Sarah pov.I wasn’t sure what to expect when Richard suggested a hike. Hiking wasn’t really my thing; I usually liked my exercise in a nice, controlled environment—like a gym or a quick run. But seeing his excitement, I couldn’t resist. There was something about Hawaii that made me feel open to anything, like there was no room for complaints or doubts here. So, I laced up my shoes, determined to give it a shot.“Ready?” he asked, flashing me that grin that always made my heart skip a beat.I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but inside, I was as excited as he was. “Lead the way, mountain man.”As we started up the trail, the forest around us was lush and alive, thick with towering trees and the scent of wet earth. Birds chirped somewhere above us, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, making the path ahead look like something out of a storybook. I glanced over at Richard, wondering if he felt the same thrill, that quiet amazement that made you want to just… be still an
Richard pov.The sun was just beginning to rise, casting soft, golden light over the waves outside our window. I looked over at Sarah, still peacefully asleep beside me, her hair falling over her face in a way that made her look younger, and more carefree. For the first time in a long time, I felt that same lightness. I wanted today to be something special—a day that would remind us both why we were here, together.I reached over, gently nudging her shoulder. “Hey, sleepyhead. Time to get up.”She groaned, burying her face into the pillow. “It’s too early, Richard,” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.“Come on, I’ve got a whole day planned for us. You don’t want to miss this,” I said, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice, but failing.Finally, she cracked one eye open, giving me a look. “What exactly did you sign us up for?”“You’ll see,” I said, handing her a cup of coffee I’d prepared just the way she liked it—strong and a little sweet. “Trust me, you’re going to lov
Sarah pov.I’ll never forget the look on Richard’s face when I told him he was in for a “casual” night. He’d just come back from the beach with hair full of sand, and I’d told him to go rinse off and get ready for a surprise dinner. He’d arched an eyebrow, squinting at me in that way he does when he’s trying to figure out if I’m joking. “You? Planning a dinner? Who’s helping you?” he teased, grinning. I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. “I can plan a romantic dinner, Richard,” I shot back, trying to look as serious as possible. His laughter echoed through the room. “Alright, I’m trusting you! But if this involves takeout from that burger place down the road…” “Oh, you just wait,” I said, shooing him off to get dressed. Once he was gone, I took a deep breath and gave everything a last look. I’d spent hours setting up this sunset dinner—just the two of us, on the beach, with candles and fairy lights strung up around a small table, and a local chef prepping fresh sea
Richard pov.The coffee shop was cozy, tucked away just off the main street with the warm scent of roasted beans drifting out to greet me. I was up early, trying to grab us both a caffeine fix before the day kicked off. Sarah was still half-asleep when I left her, wrapped in the sheets, mumbling for “Just a few more minutes.” I smiled at the memory as I joined the line, feeling that rare kind of peace you get when you’re completely in the moment.“Hey, isn’t it just beautiful here?” a voice beside me said.I turned, expecting someone local or another early riser tourist. A woman with a bright smile stood next to me, arms folded comfortably as if she’d just casually dropped by.“Yeah, it really is,” I replied, glancing back out the window to the waves rolling in just beyond the palm trees. “It’s like something out of a painting.”She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “That’s a good way to put it. I’m Isabelle, by the way. Came here on a bit of a whim
Sarah pov.The day started off perfectly. Richard and I were on our way to a little restaurant down the street that we’d read great things about. He kept his hand in mine, swinging it slightly, and the warm, tropical breeze ruffled my hair. I felt happy, lighter than I had in months. This trip was everything I had hoped it would be—a chance for us to reconnect, to be in our own world, away from the daily grind.As we entered the restaurant, the smell of fresh seafood and sizzling spices greeted us, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. We found a cozy table by the window, with a view of the beach just down the street, and settled in, glancing at the menu and chatting about what to order.But then I saw her. Isabelle.There she was, just a few tables away, scanning the menu like she’d just walked in. I felt my shoulders tense. What were the odds? It was such a small island, I guessed, but still, it felt strange. It was the third time now that we’d bumped into her, and each time i
Sarah pov.The rest of our days in Hawaii felt like a breath of fresh air. Isabelle was nowhere in sight, and I finally let myself relax. It was just the two of us again, enjoying everything this beautiful island had to offer. We snorkeled, ate more fresh pineapple than I thought possible, and watched the sun dip into the ocean every evening. My unease from our previous encounters faded slowly, replaced by the warm, comforting feeling that I could finally let my guard down. This was what I had wanted all along—peace, just Richard and me, without any odd distractions.As the trip came to an end, I felt a strange relief. Don’t get me wrong—I loved Hawaii, every beach and sunset, every little moment we shared here. But leaving meant leaving Isabelle behind, and I was more than okay with that. I didn’t even want to think about her as we packed up, heading back to our daily lives and routines. We had gotten what we came for—a much-needed recharge—and I was eager to take that feeling
Sarah pov.Richard glanced over at me, concern clear on his face. “Sarah, do you think we could help her out? Just for tonight?”Why the change of mind?“I…” I hesitated, feeling my stomach twist. “Maybe we could help her get into a hotel like you said, Richard. I mean, that’s probably for the best, right?”Isabelle managed a weak smile, waving her hand like it wasn’t a big deal. “No, no, A hotel is fine,” she said, voice soft. “You two shouldn’t have to do that. I’ll be alright. I just need to find my way around a bit.”But Richard didn’t look convinced, and I could feel the gears turning in his mind. “Come on, Isabelle,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s not a problem. You can stay with us for the night, and tomorrow, we’ll help you get sorted out with a hotel. Right, Sarah?”Why did he change his mind? He was about to lodge a hotel before.I didn’t want to argue with him, not right here on the sidewalk in front of Isabelle. I nodded slowly, managing a polite smile. “Of course,” I s
Sarah pov.That morning, I woke up hoping Isabelle would be on her way. Maybe she’d slip out with a polite thank you and let us have our life back. I knew it was a long shot, but I needed things to feel normal again, especially since Richard had completely dismissed my worries last night.When I walked out to the living room, though, I stopped dead in my tracks. Isabelle was sitting at the kitchen table, chatting with Richard over breakfast like she’d lived here for years. She didn’t even seem like she was getting ready to leave.“Good morning, Sarah!” Isabelle called, smiling like we were best friends.I forced a smile back, grabbing my coffee mug and pouring myself a cup. I could feel a knot of irritation forming in my stomach. How long did she plan to stay?“Sarah, you wouldn’t believe what Isabelle’s been dealing with,” he said, shaking his head. “She tried checking in at a budget motel nearby last night, but apparently, there was a break-in the night before. They warned her it
Richard pov.The weeks that followed were like a dream, the kind of dream I never wanted to wake up from. Sarah’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She was her old self again—strong, radiant, and filled with the kind of joy that seemed to light up any room she entered. And our daughter? She was growing so fast, already wrapping us—and everyone else—in her tiny fingers. But the best part of it all? We were finally preparing for our wedding. Sarah wanted something small and intimate, just us and our closest family and friends. She’d always talked about having a garden wedding, surrounded by nature, with the sun setting in the background. And that’s exactly what we were going to do. The morning was a flurry of activity. Zoe was in charge of decorations, barking orders at Martins, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Martins, the flowers go on the left,” Zoe said, hands on her hips. “They look fine where they are,” Martins shot back, holding up a bouquet of
Richard pov.Weeks passed. Life felt like a blur of hospital visits, endless updates from doctors, and quiet moments spent in Sarah’s room. I was there every day, holding her hand, speaking softly to her, willing her to wake up. Zoe and Martins tried their best to keep things light whenever they visited, cracking jokes or telling stories, but even they couldn’t hide their worry. The NICU had become another constant in my life. Our daughter was thriving despite her premature birth, a tiny fighter who seemed determined to make it through. I’d visit her every evening after sitting with Sarah, watching her tiny chest rise and fall under the glow of the incubator’s lights. She was the only glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark time. “Hey, little one,” I whispered one night, my hand resting on the incubator. “Your mom’s going to wake up soon. She has to. She wouldn’t leave us like this.” It was a quiet morning when the miracle happened. I was sitting in Sarah’s room, flipping through
Richard pov.The morning of the trial felt heavy. I left the hospital earlier than usual, making sure Zoe would stay with Sarah. Despite the overwhelming dread, there was a part of me that felt strangely numb, as if my emotions had run dry after weeks of worry and anger. Martins met me outside the courthouse, impeccably dressed in his usual sharp suit. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding. “Today’s a big step forward,” he said. “Remember, this trial is about getting justice, not reopening wounds. You’re here to see Susan held accountable, not to punish yourself for her actions.”I nodded, though his words didn’t settle the unease churning in my gut. The courtroom was cold, and even though I’d prepared myself for this moment, seeing Susan seated across the room made my stomach twist. She didn’t look like someone riddled with guilt; she looked indifferent, like this was just another ordinary day. The prosecution opened with a detailed timeline of events, recou
Richard pov.The call from the police came just after dawn, jarring me awake in the cold, uncomfortable chair next to Sarah’s hospital bed. I fumbled with my phone, heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway to answer.“We’ve located Susan,” the officer said. “She’s in custody. We’d like you to come down to the station.”My grip tightened around the phone. The relief I felt was fleeting, quickly replaced by anger. “I’ll be there,” I said, my voice low.Zoe appeared beside me as I hung up. She had been sitting with Sarah through the night, taking turns with Martins to ensure I wasn’t alone. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her concern for Sarah mirrored my own.“Was that about Susan?” she asked.I nodded. “They’ve got her. I’m heading to the station.”“I’m coming with you,” she said firmly.“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Stay here. I need someone I trust to be with Sarah.”She hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. But keep me updated.”When I arrived at the police station, Martin
Richard pov.The cold, sterile environment of the police station did nothing to settle the unease that had been gnawing at me since Sarah’s fall. Sitting across from Isabelle in the small interrogation room only amplified it. She looked different—disheveled, almost feral—but her eyes still held that same unhinged intensity I remembered from before. Martins sat beside me, arms crossed, his body language radiating skepticism and disgust. The officer standing by the door had warned us to keep the conversation civil, but I wasn’t here to trade pleasantries. “Why, Isabelle?” My voice was steady, but my hands clenched into fists under the table. “Why did you hurt Sarah?” She tilted her head, a slow, deliberate movement that made my skin crawl. Then, she smiled—a twisted, almost childlike grin. “She wanted to take you from me,” she said, her tone eerily calm. I blinked, the sheer absurdity of her words momentarily robbing me of speech. “Take me from you? Isabelle, how many times
Richard pov.Morning came soon. The soft hum of the machines in Sarah’s room provided a false sense of calm, but every beep reminded me she was hanging on by a thread. My chest felt heavy with every passing second, waiting for her to open her eyes, to tell me everything would be okay. Zoe and Martins stayed close, their presence quiet but steady. Zoe would occasionally bring coffee or attempt to distract me with updates on the baby, but my focus stayed on Sarah.Martins had taken over the logistics—coordinating with hospital staff, keeping everyone updated, and ensuring the security team outside wasn’t slacking. It was just after 7 a.m. when my phone buzzed in my pocket, the vibration snapping me out of my daze. I saw the caller ID and immediately stepped out of the room to take the call. “This better be good,” I snapped, my voice low but sharp. “Mr. Wright,” a familiar voice responded—it was Derek, head of my security team. “We’ve apprehended Isabelle.” The words didn’t re
Richard povThe living room buzzed with life—laughter, the clinking of glasses, and warm chatter filled the air. Guests had arrived, carrying brightly wrapped gifts and wide smiles. It should have been a joyful day, a celebration of new life. But all I could feel was unease twisting in my gut like a knot that wouldn’t come undone. Martins nudged me as I stood by the window, eyes darting to the security guards stationed discreetly outside. “Hey, CIA,” he joked, his tone light. “You might wanna dial it down before Sarah figures out you’ve turned the baby shower into a covert operation.” I managed a thin smile. “Just being cautious.” Martins chuckled. “Yeah, cautious is your middle name. You’re so tense, you might scare the baby into coming early.” His humor didn’t land. I couldn’t shake the image of Sarah falling down those stairs from my mind—a thought that had no basis but still felt like an omen. Isabelle was out there. I didn’t know where, and that made her a threat.
Sarah pov.I woke up feeling like I was floating on air. Memories of last night flooded back—the soft glow of fairy lights, Richard’s face as he knelt before me, the ring that sparkled on my finger. I glanced at my hand, letting the sunlight catch the diamond, and smiled. It still felt surreal. The baby stirred, a gentle nudge reminding me she was there. “Good morning, little one,” I murmured, rubbing my belly. She responded with another kick, and my heart swelled. Today was going to be beautiful, filled with friends and laughter at the baby shower. But as I climbed out of bed and pulled on a robe, a faint unease settled in the back of my mind. Something I couldn’t quite place. When I reached the kitchen, the smell of coffee and the sound of laughter greeted me. Zoe was sitting at the counter, holding a steaming mug, while Martins leaned back in his chair, mid-joke. “Ah, our glowing bride-to-be!” Martins said with exaggerated flair, waving his hands like a magician. I roll
Richard pov.It had been a month since our trip to the nearby town. Sarah was now in her eighth month, and every day, I marveled at how gracefully she handled the ups and downs of pregnancy. But today was about more than just her strength—it was about giving her a moment to remember forever. I had planned a re-engagement surprise for her, one that would let her know how much she meant to me, now and always.“Martins, hurry up with the banner!” I called out as my best friend tried to figure out which end of the ribbon went where. He muttered something about not being a decorator, but I ignored him.The house was chaotic, but the good kind. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself as I rushed from one end of the living room to the other, adjusting balloons and making sure the decorations didn’t look like a Pinterest project gone wrong. I wanted everything to be perfect for Sarah. After everything we’d been through, she deserved that—and more.“Richard, mate, you need to chill,” Ma