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 The weekend was meant to be relaxing, a rare opportunity for Harper to unwind after her first week at her new school. Adrian had suggested taking her to the park, a routine we created after Harper turned 1. He had appointments lined up for the day, leaving me to enjoy some quiet time with Harper. We arrived at Willowcreek Park around noon. The air was crisp, and laughter echoed from the playground. Harper's eyes lit up as she dashed toward the swings. I smiled, following her with measured steps, enjoying the sight of her carefree happiness. “Mommy, push me higher!” Harper’s giggles pulled me back to the present. I obliged, pushing her gently as she squealed with joy. “You’re getting so strong, Mommy!” she teased, making me laugh. But that laughter faded the moment my gaze landed on a figure near the sandbox. Aiden. He wasn’t alone. Evelyn was with him, looking as polished as ever in a beige coat and dark sunglasses. My breath hitched. My instincts screamed to grab Harper
Lucian’s POV The rain had started hours ago, turning the streets slick with reflections of city lights. It wasn’t a violent storm, just a medium, persistent downpour, the kind that made people hurry indoors, seeking shelter in cafés and rushing in Mart to get umbrellas. I hadn’t expected to see her tonight. In fact, I had convinced myself I wouldn’t. For weeks, Olivia had avoided me. No calls, no accidental run-ins, she didn’t pick my call either. And yet, here she was. Standing under the awning of a small café, arms crossed over her chest, watching the rain with an expression I couldn’t quite read. She didn’t see me at first. I could have turned back. I could have kept walking and pretended I hadn’t noticed her. But I didn’t. Because avoiding each other had done nothing to change what was between us. And I was tired of pretending otherwise. She noticed me as I approached, her shoulders stiffening just slightly. Then, her gaze met mine. She didn’t move, nor acknowledge me. She
Olivia’s POV The night was supposed to be uneventful. I had attended dozens of these high-class architectural gala’s before, polished affairs where people with too much money came to flaunt their wealth under the guise of charity. Normally, I could navigate them without a second thought. But then I saw him. Lucian. I hadn’t known he would be here, but the moment I spotted him across the grand ballroom, I felt my pulse shift into something irritatingly unstable. He stood near the entrance, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, scanning the crowd with the trained ease of someone who could see everything without looking like he was paying attention to anything. Because, of course, he was working security tonight. It made sense, an event like this required the best. And Lucian, with his quiet authority and sharp focus, fit that description effortlessly. I should have been fine. I should have been able to ignore him. Except, that I couldn’t. And it got worse when I saw her.
Lucian’s POVI was halfway through a late-night report when my phone buzzed. I almost ignored it, expecting it to be one of my officers checking in on an old case. But when I saw the name on the screen, I straightened immediately. Olivia?She had never called me before. I answered without hesitation. “Olivia?” There was a pause, just long enough for me to hear the light sound of wind in the background. Then her voice came through, tight and controlled, but there was something off about it. “Lucian… I need a favor.” I was already grabbing my keys. …….The street was empty when I pulled up, just bushes, and the dim glow of a single flickering streetlight. Olivia stood beside her car, arms crossed, looking unimpressed. I parked behind her, stepping out into the cool night air. “This is a first,” I said, approaching with a smirk. “I didn’t think you believed in asking for help.” Olivia shot me a glare. “I don’t. But my car apparently does.” I glanced at the vehicle. “
Olivia’s POV I shouldn’t be here. That thought had been running through my mind from the moment I stepped into the police station, the cool night air still clinging to my skin. But here I was, standing outside Lucian’s office at nearly eleven at night, hesitating. The building was almost empty, except a few officers finishing up paperwork. The hum of the vending machine down the hall was the only sound breaking the silence. I knew I should have gone home hours ago, but after what happened earlier tonight, home didn’t feel safe. Someone had been following me. At first, I thought I was imagining things. The paranoia of a long day, the residual nerves from the Davis case. But by the time I left work, I knew it wasn’t just in my head. Whoever it was, they were patient. Very careful. Keeping their distance just enough to make me doubt myself, but never so far that I couldn’t feel them lurking. I wasn’t the kind of person to panic easily. But tonight? I wasn’t taking chances. I t
Lucian’s POV The invitation had been unexpected. Kelly invited me to Harper’s 6th birthday. I stared at the message from Kelly longer than I should have, reading and rereading the last line: "You can stay if you don’t want to come."It was the kind of thing someone wrote when they weren’t sure if you would honor they invitation. And truth be told, I wasn’t sure either. But after everything that had happened, I knew one thing for certain. I owed it to Harper to show up. So I did. I arrived at the venue, a cozy event space filled with pastel decorations and clusters of kids running around, their laughter echoing off the walls. The air smelled like cake and candy, and despite the cheerful energy, I felt… out of place. Am I considered family at this point? Uncle? That sounded ridiculous, I don’t have the right to claim that title. I didn’t know what I was expecting when I walked in. Maybe some polite hellos, maybe a few awkward glances. But what I wasn’t expecting was Olivia. I
Lucian’s POV I had no intention of thinking about Olivia ever again. At least, that’s what I told myself. She had a way of getting under my skin, a way of making me question things I never questioned before. And yet, even after all the chaos with Kelly, Clara, and Davis, it was her name that kept creeping into my mind. So when I got to the police station, following up on the final closure of Davis’s case, I wasn’t expecting to hear her name linked to Adrian. "Yeah, Adrian’s sister was the one who gave us the last piece we needed to take him down." I almost didn’t process it at first. "His what?"The officer looked at me like I was slow. "His sister. Olivia Lewis. You know, the one who—" But I didn’t hear the rest. My mind had already locked onto those two words. Olivia Lewis. The realization hit like a punch to the gut. She never told me, not even once. I wasn’t sure what pissed me off more, that she hid it from me, or that I gave a damn in the first place. It wasn’t
KellyFor the first time in what felt like forever, I could finally breathe. Lucian had finally taken responsibility for his actions, and Olivia had laid her true intentions bare. There was no more uncertainty, no more unnecessary weight pressing down on my chest. It didn’t mean everything was magically okay, but at least now, I wasn’t carrying those burdens alone. I felt… lighter. Susan was sitting at the dining table, her brows furrowed as she flipped through a stack of papers. A steaming cup of tea sat beside her, untouched. I took the seat across from her, sighing. “You look stressed.” She glanced up, rubbing her temple. “You would be too if you were trying to figure out how to confront someone as careful as Mrs. Kim.” I frowned, leaning forward. “We have the proof. What’s the problem?” “The problem,” she said, placing a document in front of me, “is that we can’t afford to make her suspicious before we make our move. Have you forgotten? If she senses something’s off, s
Kelly The smell of coffee and maple syrup drifted through the air as I made my way downstairs, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. It was supposed to be a quiet morning. One where I could sit in peace, drink my coffee, and maybe pretend for a moment that my life wasn’t a constant cycle of chaos. But as soon as I stepped into the living room, I stopped short. There, sitting on the floor with Harper, was Olivia. I was shocked, I shouldn’t be, Olivia was Adrian’s sister after all. She wasn’t scrolling through her phone with a face of disinterest, nor did she have that distant, unreadable look she’d worn so often lately. Instead, she was smiling, actually smiling as Harper excitedly showed her something on her tablet. I watched them for a second, my stomach twisting with uncertainty. The Olivia I’d seen over the past few months had been… different. Colder. Calculated. Someone who had distanced herself from me, from Adrian, from all of us. I’d convinced myself that she’d changed for
KellyThe apology should have been the end of it. Lucian had said his piece. I had listened. That was it. And yet, hours later, as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind wouldn’t shut off. I didn’t hate him anymore. That realization should have brought relief, but instead, it left an unfamiliar hollowness instead. For so long, my anger had been a reason to keep him at arm’s length. A way to remind myself that what he did to me wasn’t okay. But now that shield was cracking, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. He wasn’t family anymore or so I thought. That much was clear. But did I need to forgive him? Did forgiveness mean letting go of everything? Or was simply moving on enough? The thoughts tangled in my head like an impossible knot, tightening until I sighed and turned onto my side. Adrian stirred beside me. Even in sleep, he always seemed to be aware of me, his arm draped protectively over my waist, his body warm against mine. I wanted to stay like this. I want