"Mom…Dad." Both Liam and Marlene came running, wrapping their arms around each other in a tight embrace. Their faces beamed with excitement and joy as if they hadn't seen me in ages. It was a heartwarming moment that made me realize how much I had been missed during my absence."We missed you." Their voices were filled with genuine emotion, and I could feel the love and longing in their words. It was a reminder of the strong bond we shared as a family, and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for their unwavering support."I miss you, guys," I said, hugging them tight as Brandon joined the embrace."Don't forget about me." But to my surprise, the kids step away, avoiding Brandon. "Guys…" Brandon said, but the kids ignored him and continued to focus on me."Mom, you know Rachel is cooking dinner tonight, right? She said she missed all of us and wanted to make a special meal to celebrate our reunion." I smiled, touched by Rachel's thoughtfulness. "That's wonderful," I repli
Dark clouds veil the sky, rendering everything dark, depressing, the same as the incident that happened today. As clouds in the sky, pain veils my heart, making me feel the same, gloomy from inside out. The sudden change of events made once pleasant days unpleasant. My wedding turned out to be the reason for the death of my family. The thought of not seeing my family, my loved ones ever again, shatters me from inside, but my eyes remain dry, with not a drop of tear in them. My family has to pay for the sins of someone else. I don’t even know to whom, should I blame, the driver, who was drunk driving to the wrong side of the road, or I who invited them to attend the wedding, if only I hadn’t asked them. The accident never occurred. It was my fault. It’s me who has taken four lives, killed them. The drunk driver was just a host of my sins. It’s for me that Liam, my little brother who was only a teenager, has to die so early. For me, my parents have to die. Jared, my first and only l
The place that once was my rapture, time made it my agony. The memories that were once filled with joy and bliss now haunt me, as time has transformed them into a source of pain and sorrow. The vibrant colors that used to paint my world have faded, leaving behind a desolate landscape of heartache and longing. Every corner, everywhere my eyes land, reminds me of the past. This place was nothing but a house we bought made with bricks and wood. With time, we made it our home. The house that always made me smile in the past—the same place—is making my heart hurt, nauseating me, and reminding me of people I lost. I couldn’t stay here, not now, so I ran, moving my legs as fast as possible, stressing the limitations of my body. I ran from the past—my life, my grief—wanting to leave everything behind and ran—just ran—fast—until my vision turned blurred, with my knees jelly. With everything turning dark, "Sleepyhead, wake up. I heard a familiar voice as a pair of lips touched my temple. I
The life of a doctor and a father of a five-year-old have ups and downs of its own. But the last few days were the hardest, since we are moving to a new neighborhood, a new house. There is so much work to do that I lost count and maybe sleep. I guess that’s why my head is hurting badly now and then. But, I hope this is the last time we have ever moved. Marlene is growing fast, even as a single father. I want to provide her home, a family, and the love and care she deserves that I have never had in my life. “Daddy, can I have candy?” I looked down, staring at the tiny beings beside me. We are both shopping for our new house, and Marlene is an excellent company for that. I also have to design a room for her. Marlene is very tomboyish. She doesn’t like dolls or princesses, except her likes are cars and legos. Everything I would have wanted if I was a child, and in many ways, Marlene is like me. “First, let’s buy some clothes for you. Then we can go for ice cream. You like it.” I said,
Time flies, and pain turns into memories. With each passing day, the pain strengthened me more than before. Memories that once hurt me now make me smile. Smile at the moments that we spend together with each other. Those moments were filled with laughter and love, creating a bond that time cannot erase. Though we may be apart now, those memories will forever hold a special place in my heart. I remember when, as a child, my pet dog died, how broken I was, crying the whole time, not being able to sleep or eat anything. Then my mother said to me, ‘Time heals everything, but it can’t bring back what you’ve lost.’ Who would have thought that the words my mother once told me for my dog would remind me of her, strengthening me every time I’m lost and lonely? Those words serve as a constant reminder that although time may not be able to bring back what I have lost, it has the power to heal and provide solace in moments of grief and loneliness. They offer me comfort and strength, reassuring me
"What are you doing here? Both I and Brandon said at the same time, amazed by finding each other on either side of the door. "That's what I want to know," we both said again together. "Go ahead," Brandon said, allowing me to speak first. "What are you doing on my doorstep?" "You live here," he said with a smile. "Guess what? We are neighbors. I looked at him uncertainty, not trusting his words, but before I could say something, a sweet little voice distracted me. "Daddy," I lowered my gaze and noticed a tiny girl around five tugging Brandon's pants. "Oh, yeah… How can I forget? Brandon murmured, brushing his hair with his fingers. "Sorry, can we use your bathroom?" "What!" "I can't hold more, please," pleaded the child, jumping up and down. I pointed my finger towards the bathroom door, and on my note, Brandon ran with his child in his arms towards the door. "Thank you," Brandon said after some time standing outside the bathroom door. I nodded my head in reply. I don't kno
I sighed as I packed my things. The patient took longer than I expected. Jane must be waiting for me. I hurriedly gathered my belongings, feeling guilty for keeping Jane waiting as I quickly made my way to my office, only to see Jane with her eyes closed, lying comfortably on my chair. I'm not surprised to see her fast asleep, with her delivery date coming close and no one by her side looking for her or taking care of her. I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Jane's well-being. It was clear that she needed someone to support her during this crucial time. It’s already very tough for a woman to give birth to a life, but in Jane’s case, things are intense. Jane's situation is compounded by the fact that she is facing this challenging time alone. She has to do everything on her own with no one around to care for her. I do my best to help her, but Jane is such an independent woman. She never asks for anyone’s help, even when needed, and that’s what worries me the most. Even more
Our ride home was not long enough, and within half an hour, we were both standing at the front door of my house."I should go," Jane said as I was about to open the door. I could sense the reluctance in her voice, but I didn't want our time together to end just yet."But why? What about our dinner plans? I questioned.I could see the disappointment in her eyes as she hesitated to respond. "I don’t want to bother you," she finally said, looking down at her feet.Jane," I said reassuringly, placing a hand on her arm. "You’re never bothering me, and by the way, Marlene is also waiting for you. Calling out Marlene’s name always works to grab Jane's attention. Jane loves her, and not once does she say no to Marlene. I might be selfish for using my daughter as an excuse to spend time with Jane, but it is what it is, and I don’t mind because it brings us all together. Jane looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "Let's go see Mar
"Mom…Dad." Both Liam and Marlene came running, wrapping their arms around each other in a tight embrace. Their faces beamed with excitement and joy as if they hadn't seen me in ages. It was a heartwarming moment that made me realize how much I had been missed during my absence."We missed you." Their voices were filled with genuine emotion, and I could feel the love and longing in their words. It was a reminder of the strong bond we shared as a family, and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for their unwavering support."I miss you, guys," I said, hugging them tight as Brandon joined the embrace."Don't forget about me." But to my surprise, the kids step away, avoiding Brandon. "Guys…" Brandon said, but the kids ignored him and continued to focus on me."Mom, you know Rachel is cooking dinner tonight, right? She said she missed all of us and wanted to make a special meal to celebrate our reunion." I smiled, touched by Rachel's thoughtfulness. "That's wonderful," I repli
"You are better off alone than someone who does not value and appreciate you fully," I said, staring at Marine with a mixture of concern and determination. "Thank you for the advice," she replied, her voice filled with a hint of sadness. "An opinion is all I can give you now. I can't ever forgive you for what you did," I continued, my tone firm. "But remember, you deserve someone who sees your worth and treats you with the love and respect you deserve." Marine nodded her head in understanding. "That's what I deserve," she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears. A knock on the door interrupted our conversation as Brandon entered the room, his expression curious. He glanced between Marine and me, sensing the tension in the air. "I should leave." Marine stood up from where she was sitting and wiped away her tears. "Thank you for being honest with me," she said, her voice shaky. "I will never disrupt your life again." She turned to Brandon, her eyes filled with sadness. "Don't hide
I still can't believe what kind of game fate is playing with me. It seems like every time I think things are finally going well, something unexpected happens to throw me off course. It's as if fate enjoys keeping me on my toes and testing my resilience.Everything started with losing my family at my wedding, and then my child Liam came into my life. I was happy, but then Brandon came and swiped me off my feet with his charm and charisma, making me fall in love with him at a time when I thought love was not for me after losing Jared. However, just when I thought I had found happiness again, fate decided to test me once more. Brandon changed and revealed a side of himself that I never could have anticipated. The person I thought I knew so well turned out to be someone completely different, leaving me feeling betrayed and heartbroken. And if that was not enough, I lost my baby.I had been carrying so much hope and excitement for the future, only to have it all come crashing down. It felt
"Don't break my trust." I heard Jane mumble under her breath as she turned away, her voice filled with disappointment and hurt. It was clear that her faith in me had been shattered, and it pained me to see the impact my actions had on her. I knew I had to find a way to regain her trust and make amends for the mistake I had made."Marine..." I called out, my voice filled with remorse and determination, as I watched Marine walk in from the door with a solemn expression on her face."What is she doing here?" Jane asked, her voice filled with confusion and a hint of annoyance as she stared at Marine. It was evident that she was still grappling with her own emotions, and the presence of Marine only added to her emotions."Jane, listen to me. Marine is here to say sorry and accept responsibility for what happened. She wants to make things right and rebuild the trust that was broken between us," I explained, my voice pleading for Jane's understanding. Marine stood silently, her eyes filled w
I groaned in pain as I clutched my aching stomach, the throbbing sensation spreading throughout my body. The sharp agony seemed to intensify with each passing moment, making it difficult to focus on anything else."Brandon..." I mumbled through gritted teeth, desperately hoping he would hear my plea for help. But the pain was so overwhelming that even speaking felt like an impossible task. With my eyes closed, I tried to steady my breathing and find some relief from the relentless torment."My baby, save my baby," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "My baby…" I plead in a weak and trembling voice, the words barely audible."Jane…." I heard a voice whisper my name, and I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder. Opening my eyes, I saw Brandon sitting beside me, his expression filled with concern and determination."Brandon…Brandon." I choked out his name, desperately reaching for his hand. "Please, you have to help me save our baby," I pleaded, my voice cracking with fear and despera
"You want me, right?" I said, staring at her, my voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. I was angry towards her and disappointed in her for not protecting Jane from the pain Marine had caused."I am all yours now," I said coldly, my eyes narrowing as I held back the flood of emotions. "That's what you wanted, right? To be at your beck and call, to do your bidding without question. Well, congratulations! You've succeeded in breaking me down. But don't think for a second that I'll forget what you've done." My words hung heavy in the air, emphasizing the depth of my resentment towards her.I smiled sadly, staring at her. She stared back, seemingly unaffected by my words. "Have me now; what are you waiting for?" I challenged her, my voice laced with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. The silence between us grew, amplifying the tension in the car as I awaited her response, wondering if she truly understood the weight of her actions."Brandon..." Marine mumbled softly, her v
"You are not leaving!" Marine shouted, running in front of my car."Not again." Daniel signed, holding Marien away from my path. "Go," he said as I drove away, feeling a mix of relief and guilt.And I drove as fast as I could to the hospital, where Rachel, Daniel's sister, was waiting for us. And with Rachel's help, we admitted Jane as fast as we could to the emergency room. The doctors immediately began assessing her condition, while Rachel and I anxiously waited for any updates. We knew Jane's health was in critical condition, and we hoped that the hospital staff would be able to provide the necessary care she needed."How does that happen?" Rachel asks as we sit in the waiting room, our minds filled with worry and confusion."Can we talk later?" I said, burrowing my head in my hands and trying to process the events that had unfolded. Rachel nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with concern.Time seems to be passing slowly as we wait for any news about Jane's condition. Every min
"Don't worry, Jane; we will get to the hospital soon. Nothing is going to happen to you." I mumbled as I leaned down to carry her frail body in my arms. Her pale face was filled with pain. It hurts me to see her in so much pain, but I knew that I had to stay strong for her. "Stay away from her!" Marine shouted, pushing me away from Jane. I stumbled back, shocked by Marine's sudden outburst. "Marine, stop your tantrums." I pleaded, trying to calm her down. "I need to get Jane as soon as possible." Marine's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Jane's suffering. "I'm sorry, I just can't bear to see her like this," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But I don't want to lose you too." Marine pleaded, her heart breaking. Marine continues to cry as she struggles to control her emotions. But I don't have time for her now; my Jane is in danger. Her life is hanging by a thread, and I need to save her. "Marine, leave us alone," I said firmly, my voice filled with urgency. "I need to tak
"What do you find?" I asked Daniel, curious about what he had discovered while sitting in his car. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he began to share his surprising findings, revealing a flounder filled with confidential documents and photographs."Your lovely ex's dirty secrets are all right here," he said, a mischievous grin forming on his face. "It seems like she had quite a few skeletons in her closet that she never wanted anyone to know about.""Daniel, can you be serious for once?" I sighed. "Sorry," Daniel said, his grin fading slightly. "But you won't believe what I found. These documents and photographs could potentially expose some serious wrongdoing." He handed me the folder, and as I flipped through the pages, my heart sank at the thought of the consequences this could have for my ex.Documents of her illegal activities and compromising photographs with influential individuals were scattered throughout the folder. Drug trafficking, embezzlement, and even evidence of bri