STACY. I wake up feeling a mixture of nerves and relief. Yesterday went surprisingly well—my parents were civil enough to let Jason stay for Liam’s sports day, even though they’ve made it clear they haven’t forgiven him. And honestly, I can’t blame them. But I’m grateful that they allowed him to b
As we weave through the crowd, Liam tugs at my hand. “Mom, I’m thirsty again. Can I have some water?” I sigh, glancing down at him. “Liam, you just had water on the way here. Didn’t you bring your water bottle?” He looks at me sheepishly. “I left it in Daddy's car.” I close my eyes for a momen
STACY. “Liam is a bastard! Liam is a bastard...” Nigel continues to mock my son repeatedly in the background. Cindy smugs a triumphant smirk without stopping her son mocking mine. It feels like she is putting salt on an open wound, and I feel my control slipping with every condescending word tha
I feel a surge of fury, the kind I haven’t felt in years, boiling up inside. I stand, stepping protectively in front of Liam, my voice sharper than I intended. “You know what, Cindy? I’ve heard enough.” “Oh, have you?” she taunts, a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes as the crowd of parents around
STACY. “Show us the way please,” “Right this way my lady and prince,” Jason says with a charming grin. Liam and I follow him, a little surprised but grateful. When we reach the said seats, I’m taken aback— the view is perfect, giving us a sweeping view of the field below. The space is cozy,
STACY. Hours later.... As the day winds down, a warm, orange glow blankets the field, casting long shadows as families gather their things and begin to head home after a successful day. Jason and Liam stand side by side, grinning like they just conquered the world with medals swinging proudly ar
Frowning, I glance back at the school building. “Jason, he’s taking longer than usual.” He stiffens slightly, the same concern flickering in his eyes. “You’re right. I’ll go check.” But a knot of urgency twists in my chest, and before he can move, I say, “I’ll go. I can find him quicker if he’s
STACY. I stumble back through the clearing and back to the parking lot, barely able to see through the blur of tears and the pain searing through my body. My skin is scraped raw; every step feels like shards of glass digging into me. But none of it compares to the agony tearing through my chest.
HANNAH. "Uh-uh, no, not today" Stacy says the moment her eyes land on Margaret. "Please, just hear me out," Margaret pleads, standing in a simple deep red dress suited for her age. She looks… hesitant, so unlike her usual self. Gone is the cold authority, and the condescending stare. Instead, he
HANNAH. (Hours later) Dinner is tense, the air thick with an unspoken rivalry that neither Roxanne nor I are willing to acknowledge outright. The dining room is dimly lit, with the scent of roasted chicken filling the air, but I can barely focus on the food. My attention is solely on Daniel and
She ends the call and turns to me, practically glowing with excitement. "Great news. That was an old friend of mine who owns a bridal boutique. I asked for a favor earlier, and she’s sending over a selection of dresses, ones you’ll actually like." I let out a breath of relief, shaking my head. "Th
ANNAH. (An hour later) I sit cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a bridal magazine Stacy came home with while she scribbles notes in a planner. The coffee table between us is littered with fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and sample wedding invitations. The scent of fresh roses fr
"You’re a damn tease," I snap. Daniel only smirks before lowering his mouth to my breast, his tongue flicking over my nipple before sucking it between his lips. "Mmm," I murmur, arching my back to press my breast further into his mouth. My body is on fire, every nerve ending alive under his touc
HANNAH "You want proof that you are the only woman I love? Fine. I'll show you proof," Daniel says while locking the bedroom door behind him. I frown slightly as my pulse quickens. "What do you think you are doing?” He doesn't respond to my question but walks toward me with the grace of a leop
She nods faintly, leaning against me as we walk. But just as we reach the steps, Roxanne stumbles. I react instantly, catching her before she can fall. Her hands grip my shoulders for support, and as I pull her upright, our faces end up dangerously too close even for my own comfort. Her breath bru
Roxanne doesn’t react immediately. She just studies me, her eyes flickering with something I can’t quite place. I don’t offer more because that’s the truth. Hannah isn’t perfect. But with her, I don’t feel the weight of politics, alliances, or expectations pressing down on me. She makes me feel al
DANIEL. (Meanwhile on the side of the pack) The quiet hum of the air conditioning fills Roxanne’s hotel suite, but it does nothing to cool the unease settling in my chest while I sit on the couch with my fingers tapping absent minded against my knee as I stare at the untouched glass of whiskey on