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
VARYA’S POVIn my bed I remained, trapped in a storm of feelings, uncertain as to what was real or an imagination with the force of nature ever since it happened to me.The silence in the room was occasionally broken by some sounds coming from somewhere far away. All parts of me were sore, but even more unbearable was the hurt I felt inside me.The door creaked open, and I glanced up, expecting to see Kylo or Jasmin. But instead, Dora and Cassandra marched in with determination, their faces set with contempt.My heart sank as I saw Kylo following them, his face taut with frustration as he tried to call them back.“Varya needs to rest. Don’t disturb her,” Kylo’s voice was firm, but it fell on deaf ears.Cassandra was the first to speak, her tone dripping with scorn."In case you didn’t hear what my brother said earlier, let me make it clear. He doesn’t love you or care about you. He’s just doing his duties. So, if you played this accident game to get pity from him, it’s not happening.
KYLO’S POVI stood by the doorway, watching as Dora and Cassandra stormed into Varya's room with their usual determination. My attempts to call them back, to stop them from disturbing her, had fallen on deaf ears.They had always been headstrong, but this time, something felt different—a tension in the air that made my chest tighten with unease.“In case you didn’t hear what my brother said earlier,” Cassandra began, her voice laced with venom,“let me make it clear. He doesn’t love you or care about you. He’s just doing his duties. So, if you played this accident game to get pity from him, it’s not happening. Get well and get out of this house.”Her words struck like a dagger to my heart. I had said those things, hadn’t I? I had made it clear that I didn’t care, that I only wanted her to pay for the scandal she had caused.But hearing them repeated by Cassandra made them feel crueler than I had intended. Did I really mean it? Was I truly that indifferent?Before I could process my th
DORA’S POVThe atmosphere in Varya's room was thick with tension. Cassandra’s words hung in the air like a poisonous cloud, suffocating and malicious. I stood beside her, feeling the familiar rush of satisfaction as she delivered her venomous message to Varya.But something was gnawing at the edges of my confidence, a feeling I couldn’t quite shake.“And would she leave her house?”The unexpected voice from the doorway froze me in place. I turned slowly, my heart lurching in my chest. Grandpa Cassian stood there, his stern gaze sweeping over the room. The air seemed to be still as his presence demanded attention.My pulse quickened, and a cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck. What was he doing here? He wasn’t supposed to be back for another month. How much had he heard?Cassandra stammered beside me, her usual confidence faltering. “Grandpa, you weren’t supposed to be back until next month. We… we didn’t know.”Grandpa ignored her, his eyes now fixed on Varya. I followed his ga
KYLO’S POVThe moment the truth came out, everything shifted. As Grandpa Cassian spoke, detailing how he had seen Varya that day at the hotel, the weight of my actions started pressing down on me. I almost choked as it hit home—Varya wasn’t flirting with anyone else.She wasn’t cheating on me either. All these while I was punishing her for something that she did not do.The truth hit me like an uppercut to the ribs; I was left shaken and breathless. My thinking kept going over every mean thing I had said to her, every harsh stare and casual move away.I thought she had betrayed me and brought shame to our family name so much so that I couldn’t possibly think otherwise. And yet, here she was, standing innocent in the wake of my accusations.As Grandpa continued to speak, recounting his encounter with Varya, I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. Shame gnawed at me, biting deeper with each passing second.How could I have been so blind? So quick to judge without even giving her a chanc
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