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 povThe door opened allowing the both of us to snap our eyes to the door. Ryder entered the room, followed by Mum and Ryder behind him.Ryan left Mum's hold and came to me, hugging my feet. I looked at Olivia again, but her expression had changed. Instead of the fear in her eyes, she was now with a smiling face.“The doctor selected some foods for you to eat until you are fully discharged,” Mum said, sitting beside her on the bed and opening the food Ryder brought.“You don't have to feed me, Mum; I can eat myself,” Olivia said, sitting upright on the bed. “I know but I want to feed you like old times. Whenever you are sick, I always feed you like this.” saying that she took a spoon of the food and brought it close to Olivia's mouth.Olivia opened her mouth, eating the food, and Mum continued, and the rest of us watched their interaction.I moved my eyes to Ryder who stood by the other side of her bed. His eyes were fixed on Olivia, with a little smile playing on his lips.I
Ophelia pov.I kept the pictures back in the folder and hid them between my clothes. No one should get their hands on it.But I still didn't understand how I could be standing In front of the burning car. Why was I still staring at the burning car and doing nothing? And who took those pictures?My head was in a mess, and a headache started to form. My phone buzzed from the bed and I jolted in fear. After seeing that it was my phone with Ryder's name across the screen.I answered the call, “Are you alright?” I heard his voice from the other side.“Yes, I just needed to rest. How is Ryan?” I asked, after not hearing his voice from the phone call.“He is sleeping beside Olivia,” at the mention of Olivia, I remembered how our conversation went this morning.I should ask him about what she said. “Ryder about last night, did you—” the phone made a loud sound from his end.I looked at the screen and saw that he had placed the phone on hold.I waited for a few minutes for him to remove it fro
Ryder pov Seeing Olivia sleeping peacefully I slipped out of the room quietly. I couldn't get the sad look on Ophelia's face when I had to leave her to go to the hospital when Olivia called.I wasn't going to leave her, but Olivia was crying over the phone, and I just had to go meet her. I didn't tell Ophelia because she has been blaming herself lately and punishing herself over little things.She has a big heart and that is why she always tries to fix things and people. But she has to know she can't fix everybody.She was able to fix me and change me because I wanted to be fixed and I am glad I gave her that chance to. I need to make her know she can't fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed.I went to the receptionist and told the nurse I was stepping out. In case the doctor wanted to see me, and Olivia woke up. I went to the parking lot where my car was.I slipped into the car and drove off to Victoria's Secret. I liked the lingerie Ophelia was putting on last night and it took
Ophelia's pov Ryder's piercing gaze locked with mine, his expression unreadable. He leaned slightly against the doorframe, his hand now gripping the edge of the door as if he wasn’t planning to move anytime soon. "Can we talk?" His voice was calm, but there was a weight behind his words.I tightened the robe around me, feeling vulnerable under his intense stare. "There is nothing to talk about, Ryder. It is late. Go back to wherever you came from."He didn't budge. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence looming. "I know I shouldn't have come here like this, but... I couldn't wait." His jaw tightened, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something raw in his eyes—regret, maybe. Or was it something else?I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to shield myself from the emotions threatening to rise. "Couldn't wait for what? To ruin my night? To—" I stopped myself before I could go further. I wouldn’t let him rile me up.“How did you even find me? I thought I made it clear I wou
Ophelia's pov Pulling in front of my apartment, Daniel switched off the car engine and turned to me.“I enjoyed dinner with you tonight. We should do this more often,” he said with a smile.I returned his smile.“I am sorry I had to cut short our dinner.” I apologized.The baby kicked while we were having dinner, and after that, my back started to ache. I didn't want to let him know so as not to ruin the fun but he caught on real quick and noticed.He insisted that he take me home so I can rest. I told him not to bother but he insisted that I needed to stretch my back.“It is fine so far. The baby is alright,” his eyes shifted to my baby bump, and I unconsciously rubbed it. “Does that happen frequently?” “More frequently than before, but it is fine,” he looked worried at my reply. “Really. The baby is fine,” I laughed.“If you say so. Take care of yourself and you can call me if anything happens,”I smiled at him as I opened the door and slipped out of the car.I went to his side t
Ryder's pov My phone rang beside me bringing me back to the present.I blinked twice, shaking the thoughts off me before taking my phone and checking who was calling.I answered the call and put my phone on my ear.“I heard you are in my town,” a voice said from the other side. I recognized the voice instantly.“Words travel fast here?” I asked back, leaning back in my chair.“I have my resources,” There was a hint of teasing in his voice, “Let us catch up on old times, let us have dinner together tonight,”“Maybe next time David. I have retired to bed,” “Don't be boring now Ryder. I know you well and I know you are not on your bed yet. I will send a restaurant location to you now. After putting the kids to sleep, I will meet you there,” he said, insisting on meeting.At the mention of kids, Ryan entered my mind. Is he asleep yet or still awake?“See you there,” I said, eventually agreeing to meet him. I ended the call and tossed my phone on the table.David and I were friends at u
Ryder's Pov When the man brought the receipt, I immediately noticed the name of one of the most exclusive floral shops in New York. The store's reputation for personalized service and attention to detail struck a chord. Ophelia had always been particular about small things like that. Alice and I thanked the man and left the cemetery. As I drove, silence filled the car, broken only by the low hum of the engine. Alice remained quiet, staring out of the window, lost in her thoughts. While my mind raced with every possibility. Had Ophelia ordered the flowers herself, or had she asked someone else to do it for her? I clenched the steering wheel tighter. I couldn’t let myself overthink, not now. “If she was still sending Flowers to Thomas,” Alice finally said, breaking the silence. “It means she isn't far away right?”“It means she hasn’t completely detached herself from her old life,” I replied, my voice tense. “Or maybe she just loves their flowers,” Alice said with a faint sm
Ryder's pov I closed my laptop, getting tired of staring at the screen and leaned back on my couch.I haven't been able to concentrate on working. I don't know why I brought work along.Seeing Ophelia after a long time made my heart ache and it made me regret not looking for her soon.It wasn't easy finding her. She was really serious when she said she was leaving my life and Ryan's life.I left Ryan with Olivia and Gina immediately I got the location of where Ophelia was.I was surprised she could go far just to escape me but not anymore.I was going to make sure I take her back with me back to the United States.I made promises to various people who want me to bring Ophelia back and I will make sure not to fail them.I have been expecting a call from her but nothing has come through. I know she wasn't going to call me that easily and I have to make her talk to me.But I wanted to give her the chance to make her decision.The flashback of how I got her location played in my head***
Ophelia's pov I stood in front of the mirror staring at the reflection of myself. My eyes looked more pop than it used to which matched my nude lips. My makeup was lightly done, with my hair falling by the side to the back, all thanks to Nichole.It has been a long time since I looked this pretty and I loved it.I was wearing a maternity gown but it was more fitted on my body. It didn't hide my baby bump that much but it did justice to it and also made me look good.Well, I am preparing for a date with Daniel. Daniel is Pierce and Pierce is Daniel.I eventually agreed to go on the date with him and that is why I am getting ready.He sent a bouquet of flowers earlier at work with a note reminding and promising me of a nice dinner together and I was looking forward to it.I turned to Nichole, “How do I look?” I asked with a smile bracing my face.“You look stunning. I should have made sure you got into a modeling agency,” I rolled my eyes at her remark.“I knew you would say somethin
Ophelia's pov I remembered my baby. I need to protect my baby. I wasn't going to go down without trying to fight for our lives.I tried removing the person's hand from my mouth but his hold tightened.“Stop fighting,” He said but I didn't listen and continued what I was doing. I tried pulling his hands off my mouth to shout for help and also used my leg to hit his leg, hoping his hold would loosen, but my kick wasn't hard enough because I couldn't raise my leg due to my baby bump. “Damn it Ophelia, stay still,” How did he know my name? He must be a stalker.Suddenly, I froze as I registered the words and voice in my head. It kept playing in my head over and over.That voice!That voice is the voice I have wanted to hear for a long time. The voice I miss so well.I opened my mouth wide behind his hand and bit hard on his hand.“Ouch,” he yelped and he released me. I took the opportunity and went away from him, creating distance between us.Ryder is here? He is really here.My eyes w
Ophelia’s pov “You have been drinking this for weeks, you should stop it,” Nichole said beside me as I ordered my second cup of tea.“I can't drink coffee, so tea is better, Nichole,” I answered her, collecting my second cup, and we both went to the corner of the shop, facing the window, to sit down.“You should take more vegetables,” she said, sipping out of her coffee, her eyes trained on me.“Arghh. I have eaten everything you asked me to. Not again,” I groaned.For the past two weeks, she has been making sure I eat healthy. I needed something sweet and spicy.“It is for the baby Eva,” I nodded my head. I knew it was for the baby, and that is why I am taking care of myself, and now my baby needs something sweet.“So tell me,” she raised her eyebrows, teasing me. Her serious tone is now replaced with a playful one.I raised my eyebrows at her in confusion.“Where was that flower from? You didn't tell me you were going out with someone,” “Oh, that.” I said, “I met him when I helped
Ryder's Pov Desmond and I walked into the hospital and headed straight to the nurse at the reception. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic.The nurse, a young woman, glanced up from her computer screen. "Good morning. How can I help you?" I wasted no time. "I–”Desmond interrupted me. “He is the husband of a patient here and we would like to see the doctor in charge” She nodded and asked, “What is her name sir?”“Ophelia Hamilton Smith,” I said and her fingers started pressing over the keyboard.“Doctor Joe is her doctor but he isn't on the seat now,” she said, crushing every hope I had in me.“Is there any way I can contact him?” I asked.She shook her head and continued what she was doing.“I can call someone to help us,” I brought out my phone to make a phone call when Desmond stopped me.“That isn't necessary. You don't have to use your power for everything,” he said and walked away and out of the hospital.Why does he think the worst about me? It has been years. He should ge