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
AMELIA I woke up slowly, my mind drifting through a thick haze, like I was trying to wade through fog. For a moment, everything was blurry, and a tightness settled in my chest. Where was I? Was I still at the hospital?Then I felt the warmth of a hand over mine, firm but gentle, and everything came rushing back. Blinking, I looked up to see Lachlan sitting beside me, his face tense but softening as he noticed I was awake. The sight of him washed away the last traces of fear, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding.“Lachlan…” My voice was barely a whisper, but his expression shifted, relief flooding his eyes.“I’m right here, love,” he said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.I wanted to tell him everything I was feeling—how scared I’d been, how grateful I was that he was here now—but the words felt tangled in my throat. Before I could even try, the door opened, and a middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in. He had a kind face, with just a hint of greying at the
Christopher I staggered into my apartment, half drunk, exhausted, and honestly just wanting to sleep off the buzz from the club. It was nearly 3 a.m., and I’d lost track of how many drinks I’d downed with all those hot women. All I could think about was removing these clothes, getting in a hot shower, and letting the water wash off the stench of alcohol on me. As I turned on the shower, droplets of water began to gently slide down my chest, and I closed my eyes, letting the water pour over my hair, but as soon as I stepped out and grabbed a towel, my phone vibrated on the counter, slightly lighting up the dim room. It was Cassie. “Why's she calling?” I groaned, but something in the back of my mind told me to pick up. She wouldn’t call at this hour without a reasonable excuse. With that, I quickly dried off my wet body, yanked on some pants, and slid the green icon. "Cassandra, I was wondering when I’d hear from you again.” I heard her take a deep breath. “Chris, I need your hel
LACHLANThe fluorescent lights of the police station buzzed faintly as I walked through the doors, my mind heavily held down by a mixture of dread and determination. Matthew trailed just behind me, his expression stoic but his eyes alert. The station gave a stench of stale coffee mixed with frustration, a combination I’d grown accustomed to during these past few chaotic days. The detective in charge of the case called in earlier today that there have been some findings about the whereabouts of the assailants. It was good news, yes, but there was more, and they couldn’t tell me over the phone, so I had to come down here myself. Detective Harper greeted me with a curt nod. “Mr. Mallory, thank you for coming in. Let’s talk in my office.”I followed her into a small, cluttered room. Matthew remained close. If anyone could recognise Amelia’s attackers, it was him. Which was why I had brought him along with me again. Harper motioned for us to sit, her lips pressed into a grim line.“We fou
LACHLAN'S POVThere was a brief knock on the door, and I told whoever it was to enter. “I apologise for intruding.” The female voice said, and I jolted from my seat. Cassie. The mere sight of her infuriated me. “What part of my ‘Back off'? I'm married!’ Did you not understand?”“I'm sorry.” She said in a trembling voice and turned to leave.A familiar scent hits my nose, and I froze. “Wait.”I didn't know if she was still there because she hadn't come into the office. She remained at the door. The scent of spiced chicken and flour tortillas. It couldn't be what I'm thinking about. I held the door ajar and found her standing in the threshold nestling a grilled pineapple bowl in kitchen gloves. I stepped back for her to enter. “One in.”“Thank you.” She muttered.When she entered, she set down the bowl on a napkin on the centre table. “Why did you make me chicken fajitas?” I crossed my arms over my chest.She twiddles her fingers. I could see the Band-Aids latched on each finger.
LACHLAN'S POVAmelia's birthday gift was nestled in the breast pocket of my velvet blazer. I decided to give it to her when she returned from the hospital. She and Eric and I are having a good time huh. A bitter laugh escaped my lips and I leaned back in the back of the SUV. Why was she doing this to me? She knows I am irrevocably in love with her and I cannot think when she's distant. If this keeps up, I might need to implant a pacemaker because she was shattering my heart. I leaned forward and the tiny box moved. It was a reminder that Amelia and I were falling apart. Again. How could I fix this?My eyes met Mark's in the rearview mirror and he averted his gaze.I sat up with a heavy sigh. “It’s too late to play dumb. Spill it.”“There's nothing to spill, sir.” Mark chuckled nervously. “Nothing to spill huh? That's why you're sweating bullets and avoiding eye contact.” I replied.This time he looked at me. Gotcha.“I'm not hiding anything, sir.” Mark made a right, easing the car
AMELIA'S POV In Lachlan's eyes, I probably come off as the villain. It was undeniable. I could see it. The hate, the disgust, how he was lost for words for how I've changed. I, too, am shocked at myself. Why am I behaving the way I am? Ah, it must be these pregnancy hormones. The chauffeur pulled up at the hospital. I shifted towards the door, wondering if this was the right decision at all. But when the chauffeur held the door open and extended his hand to help me out, I knew there was no going back. My sandals hit the soft pavement, and I clutched my purse tightly. The chauffeur took a step back and stared at me as though waiting for further instructions. His glassy blue eyes held no emotion, but his hands trembled as though there was something he wanted to say. Mark or Michael, was it? I couldn't remember his name. The company sends us different drivers every week. I could barely keep up with all their names. I sensed his worry and pulled up a bright smile. “I'm going t
AMELIA'S POV I haven't had a nightmare in a while, but last night, I had one. I knew I had a nightmare because I woke up screaming. The odd thing about it was that I did not remember what it was about. I remember Lachlan coddling me back to sleep after that and sleeping next to me. But as soon as I wake up, he's gone. This time he left a white rose and a note: “No matter what happens, I'll never stop giving you these flowers, even if my heart stops beating. Love, your stupid husband.” Normally, I would gush over this note and flower. Strangely, I don't feel anything of the sort. My hand flew to my chest as I contemplated what was happening to me. I was suddenly interrupted by the light ping of my phone. I reached for the bedside table and grabbed it. The screen powered on, and I found a message from the notification bar. I opened it and realised it was a message from Eric. As I read it, my eyes filled. “Hey, sunshine. I call you that because your sun
CASSIE'S POVNina’s smile turned sour, and she crossed her arm over her chest. "You... what's the likes of you doing here?” Normally, I'd expect her to kiss and hug me like we used to, but now we just stared daggers at each other. Things haven't been the same since she stumbled upon me and Chris.I noticed Lachlan watching us with narrowed eyes as though calculating my very next move. The old Cassandra would've retorted sharply without delay, but if I had to prove that I've changed, I’d have to act like it. So instead of yelling back at Nina, I bowed my head and apologised.“I'm sorry if my presence upsets you." Then I lifted my head. “If there's nothing else, I'd best be on my way.”The room was left stunned. I could tell because they stared with wide eyes. Now, I have their attention. Bloody fools.I picked up my purse, ready to leave, but Lach’s mom stopped me. “Come on, Cassie. Don't do that. Don't leave because of us.” She gave me a warm smile.Ah, this one has always been my
LACHLAN'S POVI looked between Amelia and Eric, not knowing what to say or do. Eric slowly turned to me and offered a small smile. "Oh, hello there, Lachlan.”There was a gash on his forehead and little bruises here and there. His left leg was even wrapped in a bandage. He looked like someone who had an accident. Amelia, who was sitting right beside him, rose to her feet. “Lachlan, what are you doing here?” Now, that question undid the frozen spell. “Same goes. What exactly are you doing here?” Lilian cut in. “Sir, we heard Sir Truman was in the hospital and...”“I don't pay you to put your nose in my business, so shut up!” I snapped.This infuriated Amelia. “What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling at her?”I pinched the skin between my brows. “Do you even know how scared I was when I heard you were in the hospital?” Her face pinched in puzzlement. “What? Hospital?”“You're in a goddamn hospital, are you not?” I raised my voice.“Don't you dare raise your voice at me?!” Ameli
LACHLAN’S POVAs I glanced at the Patek Philippe Nina that got me on my birthday last year, I knew my patience was wearing thin. This was the umpteenth time that I was checking the time. If anyone took the hint, they would know I wanted to leave. Badly.We were going over the quarterly sales forecast update, and each time a word leaves Jeremy's lips, I die. If there was an award to be given to the most boring business meeting, it would be the quarterly sales forecast because why would an entire team of over a hundred professionals loop me in their boring discussion about sales pipeline management and data? I'm the CEO. I should be doing nothing at all!“Now, we'll move onto the final agenda of the meeting.” Jeremy flipped his clipboard over.I let out a deep sigh. "Finally."I looked around the conference room. Everyone was trying so hard not to sleep; their eyes drooped and their faces grew fatigued. I suddenly felt pity for them and wanted to cancel the meeting, but if we don't go o
ERIC’S POVFew hours earlier,Smoke curled around Cassie’s face as she exhaled. “That's pretty much it.”I thought over her plan in my head. It was crazy. “Are you sure it'll work?”“Undoubtedly.” She replied confidently, leaning against the hood of my car.“But staging an accident requires the services of a pro, and I am not starving for death.” I rolled my eyes.“It won't be a major accident, but it'll look like one. Trust me, I've been on too many movie sets to see how it's done.” She smiled.It was almost too good to be true. “If things go south...”“Don't be such a baby, Eric. You're only going to ram your car into the truck over there, and it'll get a little scratched, but you'll survive without one.” she interrupted.“Hmmm.” I was still contemplating this.“Look, buddy, the plan is to guilt-trip Amelia, isn't it?” Cassie smiled. “Once the accident is staged, I'll make sure word gets to the press. Just imagine the look on Amelia's face when she discovers the truth. She'll come c
Amelia's POVI snapped the stem off the cherry, the plump fruit now free of the little leaves attached to it.“What colour should I paint this time?” Lillian asked. She had returned yesterday after hearing what happened at the house a few days ago. Typical Lilian. She didn't stop wailing even when she hugged me. I knew she missed me and I missed her too.I popped the cherry in my mouth, enjoying the juicy sweetness with my eyes closed.“I think pink and blue.” I replied with my eyes closed relishing the taste of the cherry. Nowadays, my cravings are off the charts. Just an hour ago, I had a big bucket of ice cream and now, it's onto fruits.“Alright. Pink and blue it is.” Lillian smiled as she propped my swollen feet on the pillow on her lap.I watched Lilian smoothly glide the nail polish brush over my toe nails. For a brief moment, I almost forgot I was pregnant. “Babe?” I heard Lachlan call for me.“We're in the garden!” I called back, popping another cherry into my mouth.“There