Mandy’s POVJust when I thought life was finally beginning to settle down, when I could breathe without the constant weight of worry on my chest, the universe decided to throw me another curveball. The day had started like any other. Lucas and I had spent the morning talking about our plans for the future—our family, our life together, the dreams we had for Emily. We were in a good place, finally. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this at peace, like the storm had passed and the calm had settled in. But then, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the living room, the doorbell rang. I was curled up on the couch, Emily playing at my feet, and Lucas was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. It was a rare, quiet evening, and I didn’t expect anyone. The doorbell rang again, more insistently this time. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat for no reason I could explain. I stood up slowly, walking toward the door with a feeling of unease settling in my stomach. When
Lucas’s POVThe morning after Mandy’s conversation with her distant sister, Rebecca, the air in our house felt different. It was heavier, charged with the weight of the past that had suddenly resurfaced, and the uncertainty of what was to come. Mandy had spent the night processing everything, and I could see the tension in her eyes. She was trying to keep it together, but I knew she was struggling. I, on the other hand, was trying to keep my mind off of everything that had happened. But life didn’t give me that luxury. I had been sitting in my office for hours, going through reports and emails, trying to focus on the numbers and figures that usually kept my mind occupied. But the more I tried to concentrate, the more my thoughts kept drifting back to Mandy, to her past, and to the mess that Rebecca had dropped into our lives. It was frustrating, but I couldn’t let it distract me for long. I had a business to run, and the company wasn’t going to wait for me to sort out my pers
Mandy’s POV Standing at the top of the stairs, I watched in horror as Mary, my husband’s older brother’s pregnant fiancée, tumbled down the stairs, screaming in pain. She was my husband’s older brother’s pregnant fiancée We were both heading downstairs to join the family party when she suddenly fell and began to roll down the stairs. I panicked and froze, not knowing what to do. This whole scene looked like I pushed her down the stairs. Before I could do anything, some guests from the party saw the scene and drew more attention. “Someone, call an ambulance!” one of the guests yelled. Today was supposed to be a special day. My husband's family, which was one of the richest in the city, was hosting a grand party. A lot of celebrities and business people attended. But now it had turned into a nightmare as everyone turned to look at me with anger in their eyes as if I was the devil himself. My heart began to race. “You did this. You’re a monster. You’re the devil himself
Mandy’s POV“I want a divorce, grandma. I can’t stand this any longer,” I heard Lucas’s voice echo again.“You don’t mean that, Lucas. You are just upset about what happened,” Grandma Claire said.“No, I’m not Grandma. I know exactly what I’m saying. I don’t want to be married to her anymore,” Lucas said. My heart ached at that instant.If this is a joke,Lucas , stop it now,”Grandma Claire said with a firm voice.“I’m not joking,Grandma. I’m done with this whole marriage.“We wouldn’t be in this situation if you hadn’t bribed me with your power and company shares,” he said. “Lucas, calm down-” Grandma said, though interrupted by Lucas who seemed to be hot-heated. “Grandma, don't ask me to calm down!After all she’s done to Mary and her unborn child- your great- grandchild you still defend her?Lucas's anger boiled over as he continued.“That child was my brother's and now he's gone because of her. She killed the heir to your legacy . Yet you take her side?”I froze. Mary’s ch
Mandy’s POV“What?” I asked in shock.“You’re pregnant, Mrs. Vanderbilt,” the doctor repeated.Panic set in as the doctor’s word sunk in.My heart was racing and my palms were sweating.I couldn’t believe I was pregnant.My thoughts got tangled in a mix of emotions.The divorce, Lucas’s disdain and now, a baby.How am I going to cope? I thought anxiously.I was only 18 years old and last week I was struggling about college admissions; I’m practically a child myself.The weight of responsibility almost crushed me. How will I pull through all of these? “Mrs. Vanderbilt, are you okay?” The doctor asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.“Yea…yeah, I am,” I stammered.There was a brief moment of silence before I spoke again.“Please can I ask a question, doc?” I said.“Of course Mrs Vanderbilt. Go ahead,” the doctor said.“Is the diagnosis correct? “Are there chances that I could have been misdiagnosed?” “Well, misdiagnosis occurs most of the time in this line of work,” the doctor answe
Mandy’s POV“Lucas?” I called out in surprise.“Are you done packing?” He asked with a harsh tone in his voice, “Have you forgotten your flight leaves in 5 hours?”“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that I feel a bit sick. I think I’m coming down with a fever,” I said and he scoffed in response.“And you expect me to believe that? I know the only reason you are pretending to be sick is because not only are you lazy you do not want to leave,” he said arrogantly.I tried to speak again but he cut me short.“You are leaving this afternoon. I’ll personally drive you to the airport.” he said. I smiled bitterly at his last words, surprised that he offered to drive me to the airport by himself. Maybe he…Then I met his glare again. “Fine. Don’t fool yourself, Mandy Vanderbilt. He is not doing it out of care but to ensure you really leave the country for good,” I said to myself.Immediately he left, I dragged my tired body back to my box and continued packing. But the more I packed, the we
Mandy's POV I bit my lips, hesitant to reveal my struggles to Lucas.Finally, I decided to do it for the sake of the baby. This was the only way.“I've not received any living expenses like Grandma promised,” I said, feeling ashamed.He scoffed.“You called me after such a long time and that’s all you want to say? You’re such a parasite, always asking for money,” he said.His voice was cold.“But I need help, Lucas. Please,” I pleaded out of desperation.“I’ll send you some money but not right now,” he cut me off.“But I…….”“Also, don't bother me with trivial matters like this again. I have a company to run,” he said.Before I could reply, he ended the call. His words stung. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes.I laughed bitterly, ruminating over my actions.Maybe I shouldn't have called him, I thought.Hugging my pregnant bump, silent sobs shook my body.Indeed, I was all alone in this world.**********************Eight months Later**********************I was coming out o
Mandy's POV I open my eyes to find myself staring at the ceiling. “Oh you're awake!” I heard a voice say.I turned my head to see a nurse, cradling a baby in her arms.“Is that my baby?” I asked the nurse.“Yes ,” she answered with a smile on her face. “Can I see her?” I asked.“Sure,” she then bent a little so I could see the baby's face. I gasped.“She’s Beautiful,”And she's all mine. Finally, I have a family in this world now,”Suddenly, my world went dark out of pain once again. ********************The persistent knocking on my door woke me up. “Come in,” I said weakly.The door opened and the nurse from earlier stuck her head through the open door.“I came to discuss your hospital expenses,” she said hesitantly.My face fell immediately when she said that.My mind went back to the fire that happened at the ghetto home. I remembered how all I had was lost in that fire.Tears welled up in my eyes.“I wish there was something I could do to help but my hands are tied…” I bi
Lucas’s POVThe morning after Mandy’s conversation with her distant sister, Rebecca, the air in our house felt different. It was heavier, charged with the weight of the past that had suddenly resurfaced, and the uncertainty of what was to come. Mandy had spent the night processing everything, and I could see the tension in her eyes. She was trying to keep it together, but I knew she was struggling. I, on the other hand, was trying to keep my mind off of everything that had happened. But life didn’t give me that luxury. I had been sitting in my office for hours, going through reports and emails, trying to focus on the numbers and figures that usually kept my mind occupied. But the more I tried to concentrate, the more my thoughts kept drifting back to Mandy, to her past, and to the mess that Rebecca had dropped into our lives. It was frustrating, but I couldn’t let it distract me for long. I had a business to run, and the company wasn’t going to wait for me to sort out my pers
Mandy’s POVJust when I thought life was finally beginning to settle down, when I could breathe without the constant weight of worry on my chest, the universe decided to throw me another curveball. The day had started like any other. Lucas and I had spent the morning talking about our plans for the future—our family, our life together, the dreams we had for Emily. We were in a good place, finally. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this at peace, like the storm had passed and the calm had settled in. But then, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the living room, the doorbell rang. I was curled up on the couch, Emily playing at my feet, and Lucas was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. It was a rare, quiet evening, and I didn’t expect anyone. The doorbell rang again, more insistently this time. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat for no reason I could explain. I stood up slowly, walking toward the door with a feeling of unease settling in my stomach. When
Mandy’s POV It was morning and I woke up to the sound of soft footsteps, the kind that only Emily’s little feet could make. The sun had barely risen, but there was already a sense of excitement in the air. I could feel it, even before I opened my eyes. “Mama, wake up!” Emily’s voice was full of joy, and I couldn’t help but smile as I stretched under the covers. I opened my eyes to find her standing beside the bed, her hands clasped together as if she were holding onto something important. She was wearing the biggest grin, her little face glowing with excitement. “Good morning, sweetie,” I murmured, my voice still heavy with sleep. “Guess what? Daddy says we’re going somewhere special today!” She bounced on her toes, unable to contain her enthusiasm. I sat up, my curiosity piqued. “Oh, really? Where are we going?” “I don’t know, but it’s a surprise!” she said, giggling. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was rare that Emily kept a secret, especially when it involved somethin
Lucas’s POVThe soft hum of the city outside was a constant reminder of the world I’d been part of for so long. But lately, everything felt different. The meetings, the deals, the endless grind—it all felt distant, as if I were looking at it from the outside. I sat at my desk, staring at the stacks of paperwork that had once consumed me. But now, they felt like a weight I didn’t want to carry anymore. I’d spent so much of my life focused on building an empire, on ensuring my success, that I had neglected the most important things—my family, my values, and my integrity. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the papers aside. The lessons I’d learned over the past few months had been hard-earned, but they had changed me. Damian, Mary, the lies, the betrayals—it all had been a wake-up call. And now, I am determined to do better. I had already taken the first steps. I’d begun to clean up my business practices, ensuring that everything was above board. The company was now under the scruti
Mandy’s POVUpon our arrival back home from the terminal, the house felt quieter than usual. Not the eerie, tension-laden silence we’d been living in for months, but a peaceful calm that seemed almost foreign. Damian was in custody, Mary was gone, and for the first time, I felt like we could finally relax. With that, Lucas sat on the couch, his head rested in his hands. He looked exhausted but relieved, as if the weight of the world had finally been lifted from his shoulders. And as I stood in the doorway for a moment, just watching him, we had been through so much, and yet, here we were, still standing. “Hey,” I said softly, stepping into the room as he looked up, his eyes meeting mine. “Hey.” he replied, as a soft smile followed.Then, I sat down beside him as the space between us felt smaller than it had in a long time. And at that moment, neither of us spoke through the silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was rather heavy with unspoken words. “Are you okay?” I finally
Mandy’s POVThe morning after Damian’s arrest, the air in our home felt lighter, as if an invisible weight had been lifted. Lucas was in the kitchen making pancakes for Emily, who giggled as he flipped them with exaggerated flair. Gosh, I finally allowed myself to breathe. But peace is a fragile thing. My phone buzzed on the counter, shattering the moment. The message was from an unknown number, but the content was unmistakable."You think you’ve won? Watch your back.”My stomach churned upon reading it and I knew there was only one person who could have sent this—Mary. So, I turned to Lucas, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “She’s not done.” He frowned, setting the spatula down. “Who?” “Mary,” I said, holding up my phone. “She’s trying to make a run for it. And she’s still threatening us.” Lucas’s jaw tightened, his calm demeanor replaced with a fierce protectiveness. “She won’t get far. Not this time.” With that, we quickly made arrangements for a
Lucas’s POVThe night air was heavy, the kind that seemed to cling to your skin and make it hard to breathe. Mandy sat beside me in the car, her jaw tight and her hands clasped together in her lap. She hadn’t said much since we got the anonymous message, and I couldn’t blame her. I’d dragged her into this mess—into my mess. And now we were driving straight toward the man who’d been a shadow over my life for far too long. “We don’t have to do this,” I said quietly, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. She turned to me, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “Yes, we do. This ends tonight, Lucas. For Emily's sake.” Her determination was like a lifeline, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I nodded, focusing on the road ahead. However, the address led us to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. It was the kind of place where secrets were born and lives unraveled. And as we pulled up, I spotted Ethan’s car parked nearby. He is my friend and he insisted on coming, h
Mandy’s POVThe house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater kicking in. Lucas sat on the couch, his phone gripped tightly in his hands, his face a mask of tension. My earlier question hung in the air like a storm cloud. “Who sent this?” I asked again, my voice firmer this time. He didn’t look up, but I saw the way his jaw tightened, the way his shoulders stiffened. Whatever he was holding back, it was big. My heart pounded as I crossed the room and sat beside him. “Lucas,” I pressed, my tone soft but unyielding. “Talk to me.” He exhaled sharply, finally setting his phone down on the coffee table. His hands raked through his hair, leaving it even messier than before. “It’s from....," He paused as a quick sigh escaped from him as he continued immediately. " It's from someone who knows Damian,” he said, his voice low. "Damian?" I quipped. "Is that why the message stated, “You can’t hide forever. The truth will come out.”"What are you hiding again, Lucas, what truth
Mandy’s POVThe morning sun sneaked through the blinds, putting long streaks of light on the bedroom. However, its warmth did not help the cold knot in my stomach. I’d barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, Mary’s message caught my mind and was almost as luminous as a neon light, mocking me.Meanwhile, Lucas stirred beside me, his breathing steady and calm, as though he didn’t have a care in the world. How could he sleep so peacefully after last night? After that message? With that, I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and padded to the kitchen. As the smell of coffee brewing filled the air, but even that couldn’t calm the storm raging inside me. I was halfway through my cup when I heard his footsteps. He entered the kitchen, his hair tousled, his face still marked with the exhaustion of the past few days. “Mandy,” he said softly, his voice breaking the silence. “We need to talk.” I set my mug down, folding my arms across my chest. “About Mary?” He nodded, pul