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
Ophelia povWorried about Olivia, I could barely sleep. I kept on tossing and turning all through. At one point, I went to the kitchen to get water and then to the living room to watch a movie, but none of it helped.Ryder hasn't called me yet and I was worried. Was she fine? Why did she slump? Is she okay now? I wanted to ask him many questions but he hasn't phoned me yet.I dialed Mum's number and called her. Her phone rang for a few minutes before she picked up.“Ophelia, why are you calling me at this hour of the time?” Her sleepy voice came from the other side. It was obvious I woke her with my call. But I knew she ought to know. I know she avoided seeing Olivia even when she was dying too.But she was scared. She was tearing apart knowing Olivia's condition. I know she wants to see her daughter but she was waiting for the right time.Now isn't the right time but she has to go see her. I wouldn't have known this if I hadn't forgotten my bag in her office on my last visit and I h
Ophelia's pov “Mr. Smith, your wife is fine now. She just needs sleep and care.” The doctor, who had just come out of Olivia's room said, standing with Mum and Ryder.Adjusting Ryan very well on my waist I left the elevator and went to meet them. Mum was the first to see me before Ryder and the doctor. Ryder's eyes grew wide as he made contact with me but I ignored him and faced the doctor, whose face was also in shock.It was like they weren't expecting me to come to the hospital.Mum collected Ryan from me, who was excited to meet his granny.“Good morning, doctor please, is my sister fine?” I asked, knowing fully well I heard the doctor say she was when he was talking to Mum and Ryder.The doctor composed himself before talking, “She suffered a panic attack and emotional stress. I have placed her on a medication which might have effects on her for the next few days but she is good to go”Ryder recovered from my surprising appearance and asked the doctor a question, “What kind of
Ophelia's Pov “It took you guys a long time to reach here,” Mom said when she opened the door.“Grandma,” the boys shouted and ran to hug her.“How are you all doing? You all look good,” she said, checking the three of them.“Granny, you want to know the secret? Richard asked.“Yes,” Mum answered.“Then you must give us cookies first,” Raymond said and they all grinned at her. She laughed at the boys’ tactics before following them inside.“My mum doesn't even care about me anymore,” I told Ryder as we walked inside the house and headed to the garden where everyone would be.“That makes the two of us,” he pulled me closer to him and I smiled.“Love birds, thank you for gracing us with your presence this late,” Lily said from where she was grilling meat. “Sometimes I wonder, it takes up all your time, but then I remember that you have 3 boys, and you could be trying for a girl,” Daniel said, walking towards us. Nichole slapped his shoulder as she came into view with her protruding st
Ophelia's Pov After applying makeup to cover up the hickeys and helping the boys finish up their dressing, we all entered the car and Ryder drove out of the compound with another car following us.Ryder increased security around us since we were having more kids. He didn't want a repetition of what happened with Ryan when he was little.The car pulled in front of the cemetery and I looked back at the boys.“Ready?” I asked and they all nodded.Ryder held Richard and Raymond as they walked in front of Ryan and me.“Mum, did you talk to dad?” Ryan whispered to me.“I tried my best, but you know he loves you and loves what you do,” I told him, and I watched him return his eyes to the floor.“I just want him to see how good I am at playing,” he said, his voice low and my heart reached for him.He just wanted Ryder to see how good he is but what he doesn't know is that Ryder knows. I always record him playing, and we both watch it at night before we sleep.“He knows you are good. You are
Ophelia's Pov “Ryan, Richard, Raymond, come down this minute,” I shouted at the top of my voice as I carried plates out from the kitchen to the dining table.I heard multiple steps running down the stairs. I sighed, tired of telling them to stop running around the house.“Mum, I need help with my hair,”“Mum, I can't find my blue shirt,”“Mum, where did you put my socks,”The three of them all said together immediately they stopped in front of me.I looked at them in awe.Ryan was dressed, but his hair was still damp from the shower, Richard was holding an orange shirt, and Raymond was barefoot.“I will help with your hair after breakfast, Your shirt is in the second drawer by the left, and your socks are in the basket beside your bed,” I answered them and turned, returning to the kitchen.“I didn't see it there,” I heard Raymond complain as his brother's footsteps faded up the stairs.“If you check properly, you will see it,” I shouted from the kitchen and heard him mumble under his
Ophelia's Pov I felt a little hand holding onto my hand. I felt weak and heavy in a kind of way.“She will be fine,” I heard Olivia's voice.I opened my eyes slowly but shut them when the light rays entered my eyes.“Too bright,” I muttered as I opened them again but this time more slowly.“Ophelia?” Olivia came to the other side of the bed. Her eyes were puffy as worry etched on her face.Did she cry? I thought to myself before I heard Ryan's voice beside me on the bed.“Mama,” he had a wide smile on his face as he held onto my hand and the other one on my face.I raised my body up to sit down when I felt like something was taken from my body.“Olivia, where is my baby?” I asked as I looked around the room for my baby.“Relax Ophelia, your baby is fine. He is in another room receiving care,” she smiled at me even though her eyes were saying another thing.“My baby is a boy?” I asked as joy slowly crept into my voice.“Yes,” Olivia replied with a gentle nod, her voice cracking just
Ryder's Pov The voices around me faded as I stared at the door long and hard, the image of her lifeless body boring my head.I slumped to the floor as tears flooded down my face. I didn't know for how long I sat on the floor until I heard a footstep behind me.“Ryder” I heard a familiar voice and raised up my head. Olivia was standing over me, her eyes worried as she looked down at me.“Why are you on the floor? Is the delivery successful?” She asked as her eyes moved to the door swiftly.“The delivery was successful,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper as I kept my gaze on the door. “We have a baby boy.” Her eyes lit up briefly, “That is good news, when will they be done with her in there?” She asked and I didn't reply to her. I didn't respond. Not because I didn't want to but because I didn't know what to tell her exactly. Her eyes dimmed when she noticed the way I was trembling. “Why are you out here like this?” she asked, crouching beside me. “Is Ophelia and t
Ryder's Pov I entered the room where Ophelia was and saw a nurse with her.“Babe, are you okay?” I asked immediately I got to her side, and the nurse excused us. “I started coming immediately the driver called me and told me what happened. Are you in any pain?” My drive to the hospital was a reckless one after I got a call from the driver. I honestly didn't know how I got to the hospital so quickly.She nodded. “I need to have more contractions before I can be fully dilated and go into labor,” she told me, and I rubbed my hand on hers as a sign of support.Her eyes moved behind me, and I followed her gaze to Olivia, who was standing by the door, just staring at us. Just then, her eyes flickered to Ryan, who was sleeping on my shoulder.“Did you talk to her?” she asked, her voice in a whisper only for me to hear. I shook my head.“You should talk to her. It won't be bad to have that talk with her now,” she said and I shook my head.“Not while you are yet to give birth. I am not leavi
Ophelia's Pov I checked myself in the mirror for the last time to make sure I was ready before taking my bag and heading to the living room.“Good morning, babe,” Ryder said from the kitchen as soon as he saw me coming from the stairs. I went into the kitchen where he was cooking wearing an apron. He looked very sexy and hot. I don't know if it was my hormones messing with me but I wanted to jump on him and have my way with him.I kissed his lips, lingering much longer than I anticipated.“Good morning,” I said and peeked at what he was cooking. “You are really good in the kitchen. It is very attractive and hot” I said, inhaling the sweet scent of the food.“You are becoming more daring,” he looked at me in awareness. “Anything for my wife,” he said before taking my lips in his.After a few seconds, I pulled away from him. “We better stop before we return to the bedroom to finish what we started,”“That is far. We could do it right here,” he winked at me, and I slapped his chest play
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