The evening had started to wind down, and the last of the guests had filtered out, leaving behind empty glasses, uneaten snacks, and the fading echoes of polite conversation. Victoria stood in the quiet of the living room, surveying the aftermath of Ethan’s birthday party.It had been a successful event in all the ways that mattered on the surface. Ethan had been happy, and everything had gone according to plan. But deep down, Victoria could still feel the weight of the evening, a tension that had lingered in the air all night.She wasn’t sure if it was just her mind playing tricks on her or if it was something more, but she kept returning to the same thought: Maya.The woman was Zander’s fiancée, the one who had been so sweet and perfect during the party, acting like the model guest, chatting effortlessly with the other guests, and making sure to compliment Ethan endlessly. But something about her didn’t sit right with Victoria. It wasn’t anything overt, but there was a layer beneath
Victoria knelt by the flowerbed, her hands deep in the rich soil, pulling out weeds that had been growing too fast in the humid heat. She preferred the simple task of gardening—where her mind could wander, and the world felt a little quieter, a little less complicated.“You know,” Sophie said, standing beside her with a pair of gardening gloves on, “you really should stop doing all this yourself. You’ve got enough on your plate.”Victoria glanced up at her, wiping her brow. “I find peace in it. It’s the only thing that lets me stop thinking for a while.”Sophie chuckled and shook her head. “Well, if it keeps you sane. But remember, you’ve got family to help now.”Victoria smiled softly. Her family, well, they were complicated, but Sophie had been a steady presence. She appreciated her more than she could express. The two worked in silence for a moment, with the only sound being the occasional snip of scissors cutting dead leaves and the rustle of the wind through the garden.As she pu
The soft glow of candlelight flickered over the dinner table, casting a warm hue over the room as Zander and Victoria sat across from each other, enjoying their quiet meal. The night was almost serene, if not for the lingering tension between them—the shared secret, the plan they were both slowly pulling into motion.Zander took a sip of his wine, his eyes watching Victoria with a certain level of scrutiny. He set the glass down, leaning back in his chair. “Maya’s been talking about taking a trip soon. She wants to go somewhere out of the country for a while. You know, a break. I’m sure she’d love for you to join her.” He chuckled lightly, his tone casual, but there was something deeper behind his words.Victoria, who had been toying with her fork absentmindedly, looked up at him. She gave him a small smile, her thoughts immediately shifting to the plan they were creating. “A trip, huh?” she mused, her gaze moving past Zander for a moment as her mind whirled. “Maybe I should take a tr
“Be good for Grandma while we’re away, okay?” Victoria crouched in front of Ethan, her hands smoothing over the collar of his blue shirt. The scent of freshly baked cookies lingered in the air, and the gentle hum of an overhead fan added a comforting background noise to the moment.Ethan’s lower lip jutted out, his bright eyes glistening with unease. “But I want to come with you and Daddy,” he mumbled, shuffling his feet on the polished wooden floor.Victoria gave a soft chuckle, brushing his hair back with her fingers. “I know, sweetie, but this is a grown-up trip. Besides, Grandma has lots of fun things planned. You’re going to bake cookies, remember?”At the mention of cookies, Ethan’s face brightened, his pout replaced with a hesitant smile. “Okay… but promise you’ll call every night!”“Of course,” Victoria said, her voice warm. She kissed his forehead, letting the faint scent of baby shampoo and childhood innocence fill her senses. “And I’ll bring you back the coolest souvenir ev
The soft hum of Daniel’s laptop filled the hotel room as he sat at the desk, deep into his online conference. Outside, the view of the shimmering ocean stretched out to the horizon, framed by palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. The resort’s idyllic setting was a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the air. Daniel adjusted his headset, nodding absently as one of his colleagues droned on about sales projections.Victoria, lounging on the balcony, looked out over the resort with a serene expression. She appeared relaxed, but her mind was elsewhere, rehearsing every detail of the plan she and Zander had orchestrated. The faint sound of Ethan’s laughter echoed in her thoughts, a bittersweet reminder of the son she’d left behind for this trip.Her phone buzzed on the table beside her, breaking her reverie. She picked it up and saw Maya’s name on the screen. Stepping back into the room, she answered the call.“Hey, Vic,” Maya’s chirpy voice came through. “I was thinking—how a
The house was quiet as Daniel and Victoria returned, the tension between them palpable. The drive back had been spent in heavy silence, with Victoria retreating to her thoughts while Daniel’s annoyance simmered just beneath the surface.Victoria barely said a word as she ascended the stairs, leaving Daniel alone in the living room. Her calm demeanor grated at him—it felt like a silent accusation, though she’d said nothing outright.He sank into the couch, pulling out his phone with a huff. Without a second thought, he dialed Zander’s number.Zander answered after a few rings, his voice calm but with an undertone of challenge. “What do you want, Daniel?”Daniel’s grip on the phone tightened. “Listen to me, you bastard. Don’t think for a second that you have any right to shout at me or tell me how to treat my wife. You’re nothing but an illegitimate thorn in this family’s side.”Zander chuckled darkly. “Careful, Daniel. Your insecurities are showing.” His tone dropped, venom lacing his
The mall was bustling with life, a sea of faces moving through bright lights and chatter. It was the perfect stage for what Zander and Victoria had planned. They walked side by side, their casual laughter and light banter blending seamlessly with the hum of the crowd. Victoria had to admit, she was nervous.This was bold, even for her. But as Zander glanced down at her with that devil-may-care grin, her nerves simmered into excitement.“You sure about this?” Zander asked, his tone teasing but his eyes serious.Victoria smirked, adjusting her sunglasses. “You’re the one who suggested it. Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet.”“Not a chance,” he replied, offering his arm with a flourish. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”She looped her arm through his, and they strolled into the heart of the mall, every movement calculated but natural. Zander led them to the cinema first, choosing a romantic comedy that Victoria initially scoffed at but secretly enjoyed.As they settled into
The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a golden glow over the neatly set breakfast table. Victoria stood by the counter, buttering toast while keeping an eye on Ethan, who was tugging at his shoelaces in frustration. His small brows furrowed, and his tongue peeked out slightly as he concentrated.“Need help, buddy?” Victoria asked, suppressing a smile.“No, Mom, I got this!” Ethan declared, determined as ever.She chuckled and set the plate of toast on the table, taking a seat. “Okay, but don’t blame me if you trip and fall like last time. You still remember how to tuck the laces in, right?”“Yes, yes! I know how now!” Ethan grinned triumphantly as he finished tying his sneakers. He stood up and grabbed his backpack, slinging it over one shoulder. “Mom?”“Yes, sweetheart?”“Are you and Dad coming to family day today?” Ethan asked, his big brown eyes filled with hope.Victoria’s heart softened at his innocent question. She reached out, brushing his messy hair bac
R-18The wedding was a blast. Every people that Victoria loved was there, it was far different from the wedding she had, 7 years ago. Victoria was now at the veranda of their house, the reception was held into their house garden where she personally took care of the flowers, looking below, with a glass of champagne on her right hand. She was now wearing her chiffon dress as her reception dress. A hand suddenly snaked around her wait, she doesn’t have to look who was it. No one would dare to get their hand on her, the moment, Zander announced she was his wife. “Are you tired?” Zander muttered and drop a soft kissed near her ears. “Nah, just happy,” She said while glancing at the party in front of her, “After seven years of fake and failed marriage, I never thought that I could be this happy again, the last time that I remembered that I was genuinely happy was when Ethan was born,” “The last time that I got so happy was when you told me you love me too,” Victoria chuckled, and s
R-18The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the backyard, where the soft murmur of the evening breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. Victoria sat on the back porch, her legs tucked beneath her, watching the tranquility unfold around her. The city hummed in the distance, but here, in this small pocket of serenity, everything felt perfect.Zander joined her quietly, settling beside her on the steps, a glass of wine in hand. He offered it to her with a soft smile, the warmth in his eyes more intimate than words.“To new beginnings,” he said, his voice low, and the look he gave her seemed to say so much more.Victoria accepted the glass, feeling the coolness of the wine against her fingertips, the familiar strength of his presence beside her. “To new beginnings,” she echoed, taking a sip, the rich taste spreading across her tongue. She glanced around at their friends—Ethan and Sophie, laughing by the grill, teasing each other about their cooking skills. Th
The evening had settled in, a peaceful quiet enveloping the apartment, broken only by the soft clink of glasses and the faint hum of city life in the distance. Victoria sat on the couch, a glass of wine in hand, her eyes focused on the canvas before her.The room was filled with the aroma of fresh paint, an ever-present reminder of the work she poured her soul into. Zander, sitting across from her, leaned back in the chair, his eyes fixed on her with a quiet admiration.“You know,” Zander said, breaking the comfortable silence, “sometimes I can’t help but wonder what our life will look like in a few years.”Victoria’s fingers paused on the brush, her eyes lifting to meet his. “What do you mean?”Zander smiled, his gaze steady. “I mean, we’ve come so far already, and I keep thinking about where we’re going. I want to know your dreams. Not just about today or tomorrow, but about the future. What do you see for us?”Victoria sat back, her mind racing. She had never fully allowed herself
The morning of the wedding arrived with a warm, golden hue filling the sky. It was a perfect day, as though the world had conspired to give them this one, flawless moment. Victoria stood in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection of the woman she had become.The dress she wore, a simple yet elegant design of lace and satin, glimmered with the soft light that streamed in from the window. Her makeup was light, and her hair was softly curled, framing her face in delicate waves. She felt beautiful, not just in appearance, but in every way that truly mattered.“Mommy!” Ethan’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her away from the mirror. She turned around to see him standing at the door, eyes wide with excitement, wearing his little suit. He looked so much like Zander that it made her heart ache with love.“Hey, my handsome boy,” Victoria said, crouching down to his level. She brushed her fingers through his hair, feeling a lump rise in her throat.“I’m ready, Mommy,” Ethan sai
Victoria sat at the dining table, her phone in hand, scrolling through endless wedding inspiration posts. Zander walked in from the living room, a cup of coffee in hand, and sat down across from her.“You’re deep into wedding mode, huh?” Zander chuckled, watching as Victoria flipped through photos.Victoria sighed, running her fingers through her hair. “I just want everything to feel right, you know? Nothing too extravagant, but still special. It has to be perfect for us.”Zander leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening as he watched her. “We’ll make it perfect. You don’t have to stress. It’s about us—our family—and the people who love us.”Victoria smiled, grateful for his calm demeanor. “I know, I know. It’s just hard to narrow down choices when everything is so… big. I don’t want to overwhelm Ethan or make him feel like it’s all too much.”Zander reached over and gently placed his hand over hers. “It’ll be easy, love. Whatever we do, it’ll be just right because it’s ours. Ethan
The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the balcony where Victoria and Sophie sat side by side, a quiet evening breeze brushing through their hair. The past few years had been a whirlwind of change, growth, and, sometimes, heartbreak—but in this moment, the two women found solace in each other’s company, reflecting on the journey that had brought them to this point.Sophie took a deep breath, staring out at the city lights below. “It’s crazy, isn’t it? How much has changed in such a short time.”Victoria nodded, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her wine glass. “I never thought we’d end up here, Sophie. I don’t know where I thought I’d be, but it wasn’t this.”“Yeah,” Sophie said with a laugh, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I remember when you first told me about Ethan’s father, and all that drama with Zander. I thought, ‘How is she going to get through all of this?’”Victoria chuckled, the memory of those chaotic days bringing a bittersweet smile to
Ethan sat at the kitchen table, his small hands gripping a crayon as he carefully drew shapes on the piece of paper in front of him. His tongue stuck out in concentration as he shaded in a house, a tree, and a bright sun in the corner. Victoria watched him from the counter, a warm smile tugging at her lips.Zander, who had just finished making breakfast, placed a plate of pancakes in front of her before sitting down next to Ethan. He ruffled Ethan’s hair, his touch gentle. “How’s the masterpiece coming along, buddy?”Ethan beamed up at him, his eyes sparkling with pride. “It’s almost done! I’m going to make it perfect, just like you said.”Victoria couldn’t help but chuckle at his determination. It had been like this for weeks now—Ethan was always eager to learn, to create, to take on new challenges. Ever since they moved into the house, he had become more energetic, more confident. He was flourishing, thriving in this environment that was filled with love, safety, and encouragement.
Victoria stepped through the front door, feeling the cool air conditioning hit her face as she walked into the living room. The house was spacious—modern, but cozy, with light wooden floors that gleamed under the soft lighting. A large sectional sofa rested in the center of the room, complemented by a sleek coffee table. The walls were a soft, neutral beige, with just the right amount of warmth from the sunlight pouring through the windows.“Do you like it?” Zander asked, standing beside her with a hopeful look on his face. His hands were stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.Victoria smiled, walking further into the room. “I love it,” she said, taking in the high ceilings, the contemporary decor, and the natural light. “It’s perfect. It feels… like home.”Zander grinned, his arms crossing as he took a step closer. “Yeah? I was a little nervous, honestly. I wanted it to feel right for you too.”“It feels right,” she repeated, her voice soft. She
The soft afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Victoria sat on the couch, her legs tucked under her as she gazed out the window, lost in thought.She had spent so much of her life trying to figure out who she was and where she belonged. She had spent years resenting her mother, Rita, for things that had happened in their past, but now, she found herself in a place where understanding, though still delicate, was beginning to bloom.The doorbell rang, pulling Victoria from her thoughts. She straightened up, wiping the faintest trace of tears from her eyes. It had been a quiet day, one where memories had bubbled up, and the weight of everything that had transpired felt heavier than usual. But there was something in her that told her this day would be different.She opened the door to find Rita standing there, a gentle smile on her face. There was no anger or resentment, just a tentative peace in her expression that made Victoria pause.“Ma