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***
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 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
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
Ophelia's Pov Camilla was still smiling, still pleased with her little discovery that Daniel indeed has a girlfriend, but I could hardly pay attention. My attention was on something else or rather someone else.That look. It hadn’t left me. It was an invisible weight pressing against my skin, the undeniable presence of a gaze I had grown too familiar with. I could feel it—heavy, searching, stripping away the layers I had carefully built to protect myself. Ryder wasn’t just looking at me. He was studying me. I forced a smile at Camilla as she spoke of something entirely different, though my mind wandered elsewhere. I needed to pull myself together. “You okay?” Daniel’s voice was low, but it cut through my thoughts like a blade. I looked up at him as he moved closer, his usual playful glint replaced by something sharper, more serious. “I’m fine,” I replied far too quickly. His brow arched. “You sure? You seem a little…” He looked for the word, finally settling o
Ophelia's Pov Two hands helped me before I could fall on my face, preventing me from tripping.“I am sorry,” I heard a female voice before she came to my view.“Are you alright?” She asked, looking at me with concern. I immediately touched my baby bump.I nodded. “I am okay,” I replied.“I wasn’t looking. I should have been more careful,” she apologized again and I nodded.“I am Camilla,” she smiled at me.“I am Eva,” before I knew it she pulled me into a hug before pulling away.“Nice meeting you. I am just meeting you for the first time but I know you are not the same as the girls here because you look somewhat lost. No offense taken,” I found her cheerful attitude amusing. “I came with Daniel,”“Pierce?” she asked, surprise in her eyes and I nodded.She muttered to herself, “But he didn’t tell me…” but I heard it.She turned back to me, her expression shifting to excitement. “I am his sister-in-law! I am so happy to finally meet his girlfriend.” I burst into laughter at the as
Ophelia's PovAs we arrived at the venue, the lights from the grand chandelier above dazzled in the lobby, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. The party was in full swing, with a crowd of elegantly dressed people mingling in small clusters. The soft murmur of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, giving the entire event an air of sophistication and exclusivity. I couldn't help but feel out of place, despite the beautiful dress I wore and the confidence I had in my appearance.Even though I was from a rich family and was married to one of the elite in New York, I still haven't gotten used to such parties.I was suddenly surrounded by people whose wealth and status far surpassed anything I had ever known. Still, I held my head high and reminded myself that tonight was for fun— not to prove anything to anyone."You are doing great," Daniel whispered beside me as he placed a reassuring hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd."Thanks," I muttere
Ophelia's Pov Tonight was the party Daniel asked me to be his plus one. Even though I think Nichole should go in my place, she still didn't want to make their relationship public.I stood in front of the mirror, trying to assess my appearance. My baby bump had become more noticeable lately, but I was determined to enjoy the night. I hadn't let myself have many moments for fun or relaxation lately, so this was going to be one of them.The door to the bedroom opened, and Nichole stepped in with a grin on her face. "Alright, let us make you look absolutely stunning for tonight."I smiled. "I am not sure I need that much effort. It is just a party, not like I was meeting his parents."Her eyes narrowed mischievously. "Trust me, Eva. When you have Daniel as your date, you will want to look unforgettable." She walked over to the wardrobe, pulling out a dress I hadn’t noticed before. "This one. It is going to be perfect for you. Daniel and I got it for you"I raised an eyebrow. "Isn't th
Ophelia's pov I sat back on the couch, sitting opposite Nichole and Daniel, arms crossed, trying to process what I had just learned. Nichole and Daniel? Two months? Finland? I had to admit, it was a lot to take in.“So, Finland?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “You mean to tell me that you have been keeping this from me for two whole months, and you think it is just going to slide by with a casual ‘Oh, I went to Finland, and now I am sneaking around with Daniel?”Nichole sighed, looking like she wanted to curl up and disappear. “Eva, I didn’t know how to tell you. I mean, I didn't know what you would think about me, about the whole situation I was in.Daniel, who was sitting beside her, wore an amusing smirk on his face. “You should have known better, Nic. You know Eva doesn’t miss anything. Besides,” he looked at me with a sly grin, “she is too smart for your distractions.”I shot him a look, narrowing my eyes. “Oh, don’t start with me. You are in on this, too. You didn't act like yo
Ophelia's pov I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the living room. Nothing seemed out of place. No one was there. “Eva, it is not what you think,” she said, rushing to me after she closed the door behind me. I turned back to Nichole, narrowing my eyes “What exactly do you think I am thinking?” I crossed my arms. She looked around before She let out a nervous laugh, shifting on her feet.“It is not what you think because…” she paused, her eyes searching as if looking for what to say.“I was, uh, in the shower when you rang the bell.” She completed her sentence. “That was why I took so long.” “But you are in a shirt,” I caught sight of a missing button and noticed the shirt was bigger than her. “Why is one of your buttons missing and is that a man's shirt?”“My… cousin's shirt. I took it from his wardrobe during last year's Christmas. I am rushing to wear the shirt and popped a buttonI wasn't buying her explanations.I frowned. “Then why were you out of breath?” She opened he
Ophelia's pov Instead of answering him or confirming what he said, I walked out of the cafe with Aaron. Hailing a cab, Aaron and I got inside, and the cab drove off. Only then did I breathe out in relief.I kept my gaze fixed out the window, watching the city blur past as the cab moved. My fingers tightened around Aaron’s little hand, his warmth grounding me even as my mind spiraled.He knows. I was suspecting he noticed my baby bump but when he didn't say anything, I assumed he didn't and that I was thinking it too far.I should have been more careful. I should have worn looser clothes and should have avoided being near him for too long. But it wasn't something I couldn't control. I just got out of the bathtub and put on my robe. It wasn't something I couldn't have prevented right?But it was too late now. Ryder had seen the truth. He knew I was pregnant.Aaron shifted beside me, his innocent voice cutting through my thoughts. “Eva, are you okay?”I forced a small smile, brushing
Ryder's povHer correction hit me harder than it should have. Eva. Not Ophelia. I clenched my jaw, staring at her as she glared back, her eyes filled with a fire I had only ever seen when she was determined to push me away, when she was leaving. She was angry—no, beyond that. She was done. And that realization did something unsettling to me. I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face. "Eva," I repeated, testing the name on my tongue, but it felt wrong between my lips. It felt foreign. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unreadable. "What do you want, Ryder?" she asked, her voice clipped. I hate how we are right now. I hated this distance between us. Hated the way she looked at me like I was just some stranger she was forced to tolerate. There was no love or adoration in her eyes like she used to look at me and it caused my heart to tighten."I just…" My throat felt dry. I didn't know how to say what I wanted to say. Not when she was staring at me lik
Ophelia pov Ryder was deep in thought, but his presence felt like a pull, drawing me in. My heart raced with every step closer.He looked up just as I reached the table, his fingers pausing mid-tap. His sharp gaze flickered to Aaron first, then settled on me. His expression was not that of surprise; it was calm yet guarded. I inhaled quietly, steadying myself. “Hi,” I greeted him. I didn't wait for him to reply when I pulled out a chair for Aaron to sit on. “Aaron, sit here,” He climbed up the chair without question, his small legs swinging under the table. Ryder didn’t say anything. He just only watched, his presence heavy, making my skin prickle. I turned to Aaron with a smile, trying to keep my voice light. “What do you want to eat?” He scrunched his nose in thought. “Pancakes.” “Alright, pancakes it is.” I was about to go to the counter to order when Ryder's voice stopped me. “I will get it for him,” he said before standing from his seat and walking to the counter.