In the kitchen, the caterers were working tirelessly to prepare the best feast for the reception. The head chef, a stern-looking man in his late fifties, barked orders at his team."Presentation is the most important. I want those canapés to look as good as they taste," he instructed.Mary, Emily’s mother, was overseeing the preparations. She hovered over the kitchen staff, her sharp eyes catching every mistake."This wedding must be impeccable and perfect," Mary said, inspecting a tray of appetizers. "Emily has been through enough, and she deserves the best."The head chef nodded. "We’re on it, Mrs. Orbert. Everything will be perfect."Mary smiled, satisfied. "Good. This is a day Emily will never forget."---Outside, the garden was being transformed into a fairy tale setting for the ceremony. Rows of white chairs lined the aisle leading to a beautifully decorated archway of flowers and ribbons. The wedding planner, Becky, was directing the setup."I want those flowers evenly spaced
Seven years later...Leah, wearing a form-fitting dress and dark shades, walked out of the airport. She held the hands of two of the most handsome seven-year-old boys one could imagine.As she stood letting the breeze brush against her, she reflected on how she had long since forgiven her past and moved on. She had returned, blessed beyond words.The city had changed slightly, but those changes couldn't erase her memories of it.It remained as beautiful and vibrant as when she had left seven years ago.As she observed the surroundings, she mused, "The city has changed a little, but I wonder if the people have too. Have they evolved as I have, or are they still as treacherous as they were back then? Let's find out." She took a confident step forward into the city.The boys, her source of unconditional love, were a joy no one had shown her except her late mother. She had endeavored to be the mother they would wish for in this life and the next.Her boys were so striking that she often w
Leah sat down, whole the others surrounded her to get the full gifts. Everyone knew she was going to explain everything once she was done with the kids."I know I have kept you all in the dark but it was for my own good. I still want to thank you all for being there for me when I had nothing, you took me as your flesh and blood and treated me like a daughter and a sister. Never discriminated me like my own family did. Habmrboured me and till now you are still doing that for me and for my kids. If I didn't have you all, I don't know what I would have done. I'm grateful"... Leah said."You are giving speeches and epistles, I'm sure all this you said will full a whole book. I don't know what you thought we should have done. Throw you out?... Mrs Adams asked." No, she sniffed. I am just grateful. Two days for I left for Paris. I found out I was pregnant. That was the real reason why I left. I didn't know what to do or how I could disclose it to you all, my head was full, I couldn't think
Every morning in Alex's household began unhappily.Alex slept late and woke up early due to overthinking. For seven years, his wife had been trying to conceive without success, despite endless efforts. It felt like pouring water on a stone.He was exasperated by his wife's relentless desire to get pregnant. It wasn’t that either of them were ill, but their attempts at conception had been fruitless.This morning, once again, they had planned to check the pregnancy test. His wife, Emily, emerged from the restroom holding the strip. From her expression, Alex already knew the answer."Negative again?" he asked."Yes," she mumbled, ashamed to speak. "What should I do?" she asked desperately."Is that question for me?" Alex retorted."Are you tired of trying already? We need to keep trying until I become pregnant. I am tired too, but we still have to do something about this. It's not like I am sick," she lamented."Then who is sick, me? You are infertile, Emily. Must I spell everything out
As they stepped out of the penthouse, Mariam and Leah decided to relax at a nearby eatery to get accustomed to the neighborhood.Leah needed some time to cool off from the kids, even if it was just for a few hours.She preferred to go to the beach, but she settled for sitting and resting.An hour later, Lucian, a colleague of Alex, walked in while on a call."Alex, where are you? I just walked into the eatery. Hurry up, don't leave me stranded here."Lucian had seen Leah at Alex's house a few times and knew she was his wife back then. They almost became friends, but she had to keep her distance due to Alex's treatment of her.Initially, he didn’t see her, but she was seated close to him, just two seats away. His eyes suddenly landed on her.He stared for a while, contemplating if she was truly the one or perhaps her doppelgänger.It had been seven years; how could he be sure?He was startled when Mariam called out to her because he knew her name started with an "L.""Leah, I should pr
"For fuck's sake, can you at least listen to me? I know I was your husband before, but that doesn’t give you the right to just walk away from me like that. Can't I at least have some time with you? Go on a dinner date with me? What do you say?" Alex asked."Was," she emphasized with air quotes. "I can't remember being married to a man like you. Can you remind me? Or do you have Alzheimer's disease? And dinner? You had all the time in the world but couldn’t take me on a single date. Not even once. Now you stand here, asking me out on a dinner date. You must be sick!""What are you trying to portray in front of these people? That you are a good man? Please, stay away from me," Leah lamented.Leah and her friend tried walking away, but he ran to block them.This infuriated Jack, Mariam's new friend. He had to intervene."Excuse me, sir, can't you see they obviously don't want to have anything or any conversation with you? I suggest you leave them alone.""You have no business with what's
On hearing the glass shatter to the ground, Emily rushed and knocked on the door. "Are you alright? Alex, open the door. Did something bad happen at work today?"She was completely ignored, while Alex silently shed tears, covering his mouth with his hands."What did I get myself into? Why am I suddenly falling in love with her again? She has always been this attractive and reserved; why didn't I see that then?" He let greed cloud his emotions and judgments. He poured himself a glass of alcohol and drank it all in one go."I want to make things right with you, even if we don't get back together. I can just be friends, close to you again... Why didn't I notice you gave me peace of mind? She must have another man by now.""And he must be very wealthy, judging by the way she looks. To be in such an expensive eatery says it all.""She should have fought her way back and stayed in my life, fought for our love...""How could she fight when I didn't even fight for her at all but pushed her in
Emily dialed Lucian's number, and he picked up immediately."Hello, Lucian.""How are you doing?" he asked."I'm alright. I called to check if you guys are busy at work because Alex isn't home yet, and his phone is off.""Yes, it's been a hectic day," Lucian sensed something was wrong. "Don't worry, he’ll be home soon.""Okay, thanks. Could you ask him to turn his phone on, please?""Sure, I will."Lucian was already home since work had ended at 4:00 PM. "Where could Alex be? Probably visiting his ex-wife again. I should check our favorite spot before jumping to conclusions. But first, I need to attend to my pregnant wife."With that, his thoughts drifted, and he forgot about Alex until 10 PM when his wife had finally fallen asleep. He tried calling Alex again, but his phone was still off. "He should be home by now... I'm so exhausted."When Alex finally arrived home, he was heavily intoxicated. How he managed to drive home was a miracle. He had finished a bottle of alcohol in his car
The day Leah had dreamed of for so long was finally here. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the garden where her wedding ceremony was about to take place. White flowers lined the aisle, their fragrance filling the air, and the gentle hum of music played in the background. Leah stood in front of the mirror, dressed in her wedding gown, her heart filled with excitement. She couldn't believe this moment had finally arrived. "You look beautiful," Mariam said, smiling as she adjusted the veil over Leah’s hair. "Like a princess straight out of a fairy tale." Leah laughed, her hands trembling slightly. "I feel like I’m dreaming." "No," Mariam shook her head. "This is real, Leah. You’re about to marry the love of your life, the father of your children. You deserve all of this and more." Leah’s eyes welled up with tears, and she turned to Mariam, "I don’t even know how to thank you, Mariam. After everything… I never thought I’d get here." Mariam took Leah’s hands in hers
Emily watched as the prison gates swung open and Mary was led inside. The cold, gray walls of the facility seemed to match the evil in her mother’s heart.She had stood there, frozen, feeling both resentment and a strange sadness. After everything that had happened, she wasn’t sure how to feel anymore."Can I talk to her for just a few minutes?" Emily asked the guard, her voice low but firm.The guard shook his head. "Sorry, ma’am, no visits right now."Emily’s chest tightened. "Please... just five minutes. I need to say something. It’s important."The guard sighed, looking at her for a moment before finally relenting. "Alright, five minutes. That’s all."Emily took a deep breath, watching as her mother was brought back out. Mary, now in her prison uniform, looked smaller somehow, as though the weight of her sins had physically shrunk her. Her face was blank, trying to maintain the cold front she had always worn, but her eyes were puffy, and it was clear she’d been crying.As Mary ap
The police stormed Ranson's hideout, catching him and his gang off guard. As they pinned him to the ground, one officer shouted, “You’re under arrest for attempted murder and conspiracy!” Ranson struggled, cursing under his breath, but he knew this day was coming. As they dragged him into the police car, his heart pounded. During the interrogation, it didn’t take long for Ranson to crack under pressure. With his hands trembling, he finally blurted out, “It was Mary. Mary! She’s the one who wanted Leah dead! I was just doing what I was paid for!”Detectives exchanged glances, already suspecting her involvement but now having the confirmation they needed. With Ranson’s confession, they raced to Mary’s house. She answered the door, looking composed as ever, but her face paled when she saw the officers."Mary," the lead detective said sternly, "you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Leah."Mary’s voice quivered as she tried to mask her fear with confusion. “What are you talking
Emily lay awake all night, she had been trying to process all her mother’s confession. The horror of it consumed her. Leah had been so innocent from the beginning, and then possibly dead because of her mother’s actions. She hadn’t agreed to any of it, she didn't even know her mother had gone that far as taking someone’s life yet she felt just as guilty. By morning, her stomach churned with nausea. She had to do something.When the first light of dawn filtered through her window, she got up, and made her way downstairs. Mary was already in the kitchen, making coffee, her expression smug as though nothing had changed.Emily’s heart pounded in her chest. She had no choice. She had to confront her mother."I’m turning myself in," Emily blurted out, her voice shaky but determined as she entered the kitchen.Mary froze for a second, her back to Emily. Slowly, she turned around, her face twisting into disbelief and shock. "What did you just say?" She asked."I said I’m turning myself in,
The door creaked open, and in walked Mary, her expression triumphant as usual. Emily stiffened, sensing that something was off. Mary’s eyes were gleaming with a satisfaction that made Emily uneasy."Emily," Mary started, her voice dripping with excitement. "I’ve got news for you. Finally, everything has fallen into place."Emily blinked, unsure of where this was going. "What are you talking about, mom?"Mary sat down, a little too close to Emily, and leaned in. "Leah," she whispered, her voice cold and sinister. "It seems like she’s finally gone. No one has heard anything. No news. It’s been weeks. She’s probably dead, and they haven’t found her body yet."Emily’s heart stopped for a moment. She stared at her mother, wide-eyed, her mind racing. She had been angry at Leah for years, jealous even, but wishing her dead? That wasn’t something she wanted. Not like this."How? What happened?"... Emily asked.Mary continued, oblivious to Emily’s shock. "I told you, didn’t I? That girl was al
Richie stood at Leah's bedside two weeks after the accident, watching as she slept. Her breathing was steady, and her face looked peaceful. The machines surrounding her were no longer terrifying to him; they were signs of progress now. Signs that she was getting better. He smiled faintly, remembering how much darker everything seemed just days ago.The boys were sitting in the corner of the room, playing with some toys Dazzle had brought for them to keep them occupied.They were quieter than usual, but Richie could tell they were just as hopeful as he was. They had been through so much these days, yet they still managed to be helpful in ways they could.The doctor came in, his clipboard in hand, and gave Richie a nod before checking on Leah’s vitals. “She’s doing much better,” the doctor said, scribbling something down. “The baby’s fine as well. Everything looks good.”Richie exhaled slowly, letting all his worries out “Thank God,” he whispered. “But… her head? How’s the injury?”The
Richie stood by Leah’s bedside, his entire body shaking as he cried. The pain was unbearable, the thought of losing her too much to handle. The boys, their innocent faces wet with tears, clung to Richie as they looked at their mother lying so still on the bed."Dad… is Mom going to be alright?" one of the boys, his voice small and frightened, asked between sobs.Richie could barely answer. He dropped to his knees beside the bed, burying his face in his hands. His heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces. He couldn’t stop the flood of tears. "God, please…" Richie began, his voice breaking with every word. "Save Leah. Please… I’ll be a good husband, I promise. I’ll take care of our kids… I’ll do anything you want me to, just save my wife. Please, God… don’t take her from us."The boys began to wail too, their small voices filling the room with a heartbreaking sound. Richie’s tears fell even harder, his hands gripping Leah’s cold fingers. "Leah, please come back to us… pl
Richie stood in the cold, sterile hallway of the hospital, his hands trembling as he held Leah’s belongings in a small, unassuming plastic bag. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, his heart aching everything that had happened. He couldn’t believe how quickly his world had fallen apart. Just days ago, Leah was smiling, and now… now he was standing here, lost in a nightmare he couldn’t wake up from.He pulled out the small stack of documents from her bag, his curiosity getting the better of him. He wasn't sure what the result of the medical documents might be. Maybe it was something routine, he thought, something insignificant. But as he opened the folder, his breath caught in his throat.There it was, staring back at him in black and white; Leah was five weeks pregnant.Richie blinked, unable to process the words for a moment. "Pregnant? Five weeks?"..He collapsed into the nearest chair, his hands clutching the papers as if they might offer some explanation. His vision blurre
Richie’s hand trembled as he hung up the phone, the news had hit him so bad. His mind spun, struggling to process what he had just been told. Leah, his Leah, was hurt badly. The details were still unclear, but it was serious enough for Dazzle to call the family in a panic.His legs suddenly were too weak to hold him up. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat heavier than the last. Grabbing his phone, Richie immediately canceled all his upcoming seminars and meetings, sending quick emails to his assistants. They would have to figure out the rest on their own. Leah was his priority now. Without wasting another second, he booked the earliest flight back home, his fingers shaking as he typed in his information.Meanwhile, Dazzle was pacing outside the hospital room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He had already called everyone in the family, delivering the horrible news. Their father, Mr. Leo had been silent on the phone, but Dazzle could hear the pain and fear in his fat