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Sarah As I looked at Bronn, a small doubt crept into my thoughts. Could he be the one to make me feel loved and complete? The promise I had silently made to myself, urging me to seek love and companionship. But even with these doubts, I felt a strong sense of urgency. Time was slipping away, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to act quickly amidst the uncertainty that clouded my mind. He's thirty-three, the same age as— I must halt my thoughts there! I'm seething with frustration! Jakob's text message has triggered my whirlwind of thoughts about my utterly insane ex-husband. "Can you at least muster a smile for a moment? Your demeanor is making me feel ancient!" Grandpa Mitchell chastised me as if my usual stoicism was unfamiliar to him. "Grandpa, please refrain from scolding Sarah," Bronn interjected. My grandpa emitted a frustrated huff. "Please disregard Grandpa's earlier comment. I'm here to discuss business and nothing else," Bronn stated. "I'll
Sarah Two distinct objectives drove my journey to Henderson. Firstly, to advance our thriving partnership with BM Technologies. Secondly, to partake in the jubilant festivities marking Amir's engagement. Jessica's family lives in Henderson. Months ago, they had arranged their wedding, but the bitch encountered an issue with her cosmetic surgery. After meeting her in Dubai, she decided to undergo a Brazilian butt lift surgery and a breast augmentation to achieve the hourglass figure she desired for her wedding photos. However, her recovery didn't proceed as smoothly as expected. Concerned about looking foolish in the wedding photos, Jessica decided to postpone the wedding for another year. Lost in concentration in the room provided by BM Technologies for myself and Jakob, I hardly noticed the passing time as my fingers flew across the keyboard, applying the application codes to the platform. I must complete this task as soon as possible. Suddenly, a knock on my desk interrupte
Philip Sarah, my ex-wife, is now entangled with Bronn Martin. From Amir Benner to a computer software developer, she seems to have a penchant for wealthy men, a fact that stirs a deep-seated fury within me. She still retains a youthful allure, with her sophisticated, wavy brown hair cascading down her back. It struck me that she is now twenty-three, no longer the young teenager who once stood beside me in marriage. Her skin seemed to radiate under the gentle washroom lighting, and she was draped in a seductive dark dress that tempted sinful thoughts. "I've been trying to locate you for a year. After hiding away in Dubai, I never anticipated finding you here. I even resorted to financial means, yet received no leads. Are you growing weary of Amir Benner now that he's set to marry, thus turning your attention to Bronn Martin?" I questioned sharply. Sarah's expression remained impassive as she washed her hands, her response devoid of emotion. "I no longer have ties to you, Mr. Co
Sarah I'm seething at Philip's remarks, clenching my fist in frustration. The audacity of this despicable man! Despite being with Megan, he had the nerve to disrespect me, shamelessly stealing a kiss. I despise this tumultuous storm raging within me! The longing persists! The mere touch of Philip's breath, the tender caress of his fingers upon the wineglass, every fleeting glance sends shockwaves through my very essence, threatening to unravel me completely! Yet, I must remind myself of the pain he caused, both to me and our child. I must replace any lingering affection with seething anger. "Are you alright, Sarah?" Bronn's concerned voice breaks through my thoughts as we leave the restaurant. "I'm fine. I'll head back to the suite. See you tomorrow," I reply, masking my turmoil. Philip and Megan exit ahead of us in a whirlwind of tension, with Megan practically throwing a tantrum. The sight of her jealousy and irritation ignites a wicked pleasure within me, especially w
Sarah I've been considering since earlier that we shouldn't run into any problems with BM Technologies, but it didn't make sense if Megan wanted to undermine both Jakob and me. What I really need to contemplate is who's orchestrating all of this. A figure rose from among Philip's team, wearing a plain button-up shirt. Without hesitation, he voiced, "Isn't this strategy you're proposing considered cheating? Are you intending to replace the tool initially selected by Luminary Productions?" "Selected?" I echoed his words. "Yes, just so you're aware, I'm the project manager for this movie project. I'm intimately familiar with the process, having been involved in the selection of the five options. President Cornell entrusted me with this project, and naturally, I prefer to avoid any potential embarrassment." A smirk formed at the corner of my lips. "In that case, may I inquire when the Holoforge was selected?" He glanced briefly at Megan, his tone tinged with annoyance as he re
Sarah My breaths came in shallow gasps, struggling to fill my lungs. Why did I leave my medication in my bag? Regret gnawed at me as I entrusted everything to Jakob and silently made my way to our office to retrieve my medicine bottle. Taking a moment to steady myself, I acknowledged the need for a consultation back in Dubai. The tightness in my chest had become alarmingly frequent since last night. Gathering my composure, I proceeded down the corridor leading to the restroom. As I walked, muffled voices reached my ears, drawing my attention. Peering behind the corner, I observed Megan and Mr. Steele deep in conversation, their tones subdued as if trying to conceal their words from prying ears. "Ms. Megan, what about my job? I'm certain Boss Philip will remove me from the project," Ethan Steele's voice trembled with emotion. I became increasingly convinced that they were conspiring! The project manager added, "You told me this was a directive from Boss Philip, so I t
Philip "Are you Ms. Mitchell's husband?" Mrs. Henderson, a woman in her sixties, inquired, her brow furrowed. It was only noon, and Alex and I found ourselves here after discovering that Sarah had rented apartment number 5 near BM Technologies. "Yes," I confirmed to Mrs. Henderson. "I didn't know Ms. Mitchell was married," she remarked, seeming surprised. "She informed me that we were to stay here for a month, assuming I'd be departing Highland Hills next week to join her. I intended to surprise her by arriving today," I explained. Naturally, it's a lie! Even if I were to apply pressure to Sarah's nose, she wouldn't disclose her whereabouts. Nevertheless, I find comfort in the belief that she's alone and not lodging at the Martins' mansion or Amir Benner's residence. Despite my reassurances, Mrs. Henderson's scrutinizing gaze made me wonder if she doubted my intentions. "I'll call Ms. Mitchell to make sure. You know I can't just hand over the keys to someone I haven't
Sarah "Who are you?!" I exclaimed, my drowsiness evaporating as the door swung open abruptly, revealing three imposing figures barging into the room. The space felt constricting, leaving me nowhere to escape. Panic surged through me as they closed in and seized me. "Help!" I cried out, but my plea was silenced as one of them clamped a hand over my mouth, his breath reeking really bad. "Hey there, babe! We're just here for your belongings," one of them smirked. 'Babe, my foot!' My struggles against his iron grip proved futile as his fingers clamped down, imprisoning me further. "Someone tipped us off that the contents of your bag are valuable," another interjected, snatching my luggage. Desperation fueled my resistance as I writhed in the grasp of one of the men. No! Their eyes darted around the room, searching for any other valuable items they could seize before the man who had snatched my luggage made his exit. 'No! My medicine is in there!' "Let's get out of here!" anoth
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