Ryder's Pov Ophelia spent time with Ryan before putting him to sleep. I waited for her to lay Ryan to bed before we both headed to our room.When we stepped into the room, Ophelia headed straight for the bed, her hand resting on her stomach as she exhaled heavily. I shut the door behind me and watched her, waiting for her to say something to ease the tension within me. She didn't. "You okay?" I finally asked. She turned to face me, exhaustion evident in her eyes. "I am tired. My leg hurts,” I looked at her feet and saw it was slightly swollen.Kneeling on the floor, I took her leg and placed it on my thigh.“What are you doing?” She asked, taking her leg from my thigh. I put her leg back on my thigh. “I will give you a leg massage,” I said, applying pressure while rubbing and pressing her leg.“Thank you,” She said before closing her eyes and moaning.I smiled and continued to message her leg, seeing it was relieving her of the pain.After some while, she yawned.“Feeling s
Ophelia's Pov I held my laugh as I glanced at Ryder who was laying on his floor but his legs and arm were coming out of the couch.I felt guilty of chasing him out of the bed but I had my reasons.I didn't want him to think I had entirely forgiven him and I was conscious of my body. I had gotten fatter and fuller.I removed the duvet and covered him with it before arranging the bed and going inside the closet to choose clothes to wear.There was nothing really to wear in my closet since they weren't maternity dresses. I pulled my box which I brought and opened it I haven't offloaded my bag since I came. The bags were taken to the house and when I needed clothes in the hospital, Ryder bought them for me.Removing a blue floral maternity dress from the bag, I left the closet and spread it on the bed with my undies.Ryder turned in his sleep, making the duvet fall off his body. Wanting to cook for the family after a long time and not wanting him to wake up meeting me in the room, I qu
Ophelia's Pov The comforting sound of oil sizzling in the pan filled the kitchen as I moved around, stirring, seasoning, and tasting. I had missed this, the routine, the sense of food. The aroma of freshly made food filled the air, and just as I placed the last dish on the counter, I heard small footsteps approaching. “Mommy?” I turned, and there stood Ryan, rubbing his sleepy eyes, his tiny fists balled at his sides. I smiled warmly. “Good morning, baby.” He toddled over and wrapped his arms around my legs. I leaned down and kissed his forehead, brushing his messy curls out of his face. “You are up early. You shouldn't move too much; you are still recovering,” I said. His pout deepened. “I am Hungry.” I chuckled, lifting him onto a nearby stool. “Guess what? Mommy made breakfast today.” His sleepy eyes lit up. “Pancakes?” I laughed. “Not today, my champ. But I made something just as goo.” I grabbed a small plate and placed some food in front of him. As he star
Olivia's PovI glanced at my phone again, hoping for it to ring. Ryder was going to reach here anytime soon. I checked the makeup on my face once again to be sure it was still in place.When I left the house in the morning, I couldn't concentrate all through my ride to my boyfriend's place.I had taken the knife to stab her, but when I got closer to her, I just couldn't bring myself to, and I dropped the knife in panic.Even though I hated her, I couldn't bring myself to hurt the innocent child she was carrying and herself.Yes, I wanted her gone from our lives but not out of the world.Just when I was about to get up from the floor where I was, getting impatient, Ryder arrived, pulling his car in front of the bashed car.I quickly lay down, faking my pain.“Ryder,” I called him, weakly as I raised my hand up to him.“Olivia?” He asked as he stared down at me. “Are you okay?” He asked, holding my hand and helping me in a sitting position but he never left my back.I shook my head weak
Ophelia’s PovRyder and Olivia entered the house with her looking hurt while Ryder helped her inside with his arm around her.The laughter in the room died down as they entered and I shot to my feet and rushed to Olivia's sides.“Are you okay?” I asked her, taking her from Ryder but she pulled herself from me and towards Ryder.“I am fine,” she said, her tone harsh as she glanced around the room.“You are bleeding. Let me get the first aid box and treat you,” I said and was about to leave to get the box when her voice stopped me.“I will take care of it myself,” she said and pulled herself away from Ryder and started going to her room.I watched as she walked to her room. She was walking normally to her room. She didn't look like someone who was just in an accident.It wasn't until Sandra spoke that I removed my eyes from Sandra's direction.“What happened to Olivia, Ryder?” Sandra asked, walking closer to Ryder.“She was in an accident. Luckily, it was just a minor one, but the drive
Ophelia's Pov The kitchen was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the rhythmic clinking of Sandra's spoon against her teacup. When we got to the kitchen, away from Jacob and Ryder who were now talking, she had insisted on making me a cup of tea, claiming it would help me relax. I sat on a stool by the island, watching her, my thoughts still tangled in everything that had happened today. I didn't tell Sandra and Jacob there was someone in the house earlier and I had my reasons.For some months now, my life has been a chaos; everything I knew or believed in has been turning against me. I thought I loved my sister so much but I found out a few months ago that I was actually the cause of her death. And how I forgot that part of my life was still a big mystery to me.If I had told Jacob and Sandra, they would have raised an alarm and called for a search party but that would only make the culprit hide better.Instead, I am going to tell Ryder. Even though I wouldn't w
Ophelia's Pov We burst inside to find Olivia collapsed on the floor, her body limp with blood gushing from her wrist to the floor.Jacob was kneeling beside her, his face tight with worry, while Ryder placed her on his lap, applying pressure on her cut“She is bleeding. Tell the driver to bring the car to the front,” Jacob said, looking up at Sandra and she rushed out to do what. He turned to me “She had called Ryder on the phone, telling him to come and the next moment she was on the floor, bleeding” Sandra quickly ran back inside.“The car is ready. We need to get her to the hospital now.” Ryder snapped into action, “I will carry her,” he said, standing up. He placed her on the floor before he crouched, easily lifting her in his arms. I stood frozen as I watched the whole scene. Everyone's expression was darkened with worry. A lump formed in my throat, but I pushed it aside.“I will drive,” Jacob said, already heading toward the door.Ryder nodded, carrying Olivia out, and w
Ophelia's Pov My breath hitched as realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. “Ryan.” I breathe out.He was still at home, alone. I shot up from my seat, my hands shaking. “Ryan… I left him at home!” Sandra’s eyes widened in confusion. “What?” Ryder’s head snapped up. “What do you mean you left him at home?” His voice was sharp, laced with disbelief. I swallowed hard, guilt washing over me. “I— I put him to bed before you came in with Olivia and everything happened. I forgot about him when Olivia—” Ryder was already on his feet before I could finish, pulling out his phone. He dialed a number and pressed it to his ear. “Pick up. Pick up.” he chanted impatiently.I didn't know who he was calling but the call went straight to voicemail. His jaw clenched, and without another word, he strode toward the exit. “I am going to get him,” he said, his voice tight with urgency. “I am coming with you,” I said immediately, but he shot me a glare. “No. Stay here.” “But—
Ophelia's Pov I opened my eyes to the cold room. I checked beside me but didn't find Ryder with me. The duvet was on me which I didn't do myself.I swung my leg to the floor and stood up from the bed. I headed to the living room, and I saw Mum sleeping on the couch.What is she still doing here? I thought she went home.I walked past her to the kitchen to make myself something to eat. At the sound of moving about and making noise, she woke up and sat straight, rubbing her eyes.When her eyes settled on me, she stood up immediately.“You should go home, Mum. You will have body pain by sleeping on the couch,” I said without giving her a glance.“I am not leaving until you talk to me,” I continued doing what I was doing.“And I don't want to,” I said.“Please, even if it is the last thing you do if I join your father,” I froze before turning to look at her.“Are you threatening me with that now? I have lost Dad, not you, again. Is that how you want to play it? I am angry with you but I
Ophelia's Pov I moved my eyes from the bottles on the table to Mum.“What truth mum?” I asked, curiosity eating me up.“I would like you to listen to the story I am about to tell you,” I said slowly, trying to gain my acceptance and I nodded.“When your father died, it was the darkest time of my life. I couldn't handle a kid all by myself not to talk more of two girls.I tried to handle both of you together, bring you closer, and make sure you are alright, but you withdrew yourself totally. I should have put in more effort but I didn't. I only made sure you were safe because of your illness, but emotionally, I didn't try.Olivia was the only one who I was close to so when the two of you went to university, I didn't monitor her like I did to you. I knew nothing about her love life or health,” she paused before continuing.“Few days for you both to graduate, I stumbled across your book when you wrote about hating a guy Olivia was with. Then I started looking after her and that was when
Ophelia's Pov As the car drove from the station to the house, Olivia's confession didn't leave my head.How? How did it happen? I have always blamed her for everything but I was the villain in her story. She was hurt because of me.As I rested my back on the passenger's seat, my thoughts went back to 20 minutes before I left the station.******“Since when and how long do you have more?”“Since I was in university. I had a breakdown and was rushed to the hospital, tests were conducted and I knew about it. I don't know how long I have but I know it isn't soon.”“Why did you tell Mum or me?” I asked as a tear escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.“It was bad enough I was the black sheep. I didn't want to make Mum worried. It was hard seeing her breakdown during Dad's death and how she struggled. If you don't notice, she still dies and that is why she buried her head in work.”“You should have told someone, we could have helped. Is there any treatment for it or any way you can man
Ophelia's Pov “Why?” I paused trying to brace myself together, “I didn't take dad from you. I never did,”“Really? You didn't?” She moved her chair and fixed her gaze on me. “Who was his perfect princess? Why read day and night to make sure Dad is proud of her? Who goes to meet Dad any chance she gets so he can spend time with her? Who was Dad's favorite?”“Olivia—” I started, but she interrupted me.“You made him distant from me. Then you came sick and all the attention was shifted from both of us to only you. Only Ophelia deserves to rest while I go to school activities. Only Ophelia deserves 24/7 monitoring. I began to fade and I became your shadow. It was all about you,” she screamed with tears flowing down her eyes.She is getting it all wrong, or is she right with what she said?I was suffocated and choked. I blamed my sickness for that and envied Olivia whenever she could go anywhere she liked or do anything she wanted.“I didn't know you felt that way,”“You wouldn't because
Ophelia's PovI sat in the interrogation room waiting for the officers to bring Olivia out.The sound of the door opening reached my ear, and I saw Olivia enter the room.My eyes met mine immediately, and I offered a little smile, which she returned forcefully.“Hi,” I said as she took her seat.“How are you doing?” I asked and she shook her head.“Shitty,” she replied and I nodded, looking down my fingers.“I know. It isn't the best place to be in,”“Are you finding means to get me out?” She asked.“Not yet—,”“Why?” She interrupted me with her voice harsh. I looked into her eyes, and for the first time, I saw something I had not noticed before.Anger.“Olivia, why?” I asked, maintaining eye contact with her. I watch her eyes transition from anger to confusion.“What?”“Why did you do all of these? Why did you hurt your family? Why did you hurt me?” She didn't reply to me; she only held my gaze for a few seconds.“Do what, Ophelia. You and Ryder should find out how to get me out of
Ophelia's Pov Three million dollars.The amount kept ringing in my head. The amount was huge. Why did she take a loan of that amount and what did she use it for?“Got it,” Dave said and gave me his phone.I read through her information, and every line I read got me more confused.I looked up from the phone back to Ryder. “How is this all true?”“There are pictures to prove it; scroll down,” Dave said, and I did as he said.There were a few pictures of her, from old to recent, but a picture caught my eye, and I zoomed in on the picture.The cloth. It looks familiar. I went to the search bar and typed my name. Many articles popped up, but I went to the videos and searched for the video of that day's accident. There was no video of the accident on the web. But I saw it while I was in Brazil.At that moment, Ryder came down and I turned to him immediately.“Ryder, the accident video is not on the web anymore,”“Yes, I took them all down,” he said, sitting down next to me. “Why?” he a
Ophelia's Pov As I watched the video, I felt a strangling knot in my stomach.Paul was on the call with someone as he placed about.“Did you do everything I asked you to?” He asked the person on the other side.“Listen to me. Go to my place and do exactly as I instruct you unless the boy dies,”“Talk to you later, Olivia. I have to feed the boy,”On hearing Olivia's name, the knot in my stomach tightened.I turned to Ryder.“She knew,” I said and he nodded.“That is the only evidence we got that the kidnapping is tied to Olivia,”Wow.“I need time to process this,” I stood up and walked to our room.I lay on the bed and closed my eyes, wishing that what I saw would disappear, but it only got clearer.I knew Olivia was tied to it one way or the other but confirming it now was hurting me more than I thought.After some time, I felt fatigue slowly kicked in and I slept off.******Waking up from the bed, I stood up and went to the bathroom to wash my face before leaving the room.I went
Ophelia's Pov Desmond and Ryder were checking all the CCTV cameras around the side where we found Ryan.They are looking for any connection with Olivia.I was with Ryan as he played with his toys. His little fingers moved busily as he stacked colorful blocks on top of each other. His soft giggles filled the room.I felt my phone vibrate beside me and I removed my eyes from Ryan to my phone.I saw 5 missed calls from Dave. When did he call that I didn't pick up? My brows furrowed. I looked at Ryan to make sure he was alright before calling him back.“Hi,” “Ophelia, are you alright?” He asked directly.“Yes, I am. How is Lily?” I asked.“She is fine. We are married,” the line went silent after that.The words settled in, a strange tightness forming in my chest.“Erm,” I cleared my throat. “That is good; I am happy for both of you,” I said, my voice coming out tighter than I intended.“Ophelia, I—”“It is okay.” I cut in, forcing a small smile even though he couldn’t see it. “You are
Ophelia's Pov A heavy silence fell over the room. The implications of what we had just uncovered were unsettling. Could Olivia have orchestrated Ryan’s kidnapping? Why would she do that if she did?I glanced at Ryder, his jaw tight, his hands clenched into fists. His expression was unreadable, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. Gina sat stiffly on the couch, her fingers twisting together. “I— I don’t want to believe it,” she whispered. “But if she could do this to Ryan, what else is she capable of doing?” Ryder exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. “If Olivia did this… If she put our son in danger…” His voice trailed off, but the quiet fury in his tone was unmistakable. “She faked her death and framed me, what else can she not do?” I asked aloud, trying the grasp the realization we just made.A cold shiver ran down my spine. Olivia had always been manipulative, but would she really go that far? To harm an innocent child? Her biological child?