MelissaThe scream that tore from my throat was raw and primal, ripped from the very depths of my soul. I bolted upright in bed, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged bird desperate for escape. The sheets were tangled around my legs, damp with the cold sweat that drenched my skin.It was the same nightmare. The one that had haunted me for as long as I could remember, a twisted reel of memory and horror that played behind my eyelids every time I closed them.In my dream, I was a little girl again, cowering in the corner of our cramped living room as my parents raged at each other like two titans locked in battle. My father's face was a mask of fury, his eyes blazing with a madness that terrified me to my very core."You lying whore!" he roared, his voice shaking the walls like thunder. "You think I don't know what you've been up to? I saw you with him, laughing and flirting like the shameless slut you are!"My mother recoiled as if she'd been slapped, her face crumpling with a
Bernice"I'll grab us some drinks. What's your poison?"Christian said, gesturing to the plush sofa. "Surprise me," I said, throwing him a smile. "You seem to have a knack for knowing just what I need."He grinned. "One surprise, coming right up."As he busied himself at the bar, I took a moment to assess my appearance in the mirror hanging on the wall. My hair was a tousled mess, my lipstick smudged and my eyes bright with the afterglow of our encounter in the closet. I looked thoroughly debauched, and I couldn't bring myself to care.A knock at the door startled me from my reverie, and Christian answered it. Cathy and Taylor came in."Thank God you're both okay!" Cathy exclaimed, pulling me into her hug. I hugged her back, drawing strength from her comforting presence. "I'm fine, Cat. Just a little shaken up. It was a close call, but we made it out."Taylor clapped Christian on the shoulder. I guess it's male behavior to show his approbation. Christian nodded slightly and handled m
BerniceI stirred awake, my head feeling heavy and my mouth parched. It took me a moment to recognize my surroundings – Christian's bedroom. Memories of the previous night flooded back, the casino, and then coming back to Christian's penthouse to celebrate with Cathy and Taylor.I glanced down at myself, realizing I was wearing a silk pajama set that definitely wasn't mine. Christian must have changed me out of my clothes after I fell asleep. The thought of him undressing me, his hands gentle and respectful, sent a flush of warmth through my body.I sat up gingerly, my head throbbing in protest. Too much whiskey, I chided myself. I desperately needed water and a shower. I could still smell the casino smoke clinging to my hair and skin.I padded out of the bedroom, squinting against the soft light of the early morning. Christian was in the living room, nursing a glass of amber liquid as he stared out at the city skyline. He turned as I approached, a soft smile on his lips."Good mornin
BerniceI stared at Christian, my mouth falling open in shock. "Did you just...propose to me?"He grinned, a mix of nervousness and hope in his eyes. "I guess I did. Not the most romantic setting, I know. But I couldn't wait any longer."I shook my head, a laugh bubbling up from my chest. "Christian, we're in our pajamas. I'm pretty sure I have morning breath. And you're asking me to marry you?"He shrugged, his smile turning sheepish. "I know it's sudden. And I understand if you need time to think about it. But I want you to know that I'm serious, Bernice. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them back, not wanting to ruin the moment. "I love you too, Christian. And yes, of course I'll marry you."His face split into a grin so wide it looked almost painful. He pulled me into his arms, peppering my face with kisses as I laughed and squirmed. "You've just made me the happiest man in the world, you know th
Bernice The sun danced through the car windows as Christian navigated the busy city streets. I couldn't stop smiling, my hand entwined with his on the center console. The weight of the ring on my finger was a constant reminder of the beautiful promise we had made to each other. "So, when did you have time to get a ring?" I asked, admiring the way the diamond sparkled in the morning light. Christian grinned, his eyes never leaving the road. "Would you believe I've had it for a while? I had it custom made ages ago." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? How long ago?" "Remember that painting in my mother's house? The one with the daisies?" I nodded, recalling the delicate watercolor that had hung in the hallway of his family home. "I had the designer base the ring off of that. The center stone is meant to mimic the heart of the flower." He glanced over at me, his expression soft. "I knew even then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you." I felt tears prick
BerniceThe divorce proceedings were officially underway, and while it was a relief to finally take that step, I knew the road ahead is not that easy.Christian sensed my unease, squeezing my hand gently as we walked to the car. "You okay, Bernie?"I nodded. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind. I think I'm going to head over to the office, check on the situation with Martin.""Want me to come with you?" he offered."Thanks, but I should probably handle this one on my own. I'll call you later, okay?"He pulled me in for a quick kiss, his lips warm and reassuring against mine. "Alright. But remember, I'm here if you need me. Always."With a final wave, I slid into my car, taking a moment to gather my thoughts before pulling out into traffic. I had barely made it a block when my phone rang, my mother's name flashing on the screen."Mom? Is everything okay?" I asked, a nagging sense of unease already stirring in my stomach."Bernice, I don't want you to worry, but...Melissa is here."I nearly sw
MelissaI stormed out of the Stephens' house, my heart pounding with a potent mix of rage and vindication. Bernice's shocked face flashed through my mind, her self-righteous facade cracking under the weight of my revelation.Sister. The word tasted bitter on my tongue, a twisted mockery of the family I had always yearned for. But it was the truth, a truth that had been denied to me for far too long.Pulling out my phone, I dialed Fed's number with shaking fingers. He answered on the third ring, his voice clipped and impatient."What is it, Melissa? I'm in the middle of damage control here."I felt a familiar pang of hurt at his dismissive tone, the way he always seemed to prioritize his precious reputation over me."I need to see you," I said, hating the pleading note that crept into my voice. "It's important.""Can't it wait? I'm dealing with a PR nightmare right now, thanks to your little stunt with the press."I bristled at the accusation, my grip tightening on the phone. "My stunt
BerniceI found my mother in the kitchen, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. She looked up as I entered, her eyes filled with concern."Bernice, what happened with Melissa? Is everything alright?"I sighed, sinking into the chair across from her. "Honestly, Mom? I'm not sure. Melissa...she said some things."Mom's brow furrowed, her grip tightening on the mug. "What kind of things?"I hesitated, the words sticking in my throat. I decided not to tell mom right now. " She got something about my previous work in Miller. She wanted to teach me some lessons."Mom's face paled, her eyes widening with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. "She what?""I know, it's crazy, right?" I said, trying to laugh it off. "Mom, do you know who the real parents of Melissa is?"Mom looked away, her gaze fixing on some distant point beyond the kitchen window. "Melissa...her parents...it's complicated, Bernice."My heart stuttered . "What do you mean, complicated? Mom, what aren't you telling m
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