The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the secluded road where Hugh's car is parked. Inside, the air is thick with the heat of passion as me and Hugh, breathless and entangled, finally separate from each other's n.aked embrace in the backseat. "That was... amazing," Hugh breathes, a lazy grin spreading across his face as he leans back against the plush upholstery. I reply, while shifting my body to lessen the stinging of my wounds, "Yes it was. Making love in your car has its own thrill, doesn't it?" Hugh chuckles, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Absolutely. And the best part is, nobody catches us in the act." We both share a knowing look before slipping into our clothes and returning to our respective seats. As Hugh starts the engine, a weighty silence settles between us only punctuated by our breaths. "Anastasia," Hugh begins tentatively, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, "Now that we made love again, are you now changing your mind about me marryin
The night stretches endlessly, restless thoughts weaving through my mind like an unyielding storm. Sleep eludes me as I grapple with the weight of the impending tragedy. Evelyn's plan to eliminate Hugh and his son on the day of the wedding is inconceivable! I thought such things can only happen in TV series and movies… I pause, toss and turn, realizing that I’m inside a novel, so these things are not impossible. What can I do to stop Evelyn… and Dwight too? How can I prevent the bloodshed without being caught by them? As the first tendrils of dawn paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, I find my thoughts still gnawing at me like a relentless predator stalking its prey, leaving me weary and hollow.A sharp rap on the door shatters the fragile peace of the morning, pulling me from my restless reverie. With a heavy sigh, I rise from the bed, my limbs heavy, not due to my wounds, but due to exhaustion, and make my way to the door.Upon opening it, I’m greeted by the sight of the Omega
After breakfast, I’m told in a very casual manner that Luna Cersei and Beta Evelyn had orchestrated that me and Yvanna visit a bridal shop together without so much as a word of consultation with me. I don’t like the idea, but I must pretend how thrilled I am to be shopping with an actress in a high-end shop. So I maintain my facade of calm and compliance, offering a serene smile to them. Dwight and I arrive at the shop. The bell above the door tinkles as we step inside. As I scan the area, my eyes land on Yvanna, who’s already engrossed in a conversation with a saleswoman, her laughter tinkling like chimes in the wind. Beside her stands Hugh, his tall frame towering over her petite form, his eyes never his phone in his hand, not even making an effort of glancing at his bride-to-be. The moment Yvanna and Hugh realize that me and Dwight are already here, Yvanna quickly clings to Hugh's arm like a vine desperate for support, her fingers trailing possessively over his sleeve as if mark
I push Hugh away, my heart pounding against the walls of my chest. With trembling hands, I reach for the door handle and turn it slowly. As the door creaks open, a sliver of relief washes over me as I catch sight of Risa standing outside… all by herself. "I'm sorry for returning back so quickly," Risa says. "But Miss Yvanna is already in the waiting area, looking for Mr. Hugh." Does Yvanna suspect anything? Does she know that Hugh is with me? Suppressing the urge to voice my concerns, I force a tight-lipped smile and nod at Risa. With a swift motion, I swing the door open wider and gesture for Hugh to step out. Hugh leaves and I catch a glimpse of a teasing smirk on his face. As the door closes behind us with a soft click, I let out a shaky breath, my hands still trembling as I reach for the buttons of the wedding gown. With Risa's gentle assistance, I begin to peel away the cool fabric off my skin. Now in my own clothes, I head back to the waiting area then settle beside Dwight
The wedding preparations are a whirlwind of activity, a blur of decisions made in haste, as if time itself is impatient for the union to be solemnized. I find myself disinterestedly swept along in the tide of planning. The theme is decided upon with little input from me. ‘Vintage elegance,’ they call it. I nod along as my never-will-be-mother-in-law discusses color schemes and decorations with the wedding planners, my mind elsewhere - Hugh and his last message to me, ‘I love you. We’ll get through this. I promise’. I don’t know what he’s planning to make that happen, but I have mine which I’m nervous but determined to do. The venue is also chosen—a grand ballroom in a historic mansion on the outskirts of town. I barely glance at the ornate chandeliers or the sweeping staircase as Dwight and I tour the space, his hand intertwined with mine and sometimes touching my back or the curve of my hip. Flowers are selected with meticulous care, each bloom chosen for its symbolism and signi
DWIGHT’S POV: The first light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow into my bedroom. I lie sprawled across my bed, cocooned in the warmth of being half-asleep, blissfully unaware of the chaos about to erupt in my life. Suddenly, a sharp, infuriated voice shatters the tranquil morning air. "Dwight!" Mom's voice pierces through my dreams like a dagger, dragging me back to consciousness with a jolt.I groan, rubbing my eyes as I struggle to emerge from the depths of slumber. The wedding is in the afternoon, so I don’t understand what’s the rush in waking me up this early. But when mom’s tone doesn’t relent, I force myself to sit up, the lingering tendrils of sleep still clinging to my mind."What is it?" I mumble, my voice thick with drowsiness."Your ridiculous bride is missing!" Mom’s words hit me like a bucket of ice-cold water, banishing the last remnants of sleep from my mind in an instant.Missing?! Anastasia?!Panic surges through me, overriding the grogg
HUGH’S POV: The air hangs heavy with tension as I face the intense gaze of an enraged Dwight. The question echoes in my mind like a relentless drumbeat: Where is Anastasia?! Anxiety gnaws at my insides. Silence is all I can respond ‘cause I don’t know where Anastasia is myself. In the midst of the suffocating silence, a fragment of memory surfaces in my mind – Anastasia's text message etched with determination: I won't marry him. Did she mean to escape? Was that her plan all along? Relief mingles with guilt as I welcome the uncertainty surrounding her and Dwight's impending wedding. But alongside it simmers a potent mixture of apprehension and remorse. Anastasia has entrusted me with her words – trust me – and now I can’t help but wonder if I have failed her. I know, deep down, that Anastasia is more than capable of handling whatever challenges come her way. Yet, the thought of her facing them alone, without my protection, makes me furious at myself and apprehensive for her well
After receiving the notification, I didn't immediately leave ‘cause that’ll only raise suspicion on me. I waited until it’s time for me to take my son back to Yvanna, using this guise as my cover. It’s the perfect alibi, one that would deflect any suspicion and allow me to slip away unnoticed.The midday sun bears down on the avenues, casting long shadows across the streets as I navigate my way towards my destination. Behind the wheel, my grip tightens on the leather, knuckles whitening with anticipation. Beside me, Zachary sits buckled into his car seat. I steal glances into the rearview mirror, scanning for any signs of pursuit. And there’s none… so far.The 7/11 where Anastasia used her credit card that I lent to her looms into view. My pulse quickens as I pull up to the curb, scanning the area for any signs of anyone following me. Satisfied that I’m not being followed, I park my car and turn to my son."Okay, champ," I say softly, unbuckling Zachary from his seat. "We’re going t