Thanks, everyone! I’m wrapping up Jane’s story now and will do my best to finish the entire novel by the end of the month.
Jane A deep sadness filled my chest as I joined Sarah's team at Emily and Bronn's cozy home. The smell of Emily's barbecue was in the air, but it did little to lift my mood. I wandered to a quiet spot in their garden, away from the lively conversations. I sat quietly in the garden, drinking beer alone while reflecting on the four years of my life that Brody had taken over. The sound of grass rustling signaled Sarah's approach. Once comforting and familiar, her presence now brought a mix of longing and nervousness. "Can I talk to you?" she asked. I nodded. Part of me wanted to know if she still resented me, but another part feared the answer. Sarah began speaking while staring off into the distance. "Did you know I deliberately ensured our paths wouldn't cross for four years? I... I didn't know how to face you." I pressed my lips together, absorbing her words. A moment of clarity hit me. Why was I still afraid of Sarah's judgment when I was the one who had destroyed the beautif
Jane Before I got into the yellow taxi, Brody managed to catch up with me, wearing house slippers as he followed me. "Jane!" He grabbed my arm, his fingers trembling slightly. "Please, don't go," he panted, his green eyes wide with panic. "I can't take this anymore, Brody! I've ignored the office rumors, the glances, and your 'work dinners' with Sonia. But finding her in our home, wearing my clothes? This is too much!" I shouted angrily. He glanced around at the people staring at us, clearly uncomfortable with the public scene. "Jane, please, let's not create a scene. We can talk about this at home," he said, which further fueled my anger. "If you don't want a scene, return to the penthouse and leave me alone!" I snapped. Brody ran a hand through his hair, leaving it even more tousled. "Sonia needed a safe place to stay tonight, so she's here at the apartment. Her boyfriend hurt her, and she needs to hide. Our apartment was the only place I could think of where she'd be safe
Jane My heart pounded as the weight of an arm draped across my body. "Ahhhh!" I screamed, instinctively recoiling from the unexpected touch. Beside me, Brody jolted upright, eyes wide with alarm. "What the hell, Jane?!" he exclaimed, his voice hoarse from sleep. A rush of memories from our last encounter flooded my mind. I pointed an accusatory finger at him, confused about why he was there with me. "W-what the hell are you doing here?" I stopped short, taking in the unfamiliar room. It was spacious and elegantly furnished, with large windows framing an unknown view. "Shit! W-where am I?" A serene landscape greeted me outside the window, with lush green leaves and colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze. "Calm down, alright? You're at my place in Henderson," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "Your place? How?" I could hardly believe it. I'd met Brody in Europe, and we'd been together there for four years. He never mentioned owning a home in Nevada. It wouldn't
Jane For three more days, I focused on work at Luminary Productions in Highland Hills. Despite the familiar surroundings, I found little comfort as I prepared to return to London next week. Brody kept calling me several times, and Sonia also kept sending me messages. Sonia's texts grew increasingly venomous: Sonia: 'Jane, don't think that Brody loves you. He's struggling to keep his good public image and manage office politics. Your separation would ruin his company. Face it—the only reason he's staying in this sham of a marriage is because of your Cornell surname.' Her next message dripped with hostility: Sonia: 'Stop being a bitch! You're making things hard for Brody. Because of you, there are problems here at the office.' I swiftly reported her number as a scammer and blocked her. Why does it seem like I'm the one at fault? Seriously! With trembling hands, I fired off a text to Brody: 'Tell your mistress to stop disturbing me, or else she'll face my lawyer!' The constant
Jane "Are you saying you intentionally approached me, Brody?" I asked my husband, confusion and hurt mingling in my voice. "Yes, Jane. I know about your infatuation with Bronn four years ago. Jakob explained it to me in detail," he admitted. "In that case, why did you marry me, Brody?" My mind raced, thinking he had used my admiration for his cousin to his advantage. Perhaps he made a deal with my father to keep me away from Bronn and Emily. But Brody's following words caught me completely off guard. "Because I genuinely like you, Jane. I… I’m the one who approved your application to the university in London as an exchange student." I gasped in shock; the news hit me hard. "I admit, I was still in a relationship with Sonia during that time," Brody continued. "She knew about my feelings for you and, believe it or not, encouraged me to pursue a relationship with you." My face soured at his words. It made me face the truth about their so-called 'open relationship.' Sonia was his n
Sarah As we entered the hotel, my family was greeted by the fragrant air freshener smell. Rowan and Iris seemed excited to leave Serenity Pines Estate finally. Their outings from the villa had been limited for the past four years, but on the last day I brought the twins to the Luminary Productions' office, we were photographed getting out of the car. The uproar was immediate and intense. Social media exploded with speculation, gossip columns spread theories, and even respected news outlets couldn't resist the story. As much as we wanted to keep them anonymous, we knew staying silent would only lead to more speculation. After hours of deliberation and consultations with our PR team, Philip and I decided to address the public. Just a week later, we were at my father, Chairman Benner's, high-profile birthday party. It was our first public appearance as a family, and I couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. "Miss, your invitation, please?" asked the doorman as we approached the enor
Sarah Two of Chairman Benner's bodyguards—burly men in black suits—followed us closely, their eyes constantly scanning the air. The tension was thick, and the silence between us was oppressive. As we approached the Presidential Suite, memories flooded my mind. It had been years since we'd shared any meaningful interaction. The last time we truly spoke, I was pregnant with the twins, and his words had cut deeper than any knife. The pain and rejection still felt fresh, a wound that refused to heal. When we entered the suite, a crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the spacious living area. My father then excused himself. "I'll just change my clothes," he said. Without waiting for a response, he disappeared into the primary bedroom, leaving me alone in the abundant space. Sitting on the soft couch in the suite's living area, I sent a message to Philip. Me: 'Babe, I'm with Chairman Benner in his suite. He intercepted the wine Margarette was about to pour on me. Out of courtesy, I
Sarah Eleven years ago... Darkness had settled over the tropical landscape, with the moon barely visible through the thick clouds. Waves crashed fiercely against the shore behind our villa, their rhythmic roar contrasting sharply with the chaos inside. Today was meant to be a joyous occasion—my 17th birthday. My family was at the Palm Beach resort to celebrate, but it didn't feel like a celebration. My parents had been in their room for a while. All I knew was that my father had been drinking heavily after receiving some documents from his assistant. Their argument echoed through the villa. The walls were thin, offering no soundproofing. "Please don't do this, Xavier!" my mother pleaded, her voice filled with despair. The sickening sound of shattering glass punctuated her words, followed by heart-wrenching sobs, and it made Amir and me uneasy. "Brother, I'm afraid…" I whispered to Amir, trembling as he held me. He didn't respond. I had forgotten that he had already started to
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