There was a quiet talk coming from Ray's room that I couldn't help but hear. Ray is chatting animatedly with Patricia, her dedicated nanny. Over a short period of time, Ray has gotten attached to Patricia, and honestly, I have as well; it’s hard not to.
I lean closer, curiosity piqued by their secretive tone. Ray begs Patricia not to leave, and out of the blue, she mentions that Patricia should marry me and tell Patricia about my feelings for her. I nearly choked right there and then. Have my feelings for Patricia been that obvious? She goes on to mention a Prince Charming stare. What is that, and have I been making my stares at Patricia obvious?My pulse quickens as I wonder how Patricia will react to the news. Of course, she brings up her boyfriend, which, to be honest, makes me a little envious. I wish Patricia would open her eyes and realise what she is missing out on. I could offer her so much more love than he ever could.I take a look at the castle, Ray, and I just built and smile. If fashion doesn't work out for me, I'm definitely going into architecture.“It’s so beautiful.”“Right? We did that, Ray, baby.” I say, giving her a high five.“I wish Daddy had built this with us. He works all the time.” She says as she kicks one of the buckets we used in the building.“Baby, he works very hard so you can live the good life.”“Fine. He promised no rigorous work, but he’s been on the laptop since morning.”“He’ll soon be done. He said he'd be available to join us to Beau Vallon in the afternoon, and it’s just 12.” I say, looking at the time.“The weather is so cool. I really love it here. It’s such a special place.”“Very true.” I nod in agreement.“Although I’m not so keen on views like Dad, who can practically flip at the sight of a nice view, every time I wake up to the gorgeous view of the lush mountains, I can’t help but praise the artist who did that. Daddy says God created the universe. He’s so tale
I have had the most amazing time over the last several days. Ray and Mr. Jordan have been a pleasure to spend every day with, but I've also been missing Bryan and mother. Ever since I told Bryan I would be travelling with Ray and her dad, he and I haven't been communicating as much. He's not too happy about it.I have to call him today so we can talk it out because he has been unresponsive, not even paying attention to the pictures or videos I send him. I update him as much as I can and be as conservative with the details of our location and other private information, but with Bryan, I barely know what’s going on with him.Bryan's phone rings, and he picks up the fourth ring.“Hey baby,” I greet excitedly."Hey Patricia, what’s up?” He asks as if my call is interrupting him."I just wanted to greet my muchin pumpkin; I haven’t heard from you in a while. How are you?"Since the restaurant, he has not given me a call. Generally speaking, he doesn't call very often; I call most of the ti
Since yesterday, Patricia has been acting moody and hasn't eaten much, as far as I can tell. I'm uncertain what's worrying her. When I last spoke with Venita a few days ago, she assured me that she had managed to get Pat accepted into her mother's fashion school. Although I would want to tell her the good news, I'm concerned she would tell her boyfriend, who would then use it as an opportunity to take advantage of her even more. Until I can persuade her to stop hanging out with the jerk, I'll hold onto the knowledge. Don't take something away from someone if you wouldn't add to it.Our vacation is almost over, and I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's been ages since I've had so much fun. I'm happy with how balanced my life is now. Work harder and have a bit of fun. Life is too fleeting.“You’ve been moody all throughout yesterday up until now.” I say, sitting next to her and dropping the tray containing banana chips on the oak stool in front of us.“I'
I walk down to the beach to clear my head after what just happened, I feel so embarrassed after the conversation I just had with Mr Jordan I really hope this doesn’t ruin our friendship. As I lounge on the sun-kissed beach, the gentle waves lapping at my feet, I couldn't help but replay the conversation that led to this estrangement. It had been a careless, impulsive moment, driven by the persistent doubts that my toxic boyfriend Bryan, had planted in my mind. I cover my face in shame. What is Mr Jordan going to think of me now? Bryan has always been possessive and controlling, feeding my insecurities and jealousy with his toxic manipulations. He can’t stand the fact that I have a good paying job and a nice boss like Mr. Jordan . Instead, he sees deceit in every gesture of kindness, including the gifts and opportunities that Mr. Jordan has generously offered me. I really hope Mr Jordan is not regretting all the things he has done for me so far and I doubt if he will ever want to d
I've successfully been able to give Pat space as much as possible, and I've also been a bit withdrawn."Jordan, please, can I have a word with you?” Patricia says, knocking on my door.For how long will I keep giving Patricia the silent treatment? Every time I think about our last conversation, it makes me nauseous. I know her boyfriend put the ideas in her head, but knowing that she had thought them through pains me so much. It shows how belittlingly she thinks of me. A knock on the door jolts me out of my train of thought.“Come in. I'm very busy. Can it wait?”“Oh ok. I can come back," she says, sadness written all over her face.Arggh.. I hate that I can't even stay mad at her for so long. A day and a half of giving her a cold shoulder, and it's already becoming tiring.“If it’s really important, then out with it.”“Can I sit?” she says, gesturing to the woven chair beside my bed.“Whatever you want to say can be said outside my room.” I say emphasising the last two words.“Ray is
It has been absolutely nothing short of incredible these past few weeks in Seychelles. Walking through verdant forests and visiting beaches has been a few of the many adventures of our days. We couldn't help but think back on the amazing times we had as we got ready to leave this paradise. forests and visiting beaches had been among the many adventures of our days."Remember that snorkelling trip to Anse Lazio, Patricia?" Jordan muses, a wistful smile on his face. "Ray was so excited to see all those colourful fishes."Ray's eyes lit up with excitement as she recalled the underwater wonders she witnessed. "And the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island! They were like ancient dinosaurs, Dad!"I chuckle at the memory. "Yes, Ray, they were quite a sight. And Jordan, remember when we tried the local Creole cuisine? The flavours were incredible.”“And how you wouldn’t try the Octopus?" Ray and Jordan chorus, and I laugh. I was willing to try everything else aside from that.“I loved everythin
What is it that Bryan wants from me specifically? Why is he in such a rush to see me? He was eager to wrap up our talk when I last called him. Regardless, he won't ruin my good mood. Although I really miss Seychelles, it feels wonderful to be back in Manhattan. Neither Jordan nor I wanted to leave, but Rachel had to come get ready for resumption, and Jordan had to take a business trip to China.Not having him around for three days now feels different, especially after we've been in each other's company for weeks now. Ray is spending the week with her grandparents before she resumes school. It’s just me, all alone in this big house. I am thankful to Jordan, who calls from time to time to keep me company; otherwise, I would have passed out from boredom.With the way Bryan's calls keep coming in, if I don’t pick up, my phone will eventually go off from Bryan’s constant calls.“What is it?” I ask angrily as flashbacks from our last conversation replay.“Babe,”“I’m not your baby. Last tim
The bustling city of Shanghai, with its towering skyscrapers, has me firmly positioned for a business meeting. The grandeur of China's financial capital, however, seems a world away from the concerns that now consume my thoughts.We finally concluded our meeting after what felt like forever. I check my watch and realise it's 8 a.m., which simply means it's 9 p.m. of the previous day over there. Time to call Patricia. We are 12 hours ahead of them, so I'm sure she's done for the day. We have been keeping in touch regularly, sharing updates about our respective days even when we are miles apart.I dial Patricia's number, eager to hear her voice and tell her about my progress here in China, but to my surprise and growing unease, the call keeps going straight to voicemail. I redial it again, and once more, it is met with the impersonal voice recording.Panic begins to gnaw at me as I call her several more times. Each attempt met with the same result and was eventually switched off. It is
Epilogue6 months later I tap my fingers on the driving wheel, humming along to the pulse of the road, feeling the beat echo within. Each song becomes a personal concert, and my audience is the world outside my window. With each note, the journey transforms into an adventure full of songs and delight, making every mile unique.The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow as I drive , my pregnant belly gently cradled by the steering wheel as I embark on a journey to pick up Ray from her mother Vanessa's house. The anticipation of seeing Ray radiates through me blending with the rhythmic kicks of the little one in my belly.Arriving at Vanessa's house, I take a moment to steady myself before ringing the doorbell. Vanessa greets me with a warm smile. "Thanks for doing this, Patricia, for allowing Ray spend the weekend even though it wasn’t my week.” Vanessa says her expression soft with gratitude."It's my pleasure. Ray and I have a special bond, and it’s important that she has that type of
“Son, we are so happy for you.” father says super proud “Your father is right and we are glad you are very happy because we see how your face lights up all the time.”“Thanks. I love how both of you show up for me every time and support me. How you guys helped me raise Ray with unwavering love.”“You are our child and she's our granddaughter. It's our duty.” father says.“All the same, thanks again.” “I’ll leave you two to discuss while I check on what's cooking.” mother says excusing us.“So how's work?”“Going smoothly, dad. Thanks for asking.”“Don’t you think it's high time you take a break?”“I was thinking so too. Tony and I are organizing a group trip for our ladies.”“Now that's my boy. How's Ray and how’s she coping with this new chapter?”“Surprisingly good. Vanessa is good with children and I'm wondering what changed.”“People change. You did too.”I nod, father's words sinking in. "Yeah, people do change," I agree, pondering the evolution of myself and those around me."Y
The car hums softly as we embark on the journey back home after an emotional reunion with Ray's birth mother, Vanessa. The air in the car is thick with a mixture of lingering tension and unspoken questions. Ray, sitting in the back seat, stares out of the window, seemingly lost in thought. I wonder how she must be feeling after meeting her mother and if she has any question on her mind. Jordan, his hands steady on the wheel, steals a glance at Ray. Concern etched on his face, he speaks gently, "Ray, how are you feeling?"Ray sighs , her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "I don't know, Dad. It's a lot to process." I turn in my seat reaching out to touch Ray's hand. "We're here for you, sweetheart. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid."Ray nods , a small smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate that, Mom." I love it when she calls me mom and the thought of having a little child growing in me that will call me mom as well is so exciting. The car moves in a comfortable silence
Vanessa stands there, seemingly untouched by time, her slender figure and unchanged appearance hinting at a timeless beauty. There's a momentary question lingering as to whether she could truly be the mother of the boys following behind, given the absence of any visible resemblance."Vanessa," I call out from the car."Welcome to my home. Jordan and Patricia, thank you very much for this. I do not take it lightly," she acknowledges."Hi, Rachel. It's so lovely to see you. I'm Vanessa.""Hi, Mom," Ray greets warmly.Vanessa's face lights up, glowing with joy like a myriad of stars."Can I give you a hug?""Yes, please," Ray responds, embracing her eagerly."These are my sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Parker. My husband and their father are late," she announces."Sorry for your loss," we chorus, following the boys' greetings."It's alright. It was a long time ago. Shortly after I got married to him, he took ill and passed. Let's not waste any further time out here. Let's all go in."As we
It's a relief that Jordan and I were able to work through our issues and emerge with a renewed vow to never let secrets ruin our relationship. The lesson acquired from the difficult experience emphasised the critical value of honesty and transparency.What truly surprised me was Jordan's apology for his impulsive decision to ask me to leave without taking the time to process everything. Admittedly, my choice to withhold essential information felt like a significant breach of trust, casting a shadow over our relationship.However, Jordan's perspective on the dynamics of marriage startled me. Despite the hurt caused by my actions, he believed that a successful marriage necessitates navigating such challenges through open communication and forgiveness.At that moment, I felt conflicting emotions—my initial guilt for withholding information, Jordan's surprising apology, and his conviction in the essential aspects of trust and openness in a marriage. It forced me to rethink my concept of t
In the solitude of this past week, amidst the echo of my own thoughts, I've embarked on an odyssey within myself. In the wake of shattered trust, I find myself navigating a labyrinth of emotions, haunted by the echoes of betrayal. Yet, amidst the debris of fractured promises, there's a yearning to rebuild what was once a sanctuary of companionship. The road to reconciliation feels like walking on shards of glass, each step a cautious maneuver to bridge the chasm that divides us. But within this tempest of hurt lies a glimmer of hope, a desire to unearth the truth, to mend the rift, and perhaps forge a stronger bond, weathered yet resilient in the face of adversity.The air in my father's study hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths. Stepping into this sanctum of memories, the familiar scent of aged books and polished wood offers solace amidst the impending revelation.Mother's absence is a blessing in this moment, sparing her the pain that lingers within the d
The ticking clock echoes in my quiet room, each passing second emphasizing the void left by three days of strained silence. The memory of the argument with Jordan replays in my mind, the pain still fresh, and the weight of regret settling in my chest.My phone lies untouched on the table, its screen devoid of messages or missed calls. I can't bring myself to break the silence, understanding that the wounds from my actions need time to heal. I feel empty without him, unable to eat or sleep properly, spending my days confined in the room, looking like a mess.Regret gnaws at my conscience as I replay the argument in my mind. I had kept a secret, thinking it would be a protective shield for Jordan, only to realize that it has become a barrier between us. Communication truly is key in a relationship; the outcome might have been totally different if I had spoken to him about it as soon as it happened and we had discussed ways on how to go about it. Now I feel like I’ve lost his trust and I
I lay in the hotel bed totally famished and emotionally drained. I don't deserve this. My head is spinning from days of trying to phantom everything that has happened.We were supposed to be on our way to Greece today. I hope she's out when I get back. I need a break from her to be able to think things through. If I'm going to have to get over her which I doubt is possible, I would have to see less of her or her things till I've made a decision. I feel so betrayed!I had to put off my phone because she kept calling non-stop. Only Tony knows my whereabouts and what's going on. I can't bring myself to tell my parents.A knock on my door draws my attention back to my surroundings. That must be room service. I can't let them see me like this.“I'm very busy at the moment, kindly check back later,” I say from behind the door.“It's Tony man.”Arghhhhhh. How do I conceal the wounds on my knuckles?“I'm waiting or else I'll have them bring down this door.”I open the door and resume back to m
The weight of reality hits me hard—I can't believe he found out before I had the chance to tell him. Not that his reaction would have been different, but I wanted to be the one to explain. The door closes behind me, leaving me on the floor, where minutes ago I was pleading with Jordan not to leave.Unable to stand, I remain seated, weeping, and wondering how it came to this. It's only been three months of marriage, and now this. What if he decides on a divorce? I can't lose him; imagining life without him feels unbearable.The gravity of the situation hits me, and I crumble into more tears, my shoulders shaking with the weight of heartache. Realizing I've lost something irreplaceable, coupled with the remorse for not trusting Jordan with the truth, devastates me. I should have mentioned it the very day Bryan sent the message, but I just couldn't. And now, my greatest fear has come true.I don’t know how long I sit crying, but by the time I wake up, it’s past nine. Summoning the courag