BerniceI turned to my parents, my heart pounding in my chest. "Why?" I demanded, my voice shaking. "Why would you lie to me like this? Why would you help Fed deceive me?"My mother wrung her hands, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Bernice, honey, we thought we were doing what was best for you. We just wanted you to be happy.""Happy?" I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. "You thought I'd be happy living a lie? Marrying a man who manipulated me from the very beginning?"My father held up his hands, his voice pleading. "Bernice, please try to understand. When you and Charlie first got together, we had concerns. We didn't know him well, and you were so young. Fed seemed like a good match, from a respected family...""So you thought it was okay to let him pretend to be Charlie?" I asked incredulously. "To let me believe he was my long-lost love? How could you do that to me?""It was a misunderstanding," my mother insisted. "Melissa told us it was all a mix-up, that Fed wasn't trying
BerniceI lunged forward, grabbing Melissa's hand in a desperate attempt to keep her from walking away. "What do you mean? What secrets?" I demanded, my voice rising with each word. "You can't just say something like that and leave!"Melissa wrenched her hand from my grasp, her perfectly manicured nails leaving angry red marks on my skin. She smirked, a cruel twist of her lips that made my stomach churn. "Oh, but I can, dear sister. And I will. You see, I've waited a long time for this moment. To see you brought low, to watch as your perfect little world crumbles around you."She leaned in close, her breath hot against my ear. "I'm not going to tell you a thing. Not yet. Not until I've reclaimed everything that's rightfully mine. Until then, I want you to suffer. To drown in your own suspicions and pain."With that, she turned on her heel and strutted away, leaving me standing there, my mouth agape and my mind reeling. I watched as she got into her sleek black car and sped off, the ti
BerniceI watched in awe as Taylor confronted the man who had been harassing me, his voice calm but firm. "Sir, I suggest you walk away now. Your actions constitute sexual harassment, and I won't hesitate to take legal action against you."The man's face paled, his bravado crumbling under Taylor's unwavering gaze. With a muttered curse, he slunk away, disappearing into the shadows of the bar.Taylor turned to me, his eyes dark with concern. "Bernice, are you okay? Did he hurt you?"I shook my head, the room spinning slightly with the motion. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit shaken up." I tried to stand, my legs wobbling beneath me, but Taylor's strong hands steadied me."Easy there," he said softly, guiding me back onto the barstool. "You've had quite a bit to drink."I blinked up at him, my mind still foggy with alcohol and shock. "Taylor, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Cathy called me. She heard about what happened with your pare
BerniceI stood frozen in the doorway, my mother's desperate eyes locking onto mine. The betrayal that had built up over years surged forward, threatening to choke me. Anger, betrayal, confusion - they all battled for dominance, leaving me feeling raw and exposed. "Bernice, please," my mother implored, her voice breaking. "Let me explain. There's so much you don't know."I felt the weight of her words pressing down on me. "Explain what? How you and Dad lied to me? How you helped Fed manipulate me? Or maybe about all the secrets you've kept hidden for years?"She flinched, but her grip on my arm tightened. "It's not as simple as you think. There are things you don't understand, things we've been trying to protect you from.""Protect me?" I spat, pulling my arm free. "You call this protection? Do you have any idea what I've been through?"My mother looked away, tears streaming down her face. "We were trying to do what was best for you. We never wanted to hurt you." I saw mom flinched at
BerniceI looked at my mother, really looked at her, "I'm sorry," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. "Mom. I'm sorry for what happened to Aunt Lilian, for the pain you and Dad have been through. I know you love all your family very much."My mother's eyes shimmered, "Oh, Bernie. We never wanted to burden you with this. We thought we were protecting you, keeping you safe from the mistakes of the past."I smiled sadly, "I understand. But Mom, there's something you need to know."Cathy and Taylor exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. "We'll give you two some privacy," Taylor said, standing up from the table. "If you need us, we'll be right outside."I nodded gratefully, watching as they slipped out of the room. Then I turned back to my mother, taking a deep breath to steady myself,"Fed didn't just deceive me on just Charile thing."Her eyes widened, "What? But I thought... Fed...He loves you so…"I shook my head, a mirthless laugh escaping my lips. "It w
BerniceAs I walked my mother to her car, a mix of emotions swirled within me. The weight of the revelations and the exhaustion from the emotional confrontations had taken their toll, but a glimmer of hope and determination kept me going."Bernie, are you sure you don't want to come home with me?" my mother asked, concern etched on her face. "I understand if you're still upset with your father and me, but please know that we love you and want to make things right."I pulled her into a tight embrace, trying to convey the love and forgiveness I felt. "Mom, don't worry. I'm not angry anymore. I just need some time to process everything and discuss some things with Cathy. I promise I'll come home soon, and we'll have a proper talk with Dad."Relief washed over her features as she returned my hug. "Okay, sweetheart. Take all the time you need. We'll be waiting for you."As I watched her car disappear down the street, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me from behind. Startled, I spun aro
FedThe warm, fragrant bathwater enveloped us as I held Melissa's supple body against me. Trailing my fingers along her silky skin, I reveled in the afterglow of our passionate lovemaking. Her lithe form fit so perfectly in my arms, like she was made just for me.I nuzzled her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent. "Mmm, has Bernice not returned to her parents' home yet?" I murmured, nibbling her earlobe.Melissa let out a sultry laugh that sent shivers down my spine. She arched back against me, her pert breasts glistening with bathwater. "No, the poor baby had a big fight with mommy and daddy. She's been crying on Cathy's shoulder for days now. Her parents look absolutely miserable."She turned to smirk at me, eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "It's pathetic. That little bombshell I dropped worked like a charm...Bernice must absolutely loathe them now."Pride and lust surged through me at her words. My devious minx, so brilliant at stirring up chaos. I captured her lips in a searing
Bernice I stood in the study, the papers spread out before me. The marriage certificate, divorce decree, property valuation certificate, property freeze certificate, and the damning evidence of Fed's affairs and financial misdeeds. All neatly organized, ready for the confrontation that lay ahead. Taylor had been meticulous in gathering the information, and now it was my turn to use it. I ran my fingers over the smooth paper, a wry smile tugging at my lips. These were my weapons. Today, I would wield them with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel, cutting away the diseased parts of my life to make room for healing. Of course, that's not all of them. I didn't need to lay all my cards on the table just yet. These would be enough to catch Fed off guard, to shatter the illusion of control he clung to so desperately. As I made my way down the hallway, my gaze fell upon the oversized wedding portrait hanging on the wall. Fed and I smiled out from the ornate frame, the picture of marital
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