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27. Shattered
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Theodore's Regret 28. The last visit
ALINAI felt empty, staring into my reflection before the mirror. My face was dull, framed with bags underneath it, as continuous tears flowed down my cheeks. ‘You should give your marriage a chance,' Millie’s words echoed in my mind before anger surged within me as my eyes glared at my reflection. This is what I get for giving my marriage a chance? Brutal embarrassment and destruction of self respect. I scoffed for even thinking for a minute that I could have had my happy ending with a devil like him. A sinister, evil minded, vengeful person like Theodore only knew how to destroy people, not love them. Not give them a happy ending. And here I thought I could change him. Why the fuck had I forgotten that this was real life? Not some fantasy fiction I could write!My eyes fell on the emerald pendant lying on the dresser. The one he had gifted me for my birthday and I was a fool to think he cared for me. He didn't gave a fuck about me. He just used me to get what he wanted. And now tha
Theodore's Regret 29. Waking up
Alina's povMy eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar room, the dull throb in my head a persistent reminder of something unpleasant. The bed beneath me felt foreign, and as I attempted to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over me. Panic set in as I struggled to piece together the events that had led me to this mysterious place.The door to the room creaked open slowly, and through the dim light, a figure emerged. Recognition sparked in my eyes as I squinted at her. I vividly remembered her from somewhere, though the details eluded me."Who are you?" I asked, her eyes narrowing with concern as I winced in pain."Hi, I'm Thea. How are you feeling now?" she continued, her voice gentle but laced with an underlying tension."Like I've been hit by a truck," I groaned, clutching my head in my hands."Well, you were, but a car in this case," Thea explained matter-of-factly, causing my frown to deepen.The memories flooded back – rain pelting down, headlights piercing through the storm, and then
Theodore's Regret 30. The Truth
ALINA“I'm not in any trouble.” I explained. “I went to meet my father.” I knew I was stupid to trust a complete stranger at this moment in my life, but I felt this certain way about her. She was nice. And vibes don’t lie. “Oh, is everything alright?” She asked sympathetically. “Not really. But it's going to be now.” “So where do you live?” That was a question I didn't really have an answer for. Where did I live? Not with Theodore anymore. And there was no way I would go back to my father's house. I don't want to remember anything about my past. “I don't have a place to live, yet. But I guess I'll find it.” “Oh, I am so sorry. By the way, you don't have to worry. You can live here with me as long as you want. Besides, I'll have some company apart from the trees and animals, I guess.” Thea chuckled. “Thank you.” I smiled genuinely at her. “But I really don't want to be a burden.” “Nonsense, you feel like family already. I'd really be happy if you live with me till the time you h
Theodore's Regret 31. Drunk
Theodore's PovThe deafening pulse of the club's music reverberated through my skull as I downed another glass of alcohol, the burn offering a fleeting distraction from the tormenting thoughts that clawed at my mind. Alina's betrayal echoed in my head like a haunting refrain. I had earnestly tried to be a better person for her, to rise above the shadows of my past, and yet here I was, drowning my sorrows in a sea of alcohol. The images of her deceit played on a loop in my mind, a cruel slideshow of betrayal that fueled my desperate quest for numbness. From anyone she could have chosen, she chose fuckign Nathan! Just why! Especially when I told her to stay away from him!Glass after glass, I sought solace in the amber liquid, hoping the intoxication would blur the harsh reality of her actions. I entertained the thought of using her like she used me for money, a twisted retaliation that seemed to promise relief from the heartache. But the more I drank, the more the pain intensified, and
Theodore's Regret 32. New beginnings
ALINA'S POV4 YEARS LATER“Thea! Where did you put my sneakers?” I rummaged through the shoe rack, still not being able to find my favorite sneakers that Thea, apparently, is in love with. So yes she often uses them and always misplaces them. Not to forget, they are super comfortable so I wear them to work. Talking about work, I found myself a job in a cafe thirty minutes away from Thea’s house. And of course, by thirty minutes, I mean a thirty minute drive. Because let's not forget, we live in the middle of nowhere. And Thea was right. It is very peaceful here. No one to worry you or piss you off. Just some animals in the backyard, a lot of trees and my little bundle of joy with Thea of course. “I left it under your bed!” I hear her shout from downstairs. This woman seriously. I don't know how she has been able to survive on her own without me. I was the one who was always responsible for taking care of things and setting them straight, where they belong. And the moment she comes bac
Theodore's Regret 33. REGRETS
Theodore's Pov “That's not good for your health, you know.” Daniel sighed, gazing at the third empty bottle of wine I downed today. It wasn't this bad usually. I would only push myself until I got over with one, maximum two. But today was the day I divorced her four years ago. Over what? A fucking misunderstanding! Knowing well that fucking bastard Nathan would go to any extent to snatch my happiness out of my hands. And I made him successful in his plans. Without verifying anything. Every year I would beat myself up for the way I treated her. For everything I did to her. I should have known, she wasn't like other women I knew. She was different. From the first moment I laid my eyes on her, my heart would beat differently. My heart was screaming at me that morning, to take back my words. To trust her words. But my mind was at war. It could not erase the pictures, the video that haunted it. “Did you get any leads?” I ignored his previous statement and asked him instead. He was the own
Theodore's Regret 34. THE CREEP
ALINA'S POV The cafe was awfully packed today. That only meant one thing for me. Taking orders after orders. “One cranberry juice and chocolate waffles,” I punched in the order of the last customer in my system before asking him. “Would you like anything else?” I asked, without lifting my eyes from the screen. “Yes, actually. Your number.” That had me snap my face to him with the deepest scowl I had. There was no doubt he was good looking, but still. This man just decided to go for the kill. “I have a kid,” I announced to him, hoping that would make him back off. “I love kids,” he gave me a heart melting smile. “Besides,” he rested his elbow on the counter leaning on it, “you only mentioned your kid. No husband? Which means you need to start looking around. Preferably, right in front of you.” I hated his smirk. Of course it was panty dropping, but he was a flirt. A big one on that. I had no time for all of this in my life. All I wanted was to stay undercover, and keep earning th
Theodore's Regret 35. The Reality
THEODORE'S POVMy head was parched on my hands, as my elbows rested on my office desk. A knock was heard on the door as I told the person to come in. “Mr. Maxwell, Mr.Summers would like to meet you.” I sighed before lifting my face up and nodded at my personal assistant, Kevin. “Send him in.” Mr.Summers entered after a few minutes, giving me a gentle smile. “How are you doing?” He asked, taking his place on the seat opposite to me. “I've been better.” This man became like a dad to me in the last few years. He had disowned Nathan after I uncovered his heinous acts. Mr and Mrs Summers were disappointed in him and couldn't believe he would stoop as low as he did. I would have killed him that day when I got to know the truth if his dad wouldn't have interfered. FLASHBACK4 years back. I had sent in the pictures and the videos for verification if they were real or not. I was in my office, not able to concentrate on anything after everything that had happened in my life, when my inves
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Theodore's Regret 105. Epilogue
Alina's Pov 2 years later “Are you crazy?” Thea yells barging into my office. “I can't believe you are doing this today out of all days!” I ignored her, continuing to type furiously on my laptop. I got used to her barging into the publishing house every second day and complaining about something or the other. It's what made her Thea. Yes I had taken over the publishing house and now became a successful Author and owner of this business. Theodore was utterly proud of all the hard work and my achievements and finally after a year, I got my reward of becoming the bestseller. I had only ever imagined it in my dreams, so living it felt surreal. “Bruh! We are going to be late for the signing!” Thea shut my laptop, making me sigh. Why did I hire her as my manager once again? Yeah, to keep me on track. And she was just doing her job, I reminded myself and killed the urge to slap her. She loved her job by the way. She said it was thrilling. “I was in the middle of a very important sc
Theodore's Regret 104. Once and For All
Alina's Pov I did it. I signed the last contract. Was it selfish of me to do that? Maybe. So I regret it? No. Because I wasn't going to take another chance in my life because at first, it was just me. But now, my son is also involved. No one in the world would I allow anyone to be unjust to him. So I did it for his sake. Call me a gold digger or whatever, but I had to protect my son's future before anything. As I stood in the kitchen, absently stirring my coffee, the events of last night replayed in my mind with startling clarity. Theodore and I had been lying on the cool garden grass, the stars glittering like diamonds above us. It was one of those rare, serene moments where the world seemed to pause just for us.I remember the hesitation in Theodore's voice as he turned to me, his eyes reflecting the night sky. "Alina," he began slowly, "I don't want you to feel pressured into answering this, but I've been wondering... If I hadn't done the things I did in the past, do you think yo
Theodore's Regret 103. The Last Contract
Theodore's PovI was buried in paperwork, the soft hum of my office providing a soothing backdrop as I reviewed a critical document. The numbers were lining up, and for once, it seemed like the day might end without any surprises. Just as I was about to finish, my phone rang, jolting me from my concentration.I glanced at the screen. It was Daniel. Strange, I thought, answering the call. "Hey, Daniel. What's up?""Where are you!?" Daniel’s voice was urgent, almost frantic."I'm at the office. Why?" I responded, my confusion growing."And Alina? Where is she? And Asher?" "They're supposed to be at home. Why? What's wrong?" "Nathan has gotten bail! Last according to my sources, he's going towards your penthouse!" Daniel's words sent a chill down my spine. I didn't waste a second. Slamming the phone down, I bolted from my office, my heart pounding in my chest. The drive to the penthouse was a blur. All I could think about was getting to Alina and Asher before Nathan did.As I neared t
Theodore's Regret 102. Right on Time
Alina’s PovThe sun was shining brilliantly, casting a golden hue over the park as I spread out the picnic blanket. Asher was already dashing off to join the other kids, his laughter filling the air. It was one of those perfect days that made you forget all your troubles, even if just for a moment.I unpacked the picnic basket, laying out sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. I watched Asher play, a smile tugging at my lips. Life had changed so much in the span of a few days. From grappling with the loss of my estranged father to deciding to take over the publishing house, it felt like I was finally stepping into my own.Theodore had been my rock through it all. His support, his unwavering belief in me, had given me the strength to face everything. And now, here I was, planning to start a new chapter, determined to make the most of the opportunities before me."Mommy, look!" Asher called out, holding up a flower he'd picked."It's beautiful, sweetie," I called back, waving at him.As the af
Theodore's Regret 101. The Letter
Alina's Pov As I opened the letter, I watched carefully as my heart was pounding in my chest. I unfold the paper with trembling hands and began to read. The silence in the car feeling heavy, each second stretching out as my eyes take in what was written. My Dearest Alina,If you are reading this, then my time has come, and I have departed from this world. There are no words that can truly express the remorse I feel for the pain and suffering I caused you. I know I was never the father you deserved. I was selfish, cruel, and neglectful, and I let my ambitions and grudges take precedence over my duties to you as a parent.Signing you away to Theodore was the most disgraceful thing I ever did. I justified it as a business decision, but deep down, I knew it was wrong. It was not until I was imprisoned that I began to see the full extent of my failures and the hurt I had inflicted on you. I asked you to visit, hoping to have the chance to make amends, to explain myself, and to beg for
Theodore's Regret 100. The Funeral
Alina's Pov "How... when?"Theodore takes a step closer, his expression softening as he reaches for my hand again. "Earlier today," he says gently. "I'm so sorry, Alina."I feel a strange numbness wash over me, a mix of shock and disbelief. "I... I don't know what to say," I stammer, my voice breaking."It's okay," Theodore murmurs, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "Take your time."I cling to him, the weight of the news pressing down on me. The room fades into the background as I try to process the reality of my father's death, feeling Theodore's steady presence grounding me in the midst of my turmoil.I stand there, wrapped in Theodore's embrace, but all I feel is a strange, unsettling numbness. No sadness, no remorse, just a void where my emotions should be. The news echoes in my mind, but it feels distant, as if it's happening to someone else.I pull back slightly, looking up at Theodore. "I don't... I don't feel anything," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "I tho
Theodore's Regret 99. The Movie Night
Alina's PovAs I opened the door to the penthouse, Thea stood there with a huge grin, her arms loaded with bags of snacks and a couple of DVDs. It had been way too long since we'd had one of our legendary sleepovers."Thea! You made it!" I exclaimed, giving her a tight hug."Of course I did! Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, squeezing me back. "Where's my little man?""Asher! Aunt Thea's here!" I called out.Within seconds, a blur of curly hair and infectious energy came barreling towards us. Asher threw himself into Thea's arms, giggling wildly as she lifted him off the ground."I've missed you so much, buddy!" Thea said, spinning him around. Asher squealed with delight, his laughter filling the room."We've missed you too," I said softly, watching them with a smile.After settling in and catching up a bit, we gathered on the couch with a mountain of popcorn between us. Asher sat between Thea and me, his eyes wide with excitement as he looked at the stack of movies on the
Theodore's Regret 98. A Reminder of Past
Alina's Pov Cooking with Asher was always a delightful, messy adventure. This morning, he had insisted on helping me make pasta. At just four years old, he had a fiery determination and an eagerness to be involved in whatever I was doing. How could I say no to his bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm?“Okay, sweetheart, you can help Mommy,” I said, lifting him up to sit on the kitchen counter. His eyes sparkled with joy, and he clapped his tiny hands in excitement."Yay! I help Mama," he declared proudly.I set the ingredients out on the counter: a packet of pasta, a variety of spices, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Asher leaned forward, eyes wide, surveying the array of items before him. He reached for the spice jars, his small hands struggling a bit with the lids.“Let me help you with that, love,” I said, gently twisting off the cap of the oregano for him. “This is oregano. Smell it. Isn’t it wonderful?”Asher took a big whiff and scrunched up his nose, making a face that m
Theodore's Regret 97. Love Under The Stars
Alina's Pov Without breaking the kiss and having his hand wrapped around me, he effortlessly walked to the other side of the decoration and it was only then I noticed a beautiful pastel tent decorated with fairy lights waiting for us. “What are you—” my words were silenced as his lips captured mine in a fervent kiss. The world around us disappeared. His hands slid up my sides, pulling me closer as I deepened the kiss, our tongues tangling in a dance of raw need. My soft lips yielded to his, and I clutched his shoulders, pulling him even closer. The intensity of the moment consumed us, our breaths mingling, my gasps fueling his desire. He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek as I tilted my head, exploring his mouth with a hunger I couldn’t contain. My fingers threaded through his hair, tugging gently. Every touch, every caress was electric, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing second. I could feel my heart pounding against his chest,
