Beatrice
After Andrew left my office, I made an effort to get back to work, focusing on finishing some pending tasks. My goal was to prepare myself to take on my new role at the newspaper and I was eager for the exciting prospect of collaborating with journalists from around the world in pursuit of international news.
However, at every moment, I was also seeking updates on the plane crash involving Bailey. I couldn't help but think about Abigail's devastating emotional state in the face of such uncertainty. I tried once again to contact her, sincerely wishing to be by my friend's side, but unfortunately, her phone seemed to be switched off.
Each attempt to call was automatically redirected to voicemail, and the messages I sent were not delivered. My concern for my dear friend only grew. I had promised
BeatriceAs Andrew predicted, the news that Bailey wasn't on board the plane when it crashed, along with his team, caused a frenzy in the media. Furthermore, the revelation that he was in the Maldives in the company of a young and attractive Australian model was like a bombshell in all media outlets.Faced with this whirlwind of events and the intense media pressure for Bailey's wife to comment on the case, I chose not to bother Abigail with further attempts at contact. It was evident that, in this delicate moment, she didn't wish to interact with people outside her family, and I wouldn't insist on it.If at any point Abigail wants to talk to me, she'll know how to reach me. After all, I sent her several messages, all remaining unanswered until now.I also
BeatriceAfter Edward headed towards the store's men's section, a strange feeling of discomfort took hold of me. Nevertheless, I managed to suppress that sensation and continued chatting casually with Abigail and Janet.As we finalized our choices of items to purchase, the conversation with Abigail covered various topics, but at no point did we touch upon the subject of her husband's name or discuss the scandal of his public and embarrassing betrayal.Abigail became increasingly at ease, realizing that we wouldn't broach the unpleasant topic for her. This was comforting, as it was evident that she needed to forget everything that had happened in her life over the past few weeks."We could organize a tea with biscuits," Janet suggested when we finished shopp
BeatriceI looked at the child sitting on the train seat next to me, and once again, the overwhelming sadness engulfed me.But I needed to be strong. It wasn't the time to falter because now I had someone who depended entirely on me, and for him, I would be capable of anything. I was preparing myself for all the questions and even possible criticisms that would come. I had no idea how my parents would react to what I was about to do."Are you sleepy?" I asked.Timothy was just a child, only ten years old, but life had been very tough on him, and his baggage was far from beautiful.It was ugly and sad."I'm fine," he said, not directly answering my question."You can rest your head on my lap," I offered. "I like it when you do that."I was certain that he was tired and sleepy, but he wouldn't say that to me. As he always insisted on saying, he didn't want to bother me."I don't want to bother you, Beatrice," came the expected phrase. "You're already doing so much for me.""You haven't
BeatriceAfter returning to London, now permanently, I would work from home, at least on some days, as agreed between Andrew and me.During the time I was constantly traveling for work, many things happened, and several of these changes were wonderful news for me. Among them, was the fact that Andrew now took Joel Smith's place as the director of the newspaper, as his father decided it was time to retire after so many years of work.I couldn't complain; Andrew was an amazing boss, and our relationship grew even stronger. The spark of romance that arose soon after we met gradually developed, and although I didn't love Andrew as I once loved Edward, our relationship is solid and peaceful.When I spoke to Andrew and told him about what was happening in Budapest and the surprising twist my life had taken, he supported me unconditionally, allowing me to mix on-site work with home office, in a way that was most convenient for me."Are you sure this is really what you want, Beatrice?" he ask
BeatriceSurprisingly, all the dishes I prepared for dinner seemed divine, and I was extremely pleased with the result of our culinary adventure. Timothy was also radiant, smiling happily, and satisfied with our teamwork."We make a great team, Beatrice!""Definitely!" I agreed as we set the table for dinner.The atmosphere had improved considerably since we decided to dedicate ourselves to preparing the meal. Before that, sadness hung in the air, which was completely understandable, considering it had only been a few days since Timothy lost his mother. I couldn't forget what had happened either. Although I spent little time with Yana, her loss was painful for me too. Memories of our last meeting and her desperate plea for me to take care of Timothy remaine
EdwardI looked around the sophisticated restaurant, filled with people chatting happily, all seeming to be enjoying themselves, pleased with each other's company. Except for me."And she dressed so poorly, mon cher," the woman in front of me continued with her endless monologue. "I can't even imagine where she buys all those horrible and démodé clothes."I reached for the almost-empty wine glass; I had already had a few that night and brought the crystal to my lips once again, thirsty.Only the wine could make me endure everything that came out of Louise's mouth since she sat across from me in that restaurant."Do you remember that roommate of yours in college?"
BeatriceI couldn't believe what I saw; my eyes would never deceive me. The man sitting at the restaurant table, to which I had just arrived with Timothy and Andrew, was undoubtedly Edward. The woman beside him was equally unmistakable, with her aristocratic posture and her always elevated nose, typical of the woman with whom Edward had had a relationship and who had never managed to overcome the end. The fact that they were having dinner together, so long after, spoke volumes about it.Apparently, Andrew didn't notice Edward's presence, but Timothy seemed quite attentive."Why did you suddenly become so sad, Beatrice?"I looked at the boy next to me, surprised by the precise question about what I was feeling. I felt a bit guilty for letting my feelings show on a night that should be a celebration."It was just a passing discomfort," I said, blatantly lying. The guilt increased a bit. "But I'm feeling better now, don't worry."Timothy looked at me attentively, probably trying to figur
BeatriceAfter returning from the bathroom, I kept an eye on the nearby table, but I didn't see them return to the dining area, concluding that they must have paid the bill and left after the unwanted and entirely unnecessary encounter in the corridor.However, the scene wouldn't leave my mind, and I kept replaying Edward's approach, leaving me extremely irritated because I was certain that the false and deceitful woman would be capable of completely twisting the situation and making him believe that I was the one who initiated the confrontation, which is entirely ridiculous.The rest of the dinner proceeded smoothly; after all, the source of my discomfort had already left. It's challenging, but I just realized that Edward still has the power to affect me, even after so much time apart.Andrew naturally drove me home. I just didn't expect to find an unfamiliar car parked in front of the residence. I felt a slight apprehension, fearing it might be someone with malicious intentions lurk
BeatriceLittle Avery came into the world a few months later, full of health and energy, captivating everyone with her charming smile and sweet temperament. Edward, who had already proven to be a responsible and present father to Timothy, repeated the same loving commitment to Avery. He continued to be the man I always wished for by my side, and his dedication only confirmed that the disappointments of the past were definitively overcome.Our routine was cozy, and seeing our children grow up happy and content filled my heart with joy and fulfillment. Through ups and downs, we remained united, building a lovely and happy family.Two Years LaterBeatriceAfter more than six years of official marriage, Edward decided to sur
AndrewAccepting the invitation to dinner at Beatrice and Edward's house was a sudden decision. I felt hesitant, but at the same time, intrigued by the opportunity to rekindle the friendship that had been shaken by emotional issues.Talking extensively with Beatrice in the preceding days brought much-needed clarity. I realized that the weight of trying to win the love of a woman still in love with her ex-husband was a mistake. The friendship with Beatrice, after all, was much more valuable than any unrequited romantic desire.Upon arriving at Beatrice and Maddock's house, I noticed the presence of Abigail, Edward's sister. An inexplicable nervousness seized me, arousing my curiosity. We exchanged glances, and a subtle tension hung between us, something I admit I did not overlook.
BeatriceWe conversed animatedly during dinner, reminiscing about stories and sharing laughter. I looked at my husband, that beautiful man now entirely dedicated to my needs, reflecting on how much our lives had changed since the day I left that house, determined to forget a year of rejection I lived with Edward and pretend that I no longer loved him when in reality, my love for him only grew each day."While Timothy is almost a young man, Archie is just a baby, and Beatrice is pregnant, soon she'll also have her baby in her arms," Sebastian commented suggestively, looking at Elizabeth, and we all eagerly awaited to hear what he would say next, with smiles of anticipation on our faces. "I also want to have a baby, my love."He didn't disappoint us. We all found what he said very funny, and Elizabeth tu
BeatriceToday I woke up with uncontained joy in my heart. As I got ready for work, I found myself smiling at the mirror, my hands gently caressing the slight swell of my belly. I was radiant, feeling a deep connection with the little being growing inside me.Upon arriving at the office, I was greeted with warm wishes from colleagues and friends. Everyone noticed my good mood, and I couldn't help but share the news of my pregnancy with them. Each smile and congratulations made my day even more special.I was heading back to my office after a meeting when I nearly bumped into Andrew. I hadn't seen him in weeks. The way he had exited my life had left me hurt and confused. However, upon seeing him again, I felt a strange calm in his presence."Hello, Beatrice,
BeatriceDespite everything that had happened between us, my heart insisted that I should trust Edward. I decided to trust him in the same way he trusted me. And so, with the security of his love and confidence in his loyalty, I shared about my pregnancy. His happiness was so evident that there was no room to doubt his feelings."We should tell Timothy," Edward said with remarkable enthusiasm."I'll pick him up from school with you," I said, equally excited. "And together, we can share this news with him."Edward agreed immediately, shutting down his computer and grabbing his work folder. We walked together toward the door. Passing by Edward's secretary, I briefly recounted what had happened when I arrived at his office that afternoon."Who are you calling?" I asked, surprised to see him dialing a number on his phone.Edward just waved his hand, asking me for a moment, but he hugged me, keeping me close to his body while making the mysterious call."Mrs. Steve? Yes, it's me," Edward s
EdwardDespite Beatrice choosing a safe distance between us, the fact that we were willing to clarify everything left me satisfied."I haven't spoken to or seen Louise for months, Beatrice, since that night at the restaurant when we reunited, and she acted rudely and disrespectfully toward you. Something I could never forgive."Beatrice seemed about to interrupt me, opening and closing her mouth several times but managed to stay silent, so I continued with my explanation."Today, Louise showed up at my company unannounced, and I received her as I would with any acquaintance because that's exactly what she is to me now," I made a point to emphasize that. "She was seeking strong sponsorship for her modeling career, and apparently, her finances aren't doing well. She thought appealing to me and our history would be a good idea.""And it seems like it worked," Beatrice interrupted with visible irritation. "You were about to kiss each other."I took a deep breath and struggled to keep calm
BeatriceTo my complete horror, Edward wasn't alone in the room, and the scene before me was, in fact, highly compromising. I was speechless, as I didn't expect to find Louise Orleans in my husband's office."What's going on here, Edward!?"Edward and Louise were standing face to face, with her hands clasping my husband's neck, and he was holding her hands with his own. I was bewildered. What exactly was happening there? Were they about to kiss? The scene denoted an unacceptable level of intimacy."It's not what you're thinking, Beatrice," Edward quickly distanced himself from Louise, removing her hands from around his neck. "Louise was just leaving, right, Louise?"Edward looked at Louise quite eloquently, sugg
EdwardI left home that morning with a wonderful sense of peace and well-being after a family breakfast. Timothy was also radiant."Tell me more about your mother, Timothy. I want to get to know the woman who raised you so wonderfully well. Never forget how special you are to us, Beatrice and me."During the drive to school, Timothy shared emotionally charged details about his mother and life in Kyiv before the war reached the city.When I parked the car in front of the school, Timothy's words deeply surprised me."And I'll be very happy if our family grows, and I get a little brother like Archie."Beatrice and I had never discussed children before; after all, our ma
BeatriceTimothy was ecstatic about the idea of moving to Edward's mansion, which only strengthened my confidence in the decision. Edward invited us to visit the house the next day, keeping the reason for the visit a secret, which made me anxious.When we arrived at Edward's house the next morning, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary that could catch my attention or be the surprise he intended to show us. However, when he led Timothy and me to the first floor of the house, we finally discovered what he had planned."Wow!" Timothy exclaimed, covering his mouth with his hand, his eyes shining with admiration."How beautiful!" I said, equally enchanted.Once again, Edward managed to touch my heart, breaking down the barriers I had