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
EdwardI looked with great admiration at the beautiful woman in front of me, my wife Beatrice, and smiled along with her, remembering an episode from our childhood."Oh, Edward!" she complained, smiling. "You always managed to convince everyone of your innocence, even when you were the one responsible for our pranks."Beatrice let out a hearty laugh, looked around the pub, already quite empty at that hour, and frowned at me.“I think it's time for us to leave, Edward.” she pointed out, trying to wear a serious expression that didn't match the beautiful smile on her face.I look around, realizing that besides the two of us, there is only one more table occupied by another couple, and I conclude that s
BeatriceI arrived at the newspaper the morning after my dinner with Edward feeling guilty because there would be no article to publish. After all, I let myself be carried away by my ex-husband's charm and completely forgot the real reason for us being together.Now, when Mr. Smith calls me to his office, something I am sure he will do sooner or later, how will I explain that there is nothing? Not even a single answer to all the questions the media has been raising in recent days.Saying that I felt awful didn't define the state I was in at that moment as I entered my office at the newspaper and threw my bag on the chair in front of my desk.I turned on the computer, constantly waiting for a call from Lucy, Mr. Smith's secretary, to let me know that he was calling me into his office, nervousness taking over my entire being.The seconds passed, turning into minutes, and then hours, as I tried to work on some alternative material, a way to mitigate the fact that I hadn't secured the int
EdwardLunch with Beatrice didn't unfold exactly as I expected. I lamented how she was distancing herself more and more from me, without me being able to win her heart.The dinner from the night before wasn't a complete failure, but it also didn't go as planned. After leaving her house extremely irritated with my wife's refusal to talk, I managed to calm my mind and reconsider my inflexible position.I reflected calmly on how I could approach Beatrice again, preferably without giving her the chance to pull away, as she usually did. I remembered that the interview had not yet taken place. For this reason, that morning, I went to the newspaper to speak personally with Joel Smith.Although I had some relative success, as I managed to get Beatrice to agree to have lunch with me as planned, I made no further progress beyond that. I left the restaurant with another rejection from her.However, I could not accept what she insisted on repeating. I am sure it is not "too late" for us, and I wi
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