OpheliaImmediately I entered the living room, Ryder's eye met mine from across the room. His eyes lingered on me.His eyes trailed slowly over me, from my head to my feet, pausing just briefly enough that I noticed. When our eyes met again, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he turned away as if brushing off a thought."Looks like Ryder's more affected by you than he wants to show," Elina whispered in my ear before she walked off toward David, leaving me with that thought lingering. Affected by me? I looked at him again but his attention was already on something else. I think she is reading his expression wrong.Before I could cross the room after Elina, Sandra stepped into my path. “I am really sorry, Ophelia, for everything you've been put through. I should have prevented all this.”“None of this is your fault, Sandra. It would have happened eventually, regardless.” I smiled at her.She pulled me into a warm hug taking me by surprise, and I could feel the genuine care radiating from her
Ophelia Sophia’s smirk told me she was enjoying every second of my discomfort, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting.“Um…” I laughed nervously, glancing down at my hands. “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?”“Come on, Ophelia,” Elina nudged me gently. “It’s all in good fun.”I took a deep breath, deciding to keep my answer as vague as possible. “Well… yes, I suppose I have.”There was a ripple of murmurs, and a few raised eyebrows, “Alright, who’s the person?”Then I noticed Ryder, leaning against the back of the couch, his gaze fixed on me with a curious intensity that made my heart skip.If I call Ryder's name, it will raise more questions. Questions I don't want to answer. Before I could go back on my decision, I blurted the first name I could think of. “Dave,” I said slowly and added, “my friend from work”There was silence for a moment.David, as if sensing my discomfort, spun the bottle again. This time it landed on him. “Truth,” he said, grinning, clearly eager
Ophelia After changing into my navy blue satin pajamas, I stared back at my reflection in the mirror. The bathroom was more luxurious than my entire apartment in London and it was freaking me out.Knowing I would be sharing a room with Ryder that night was messing with my sanity. After the kiss we shared, we have not said a word to each other. We were just avoiding each other's gaze, more like I was avoiding his gaze but he was no different.Letting out a deep breath, I made my way out of the bathroom. He was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his mobile. Realizing I was in the room, he lifted his head and spared me a glance.I ignored him and went to the dressing table. I combed my hair to remove all the tangles I got from the shower. Letting my hair loose, I contemplated whether to join him or the bed or not.I was relieved when he stood from the bed and walked out of the room. Using that chance, I hopped on the bed, covering my body with the duvet and keeping my mobile by the b
OpheliaAt the loud voice, the head cook ran into the dining room. “Who made this food?” Sophia asked again. “I am sorry if there is an issue with the food, ma; it won’t happen again,” the head cook apologized, bowing his head.Nothing was wrong with the food, I prepared them myself. I looked at everyone's faces as they ate the food. Their expressions were unreadable.“I just need to know the person who made the food,” Sophia insisted. The head cook raised his head and looked at me but didn't say anything.“Sophia I-” “I made the food, ma,” the head cook answered, breaking my sentences off. This could cost him his job. Maybe I shouldn't have gone to the kitchen but I was still confused. Nothing was wrong with the food.I took my fork and ate the pancake on it. It was okay!“This is the best food you have ever made,” Sophia said, and others nodded in approval, their faces smiling.Hearing that, my chewing slowed down and my heart calmed down.“It tastes so good. Aunty, I might stea
OpheliaAs Ryder drove, I couldn't help but glance at Ryder's profile. The hard lines of his face softened slightly, his usual tension seemed to fade away. I turned to him, catching a slight smile on his face, subtle but real. "Where are we going?" I asked, the curiosity bubbling up. I was not able to contain my curiosity."You will see," he replied, his eyes on the road, still with that hint of a smile. He didn't say anything else, leaving me in suspense. We left the busy city streets behind and drove into the open countryside. Trees and fields surrounded us, and a soft breeze filtered in through the windows.Eventually, Ryder pulled off the main road and onto a narrow road leading to a hilltop. He parked the car and looked over at me, something unreadable in his eyes. “Come on,” he said, opening his door and stepping outConfusion was etched on my face. Was he trying to lure me to the hilltop and kill me? Or push me from the top? If he, by chance, kills me, nobody will know what h
Ophelia Getting back, we went to get Ryder and I spent the rest of my day with him. Ryder had work to do so he was locked up in his home office. The house wasn't cold as it was and a flicker of hope rose in me. Maybe, just maybe it can be good for me.The next morning, I woke up early and got to the kitchen to make breakfast for Ryan and Ryder. After a few minutes in the kitchen, I was done and pleased with my work. I went to Ryder's room and knocked on the door.Immediately, the door opened and Ryder stood In front of me, dressed in a suit. His hair was styled and he smelt so nice.“Good afternoon, I greeted him and he raised an eyebrow. “Breakfast is ready,” I said, smiling softly.He looked at me for a few moments before giving me the answer that sunk my hope. “I am not hungry”“Please feed Ryan; he has been up for some while,” he added as he was already walking out the hall.What changed between the previous day and now? Why did he act so cold to me? He looked more distant to m
OpheliaWhen we entered the house, Ryder started instructing his guards while I went to put Ryan on my bed so that he could sleep well. When I returned to the living room, Ryder had dismissed the guards.As I stepped into the living room, his eyes turned to me, stormy and dark.“Did you even think for a second?” He started, his voice calm. But I knew and could feel the undercurrent of anger beneath his voice. “ How could you leave the house without the driver?” “I didn't think of a need to go with him. I knew my way” I answered, careful not to make him more angry.“Exactly. You didn't think. Do you know what would have happened to you if I had not come there at the right time? Should I tell you what was going to go wrong?” He asked, his voice raising as he spoke.“I am sorry. I didn't know all this was going to happen. I just wanted to get groceries. I didn't know people were going to recognize me so quickly and even judge me”He scoffed with a mocking look. “Of course, anyone would
Ophelia I looked at the caller ID and it was Dave.“I know it is you, Dave,” I said.“Well, you answered like you didn't know who I was, so I thought I would give you a little scare” he chuckled“Sorry, I didn't check my phone before picking up the call,” I apologized and rubbed my forehead, trying to ease the ache.“Are you alright? Is he treating you well?” he asked, sounding concerned.“I am alright. The media is just making a fuss about my marriage with Ryder,” I replied.“Hope they are not causing any harm to you. How is Ryder handling the situation? If things are getting out of hand, I have a friend that works over there at the major media house, I can ask for his help”My heart flustered. His genuine concern brought a tightness to my throat, and I felt tears prickling. Dave and Lily were the only people who didn't judge me for who I was.Or maybe it’s just because they never knew Olivia. I pushed the thought aside and answered him.“There is nothing to worry about. I am safe.
Ophelia's pov.I don't know the nagging feeling that came over me suddenly as I served breakfast on the table. “Breakfast is ready,” I said out loud and took out my chair, sitting down. Ryder and Olivia came to the dining table and sat down.I helped Ryder with his plate and turned to help Olivia. Olivia normally ears light and she eats only 2 pancakes because she used to watch her weight. But if she wanted to forget about her diet, she takes 3 to 4 pancakes so I just put 3 for her on her plate and added strawberry syrup for her on it.“Thank you,” she smiled, and I smiled back before serving myself.Between the two of us, I was the foodie. While Olivia cared about her beauty, shape, and skin, I cared about food, movies, and novels.And that makes us so different. I remember always stealing her food because I knew she wouldn't finish it, the memory brought a smile to my face.I looked down at my mountain of pancakes and dug in immediately. Almost halfway into my food, Gina arrived, a
Ophelia's pov I felt the space beside me and found nothing. I opened my eyes but didn't find Ryder beside me. “Babe,” I called out, thinking he was in the bathroom, but I didn't get a response. I flunked my legs to the floor and said my silent prayers before leaving the room and going to Ryan's room.His room was empty. First, my heart raced with different possibilities before settling with the thought of Ryan with Ryder. I might have slept so deep and late. I headed to the living room.I heard Ryan's voice before I saw him. He was sitting beside Ryder while opposite them was Olivia. She was dressed in her old clothes, and she looked clean and tidy, unlike the previous day. Ryder's gaze was fixed on Olivia with pain, longing, and something else I could place my hands on.Ryan kept on talking to Ryder, and Ryder only nodded his head as paying attention to him.Something about the setting struck something in my heart and I couldn't look away. “Mama” Ryan shouted and tried getting of
Ophelia's povMy eyes met Ryder's and he came to me, holding me by my shoulder, and whispered, “Ophelia, please calm down”“B-but-” I couldn't form words as tears filled my eyes. “Shhhh, take a deep breath and breathe out,” I did as he said, “You are not going to get answers like this, you are scaring her.” he turned to Olivia, who was observing us under her eyelid.“Please, let us have our seats and talk,” he gestured to the couch.All seated, I couldn't help but observe Olivia. She looked confused and tense. She still carried that aura with her but there was something amiss in her.“Where have you been?” I couldn't hold myself any longer but ask. I was running out of patience which was not my attribute.“In my world,” she answered in a ‘duh’ tone. I wanted to ask another question when Ryder spoke before I did.“What is your name?” I could see behind his composure. He was shaken by her appearance. His eyes hadn't left hers since she appeared, and his gaze was soft and tender towards
Ryder’s POVThe hum of the engine vibrated beneath me as the cab sped through the city streets. My mind was on Ophelia. She’d sounded different on the phone—quieter, almost... sad. Unlike her usual self. I didn’t tell her I’d wrapped up everything early just to surprise her. I wanted to see her face light up when I walked through the door. “Could you go a little faster?” I asked the driver, meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror. He nodded and picked up speed. For days, she’d been on my mind more than usual. Ophelia wasn’t just managing the house or caring for Ryan—she’d become the center of my world without me realizing it. She made me want to be better, to carve out time for moments that weren’t filled with business or deals. Just her, Ryan, and me. I couldn’t wait to see her reaction when she realized I’d returned early. I wanted to watch that smile of hers, the one that seemed to light up everything around her. The thought was interrupted when the cab slowed. Up ahead, a
OpheliaIt happens that Ryan just wanted me. He had fallen asleep in my hands, and I cradled him against myself as I relaxed on the couch, my thoughts wandering to Olivia. His steady, soft breathing was a calming rhythm, and I couldn't help but allow my thoughts to be all over. The moment I saw Olivia replayed over and over in my mind.Why did she deny knowing me? Why didn't she run into my arms like she used to? Why did her eyes hold a stare of indifference instead of recognition? Why was she there? Every detail stuck to my thoughts, dragging me into an endless storm of questions with no answers.She was dead, right? I had seen her lifeless body. I had stood at her funeral, watching as the casket was lowered into the ground, feeling my heart shatter in ways I hadn’t thought possible.That day, the raw grief had consumed me, leaving behind a scar I thought I’d carry forever. How could all of it have been a lie?How in the world was she alive? Or could it be her lookalike? But I knew
OpheliaI stared at her, frozen. My breath was stuck in my chest, my mind refusing to process what my eyes were seeing. "Olivia?" I whispered again as if saying her name would make her disappear or confirm she was real. She didn't say a word, but there was an unreadable expression on her face, mixed between confusion and fear. "How…" My voice shook, and I took one step forward with hesitation. "Olivia, is it really you?" Her green eyes danced, darting around as if in search of some form of escape. "Olivia, it's me, Ophelia," I tried again with a very trembling voice. "I don't know you," she said, her tone low but sharp as if the words were meant to cut. Her denial hit me like a slap. "You really don't know me at all?" I stuttered. "I'm so sorry. You must have me mistaken for someone else." She reached for her veil, pulling it tightly around her face to cover herself once more. "Don't lie to me!" The words had come out sharper and harsher than I had intended, but I co
OpheliaRyder was coming back the next week and I couldn't wait for his return. I have missed him so much, his touch and smile. I was so much expecting his return.My phone went off and Ryder's name flashed on the screen. A broad smile made its way to my lips. “Speak of the devil,” I said while going to the walk-in closet. “You were thinking of me, weren't you?” He asked.“I am looking forward to your return, I miss you” I put the phone on speaker and started changing my dress.“I miss you so much. I have been experiencing blue balls for days now.” I laughed at his complaint.“It is just 4 days Ryder, I think you are exaggerating”“Well, you will understand when I return” my cheeks heat up. I still haven't gotten used to him talking dirty.“And what will you do when you return?” I teased him while leaving the walk-in closet.“Ophelia, don't start what you can't finish” he warned, “Where is my son?” “He is with Gina; I am about to step out to meet Mum. She sent for me” he went silen
OpheliaI looked at myself in the mirror; I liked what I saw, then took my pulse and headed outside to meet Ryder and Ryan, who had been waiting patiently for me.Getting to the living room, the two of them were dressed in a black tuxedo with a golden breast pocket cloth that went with my dress. Ryan's hair was styled, while Ryder's hair was messy, but it looked hot. Their attention was both on the television as they watched Ryan's show. Seeing Ryder so into the movie was so cute.“I am ready,” I announced, and their attention moved from the TV to me. Their eyes stayed on me, checking me out, but they didn't say anything, and my smile slowly turned into a frown.“Does it not fit?” I asked, worried there was a problem with my clothes.“Yes, No,” he looked at me, “I mean, you look absolutely beautiful.” he stood up and came to me. “I knew the dress would look good on you.” his eyes ransacked me once again before pulling me closer to him. “If we weren't running late, I would have carr
RyderThe rest of our days on vacation were filled with laughter and quiet moments. We spent the days exploring the small town, walking hand-in-hand down the beach, and telling stories over candlelit dinners and evening strolls.For the first time in what felt like forever, I saw Ophelia unwind, her smiles coming easily and her laughter ringing out like a melody.Every night, we tangled so that our arms could be around us, passion weaving its path in our growing bond. No more was she standoffish, and her guard was crumbling bit by bit. It was a totally different side of her—fearless to be even fragile and unapologetically herself.But all vacations come to an end. Reality waited for us back home, with its responsibilities and complications. The drive back was quieter than usual, the silence heavier between us as we approached the estate. Ophelia stared out the window, lost to her thoughts, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dress.“Nothing is going to change.” I intertwined my