Ophelia's pov I followed his eyes and found them on the little boy in the car. When the little boy found me staring at him, he looked down, avoiding my eyes.“Thank you but we are fine,” I said politely, avoiding his offer.“I think the little boy needs to rest after a stressful day at school. I could just drop you off at your place and continue your journey from there.“Well, it looks like your son doesn't like the idea,” I said, and he turned to his son.“Antony, wouldn't you like us to carry this beautiful aunty and her boy?” I watch him interact with his son.The boy nodes to what is asked.“Is everything okay,” I bent a little to Aaron, asking him.“He doesn't like me,” he muttered to my ear and I stood up straight.“Your son doesn't want him in the car, so I will pass. Thank you,” my leg was beginning to hurt, and I just wanted to sit down.I walked further with Aaron but the car kept following me. “I am not going to bite you, you know. I just want to help you,”“And I said th
Ryder's place “What do you mean by she is nowhere to be found?” I asked over the phone as I paced around my office.“There is nothing about Ophelia since the last 4 years so my guess is she changed her name,” Desmond replied.I sat down on my bed, pulling my hair in frustration and regret. “She made a trip to the hospital before she left for the airport so the best thing for you to do is to go to the hospital to know why,”Hospital? Why would she need to go to the hospital?“Are you not coming with me?” “My job is to look for your wife, not your bodyguard,” his sharp reply came through.“You are the one who is searching for her, you need clues,” This side went silent for some moment before he agreed. “Just know you are paying double because I didn't sign for this fatty,” he said and the call ended.He still uses the name to call me. Desmond and I were friends in high school, almost like best friends, and he started calling him ‘fatty’ because of a girl who had a crush on me back
Ryder's pov “Like what?” She asked, sniffing herself. “Am I smelling bad?” I shook my head, deciding not to ask her again. “It is nothing. You smell nice,” I said and the smile which swiped off her face returned.“There is something I need to show you,” I said, and her attention was quind.“Is something wrong?” She asked and I shook my head. “Please come with me to my study,” I said and started going to my office with her following closely behind me.I opened my study and went to my desk. She was looking around as if, trying to imprint it in her mind.“Strikes a memory?” I asked and she looked in my direction.“Not yet,” she said and walked to me.I opened the evidence and played it for her. I saw blood drain from her face.“Ryder—”“Yes, it is what you are seeing. Ophelia is innocent,” I said when she could not find her words anymore.“But how is it possible? I saw– we all saw it on the TV. It was her voice,” she asked, her eyes still on the video which was playing over and over,
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
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
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 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
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 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