CHAPTER 25Tears welled up in my eyes once again, this time not out of sorrow, but out of gratitude. In that moment, I realized the immense love and concern they held for me. They weren't belittling me; they were simply trying to shield me from further pain.I took a deep breath, letting their words sink in. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm sorry for lashing out. I know you both have my best interests at heart."Laila and Natalie exchanged a knowing glance and then smiled at me. "We're a team, Emma," Laila said, her voice brimming with determination. "We'll face everything together, the highs and the lows. You're not alone in this, I have said that way too many times girl. We love you."With renewed understanding and a strengthened bond, we resumed our roles, each playing a part in clearing the remnants of the burnt books. As we worked side by side, a sense of unity and resilience.A wave of contentment washed ove
CHAPTER 26i marveled at the miracle of life, the intricate dance of cells multiplying and organs forming, all happening within the sanctuary of my own body. I was well aware of how sapiosexual I am and was willing to make my baby into that sort of person.Lost in the wonder of it all, I whispered softly to the tiny life within me, sharing my hopes, dreams, and unconditional love. It was a moment of pure vulnerability, a recognition that my own journey was now intertwined with another, and that the responsibility of nurturing and guiding this precious being would soon be my own.As I set my phone aside, the images of the babies still fresh in my mind, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift into a peaceful slumber. Dreams of a future filled with laughter, love, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet danced in my mind, filling me with a sense of joy and anticipation.And as I embraced the serenity of sleep, I carried within me the knowledge that soon,
CHAPTER 27As the initial shock wore off, he turned his gaze towards me, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity.I splashed cold water onto my face once more, the refreshing liquid soothing my heated skin. As I gazed at my reflection, I realized that my sudden rush to fix my appearance was not solely because of Alexander. It was an instinctual desire to present myself in the best possible light, to feel confident and put together.With newfound determination, I rummaged through my drawer, selecting a simple, flattering outfit and carefully applying a light touch of makeup. Each stroke of mascara and swipe of lip balm was an act of self-care, a way to enhance my own natural beauty rather than seeking validation from others.As I stood before the mirror, I couldn't help but question my motivations. Why was I going through all this effort to look good for a conversation with Alexander? Was it merely an excuse I had concocted to justify my actions? Or was
CHAPTER 28What did Alexander want to talk about? Was everything alright? A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in my head, but I tried to remain calm. Once we reached my room, Alexander stepped inside, his eyes scanning the space with curiosity. I couldn't help but blush, feeling self-conscious about the mess that was scattered across my desk and the half-finished art projects strewn about."Wow, Emma," Alexander said, breaking the silence. "Your room is beautiful. It's got this perfect girly aesthetic. I love it."A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, grateful for his kind words. "Thanks, Alexander. I've put a lot of effort into creating a space that reflects my personality."He walked around, touching the trinkets on my bookshelf and examining the art pieces adorning the walls. I watched him, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. It was the first time he had been in my room, and I hoped he liked what he saw."Your art is so beautiful, creative and
CHAPTER 29As the weight of our conversation hung in the air, I suddenly pulled away from Alexander, a surge of excitement coursing through me. "Wait, Alexander! What about my wedding dress? And will I have bridesmaids?"A mischievous smile danced upon his lips as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "That's exactly why I came here so early. I wanted to give you this."He handed me the envelope, and inside was a handwritten note, along with his credit card. My eyes widened in astonishment as he continued, "Emma, this credit card is now yours. I've written down the PIN for you. I want you to go shopping for your perfect wedding dress, and whatever else you need. I want you to have everything you've ever dreamed of."Tears welled up in my eyes as gratitude overwhelmed me. Alexander may not be able to offer me love, but he was determined to give me everything else in abundance. It was an unexpected gesture, and I felt my heart swell
CHAPTER 30"Oh my goodness, Emma, you look absolutely breathtaking!" Laila exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Alexander won't know what hit him when he sees you in this."Natalie jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "I told you, Emma! This is the one. This is just perfect. You have to get it!"I smiled brightly at her words and stared back at myself in the mirror. As the excitement began to fade, a pang of sadness crept into my heart. I looked at myself in the mirror, the gown clinging to my body in just the right places, a wave of emptiness washed over me as I thought of the reality. No matter how perfect the dress was or how beautiful the wedding would be, it couldn't fill the void within me.A tear welled up in my eye as I turned to Natalie and Laila, my voice filled with a mix of disappointment and resignation. "You guys are right. The dress is stunning, but it's just a dress. It can't replace what's truly missing."Natalie's expression sof
CHAPTER 31Natalie nodded. "It's a bit too revealing. Just a bit tho."Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress was proving to be a lot harder than I had anticipated. But despite the disagreements and the endless changing rooms, I couldn't help but smile. I was with my best friends, preparing for the most important day of my life. And despite the dress disagreements, I wouldn't have it any other way.With our spirits dampened by the dress debacle, we decided to take a break and grab some lunch. We found a charming little cafe nearby and settled down at a corner table. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee filled the air, instantly lifting our moods.I was so hungry, my appetite seemingly insatiable. I ordered a Caesar salad, a mushroom and cheese panini, and a side of sweet potato fries. As the waiter took our orders, Natalie and Laila exchanged a glance and broke into giggles."Planning on eating for two already, are you, Emma?" Laila teased,
CHAPTER 32Natalie, my maid of honor, leaned in closer, her eyes wide with admiration. "Emma, you look absolutely stunning! Alexander is going to be floored when he sees you."I smiled, my heart swelling with joy. "Thank you, Nat. You and Laila look breathtaking too. I'm so lucky to have you both by my side on this special day."Laila, beamed at me, adjusting the delicate flowers in her hair. "Emma, you're the one who's lucky. Alexander is such a wonderful man, and you two are perfect for each other. He is also lucky to have you and soon you both would be married and complete each other as a family."I blushed, feeling the warmth of their love and support. "I truly believe that, Laila. Today is the beginning of our forever. And I can only hope that our forever is just perfect with less hurdles in our path."As the makeup artist put the finishing touches on my look, she handed me a mirror. I held it up, my breath catching in my throat. The reflection stari
CHAPTER 130Emma's POV Just like the wind, the days cane and flew by. Before I knew it, it was Asher's birthday. I've been trying my best to convince Alexander and Olivia to at least reach out to their mother but neither of them were willing to give me a listening ear. Turned out fyn Mrs Collins was actually so wrong about both of them. At first Olivia would walk away from me at the mention of her mother but then after I had told her the story Mrs Collins had told me, I noticed that she had warmed up a bit.I could easily tell that for Olivia, all it took was a face to face apology from her mother and all will be okay. She is most definitely going to forgive. But Alexander.....He was a case study, I once had to bind him for him to be able to hear me out. I spoke about all the things Mrs Collins had told me and even explained just how much I feel for her as a mother that I am too. But Alexander always had a reply that undermines mine.There was no
CHAPTER 129Emma's POV " Olivia was already in a coma. For three long years, she lay there, and I couldn't bring myself to come home. I felt so ashamed and guilty. I thought I had ruined my daughter's life. I did get the alimony and thought to redeem myself in both their eyes by the fact that Olivia at least got something off from the marriage."Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to Mrs Collins' heartbreaking confession. The weight of her guilt was palpable. She had made grave mistakes, but deep down, I could sense her love for Olivia.Mrs Collins looked at me, her eyes filled with regret. "Emma, during those years, I couldn't face Olivia, but I couldn't bear being away from both my children any longer. That's why I returned for Alexander. I wanted him to get married to a girl of my choice, someone I had thoroughly investigated and thought would be good for him. I knew it would be hard convincing him after all that happened with Olivia but I had
CHAPTER 128Emma's POV Mrs Collins nodded, her gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Emma. Your words give me hope. I've made many mistakes, in my life but the greatest of all was neglecting them. Making them live their lives like my little puppets. I want them to know how much I love them."She sat back on the bench and let out a huge depressed sigh. I wondered how many mistakes she had made to make Alexander and Olivia be so mad at her.As we sat quietly on the bench Mrs Collins and I, a question burned within me. I mustered up the courage to ask, "Mrs Collins, may I ask why you were this way with your children. I do not want to seem intrusive but, we're your parents the same way with you?"Mrs Collins sighed, a mix of sorrow and regret on her face. She turned to me and said, "Emma, I wish to tell you a story. Do you wanna hear it?" She asked and I nodded gently." We weren't always so wealthy, you see, my parents weren't that poor, we were comfortab
CHAPTER 127Emma's POV A years later....A full year had flown by, and our little Asher had grown into a lively and mischievous toddler. On this particular day, Maria, Olivia, and I found ourselves engaged in a playful chase, trying to catch Asher and get him to put on his clothes. But he giggled and ran about, refusing to cooperate."Come on, Asher! It's time to get dressed," I called out, feeling a mix of exhaustion and amusement.But Asher just giggled even louder, darting away from us with his tiny legs carrying him swiftly. I could feel my energy draining, and I was close to giving up when I noticed him heading straight for the entrance of the mansion. Panic surged through me, and I hurried to catch up to him, not wanting him to hurt himself on the stairs of the pavement.Just as I reached the entrance, my heart skipped a beat as I came face to face with a pair of feet in ruby shiny slippers. I followed the gaze up, and shock washed over me like a ti
CHAPTER 126Emma's POV "This is for you, Emma. We thought it would be perfect for those late-night feedings and soothing moments."I sat down in the rocking chair, feeling its smooth wood against my back. "Thank you, Alexander. It's just what I need to cuddle and bond with Asher."He smiled warmly. "And see that shelf over there? It's filled with all the books Olivia and I loved reading when we were kids. We want Asher to grow up surrounded by stories and imagination. Who knows, he could be an artist like the both of us or be a writer like Olivia had always dreamed of being."I walked over to the shelf, tracing my fingers along the spines of the books. "Oh, I can't wait to read to him every night."The room was complete with a changing table, adorned with soft, fluffy towels and neatly organized diapers and baby products. There was also a small dresser for Asher's tiny clothes, each item carefully folded and arranged."Everything is ready for our little p
CHAPTER 1253rd person POV Dr. Johnson offered a faint smile, touched by his devotion. "That's the spirit. Remember, miracles do happen, and we're going to fight with everything we have to give Olivia the best chance at recovery."As the doctor turned to leave, he paused and looked back at Alexander and James. "Take care of yourselves too. It's important to stay strong for her. I'll be back to update you as soon as there are any changes."With that, Dr. Johnson disappeared down the corridor, leaving Alexander and James alone with their thoughts and worries. "She'll be fine, am sure of it," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with determination. "She has to be. She's not leaving me this way."James squeezed his hand, his voice filled with hope. "She won't. This is the most cowardly way to die giving Olivia's personality."And so, with heavy hearts and unwavering love, Alexander and James prepared themselves for the long and uncertain hours ahead. Wit
CHAPTER 1243rd person POVA week before...After Olivia had gotten shot and passed out to the ground, James kept trying his best to wake her up, he was slapping lightly at her face as tears streamed down his cheeks. He had never looked or felt so vulnerable in his entire life.Meanwhile Lance was raging in anger as the policies had caught up to him and Alexander followed. He glared at Alexander like he wanted to chop him into pieces at that exact moment."Alexander! You fool! What do you think will happen to your company? Your fucking life work? Do you think just because you turned yourself in means you won't get punished? I will reveal it all! I will!." She yelled non stop but Alexander had his cool emotionless face on the whole time. Slowly he leaned into Lance."Do you really think I had no idea about these consequences? And don't forget, I also know the most darkest of your secrets. Do you remember that Andrew?" He said and pulled away.There was a
Chapter 123Olivia's POV Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the door suddenly swung open, and Alexander walked in, cradling a precious bundle in his arms. It was Asher, Emma and Alexander's baby. I watched as surprise flashed across his face when he noticed me sitting there. He looked overwhelmed, but there was something else in his eyes, something I couldn't quite place."Olivia?" Alexander's voice quivered with astonishment. " You're finally awake? Since when? What are you doing here?""Alexander" I called, standing up and taking a few steps toward him. "I... I wanted to see Emma. I've missed her so much."His gaze shifted from me to Emma, and that's when he saw the tear stains on her face. His eyes widened, and he hurriedly made his way to her side, gently passing Asher into my waiting arms."Emma, my love," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with longing and concern. "I've missed you more than words can express. Please, come back to me. I've made everything okay. I fixed it a
Chapter 122Olivia's POV After the examination, the doctor looked satisfied. "Everything looks good, Olivia. You've come a long way, and it's great to see you awake and well. We'll keep you for a little longer for observation, but if all goes well, you should be able to go home soon."I frleanedt so relieved to hear that. Home sounded like the best place to be right now, I didn't like the hospital smell or the food here.As the doctor left the room, I turned to James, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you for being here, James. And thank you all for never giving up on me."James held my hand tightly, his voice filled with emotion. "Olivia, you scared me so much. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the impact my absence had on him. "I'm so sorry, James. I didn't mean to worry you."He shook his head, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and sadness. "It's not your fault, Olivia. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself from