Ophelia's pov Olivia's request kept repeating in my head even after leaving her room hours ago. She made it seem so easy like they were some sort of objects to move or possessionsMy eyes moved to Ryan who was playing with his toys. A smile made its way to my face as he struggled to get an unruly hair off his face. His face was irritated as he tried to brush it away from his sight but it kept falling back to his face. “Mama,” he cried in frustration. I wanted to help him but I continued watching in amusement. My phone buzzed, allowing me to take my eyes off Ryan and check my phone. It was a message from Ryder. There was an invitation photo and a message under it. “There is a welcome party being held this evening. You can take Ryder to your mum's place and get ready by 7, my driver will come and get you.”I read the message again and looked at Ryan. He had successfully removed the hair that was falling on his face, and his attention was back on his toys.An idea struck in my head.
Ryder povThe welcome party was already buzzing with energy when I arrived. The event was being held in one of the city's most prestigious venues. Grand chandeliers, polished floors, and the waiters were weaving through the crowd with trays of champagne. Yet, none of it registered in my mind. I was waiting for Ophelia.My meeting had run late, and I couldn't go back home to dress and come with Ophelia. I barely even had time to get dressed in my office before heading straight here. As I stepped inside, scanning the room for familiar faces, my thoughts were interrupted by Frank, my friend.“I only get to travel for a year and a lot has happened to you,” he said, taking a glass of wine from a waitress.“How are you doing man?” I asked, surprised to see him at the party.“Do you miss me?” He wiggled his eyebrows, sipping from his drink. I scoffed, “You were gone for too long”“Oh God you missed me,” he chuckled before drowning the rest of this drink.“Where is your new wife? Ophelia r
Ryder's povFor a moment, her question threw me off guard. Her gaze was softer now, curious rather than accusatory as if she genuinely wanted to know. I leaned against the railing, keeping a measured distance between us to ground myself while staring at the city from the balcony. The city lights skimmed below flickered like a thousand unspoken truths, and I found myself staring at them instead of her, unsure how to answer. “It felt…” I hesitated, searching for the right words as the words lodged between my thoughts and my lips. “It felt like everything I thought I wanted.” I finally admitted, turning back to meet her eyes.Her eyes searched mine, studying me, a flicker of something, hurt, maybe, crossing her features before she masked it with a faint, almost dismissive smile.“And now?” she asked, her tone deceptively light but her gaze piercing.“And now,” I said slowly, my throat tightening as the thoughts of Ophelia filled my mind “ Now, things are different.” She nodded, tu
Ophelia pov The house felt quieter than usual, but it wasn’t the peaceful kind of quiet. It was the kind that crawled under your skin, making you restless. Ryan was in his room sleeping while I sat on the couch with my phone in hand, staring at the screen. I debated calling Ryder. He hadn’t texted since leaving for the party nor had he called me. A part of me wanted to ask how things were going, but another part, the bigger part, feared his response.The decision to send her to the party was mine, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that it was a mistake. I told myself it was for her own good, a way to help her regain her memory, but deep down, I knew there was more to it. I was distancing myself, giving her space to him. Since she left for the party, my heart has been restless. I have been checking my phone, waiting for Ryder to call me but he hasn't. The idea of him enjoying himself with Olivia nagged me so much that I kept myself busy playing with Ryan. But Ryan was aslee
Ophelia pov The sunlight streamed through the curtains, and I blinked against its brightness. My body felt heavy, and my stomach churned again. I groaned softly, rolling onto my side as I felt drowsy.Ryder was already up, standing by the window with his phone in hand. His shoulders were tense, and I could tell he was worried.“You are awake,” he said, turning to face me. He sat beside me, his eyes scanned my face, and I could see the concern etched in his expression.“Barely,” I murmured, sitting up slowly. My head felt like it weighed a ton, and every movement made me feel worse.“You are not fine, Ophelia,” Ryder said firmly. “I will be fine,” I said, trying to convince him.“We are going to the doctor today. I just called him to book an appointment. No arguments Ophelia.” Ryder said, leaving no room for argument and I gave in.There is no harm in going to the hospital for treatment, I just don't want to go in there again. The trauma I went through when I was told Olivia was dead
Ophelia's povAs I walked out of the doctor’s office, the reality of what I had just learned settled over me. Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind like a persistent alarm, accompanied by a mix of joy, fear, and uncertainty. The fresh air outside hit me as I stepped into the sunlight, clutching the prescription and test results tight in my hands. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, my fingers tracing gentle circles. A tiny life was growing inside me, yet the thought of sharing this news with Ryder filled me with hesitation. The bustling street pulled me out of my thoughts, and I quickly hailed a cab back home. My mind raced as I stared out the window, trying to figure out what to do next. Should I tell Ryder? How would I tell him? If I did, how would he react? Will he be happy and excited? Will he want the baby? Will he want to build a family with me?A lot of questions flooded my head, the car moved and I didn't know when I was carried away by sleep.*******When I fin
Ophelia pov Ryder turned sharply, his smile fading as he looked at Olivia. “You remember something?” he asked, his voice laced with cautious hope. Olivia nodded, her gaze darting between the two of us. “Yes, it is all coming back 8n bits but I remember Mom and Dad, and you, Ophelia.” Her voice trembled with emotion, her eyes misting. “What exactly do you remember?” Ryder pressed, stepping closer to her. She hesitated, her hands wringing nervously. “I saw our picture together, Ophelia and I remembered us as kids. You were shy and reserved while I was the bold and troublesome one. I remember going to the fair with Dad and Mum. I remember stealing your food. I remember you doing my assignment for me. I remember you were sick. And Ophelia…” Her eyes landed on me, and for a split second, something dark flickered in them before she quickly masked it with a forced smile. “I remember being your sister. I might not remember everything now, but it is all coming back”My stomach churned
Ophelia pov The air thickened with tension as Olivia’s words echoed in the room. Ryder froze also, his gaze snapping to Olivia. Ryan, oblivious to the shift in the atmosphere, giggled and wriggled out of Ryder’s hold, his attention back on the gifts. I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to remain steady. “What did you just say?” Olivia’s lips curved into a soft smile as she stepped closer, her eyes on Ryan. “I said Ryan’s lucky. You both love him so much, it is almost unfair. Isn’t that right, Ryan?” Ryan looked up briefly, his small hands clutching the Aladdin jug. “Mama loves Ryan the most!” he declared, his grin wide and innocent. I exhaled a shaky breath, but the unease in my chest didn’t dissipate. Olivia’s words felt deliberate, like a thread she was pulling to see what might unravel. “Of course we do,” Ryder said, his tone light but his eyes watchful as he studied Olivia. “He is our little champ.” Olivia crouched down, her smile growing as she reached for Ryan. “An
Ryder's pov Entering the house, I pulled on my tie, releasing it from my neck and unbuttoning the first button on my shirt.“Welcome dear, Gina said, coming out of the kitchen with an apron. “You must be hungry. Should I set the table?”“Yes Gina, thank you,” I stopped on my way to my room and turned back to Gina.“Gina,” I called, and she turned back to look at me behind the counter.“Has Ryan and Olivia eaten?” I asked.“Ryan has had his dinner but Olivia is still waiting for you so you could have dinner together,” I nodded slowly, tired from the day's work.“I will call her for dinner after I freshen up first,” I told Gina.“Ryder,” she called softly before I could move. “You work yourself too hard, can you try to create time for your family? Ryan misses you,” her eyes gazed at me with care and hope.Since Ophelia left, I have buried myself in work, having no time to think about her. I leave early in the morning and return at night.And that is because I was now in control of Alic
Ophelia's pov Shortly after the security men reached my row, they caught the man with a bag of hidden drugs. It turned out he was referring to the man sitting next to me. His bag was searched and it was filled with clothes dipped in drugs. His flight was canceled, and he was led out of the plane.I breathed in relief when the pilot announced we were about to fly. I closed my eyes as the plane ran through the railway and was to taxi.I felt the plane lift from the ground, and I shut my eyes tightly, clenching firmly to my seat and biting hard on my lips.When the plane was finally in the air I unlocked my seat belt and breathed in relief. After some time, a waitress came to me asking what I wanted and I told her before relaxing back on my seat.I am starting a new life now. A life where no one knew me. Not as Ophelia Hamilton, the daughter of Alice Hamilton, or Ophelia Smith, the wife of Ryder and the mother of Ryan, but as Eva Hunter.I decided to use my other name, Eva, one of my
Ryder's Pov The airport came into view, and I slammed my foot on the brake as I skidded into the parking lot. Barely having time, I turned off the engine before jumping out of the car.I didn’t know what I would say to her if I saw her. I entered the terminal which was buzzing, scanning the crowd for any sign of her with my guard following behind me. Another of my guards joined us there.“I was keeping my eyes on her but she got lost in the crowd,” the new guard who joined us said.Why can't they do a simple task right?“She is just a fucking woman; how could you lose her?” I was losing my cool while staring at the guard.“She was sitting right here waiting before people started moving and I lost her in the crowd. I am sorry sir,” he apologized, bowing his head. My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I ignored it. I went to the nearest information desk. “Excuse me,” I barked at the woman who was sitting down there. “I am looking for someone who might have checked in recently. Ophelia
Ophelia's pov The cab pulled up to the airport, and I handed the driver some cash. “Keep the change,” I muttered, stepping out of the cab and I held the scarf tighter around my head. The air was crisp, biting against my skin, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the chill settling deep inside me. I walked into the terminal with my heart pounding with every step I took. The buzz of activity was washing over me. People were rushing past me, some dragging their suitcases, others clutching boarding passes in their hands, and some, their faces a mix of excitement and fatigue. I envied them. They had somewhere to go. They have a good reason. I didn’t know where I was going, only that I needed to leave. The phone I tucked away in the hotel room had been deliberate. I tossed it in the bin before I left the room. Even though it hurt me a lot, tossing a lot of memories away but I had to do it.I couldn’t risk anyone tracking me and finding me. I wanted to live far away from them, away f
Ryder's pov It was just between me and Ophelia. How did it leak out?A video began playing.Ophelia was standing In front of a burning car, and I could hear the pleading from the other side, but Ophelia just stood there, back to the camera, without doing anything.“Thank your stars, your son isn't with you right now; if not, he would have burnt with you to hell,” Ophelia said before walking to her car.I dropped to the couch as disbelief filled me. I was shocked.That was her voice, my body shook with rage as her words kept playing in my head.“Mama,” I heard Ryan's cry and looked down at him.His eyes were on the TV when he heard her voice. The reporter continued, “This video was sent to almost 15 media outlets with the sender anonymous. It leaves everyone to the question of why she would want to kill her sister and threaten to end her son's lie,”The room fell silent as the words sank in, leaving me breathless and with only one question in mind.Why?My heart went numb, I didn't k
Ryder's pov “That's true Ryder. I haven't seen Ophelia yet, why is she?” Mum asked, her eyes settling on me.“She is gone,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice shook a little, almost giving away what I felt. “What do you mean by she is gone? Gone to where?” Dad asked, his voice sharp while his brows furrowed deeply.“She isn't interested in our marriage anymore, Dad. She gave me divorce papers and left,” The words felt heavy and like poison, burning my throat as I said them.“What are you talking about Ryder? She would never do that. I know her” Dad defended her, his voice in disbelief. He took out his phone and began dialing her number.The familiar sound of the ringing tone filled the room, but I knew she didn't pick up. “Did you two fight?” Mum asked, concern lacing her voice.“She was tired of pretending, Mum. She wanted to live her own life.” I shrugged, trying to mask the ache in my chest. Dad’s jaw tightened as he continued to listen to the ringing before the
Ryder's pov Finally, after leaving my office, I went to my room, had a quick shower, and slipped into casual clothes. I got little or no sleep and the pounding in my head demanded one thing—coffee. The house was still quiet, the morning light filtering through the windows. As I walked toward the kitchen, I paused by Ryan's room and pushed the door open slightly.He was still asleep, his small form curled up under the blanket, clutching his stuffed lion tightly, one of the gifts Ophelia got him on his birthday.For a moment, I just stood there, watching him. His soft breathing filled the room, a sound so comforting yet so fragile. He looked so much like her, Ophelia, when he slept.I shook the thought from my mind and headed to the kitchen to set about making coffee. The machine whirred softly, filling the air with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.I leaned against the counter, staring into the mug in my hands. The silence wasn’t peaceful, it was suffocating. There was a time
Olivia's pov The room was wrecked with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes. The house was in complete disarray with everywhere littered with bottles of alcohol and the table filled with cigarette powder.Clothes were thrown on the couches, discarded, and scattered everywhere. My nose twisted with the smell emitting from his room. How is he able to breathe here? I went to the closed window and opened it, allowing fresh air to enter the house, giving more room for breathing.I turned to him “Why did you call me here? What do you want? I thought I asked you not to call me except I do”He chuckled, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Oh, Olivia. Still as fiery as ever. But we both know why you are here.” I glared at him, my patience already wearing thin. “Stop playing games with me, I don't have time for your nonsense. What do you want from me?” He took a step closer, his smirk fading into something more sinister. “I want what you promised me. Do you think you can just cut
Olivia's povI poured myself a bottle of champagne and drowned it in a go. Everything was falling apart. Everything I thought I would hold back. Ryder might not have told me what happened in detail but I know Ophelia was gone from our lives.I saw the divorce papers on his desk. Ophelia's name and signature were already on it, which only remains Ryder's own.At least one of my plans worked even though it didn't take me so much effort. Ophelia had such a soft heart. She has always been and she is still a pleaser. She was always looking out for people and forgetting herself in the process. I thought she would have changed a little but she didn't surprise me.I knew I wouldn't need much work to do but only Ryder proved difficult. Always following Ophelia like a lost puppy.I eavesdropped on him while he was talking to Ryan who was sleeping. He keeps calling Ophelia Ryan's mum, he even still cares for her after she left. He keeps referring to her as his wife but I was his wife in the fir