MegraA knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. I look over at Callum, confusion written across my face. I have only been back a day; surely I can't already be getting any guests. "Who could that be? I'm not expecting anyone."Callum shrugs. "I don't know; I haven’t told anyone you are back. I am sure a lot of people would love to see you. I can get it if you want."I shake my head, pushing myself up from the couch. "No, this is my house. I should probably get acquainted with the neighbours anyway."As I walk towards the door, an uneasy feeling settles in my stomach. I take a deep breath and reach for the handle, my heart pounding in my chest. When I open the door, I understand why. Nathaniel is standing there, flowers in his hands."Nathaniel? What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper."We need to talk," he says, his tone firm as he pushes his way into the house, not waiting for an invitation. His eyes immediately land on Callum, and his expression darkens. "
Megra.I try to get up, but I am still a bit drowsy. Nathaniel helps me from the bathroom floor, his grip firm but gentle, and I can't help but giggle as I stumble and land in his arms. The feel of his warmth against me is both comforting and familiar. We both laugh, the sound echoing off the bathroom tiles, a brief moment of lightness in the midst of so much uncertainty."This reminds me of the first time we met; at least you are sober this time," he says, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Don’t even remind me. Those were simpler times, Nathaniel." I reply, a wistful smile tugging at my lips. I pull away from him, my footsteps slightly unsteady as I make my way towards the kitchen. "You can't drive back to San Francisco now; it's too late. I refuse to be the reason you get into an accident."Nathaniel smiles with a soft, grateful, and victorious look in his eyes. "Thank you," he says simply, and there's something in his tone that makes me feel like he's not just thanking me for offer
MegraThe sharp, strong smell of smoke wakes me up. My eyes are still closed, and I am still so sleepy. I reach out for Nathaniel, but my hand only finds cold sheets. Panic bubbles up as I force myself out of bed, my mind racing. Where is he? What the hell is happening?I stumble out of the bedroom, the smoke getting thicker with every step. My heart pounds as I rush towards the kitchen. There, amidst the haze, I see Nathaniel frantically waving a dish towel at the smoke detector, trying to clear the air.“What the fuck are you doing?” I shout, my voice a mix of fear and disbelief. “Are you trying to burn down my home?”Nathaniel looks over at me, his face a mix of embarrassment and amusement. “I was just trying to make you breakfast,” he says, laughing. “I didn’t realize how hard it actually is.”Despite the chaos, I can’t help but laugh. It’s a sound that’s part relief and part happiness. I rush to open the doors and windows, letting the cool morning air in to chase away the smoke.“
MegraNathaniel and I sit on the porch, the morning breeze gentle against our skin. The sun rises, casting a warm glow over everything. We’ve been talking about the possibility of living in Stockton. It feels like a dream, something I hadn’t dared hope for until now.“I could figure out the logistics of working in San Francisco while living here,” Nathaniel says, holding my hand. “It might mean some travel, but it’s doable. And you could become a teacher again. I know how much the offer Mrs. Alice gave you means now.”I look at him, my heart swelling with gratitude and love. Could he just be playing games? But this is the Nathaniel I fell for—caring, supportive, and willing to make sacrifices for my happiness. “I’d love to teach again,” I admit. “But it’s a big decision. Are you sure you’re okay with it? Will you not miss the big house, the view, and all the house staff?”“Of course I will,” he says, squeezing my hand. “But I want you to be happy, Megra. And if that means living here,
NathanielThe drive back to San Francisco feels endless. My heart is heavy, and my mind is a whirlwind of regret and confusion. Megra's words echo in my ears, as does the pain in her voice when she told me to leave. The image of her face, twisted with hurt, is burned into my memory. I grip the steering wheel tighter, replaying the scene over and over.Anna's announcement hit like a bomb. "I'm pregnant with Nathaniel's child," she had said. Megra's eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in betrayal. Before I could explain, she had turned on me, her voice shaking with anger. "Get out, Nathaniel. Just go."I keep seeing her face in my mind. The shock, then the pain, and finally the anger. I’d never seen her so hurt. I can’t help but feel sick to my stomach thinking about how I could’ve handled things differently. If only I hadn’t been so stupid and careless. How do I win her back? The thought churns in my mind like a relentless tide. What can I possibly say or do to make this right? And wh
NathanielAs the evening draws to a close, I feel the exhaustion of the day settling in. The weight of my decisions and the uncertainty of the future press down on me, but for now, I have to deal with Anna's choice. It's not what I want, and it's fraught with challenges, but it's a start.I leave Anna in the dining room, needing a moment to collect my thoughts. As I step outside, the cool night air helps to clear my mind. The city lights twinkle in the distance, a reminder of the world beyond my own troubles.I find myself back in my office, the familiar surroundings providing a small measure of comfort. The lawyers have left, but their words linger in my mind. The path ahead is uncertain, but I know one thing for sure: I won't let Anna or anyone else destroy Megra, and I know Anna can and will. If I don’t do what she wants, I will be fucked. I can't fight her.As I sit at my desk, I draft a letter to Megra, pouring my heart into every word. I tell her how much I love her, how sorry I
MegraThe morning sun spills through the windows of my cosy house, casting a warm glow over the furniture and filling the room with a sense of calm. I push my sadness away as I sit across from Mrs. Alice, her kind eyes twinkling with pride and encouragement as we share a pot of tea."Megra, I am so proud of you, and we are happy to have you," she says, her voice full of warmth and sincerity. "This new teaching position is just the beginning for you."I smile, my heart swelling with gratitude and excitement. Mrs. Alice has always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Her support has been unwavering. "Thank you, Mrs. Alice. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and encouragement. I really need this." I feel better knowing I will be going back to doing something I actually love.She waves a dismissive hand, but her eyes shine with affection. "Nonsense, my dear. You've always worked hard, and you deserve this opportunity. The children at our school are lucky to have you."As
NathanielI walk towards the front of the wedding aisle, my legs heavy with dread. Every step feels like I'm pulling myself through thick mud, each one more difficult than the last. My heart pounds in my chest, a wild, erratic beat that threatens to drown out all other sounds. The fear and anxiety coil together in my stomach—a relentless, twisting knot of tension. The hate I feel towards myself and Anna bubbles just below the surface, threatening to spill over at any moment.I glance around the garden, which is beautifully decorated. Flowers of every colour line the aisle; their sweet fragrance is almost sickening. The guests look amazing, dressed in their finest clothes, and their faces bright with anticipation and joy. But inside, I feel nothing but emptiness. I want to break down, to scream, to run. This isn’t my choice. I’m being forced into this marriage, and every part of me rebels against it.My eyes scan the crowd, and I see the satisfaction in my family’s eyes. They think thi
Epilogue MegraWe stand quietly in front of my mother’s gravestone, feeling the earth beneath my feet solid and cool, like an anchor to this moment. The air is still, the sky washed in muted shades of grey as though the world is holding its breath with me. My eyes trace the familiar letters etched into the smooth stone:**Iris Adams** **Loving Mother, Wife, Daughter, and Sister.**The words feel heavier than usual today, each title pulling me back into memories I’ve spent years trying to bury. There’s something so final about seeing her name like this. My mother. The one person who was always there for me, always strong, always protecting me. And yet, she carried so many secrets. I think about the life she left behind to raise me on her own—the family I only just found out about. All that time, it was just the two of us. She gave up so much, not for herself but for me.A gust of wind stirs the leaves around the graveyard, and I close my eyes, letting the cool air brush against my ski
MegraMusic floats in the air, soft and melodious, filling the room with a sense of calm and joy. I take in a deep breath, letting the sound settle into my bones, feeling its soothing rhythm steady my racing heart. It’s been a year—one long, tumultuous year since everything happened with Becca. A year of healing, of working to forget the chaos Nathaniel and I faced. A year of finding peace, of finding ourselves, of watching Nathaniel become the most wonderful father to the most beautiful daughter.I close my eyes for a moment, holding on to the feeling of peace. When I open them again, I’m staring at myself in the mirror. My eyes glisten with tears as I take in my reflection—my wedding gown flowing around me like a cascade of dreams. It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen, pure white and delicate, with lace that trails down to the floor. I feel like a princess, like the heroine of a story I once dreamed about but never thought would come true.“Oh my gosh, Megra, you look amazin
MegraIt's been a few days since the fire, since Becca's death. I should feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but instead, there's a different heaviness inside me. I can't quite name it—grief, guilt, relief, maybe all of them tangled together. I stand in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. Mia is perched on the vanity, watching me with her bright eyes. I meet her gaze in the mirror, offering a small smile, though it doesn’t quite reach my eyes.I pick up a small powder puff and begin to dab it gently against my cheeks. The cool, smooth texture of the powder calms me slightly, a welcome distraction from the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Nathaniel is home now, his health restored, his body healing. I’m grateful for that. The newspapers have been full of stories about his heroics, praising him for his bravery. The police cleared his name after searching Becca’s apartment. They found her journals, her twisted plans. It’s all out in the open now.
MegraThe world around me is blurry, shifting in and out of focus. I blink slowly, trying to clear my vision. The ceiling above me is white, harshly bright against my eyes. I feel heavy, like I'm sinking into the hospital bed beneath me. My head throbs, my body aches, and every breath feels like it takes more effort than the last. I hear a steady beep—machines. I’m in a hospital.I remember flames, smoke, Becca's twisted smile. My chest tightens as I recall Nathaniel rushing into the fire. "Nathaniel?" I croak out, my voice barely a whisper, dry and cracked. Panic surges through me, tightening my throat. I try to sit up, but my body protests. "Nathaniel?"A familiar voice, gentle and soothing, cuts through the fog of my thoughts. "He’s fine, my darling." I turn my head slowly, and there she is—Liza, standing beside me. Her face is calm, but I can see the worry in her eyes.“Liza…” I manage, my voice weak. “Where is he? I have to see him. I have to know he’s okay.”She steps closer, ta
Megra“Nathaniel!” I scream, my voice tearing through the chaos as he bursts into the living room, Andrew right behind him. Smoke fills the air, thick and suffocating, and for a moment, all I can see are their silhouettes moving through the haze. My heart leaps with desperate, wild hope. They’ve come for me. They’ve come to save me.Becca’s laugh slices through the air, sharp and cold. Her eyes, wild with madness, flick from Nathaniel to me, and her lips curl into a sinister smile. “You see?” she snarls, her voice dripping with venom. “Even now, even in the face of danger, they run to you. Everyone runs to you, like moths to a flame. Well, then, they deserve your fate.”I watch, my breath catching in my throat, as she pulls a lighter from her pocket, the small flame flickering in the dim light. Fear claws at my insides. “Becca, no!” I shout, but she’s not listening. Her eyes are fixed on Nathaniel and Andrew, her hand steady as she holds the lighter.“Get back!” Becca screams, her voi
The Story of Becca Megra’s eyes are wide with fear, her lips trembling as she pleads. Her voice is a desperate whisper, filled with a panic that only fuels my resolve. She looks so small, so helpless, chained and bound. “Please, Becca,” she begs, her voice cracking. “Why are you doing this? Why?” I pause for a moment, staring at her. My eyes bore into hers, searching, dissecting. It’s like I’m looking right into her soul, seeing every little thing she’s ever taken from me, every single moment she’s made me feel small, insignificant, unwanted. I want her to feel that pain now to understand what she’s done. “I don’t think you should die just yet,” I say slowly, letting the words hang in the air, “without knowing the whole story.” I grab a wooden chair from the corner, dragging it across the floor with a slow, deliberate scrape that echoes through the room. I’m savouring the moment, relishing the fear in her eyes. I set the chair down in front of her and sit, crossing my legs calmly,
The Story of Becca.I watch as Megra cautiously approaches the front door of her Stockton home, her eyes darting around as if she knows someone is watching her. She’s always been so paranoid, always looking over her shoulder. But today, her vigilance won’t save her. Today, she’s all mine.From my car parked across the street, I can see her every move. My heart races with excitement, my breath quickening as I prepare for what’s to come. I’ve waited so long for this moment, planning every detail. She has no idea what’s waiting for her. She thinks she’s safe here, in her own home. How wrong she is.I smile, a dark, twisted smile. She deserves what’s coming to her. After everything she’s done, after everything she’s taken from me, she deserves this. I glance at the metal rod on the seat next to me, my fingers itching to grab it and feel its weight in my hand. I can’t wait any longer. I need to do this now.“She made me do it,” I whisper to myself, my voice filled with venom. “She made me k
NathanielI squeeze Anna’s hand, feeling the coldness of her skin against my own. Her eyes are glassy with pain and fear, but there’s a spark of clarity in them. Her usual well-maintained red hair in knots. She’s been through hell, but I need answers. "Anna," I say softly, leaning closer, "do you know where Becca took Megra?"She shakes her head, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "No," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I don’t know where she took her. I… I wish I did."I swallow back the frustration rising in my throat. "How did you find out it was Becca?" I press, hoping she has more information, something that could help us.Anna closes her eyes for a moment, as if gathering her strength. "I started having my suspicions after I saw the newspaper article," she begins slowly. "The one calling you an adulterer. Only you, Megra, and I knew about… about the divorce, about all of it. But I told Becca, I confided in her… Nathaniel, I thought she was my friend, but now I am sure she leak
NathanielI rush through the hospital doors, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. I have to find out if what happened to Anna has anything to do with Megra's disappearance. I can't shake the feeling that everything is connected—that Megra is in danger, and time is running out."Andrew!" I shout, scanning the crowded hallway, pushing past people as I move further inside. My voice echoes off the sterile walls, blending with the noise of the busy hospital. I see him standing by the nurse's station, his face pale and tight with worry. When he hears me, he turns, and his eyes widen. He rushes over, and I can see the tension in his every step."What the fuck is going on, Nathaniel?" Andrew demands, grabbing my arm, his grip tight, almost bruising. What the hell is happening?""I don't know," I snap, pulling my arm free, my breath coming in ragged bursts. "But that's what I intend to find out." I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Megra got a phone call," I explain