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 povI looked at Ryder when I didn't get a response from him.His eyes were fixed on me, but I knew he was far from his thoughts. Was he going to reject me? Is he going to tell him he was back with Olivia? Or is he going to tell me he loves me too? There were a lot of things going through my mind that I didn't know what to think anymore. “Ophelia, I—” Before he could say anything further, I placed my finger on his lips.“You don't have to give me your response now. I just wanted to let you know” I said, laying back in his arms. He tightened his hold around me and kissed my forehead as we both stared forward, our wine long gone.Should I tell him about the baby now? Will it make him accept me? What if he does not want the baby, what will I do? I thought long and hard over it and I decided to keep it from him until I was sure of how he felt about me.I can't let my child suffer for my sake. I have to do everything I can to make my child experience the right love he/she needs.
Ophelia pov I stared at her long and hard as she finished talking and laughed hard, taking her by surprise. Tears threatened to fall but I held it in even when the situation was enough to make me cry.“You are mistaken Olivia, if you think I was going to believe that. You couldn't sleep, and you called him to come to the hospital, and he left very early to get me a present. You can try to fool me but I won't fall for your tricks,” I shook my head.“Then you should have heard me crying to your husband that I needed him and he ran back here to take me in his hands. His firm strong arms round around me comforting Mr until he—” “Enough,” I shouted, unable to hear any more nonsense she was spilling. The image of Ryder doing everything he did to Mr last to Olivia caused my heart to ache so much that I was afraid it was going to start bleeding.“You should know this because you deserve to. Didn't you stop to reason why Ryder just came with the thought of taking you out, out of the blues? I
Ophelia's pov Waking up from my nightmare, I was drained of sweat. It was this same nightmare tormenting me. I have been hospitalized for two days and I still haven't heard anything from Ryder.Was that how little I meant to him? Even if he didn't love me back, I was still his wife.I sat up from the bed unable to sleep. My recovery was fast and I will be leaving the hospital bed this morning.I swung my leg to the other side, and immediately, I saw a flash of my memory.I was standing in front of the burning car as the person inside yelped for help. I only stood there, watching the person burn. After a while, I got into my car and drove off, leaving the person there to burn to death.How could I do that? How could I be so heartless? It wasn't me. Why would I do that?There was a knock on the door, breaking the me from my thoughts and the doctor came in with a basket of food.I composed myself and smiled at him. “How are you doing now?” He asked, setting the basket down beside me.“
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