Lavinia was suddenly transported back through time and space to a life-altering moment from her past...The day had started out ordinarily enough, with Lavinia going about her usual routine in a state of relative contentment. That all changed, however, when an unexpected text from Karl - her oldest acquittance from childhood and the man she had recently begun rekindling that once-steadfast bond with - had her dropping everything to meet him at the iconic tower in the heart of the city.She could still remember the strange, fluttery feeling in the pit of her stomach as she made her way through the gleaming lobby, the anticipation and excitement building with each step toward the elevator bank. What did Karl want from her so urgently? Her mind raced with possibilities, both wondrous and terrifying in their implications.An instinct told her that things would soon change between them once more when she eventually found him sitting on the top observation deck of the tower."Lavini
“Lavi!” Talia's voice brought Lavinia back from her pensive reverie. “Are you okay with visiting Hartland Tower?" Talia asked.Lavinia nodded, masking her inner turmoil with a slight, forced smile. "Yes, I was just lost in thought for a moment." she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The girls continued their journey to explore every nook and cranny of Hartland Tower and capture memories with their cameras. Her heart, however, fell like a stone into a deep well when they arrived at the floor where Lavinia and Karl had locked a symbolic seal on their love.It stood out like a brilliant monument in the middle of the sea of vibrant locks, reminding her of their love, which had been nothing more than a skillfully constructed lie. The sight caused a lump to form in Lavinia's throat as bittersweet memories flooded her mind."Can we leave? I'm feeling a bit tired," she suggested.Talia and Rosie exchanged concerned glances, sensing the abrupt change in Lavinia's demeanor
"Talia!" Robert bellowed.The look of pure, thunderous rage in his voice was enough to freeze Talia right in her tracks.She spun around slowly to face him, plastering on an anxious, trembling smile in a feeble attempt to diffuse his obvious fury. "R-Robert! Hey, welcome back home; I was just...um...going upstairs for a bit," she stammered, inching towards the staircase.But Robert's next words stopped her retreat cold. "You wrecked my damn car! I'm going to absolutely murder you!" he shouted, his whole body practically vibrating with anger."Eep!" Talia let out a terrified squeak as she immediately backpedaled away from the enraged man with her hands held up defensively.Then she spun on her heel and took off running as fast as her legs could carry her with Robert giving chase like an angry bull seeing red."I'm so sorry, Robert, it was just an accident! Oh god, someone please save me from this madman!" Talia wailed dramatically while darting around the house, desperately seeking ref
Talia felt her heart plummet into her stomach, tears instantly filling her eyes. "I...I can't believe you would ever say something so vile and degrading to me," she choked out, her voice breaking with the depths of her hurt and disappointment. "You've really changed so much, Robert. And not for the better at all."A flicker of guilt and remorse passed across Robert's features for just a fleeting moment before the stony façade slammed back into place. He stepped away from her with tensed jaws before he spun on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving a shaken and tearful Talia alone with only her swirling thoughts for company.The anger and self-loathing radiating off Robert was palpable as he retreated to his room down the hall, slamming the door behind him hard enough to rattle the frame. He flung himself down on his bed and buried his face in his hands. “Damn you, Robert!” he cursed his own stupidity and lack of self-control.How could he have said such an awful, unf
Lavinia slipped through the door behind him before he could close it in her face. "Hey, hold up a sec there, Robert," she said with hands on her hips. "We need to have a little chat about what's going on with you and Talia." Robert sank down on the edge of his bed and cradled his head. "I already know what you're going to say, Lavinia," he mumbled, not looking up at her. "And you're right - I never should have said that vile, disgusting thing to her. It was just...a moment of blind anger and idiocy. I swear, I didn't truly mean it." Lavinia's expression softened slightly at his obvious remorse, yet she remained firm. "Well, regardless of whether you meant it or not, the damage is done," she pointed out, crossing the room to sit beside him. "Talia is absolutely devastated because of what you said to her. She's locked herself away, crying her eyes out over it." Robert flinched, feeling another pang of guilt and self-loathing twist in his gut like a dull knife. He dro
~The next morning~The Carlon family gathered around the dining table with uncharacteristic silence hanging heavy in the air. They picked at their food, making small talk in hushed tones every now and then, as if afraid to disturb the strange tension blanketing the room."Is Talia still sleeping? I didn't see her come down yet." Martin calmly asked as he placed his coffee on the table. Lavinia shook her head. "Yeah, she asked me not to wake her this morning. Said she was feeling really drained and needed to rest up a bit more."A flicker of concern passed over Martin's features at that. But he said nothing. "Listen, there's...there's something else I need to tell you all," Lavinia began, "It's about Karl and me. He signed the divorce papers. All I need to do is sign them myself and then we can get the proceedings started."A stunned silence fell over the table. Four pairs of eyes swiveled to stare at Lavinia with mixed expressions. "Damn, sis...you're serious?" Suga asked,
"We're here to make you pay for your crimes."Karl scoffed derisively. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by a powerful blow to the jaw from Martin's fist. He recoiled, tasting blood, only to be struck again from the other side by Suga."That's for all the tears Lavinia cried because of you," Martin growled, flexing his hand."And that's for the trauma and terror you put her through, you sick bastard," Suga spat, his chest heaving.They rounded Karl until he was weakened beyond belief. By the time Robert stepped forward, Karl was doubled over and struggling to remain upright. The youngest Carlon brother seized a fistful of Karl's hair, wrenching his head back with a snarl. "And this..." Robert swung his free hand back and delivered a brutal knee straight to Karl's groin, "...Is for raping my sister, you piece of human garbage." The soundproofed walls swallowed Karl's agonized scream as he collapsed into a heap on the floor, clutching his violated body. However,
Lavinia stood outside the familiar towering building, mustering up the courage to enter. After a long internal struggle, she finally made her way inside and approached the help desk. "Good evening!" she greeted the receptionist with a gentle smile. "Mrs. Sulivan, it's been a while since you've visited our company, " the assistant responded in kind. "Yes, it has. I was hoping to catch Karl before he left for the day. Is he still in his office?” Lavinia asked hopefully. The assistant shook her head. “I'm afraid not, Mrs. Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan has already left for home.”“Oh, I see,” Lavinia murmured, confused. “Could you please provide me with his current home address? I'm aware he's moved, but I don't have his new address.”The assistant gave her a puzzled look. How could the boss’ own wife not know his address? “Of course, let me write that down for you.” She quickly jotted down the address on a piece of paper and handed it to Lavinia. “Here you go, Mrs. Sullivan.”"Than
When they finally broke apart, he maintained a feigned frown. “Is that all we’re going to do?” he asked gruffly.Lavinia giggled at his attitude. "You're being ridiculous."Before he could retort, she carefully lifted Jan from his arms and settled onto the couch, preparing to nurse the hungry infant. She pulled out her breast from under her light shirt and guided the baby's mouth to her nipple so he could contentedly suckle.Karl watched them for a moment with a complicated mix of tenderness and jealousy. "I think we need to start weaning him off breastfeeding soon so he can drink regular milk," he commented.Lavinia just rolled her eyes at him. She was long used to hearing this complaint from her husband. "Are you seriously jealous of your own child? He's still so young, I can't just stop breastfeeding him like that," she sighed.Karl turned his gaze away, feeling unreasonably envious of the peaceful intimacy between mother and child. He tried to push the feeling aside.“Finally, he's
No sooner were the words out of her mouth than a piercing scream tore from her throat. “Aaaaaggghhhh! It hurts so bad! Karl, help me, please!” She clutched at him wildly.Karl was at a complete loss, watching his wife suffer so terribly.All he could do was hold her and try in vain to comfort her. "I'm here, I'm here...you're doing amazing, just keep breathing..."The medical team burst into the room in a flurry of chaos at the sound of Lavinia's screams. They swiftly but gently transferred her to the bed with the doctor taking charge."Okay Lavinia, you're fully dilated. It's time to start pushing on the next contraction," she instructed."No no no, I can't...I can't do it!" Lavinia shook her head even when the next contraction seized her body.Karl stroked her damp hair back. "Yes you can, baby. You're the strongest person I know. Just focus on me and push, I'm right here..."With a guttural, almost primal scream, Lavinia bore down hard. Her face turned beet red from the exertion."I
~Time flew by in a blur~"I am very nervous," Lavinia confessed while fidgeting with the hem of her maternity dress.The swell of her belly was now undeniable. It was a constant reminder of the life growing within her.Karl reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, everything will be fine. No need to stress," he reassured her before turning his attention towards the doctor in anticipation.The doctor was getting ready to deliver the news that everyone had been waiting for."Here we go. Are you both ready to find out the gender of your little one?" the doctor asked.Lavinia and Karl nodded eagerly. They had discussed this moment countless times while imagining the different scenarios that could unfold.The doctor smiled. “Congratulations, you will have a son."Karl's face lit up with joy, "Did you hear that, my love? We're going to have a little boy, a little Sulivan who will look just like you," he exclaimed.Lavinia's smile mirrored his happiness.
Now that he was fully awake and alert, Karl pushed himself up on one elbow to study her expression. “Are you in pain?” he asked urgently, his mind instantly leaping to worst-case scenarios about her and their unborn child’s wellbeing.But Lavinia was quick to ease his fears, offering him a small, almost embarrassed smile. "No, no, it's not that at all," she reassured him before pausing momentarily. "I...well, I have a craving. For oranges."The tension seeped out of Karl's shoulders after registering her words. He let out a quiet chuckle of relief.He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "Oranges? At this hour?" he teased. "You do realize it's well past midnight, and we're not exactly in peak orange season right now."Lavinia's expression fell into a mild pout. The desire for those oranges seemed so strong, so urgent in that moment, even if she understood the unlikelihood of finding any at this late hour.Sensing her letdown, Karl quickly backtracked. "But don't worry, my love. I
It was truly a night to remember.Andre and Rosie found themselves in the quiet of their hotel room, where they were able to spend some quality time together.While Andre's hands were softly put next to Rosie's head against the door as he gazed into her eyes intensely."What are you doing?" Rosie's voice trembled."Why are you so tense? Are you afraid?" Andre asked before caressing her cheeks tenderly.Rosie offered him a smile and shook her head. "I'm not... I just...""Don’t be nervous, just let yourself go. I'll never hurt you, my love. Everything will be fine, trust me," Andre reassured her.Rosie battled to restrain her reactions as he moved in and pressed soft kisses along her neck. She bit her lip in an attempt to suppress her moans."I love you, Rosie, you know that," Andre murmured.Rosie nodded. "I know, my love, and I love you too," she managed to say before their lips met in a tender kiss.Andre carefully lifted Rosie in his arms before carrying her to the bed. He gently s
Karl’s grin broadened at her words and he drew the quilt over them both before they welcomed dreamland together.The next day, Lavinia was standing in the middle of the dressing room, clad in just her underwear, angling her body towards the full-length mirror. With a small smile, she ran her hands over the gentle swell of her baby bump, admiring the changes pregnancy was bringing to her figure.She grabbed her phone and started snapping a series of photos from various angles in an attempt to document this special journey.The bathroom door opened and Karl stepped in, fresh from the shower with a towel slung low around his hips.He raised an eyebrow at his wife's actions. "Uh, what're you doing there, babe?"Lavinia glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "I'm taking belly pics! Wanna get in on this?" She motioned for him to join her. "I want to have photos documenting my whole pregnancy so we can look back on it."Without hesitation, Karl crossed the room and wrapped his arms snugly ar
“Is my husband still angry with me?” she murmured.She could feel the scorching heat of his body through the thin silk of her negligee and smell the warm, musky scent of his skin. It made her head spin with a dizzying rush of want.Before Karl could respond, Lavinia closed the scant distance between them and captured his lips in a deep, hungry kiss.For a long, heated moment he seemed to melt against her. His mouth moved in tandem with hers as one of his hands slid up to fist in her hair.A low rumbling groan of pure masculine appreciation vibrated against her lips and it made her shiver with delight.Then, all at once, Karl seemed to come to his senses. He tore his mouth away from hers with a harsh curse. His hands quickly dropped away from her as if she had scorched him."Dammit, Lavinia," he growled.There was an unmistakable bulge tenting the front of his pajama pants. "Don't do this, not tonight. I'm serious."Lavinia felt her heart plummet at the rejection. "But Karl--""No buts.
Lavinia felt her stomach twist itself into an anxious knot when the realization struck her. Karl must have retreated upstairs to their bedroom, no doubt seeking the solitude and space his anger and hurt seemed to demand.She wavered in the doorway for a long moment, chewing nervously on her lower lip while weighing her options.Part of her wanted nothing more than to leave him be, to give him the time and distance he so clearly needed to process whatever emotions were raging inside him over the disastrous misunderstanding.Another, deeper part of her, however, knew that putting off a reconciliation would only breed more resentment and pain between them.No, better to bite the bullet and face the awkwardness head-on no matter how painful it might be.Drawing a fortifying breath, Lavinia finally turned on her heel and slowly headed for the stairs.By the time she reached the bedroom door, her heart was pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribcage. She could hear the muffled sounds of
Martin gestured grandly at the table laden with boxes of crispy fried chicken, mounds of buttery mashed potatoes, biscuits, and other picnic fare. “We were talking about food, you nutters! This glorious chicken, to be exact.”The revelation hit the women like a ton of bricks.Rosie’s face flushed a brilliant crimson, slowly lowering the rolling pin, suddenly feeling very foolish.“We…we thought…” She stammered, unable to meet anyone’s eyes when the weight of their overreaction crashed down on her shoulders. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”Talia scoffed loudly. “Wow? After our whole dramatic scene?” She shook her head in disbelief, but carefully set the skillet down.Andre stepped forward. “It’s okay, really. I can totally see how it sounded out of context.” He shrugged. “But we were just a bunch of guys enjoying some food and…well, guy talk. That’s all.”Lavinia forced an awkward laugh while pressing a hand to her reddened face as the absurdity of the situation fully registered.“Chicken…we re