As I lay on the bed, exhaustion tugging at my body, my mind continued racing. The pieces of this strange puzzle were falling into place, but too slowly. I closed my eyes, willing myself to rest, but sleep felt impossible with so many questions swirling in my head.Who was Jefferson really to my mother? Why had she kept him a secret for so long? What did it mean that I was here, in his house, at this very moment? The timing felt too coincidental, almost like some unseen force had guided me here to discover this long-buried truth.After what felt like hours of tossing and turning, I decided to get up and walk around the house. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. The silence of the house felt both comforting and eerie, as though it held secrets it wasn’t yet ready to reveal.I made my way back to the living room, where the photograph still sat on the mantel. I couldn’t resist looking at it again. My mother’s smiling face stared back at me, s
I woke early the next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. The house was still quiet, almost too quiet, but I didn’t have time to dwell on the strange emptiness. Today was the day. I would go home, face my mother, and demand the answers I deserved. There was no avoiding it anymore.After a quick shower, I packed my things, slipping the small photograph from the mantel into my bag. I wasn’t sure why I took it—maybe I just needed proof, something tangible to hold on to when the questions felt too overwhelming.As I walked down the stairs, Jefferson was already in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw the same sadness from the night before. But there was also a quiet acceptance, as if he knew what was coming.“Leaving already?” he asked, his voice soft.“Yeah. I think it’s time,” I replied, glancing down at my bag. “I need to talk to her.”He nodded, taking a sip from his mug. “I figured as much. I wi
My mother’s eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw the fear in her expression—the fear of truths she had buried for years finally coming to light. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. Jefferson stood there, silent, giving her the space to respond. He seemed to know that this moment wasn’t his to control, that it was between her and me now.“I…” My mother faltered, glancing at Jack as if unsure how much to say in front of him.“Mom,” I urged, my voice firmer. “Why didn’t you tell me about him? Who is Jefferson to you?”She shook her head slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I… I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t want to dredge up the past.”Jack took a step back, his hand falling from her shoulder. “Karen, what’s going on?” His voice had softened, but the confusion was still clear. “What does this man have to do with our family?”My mother turned to Jack, her expression pained. “Jefferson… he’s someone I knew a long time ago, before I met you.”H
As I sat on my bed, emotions swirling, a fresh wave of anxiety washed over me. My secret weighed heavily, pressing down with an intensity I could hardly bear. The pregnancy had been my private burden, something I hadn't yet come to terms with myself, let alone shared with anyone else. And now, with my mother's secrets unraveling downstairs, my own truth felt even more daunting.I hugged a pillow to my chest, my mind drifting back to the moment I first found out. The shock, the panic, the uncertainty—it had all come crashing down, leaving me feeling more alone than ever. And now, as much as I longed for clarity from my family, I was afraid of what they’d say when my own truth came out. My mother would likely be furious, disappointed, and Jack… I can only but wonder how would react when he discovers I am pregnant with his child.The faint murmur of voices drifted up from downstairs, but they were too low for me to make out. I felt a pang of frustration as I imagined them discussing life
I left my mother sitting at the table, her hands clasped tightly around her now-cold cup of tea. I didn’t look back as I grabbed my coat and keys, my mind set on paying Jefferson a visit. As I stepped out into the brisk morning air, I felt the weight of her confession still pressing down on me, fueling each step I took toward the answers I was determined to uncover.The drive to Jefferson’s place was a blur, my thoughts racing, fragmented memories of small moments with my mother that suddenly made more sense in a twisted, painful way. Had she always known? Every time I’d asked about my father, she’d deflected, claimed it was “complicated” or simply said, “He isn’t part of our lives.” And all the while, she’d known exactly who he was.Pulling up outside Jefferson’s home, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I needed answers, and I wasn’t leaving without them. I walked up to his door, my hand hovering for a moment before I finally knocked. It took only a moment before the door swung
The drive back home felt surreal, my thoughts tangled in a web of secrets, choices, and uncertain futures. My mother’s deception, Jefferson’s unexpected kindness, and now, the looming conversation I needed to have with Jack. Everything seemed to be closing in, as if the walls of my life were shrinking with every revelation. I pulled into the driveway and sat in the car for a moment, gathering the courage to go inside. How would I even begin this conversation with Jack? How could I tell him that I was carrying his child when we’d barely spoken to each other since he returned from the trip? My stomach twisted at the thought of his reaction—anger, confusion, maybe even regret. But I couldn’t keep him in the dark; he had to know.Inside, the house was quiet, still. I found him in the living room, flipping through a document absentmindedly, lost in his own world."Jack," I said softly, and he looked up, a gentle smile crossing his face."Sophia," he replied, setting the magazine aside. "Y
I took a few steadying breaths before heading back downstairs. Jack was still in the living room, looking up as I entered, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. He must’ve sensed that something heavy was weighing on me."Sophia, are you sure you’re okay? You seemed... shaken," he said, his voice gentle but laced with worry.I managed a weak smile, sitting down beside him. "It’s been a long day, Jack. There’s... something I need to tell you."His brow furrowed, but he reached over, placing a comforting hand on mine. "Whatever it is, you can tell me," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. For a brief moment, I felt the weight on my chest lift, bolstered by his calm presence."Where is my mother?" my eyes hovered around as I asked."She just left the house not quite long." he answered, his voice laced with concern.Taking a deep breath, I finally found the courage. "Jack, I'm... I’m pregnant."For a second, the world seemed to go silent as he stared at me, his expression
Jack paced back and forth, the weight of the situation sinking in, his face a storm of emotions—fear, anger, helplessness. Every step he took seemed heavier than the last. The room felt thick with tension as I watched him struggle to grasp the reality of it all. Finally, he stopped, running a hand through his hair, and looked at me, his eyes darkened with worry."Rachel is dangerous, Sophia. If she goes through with this… If she tells your mother, or anyone, it would ruin everything," he said, his voice filled with dread. "...everything we’ve tried to protect."I nodded, barely able to speak. "I know, Jack. I thought she was my best friend."He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "We have to find a way to stop her. If she’s threatening to expose us, she’s not going to stop until she gets what she wants.""And that’s what scares me," I admitted, feeling my own anxiety rise. "She’s unpredictable, and I don’t know what she’s really after, Except for my Alex." I said rolling my
The wedding reception was nothing short of magical.The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of golden chandeliers, casting a warm, romantic ambiance. Tables were adorned with elegant floral centerpieces, soft candlelight flickering between the crystal glasses and silverware. The scent of fresh roses and vanilla from the wedding cake lingered in the air, blending with the laughter and music.Jack and I sat at the beautifully decorated sweetheart table, watching as our guests mingled, sipped champagne, and danced to the soft jazz melody filling the room. The energy was electric, a perfect blend of sophistication and celebration.“I still can’t believe we’re finally married,” I whispered to Jack, squeezing his hand.He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with warmth. “Believe it my darling wife.”A rush of happiness coursed through me. “I love the sound of that.”Jack chuckled. “Get used to it.”We had just finished our first dance as husband and wife, and everything felt like a dream.
The wedding hall was a vision of elegance—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, ivory drapes flowing like soft clouds, and the scent of fresh roses and peonies filling the air. Guests were already seated, their murmurs blending with the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background.I walked through the corridors, my wedding gown trailing behind me, the intricate lace shimmering under the warm lights. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of hesitation, but because of the weight of the moment.This was it.The moment I had dreamed of since I was a little girl.The moment I had planned for months, agonizing over every detail—the flowers, the venue, the dress, the guest list. And yet, it wasn’t the aesthetics that made this moment important. It was the man waiting for me at the altar. Jack.My mother held my hand gently as we reached the bridal suite. “Are you okay?” she asked, her gaze searching mine.I swallowed, nodding. “I’m fine.”But my voice wave
The garden terrace was tucked away behind the grand wedding venue, a quiet, secluded spot where guests would later mingle during cocktail hour. The scent of jasmine and fresh roses lingered in the air, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound as I stepped onto the stone pathway.Alex was already there.Dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair still styled the way I remembered, he turned at the sound of my footsteps. His gaze swept over me, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his eyes.“You came,” he said.I folded my hands in front of me, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want, Alex?”He let out a slow breath. “I needed to see you. Before you marry him.”Anger flared in my chest. “You’ve had months to see me. You waited until my wedding day?”His jaw tightened. “I know. And maybe I don’t deserve this moment. But I had to try.”“Try what, exactly?”His eyes darkened. “To tell you I still love you.”Silence crashed between us.I clenched my fists. “You don’t get to s
The wedding was just two days away, and every second felt like a blur of last-minute preparations. The venue was set, the guests had confirmed their attendance, and my dress was finally hanging in my room, ready for the big day.Yet, despite all the excitement, an undercurrent of nerves buzzed beneath my skin.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart pounded against my ribs, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.Karen, always attuned to my moods, plopped down beside me. “Alright, spill. What’s going on in that overthinking brain of yours?”I hesitated before sighing. “It just feels surreal, you know? After everything that’s happened, I can’t believe I’m actually getting my happily ever after.”Karen softened, squeezing my hand. “You deserve this, Sophie. Jack loves you. And after all the hell Rachel put you through, this wedding is your fresh start.”I nodded, exhaling slowly. “I know. I just—I want it to go perfectly.”She grinned. “Trust me, it will
Rachel groaned as the officers restrained her, pressing her wounded shoulder against the cold concrete. Her eyes burned with hatred as she glared up at me. "This isn't over," she spat, her voice shaking. "You think you’ve won? You haven’t. I’ll—"Jack stepped forward, his face an unreadable mask of fury. "You're done, Rachel," he said coldly. "You kidnapped Sophie, held her hostage, and threatened her life. You’re not getting out of this."Rachel’s lips trembled, her breathing uneven. "Jack, I—""Save it," Jefferson cut in, his voice as sharp as a blade. He nodded toward the officers. "Get her out of here."The police yanked Rachel to her feet, dragging her toward the exit. As she passed me, she leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. "Enjoy this while it lasts, Sophie. Because sooner or later, your perfect little world will come crashing down."I didn’t flinch. I simply held her gaze, unshaken. "Goodbye, Rachel."And with that, they took her away.---Outside the warehouse, the cold
I forced myself to stay calm, pushing past the terror threatening to consume me. Rachel had lost everything—her pride, her so-called love, her future. That made her dangerous.But I refused to let her win.I flexed my wrists again, twisting my fingers in slow, careful movements against the rough rope. Every second counted. Every movement had to be precise.The man who had taunted me walked away, leaving me under the watch of another. He was younger, hesitant, his grip on his gun less confident than the others.A weakness.Rachel turned back to me, her arms crossed as she smirked. "You know, Sophie, I thought about just killing you and being done with it."A shiver ran down my spine, but I didn’t let my fear show."But then," Rachel continued, pacing in front of me, "I realized something. Killing you would be too easy. Too quick." She leaned down, her face inches from mine. "I want you to suffer first. I want you to know what it feels like to lose everything."I glared at her, refusing
My knees nearly buckled beneath me. I stared at Rachel, my mind struggling to process the sight before me. The girl who once shared my secrets, my laughter, my life—now stood before me as my captor, her arms crossed with a cruel smirk playing on her lips.“Surprised?” she taunted, tilting her head slightly. “You shouldn’t be. You had to know I wasn’t going to just sit back and watch you get everything you ever wanted.”My mouth went dry. “Rachel…” My voice came out barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief and betrayal. “Why?”Her smirk widened. “Oh, Sophie… Do you really need me to spell it out for you?” She took a slow, deliberate step toward me. “Jack was supposed to be mine. Your mother promised me, but you stole him from me.”I recoiled as if she had struck me. “That’s not true! You two were never together! Jack never loved you!”Rachel’s face twisted with rage. “That’s what you tell yourself, isn’t it?” she sneered. “Well, a deal is a deal.” Her nostrils flared as she clench
The SUV sped through the streets, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. My heart pounded so hard it hurt, my breaths coming in sharp, uneven gasps as panic clawed at my chest.I was kidnapped, just like in my dream. But this was worse on all levels.First it wasn't a dream this time, and my captors were more mean looking. Lastly, I had no idea who could have sent them.The realization sent a fresh wave of terror through me. My mind raced with questions—Who were these men? Where were they taking me? Why me? But I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t let them take me without a fight.I twisted in my seat, trying to lunge toward the door, but the grip on my arm tightened painfully.“Try anything, and I’ll put a bullet in you,” the man beside me warned, his voice low and menacing.I froze, my breath hitching. His gloved hand tightened around a sleek black pistol, the barrel glinting under the dim overhead light. My body stiffened in fear.I had to think. I had to find a way out
The weeks following our engagement were nothing short of magical. My heart swelled with happiness as Jack and I began planning our future together. Every morning, I woke up feeling grateful—grateful for my daughter, for my mended relationship with my mother, and for the love I shared with Jack.With our wedding date set, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. There was so much to do—venue selection, guest lists, cake tastings, floral arrangements—but the part I had been looking forward to the most was wedding dress shopping.And today, it was finally happening.With my baby left in the care of her trusted nanny, I set out for a day of wedding dress shopping with my mother. It felt surreal, especially considering how strained our relationship had once been. But now, things were different. We were healing, and today felt like another step toward solidifying our bond.As we arrived at the upscale bridal boutique, my mother reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Are you