Anderson I stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting my tie, again. It was almost ridiculous how many times I’d done it this morning. Every crease in my suit had to be perfect, every button in place. For a moment, I wasn’t sure whether it was the meeting or my obsession with Kelly—no, Kendra—that was getting to me. I ran a hand over my jaw, forcing myself to breathe evenly. It had been a week since I saw Kendra Lewis on the news, the politician whose every move seemed to be under a microscope, just like Kelly’s once was. But there was something more this time. Kendra’s demeanor, the power she radiated—it was undeniable. It was her. She had become someone else, someone untouchable. That night, after scrolling through her social media profiles, obsessively reviewing every image, I felt a gnawing ache in my chest. How had she done it? How had she transformed into this person who could walk into a room and command it? How had Kelly gone from the woman I once knew to someone
Kelly The event had gone off without a setback—my speech delivered with the exactness of years of practice, the crowd hanging on every word. I smiled through the applause, the excitement buzzing in the air. But despite the excitement of a successful evening, a strange unease gnawed at me. When I entered my private office, I was greeted by the sight of a bouquet resting on the desk, nestled between my campaign notes, fresh lilies. Soft white petals, their fragrance delicate and sweet. They were beautiful, but it was the note that made my heart stutter. For a brief moment, I felt a wave of relief. Adrian had said he would be in the city soon, and though I hadn’t seen him for weeks, I longed for his presence. Maybe these were from him—his way of showing support. After I picked interest in becoming a politician, I moved down to Washington DC with Harper, while Adrian stayed back in New York to run the hospital. But as I reached for the envelope, a cold shiver ran down my spine. ‘
Adrian I leaned against Kelly’s office desk, arms crossed, my gaze fixed on the bouquet sitting there like a ticking time bomb. The tension in the room was thick, and Kelly’s silence only amplified it. The Kelly I knew, the one who had worked tirelessly for every bit of success she’d earned, never let anything rattle her. But now, her distress was as clear as the lines etched into her usually composed features. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to drag it out of you?” I asked, keeping my tone firm but steady. Kelly looked up from her chair, her hands resting on the edge of her desk. Her hesitation spoke volumes, but I wasn’t going to let this slide. Not when she looked like someone had knocked the ground out from under her. She sighed, shaking her head. “It’s... nothing I can’t handle, Adrian.” The hell it was! I didn’t buy her deflection for a second. “Bullshit,” I snapped, stepping closer. “Don’t sit there and tell me you’re fine when you’re clearly n
Kelly I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as I adjusted the straps of my gown. Adrian had insisted I go with him to the event. I had questioned him earlier, asking, “Wouldn’t rumors fly? You suggested we keep our marriage private.” He had shrugged it off with that charming, devil-may-care smile of his, saying, “I don’t care anymore. If my presence keeps Anderson away, I’ll break the rules myself.” There was something comforting in his words, but still I couldn’t escape the anxiety gnawing at my insides. It had been years since I had been part of such a high-profile event, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to face the past, let alone the people from it. But Harper was with me, tugging at my sleeve as she refused to let Olivia babysit her. I smiled softly as I looked down at her. My little girl, so full of life and defiance, had a mind of her own. She wasn’t about to be left behind, and honestly I didn’t mind. She was the one thing that kept me grounded, especially now that Anderso
Anderson Mommy? The word echoed in my mind, over and over. What a woman. She stood there, her presence undeniable even amid the clamor of the high-profile event. The woman I once knew, Kelly Brooks or was it Kendra now?—was standing right in front of me, surrounded by a sea of luxury and power. My mind was clouded with thoughts of her. The woman who had once been nothing more than an opportunity to manipulate. The woman who had never really loved me, yet here she was, looking as stunning as ever. But what truly stopped me was the realization. The way she had changed. She was more radiant now, a clear sign of wealth, success, and dare I say it—freedom. Yet, beneath the exterior, it was still her, Kelly. And then my eyes found the man behind her. The piece of the puzzle clicked into place, I couldn’t help but feel the pull of jealousy rising in my chest. I could vividly remember him from way back, he was rude to me when we first crossed paths, he was such a jerk. I let my gaze
Kelly As Anderson walked away with Aiden, a heavy wave of recklessness settled in my chest. It had been five years since I last saw my son, yet the boy who left was now a handsome young man. His striking features mirrored Anderson’s—a bittersweet reminder of the life we once shared. My mind drifted to the last time I saw Aiden. He refused to come to me, he didn't even look at me and his tear-filled eyes begged for answers I didn't know how to give. That scene had haunted me for years, and now seeing him again, the ache in my chest felt unbearable. Anderson had always been cunning, but this? Bringing Aiden here? It was a calculated move, one meant to break me and shatter the fragile peace I’d built. I clenched my fists. What lies had Evelyn been feeding him up till now? What poison had she poured into my son’s ears that made him not even recognize me? “Mommy? What’s wrong?” Harper’s small voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. I looked down at her, her innocent eyes full
Aiden I couldn’t get her face out of my mind. The woman at the event—no, not just any woman. My mother or at least the woman who used to be my mother before she decided I wasn’t good enough to keep. She’d looked right at me, and for a moment, I thought I saw something. Recognition, maybe? Regret? But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by the same polished smile she wore for everyone else. Now, she was someone else entirely—Kendra, a congresswoman, a stranger. But no matter how much she wanted to pretend otherwise, I knew. She couldn’t fool me. That was Kelly, my mom. The image of her with that man—Adrian, I think his name was, made my blood boil. The way she smiled at him, the way he held her hand so confidently, and the way their little girl clung to him. Harper, was it? That’s what she’d called him “Daddy.” The word grated in my ears. That should’ve been me. I miss her so much, yet I hate her aswell, how could she not call me for once in 5 years? I thought after what h
Kelly The faint hum of the coffee machine in the corner of the kitchen couldn’t drown out my restless thoughts. My mind keeps drifting back to Aiden again no matter how hard I try. The image of his face, his deep, accusing eyes, played on an endless loop in my mind. It had been five years. Five long years since I last saw him. He had grown taller, leaner—his cheekbones sharper, his features a spitting image of his Father, though his lips had the fullness of my own. Aiden was no longer the little boy I remembered. He was a young man now, but I couldn’t help but picture him as the boy who used to hug me tight before bedtime, whispering, “Goodnight, Mommy. I love you.” “Mommy?” Harper’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She stood in the doorway, clutching her favorite stuffed dinosaur. Her bright eyes stared at me, a mix of concern and curiosity. “Are you sad?” I quickly composed myself, forcing a soft smile. “No, sweetheart. I was just thinking.” Harper tilted her head
Kelly I stared at the message, my fingers trembling. The words blurred together as my mind raced, imagining every horrible scenario Aiden could be enduring. I could almost hear his small voice calling for me. ‘Meet me alone. Tonight. If you want your son to live’ A message popped up as I wiped my tears that was already streaming. Every inch of me screamed to act, but the fear of making the wrong decision paralyzed me. Aiden was counting on me. This was my chance to bring him home, and I couldn’t fail him. “Kelly, no,” Adrian’s voice broke through my thoughts. He had read the message over my shoulder, his face pale. “You can’t go alone. It’s too dangerous.” I stepped back, away from him. “This isn’t your decision to make, Adrian. I’m his mother. I’ll do whatever it takes.” “You don’t have to do it alone,” Anderson interjected, his tone firmer than I’d heard in years. “We can handle this together. Let me come with you.” I turned to him, my anger flaring. “Together? Like w
Anderson Kelly was pacing every inch of the room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her determination burned through the chaos like wildfire, her focus entirely on Aiden. Even now, with everything crumbling around us, she was still the same woman I’d fallen in love with—tenacious, selfless, and extremely beautiful. And I had destroyed her. I sat on the edge of a worn leather chair, my hands clasped in front of me as guilt and regret consumed me. Evelyn, my mother had betrayed me. Kate, the woman I thought I could trust, had used me. But Kelly… she had never betrayed me. The realization hit me like a blow to the chest. Kelly had been the best thing that ever happened to me, and I’d thrown it all away. I chose loyalty to my mother, blind faith in Kate, and a web of lies over the one person who had stood by me. I’d failed her as a husband, as a protector, and now as a father. I swallowed hard, my voice barely audible. “Kelly…” She stopped pacing and turned to me, her
KellyI followed Adrian through the dark streets, my heart pounding with a mix of anger and dread. His earlier phone call had been short, but the urgency in his tone was unmistakable. He thought I was asleep, but I wasn’t about to sit back while Aiden’s life was in danger. He turned towards an alley and disappeared through an unmarked door. I hesitated for a moment, swallowing my fear, before slipping inside after him. The air was heavy with the scent of damp concrete and stale cigarettes, and muffled voices echoed from somewhere below. Keeping to the shadows, I crept down a narrow staircase, my steps careful. Adrian’s voice filtered through the air, sharp and desperate. “Give me more time,” he pleaded. “I’ll resign after this is done, I swear. But I need to get my son back first.” A deep, gravelly voice responded, dripping with condescension. “Time? You think Boss is the kind of man who waits? You’re either in, or you’re out. And if you’re out, you’re as good as dead.” I f
AndersonI followed my mom into the dimly lit restaurant, staying far enough behind to avoid suspicion. The private dining room she entered was shielded by frosted glass, but I could see her silhouette as she sat across from a man I recognized immediately: Davis. The man who had turned my life into chaos. There was no doubt Davis took Aiden. I clenched my fists, my pulse racing as I debated my next move. Every instinct screamed at me to storm in, to demand answers, but I couldn’t risk tipping myself off. Not without knowing what my mom had to do with all Aiden disappearance.I slipped into a booth near the back, my line of sight angled to catch glimpses of their conversation through the glass. My mom leaned forward, her voice just loud enough to carry over the low murmur of the restaurant. “You shouldn’t have taken the boy,” she said, her tone sharp and accusatory. Davis shrugged, his lips curling into a smirk. “You made this mess, Evelyn. I’m just cleaning it up.” She slamme
Kelly “Who is he?” I asked, my voice cracked as I stared at the grainy image Olivia had handed me. Her expression was cold and unyielding, her lips twisting. “I don’t know, but I think he’s the key to finding Aiden.” The photograph trembled in my hands, my vision blurring as fear tightened its grip on my chest. Aiden’s face, pale and tear-streaked, was in the background of the photo, and the man standing in front of him was a stranger. A tall figure, his face partially scarred, but the malice in his posture was unmistakable. “Where do we find him?” My voice barely audible. Olivia glanced at me, then to Lucian, who stood a few steps away, watching us intently. “I don’t know yet,” she admitted, but her tone carried the weight of determination. “Kelly,” Lucian said, stepping closer. His voice was calm, but his eyes were firm. “We’re going to get him back.” I wanted to believe him, to hold on to the small hope his words offered. But the heart wrenching guilt in my chest wou
KellyThe call from Anderson had shattered the little thread I was holding onto. Aiden, my sweet, innocent Aiden, was missing. Panic clawed at my chest as I paced around the house, unsure of what to do. Adrian was making calls, organizing a search, but I couldn’t stand still. I needed to act. “Kelly, stop,” Adrian said, his hand on my palm. “We’re doing everything we can. Just stay here.” I shook him off, unable to contain my panic. “You don’t understand. I can’t just sit here! What if something’s happened to him? What if—”“Kelly, I know. I’m scared too,” Adrian said, his voice strained. “But we can’t make any rash decisions. We need to think this through.” I looked at him, eyes wild with fear, and then I bolted for the door. I didn’t care what Adrian thought; I had to find Aiden. I needed help. .The police station was busy when I arrived. Officers were running in and out, but none of them seemed to take much notice of the frantic woman pacing back and forth in front of the
KellyThe tension in the house was suffocating. Adrian had been distant ever since Olivia’s arrival, and I couldn’t take it anymore. Every word Olivia said seemed to carry a hidden meaning, like she wanted me to know something but she wouldn’t just say it.I found him in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his phone in hand. He looked up as I walked in, his face guarded. “Adrian,” I said, crossing my arms. “We need to talk. Now.” He sighed, setting his phone down. “I figured this was coming.” I stepped closer, my voice low but firm. “Why does Olivia seem to know more about your past than I do? What is this connection to Davis that she keeps hinting at?” Adrian stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Kelly, it’s... complicated.” “No,” I snapped, cutting him off. “It’s not complicated. It’s your family. It’s your life. And it’s my life too, Adrian. I deserve to know what’s going on.” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily. “You’re right. You do. But it’s not some
OliviaThe weight of everything pressed heavily on my chest as I walked into the police station. Every step felt like a declaration of defiance. I had promised myself I would get answers, no matter the cost, and now I was here, ready to put my cards on the table. The station was bustling with phones ringing, voices raised, officers moving purposefully from desk to desk. My resolve nearly faltered, but then I saw him. He stood near the far end of the room, his uniform tailored to perfection, radiating a calm demeanor. His presence demanded attention, though he wasn’t speaking. I caught myself staring. It was as though everything else faded, leaving only him in focus. Hid name wasn’t spoken until one of his colleagues called out, “Lucian, got a second?” The sound jolted me from my thoughts, but not enough to ignore the way my heart fluttered. “Excuse me,” I said, approaching cautiously. His sharp blue eyes moved to me, and I felt as if he could see right through me. “Yes?” he
AndersonThe streetlights blurred as I sped through the quiet roads, gripping the steering wheel tighter with each passing mile. Mom’s words replayed in my mind, every word digging deeper into the pit of my anger. ‘She had a past, Anderson’ Betrayal. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and now it was coursing through my veins, poisoning every thought. My own mother, complicit in a web of secrets that I was only now unraveling. Kate, the woman I had loved, had kept her connection to Davis hidden from me. How could they both do this to me? I pulled into the parking lot of ‘Cucina Italiana’, Kate’s newest restaurant venture. The soft glow of the sign above the entrance seemed mocking, it brought back memories of our stay in Italy.The moment I stepped inside, the rich aroma of Italian herbs and freshly baked bread greeted me. The restaurant was quieter than usual, a few diners scattered across the tables. Kate was by the open kitchen, speaking with her staff. Her eyes met mine, and I