I sat in front of my mirror, staring at my reflection as I applied my makeup for my birthday party. In a few hours, I'll be Nineteen years, but my mind wasn't on the celebration ahead - it was on Alex. It had been days since we last spoke, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong. We had been growing closer, and I had thought that our relationship was on solid ground. But now, I wasn't so sure. I sighed, putting down my mascara wand. Why had Alex been so distant lately? Did I do something wrong? The questions swirled in my head, making me feel anxious and uncertain. Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from Rachel. "Hey, happy birthday! Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight!" I forced a smile, typing out a response. "Thanks, Rach! Can't wait to see you tonight!" But as I put down my phone, my mind drifted back to Alex. I wished he would reach out, wished he would tell me what was going on. But as the hours t
We turned around to see Alex standing there, holding a bouquet of red roses, his expression unreadable. My heart skipped a beat, a mix of relief and anxiety flooding through me. Had he heard our converstion? "You came." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world," Alex replied, stepping closer, and handing me the roses. "You look very beautiful," He continued, but there was something off in his tone, something that made my heart race with fear. "Is everything okay?" I asked, unable to keep the worry out of my voice. Alex hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, Sophia. About us." I felt a lump form in my throat. "What do you mean?" "I think i should leave you guys alone." Rachel said, and quickly excused herself. "I… I
As I stepped out onto the balcony, I heard the door open behind me. I turned around to find Jack standing there, his expression serious. “Are you okay?” I asked, my voice soft, almost hesitant. Jack closed the door behind him, stepping closer. “I could ask you the same thing. You seemed… distracted back there.” I sighed, leaning against the balcony railing. “I was just thinking about you, actually. You didn’t seem happy when Alex asked me to be his girlfriend.” Jack’s jaw tightened slightly, and he looked away, staring out at the night sky. “Sophia, it’s not that I’m not happy for you. I just—” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “I worry about you. You’re young, and relationships can be complicated. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “I know relationships can be complicated, but I trust Alex. He’s been nothing but kind to me.”
As we stepped back into the bustling party, the vibrant music and laughter of our friends filled the air. Yet, it all felt distant, like background noise to the thoughts swirling in my mind. Alex stayed close by my side, his presence comforting, but my heart was still tangled in the unexpected emotions that had surfaced on the balcony. We moved through the crowd, accepting birthday wishes and small talk from friends, but I couldn't fully engage. My mind kept drifting back to the look in Jack's eyes, the way he had leaned in, and how it had made me feel. I wanted to shake the feeling off, to focus on the present and the boy who had just made a grand gesture of love for me. "Do you want to dance?" Alex asked, pulling me back to the moment. His voice was hopeful, and I could see he was trying to make this night special for me. "Yeah," I said, managing a smile. "I'd love that." He led me to the dance floor, where couples swayed to the soft melody. Alex wrapped his arms around me,
Alex pulled out of the driveway, the grand estate fading into the distance as they hit the winding roads. Rachel settled into the passenger seat, her eyes fixed on the passing landscape."Hey, thanks for the ride," she said, breaking the silence."No problem." Alex replied, his gaze on the road ahead. Rachel turned to him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, how does it feel to be officially off the market?"Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, Rach.""I'm serious!" she said, laughing. "You and Sophia now officially together, I guess you didn't believe any of the things i told you."Alex's expression hardened, the smile on his face disappearing instantly. "Sorry Rach, but I didn't." He sends a quick glance towards Rachel. "I love her Rachel."Rachel nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, it's obvious. But..."Alex raised an eyebrow, sensing the unspoken concern. "But what?"Rachel hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I don't know how to tell you this , Al
As Jack walked me to my bedroom, the silence between us was palpable. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, his profile illuminated by the soft hallway lights. We reached my door, and he turned to face me."Goodnight, Sophia," he said softly, his eyes searching mine.I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, Jack."He hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave. I reached out, my hand brushing against his arm."Jack?"He turned back, his eyes questioning."Thank you," I said, my voice sincere. "For tonight."A small smile played on his lips. "Anytime, Sophia."With that, he turned to leave, but I stopped him again. "Wait. I forgot something," I said, my voice low.He raised an eyebrow, curious. "What?"I stepped closer, my eyes locked on his. "This."And with that, I leaned in, my lips brushing against his in a soft, gentle kiss. It was brief, but electric."I'm sorry," I whispered, pulling back. "I couldn't help myself." My heart raced, my mind reeling. "Jack...""S
I slowly opened her eyes, and was greeted by the warm sunlight peeking through the curtains. I stretched, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. And as I turned, I noticed I was alone on the bed. Jack must have left early this morning, as had we slept off in each other's arms after our love making. As I sat up, memories of the previous night flooded my mind. It was intense. It was exhilarating. It was more than perfect. But it was also wrong. I recalled the way Jack's eyes sparkled in the dim light, his gentle touch, and the whispered promises. A flutter rose in my chest as I remembered the butterflies I'd felt. But alongside the romance, a voice whispered doubts and uncertainties. Jack was still my stepfather. I sighed deeply as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, planting my feet firmly on the ground. I needed clarity. Last night had been magical, but reality awaited. I needed to know my next move of action, especially with Alex. "Okay, Sophia, think this through,"
I quickly composed myself, trying to hide the panic that threatened to surface. My mother’s words echoed in my mind—your boyfriend and stepfather.The two people who were complicating my life beyond measure, waiting for me downstairs, both likely unaware of the storm brewing inside me. “Sure, Mom. I’ll be down in a minute,” I managed to say, forcing a smile. My mother nodded, giving me a warm smile before she left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, I collapsed back onto the bed, covering my face with my hands. Breakfast with both Alex and Jack? How was I supposed to handle that? I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. There was no avoiding it. I had to face them, even if it felt like I was walking into a minefield. But how could I look them both in the eye, knowing what I had done? I stood up, staring at myself in the mirror. My reflection looked tired, worn out from the emotional turmoil of the last 24 hours. I straightened my shoulders, trying to
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