VARYA’S POVThe constant beeping from my phone on the nightstand jolted me out of a restless sleep. I reached over and squinted my sleepy eyes at the TV. I kept seeing headline after story, each one more dramatic than the last.Everything in its path was being consumed by the scandal, which had taken on a life of its own."Mrs. Cassian Caught in Hotel Scandal: Cheating on Husband?""Cassian Family Business Suffers as Scandal Erupts!""Is CEO Kylo Divorcing His Wife Over Recent Scandal?"That last blow really hit me hard. I threw down the phone on the table and dropped my head into my hands as if I hoped this might bring some peace from everything surrounding me.My life had become a huge joke in public with all media taking up the news about it. My reputation was ruined and there were serious losses incurred by the Cassian family business because of that nasty incident.With great difficulty, I made myself get up and face the day, even though I wanted nothing more than to hide under t
KYLO’S POVThe office was quiet, too quiet. That kind of quiet gnawed away at my mind while letting the scandal send its tendrils back. The headlines were unceasing, daggers pointed directly at Cassian's family’s heart."Is CEO Kylo Divorcing His Wife Over Recent Scandal?"I clenched my jaw and slammed the laptop shut. The scandal had not only ruined Varya’s reputation but was also starting to damage the business. Clients were getting spooked, investors were nervous. This was exactly what I had always tried to avoid.As I drove home my head was a mess of anger and confusion. Varya had let me down and also our family, now our name was mud because of Varya.But there was also one more thing I did not want to acknowledge: the pain. Why was it that painful? The marriage was not based on love. It was an economic deal. So when she betrayed me why did it feel like someone hit me in the stomach?I drove into the driveway and stayed there for a minute in my car taking deep breaths. I needed to
KYLO’S POVThis morning was full of confusing meetings and telephone calls which bored me from one occasion to another. Everybody else seemed to be haunted by the Varya affair and its resulting effects on business but I still tried bearing with them until lunchtime when I found myself out of patience.The wretched things were happening; people would come in here at odd hours and invade my privacy when all I wanted was some peace to ponder about life’s matters. My table appeared as if it hadn’t seen life for ages.Suddenly without knocking the door swung open bringing Dora and Cassandra who wore faces that said one thing - they were determined to know more or less everything behind everything. However, this particular discussion had been anticipated long enough for sometimes to follow through.“Kylo,” began Dora sweetly smirkingly, “let’s have a word concerning Varya.”I flinched back from my chair looking utterly apathetic despite the confusion in their eyes. "What about her?"Cassand
DORA’S POVAs he walked from one corner of his study to the other, a storm of conflicting emotions on his face, I realized with an awful sense of satisfaction that I was savoring. It had separated them but now was time for me to take my next step.Varya had already done the damage; this seemed an opportunity for me to cause closeness to Kylo.My strategy began small at first with minor but deliberate acts. I ensured to be there whenever he sought assistance by lending an ear and a shoulder for him to cry on. Initially, he was aloof and absorbed in the aftermath of embarrassment.However, over time he became less guarded around me by expressing his frustrations and pain.Through the keyhole when I passed his office one night, I heard him talking bitterly about some matters to himself. Knocking lightly at the door I entered without knocking again."Kylo are you fine?" I asked softly as though there was something serious about it was like that.He looked straight up at me while dodging e
DORA’S POV “Good morning, Kylo already had his face buried in a newspaper when I got to the breakfast table” He raised his eyes towards me as I entered hinting at anger and determination. “Dora, have you seen this?” asked he lifting up the paper. With a seat next to him, I nodded at him indicating that I had seen it all. “It’s shameful.” He sighed pulling his hair backward amusedly. “It’s incredible that everything ended up here like some kind of a nightmare that never goes away” To boost morale during our meal, I reached out a comforting hand towards his arms. “We’ll pull through this, Kylo.” Together, we shall face it.” Our plans were drawn through various conversations over breakfast. Each day brought forth more signs that Varya’s position was increasingly becoming untenable – there had been no stopping media hype around her since earlier times ago; likewise, Kaylo was under mounting pressure as well. “There’s a need for a decisive move,” I said lowering my voice to
KYLO’S POVThe atmosphere of unease inside the house was so intense that it could be felt, like an unspoken burden on all of us. I sat in my study trying to concentrate on all the papers which had piled up over time but my brain kept wandering away.Varya lingered in my subconscious; this tireless annoying thing.I cast a look at the clock and its tick-tock was unbearable evidence for the late hour. I needed some fresh air, therefore, I thought of taking a stroll. While I was approaching the window an obscure shape slithered through the entrance gate; this made me squint but soon enough it dawned on me to be Varya whom I despise.What could she be doing at such late hours? My mind started racing with thoughts of her going into nightclubs, then I found myself boiling with rage within this kind of reality. What else could she try? Then alas! Curiosity won zealously over me making me stealthily follow her.Her steps were frantic and unfocused as if someone was bearing earth’s burden on t
VARYA’S POVThe house felt close, the air thick with unheard speech and poised quarrels. I could not take it anymore as I felt myself closing in on its walls. I needed to think plainly so I chose to go for a walk hoping that perhaps the coolness of the night would provide clarity.When I slipped out through the unlocked gate of the front porch I covered myself using my shoulders wrapping my arms around them for comfort in that simple act. The road was quiet with only an elusive far noise from a car’s movement somewhere around.I kept my eyes bound on the soil; remaining in deep contemplation repeating over and over again about what had happened previously within several weeks ago. Kylo was too cold; there were some smug faces from both Dora and Cassandra; people would always say anything they wanted – it was just too much.When I finally reached where the pavement met the edge of the road, pausing a little to sort out my mind. Streetlights cast long and flickering shadows that were da
VARYA’S POVJasmin was seated near me, her eyes straying to Kylo sometimes who was looking ahead impassively. I had not yet wrapped my head around everything that had transpired earlier; my mind was fuzzy with confusion and fear.From the hospital to the accident to Kylo’s unexpected concern it all seemed like a blur in my memory. My body was sore but it wasn’t anything compared to the pain in my chest – an emotional injury that wouldn’t go away.We got to the mansion where I was completely worn out, both physically and emotionally drained. As we entered the large foyer, Cassandra and Dora were waiting for us in the living room.You could feel the heaviness in the air as they were about to add more on top of what was already weighing heavily on my shoulders.The drive had been quiet on Kylo’s part and therefore I found myself stealing glances at him trying to read his expression. Was he angry? Concerned? Did he regret staying by my side at the hospital? I couldn't tell.Cassandra was
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