BerniceI walked out of my father's office, my mind reeling from the revelations. The weight of Melissa's tragic past pressed down on me, making each step feel like a monumental effort. I had come seeking answers, but now I found myself drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions.If Melissa had just been a simple villain, a woman intent on ruining my marriage and my life, I would have had no qualms about seeking revenge. But now? Now she was so much more. My sister. My cousin. A traumatized little girl who had witnessed unspeakable horrors.I couldn't ignore the voice in my heart, the one that whispered of sympathy and sorrow for Melissa. How could I hate someone who had endured so much pain?Mechanically, I gathered my work materials, my mind far away from the mundane tasks at hand. Martin would email me the information about Vincent later, which meant I had some time to process everything I'd learned. What I really needed, I decided, was a drink.Christian had given me the keys to hi
BerniceThe gentle click of the door closing behind Christian seemed to echo in the stillness of the apartment. I remained motionless on the plush sofa, my fingers wrapped around the stem of the wine glass, its contents a deep crimson that matched the tumultuous emotions swirling within me.Christian's presence filled the room, a comforting warmth that both soothed and intensified the ache in my chest. I watched as he shrugged off his jacket, the soft rustle of fabric a stark contrast to the deafening silence that had enveloped me for the past hour. His movements were deliberate, careful, as if he was afraid a sudden motion might shatter me like fine crystal.He poured himself a glass of wine, the liquid gurgling softly as it filled the glass. The scent of the Château Margaux wafted through the air, rich and complex, much like the situation we found ourselves in.Christian settled beside me on the sofa, his arm snaking around my shoulders and pulling me close. I leaned into him, allow
BerniceChristian rose from the couch, his movements fluid and purposeful as he crossed the room to turn off the lights. The sudden darkness accentuated his silhouette, tall and powerful in his black shirt. My breath caught in my throat as I watched him, struck by how the simple act of dimming the lights could transform the atmosphere so completely.The city lights filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the room. It felt as though we were suddenly transported to our own private world, far removed from the chaos and complications of our daily lives.As Christian turned back towards me, our eyes locked, and I felt a familiar warmth spread through my body. The intensity of his gaze held me captive, igniting a longing deep within me for something I couldn't quite articulate."Bernie," he murmured, his voice low and husky as he slowly made his way back to me. "You look absolutely... delicious."His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I found
BerniceThe soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently rousing me from my slumber. I turned in Christian's arms, facing him just as his eyes fluttered open. A slow, sleepy smile spread across his face, making my heart skip a beat."Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep."Good morning," I replied, unable to keep the smile from my own face.We lay there for a moment, just gazing at each other, before Christian leaned in for a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle and unhurried, a perfect way to start the day.When we finally pulled apart, I couldn't help but ask about the question that had been on my mind since last night. "So, tell me more about your grandfather. I'm intrigued."Christian's expression softened, a mix of fondness and nostalgia crossing his features. "He's the only family I have left, really. He's French – moved back there after my grandmother passed away."I nodded, remembering a conversation we'd had weeks ago. "That's right, you
MelissaI drummed my fingers anxiously on the steering wheel as I pulled into Dr. Novak's clinic parking lot. Today was the day - the day I'd finally have proof of Owen Stephen's betrayal. My heart raced with anticipation. This DNA test would be the key to unraveling the lies I'd been fed my entire life.As I strode into the clinic, my heels clicked sharply against the tile floor. The receptionist barely had time to greet me before I snapped, "I'm here to see Dr. Novak. He's expecting me."Moments later, I was ushered into his office. Dr. Novak sat behind his desk, a manila folder in front of him. My eyes locked onto it immediately."Melissa," he began, his tone cautious. "Before we discuss the results-""Just give me the report," I interrupted, my patience already wearing thin. I didn't need another lecture or pitying looks. I needed answers.Dr. Novak sighed, sliding the folder across his desk. With trembling hands, I snatched it up and began scanning the contents. As I read, my wor
BerniceI saw it coming in slow motion - Melissa's car barreling towards me, her face contorted with rage behind the windshield. For a split second, I was frozen, my mind struggling to comprehend what was happening. Then, instinct kicked in.I dove to the side, my body moving before my brain could fully process the danger. I hit the ground hard, the asphalt scraping against my skin as I rolled away from the oncoming vehicle. The screech of tires filled the air, followed by a sickening crunch of metal on metal.My heart pounded in my ears as I struggled to catch my breath. Pain radiated from my arms and legs where I had scraped them in my desperate escape. I could feel warm blood oozing from the wounds, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins dulled the sensation.Slowly, I pushed myself up, wincing as my battered body protested. The scene before me was one of chaos - Melissa's car had slammed into another vehicle, its front end crumpled like an accordion. Smoke rose from the twis
Christian I watched Bernice's chest rise and fall in the soft moonlight. Her face, usually so animated and full of life, was peaceful in sleep. But a slight furrow marred her brow. My heart clenched at the sight.I brushed my fingertips across her forehead, wishing I could smooth away whatever troubled her dreams. My gaze drifted to the gauze wrapped around her arms and thighs, stark white against her skin. "I'm so sorry, Bernie," I whispered. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment as I breathed in her familiar scent. I pulled away and made my way to the small bar cart in the corner of the room. My hand reached for the bottle of gin almost of its own accord. The liquid sloshed as I poured a generous measure into a crystal tumbler, the sharp scent of juniper filling the air.I took a long sip, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. Then, glass in hand, I settled into the chair at my desk and powered on my computer. The soft whir of the fa
BerniceI stirred slowly, consciousness creeping in. My hand instinctively reached out, seeking Christian's familiar warmth, but found only cool, empty sheets. My eyes fluttered open, confusion momentarily clouding my mind as I took in the empty space beside me."Christian?" I called out softly, my voice still thick with sleep. No response came.Pushing myself up, I winced slightly as the movement pulled at the bandages on my arms and thighs.I reached for my phone on the nightstand. A message notification. It was from Christian."Good morning, beautiful. You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake you. Had to head into the Miller Group early to take care of some work. Text me when you're up and about – I'll make sure to be home for dinner. Love you."The smile grew as I read his words. I quickly typed out a reply:"Just woke up. Miss you already. Stay safe and don't work too hard. Love you too."Setting the phone aside, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, taking a mo
BerniceThe gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair as I stood on the balcony of our Hamptons beach house, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Ten years had passed since that first charity gala, a decade filled with more love, laughter, and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined."Penny for your thoughts?" Christian's voice came from behind me, as familiar and comforting as ever.I turned, smiling as he handed me a glass of wine. "Just reflecting. It's hard to believe it's been ten years."Christian nodded, leaning against the railing beside me. "Ten amazing years. And you know what? I have a feeling the best is still to come."As if on cue, the sound of children's laughter floated up from the beach below. I looked down to see Hope, now fourteen, chasing her younger siblings, seven-year-old Ethan and five-year-old Olivia, through the surf. Melissa and Alex's twins, eight-year-old Sophie and Lucas, were building an elaborate sandcastle nearby."Should we call them in for dinner?" I
BerniceThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel buzzed with excitement as New York's elite mingled, their designer gowns and tuxedos glittering under the chandeliers. I smoothed down the front of my own gown - a midnight blue creation that Cathy had insisted I wear - and scanned the room, making sure everything was in place for our charity gala."Relax, Bernie," Christian murmured in my ear, his hand warm on the small of my back. "Everything looks perfect."I turned to him, drinking in the sight of him in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, he still took my breath away. "I know, I know. I just want tonight to be perfect. We've worked so hard on this."Christian smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "It will be perfect. The Edward Hamilton Foundation's first major fundraiser - how could it be anything but?"I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. We had spent months planning this gala, bringing together all our friends and family to support the foundation's mission of
BerniceThe soft spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through Central Park as I watched Melissa and Alex stroll hand in hand ahead of me. Christian walked beside me, pushing Hope's stroller as our daughter babbled happily, pointing at the colorful tulips lining the path."They look happy," I murmured to Christian, nodding towards Melissa and Alex.Christian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "They do. It's nice to see Melissa like this, isn't it? So carefree and content."I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything Melissa had been through, seeing her find happiness with Alex felt like a small miracle.As we approached the Bethesda Fountain, I noticed Alex becoming increasingly fidgety. He kept reaching into his pocket, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. I nudged Christian, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips."You knew, didn't you?" I whispered accusingly.Christian shrugged,
BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone pierced through the peaceful silence of our bedroom at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for it, nearly knocking over the lamp in my sleep-addled state."Hello?" I mumbled, squinting at the too-bright screen."BERNICE!" Cathy's voice exploded through the speaker, causing me to jerk the phone away from my ear. "I need you! It's an emergency! "I sat up, instantly alert. "Cathy? What's wrong? Is Lily okay?""Lily? Oh, she's fine. Sleeping like an angel, the little traitor," Cathy huffed. "No, it's much worse. I'm filing for divorce!"I blinked, trying to process this information. "Divorce?! Cathy, what are you talking about?""I'm leaving Taylor!" she wailed dramatically. "I can't take it anymore, Bernie. He's driving me insane! Do you know what he did?""What did he do?" I asked cautiously, already suspecting this was going to be something ridiculous."He left his socks on the floor. AGAIN!" Cathy's voice rose to a pitch that I'm sure only dogs could hear.
BerniceThe familiar New York skyline greeted us as our car wound its way through the city streets. After the rugged beauty of Scotland, the urban landscape felt both jarring and comforting. Hope was fast asleep in her car seat, her new stuffed highland cow clutched tightly to her chest."Home sweet home," Christian murmured, his hand finding mine in the space between us.As we pulled up to our building, I saw the doorman, George, step forward to help with our luggage. His familiar face broke into a warm smile as he saw us."Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," he said, opening the car door. "How was your trip?""Wonderful, George, thank you," Christian replied, carefully lifting the still-sleeping Hope from her car seat. "But it's good to be home."I followed them into the building, my mind already racing with all the things we needed to do. Unpack, sort through mail, check in with work... The list seemed endless.As we entered our apartment, the silence enveloped us. After the bustle
BerniceThe early morning sun streamed through the windows of our Paris apartment, casting a golden glow over the scattered suitcases and travel documents strewn across the bed. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse and taking a deep breath. Today was the day we'd been planning for weeks - our family trip to Scotland, to Christian's ancestral home."Mama! Mama!" Hope's excited voice preceded her as she toddled into the room, her little arms outstretched. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek."Are you ready for our big adventure, sweetheart?" I asked, smoothing down her unruly curls.Hope nodded enthusiastically. "See sheep!" she declared, her face lighting up with joy.I laughed, remembering the picture books of Scotland we'd been reading to her. "That's right, we're going to see lots of sheep. And castles, and lochs, and maybe even a highland cow or two."Christian appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in a casual sweater and jeans. The pendant I'd
BerniceThe soft glow of my desk lamp cast shadows across the scattered sketches and gemstones before me. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded me. I was searching for a way to help Christian through his mourning.I picked up a rough sapphire, turning it over in my palm. Its deep blue reminded me of Edward's eyes, always twinkling with mischief and kindness. An idea began to form in my mind, a way to capture a piece of Edward's spirit in something tangible that Christian could carry with him.With renewed energy, I began to sketch. The design took shape under my pencil - a simple yet elegant pendant. A teardrop-shaped sapphire, surrounded by a delicate filigree of white gold, designed to look like the intertwining branches of a family tree. At the base of the pendant, almost hidden within the metalwork, I planned to engrave Edward's initials and the coordinates of his favorite spot in Paris - a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries where he used to take Christian as a boy.As the fi
BerniceIt was a moment of pure magic, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that it might be one of Edward's last.The night stretched on, marked by Edward's labored breathing and occasional coughs. His skin had taken on a grayish pallor, and his cheeks seemed more sunken than ever. Every so often, his eyes would flutter open, unfocused and glassy, before closing again.Dr. Fournier entered the room for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He checked Edward's vitals with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowing as he noted the dropping blood pressure and weakening pulse. "We've increased his morphine dosage," he murmured to Christian. "He shouldn't be in any pain now."Edward's fingers twitched sporadically against the bedsheet, and his breathing became more irregular - sometimes rapid and shallow, then pausing for long, terrifying moments before resuming. The oxygen mask fogged rhythmically with each exhale, a visual reminder of his continuing fight.As dawn approached, Edw
BerniceChristian rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Fournier. For the next few minutes, the room was a flurry of activity as the doctor checked Edward's vitals and responses.Slowly, miraculously, Edward's eyes fluttered open. They were unfocused at first, but then they found Christian's face."Chris... Christian," he rasped, his voice barely audible around the breathing tube.Christian's face broke into a smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm here, Grandfather. I'm right here."Dr. Fournier quickly removed the breathing tube, replacing it with an oxygen mask. "Mr. Hamilton," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Try not to speak too much. You've been through quite an ordeal."Edward nodded weakly, his eyes never leaving Christian's face. He lifted a shaky hand, which Christian immediately grasped."I'm sorry," Edward whispered. "I'm so sorry."Christian frowned, confused. "Sorry? Grandfather, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're going to be okay. You're going to get better