The following morning was the big day, the family get-together everyone had been waiting for. Each family had spent the previous night packing and making sure everything was ready. Now, the day had finally arrived.Dazzle and Kimberly pulled up in their car, with Kimberly glancing nervously at Dazzle. She hoped the day would go smoothly without any awkward moments.“Are you ready for this, ready to be introduced to everyone?” Dazzle asked, glancing over at her.Kimberly gave a half-smile, trying to hide her nervousness. “As ready as I’ll ever be. It’s not every day you meet the entire extended family in one go.”Dazzle chuckled softly. “Yeah, they can be a lot, but you’ll be fine. Just stick by me, and you’ll get through it.”They stepped out of the car and were immediately greeted by the buzz of activity. Kids were running around, cousins were catching up, and aunts and uncles were setting up tables and chairs. The smell of food wafted through the air, and the sound of laughter fille
Richie was sitting with Leah, his arm draped around her as they shared a quiet moment amidst the noise, feeling content with his family and where he came from..But as always with big family events, there was bound to be some drama.It started when Mrs. Janet came over and sat across from them ... .staring at the both of them strangely. "Why is she staring like that?".. Leah mumbled, rubbing Richie's knee. Trying not to make her whispering obvious."I don't know"... Richie shrugged. It didn't take long before she started talking.“Richard,” Mrs. Janet began, her voice cutting through the chatter around them. Richie looked up, his smile faltering slightly as he saw the expression on her face. He knew that tone. Something was coming, and it wasn’t going to be pleasant.“Yes, Auntie?” he replied cautiously, trying to keep things light.Mrs. Janet wasted no time, her eyes narrowing as she leaned forward. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something for a while now. Why did you leave Gracy?”R
Leah stood up from the couch, stretching her legs after sitting for too long. Now, she just wanted something sweet to help her relax better.As she made her way to the kitchen to grab some fruits, she overheard voices coming from a corner of the living room. She paused when she recognized one of them.It was Mrs. Janet again, and this time, her tone was even nastier than before.“I just don’t get it, Leo,” Mrs. Janet was saying to her husband, her voice low but filled with venom. “Are you even sure those kids are Richie's? I mean, think about it".."What if that woman called Leah pinned them on him? Or worse, what if she did some kind of charm to make him believe they’re his? You know how women like that can be, with her smooth skin and curvy hips that she keeps showing off. What if he needs saving, and he isn’t speaking up?”"Shut your mouth, woman! How on earth did I end up with a loose mouth like you? Do you think at all?".. Mr. Desmond Leo yelled.Leah froze, her hand tightening a
The aftermath of Mrs. Janet’s cruel remarks has spoilt the usually cheerful atmosphere and the family gathering was now shattered, leaving everyone on edge. Mrs. Janet, however, sat on the couch with a smug look on her face, oblivious to the damage she had caused.Richie stood at the edge of the room, his fists clenched at his sides, trying to calm himself down. Dazzle stood next to him, giving his shoulder a light pat.“She’ll come around,” Dazzle muttered. “Leah just needs some time.”Richie didn’t respond. Thinking of a way to apologize to Leah and his plans was almost crashing down.. Then there was Mrs. Janet. Sitting there, acting as if she hadn’t just thrown a bomb into his life.The woman had pushed everyone’s buttons all day. From criticizing the food, to commenting on the decorations, and finally the cruelest thing, questioning his kids. It was like she’d been on a mission to ruin the day.Mrs. Janet wasn’t done though. As she tapped her glass with a perfectly manicured nai
Richie walked into the house, his mind still thinking about everything that had just happened. The exchange of words with Mrs. Janet still burned in his chest, but more than that, the thought of Leah walking out, upset and hurt, was all he could focus on.Richie stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her. The soft glow of the lamp cast shadows on her face, making the sadness in her eyes even more apparent. His heart ached seeing her like that.Taking a deep breath, Richie stepped into the room. “Leah…”Leah didn’t turn to face him. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, though it was clear her mind was miles away.Richie sat down on the couch next to her, close enough to feel her warmth but careful not to touch her just yet. He didn’t know if she wanted that from him right now.“I’m sorry,” Richie said softly. His voice was sincere, “I’m so sorry for everything that happened today.”Leah’s lips trembled, but she still didn’t look at him. Her voice was barely a whisper when she fi
The next morning, Richie was mindlessly scrolling through his phone when it buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the screen, rolling his eyes when he saw Mr. Leo’s name flash on it.“Unbelievable,” Richie muttered under his breath. He let it ring a few times, debating whether to answer or ignore it. Leah entered just then, with a plate of pancakes.“Who’s that?” she asked, placing the plate on the table and giving Richie a curious look.Richie sighed. “Mr. Leo. He’s probably calling because of Janet.”Leah frowned but didn’t say anything. Richie let out a frustrated sigh and swiped to answer the call. He pressed the phone to his ear and leaned back in his chair.“Uncle Leo,” Richie said, his tone low. “What do you want?”Mr. Leo’s voice was cautious but firm. “Richie, look, I know you’re still upset. And you have every right to be. But Janet wants to apologize”Richie closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t in the mood for this, not after the chaos of last n
Jack walked through the mall, trying to clear his head. It had been a long week for him. He’d been thinking about Mariam a lot lately, more than usual, and doesn’t know why he couldn’t resist thinking about her for these past few days.No matter what he did, he couldn’t get her out of his mind… He is the one that wanted them to break up, why is he feeling down about it recently..She’d moved on, at least that’s what he told himself but a part of him wasn’t ready to accept that. He felt like he was stuck in this loop, unable to let go, even though it was clear to him Mariam had.As he strolled past the bustling food counter, something caught his eye….There, by one of the tables, stood a woman with long, dark hair, the exact shade and texture as Mariam’s. She was laughing, her head tilted back, completely lost in the moment. Jack froze.“Mariam?” he whispered to himself, feeling his pulse quicken.Before he could process what he was doing, his feet started moving on their own. He walke
Jack sat on his couch, staring at his phone for what felt like an eternity. Ever since that incident at the mall, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Mariam. Paul was right, he needed closure. But the thought of reaching out to her made his chest tighten with anxiety.He had almost convinced himself not to call when his phone suddenly buzzed with a notification. It was a message from a doctor friend amongst his crew.. Who worked at the hospital nearby. "Your girlfriend’s mom got admitted earlier. She’s not doing well."Jack’s heart dropped. "Girlfriend? I don't think I have one now"... he replied."Oh! I thought you were still with the chubby one. You know Mariam!" He hadn’t heard from Mariam or about Mariam’s mom in a long time, but he remembered how close they were. Without thinking twice, he swiped through his contacts and found Mariam’s name. His thumb hovered over the call button for a moment, before he finally tapped it.The phone rang. Jack’s heart raced, unsure of wh
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