TiffanyAnother knock on the door. I flinch and look at the clock. It's seven. I have been sitting here for almost an hour now and didn't even realise. "Tiffany!" John's voice comes from outside, startling me. I immediately wipe my tears off and look in the mirror. Thankfully, I'm not looking much worse."Yeah. Coming!" I stutter and open the door."I'm sorry if you were sleeping", he says."No. It's fine", I tell him, smiling. "Well, Kevin has left his art project at home. Thea had called me. I can't find it anywhere", he says. Wow! Leaving home one hour earlier and still forgetting things!"He did that project in your room yesterday", I tell him. "Yeah. I looked over there. Found nothing", he says."Let me check", I come out of the room and surge towards his room. *I and John search the whole room for the artwork but it's nowhere to be seen. I even checked the boys' room in between. The artwork should be clear here because Thea had started doing all this last night which I did
TheaIt's so fucking tiring to babysit kids! I'm already exhausted after rushing for them the entire day. Above all, Kevin left his stupid project at home. Why are kids so careless? I slump onto the couch."How was your day?" I hear Tiffany's voice and look in front of me. She's talking to Ryan and Kevin. This bitch doesn't leave a chance. "It was good. I just got my marks cut", Kevin says in a saddening tone."Why?" Tiffany asks. Will she stop investigating them? I don't have the energy to waste on them now, so I don't speak. "It got dirty", Kevin says."Because I got it under the bed", she says."Really? Under the bed?" I snarl, glaring at them. "How can you be so careless with your important stuff, Kevin?" "Maybe, you should have checked if they missed something", Tiffany fires back at me. Her audacity!"Really? It's not my job to look after every single thing. You have literally spoiled them. They are not five, for god's sake. They need to learn to do some stuff by themselve
TheaI know what I have started. His reaction says it all. John's face has turned ice cold now. His eyes were frozen on me as it was the exact moment when he asked that question. I can hear his deep and heavy breath as if it's just a moment before he starts roaring. I know it's working. My initial plan is working. Even though I wasn't ready to disclose it yet and I was afraid, I can see it all acting up the same way as I wanted. It's going to be complicated and I have to be careful while taking each step.But there's no way back.There's no other way.If it was like before, I would not care about anything. I would be less scared while doing all this because at that moment I would be only concerned about losing my security. Yet, I wouldn't be scared. Because even if John left me, I would have gotten more than I wanted. The divorce, the alimony, maybe the custody of kids and more for their upbringing. I always had a backup. I was always secure. I never feared he would leave me. Becaus
TheaJohn is rubbing his knuckles to the palm of his left hand. Aggressively. It appears as if he's trying to punch something right now. Or maybe that's Christian. I have never seen him being so violent. Reacting so violent. And I don't know what is going to happen after he faces Christian. The way he's acting right now clearly tells me that it's only the beginning of what I am going to witness. John is groaning. His groans are scarier than anything I have ever witnessed in front of me. His body is shaking. His jaw is clenched. The anger is definitely a mixed one.A part of it is on me. I clench my fists and stand there for a while, observing him. Minutes pass. And not a single word is spoken between us. My heart rapidly races. His silence seems scarier.The whole time I keep calculating and assuming that it was not going to be an easy one. If it all happens according to my will, it's going to be great.But if I fail, if all my schemes fail, that's it. My lies can be caught at an
TiffanyI have been standing in the hallway, walking here and there and sometimes looking up at the stairs since John dragged Thea into the room. All I know is the conversation between them is not gonna be that simple at all. Thea will eventually have to either tell him the truth behind all this, or else she'll be playing the dirtiest game ever. As far as I know her, she'll obviously choose the second option. "Tiffany!" Kevin's voice drags me out of my thoughts. Getting startled, I look behind and give him a forced smile. "We're hungry. When will you get us the dinner?" He asks.Heck!I almost forgot about that. And I didn't even prepare anything. "I'm so sorry", I stutter. "Wait! I'm gonna prepare something as soon as possible", I say, surging towards the kitchen."Is there anything already prepared or leftover? I'm too hungry. Ryan is yelling at me", he folds his lips as I open the fridge.I turn to him, disappointed. "Let me see. I'm sorry I forgot about it. Your mom was about
ChristianWithout wasting another second over there, I surge out of the room. Ivanna follows me. I wanted to tell her not to come downstairs because it'll stress her out. However, I know her well. She's not gonna listen to me in this case. Moreover, I don't have enough time to argue with her. I climb down the stairs when I find John standing in the hallway, his back facing me. And Thea is straight facing me. I halt as her gaze darts on me. The audacity she has to glare at me after literally blaming me for the whole thing. However, I don't expect her to have any shame. John must have realised she was looking in my direction. He turns to me. As I had already expected, his eyes are full of rage. As much as I want to understand his situation and justify his rage is far, I pity him for being so fucking blind. I can only imagine how much brainwashed a person has to be to see what Thea truly is. I feel Ivanna just behind me during the deadly eye contact.I climb down and just when my
IvannaI squeeze my eyes shut and brush my fingers against my forehead letting out a huge sigh. It was something tragic for me since I never came across such a situation, especially in the villa itself. I look at the door. John and Thea have left but John's last words keep echoing inside my head. The way he gazed at Christian and threatened to ruin him was enough for me to realise the upcoming turn of events. I can still feel my heart thudding against my chest. It takes me a while to process it all. I roll my eyes around the hallway. Mrs Fisher has been there, a few feet away. Her eyes are full of concern. As soon as my gaze lands on her, she gets startled and looks around. "Get back to your work, everyone", she says in a firm tone to the house helpers. Getting startled, they also get back to their respective work. "Let me know if you need something", she says with a half-smile and leaves. I catch my breath and turn around. Christian has been already looking at me. His eyes are cal
Ivanna"Had to leave early. There are some emergencies. Don't worry. It'll be okay. I love you"I read the text through my blurred vision when I'm still on the bed, lying on my stomach, trying my best to get up. I sent an emoticon in reply. There was a silly time when we both used to get offended when there were such small words in the reply of I LOVE YOU. But like a relationship ages, it doesn't matter anymore. Especially with texts. I laugh to myself and tuck my head back under the sheets. I don't feel like getting up. And it's been a whole month since I have focused on the firm itself. Christian was right. I didn't have to quit that way. Initially, I'm taking long breaks which is better than quitting. "It's time for work!" I feel small taps on my blanket with Chrissie's voice coming like a command. "Mama! You keep bunking your work. Don't be a lazy girl. Get up", she squeals. I groan, regretting what I told her yesterday. Yes! I told her that I'll get back to work today. She
JohnGetting married in the 50s isn't that strange anymore. But for me, it was— for a man who believed his marriage would last forever and then believed he would never marry again. I stood before the mirror as Ryan helped other groomsmen with their last fit."You all look pretty handsome. Ready to leave. But I wish Kevin had that time to get a good fit. Your suit sucks!""I feel better anyway", Kevin snarls. I chuckle while fixing my bow tie, watching my sons in their 20s still fighting like toddlers. It's been a blessing for me to have a family which didn't break even after the biggest disaster. And maybe it was because, in our family, it had always been us. Me and my two boys. Their mother wasn't there. The death was just a formality. I didn't really change that much. My boys were happier than ever after she died. It's really mean of me to think that way but it was the truth. They were traumatised because they were kids. As they grew up, I realised they had a better and healthier
It's been a while since I updated this book. However, I have delayed letting you know that I'm writing a book on Samuel and Chrisanna titled "Dispute Marriage" You'll find it on my goodnovel profile. This book is a bit different from others which don't have a forced marriage trope or any abusive family since you are already familiar with both families.The story revolves around two childhood friends Samuel and Chrisanna and their sudden marriage after Samuel disappears from Chrisanna's life for eight years. The book deals with heavy mental issues and a dark past. Slow burn. Please give that book a try and let me know if you like it. And I would like to know if you would want a short portion of John and Georgia's story or a direct epilogue to close the book.
Tiffany Emery runs to Sebastian. "Da—dy"And he immediately drives his eyes down and takes her in his arms. They both look at me lovingly. Now, I don't feel bad about pushing the wedding. This feeling would not be the same if we got married before Emery came. Ryan and Kevin walk beside me to the aisle. I wanted them to do this honour because if there's anyone in this world I still love more than Sebastian and Emery, My eyes become teary as I walk to them. Sebastian spreads his arm at me and I immediately dig into his chest.He leans closer to my ear."My beautiful bride"I smile against his chest and look up. He takes my hand and leads me to the centre. I take a look at every one. John, Mr Ryder, Gary, Myra, Christian, Ivanna and the recent teenager Chrisanna. Everything feels so complete and beautiful. Mr Ryder comes and takes Emery from Sebastian even though she doesn't wanna go. With the pastor's words, Sebastian and I looked into each other's eyes deeply. "I, Sebastian Ry
TiffanyI can't figure out how to react and what it's all about because I don't wanna assume anything unreasonable. He's on his knees with a damn ring.It means— God! I can't— comprehend it. My eyes flutter open at his handsome face. No words come out of my mouth. I'm at a loss of words."I know you're shocked! And I'm sorry if I scared you with this sudden—" he doesn't complete, yet keeps his eyes straight into mine. "But I couldn't keep this longer inside me, Tiffany. I had known a long time ago that I needed you in my life. Forever! And I'm not scared to ask you that—"With that pause, my heartbeat stops and my entire body shivers when I wait for him to complete."Will you marry me?" I feel goosebumps littering all over me with those words. Did he really ask me for marriage? It takes me a while to process. His eyes are full of fear and hope and I'm left in shock. Never in my wildest dreams, I had imagined he would propose to me. I hear some people around cheering up and root
TiffanyTime indeed flies like air and it happened in my case in a better way. In the best way, actually. I started my job in the daycare centre with all the lovely kids around which made my life less monotonous after Ryan and Kevin left. They are doing good in their new school and John has also settled into his new office over there. I and Sebastian balanced our life beautifully, supporting each other. As days and weeks passed, our love grew stronger. Among everything, I was happy with the fact that I have my identity now. A good identity. My salary doubled in just three months after joining for my good service and the way all the kids related to me. In a year, I was promoted to manager of the daycare centre, life couldn't be any less beautiful. It's been two years, I and Sebastian are together and we are living our best life. We hardly argued and most of the time it was just silly. He loves to tease me and I go along with it. Sebastian has become the most demanding lawyer in the
TiffanyWe spent the last two days painting the house and I can't describe how beautiful it came out. We did some changes like replacing the furniture and donating some. If everything goes well, I'll be here in less than three days.John has finished all the preparations in Hong Kong and he's leaving the day after we decided to move in. It all happened so fast but I'm glad that John is recovering. It's been eight months since the tragedy and I know it's gonna take years for him to overcome this. I'm happy for him but I would be happier if there was any chance that he finds someone to love him as much as all of us found a person to love.It sucks and I hate the fact that all his life he never found someone like that.I and Sebastian carry the portrayal I had in my room for years. It's a huge one and Sebastian suggested we should place it in the living room because it's beautiful. It's a painting I got from an art summit years back, featuring a mother and her small daughter, surviving
Sebastian"Really, Sebastian? I have never seen you this excited before", Georgia says as I show her some themes I'm confused with and I end up telling her the whole plan. "Isn't it something to be excited about?" I blurt out. "She's moving in with me. Isn't it amazing? People can't even go past dating and we are really moving in!" I tell her and she smiles wider, sitting in front of my desk."That's true", she says. "I'm just wondering what you would do once you guys announce the marriage!" she laughs but on a serious note, it makes my heart stop for a while.She pauses, looking at me. "Sorry. I should not have said that?"I chuckle. "Nah! Nothing like that. I just spaced out when you talked about marriage""Ah! So, that means you're thinking about it", she leans to the desk. I scratch the back of my head with an awkward smile. "I could marry her the moment I saw her! But hell! I'm not repeating any mistakes from the past. Maybe, I'll wait for a while before proposing to her. And t
Tiffany We stop by the nursery. It's one of the biggest nurseries in the city which I can completely believe by the way it looks. The boys run into the green surrounding and I and Sebastian slowly walk to see the plants. One of the workers accompany us, showing us all the kinds of plants we could use for decor. "I want the real ones", he says as I scan those plants which need no sunlight. They would be perfect for indoors."These are real ones too. These are just indoors", I say, watching his expression change. "But I still don't find the realness in them. You can take these. I'll look for others", he walks away to find his REAL plants as I shake my head at him in disbelief.We load all the plants we have got for the decor and Ryan and Kevin took two small ones to plant in the yard. Even though they won't be staying here, they wish to see it all grown up when they would occasionally visit. After that, we stop by a restaurant to have lunch. Surprisingly, Sebastian didn't suggest h
Tiffany We talked a lot today. I'm glad that I took this whole day out for him because we needed to have this conversation. I have finally decided to move in with him. Nonetheless, it'll come with more challenges and I'm ready for it. This decision will not only make our relationship stronger but also give me a world of my own. I can't wait to finally live my life in my own conditions and happiness. Sebastian asked me if he could help me anyway. But I refused to take any help from him as I did with John. It's my call to explore and look for opportunities which I'll be doing from today. I'm thinking about having a conversation with John again. I want him to change his decision of holding back until I settle down. Because that's impossible. I'll need a lot of time to clean the mess and organise my life and I think I'll surely do it if I have Sebastian.I'm glad that Sebastian understood me and more than that he trusted me enough. I'm scrolling through my phone to research the jobs I t