As dawn broke the next morning, the gentle beeping of the machines that kept a watchful eye on Tyler's vitals filled the room with a soft, persistent sound. I was planted firmly beside his bed, the rhythm of the beeps offering a thread of comfort amid the turmoil swirling around us.My gaze was locked onto my phone screen, scrolling through the flood of breaking news.One headline grabbed me, refusing to let go: "Caleb Jones: Wanted Fugitive Following Explosive Fraud and Embezzlement Revelations."Disbelief washed over me.Caleb, the man who had wronged me, Tyler, and so many others, was finally exposed for all the world to see.The media frenzy was relentless, parading Owen's damning findings for all to see.. undeniable evidence of Caleb's criminal dealings, his shady links to Julie, the web of deceit and manipulation he'd spun.The once untouchable Caleb was now on the run, his empire of lies crumbling as he fled from his own misdeeds.Part of me found solace in this chaos. It was f
Forty-eight hours had passed.I found myself meandering back and forth across my office, the pristine envelope quivering ever so slightly within my grasp.A cocktail of disbelief and pride constricted my chest as I gazed upon the distinguished emblem of a globally acclaimed firm emblazoned on the letterhead.It was set in stone... I had clinched the kind of deal that was the stuff of dreams for anyone in my profession.This was the milestone that would cement my reputation as a leader in the industry... a defining juncture in my career.Yet, instead of revelling in triumph, I was engulfed by a sense of emptiness.My mind incessantly wandered to the hospital, to Tyler, who lay there with his gallant smile and serene resolve, feigning normalcy even when it was far from the truth.His words echoed in my head, "We'll pull through this, Sam. Together."A gentle tap at the door snapped me out of my reverie, and there was Rachael, her expression alight with joy."Way to go, Sam! You've done
The doctor was finally approaching. The quick brief glance I took at my wristwatch made me realize I'd been waiting for about an hour. My head was a mess, racing faster than a cheetah chasing its prey. Oh God, calm down, I told myself.“Please let it be negative, please, please let it be negative” Literally frea-ing out, I mummured under my breaths, my words barely audible.“Ms. Wills, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Dr. Dawson said, his smile making me uncomfortable. Why the smile?? I breathed out a shaky breath, hoping to calm myself. Deep breathes Sam. You got this."Not at all, Doc," I said, attempting a smile. "It wasn't that long...""Well, congratulations, Mrs. Wills." His smile grew as he gave me a tiny envelope.My breath hung in my throat. No, God, no. I quickly conposed myself, swallowing hard."What do you mean, Dr. Dawson?" I asked, my heart pumping hard."You're six weeks pregnant, Mrs. Wills," he stated.It seemed like time stopped, and the world began
Tyler's brows furrowed as he re-read the title of the email that just popped on his PC once again. Your Wife's InfidelityWtf is this? He thought to himself as he clicked the email, his hands trembling slightly. The sender was unknown, and he quickly glanced around his study, ensuring no one else was present. With a deep breath, he opened the message.The email was brief but pointed: "Do you know what your wife has been up to? Check the attached photos."Tyler hesitated, his finger hovering over the attachment icon. When he finally clicked it open, he saw Samantha, his wife, in the arms of Owen, the man who had been his sworn enemy since childhood.A wave of anger flooded his veins, threatening to cloud his judgment. Owen?! So, Julie was right all along?.. wow.Tyler and Owen had once been close, their friendship shattered by a business fallout between their families. Since then, they'd been bitter rivals. The sight of Owen embracing Samantha was a punch to the gut, a moment of i
The door swung open and my gaze fell upon the familiar figure of Lilian, our househelp."Good evening, Mrs. Wills," she greeted me, a polite smile on her lips.A thin wavw of relief coursed through me as it turned out to be Lilian, our househelp, and not Tyler. To be honest, I didn't think I had gathered the courage to break the news yet. "Mrs. Wills," Lilian broke the short silence, her voice warm and gentle. "Mr. Wills said he wants to see you in his study when you get back," she said.I started to panic. My heart was beating very fast, like an animal that was trapped.See me in his study? Why? Was he finally willing to talk, to reconcile? He never calls to talk to me privately. Well, he hasn't done that in two years. I nodded to Lilian, my throat tight, my heart beating so hard I felt like it was visible through my chest. "Thanks for the message," I managed to let out. My mind was spinning, and I tried to steady myself, to remember that this moment had to come."I should head
He growled, his words full of anger. "I should have seen it at the beginning. But I didn't. I was blind. Blinded by your...charms."His words hurt me, but something inside me snapped. "How dare you?" I said. "If you didn't want me, why did you ask for my parents blessings to marry me?”Tyler let out a dry laughter. “Blessings?" he spat, his lip twisting in disgust. "You think I was happy with this arranged marriage either? I did it for the sake of our families, for the sake of tradition. And what did I get in return? A wife who can't even keep her legs closed."My eyes narrowed, rage scorching through my veins. "Don't attempt to twist this around, Tyler. You were the one who agreed to marry me, who made all those promises. And now you're blaming me for your own mistakes?""Mistakes?” Tyler asked, his brows furrowed. "Yes, mistakes," I yelled, my voice rising with wrath. "You married me because you thought it was the right thing to do," I said. "But now it is clear. You never really
Upstairs, I made my way to the bedroom I had been banished to.The room that had once been my comfort zone now felt cold and empty, a mirror of the future Tyler had left me with.I spotted my charger on the bed and remembered I needed to power my phone. I rushed to plug it in, knowing I needed to call Ann, my friend. She was the person I could always count on and right now, I really needed her.When the phone lit up, I felt a tiny bit of relief. I knew that I was not alone in this, even if only for a moment. With that small comfort, I turned to face the rest of the room. The sight of my belongings scattered around the room felt almost unreal, like remnants of a life that had become a stranger to me. I walked to the closet and pulled out a suitcase, the reality of leaving sinking in with every item I packed.My phone buzzed, breaking the calm of the room.. I pulled it up to saw a new message from Anna."Hey girl! What's wrong with your phone?! Call me, it's important."I couldn't ign
“Samantha! Oh my God Sam.. Sam please open your eyes! Sam please!” This familiar voice kept echoing in my ears but sounded far away. My head was banging so hard.. the pestle hitting a mortar kind of bang. I tried to open my eyes but couldn't.. couldn't move. What was happening? A dream maybe?.. Then I felt a soft grip on my hand, a sound like a sob? I tried opening my eyes again and this time, they opened slightly.. It was blurry at first but gradually became clear, taking in the sight of the crystal white painting of the wall before me. The atmosphere felt unusually bright and cold.. turning my head slightly, my gaze met Anna seated beside me. Her eyes were filled with tears, she had obviously cried too much. As our eyes met, there was a flicker of hope.. of relief. “You stupid bitch! How dare you fuckin scare me like that!” Anna said, her voice a mixture of relief, happiness, pain, sadness. “I thought you were really gon’ die!.. Are you okay now? How are you feeling?” I tr
Forty-eight hours had passed.I found myself meandering back and forth across my office, the pristine envelope quivering ever so slightly within my grasp.A cocktail of disbelief and pride constricted my chest as I gazed upon the distinguished emblem of a globally acclaimed firm emblazoned on the letterhead.It was set in stone... I had clinched the kind of deal that was the stuff of dreams for anyone in my profession.This was the milestone that would cement my reputation as a leader in the industry... a defining juncture in my career.Yet, instead of revelling in triumph, I was engulfed by a sense of emptiness.My mind incessantly wandered to the hospital, to Tyler, who lay there with his gallant smile and serene resolve, feigning normalcy even when it was far from the truth.His words echoed in my head, "We'll pull through this, Sam. Together."A gentle tap at the door snapped me out of my reverie, and there was Rachael, her expression alight with joy."Way to go, Sam! You've done
As dawn broke the next morning, the gentle beeping of the machines that kept a watchful eye on Tyler's vitals filled the room with a soft, persistent sound. I was planted firmly beside his bed, the rhythm of the beeps offering a thread of comfort amid the turmoil swirling around us.My gaze was locked onto my phone screen, scrolling through the flood of breaking news.One headline grabbed me, refusing to let go: "Caleb Jones: Wanted Fugitive Following Explosive Fraud and Embezzlement Revelations."Disbelief washed over me.Caleb, the man who had wronged me, Tyler, and so many others, was finally exposed for all the world to see.The media frenzy was relentless, parading Owen's damning findings for all to see.. undeniable evidence of Caleb's criminal dealings, his shady links to Julie, the web of deceit and manipulation he'd spun.The once untouchable Caleb was now on the run, his empire of lies crumbling as he fled from his own misdeeds.Part of me found solace in this chaos. It was f
I rushed through the emergency clinic main entrance, the cool air outside replaced by the clean, metallic fragrance of sterile that filled the passageways.My heart beat in my chest, each step quicker than the last as I advanced to Tyler's room.I expected to see him, expected to ensure he was alright, notwithstanding everything that Owen had said to me.At the point when I at long last arrived at the entryway, I delayed the slightest bit prior to pushing it open.There, lying in the medical clinic bed, was Tyler. His face was pale, his typical strength no place to be viewed as he gazed toward me, his eyes glinting with shock."Sam?" he croaked, his voice powerless. "You're here."I was unable to prevent the tears from gushing in my eyes as I raced to his side. "Obviously I'm here," I murmured, grasping his hand delicately in mine. "You scared me, Tyler."He gave a little, tormented grin, pressing my hand back. "Please accept my apologies. I didn't intend to concern you."I sat close
The roar of tires over mix of little rocks signaled their arrival. Owen leaped from the car before it had fully stopped, his heart pounding as the police officers filed out behind him, their movements sharp and practiced.He motioned toward the warehouse, his voice low and extremely important."She's inside. Be careful.. they're dangerous."The lead officer nodded, signaling his team to fan out.The air was thick with tension, the moon casting pale light over the rusted exterior of the building.Owen's fists squeezed tightly at his sides as he stared at the entrance. Every second Samantha spent inside that place was a second too long.One officer approached the main door, a hand floating near to his leather case for carrying something.Owen could feel the energy-giving body chemical thrumming in his veins as the officer tested the handle and pushed the door open.A loud creak echoed, the sound cutting through the still night like a warning bell.**********Julie paced near the far co
On his way to the location Owen had sent, the sound of screeching tires tore through the air as Tyler's car changed direction sharply to avoid an oncoming truck.His hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he fought to take control again.The headlights of the truck blinded him for a split second, and before he could react, the world spun.The hit came hard and fast.. a violent crash that sent his car rushing in and out-of-control way into a metal pole, glass shattering around him like rough and sharp rain.For a moment, everything was silent.Smoke curled from the crumpled hood of the car as passersby rushed to the scene, their rushing and upset voices cutting through the haze.Tyler's head hanged against the seat, blood trickling from a cut on his temple.His phone lay on the passenger seat, the screen cracked but still lit with Owen's number."Someone call an emergency vehicle that takes people to hospitals,” a woman's voice shouted.A man pulled open the driver's d
Tyler paced the length of his office, his jaw squeezed tightly as he processed Owen's confession.His fists balled at his sides, extreme anger bubbling beneath the surface."You're telling me," he said through toughnessted teeth, "that you were behind the photo that destroyed my marriage?"Owen, positioned opposite him, appeared wan yet resolute. His hands lay on the table, his knuckles pale from clutching the edges. "I never intended for it to reach this point," he stated. "It was meant to be a fear tactic, a way to put space between you and Samantha." Julie had different intentions. Tyler struck the desk with his hand, the noise resonating in the room. "You didn't intend for it to reach that point?" he retorted. That 'scare strategy' ruined everything!""I know," Owen said, his voice shaking with fear and emotion but firm. "And I've lived with the guilt every single day. Julie wasn't supposed to take it further, but once she got a taste of power, she ran wild. She had advantage
The fast clicking of my fingers on the laptop keys filled the quiet air of the gallery office.The approaching deadline for the upcoming exhibition weighed heavily on me, and each minute was extremely important.My phone vibrated continuously on the desk, Tyler's name lit up on the display.I looked at it quickly before returning to my jobs. I wasn't able to handle him at the moment."Rachael, have you sent the artist lineup to the sponsors via email?" I asked without raising my look."Yes, it's done," Rachael replied from across the room, as she organized the marketing materials. "Is there anything more you need me to handle before I leave for the errand?"I paused, rubbing my temples. "Actually, yes. Can you drop these prints off at the printer's? They need to be done by this evening." I handed her the package on my desk."Got it. I'll be back as soon as I can." She grabbed her coat and the prints, giving me a quick nod before heading out.The moment the door closed behind her, the
"Hello, Mr. Wills," came Elizabeth's voice through the intercom. "A man is here to see you... he said it's extremely important."Tyler quickly looked at the clock, his brows knitting together. He didn't have any appointments lined up. "What's his name?" he asked, his voice laced with feeling that something is wrong or bad, but without proof."Owen Lewis," Elizabeth replied after a pause.Tyler froze, the pen in his hand halting mid-signature.Owen Lewis. Owen?The name hit him like a gut punch. The man Julie had used in her elaborate web of lies to convince him Samantha had been unfaithful.The one who'd without knowing been a pawn in her big dishonest plan.Why was he here now?After a moment of hesitation, Tyler pressed the button. "Send him in."The door opened minutes later, and Owen walked in. Recognition flickered across his face, but he wasn't here for small talk.Tyler noted the tension in his jaw, the stiffness in his shoulders. Whatever had brought Owen here, it wasn't good.
Two days later, a storm brewed in Julie's mind.She exhaled a swirling cloud of smoke, the cigarette quaking between her fingers. Her crimson nails sparkled under the room's dim light, like icebergs floating in dark waters, as she paced, simmering with barely contained fury."He found out, Caleb!” she spat, her words sharp as glass. “This entire pregnancy charade exploded right in my face. And the scandal? Instead of tearing them apart, it stitched them together!” She flicked the ash away with an irritated flourish. “Together! Can you fathom that?”In the corner, Caleb reclined, arms crossed and unfazed.His face wore a mask of cool indifference, but his piercing eyes betrayed a storm of tension. “So now you want to what? Throw another fit and wish for a miracle?”Julie halted mid-stride, her gaze hardening like steel. “I have no time for your clever jibes, Caleb. I summoned you here because I know you’re just as desperate as I am.”He raised an eyebrow, untouched by her venom. “Desp