After such an exhausting day, I needed premium rest. The meeting with the clients today went well and securing their agreement felt like a significant victory. I sighed deeply as I stepped inside my room and took off my business suit. There was a tap on the door as I turned to put on my nightgown.For a brief while, my heart raced for no apparent reason. Was it Kylo? I hadn’t seen him for three days now. The thought of him being there filled me with an odd mix of anticipation and dread.“Give me a moment,” I called out, quickly slipping into my robe. When I opened the door, a wave of disappointment washed over me. It wasn’t Kylo.Why did I feel this way? Was that how much of an effect he had on me?Dora stood there, her expression cold and unreadable. She swept passed me and sat down on the couch without waiting for an invitation. Shutting the door behind me, I faced her, wondering what new conflict this one would bring.“I believe you know there’s no way you would stay in this house
Varya's POVAt one point it seemed as if the weight was on my neck, desperate to tighten its noose around my neck. I had to escape the turmoil that was slowly creeping into my life even if it was for a few days.—a little beer to lift my spirit, and maybe a visit to my mother tomorrow. I needed a familiar face, a reminder of why I was enduring this mess. Seeing my mother happy was the reason I pushed through.I opened the mini fridge in my room and took out a few cans of beer, gulping down the first can. The coldness seemed to freeze my throat, numbing the turmoil boiling up within me.When I turned to look at the floor where I sat, I saw four empty cans of beer. One final can remained, clutched in my hand as the music from my headphones lulled me into a hazy, half-conscious state.Kylo's POVI had been knocking on Varya's door for the past 25 minutes, but she hadn't answered. She never wasted time responding to her room door. It made me uncomfortable and wondering what the hell was g
Varya’s povThe kitchen had of course been my saving grace, my place of solace, the only place I felt truly alive and calm as I chopped, stirred, rolled out pastry, and kneaded dough. Today, I was cooking a meal that I remembered in the early stages of marriage with Kylo, everything was so unpredictable.While slicing vegetables and cooking sauces in my mind I recalled the last eating with Grandpa. It had been one of them, one of those occasions when we had to portray that we are a really happy married couple. I smiled recalling how shy both of us were and particularly Kylo’s attempts at being smooth.Before I knew it, there were footsteps by the kitchen door and I could hear the door shut from the other side. Turning, I saw Kylo there, somewhat awkward, yet fierce.“Need any help?” he asked, the words winding around him freely but there was worry in his eyes.I raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you help in the kitchen?”He shrugged, stepping closer. "Since now. What can I do?"I hand
At first, our fingers touched, and then our eyes locked and I almost felt like everything was but a distant memory.“Um, Grandpa, that is quite a drastic. . . decision do you not think?” Kylo replied in a bid to avoid the question.Grandpa laughed aloud and the sound was as hearty as it had always been. “Well, watching you two for quite some time, it’s high time you two begin thinking of such issues.”Dora’s eyes sparkled with rage, and Cassandra’s mouth formed a tight line. However, Grandpa never cared about other people’s reactions; he was only concerned with us.I got embarrassed, but at the same time, I got something more than simply being embarrassed, there was something within me that was struck at the core, which I could not express fully.The idea of having children with Kylo was something I had never really considered, given the nature of our marriage. But now, with Grandpa's words hanging in the air, it felt like a possibility, a future that was suddenly real and tangible.K
VARYA’S POVThe early morning light peeped in through the curtains as a signal that brought the kind of day I had been desiring. Today I was planning to go and see my mother in the new house Kylo had bought for her.There was a small excitement to be around her and to see her in a place where an ordinary woman like her could live comfortably and where we did not carry along our past.Standing in front of the mirror brushing my hair and hoping that my nerves would not get the best of me. I fell into the habit of not visiting her as often as I used to and that was quite a long time ago, so much had happened.My marriage – they each appeared so complicated, so tied up in knots – and my feelings towards Kylo were not straightforward at all. But today, I had the need to forget all that and just for a few hours give all my attention to my mother.I had just come out of the bathroom when I heard the knock on the bedroom door Kylo.“Varya, are you almost done?” he said, and it seemed to her t
My mother once called me aside as I was assisting her in setting the lunch table, her smile belying her knowledge. Varya, Kylo is a good man. He clearly cares a great deal about you.I looked at him, seeing his deft placement of the plates on the table. "He is," I said, feeling a range of emotions surge through my heart. "He's changed recently. More... mindful."With understanding, my mother's eyes softened as she squeezed my hand."Be patient with it. Sometimes folks need some time to figure out what really important."Lunch was satisfactory, the meals tasty and the company of the people wonderful. Then we felt free to converse and even joke around, the mood was friendly and welcoming. It was like imagining what it would be like to be happy again, to be half of what I had been before and maybe even better.While we were having our dessert, my mother glanced at both of us and gave us a very mischievous look.“So when are you two planning to give your old grandpa some grandchildren tha
Dora’s PovCassandra put her hand on my shoulder; it felt nice and soothing. "You gotta think of tomorrow, Dora, and play for the long haul. Rushing in and causing a scene will only push them further together. We need to find a way to create distance between them, subtly."Taking a deep breath in an effort to pacify the tempest within me. Cassandra was right. Losing control would only backfire.I had to be strategic, and careful. "What do you suggest?" I asked, my voice steadier now."First, we need to undermine their trust in each other," Cassandra said, her eyes gleaming with a cold, calculating light."Plant seeds of doubt, make them question each other's motives. We can start small, with little things that will grow over time."I nodded, feeling a flash of hope. It was a plan, a method to strike back without losing my composure."And what about Kylo? How do I make him see that I'm the one for him, not Varya?"Cassandra's expression softened slightly, her tone gentler. "Remind him
Cassandra's eyes were filled with sympathy, but also a steely resolve."Then we need to be prepared for that possibility. We need to have a backup plan, something that will ensure you don't lose everything.""What do you suggest?" I asked, my heart heavy."We need to create an opportunity for you to prove your worth to Kylo," she said."Something that will remind him why he was attracted to you originally." Her words continued spinning around my head, bringing up another idea.I nodded, determination hardening within me. "You're right, Cassandra. I need to”I smirked as I saw Varya from the other side of the room. The hurricane I was going to unleash on her life was lost on her. My motivation wasn't simply jealousy; it was also this woman's outrageous arrogance in believing she could hang onto Kylo.Varya’s presence had been a thorn in my side from the moment she stepped into the Cassian household. Now, it was time to pluck that thorn out for good.The plan had been swirling in my min
On getting there people moved faster than usual; nurses ushered me into one room after another helping me put on a hospital gown a long way.Kylo stood still near where people were turned upside down due to the speed of what was happening around them offering some comfort unlike any other distraction I might find outside pain was too much but still stuck onto this thought that everything would soon pay off.Soon, we would meet our baby.Hours passed in a haze of contractions and medical jargon, the world narrowing down to just me, Kylo, and the baby.The pain was intense, like nothing I had ever experienced before, but I refused to give in to fear. This was what I had been preparing for, what we had been waiting for.The baby was coming, and I was going to bring them into the world.Kylo never left my side, his voice a constant source of encouragement, his hand a lifeline as I struggled through each contraction.He wiped my forehead with a cool cloth and whispered words of love and re
This confidence he had in us, in our capacity to manage a new phase boosted my morale erasing my fear places.I remember it very vividly, we were watching a movie one afternoon while lying on the couch in the living room and suddenly I felt a vigorous kick. I choked on my words, putting the palm of my hand on my swollen belly.“What happened?” Kylo asked, sitting up at once.“Everything is okay,” I replied cheerfully. "The baby just kicked really hard. Here, feel."I guided his hand to the spot, and we both waited. A moment later, another kick came, this time even stronger.Kylo's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow... they're strong.""I know," I laughed. "I think we're going to have a little soccer player on our hands."He grinned, leaning down to press a kiss to my belly. "I can't wait to meet you, little one. But take it easy on your mom, okay?"I watched him, my heart swelling with love. Seeing Kylo so involved, and so excited about becoming a father, made everything feel even more s
It was rather reassuring to be back home after the whirlwind which is our honeymoon, yet at the same time it was also rather daunting.The Island was once a beautiful place where all I cared for was our presence, Kylo and I had no other distractions.But it was time for us to step back and face our day-to-day lives, my pregnancy, and everything that came with it.By then I was several months pregnant and some of the symptoms were clearly visible to the naked eye. My tummy protruded out significantly and with that some effect of carrying a child.While the honeymoon had provided respite from pregnancy, the moment we were home, pregnancy was as real as reality could get.When about the house I felt both at ease with being home though nervous about the changes happening to me and around me.It pleased me that Kylo stayed close at my side; his fingers lightly brushing over my lower back.He got more caring and thoughtful than ever; I could easily see how much he cared for me and how much
I trusted him with everything that I had: heart, future, and life. Two days later we were in a private jet, by the influence I guess Kylo had, I had no idea where we were going. Kylo was not on specifics up to that time, but I did not give it much thought. There is nothing like suspense or perhaps relying on the unknown on the person. With that, I reclined in the chair and then looked at the shrinking landscape outside the plane’s small window. Kylo leaned forward, picked up my hand in his, and I looked at him and smiled. “You’re really not going to give me any hints?” I said as calmly as I could, though my voice was visibly laden with curiosity. Kylo chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope. You’ll find out soon enough.” I pouted playfully, but I knew better than to press him. Kylo loved his surprises and I must say, I enjoyed them as well. There’s something good about not knowing what’s next, about just going with the flow and chilling. The flight went by in no time, with Ky
Those days after the wedding were as if I was on honeymoon, loved being in that state, and did not want to wake up. I might as well describe it like this; the tranquility that came over me was one I never felt before. It was as though a weight I had no idea was lifted off my back, allowing me to breathe freely once more. There was a warmth that filled my whole body in place of the constricted knots in my stomach. It is worth noting that in the beginning of the story our marriage can be described as a purely business-like arrangement, a very practical marriage of convenience. But instead with time, it had become something concrete, something lovely. The relationship that Kylo and I had was a product of the most unlikely circumstances and the complacency that I felt as I stared at the house we had constructed together could only be described as profound. It was morning, the sun was shining and the rays of sunlight started entering the room through the windows. I was now pl
Kylo went first, his voice steady as he began to speak.“So Varya,” he began glancing at my eyes all the time,“when we got married for the first time, it was a business deal between us; something that was advantageous to both of us but lacked emotional warmth typical of true marriage. I was unapproachable and even icy; I never gave you the love or respect that you deserved. But as time passed everything changed. I changed.”His grip on my hand tightened more and I could see how sincere he was from his facial expression which told me that he meant every word in every line on his face.“I fell in love with you Varya; it started off slowly before all these sudden feelings hit me. You taught me what it means to be there for someone else genuinely because one wants to change oneself for them.”“And I have caused you pain earlier but today I am making a promise as follows: To be the man whom you deserve; to love you wholly and to build a happy joyful life together based on faithfulness and
The morning of the wedding was as well fine with no clouds in the sky to disturb the blue of the day. Now I found myself back in front of the mirror in my childhood room strapped and ready for this like a kid on Christmas Eve.The dress I bought for my wedding was an off-white, beautiful lace and silk gown that fitted me to perfection. It was plain and elegant and made me feel like flowers were blooming on my dress and the garden we would be getting married in was nearby.My mother was frequently touching my face, fixing my veil in position enrollment arrangement She caught my eye in the mirror and smiled, her expression soft with love and pride.“You look stunning, Varya,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Kylo is a lucky man.”“Thank you, Mom,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly. “I just… I want today to be perfect.”“It will be,” she assured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Today is about you and Kylo, about the love you share. That’s all that matters.
VARYA’S POVThe day after Kylo's proposal felt like waking up in a dream. When dawn parted the curtains and let in the golden rays, it was hard to imagine that only a few hours ago Kylo had proposed to me for real.My hand went to the ring I now wore on my finger and the diamond again shone brightly against the sun, creating rainbows around the room.The moments were somewhat dreamlike and yet whenever I touched the ring on my finger I did not need anyone to tell me that this was all real. Kylo loved me.I stood up from the bed and walked towards the window and I looked outside at the city that was an unspoken character in our story, the one filled with both sorrow and happiness. This led my mind to the wedding which was now even in front of us.They were not an extension of a prior commitment, or repetition of a promise; it was the start of something fresh, of reality. And so the preparations could only be special as well.I could feel the buzz once I made my way downstairs in the ho
He had planned this event to be an entertainment for families, as well as business counterparts. The atmosphere in the room was filled with laughter, echoes of glasses touching, and music.This was ideally the environment that I wanted when I had planned the entire thing, but the feeling that swelled in my chest was almost tangible.I thought I was standing by one of the tall windows of the building looking down on the city below. The twinkling bulbs were of a high intensity and I observed it was dark like the sky at night and this made me take my eyes off it for a while.Yet, there I was thinking about Varya most of the time. It was her that made me develop nerves today and became the reason for this nervous energy in the night.She stood across the room dressed in burgundy dress which enhanced the curves of her body.She was gorgeous and although I was quite far I could notice the look of despair she was masking so well.It was a sadness that I realized that I had provoked and this