Beatrice
When we arrived in front of my friend's house, Andrew circled the car and opened the door for me, demonstrating his kindness once again. I couldn't stay angry with him; after all, he had taken me to the party with the best intentions.
"Thank you for everything, Andrew," I expressed gratitude, already outside the car.
He cleared his throat, indicating that he wanted to say something but was embarrassed. I waited in anticipation.
"I... um-hum!" Andrew started, trying to find the words. "You look beautiful, Beatrice."
I was surprised to realize what he wanted to say.
"Oh!" I responded, taken aback. "Thank you!"
"I wanted to tell you that
EdwardI felt my jaw tense with frustration as I looked out the window of my office and remembered the night of the gala. The memories of Saturday night were still very fresh in my mind.On that night, I was accompanied by Mila Durant, a beautiful French model I had recently met. We were enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication, surrounded by a crowd of familiar faces from high society. But among all those familiar faces, there was one I didn't expect to see: Beatrice.I relived once again all the feelings that flooded me when I spotted Beatrice at the ball. My heart even gave an unpleasant leap. The last time I had seen her before that was when our marriage was crumbling, and to think that at the party, she was radiant, elegantly dressed, and simply stunning. She was in the company of Joel Smith's son, the influential owner of the newspaper where my ex-wife now works.I felt a deep discomfort in my chest. Seeing Beatrice there, splendid and well-accompanied, stirred my
BeatriceThe next day, close to the end of the workday, Andrew sent me a message informing me that he needed to leave London to attend to some important business and had to cancel our meeting."I can't believe he's canceling our commitment at the last minute like this!" I muttered to myself, the indignation making me sigh in frustration.It seemed that Andrew and Edward were alike, prioritizing their important businesses, and to sum it up, I wasn't a priority in the life of my new suitor.I was lost in these thoughts as I left the newspaper office, and it took me a moment to recognize the man standing next to the luxurious car on the same street where I was now walking."Edward!" I said."How are you, Beatrice?" he asked in an extremely cynical tone, a smirk on his lips. "I hope you're well.""What are you doing here?" I didn't answer his question because I felt lost. What was Edward doing there? He also didn't respond to my inquiries and approached me with large steps, getting very c
AndrewDue to some urgent business, I ended up canceling my meeting with Beatrice, and after returning to London, I found that she was upset with me, probably for this same reason. I tried calling her and sending messages, but Beatrice didn't answer any of the times and didn't respond to my messages either. I was feeling worried because I was enjoying her company, and I felt that our relationship was strengthening a little more with each passing day.Now, everything has changed, and it seems like we're back to square one. On Saturday night, I ended up agreeing to go out to dinner with an old friend with whom I share a great friendship. When I arrive at the restaurant, I see Beatrice's ex-husband, Edward Maddock. That worsened my mood, which wasn't the best to begin with."Do you know Maddock personally?" Justin Campbell, with whom I attended college at Oxford, asks.His concern is not unfounded, after all, Maddock couldn't take his eyes off my table, which was starting to irritate me.
BeatriceI left work much later than usual, immersed in tumultuous thoughts. Earlier, I had declined the ride that Andrew had kindly offered. After all, it was no longer a secret that something strange was happening between us, and I didn't want to further complicate things.Andrew was an amazing man, kind, attentive, and always willing to support me. But there was Edward, my ex-husband, still officially married to me. This situation tied my mind into knots, a confusion of feelings that prevented me from moving forward with my life as I wished.I decided that I needed a legal answer to this emotional mess. The next day, I would seek a lawyer and initiate the divorce process once again. It was a tough decision but necessary so that I could finally choose between Andrew and Edward without carrying the weight of a failed marri
EdwardBeatrice's question was entirely valid. I spent a year by her side, but I chose to remain trapped in the resentment and bitterness I felt when I saw her with Sebastian on her eighteenth birthday, exactly when I had planned to ask her out. However, after trying to get involved with other women and pretending that I was having fun, I came to the conclusion that none of them compares to Beatrice, the only one I have always loved.“I don't know” That's all I could say.I still love Beatrice, but it's difficult to admit this feeling even to myself. The fact is that seeing her again in the arms of another man caused terrible discomfort. The mere idea of Beatrice with another man was unbearable. I believe I only managed to stay away for three years because I was in another country, getting involved with every wo
BeatriceAs time is short, with only thirty minutes to be in Edward's office, I spend just the necessary time in my office to grab my bag. Upon arriving in front of the newspaper building where I work, I flag down the first taxi that comes my way, and luckily, it's available.The journey to Edward's company is relatively quick, as it's not too far, and the traffic is still light at that time. When the taxi stops in front of the imposing and modern-designed building, with multiple floors as far as the eye can see, I get out, feeling my legs like jelly from nervousness.Being in front of the building where Edward runs his business makes me sad because memories from the time we were married flood in, depressing me as I recall the times I've been there and how I was always treated by him.Edward
BeatriceEdward smiles kindly, his eyes sparkle, and I can't resist the overwhelming charm of my ex-husband."But I want to talk about us, Beatrice," Edward insists."And our interview? That's why I came here, Edward.""I have a good proposal to make."Edward releases my hand, which he was still holding, and gets up from his chair, now sitting in the one next to mine, staring at me with renewed attention.I was undecided about whether I wanted to know about this proposal. The last one I received was to be there, and I still wasn't sure if it was genuinely something positive for me."Aren't you going to ask what it is?" He
BeatriceThe dress I chose for dinner that night is one of the models that Janet insisted I buy one of the times we went out together. Janet used to complain a lot about how I dressed, which, according to her, was too modest and dull. Despite completely disagreeing with her, I ended up following her advice and changed my entire wardrobe.I decided to be daring that night, choosing a form-fitting dress that, despite reaching the knees, had a well-crafted neckline with plenty of transparency on both my chest and the back of the dress.I applied subtle makeup to soften the impact of the outfit and slipped into sky-high heels in the same color as the dress—black with golden details, matching the garment.Once ready, I glanced at myself in the closet mirro
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