ERIC“What do you mean she returned them?” “Exactly what I just said, Cassandra, or have you suddenly gone deaf? She returned everything I sent.” “But why?!"I completely zoned out the moment she began her endless rant about how I said this plan would work in ruining their relationship. It was supposed to work. I just have no idea what went wrong. All the cards were falling into place. After the gifts were delivered, I got a call from Amelia saying we needed to talk. What I didn't expect was to hear Lachlan's voice at the other end of the phone call. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face when he started to yell through the phone. I knew there was no way they didn't get into a fight after that phone call. It was just impossible. I decided to wait for Amelia to call me again after Lachlan showed her his true colors. Instead, I got the shock of my life when the delivery man knocked on my door and returned the gifts I had sent to her. I was so angry I trashed everythi
AMELIAI woke up to the feeling of someone caressing the side of my face. A low hum spilt from my throat when those powerful hands kneaded the flesh of my neck in a massage. The knot that has been forming there for days loosened a bit, leaving me a little satisfied. Emphasis on a little. “Good morning, Amelia.” God, even his morning voice was sexy. “Don’t stop….” I caught his hand, which had stopped its ministrations, and put it on my lower back, which had been aching too. Lachlan chuckled and applied pressure to the spot I placed his hand on. Unconsciously, I let out a soft moan in response to his touch. My cheeks burnt in embarrassment, but Lachlan either didn't hear me or he just chose to ignore it to save me from embarrassment. Lachlan's strong fingers kneaded my tense muscles, his touch gentle yet firm. He made me lay on my side, a pillow supporting my growing belly, my eyes closed in bliss."Right there?" he whispered, applying pressure to a particularly knotted spot.I humm
CASSANDRAI stared at the crisp white ceiling with a giant chandelier hanging in the middle. Sultry music blasted from the speakers in the room, giving me a massive headache. I've been getting more of those for the past week. No, not last week. Ever since that bitch came back, I've not had a second to rest my brain. Overthinking has become a norm to the point that I wasn't even into whatever Chris was doing to me underneath the sheets. He has had his face buried in between my legs for the past five minutes. He seemed to be enjoying whatever it was he was doing. The truth was, I had zoned out the moment his mouth touched me. I went to see Eric the other day, and he told me our plan flopped. We had to come up with another one, but that prick was acting like I was the only one who was going to benefit from separating those two. I was desperate, yes, but I wouldn't let any man talk to me like I was some retard. He made me feel that way, and to say it pissed me off was an understatement.
AMELIA I woke up that morning and Lachlan was already out of bed. My hands touched the side of his bed and was met with cold and empty space. Except for a single white rose. A smile spread across my face as I picked up the stalk. I brought the flower to my nose and took a deep inhale into my lungs. It's been 3 weeks since Lachlan and I made up, and ever since that day, he always left a single white rose on the bed next to me every morning. I asked him why he chose a white rose, and he replied with the statement, “It represents your purity. You're the light to my darkness. That's why I chose this particular flower.” I had gotten so emotional I was already a crying mess before he finished his statement. He had called me a crybaby, and I cursed him out, and then we made love over and over again. The new Lachlan was my favourite Lachlan. We had so much fun together and every waking day was so full of love and happiness. Life was getting better. An additional reason why I said so was
LACHLANThis whole week has been nothing but great. I had just closed a million-dollar deal with a company I've been chasing throughout the year. I had my beautiful wife waiting for me at home, and our son or daughter was going to be born soon. Amelia didn't want to find out the gender before the baby was born. She said it would ruin the thrill of having our first child. She wanted it to be a surprise for both of us. I, on the other hand, so badly wanted a daughter. Someone I could pamper, learn how to braid for, buy dresses for because she was my pretty princess, and chase away boys who wanted to come close to her. I didn't realise I was smiling widely until my cheeks started to hurt. I quickly stopped my daydreaming and continued to sign the projects we were supposed to commence with. I was planning on building a few gas stations in Dubai. My friend Abdul Rashad, who lives there, told me it would be a very good investment. Expanding my business was my goal. The whole world would kn
The house felt unusually still as I put away the last of the dishes. Lachlan had left just after dinner, saying he’d be home soon. He was working late again and had just come home during lunch break to spend time with me before he took off again. Lately, “soon” had been stretching longer and longer, but tonight, with the baby restless, I missed his presence more than usual. I sighed, patting my belly gently. “He’ll be home any minute now, my miracle, don't you worry,” I whispered, hoping it would somehow make the time pass faster. Lillian wasn't in the house today. She had gone to her home for her usual medical checkup, so she was sending her daughter to her place. Her name is Rebecca, and she and I have spoken a few times on the phone. She is a really lovely person. So yes, I was all alone in this empty house with nothing else to do but sleep. Which was exactly what I did. Cooking dinner did a number on me. My whole back was aching. Maybe I could ask Lachlan to give me one of thos
LACHLANI should have been there. The thought ran circles in my mind, looping through every possible scenario in which I had somehow kept her safe. I was supposed to protect Amelia. But I had left her alone, vulnerable, and now she was in the hospital, recovering from an attack that could’ve cost her life. Worse, our child’s life. I clenched my fists so tight that my knuckles cracked, trying to keep my anger in check. It was mostly anger at myself—a gnawing, bitter frustration that I hadn’t been there when she’d needed me.Matthew sat beside me at the police station, scrolling through images on the detective’s tablet, helping to sort through potential suspects. He was silent but tense, his face a mirror of my own worry. I could see in his eyes that he was as furious as I was about what had happened. If he’d been there earlier, maybe he would have stopped those men. But he wasn’t to blame, and deep down, I knew that. The responsibility fell on me alone.“You don’t have to stay, Matthew
CASSANDRAHow could they fail? I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms as I paced the length of my bedroom, the sour taste of anger mixing with fear. They were supposed to be professionals, discreet. They were supposed to handle everything without it coming back to me. But those idiots let Amelia slip through their fingers. I should have known his chauffeur wasn't normal. Lachlan was onto us now. He was too smart; I’d known this. It was part of why I’d fallen for him in the first place.Well too late for regrets; thanks to their incompetence, I was backed into a corner, and the thought made my skin crawl. The image of him still being by that bitch’s side burnt in my mind, fuelling my jealousy. Why her? Why did he look at her the way he used to look at me? I could have given him so much more if he’d just let me back in.My phone buzzed, and I saw Eric’s name light up the screen. My pulse quickened, a mix of hope and apprehension, but before I could even speak, his voice thund
Lachlan's POVI couldn't handle Amelia rejecting me again. The moment I went home, I went straight to my bedroom and began to pack my bags. Maybe, space was what she needed from me. I was done packing and kept my box at the side. In the morning, I would leave for Japan. I had already informed my pilot. The jet was ready and so was everyone. After that, I sat in the bar in the living room, drinking some water. I didn't have the stomach for any more alcohol. I finished and kept down the glass. Almost immediately, I heard the sound of a driving vehicle. I wasn't expecting any guests and the guards knew better than to let anyone into the compound without informing me. I rose to my feet and waited. Just who was here?A soft knock in the door tore through the air and I froze.Was it mom? Nina? Dad?I made a beeline for the door and held it open. Standing before me was the person I expected to show up at my doorstep — Amelia. “Amelia, what are you—”Without a word, she pressed her lips
Amelia's POVI scrolled through my phone, wondering if I should call Lachlan.A part of me wanted to, while the other half told me it was a terrible idea.I sat up on the couch and chewed on my lip. It was late, and here I was, thinking about someone who was probably not thinking about me. I had rejected him most horribly. I'm pretty sure he hates me, and I'm pretty sure he's out drinking and laughing and living while I sit here, questioning every decision I have ever made.I searched for Lachlan in my message app, and I stared at the screen. “Do I apologize for what I did, or should I do it in person?”My finger hovered over the keyboard, and I typed. “I'm sorry.”Then I went to the emoji icon, looking for a sad emoji. I settled for the faceless emoji, but instead of sending it, I sent a kiss emoji.Just like that, I sent it. “No, no, no, no!”Before I could delete it, he had already read it. My phone dropped to my lap and I nearly screamed.Lachlan's POVI arrived with a dry look
Lachlan's POVThe next day, I decided to pretend nothing unusual happened in New York. But every time an employee asked how my vacation was, my mind drifted back to Amelia's rejection, and when that happened, I thought about her.I couldn't focus during meetings. I zoned out on more than one occasion, imagining endless possibilities of Amelia accepting me. One time I imagined I had never treated Amelia horribly in the past and that we were very happy. But rewinding time was impossible.“Sir… Sir!” Clara said it aloud.I blinked twice and looked at her and the sea of confused faces in the conference room.Shit. I zoned out. It was clear from the looks on their faces that they were worried about me. One more second in this room and they'll drown me in questions.I cleared my throat and reached for my phone on the table. The time was a few minutes past 4.“The meeting is adjourned to next Friday.” I pushed back my seat and walked out of the room. I took the elevator to the parking lot
Lachlan's POVThe work came crashing down around me. The kiss… The “Yes”... The happily ever after… Everything was a fantasy… A cruel trick the mind played on me.She turned to leave, but I couldn't call out to her or beg her to stay. I couldn't even move or speak. The ring was still clutched in my hand, and my heart was bleeding deep inside.I looked behind me as she walked away, not even stopping to even stare at me. I wanted to scream for her to stay with me, but she didn't.I rose to my feet and pocketed the ring, feeling absolutely dejected and somewhat dead on the inside.I followed the path she took, walking slowly behind her. “Amelia…”She didn't answer.“Amelia, please…” I whispered again, but she didn't stop.I couldn't let her go home like this. I ran up to catch up with her and caught her wrist. “Amelia!” I believe I raised my voice because almost everyone was staring at us.She passed, but she didn't look at me, but I could feel her hand tremble in mine.God, what the h
Lachlan's POVI ordered room service, and we ate breakfast in silence.As we ate, I couldn't stop myself from staring at Amelia. She looked twice as beautiful as she was before.She finally broke the silence. “Umm… You're looking the wrong way, Lachlan. The food is on the plate.”“Well, that's not the food I see.” I flashed her a grin, and her cheeks turned red. She gave a nervous laugh. “Wow. So funny.”When I saw that she was embarrassed to leave, I pushed back my chair. “Maybe we could go home today!” Amelia announced aloud, forcing me to resume my seat.“You want to go home?” I asked, sitting down. “Yeah…” She looked everywhere except my face. “We… we could just go home, you know…Uh… unwind… Forget about everything for a while.” “My face is up here, darling.” I told her.Amelia lifted her eyes to meet mine, and I smiled. “I thought of that too.”“You did?” She asked in surprise, and now I had the irresistible urge to kiss her.“Y—yeah.” I fisted my left hand, restraining mysel
Amelia's POVThe smell of food interrupted the dream I was having, and I stirred awake.I rubbed my eyes and sat up only to see Lachlan walking towards the bed with a tray of food. My heart skipped a beat. “Lachlan?”“Morning, beautiful.” He set down the tray next to me and plopped down on the bed next to me. I noticed a white flower and note ona the tray. The family sight made my heart flutter. Ife just like before. He still hasn't forgotten. “You did all this for me?”“Yeah. Do you like it?” Lachlan asked, tucking a stray hair behind my ears.“Like it?” It had been so long since he'd done something like this. I was surprised and happy all at once. I smiled and blushed. “I love it.”I picked up the note and read it. Warmth rushed through me, and my cheeks were flushed with heat. I had missed this too, a,nd I'm sure he had too.I, had even forgotten last night's little “argument.”“Thank you, Lachlan.” I beamed him a smile, and he palmed the back of his neck.His cheeks were red, a
Lachlan's POVMy mind keeps drifting to when Amelia hid the bag from me. Clearly, there was someone else. Someone else she clearly didn't tell me about. Well, why would she? She's an adult and has every right to do whatever she wants. I heaved another sigh and reached for the 5th glass of tequila shots. These shots soothe me more than any therapist I've ever been to.As I brought the alcohol to my lips, I heard a familiar voice behind me.“Ah, I see you escaped too.” said the voice.I looked around and found him—Duke. What was she doing here?He walked up to me and gave me a nod. “I didn't know you drank alone.”I refocused my gaze on the tequila shot, suddenly feeling too ashamed to drink, so I used it in my hand instead.Duke plopped on a stool beside me. “Well, I want to let you know that you have my gratitude.”I looked at him, puzzled. “Gratitude?”“Well, yeah.” Duke tossed a dollar bill on the counter, and the barman passed him a bottle of wine and a champagne glass. I guess he
Amelia's POVI was about to down my fourth glass of wine before Lachlan took it from me.“We don't want you drunk before dinner, do we?” He whispered gently in my ear, and I giggled.My head felt heavy, and the room was spinning. “Oh.”I felt Lachlan's arm around my waist, and he pulled me close to him.“Careful or you'll miss your step.” Lachlan whispered behind my ears, and I felt my toes squirm in my heels.“Oh.”“The champagne here is amazing.” I heard the Duke say this to his wife.Then Lachlan let go of me. I wanted his hand around me again.Before I could call for him, Eloise took my hand. “Amelia, you have a secret, don't you?”I sobered up immediately when I heard that. “S—secret?”Then I turned to Lachlan. Did he tell them that we were divorced?“Yes,” Eloise smiled. “You just tell me. What's your secret… to stay so young?”“What?” I was stunned.“Yeah.” Then she gave my arm to Lachlan. “Don't you feel how smooth it is?”“It is,” Lachlan smiled. “She takes care of herself.”
Amelia's POVWhen Lachlan left the house, I felt a bit disappointed. I had wanted him to stay. “Are you okay, Amelia?” I felt Rebecca’s hand on my arm, and I flinched.“Yes, of course.” I shot her a smile.“No, are you hearing the baby? He's crying.” She said with alarm.“What?” I yelled.That was when I heard it—a faint cry coming from upstairs. “Oh shit,” I bolted upstairs. “Thank you, Rebecca.”I raced upstairs to the nursery, where I found Bailey cradling the baby in her arms. “Where have you been?” She mouthed to me. “Downstairs.” I mouthed back. “My mind took a little detour.”She rolled her eyes and shooed me away from the room.I walked downstairs and slumped on the couch.“Are you okay?” Rebecca looked up from her phone. “No.” I said it with all honesty.“What's wrong?” She asked, palming circles on my back. “The baby?... Stress?... Both?”I heaved a sigh. “I wish.”“Then what is it?” she asked. Then she paused before she continued. “Is it Lachlan?”I felt my heart skip