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 I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my hands nervously smoothing over the simple black dress I chose. It hugged my body, bringing out my curves. My heart raced with excitement as I brushed my hair, leaving it behind my back. I hummed, my mood light the ruined night between Ryder and me.Ryder’s words from this morning replayed in my head, “Just the two of us. No interruptions, no distractions.” It had been so long since we had shared something so intimate, just us. The last time we were so intimate without any worry was our lovemaking in his office.I heard a knock on the bathroom door which I ran into after Ryder left the bathroom after me. Due to excitement, I dressed in the bathroom, not wanting Ryder to see any part of me till tonight. “Ophelia, are you ready?” Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Ryder stood there, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt rolled at the sleeves and dark trousers. His intense gaze swept over me, and for a moment,
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
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
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 After dinner, I went to Olivia's door and knocked. She opened the door and walked back to the bed. I entered the room and shut the door behind me.“Can I sit?” I asked, standing in front of her.“You should. You are pregnant,” she looked at my stomach before dropping her gaze back down.I sat on the bed but my mind was in chaos. What should I start the conversation with?Should I start with, It has been a long time since we spoke or I am sorry?“You wanted to talk,” she said after some seconds.“I didn't see you at the hospital,” “I was giving you space and I didn't want to be the third wheel,” “Third wheel?” I asked, confused. “You were never a third wheel” “Is that what you came here for?” She asked, impatient.“I wanted to apologize for everything I cost you. I am so sorry. I don't know how and why I did it. It is still a memory to me…” I trailed off not knowing what to say.“You tried to kill me, Ophelia. Your sister. What if you had succeeded in killing me? I t
Ophelia's Pov Ryan was discharged after three days in the hospital. I haven't left the hospital in those three days. Ryder and Joe persuaded me to go to the house, rest, freshen, and ear, but I declined. I didn't want to leave Ryan's side.When they saw I wasn't going to leave, they stopped talking about me. Ryder made sure to bring new clothes and food for me every day, while Joe made sure to check up on me and my baby every day to make sure we were both doing well. He also spares his lunch break to keep me company.I haven't really seen Olivia since the day we met but I have heard her voice outside the room. There was a gap between us that was too large to cross for any of the two of us to cross, and I got it. What I did was unforgivable but I hope to get her forgiveness. The car pulled In front of the house, and I remained in my chair, staring at the house from the glass.Ryder came to the passenger's seat and carried Ryan in his arms. “Ophelia, are you not coming?” He asked
Ophelia's Pov I detached myself from Ryder's side and bent to Ryan's level.“Don't mind him. Will you eat now?” I asked, diverting his attention and he stopped.I helped him with his food, feeding him. Unlike his usual chattering and playing, he was very obedient and cooperative. My little boy had grown. I wish he could be like this forever.The nurses came to give him his medicine and check him up so Ryder and I moved out of the room.Olivia and Mum had gone home already, so it was just Ryder and me outside the door.“I am not your wife anymore,” I said after sitting down on the chair outside. “Don't lie to Ryan again,”I could feel his eyes on me. “I was not lying to him,” I scoffed, “You told him I was yours when, in fact, I am not. He should start knowing the truth,”“Even about his biological mother?” He asked and I turned to him.“I am still his mother. This doesn't change anything even as you have gotten back with Olivia. I love him as my own and I always will.” “We are not
Ophelia's Pov With my eyes closed, I tapped repeatedly on the bed, my other hand not leaving Ryan's hand.It looked like I was sleeping or at peace but I wasn't. My mind was racing with different thoughts.Ryder's confession still echoed in my head like a song played over and over again. I wanted to believe him, but doubt crept inside my heart like a shadow, whispering uncertainties. Was it real? Or was it just the heat of the moment, the emotions of him happy that he was doing to be a father? Was it just mere words to keep me from running again?He said he never loved me or felt anything towards me four months ago. Then what changed now? Why was he confessing love to me?I opened my eyes and turned my head slightly to look at Ryan. His tiny hand rested in mine, his face relaxed in deep sleep. He was my anchor, the only constant in all of this. I felt so guilty for leaving him behind like that, but I wasn't going to anymore. I had to be strong for him, no matter how much my heart w
Olivia's PovI clenched my fists so tight by my side that my nails bit into my palms. The sight before me, the way Ryder looked at Ophelia, his closeness with her and the way he confessed his feelings to her made my blood boil. I turned away from the door, my breath uneven. My plan had failed. Again. Everything I had done, every calculated move, every carefully placed doubt, it had all been for nothing. Ophelia still had him. She still had a way to get to him.Even after all these months, after my return, after everything I had orchestrated, Even when she left she had a hold on him and Ryan. That little brat didn't make it easy for me either. He was either throwing a tantrum, crying for Ophelia, or being too quiet.He was meant to bring me closer to Ryder, but instead, he was just useless, making me care for him all day.For a little boy, he was able to tell me and Ophelia apart.My body shook with anger, but I forced myself to breathe. I can’t lose my composure now. Losing cont
Ophelia's Pov Olivia walked up to Ryan to check up on me but Ryan's eyes still looked in my direction.When she saw that Ryan's eyes hadn't left mine, she turned and looked at me. I walked up to Ryan's bedside where Ryder and Olivia were standing.“Hey, baby. What do you need?” I asked bending to his lips to hear him.“Water,” he said and I nodded.“I will bring some for you now,” I straightened and went to the table in the room. I poured water from the jug into the cup and went back to him.I helped him drink the water before laying him back on the bed. He closed his eyes and I guess he went back to sleep.The room was suffocatingly silent, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on us like a thick fog. Beside me, Olivia's eyes bore into me, sharp with her expression unreadable. But for a moment I saw it— the flicker of something dark beneath her composed facade.Jealousy? Rage? Betrayal?Her gaze drifted to my belly once more, and I instinctively placed a protective hand over i