared to the present. How was I going to sign the divorce pa
Raymond's PovI woke up feeling glad that it was Friday. You know what they say about Fridays? All your problems go away on Fridays,” I mumbled as I shuffled through my outfit for the day. I put on a long-sleeved blue shirt over navy blue pants with white Puma sneakers in black shades. Yesterday, I treated myself to a nice haircut, and I have to say, I felt absolutely irresistible.I walked out of my bedroom and made my way downstairs to have breakfast.“Can I have a cup of coffee, please?” I said to Mary as I tucked myself into one of the dining seats. In less than two minutes, Mary walked towards me with the cup of coffee that I requested. "Here, sir,” she said as she handed the cup of coffee to me.Just as I was expecting her to leave after delivering my coffee, she stood right there beside me and said it again.“Sir ma’am, Elena requested that you drive Hope to school today because she wouldn’t be up early.”. However, "I have already prepared Hope for school. When you are rea
Raymond's Pov My heart raced so fast as I wondered what might have happened to Elena and Alana. I rushed out of Concave Bar with Mike, who took the wheel and drove us directly to the accident scene, as I wasn't in the right state of mind to handle driving at that moment. Moving closer to the scene, I could see a barricade tape that stood as a formidable barrier, keeping passersby at a safe distance from the accident scene, law enforcement, and emergency responders. Immediately, I jumped out of the car and ran into the crowd towards the barricade point. “Raymond Laurence,” I said to one of the emergency officials, signifying that I was one of the relatives of the victims. "Alright, sir,” he responded as he let me go through the barricade. Oh my God! I cried out as I had a closer view of the incident. Suddenly, I felt a cold sensation running through my veins; my feet felt numb, and fear made its way into my thoughts as I cited the debris excavated from the scene of the a
Alana's POVMy eyes fluttered open, the beeping of the heart monitor punctuating the air. The smell of antiseptic wafted through the air, assaulting my nostrils. It was obvious that I had been rescued and rushed to the hospital. I was kept on the stiff bed.Pain coursed through every nerve and cell in me, threatening to overwhelm me. I could hear Raymond's voice, panic embedded in the lines of his expression."Elena, are you alright?" he asked, placing his hand on my body to check if I still felt any pain.I tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out easily. My vision was hazy, and I struggled to keep my focus on the shapes moving around me."She isn't in the right state to converse with you," a harsh voice said sternly. "You can speak to her later, Raymond, but not now." The voice was unmistakably Dr. Lucas's.My mother-in-law trembled as she argued with the nurses."You call yourself a nurse, and all you do is stare at my daughter-in-law, huh?" She yelled, anger and frustration
Alana's POVWhat more could ruin my day than the constant bickering of a lady outside? I took a deep breath, and my eyelids fluttered open.“Who could that be?” I groaned in frustration, rolling my eyes.“I want to see my daughter; where is my child?” I could hear the person yell. I listened closely to decipher who it was, and I frowned a bit; it was my mother.“The policemen are still searching for her. I promise you, we will find her, OK?” I could hear Raymond assure her.“That’s all I get! My daughter hasn't been found, and all you do is sit down and give me reassuring words, huh?” She roared, and every word she said was laced with anger.“The cops are working tirelessly to find her. I assure you, we will find her,” Raymond pleaded.“And where is that ingrate? She yelled as the pace of her footsteps increased in my direction.Just as I thought the nagging had ended, the door flung open, revealing my mother as she rushed in, her eyes widening.She halted her move right in front of m
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