Ophelia's pov The moment Ryder asked, “Pretense? How?” I felt my composure cracking. He looked genuinely confused, and it made my chest tighten. How could he not see that I was holding myself from breaking down? How could he not realize that I was so close to crying? I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “This marriage, Ryder, was never real to begin with. It was a facade, something we both agreed to for convenience. I was a mere instrument in your and Mum's business transactions.I didn't put up a fight because I knew you needed a mother for Ryan, someone to step into Olivia’s place. I had no choice but to oblige.” “But things changed, right?” he asked in hope, but I shook my head.“I was just Olivia's replacement nothing more and you know it” Ryder’s brows furrowed, his jaw tightening. “That is not true. We have been through so much together. You mean to tell me none of it mattered to you?” His voice wavered slightly, and it caught me off guard. I looked away, staring at
Ophelia pov Tears welled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “I am doing this for you,” I said, my voice breaking. “You deserve someone better, someone who doesn’t carry the guilt I do.” “Don’t you dare,” he snapped, his voice low and dangerous. “Don’t you dare try to make this about me? This is about you, Ophelia. This is about you running away because you are too scared to face what is between us.” I can't let his talk get to me. He was trying to cajole me into staying but I can't.In as much as he thinks I am being selfish, I couldn't stay. Not when I was carrying my baby.I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. “This conversation is over. I have made my decision, Ryder, and there is nothing left to say.” But as I turned to leave, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. His grip was firm but not painful, and I froze, unable to move. “Look me in the eye,” he demanded, his voice softer now but no less intense. “Look at me and tell me you don’t love me.
Ryder's pov I watched her leave the café, her figure disappearing out the door and out of my sight. The door shut behind her, and for a moment, I just sat there, staring at the empty seat across from me. The cold coffee on the table reflected the chill in my chest. I had told her I didn’t love her, that I never promised her anything. But as the words left my mouth, I saw her eyes flash with hurt and that caused a pang of hurt in my heart I had never been one for sentiment, not after Olivia. But Ophelia? She crept under my defense without me even realizing it. I ran my hands through my hair, leaning back in my chair as I continued staring at the chair she just stood up from. “Damn it,” I muttered under my breath. The sound of the rain pouring outside reached my ears and my mind went to Ophelia immediately. She didn't have an umbrella with her. Would she be all right in this weather? I wanted to go after her and make sure she got to the hotel safely.But her words echoed in my m
Ryder povWith the new realization I made, I walked into the house and the first person I saw was Olivia.She was sitting on the couch In front of the television and on seeing me, she jumped to her feet.Worry was etched on her face as she rushed to me to see me coming in.“Are you alright? I have been calling your phone since you left the house but you have not been answering.”I looked at her closely, trying to remember why I always called her my first love when it was Ophelia all along. Why I fell in love with her but I couldn't seem to place my hands on it.My eyes stayed on her face, trying to see what I couldn't see years back, and something caught my attention. Something I have never noticed.While her eyes were green which was different from Ophelia's brown own, Olivia's eyes held something in them. It was like it held secrets and untold stories.It wasn't transparent and raw like Ophelia's own.“I left my phone in my office. Sorry,” I said quietly, tired of everything. I just
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
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
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
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
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