Bernice"I'm so sorry for leaving you like that," he murmured, lifting a hand as if to caress my cheek. "Things were...complicated back then. But I'm here now. It's me, Fed. The one you knew before as Charlie."It was like living in a dream those first few weeks after being reunited with the man I thought was Charlie. Fed - or so he insisted on being called - was every bit the charming, sweet guy I remembered.Having him back in my life was like being able to breathe again after years of drowning. His presence resurrected feelings in me I had thought long d
BerniceWhen I finally heard the sound of his car pulling up, I steeled myself and pushed down the rising tide of anger and betrayal.The door opened and there was Fed, still in his expensive suit from the office. His brow furrowed when he saw me standing in his study."What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "I've told you a thousand times not to come into my study without permission."I kept my head down, face obscured in the shadows. I couldn't let him see
Bernice"I'm warning you, Bernice," Fed's eyes narrowed into slits, his grip on my wrist tightening like a vise as he leaned in close, his hot breath fanning across my face. "Don't you dare meet with that Charlie again."I shuddered at the undisguised threat in his words, a chill slithering down my spine. But I refused to show fear. Not anymore. Not after finally seeing the truth about the monster I had married.I wrenched my arm free from his grasp, a sneer twisting my lips. "Who do you think you are, Fed? My master? My jailer? I'm not the same naive girl
Content Warning: This chapter contains descriptions of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and violence that some readers may find disturbing or triggering. Reader discretion is advised.BerniceFed's body crashed against mine, his weight slamming me into the mattress. His hands pawed at my skin, rough and demanding, as he tried to force his lips onto mine. My stomach churning with revulsion. I thrashed beneath him, bile rising in my throat at the feeling of his touch, once so familiar, now so repulsive."Get off me!" I spat, turning my face away from his, my eyes blazing with fury. "You're so fucking disgusting!"Fed's fingers dug into my flesh, tearing at my shirt like claws, buttons popping and scattering across the bed. "Shut up, you ungrateful bitch," he growled, his breath hot and rancid against my face. "You know you want this. You always come crawling back, begging for my attention, don't you?""You delusional bastard!" I screamed, my voice raw with anger. "I'd rather die than le
BerniceThe rain hammered against the windshield, an unrelenting staccato that drowned out the sound of my own sobs. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles white, as tears streamed down my face, blurring the world outside into a haze of gray.I slammed my foot on the gas, sending the car hurtling through the deluge. The tires hydroplaned, the vehicle fishtailing wildly.A part of me knew I should wait, bide my time until I had gathered enough evidence to ensure Fed rotted in jail for the rest of his miserable life before filing for divorce. It would be the smart thing to do, the calculated move.But the thought of spending even one more second in that monster's presence, of breathing the same air as him, made my skin crawl with revulsion.How could I have been so blind, so gullible, to fall for Fed's clumsy lies?"Fuuuck!" I screamed, pounding my fists against the steering wheel.So many inconsistencies in his stories, but I had ignored them all, so desperate for the fairy tale, fo
BerniceThe bed in Cathy's guest room was like a cloud, soft and inviting, but even its comforting embrace couldn't calm the storm in my mind. I tossed and turned, my thoughts racing, replaying the events of the past few days in an endless loop. When morning finally came, I felt more exhausted than when I had gone to bed.I called the head of HR, my voice was still rough from crying, and requested a personal day. The understanding in her voice was a small relief; at least that was one less thing to worry about.The scent of coffee and something deliciously savory lured me from the bedroom. I found Cathy in the kitchen, puttering about with an air of determined cheerfulness."Morning, sunshine!" she chirped, gesturing to the dining table with a flourish. "Breakfast is served!"I stopped short, my eyes widening at the sight before me. The table was laden with a veritable feast - fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden toast, and an assortment of pastries that looked like they belong
BerniceAs I stood before Christian's door, a flood of memories washed over me. It had been years since I'd last set foot in this place, back when "Charlie" had been a part of my life.I was surprised to find that, despite the passage of time, little had changed. The same potted plants flanked the entrance, the same worn welcome mat lay beneath my feet. It was as if the house itself had been waiting, frozen in time, for this very moment.I had planned to wait for Christian on his doorstep, to gather my thoughts and steel my nerves before he arrived. But as I approached, I heard a sound from within that made me pause. A clinking of glass, a shuffling of feet. Was Christian home? Why wasn't he at work?Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself peering through the window. What I saw made my heart clench. Christian was there, sitting on the sofa, a glass in his hand and several empty bottles littering the table before him.He looked disheveled. Wearing a half-buttoned shirt, his
FedI slammed my fist against the steering wheel, seething with a rage that threatened to consume me entirely. That ungrateful bitch. After everything I had done for her, everything I had given her, this was how she repaid me?And for what? For some pathetic little fling with her old flame? Who the fucking Charile is? The thought of Bernice in another man's arms, of her betraying me so callously, made my blood boil with a fury I could barely contain.She thought she could defy me? I would show her the error of her ways. I would remind her exactly who was in control, who held the power in this marriage.But first, I needed a distraction, a way to blow off some steam before I did something I might regret. And I knew just the little slut who could help me with that.I pulled up outside Melissa's apartment, not bothering to lock the car as I strode towards the entrance. She answered on the first knock, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in my disheveled appearance."Fed, what are yo
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