I stared at the photograph, my mind racing. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Jefferson, the man who had hit me with his car, the man who had taken me in, was in a picture with my mother. But how could this be? They lived worlds apart, their paths never crossing.I traced the lines of my mother's face, the same smile that had been so rare in recent years. The woman in the photo was full of life, her eyes sparkling with joy. It was a stark contrast to the woman married to Jack now.Footsteps approached from behind, and I turned to see the elderly man standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. His eyes followed my gaze to the photograph, and he sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging as if a burden had just been laid on them."That was my fiancee." he said softly. "Her name is Karen."My heart ached. I had never heard my mother speak about my father, let alone a fiance. "Why didn't you get married?" I askes, still not sure of my suspicions."We were very young, head over heels
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 wasnât yet ready to reveal.I made my way back to the living room, where the photograph still sat on the mantel. I couldnât resist looking at it again. My motherâs 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 didnât 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 wasnât sure why I took itâmaybe 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.âLeaving already?â he asked, his voice soft.âYeah. I think itâs time,â I replied, glancing down at my bag. âI need to talk to her.âHe nodded, taking a sip from his mug. âI figured as much. I wi
My motherâs eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw the fear in her expressionâthe 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 wasnât his to control, that it was between her and me now.âIâŠâ My mother faltered, glancing at Jack as if unsure how much to say in front of him.âMom,â I urged, my voice firmer. âWhy didnât you tell me about him? Who is Jefferson to you?âShe shook her head slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. âI⊠I didnât want you to know. I didnât want to dredge up the past.âJack took a step back, his hand falling from her shoulder. âKaren, whatâs going on?â His voice had softened, but the confusion was still clear. âWhat does this man have to do with our family?âMy mother turned to Jack, her expression pained. âJefferson⊠heâs someone I knew a long time ago, before I met you.âH
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 uncertaintyâit 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 theyâd 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 didnât 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 Jeffersonâs 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 Iâd asked about my father, sheâd deflected, claimed it was âcomplicatedâ or simply said, âHe isnât part of our lives.â And all the while, sheâd known exactly who he was.Pulling up outside Jeffersonâs home, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I needed answers, and I wasnât 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 motherâs deception, Jeffersonâs 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 weâd barely spoken to each other since he returned from the trip? My stomach twisted at the thought of his reactionâanger, confusion, maybe even regret. But I couldnât 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 mustâve sensed that something heavy was weighing on me."Sophia, are you sure youâre okay? You seemed... shaken," he said, his voice gentle but laced with worry.I managed a weak smile, sitting down beside him. "Itâs been a long day, Jack. Thereâs... 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... Iâm pregnant."For a second, the world seemed to go silent as he stared at me, his expression
I narrowed my eyes at Jack, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words. "You're being cryptic," I accused, though a smile tugged at my lips. Jack chuckled, tightening his arms around me. "Patience, love," he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my cheek. "I promise youâll like it." Before I could probe further, my mother interrupted, tugging at our hands. "You both need to dance! The DJ just switched to a slower song, and we canât let all this romance go to waste!" I laughed as she pulled us toward the dance floor, Jack trailing behind with amusement in his eyes. The soft melody of a love song filled the air, and couples swayed in each otherâs arms. Soon I caught sight of Jefferson and my mother moving together, whispering to one another as if the rest of the world had faded away. Seeing them like thisâso in loveâmade my heart swell. For years, my mother had held onto the pain of losing Jefferson, believing they were never meant to be. But fate had given them
The night was still young, and the wedding reception carried on in full swing. The music had shifted from soft jazz to more upbeat tunes, encouraging guests onto the dance floor. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, and the love between Jack and Sophie was evident in the way they moved together, whispering to each other, lost in their own world.But amidst the celebration, Jefferson had only one thing on his mind.Karen.She stood a few feet away, laughing with Sophie and another guest, her golden dress shimmering under the warm lights. The way she tilted her head back when she laughed, the way her eyes sparkledâit was mesmerizing.Fate had pulled them apart for years, but now, here they were, together again.And he wasnât about to waste another second.Jefferson had spent too many nights wondering what could have been, too many years regretting the time they had lost. Their love had once been a force of natureâpassionate, intense, and all-consuming. But life had taken them d
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.âI still canât believe weâre finally married,â I whispered to Jack, squeezing his hand.He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with warmth. âBelieve it my darling wife.âA rush of happiness coursed through me. âI love the sound of that.âJack chuckled. âGet used to it.âWe had just finished our first dance as husband and wife, and everything felt like a dream.
The wedding hall was a vision of eleganceâgolden 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 detailâthe flowers, the venue, the dress, the guest list. And yet, it wasnât 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. âAre you okay?â she asked, her gaze searching mine.I swallowed, nodding. âIâm fine.âBut 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.âYou came,â he said.I folded my hands in front of me, keeping my voice steady. âWhat do you want, Alex?âHe let out a slow breath. âI needed to see you. Before you marry him.âAnger flared in my chest. âYouâve had months to see me. You waited until my wedding day?âHis jaw tightened. âI know. And maybe I donât deserve this moment. But I had to try.ââTry what, exactly?âHis eyes darkened. âTo tell you I still love you.âSilence crashed between us.I clenched my fists. âYou donât 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. âAlright, spill. Whatâs going on in that overthinking brain of yours?âI hesitated before sighing. âIt just feels surreal, you know? After everything thatâs happened, I canât believe Iâm actually getting my happily ever after.âKaren softened, squeezing my hand. âYou deserve this, Sophie. Jack loves you. And after all the hell Rachel put you through, this wedding is your fresh start.âI nodded, exhaling slowly. âI know. I justâI want it to go perfectly.âShe grinned. âTrust 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 youâve won? You havenât. Iâllâ"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. Youâre not getting out of this."Rachelâs lips trembled, her breathing uneven. "Jack, Iâ""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 didnât 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 everythingâher 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 didnât 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 lifeânow stood before me as my captor, her arms crossed with a cruel smirk playing on her lips.âSurprised?â she taunted, tilting her head slightly. âYou shouldnât be. You had to know I wasnât going to just sit back and watch you get everything you ever wanted.âMy mouth went dry. âRachelâŠâ My voice came out barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief and betrayal. âWhy?âHer smirk widened. âOh, Sophie⊠Do you really need me to spell it out for you?â She took a slow, deliberate step toward me. âJack was supposed to be mine. Your mother promised me, but you stole him from me.âI recoiled as if she had struck me. âThatâs not true! You two were never together! Jack never loved you!âRachelâs face twisted with rage. âThatâs what you tell yourself, isnât it?â she sneered. âWell, a deal is a deal.â Her nostrils flared as she clench