Andrew
Accepting 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.
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
BeatriceThe morning sun gilded the stone paths leading to the imposing church. As my heart beats rapidly, I approach the church entrance. I grip the arm of my dear father, concerned that the groom may not be waiting for me at the altar.Three long years had passed since the last time I saw Edward Maddock. And now, here I am, ready to seal our fate in a marriage that, despite being formalized by a contract, carries the promise of a life together.With each step towards the church, my pulse quickens, my heart pounding like a drum announcing the unknown. The soft music fills the air, accompanying the rhythmic beat of my chest. And then, I see him.Edward stands next to the priest, imposing in his dark tailcoat, the epitome of elegance and masculinity that always impressed me. His dark hair is meticulously combed, his forehead slightly furrowed as he gazes ahead. I hold my breath, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him there, waiting for me.Relief washes over me as I realize my
BeatriceThe next morning brought an unexpected emptiness. Opening my eyes, I found the space next to me in bed impeccably made. No sign of Edward. Uncertainty returned, and the doubt of whether he had or hadn't shared the bed with me on our first night of marriage hung in the air.I might as well go down for breakfast, maybe I'll find some answers. However, the loneliness at the carefully set table only reinforced the feeling that something was amiss. The reality of the morning after the wedding was far from what I had imagined.Each forkful felt heavy in my stomach, and the sound of utensils clinking against the plate echoed the emptiness I felt in that house. A mixture of disappointment and sadness seemed to suffocate my heart, a melancholy that I hadn't anticipated."Do you need anything else, ma'am?" Charles asked. "I can ask Mrs. Jeks to prepare something special for you.""No, thank you," I politely declined, indicating that I had finished.It was already past nine, and I assum
BeatriceAfter a month of marriage, the situation with Edward hasn't changed. He continues to act politely but seems to maintain an invisible distance between us. We share the same room and bed, but he has never tried to get closer. Instead, he always locks himself in the library late into the night, always claiming work. It seems like he's avoiding me.It saddens me, but I can't talk about it with my family or friends. My mother was against our marriage from the start, as she disagreed with the idea of the contract, and admitting that it's been a disappointment would confirm what she tried to warn me about. Additionally, my father is ill, so there are already enough concerns at home. I don't want to add more problems. So, I smile and pretend everything is fine when, in reality, I feel very alone.Abigail, Edward's sister and my true friend called me that afternoon. She was passing through London and came to visit me. I was so happy with the news. She has always been a dear friend, an
BeatriceThe suggestion of spending time with someone I trusted sounded like a balm, and I accepted my cousin's idea without hesitation. Two hours later, we were laughing and sharing funny stories about Sebastian's love misadventures. His presence helped temporarily push away the concerns and dilemmas that were consuming me as if I could be myself again.Amidst the laughter, Sebastian mentioned the kiss he stole from me once, making me laugh again, albeit embarrassed. The episode came up in the conversation."It was terrible!" I admitted, remembering the kiss that happened and ended in an instant."Wow, you crushed my self-esteem, cousin," Sebastian joked, with a smile."You have to agree it was a terrible kiss, Seb.""Absolutely," he agreed, laughing. "But you were sad because Edward didn't show up on your birthday, and I was just trying to cheer you up. After all, we had a good laugh about it."Sebastian was referring to my eighteenth birthday party. At that time, I was convinced th
BeatriceI gazed at the wardrobe crammed with luxurious clothes, all from the most renowned brands, the epitome of what money could acquire, yet none of it would be viable to take with me. I packed in the suitcase only the items I had brought to that residence a year ago.Unlike that day when I arrived with a heart full of love and hope, now all that remained in my chest was bitterness and pain; I was about to distance myself from that house, which had never truly been my home.After over a year of a frustrating marriage, in which I never truly experienced what it was to be loved by my husband, I made the difficult decision to end that doomed relationship where only one person fought for the couple's happiness, and that person was me. From this moment forward, Edward would no longer be part of my life, just as I would not be a part of his, and each of us would go our separate ways. With this perspective, I dismissed all the mansion staff that afternoon and awaited my husband's arrival
EdwardAfter Beatrice left the mansion, I walked to the bar almost in the center of my living room and poured a shot of my most expensive whisky into a glass, downing the entire contents in a single fiery gulp.I manage to maintain a neutral expression, but inside, the only prevailing feeling is the purest and most genuine relief.One thing is certain—I wasn't the least bit sad about Beatrice's decision to leave. Our marriage was merely a business contract, something I did solely out of consideration for my father's old friend.Once upon a time, I harbored a strong passion for Beatrice, but everything changed when I found her kissing her cousin Sebastian. That night, I realized their feelings were not just those of friendship or cousinly love. They felt something more for each other, and the biggest proof of that fact was the kiss I witnessed them exchange in Beatrice's garden.I had spoken to Beatrice that day, congratulating her on her eighteenth birthday and promising to be in Kent
BeatriceSurprisingly, I quickly found an excellent job opportunity. I had sent out several resumes and contacted friends I had studied with at university, so when I received a call inviting me for an interview at a nationwide newspaper, I was thrilled to see my efforts rewarded so quickly. Staying at home was not an option, especially when my friends were together. Janet and Charles, her husband, being together made me feel affected by the love they showed each other. It's hard to understand why my marriage went so wrong. So, when I was selected for the position at the Daily News, I was thrilled, not just for the job but also for the great offer I received.Just five days after filing for divorce, I was starting work at the Daily News. I worked in the newspaper's gossip column, in the entertainment section, something I would need to adapt to. Although I didn't exactly like topics related to famous people, I needed that job to get out of the melancholy I was in. I didn't mind the fact
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