Angela POVI just wanted to tell them I was leaving, but when I walked in on them, lost in each other's kisses, the sight hit me hard. I knew I had to step away and face my own life.A strange calm settled over me as I watched them. Part of me wanted to shout, to demand answers, but I remembered I had given them a go-ahead order, an unexpected sense of peace. This was what I’d feared, but now that I saw it, I realized it was a chance for me to move on.I cleared my throat softly, enough to make them aware of my presence. “Well, isn’t this a surprise,” I said, a hint of amusement in my voice. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your... reunion.”Lyra's eyes flew open, her face flushing with embarrassment. “Angela, I”I raised a hand to stop her. “It’s all right, Lyra. I came here to tell you both that I’m leaving.”Kurtis pulled away from Lyra, his expression a mix of panic and confusion. “Angela, thank you for doing this, I appreciate it.“Oh, it's fine, ” I said, stepping further into the ro
Angela's POVWhen I first met Alex, it felt like a breath of fresh air. After everything with Kurtis, I was ready to move on, and Alex seemed like the perfect distraction. We started hanging out more, and every time we were together, the chemistry was undeniable. Our conversations flowed so naturally, it was like we’d known each other forever. Alex had this charm that was impossible to ignore. Every time he looked at me, I felt like I was the only woman in the world. It was intoxicating, making me feel alive in a way I hadn’t felt in so long.One evening, after another night of laughter and easy banter, we ended up back at his place. The air between us was thick with anticipation, and I could feel my heart pounding as we sat close on his couch.“Angela,” Alex said softly, his voice full of meaning, “I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I met you.”Before I could even respond, he leaned in, and our lips met. The kiss was everything I didn’t know I was missing, passionate, intense,
Lyra's POVKurtis’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” he whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.I leaned back into him, tilting my head to meet his gaze. “A surprise, huh? What are you up to, Kurtis?” I teased, loving the way he always managed to keep things exciting between us.He grinned, pressing a kiss to my neck. “You’ll see. But you need to get dressed. Something comfortable but cute. We’re going on an adventure.”My curiosity piqued, and I turned in his arms and looked up at him. “An adventure? You’re not giving me any hints?”“Nope,” he said, his smile growing wider. “Just trust me, you’re going to love it.”With a playful eye roll, I disentangled myself from his embrace. “Alright, Mr. Mysterious, I’ll play along. But this better be good.”Kurtis chuckled, giving me a light smack on the behind as I headed towards the bedroom. “Oh, it will be,” he called after me, h
Angela’s POVAfter the fight with Alex, I couldn’t take it anymore. His constant need to control everything, his overprotectiveness, and his insistence on being in charge, it was suffocating. I needed to get away.As I packed my bag, I didn’t even glance at him. He was standing in the doorway, frustration and desperation clear on his face, but I didn’t care. My heart pounded, and I knew he was hoping I’d change my mind, but I was done. I muttered to myself, “I have to do this for me. I can’t keep living like this. I need to breathe, to think clearly. I’m not going to let him stop me.”His voice cut through the silence. “Angela, can we talk about this? Please?”I didn’t look up. “There’s nothing left to say, Alex. I need space. I need to figure things out on my own.”“Angela, please, don’t go,” he said again, stepping closer. His voice was softer now, almost pleading. “We can talk about this, figure it out together.”I know Lyra and Kurtis are living their best lives, but me? The one
Angela POV I spent days at Sophie’s, trying to clear my head and figure out what I wanted. Every morning, I’d wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of birds chirping outside her window. It was peaceful, a world away from the tension that had become my life with Alex. But no matter how much I tried to focus on myself, my thoughts always drifted back to him. The way he looked at me, the way he held me, and the promises he made that he’d change.Sophie noticed, of course. She could tell that I was struggling. One morning, as we sat in her garden, she finally said what she’d been holding back.“Angela, I can see it on your face. You’re thinking about going back to him, aren’t you?”I hesitated, knowing she wouldn’t like my answer. “I don’t know, Sophie. Maybe. He’s been texting me every day, apologizing, saying he’ll change. What if he means it this time?”She sighed, putting down her cup of tea. “You can’t be serious. Angela, you’ve seen this pattern before. He promises to
Kurtis’s POVAs I lay there with Lyra, it felt like everything else vanished. The world around us blurred into the background, leaving just the two of us in this perfect moment. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The soft light from the setting sun gave her skin a warm, golden glow, making her look almost unreal. She was so beautiful and peaceful that it took my breath away.I reached out, my fingers gently weaving through her hair, feeling its softness between my fingers. Each strand seemed to catch the light, shimmering like gold in the evening sun. I couldn't help but marvel at how stunning she was, how every little detail about her seemed to be touched by some kind of magic.Her eyes, half-closed in contentment, sparkled like the ocean just before dusk, reflecting the love and trust we shared. I traced my thumb along her jawline, taking in the smoothness of her skin, the gentle curve of her lips, and the way her chest rose and fell with each calm breath.I tightened my hold on Lyra,
Lyra’s POVI was lost in thought, feeling like I had everything I could ever want with Kurtis by my side. Despite everything, I was still grateful to Angela, my twin, for bringing him into my life. The warmth of Kurtis’s body against mine, his arms wrapped securely around me, made me feel grounded like everything in the world had finally fallen into place.We were quiet for a while, just enjoying the peace of the moment, but I could sense that Kurtis had something on his mind. He tilted his head down, his gaze meeting mine with a look that was both curious and tender.“Tell me more about yourself, Lyra,” he asked softly, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “And about Angela. I want to understand everything about you.”I felt a lump form in my throat at his request. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to share, but talking about Angela always brought up a mix of emotions I wasn’t sure I was ready to face. Still, the sincerity in Kurtis’s eyes, the way he held me a
Angela POVI tried, I did. After that night, I decided to give Alex the attention he was craving. We started spending more time together, doing all the things couples do when they’re trying to make it work. We went out for dinner, watched movies, and even took a weekend trip to the coast. On the surface, everything seemed fine. We laughed, we kissed, we held each other close, but deep down, something was missing.As the days passed, the unease in my chest grew stronger, gnawing at me like an unwelcome guest who refused to leave. It wasn’t just a fleeting feeling anymore; it was a constant presence, shadowing my every thought and action. I found myself overanalyzing every interaction with Alex, searching for the connection we once had, but it always seemed just out of reach. I’d smile when he cracked a joke, but the laughter felt hollow, echoing in the empty spaces between us.Every time he reached out to hold my hand or kiss my cheek, I felt a slight hesitation, a flicker of doubt tha
Lyra POV As I looked at Kurtis' determined face, I knew he was up to fight, so I asked him again. “Kurtis,” I said softly, pulling back to look up at him. “What do we do now?”His arms tightened around me as if shielding me from the weight of the world. His eyes burned with unwavering determination, his voice low and steady. “We fight back,” he said.Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. The sound of each tap echoed in the silence, amplifying my nerves.“Kurtis, what are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting mine, filled with resolve. “I’m calling someone who can help us. You’ve been running for too long, Lyra. That ends now.”He raised the phone to his ear. “Dpo,” he said firmly when the call connected, his tone sharp and commanding. “It’s time. Pull everything we have on James and Alice. I want every shred of dirt they’ve ever tried to bury. Ba
Lyra’s POV The coffee shop had quieted down, the hum of the espresso machine and the occasional clink of cups the only sounds breaking the stillness. Kurtis sat across from me, his hands gripping his cup so tightly I feared it might shatter. His gaze was fixed on me, intense and unwavering, as if he were trying to peel back my layers and see straight into my soul. But I was already bare before him. “Lyra,” he said finally, his voice low, rough. “I need to know something before I go any further.” I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “What is it?” His jaw tightened as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Are you still in love with me?” The question hit me like a freight train, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My hands trembled, and I clutched my cup as if it could anchor me to the earth. “Kurtis...” I began, but he cut me off, his voice firm and unrelenting. “No, Lyra. Don’t skirt around this. I need to hear it from you. Because if I’m
Lyra's POV I held my breath as Kurtis flung the door open, his presence a storm brewing in the doorway. James stood there, arrogance etched across his face, but even he faltered under Kurtis's fiery gaze. My heart thundered as I gripped Kurtis's arm, trying to hold him back from what I knew could escalate into something dangerous. “Kurtis, don’t,” I whispered, desperation thick in my voice. He ignored me, stepping forward, his towering frame blocking the doorway like a sentinel. “James, leave. Now.” James smirked, though it wavered. “This is between me and Lyra.” “No,” Kurtis said, his voice low and threatening, “this ended the moment you thought you could force her into something she didn’t want. I’m not letting you ruin her life anymore.” The tension between them was suffocating, and I knew if I didn’t intervene, things would spiral. “Stop!” I stepped between them, my palms pressed against Kurtis's chest. “Please, both of you, stop this madness!” Kurtis’s jaw was clench
Kurtis POV I paced the length of the living room again, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides. The more I thought about Lyra, the more my frustrations turned into an unbearable ache. My heart wasn’t just heavy, it felt shredded, raw with every beat. The dream of her marrying James wasn’t just a figment of my imagination; it felt like a warning, like my soul already knew something I didn’t. The thought of her signing her life away to someone else made my chest tighten. My mind replayed every moment we’d spent together, every promise we’d made, and every touch that had once told me we were unshakable. But now? Now, everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers, and I was powerless to stop it. I couldn’t wait any longer. If I didn’t go to her now, I’d lose her for good. “Tomorrow is too far away,” I muttered under my breath, grabbing my car keys and storming out the door. The drive to her place was a blur. My grip on the steering wheel was tight, and my chest
Kurtis POV I paced the length of the living room, the soft carpet muffling my restless footsteps. My mind was a battlefield, torn between anger, confusion, and a raw, aching sense of helplessness. The image of Lyra signing that marriage certificate in my dream haunted me, her trembling fingers and the tears she couldn’t hide. I couldn’t shake it off. What if it wasn’t just a dream? What if it was a prelude to my reality? "Stop it, Kurtis," I muttered to myself, dragging my hands down my face. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the silence of the room was deafening. I needed to hear her voice, to have her tell me this was all in my head. Grabbing my phone, I dialed her number for the hundredth time this week. It rang and rang until her voicemail kicked in. *“Hi, this is Lyra. Leave a message.”* I clenched my teeth, frustration boiling over. I couldn’t even hear her say my name anymore. What was I supposed to do with this silence? Without thinking, I hurled the ph
Kurtis POV I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the phone in my hands. The last message from Lyra was still there, short and cold, cutting through me like a knife. She’d told me she was getting married to James, just like that. No explanation, no chance for me to argue, nothing. She refused to answer my calls after that, her texts growing shorter and more distant until they stopped altogether. I couldn’t understand it. Lyra wasn’t the type to shut people out, especially not me. I asked her once, begged, even, why she was doing this. “Why leave me for him, Lyra? What does James have that I don’t?” Her response had been vague, her eyes clouded with something I couldn’t read. “It’s complicated, Kurtis. Please don’t ask me this again.” Complicated. That was all she gave me, leaving me stranded with a million questions and a heart that felt like it was being torn apart piece by piece. I leaned back against the headboard, exhaustion weighing on me. My mind couldn’t stop racing
Lyra’s POV The door slammed shut behind Alice, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence of my room. My hands trembled as I pressed them against the cool wooden surface, my forehead resting against it. I wanted to scream, to cry, to throw something, but none of that would help. None of it would undo the mess I was in. I slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest as the weight of everything crushed me. The choices I’d made, the lies I’d told, the sacrifices, was any of it worth it? “Should I tell Kurtis everything?” The thought slipped into my mind like a whisper, bringing both hope and fear. Curtis, my savior, the man who’d shown me what it felt like to be truly loved. He’d understand, wouldn’t he? He’d hold me, tell me it wasn’t my burden to bear, and promise to take care of everything. But then what? The image of Kurtis Face twisted in anger as I told him the truth made my stomach churn. What if he didn’t understand? What if he saw me as weak, as someone who co
Lyra’s POV The mansion felt colder than usual, even though the temperature hadn't changed. The weight of James’s hold on me and the suffocating presence of Alice made the air thicker and harder to breathe. My footsteps echoed against the marble floors as I made my way toward the living room, trying to steel myself for whatever verbal sparring match Alice had planned for me that day. She was sitting there, her legs crossed elegantly, sipping tea as if she hadn’t just ruined my life with one malicious smile. Her perfectly manicured nails clicked against the porcelain cup when she set it down. Her gaze locked on me the moment I entered. "Lyra," Alice began, her voice sweet, yet dripping with venom. "Why the long face? Did my brother disappoint you again, or are you simply contemplating running away from your responsibilities?" I froze mid-step, forcing my expression into something neutral. "What are you talking about, Alice?" She rose slowly, her movements as deliberate as a pr
Lyra POV The cold night air stung my face as I stumbled down the dimly lit street. My chest felt tight, each breath dragging painfully through my lungs as I struggled to hold back the tears threatening to spill over again. My heart was a tangled mess, torn between the man I couldn’t let go of and the choices I’d made to keep him safe. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of Ella’s door. My fists trembled as I knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet. It took only a moment before the door opened, and Ella stood there, her expression shifting from surprise to concern in an instant. “Lyra,” she gasped, pulling me inside. “What happened to you? Why are you crying?” Her voice was frantic, her hands gripping my arms as if to steady me. I shook my head, unable to meet her gaze. “Ella, I…” My voice broke, and the tears I’d been holding back spilled over, hot and relentless. “Lyra, talk to me.” She led me to her couch, her warm hands pressing against mine as she sat beside me. “Wh