Cordelia awakes, her head thumping as if someone is driving nails into her brain, her body tensed and throbbing. Her brittle sleep is broken by the doorbell's incessant, high-pitched ringing, and she moans painfully, rolling over. The sound echoes like a hammer on glass, and each ring gives her a sudden, acute shock. She presses her palms to her temples and mutters hoarsely, "Stop..." But the doorbell continues to ring. The blanket slips off her bruised body as she pushes herself to her feet. Her muscles are screaming in protest, and every movement is excruciating. Her bare feet touch the chilly wooden floor as she slowly swings her legs over the side of the bed. She clutches the nightstand to keep herself balanced as the room wobbles. The ringing persists unabated. She rasps, "I'm coming," but her voice hardly makes it past her lips. She walks to the door, one step at a time, painfully. She turned the latch, her fingers shaking as she struggled with it. Cord
Fred's heart is pounding as if it were his first day at work, even though the office is bustling with its typical rhythm. He is determined to make this moment matter, so he sits at his desk and practices his words under his breath. He had decided the previous evening that he would not hesitate or second-guess himself any longer. He has to tell Linda exactly how he feels about her. He is done treading carefully, regretting turning her down before and wondering about her relationship with Stanley. If she doesn't want him anymore, then he'd know to nurse his broken heart, rather than waiting forever. “Fred,” he whispers to himself, “you’ve been through worse. Just ask her out.” Before he loses his nerves, he takes a deep breath and gets up, his legs propelling him to Linda's office. From the opened window blinds, he sees her. Her fingers are tapping away at the keyboard as she concentrates on her screen. He pauses for a second, then softly knocks on the door to catch he
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's heart races in his chest as he stands outside Louisa's apartment. He had been pacing his living room for hours, struggling with his feelings. Ultimately, though, he knows he has to speak with Louisa. They have to be together, no matter what happens. Louisa's face changes from surprise to a kind of reserved resignation as she opens the door. Silently, she moves out of the way to let him in. "Daddy!" Before Kingsley can speak, Liam's voice calls excitedly, his face lighting up with unbridled excitement as he rushes into Kingsley's legs. Kingsley kneels down and embraces Liam tightly. "Hey son. You were missed.” "I also missed you! Will you be here for dinner? Liam questions, hope glimmering in his eyes. With a gentle giggle, Kingsley runs a hand through Liam's hair. "No son, not tonight. But you need to go spend some time playing in your room, okay? I must speak with your mother.” Liam pauses, looking from one parent to the other. "All right, but promise y
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat