As I sit quietly in the living room, my heart felt heavy with uncertainty. Every laugh shared between Ruine and Ciara felt like a dagger to my chest, a painful reminder of the bond they once had—a bond I could never truly break. I watch as Ciara effortlessly brings up memories of Cecily every now and then, each story pulling Ruine’s attention further away from me.This has been my life since Ciara came into this house.It is as if I were an intruder in my own home, a guest in a space that had once felt warm and inviting. The laughter that echoes around us feels foreign, like it belongs to a time before I stepped into Ruine's life. I can feel the distance growing between us, a chasm that Ciara's presence only widens.“Ruine,” I whisper, my voice barely audible, “do you think we can talk?”My heart races, hoping to reclaim a moment of intimacy amidst the chaos that Ciara has brought. But as I look into Ruine's eyes, I see a flicker of something—nostalgia, perhaps, or a longing for the
My heart pounds in my chest as I face Ruine, the weight of our shared history pressing down on me. “Ruine, please don’t do this,” I plead my voice trembling. “You can’t just throw away what we have for Ciara. I know you care about her, but we have something special too.”Ruine’s expression hardens, a mix of regret and determination in his eyes. “Casma, I never forgot about her,” he admitted, his voice low."Cecily was my everything. I think I need to give my connection with Ciara another try. She’s was there when I lost Cecily and being with is like having a part of Cecily with me, and I can’t just ignore that.”I feel my breath hitch, the words hitting me like a cold wave. “But what about us? I love you, Ruine. I’ve always loved you,” I finally confess my long overdue feelings, my heart laid bare, desperate for him to understand the depth of my feelings. “You know that, don’t you? I’ve stood by you through everything, even when it hurt.”Ruine looks away, his gaze distant as if he
Two weeks have passed, and I still haven’t left my room. The silence wraps around me like a heavy fog, suffocating and relentless. I can hardly believe how quickly my world has turned upside down.I finally made the decision to se ofnd in my resignation letter. The thought of facing Ruine again, of seeing the man who broke my heart, is something I simply cannot bear. Each time I think about it, a wave of pain washes over me, reminding me of the love that once filled my heart and how it has now been replaced with sorrow.To protect my children from the turmoil I’m experiencing,I sent them to my cousin’s place. I didn’t want them to see their mother crying, to witness the cracks forming in my spirit. I know they can sense when something is wrong, and I can’t stand the idea of them worrying about me. The house feels so empty without their laughter echoing through the halls, but I tell myself this is for the best. I need space to process this heartbreak, to find a way to heal witho
Five Years Later"Who is a good boy?""Who is a good boy?" I coos at the little human in my arms.He giggles hysterically as if I am a clown."Yes you are. You are my good boy" I kiss his cheeks."Mom I am leaving for my shift"Ty says behind me. I turn to see him standing there in his uniform."Okay sweetie, don't forget to pick up the package and her dress. Tomorrow is the graduation"I say and he nods."Come here baby"he coos at the little boy in my arms, who has become a fussy mess at the sight of him."You look dashing today. I'll see you in the evening. I love you son. Daddy loves you so much" he says and kisses his son's cheeks before giving back to me.He kisses my forehead and grabs his car keys before leaving.I lock the door once he leaves and go back to putting my grandson to sleep.Shocking I know.I can't believe I am a grandma at the age of 35. But who can beat nature.My life has been a rollercoaster since moving her.Where should I begin.Five years ago, we left the US
The next day, we settled in home and made the necessary changes to the villa.I also did the necessary school requirements for Rhynara since she'll be starting school on Monday, which is tomorrow.Rhys has also been of great help to me.The next morning, Ty and Billy left early for their first day of college and I drop Rhynara at her new school.After that I drive me and Kai to my bridal shop here in Manhattan.My shipments arrived yesterday and I am here to see to it that everything is now in order.As I adjust the last display in my new shop, the scent of fresh paint fills the air, mingling with the excitement of new beginnings. Kai is busy arranging colorful trinkets on the counter, and I couldn’t help but smile down at him.“Looks perfect, doesn’t it?” I say feeling a swell of pride in my chest.Just then, the bell above the door jingles, and I turn, ready to tell the visitor that we aren’t open yet. But my heart drops when I see her—Lilac—standing there with her five-year-old twi
I feel a sense of calm wash over me as I settle into my new routine. Weeks have flown by, and life has taken on a rhythm that feels almost comforting. Ty just started class with his now fiance, Billy, and I can’t help but beam with pride. Watching him embark on this new journey fills my heart with joy. My little boy is now a man. During the day, I take care of kai, who is a bundle of energy and laughter. We both make a lot of sales at the bridal shop. Every moment spent with him is a reminder of the love that surrounds me, and it brings a warmth to my home. I love seeing him explore the world with such curiosity, and it makes me feel alive again.As the afternoon sun begins to dip below the horizon, I find myself eagerly awaiting Ty's return from college. He’d come home, scoop up his little one, and they’d share stories about their day. It was in these moments that I felt a sense of harmony, a peace that had eluded me for so long. Rhynara is thriving in grade school, making new
Istand by the entrance of the elegantly decorated hall, the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm light over the crowd. My heart races as I scan the room, searching for a familiar face. It has been too long since I last saw Casma, and the thought of finally meeting her again sent a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through me.I know she'll be here because I made sure she was sent an invitation by the group. As I move deeper into the event, I catch a glimpse of her across the room. She is laughing with a group of friends or should I say old acquaintances because Clark is also standing with her, her smile bright and genuine. The sight of her brings back a flood of memories—moments of joy, laughter, and the undeniable connection we once shared. But there is also the weight of our past, the silence that had grown between us. Gathering my courage, I approach her, my footsteps echoing in the bustling atmosphere. When Casma turns and our eyes meet, time seems to stand s
Istand behind the counter of my shop, a wave of pride washes over me.Just a month in, and customers were already trickling through the door, each one a reminder that I am building something meaningful.I can feel the warmth of my accomplishment, the promise of a fresh start.My encounter with Ruine still lingers in my mind. I am still surprised, I didn't have a melt down right there, Infront of him. But I am proud that I held my head up high while I was trembling within.The bell above the door jingles, and my heart sinks as I look up to see Ciara strutting in like she owns the place.“Well, well, look at you, Casma. Nice little shop you’ve got here,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.I can see the smug satisfaction in her eyes, and for a moment, I feel the familiar anger bubbling inside me.She always had a way of getting under my skin, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.“Thanks, Ciara. I’m really proud of what I’ve built,” I reply, forcing a smile. I