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Sarah "Jakob, that's impossible!" I exclaimed, clutching my forehead as a headache started to form from what my friend had just told me. The room seemed to spin as I tried to process his words. "I have no relationship with Josh! I don't even see him that way!" I started to pace frantically across the marble floor. My strongest connection with Josh is our friendship, but it's nowhere near as close as what I share with Jakob or Jane. A sharp pain shot through my lower back, and my stomach twisted painfully. I placed a hand on my swollen belly, trying to soothe both myself and the babies inside me. "No, Sarah. I'm not kidding," Jakob replied, his tone serious. Sinking onto the plush sofa, legs suddenly weak, "You mean there's no filter on the video? You realize I'm pregnant, right? Besides, Josh is dead!" My voice wavered with concern. "Oh, right! But look at the date on the video. It says it was captured months ago. It's possible your belly wasn't showing yet, and Josh was st
Emily Lost in thought, I remembered the day Bronn tried to convince me to move to Henderson with Willow. It was months ago... My phone buzzed with a message from Bronn: Bronn: 'Emily, why are you turning down my offer? This isn't just about us, and it's for Willow. We'll get along so our daughter can have the complete family she deserves. We'll let the public know slowly, but I really want to keep this quiet for now so Willow doesn't get hounded by paparazzi and gossip columnists.' A tickle in my nose preceded a sudden sneeze. The bright screen of my phone seemed to pierce my already strained eyes, so I set it aside. Not a single thing Bronn said made me happy. I allowed him to visit our child; I think he already won her over—with nothing more than a clubhouse sandwich! Tss! But I can't agree with Bronn; his contract offer felt like poison to me. He can be a father to Willow without involving me or making me his wife. I didn't even read the content in the contract because I was
Philip Restless with nerves, I paced the hallway in the dim glow of midnight, unable to settle. Sarah had been in the labor room for what felt like an eternity, on the brink of delivering twins prematurely. The anxiety gripped me tight. The twins, still weeks from their due date, now necessitated an urgent C-section due to complications. The mere thought of Sarah undergoing surgery sent waves of unease through me. "Boss, it's Mr. Benner!" Alex said, snapping me out of my worried trance. Amir hurried over, his face etched with worry. I wasn't prepared to face him, my mind racing with many emotions. "Where's Sarah?" Amir demanded, his tone accusatory. Alex glanced at me, then back to Amir. "She's inside, Mr. Benner, undergoing a cesarean section." "What have you done?!" Amir's anger flared, seizing my collar with a fierce grip. "What did you do? Sarah shouldn't be giving birth yet! Did you stress her out about that video circulating online?" he accused fiercely. "Could you, ple
Sarah The incident of the past left me severely traumatized after being admitted to the hospital. During the procedure, panic attacks overwhelmed me. My heart raced, and my breath came in short gasps. Philip's voice, though muffled through the operating room doors, tried to reassure me that he would stay outside to ensure the safety of me and our unborn babies. His words didn't ease my anxiety. The chilling memory of my last experience haunted me—the sudden fear upon waking to find my child no longer safe in my womb. The pain from that loss seemed to blend with my current discomfort, lingering in my body. "Dr. Vanderbilt, Ms. Mitchell's heart rate isn't stabilizing," Dr. Ruth informed Ethan. "Her blood pressure is very high, and it's difficult for me to continue the operation. This much stress could seriously harm her pregnancy." Ethan faced me urgently. "Sarah, you must calm down. I know you're scared, but this much stress could harm your babies. Let's take deep breaths together."
Philip Seeing Josh's picture, I struggle to articulate how it makes me feel. It's almost as though Mariano is playing games with me. Glancing at Sarah, I noticed her lips were still parted in disbelief. "I feel so stupid!" she exclaimed. Her hands gripped the clean white sheets. "Try to stay calm, love," I reassured, squeezing her hand. "I trusted him completely, Philip. I told him about my deepest feelings, my struggles... How could he betray me like this?" Her voice rose, tinged with anger and disbelief. "And who is this new Sarah? What kind of sick game is this?" Glancing at Jakob by the window, I hoped for his insight. He responded with a shrug, his expression tinged with concern. I hadn't told Sarah everything that happened because I didn't want to add more stress to her fragile state. "Don't worry about it. We'll figure this out," I assured her, trying to inject confidence into my voice. "We'll do everything we can." "But it doesn't make any sense! Did that person reall
Philip "What do you mean, 'Who am I?'" the woman asked incredulously, shooting a questioning glance at Trey, feigning confusion. A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Sarah's expressions, the way she speaks, her subtle gestures, even her scent—they're all unique to her. Yours, on the other hand... it's pungent." I took a deep breath, noticing her overpowering perfume. Curious to uncover her identity, I chose my words carefully, masking my intent with floral phrases, hoping she would continue the charade. "Why are you doing this to me, Philip?" She sank into the soft leather couch, her movements awkward and exaggerated. With narrowed eyes, she scrutinized me, her voice thick with feigned emotion. "Is this about Josh? I promise, there's nothing between us. I did have feelings for him once, but they mean nothing—nothing compared to what I feel for you..." Her voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes but not spilling over. Even Trey wasn't buying her Oscar-worthy performance, c
Philip The burial of my mother and my fight with Josh happened on the same day. If I had seen this woman pretending to be Sarah on that day, there's a good chance she knew exactly where I was going and what I was thinking. Mariano's new assistant informed me that Josh's body was missing. The strong ocean currents had taken him, leaving no trace. After a week of searching, Josh was officially declared dead. I wondered just how much Megan knew about Mariano's network. Was she just a pawn or a key player in this twisted game? On the other hand, Sarah told me that Josh was furious with this woman because of what she did. But I began to doubt: what if the bodyguard lied to Sarah to manipulate my wife's trust? The thought made me feel sick. If Josh lied, it would definitely hurt Sarah’s feelings. Josh's true motives were a mystery, a puzzle with pieces that didn't quite fit together. His skill at moving between Megan, Mariano, Madam Olsen, and Sarah effortlessly made me doubt everythi
Sarah Josh was invited into the office to handle the situation discreetly rather than causing a public scene. Thankfully, a small, well-appointed meeting room is prepared for visiting business partners. This room called the Summit Room, is where Lexi and Jakob usually work when they're at Highland Hills overseeing the LoveLogic project app development. At this moment, Josh is seated in the Summit Room. Two trusted security guards stand watch near the door. Looking professionally detached, Jakob sits across from Josh with his laptop open, but his attention is focused on him. In the main office, I introduced myself to Mike and Sophia. "It's a pleasure to meet you both in person," I greeted them, trying to sound warm despite the turmoil in my mind. Mike gave a firm handshake, and Sophia smiled. "It's an honor to meet you face-to-face finally, Ms. Sarah!" Mike replied enthusiastically. Forcing a smile, sweat formed on my forehead. I was waiting for Philip to arrive, as Trey had a
Jane "Jane!" Brody's voice echoed through the hallway, making me freeze. Oh no! He was really here. My heart raced as I approached the door and peeked through the peephole. Brody was on the other side, his broad shoulders filling the frame. His usual neat look was a bit messy—his necktie was crooked, his top button undone, and a hint of stubble darkened his jaw. Should I open the door? "I know you're there, Jane," he said, his voice low and steady. Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned the lock. The click felt loud in the quiet. When the door opened, our eyes met, and the months apart vanished instantly. Brody's eyes scanned my face, lingering on my swollen eyes that showed I'd been crying. I saw a mix of emotions pass over his face: concern, guilt, and something more intense. Without a word, he stepped inside. The scent of his cologne enveloped me as he pushed the heavy oak door closed with his foot. Before I could gather my thoughts, his hands cupped my face, thumbs gentl
Jane When did I genuinely start falling for him so deeply? It was that night four years ago, during a crisp autumn in London. Brody was abroad on a business trip. I was overworked and sick at the time. I had just returned from Paris, feeling dizzy as I stepped into our penthouse in Mayfair. I sneezed as I texted him. Me: 'Just got back from a business trip. What do you want for dinner?' Almost instantly, Brody replied: 'I'm on a business trip in New York. You didn't tell me you were coming back today.' I had wanted to surprise him, so I kept my return a secret. But he hadn't mentioned his trip to me either. Me: 'Alright! Take care!' My nose, already raw and red from constant sneezing, throbbed as I hit send. I dragged myself to the ensuite bathroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothes behind me. The hot shower offered momentary relief, but the room began to spin uncontrollably as I stepped out, wrapped in Brody's oversized bathrobe. I collapsed onto our king-sized bed. The e
Jane Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Philip and Sarah's fairy-tale wedding. We were in Dubai, at Grandpa Mitchell's mansion, surrounded by a small circle of close friends and family, all gathered to witness the couple's intimate vows. Yet, as they exchanged their promises of love, a deep sense of incompleteness washed over me. Perhaps there's truth in the saying that when life becomes a cycle of repetition—office, work, the Cornell mansion, and back again—you start to feel like something important is missing. After the ceremony, I embraced Sarah tightly, tears threatening to spill. "Congratulations, love!" The celebration continued, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I knew I needed to return to London to calm my churning emotions. "Auntie Jane, are you alright?" Iris asked, her voice full of concern as she sat beside me at the round table with Rowan by her side. I plastered on a smile, hoping it looked genuine. "Yes, sweetheart. Why do you ask?" "You look sad." I manage
Sarah My father, Mr. Benner, contacted me again. After years of estrangement, I decided it was time to meet him and finally confront our tumultuous past. Accompanied by Trey, I arrived at the hotel suite where he was staying. His assistant, a woman in her thirties, greeted us at the door with a smile. "Good afternoon, Ms. Mitchell!" she said warmly. "Hello," I managed. "Please, come in," she said, stepping aside to let me enter. I walked across the plush carpet until I saw Mr. Benner. My father, once a towering figure of authority, now sat in a wheelchair. His once jet-black hair had faded to steel gray, and deep lines etched his face. It had been a long time since he had disowned me. "I'm so happy to see you, Sarah," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You've lost so much weight, my dear…" 'My dear…' I approached him, extending a carefully wrapped package. "I brought you something," I said, "Three first editions by Haruki Murakami. Your favorite." He smiled appreci
Sarah Philip gently removed my simple white dress, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and concern as he took in my changed appearance. "W-why are you doing this? Philip, I just came out of a coma. I'm not ready for anything... physical." I said honestly. After nearly two years of medical interventions, my body was still fragile, and I had only been recovering for a month. His gaze softened immediately. "Oh, Sarah, no. That's not why… I'm not trying to take advantage of you. It's just that…" He examined my skin and my arm, which had thinned considerably. I felt a bit uncomfortable with what he was doing. "You've lost so much weight." A flicker of insecurity flashed through me. I pouted and squinted at him. "What do you mean by that? Do you find me unattractive?" "No, no. No, babe!" he vehemently denied. "That's not what I meant. It's just…" It took a while before Philip continued. "I vividly remember the day Marcus shot you. Your last appearance is etched in my mind. I
Philip I'm here at Serenity Pines Estate, seeking a bit of solitude before midnight passes. Despite weeks of working nonstop, Sarah's presence lingered everywhere. Her hold on my heart hasn't faded with time or distance. As soon as I stepped through the door, it felt like I could see a younger Sarah sitting on the couch, waiting for me. In my mind's eye, she stood, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Have you eaten?" Reality hit hard as my fist clenched. These were just memories, as delicate as spun glass. I walked to the kitchen, where the marble countertops glowed in the moonlight. My hands shook as I reached for the crystal decanter, pouring a generous amount of aged scotch. The amber liquid shimmered, offering a brief escape from my thoughts. I bought Serenity Pines on the second night Sarah and I were married, ensuring it had top-notch security. Sarah might not have noticed, but every part of this home was a tribute to her—from the soft cream bedroom walls to the handcrafted boo
Sarah When asked about my first destination, I pointed towards the school, my heart racing with anticipation. I love Philip deeply, and today is his birthday, but nothing could surpass the joy of reuniting with my children. The school bell rang, and a flood of children poured out of the ornate iron gates. The twins emerged from the gate precisely as planned, followed closely by Josh, who ensured their safety. At first, they didn't recognize me. I felt like a stranger in my own skin, having lost nearly fifty pounds since we last met. Their confused looks tugged at my heart, but I understood. I always will. Iris clutched her beloved rabbit doll, and Rowan had their lunchbox. Tears began to well up in my eyes, but I wiped them away to see the twins more clearly. There was a noticeable difference in how they've changed. They're taller now. Rowan wears glasses, and Iris's skin has lightened. My beautiful, growing children... "Kids, your mom…" I read Josh's lips. His eyes widened
Sarah It felt like drifting through an endless dream, each moment stretching into eternity. After my firstborn's death, grief enveloped me like a suffocating shroud. I retreated, closing my heart and mind to the outside world. Joy became a foreign concept, a distant memory I could no longer grasp. Nothing could penetrate the fog of my sorrow because deep down, I knew I was fundamentally broken—I was not okay. Just like then, my mind feels closed off, wrapped in a thick layer of ice. Driving aimlessly, stopping several times to watch the setting sun. I'm heading into darkness, but whenever I hear my children's voices... Philip... these beloved sounds tug at me, urging me to turn back towards the fading light. But why did I also hear my mother's voice? I resume my journey. The world around me has been leached of color as if a cosmic artist has erased all pigment from the canvas of reality. I'm traveling through an endless road surrounded by empty deserts. The monotony should be
Philip A week passed, then two, then three… Ethan eventually had to ask me to leave, as some patients needed the hospital's facilities more. "I can visit you at Serenity Pines, or even drop by Luminary Productions if you need someone to clean your wounds," Ethan offered. I remained silent. I wanted to stay at the hospital because Sarah was here. Fear gnawed at my chest, making sleep impossible. I was paralyzed by the terror of receiving the devastating news that my wife had passed away, that her body had finally given out, or any other heart-wrenching update while she was out of my reach. As much as I wanted to stay by Sarah's side, I couldn't longer ignore our children's needs. Iris and Rowan needed stability and a bit of normalcy. The hospital, with its sick patients and germs, wasn't a good place for a four-year-old to stay. Rowan's small voice interrupted my thoughts while I changed into a clean t-shirt in my ward, trying to gather the energy to face another day. "Uncle Eth