Regret is always a bitter medicine
RonanI don’t know how I got to my house, but I was certain I nearly died a thousand times while coming here. I have slept in our room, on our bed, for every single night since Elena left. I always chose her side of the bed, wishing I could just get a whiff of her scent. Whenever I wasn’t in bed, I was in the study room, staring at our wedding photo like a fool. “How could this happen? How could Elena be dying?” No. I wouldn’t accept this. She was so full of life when I last saw her, so how could she be dying? Harold wouldn’t tell me what condition she had, nor would he tell me how long she had to live. How was I supposed to stop myself from going crazy after what I just heard? I dragged my feet to the bedroom, ignoring Benson along the way. He was at the foot of the stairs, quietly watching me as I headed up the stairs. I went through great lengths to get the man to come back and work with me. As soon as Elena left, Bemson became a different person. He wouldn’t greet me as enthusia
RonanI had my heart in my throat when I opened the bedside drawer. I remembered finding Elena’s old phone casually tossed into the top drawer like the trash that it was. Good thing I didn’t throw this away when she left. Picking up the device, a flurry of memories suddenly flooded my head, as I was reminded of all the things that happened the night I stepped on the phone, carelessly crushing the screen. That night… I forced myself on Elena so many times through the night that I lost count. What was her offense for the shameful act that I committed? Darcy drugged me that night so I would finally sleep with her. It wasn’t Elena, but I blamed her for what happened. It was quite later that I realized it was Darcy, yet I took everything out on Elena. How could I be so shortsighted? Even when I woke up in the morning, I had nothing but mean words to say to her. As I grabbed the phone tightly in my hand, I was suddenly reminded of Elena’s tearful face when she pleaded with me, begging t
Ronan“Elijah Greene, why don’t you apply for a job under my competitors? Wouldn’t that be a great fit, since you already love them so much?” I took careful steps back toward my room, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the plain walls that greeted me once again.“I… I’d just sleep at the factory if they can’t repair this phone. I’d bring it here first thing in the morning.” Elijah proposed in a flustered voice as he rushed toward the door without waiting for me to respond to his words. I didn’t even have the energy to banter words with Elijah right now. Wouldn’t that make me too free?“I guess you’re not too stupid, after all.” As soon as he disappeared from my sight and was about to rush away from the building, I called out to him in all seriousness. “Elijah,” He responded by opening the door and poking his head through the slightly opened door. It was as if I forbade him from entering the living room. “Elijah,” I called out again, this time around, in a much lower voice. He was alread
Ronan“Elena! Elena! My Elena! No! No! No! No! Elena..” I kept mumbling so many words that I couldn’t control myself. How could this be? “No. No. No. I wouldn’t believe this. It’s a lie.”I threw the piece of paper back onto the floor, where it landed silently, with the details glaring at me. It felt like my soul already left my body. My heart felt like it would explode at any moment. How could this be? How could this happen? Elena, my sweet and caring Elena. How could you leave the world like this? No. I wouldn’t believe a single hair on your head is lost. You must be alive and kicking somewhere, Elena. You must stay alive. Even though those were my words, I couldn’t stop my tears from falling. Suddenly, my head hurt like it wanted to split into two. I couldn’t even take a single step when I wanted to. My legs felt rooted to the spot, and they wouldn’t budge. “How did I allow you to suffer all these alone? You had a terminal illness, Elena, yet all you chose to do was to walk away
Ronan“Brother Ronan, when I grow up, would you really marry me?”I remember that cheerful voice that always accompanied me wherever I went. “Yes, of course. When you grow up, I’ll only marry my Elena. No one else can be my wife apart from you.” Elena was only nine years old when she asked me that question. We had both heard the adults speak so many times about us getting married when we all became of age. I was always glad that my parents arranged this marriage, even before we were born. I knew Elena Jones was the only one for me. She was more like my better half.When I said I would only be with Elena, she had a twinkle in her eyes that I had never seen before. Even at such a young age, she had an unspoken conviction. She wanted to be mine and mine alone. Looking at how bashful she looked under my gaze, I relished in taunting her even more. “So, how about you grow up quickly? We need to get married, no?” My index finger landed on her nose when I said this, and she giggled. The sound
Gerald SimpsonI stood at the balcony, watching the glowing stars in the stary night sky. Everything looked so gloomy without my Elena. How did that brat of mine develop the galls to enquire about Elena? What gave him the right to think he had what it took to speak about Elena? I tried within these two years to convince myself that Elena wouldn’t have come to any harm. She wrote a letter to me about two years ago and told me she found her true happiness, and that i shouldn’t worry about her.How was I not to worry about her when she was the one in question. Elena suffered so much under the care of my son. Those two were very happy to be together, until that witch came between them. And Delores, she only cared about having babies around. All she wanted was to continue the Simpson family name, as if nothing else mattered. She joined her son and they both made my Elena suffer so much hardship in this family. I didn’t have what it took to force Elena to come back. All the letters had n
Delores Simpson I know I have been a handful, as far as my husband was concerned. I didn’t like how he treated Elena as if without her in his life, he wouldn’t even have anyone to talk to. Here I was, always at his side, but he wouldn’t even listen to me as far as anything concerning Elena was mentioned. I wasn’t so stupid as to think that my husband was in any illicit affair with Elena. Gerald was an upright man through and through, and he would never stoop so low. However, he doted too much on Elena, and I didn’t like it.She was like a drug he could never get rid of in his system. He just loved that girl too much. Meanwhile, Elena capitalized on Gerald’s love for her and made a fool of my husband over and over again. How was I to tell Gerald that she was just using him? The girl I watched grow up into a woman became so conniving that even I wasn’t her match. I raised her up to be an upright person, but she threw all that away as soon as she left home. Five years ago, when Rona
Gerald Simpson How could Ronan be in the hospital? What could be the problem? I spoke to my son earlier this afternoon, and he didn’t sound like someone who was sick. If for anything, he was sad. I could feel the agony in his voice, but it wasn’t sickness. He sounded anything but sick. “Speak up, Benson. What happened to my son?” Delores regained her wits and beat me to it. I wanted to ask the same question, but I reached out to grab a few things and change quickly. He already mentioned what happened and where they were. We could get the rest of the information from the doctors at the hospital. “Madam, I really don’t know. I heard him crying in his room for a while before passing out.” What! I paused in my tracks, albeit briefly. I quickly returned to what I was doing, not knowing Delores was crying with the mobile phone in hand.“How could a grown ass man be crying for nothing, Benson? If anything happened to my son, I wouldn’t forgive any of you. Take it from me, Benson. I won’t
Elena“I heard Valerie is pregnant.” I informed Ronan in a jovial tone, allowing him to get the picture. He always said that Valerie made his children forget him whenever she was around. Now that she was coming back for good, Ronan’s mood was sure to plummet.As I was teasing my husband, I heard the cries of one of the triplets, and my heart skipped a beat. I was about to get out of bed when Ronan reminded me that I was in the room to take a nap. Aunt Delores said she would take care of them, so I left the kids with her and the nannies. I am really exhausted, but now that I’m on the bed, I can’t sleep. I’ve tried closing my eyes several times, but it still wouldn’t work.“Elena, you don’t want to sleep?” Ronan asked in a mischievous tone. He looked like a kid who’s favorite toy had been snatched from him. I know his worries. The kids turned three months old today, and Ronan had been living like a monk since they were born. He has been reading a lot lately, letting me know I was rea
ValerieI finally made it back to Lockwood. That old fart wanted to keep me there for good. How dare he? “Hello, let’s meet at Palates Haven.” I was expecting this call as soon as the plane touched down. We’ve been in talks for the past four months, and I wouldn’t wish for a better time to have this talk than now.I found my way there without waiting at the airport for any car. I don’t wish to announce my presence here, anyway.“Sorry I’m late.” I apologized as soon as I got to the place. I was a few minutes late, after all. “It’s fine. I haven’t been here for long.” He responded, causing a smile to break out on my face.“David Spencer, you said you loved me. Please tell me why I should believe you.” I pushed a stack of documents toward him, and when he opened it, his eyes were wide like saucers. It’s not like I don’t return his feelings, but I needed something concrete. He had better choose his words carefully, because that is what would determine whether he lived or died today.
Elena Knowing it was Darcy, I realized I was worked up for nothing. What else did she spoil in the dark? Why didn’t I notice who she was sooner? Darcy Taylor… Hmmmm! The least said about you, the better. I couldn’t even hug Jackson without my stomach getting in the way. My friend from so many years ago. Then again, I’m happy for him. I’m glad he made it big. “Well, to add to the good news, I’d prep Mr Jones for a surgery in a month’s time. If he comes out successfully, he should be on the road to recovery. He would be up and about in six months. One year, maximum.” Jackson’s congratulatory message didn’t even sink into my head. All I could think about were his words. “You mean my father can walk again?” I had to ask again to be sure. My body trembled from so much excitement that I couldn’t control it. “Yeah! The doctors took good care of him. His physical fitness is top notch. They just d’t know where to look to make him better. I bet they already gave up on him at a point,
JacksonElena Jones in the flesh. She hasn’t changed a single bit. The years have really been kind to her, and she still looked as much in love with Ronan Simpson as she was a decade ago. She’s even carrying his child. If I had known she was the patient’s family member, I would have run here to sort things out long ago. How could I ever repay her kindness in this lifetime? “You two know each other?” I didn’t know if I should say yes or no to this question. Which would she prefer?“Yeah, Jackson, tell my Uncle. Do we know each other?” Elena’s reaction is too confusing. Could it be the pregnancy hormones or what? She wasn’t supposed to get angry with me. I was the one who got hurt by her words and inactions. “I should be angry with you, Elena. Not the other way around. Why are you playing the victim? You know what, how about we let this slide, for old time’s sake?” I didn’t want to push this any further. Elena is one of my benefactors I could never cease to acknowledge. No matter wh
Elena The meal went by in a jolly mood, as everyone chatted lightly. I couldn’t keep out of it, as random questions were thrown to me now and then. I felt lightheaded throughout the meal, but tried to hold it in, so I wouldn't scare anyone. Halfway through, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Excuse me.” I stood up anruptly, headed for the washroom, but before I could take up to three steps, I was consumed by darkness. I couldn’t even resist in the slightest. “Elena,” Ronan’s crazed voice sounded in my ears. I couldn’t tell why, but he started crying and begging me not to leave him. I guess Ronan carried me to the room, because I woke up in his bed. When I tried to move, my head felt so heavy, but it was still bearable. When I tried to lift my hand to my head and massage my forehead a little, I felt a weight on my hand. Looking toward the direction, I noticed Ronan holding my hand firmly. As soon as I tried to wriggle out of his hold, he also stirred awake. It was already nightfal
Ronan I was reliably informed that Elena was to make a journey to the old mansion today. As a result, I came to support her. This occasion was supposed to be a family dinner, yet, Elena wasn’t here-so was dad. I could tell those two were up to something again in Dad’s study room. The old Roman would have flared up, accusing Elena of telling tales to my father. However, I finally realized I was just living like the fool I was supposed to be. I walked toward the study, only to meet it half closed. “Uncle Simpson, please, let my Dad go.” What! Why would Elena want to remove the life support? She gave up on her father after so many years? “What if I say I don’t agree?” My words were unexpected, but I had no plans of allowing her to do this. I believe Uncle Jones can be saved. “Doctor Fischer is still working on inviting that specialist he spoke about. We would double our efforts and bring him in. Can you wait till he arrives? Let’s make a decision after his diagnosis, okay?” E
Elena It’s been three months since the incident at the hotel. Darcy did so much to ruin me, but I ended up in the arms of Ronan Simpson, the only man I ever loved. I tried so much to fight my affection for him. I thought I already moved on from him, but I clearly didn’t. Now that he was hell bent on making me accept him again, Ronan did everything possible to atone for his sins. He was everywhere at the same time, and I even had no choice than to explain to Ruth that my husband wasn’t truly dead, but was rather someone who didn’t stand up for me when I needed him the most. To my utmost shock, Ruth became Ronan’s advocate. She was the one who made it possible for him to meet me on different occasions. Now, I couldn’t even tell if Ronan wanted to turn my house into a florist shop, because he sent a bouquet of flowers every morning. He was so consistent for the past three months that I woke up sometimes looking for his flowers. His devotion so far has moved my heart, but it was
Ronan Last night, I was a beast, and I knew it. However, I just couldn’t control myself around Elena. Having her squirming beneath me, with her hands running all over my body, and asking for more and more… I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I was ready to help Elena take a cold bath, knowing I was the last person she wanted to see tonight. However, when she offered to get someone else to satisfy her, I lost it. How could she ask that of me? I know I really did a number on her, but the most important thing now is that the drug was cleared from her system, and we also managed to avoid a calamity. That was the most important of all. We both lost ourselves in the passion, going until we collapsed. I must say Elena had it worse. She was so out of it that she didn’t even notice when I carried her to the bathroom for a warm bath. She slept so soundly throughout the ordeal. At least, it gladdened my heart that Elena trusted me enough to leave herself at my mercy. As I watched
Elena I was glad to see Ronan marching into the room like my knight in shining armor. His expression looked so fierce, yet I didn’t know who his anger was directed to. When he knocked a few teeth out of Darcy’s mouth, I finally understood that he wasn’t falling for her schemes today. I raised my head briefly and realized how he stared at Darcy as if she was already dead. Then Darcy’s men were shot in the balls. I folded my knees to my chest, as I fought the drug in my system with all the strength I could muster. Darcy ruined my family. She was the reason my Dad became a vegetable, yet, I invited her into my home. Dad never wanted her at our house when he was healthy, but when he got into a coma, I invited Darcy in to keep me company. When I moved into the Simpsons old mansion, I allowed her to stay in the house for a while, until she betrayed me at the university and moved out on her own. Little did I know that the betrayal started long ago, and I just didn’t notice. She ap