Sarah pov.Waking up to another day with Marina in the house felt like preparing for a battle I hadnโt signed up for. Richard was already downstairs, and I could hear faint voices drifting up from the kitchen. Great, I thought, tugging on my robe. Sheโs probably giving him her daily lecture on how to survive the world.When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was Marina sitting at the dining table, coffee cup in hand, a magazine spread out in front of her. She glanced up and gave me a smile that didnโt quite reach her eyes. โGood morning, Sarah,โ she said brightly. โDid you sleep well? I hope the baby didnโt keep you up too much.โ โThe babyโs still pretty quiet,โ I replied, attempting a polite smile. โGood morning, Marina.โ Richard was by the stove, frying eggs, and gave me a quick grin. โTea or coffee, love?โ โTea, please,โ I said, sliding into a chair across from Marina. โHerbal, right?โ Marina chimed in before Richard could even grab a mug. โCaffeine is terrible for
Richard pov.The sound of forks clinking against plates filled the room, but the lunch conversationโor lack of itโwas the real noise. Marina had planted herself at the head of the table, her voice carrying on as though she were giving a lecture. Sarah had been unusually quiet, her gaze mostly fixed on her plate, and I couldnโt decide if she was counting bites or just trying to tune Marina out.โOh, Sarah,โ Marina chimed, cutting into her grilled chicken with exaggerated precision, โI couldnโt help but notice the bread basket. You know, too much bread isnโt great for the baby.โ I paused mid-bite, the crust of my sandwich suddenly feeling heavier in my hand. Sarahโs fork lingered on her plate, but she didnโt look up. She was too polite to retort, or maybe she was just too tired of fighting. โI think sheโs managing her diet perfectly,โ I said, trying to keep my tone light. โThe doctor didnโt mention anything about cutting carbs.โ Marina smiled thinly, the kind of smile you knew w
Sarah povThe morning sunlight spilled into the kitchen as I stood by the counter, slicing strawberries for breakfast. I could hear Marina in the dining room, chatting away as if sheโd been living here for years. Her voice carried that same note of authority it always did, like she was the oracle of all things life-related. It made me grip the knife a little tighter. I took a deep breath. Youโve got this, Sarah. Be polite but firm. Donโt let her steamroll you again.Carrying the fruit bowl to the table, I put on my best neutral expression. Marina glanced up from her coffee, smiling that patronizing smile of hers. โGood morning, Sarah! Did you sleep well? I hope youโre keeping an eye on your sleep scheduleโitโs crucial at this stage, you know.โ โYes, thank you, Marina,โ I replied, setting the bowl down. โIโve been following the doctorโs advice.โ โOh, doctors,โ she said, waving a hand dismissively. โThey mean well, but they donโt see the whole picture. When my sister was pregna
Richard pov.Marina had always been the type to speak her mind, but over the past few days, her words had become more than just opinionsโthey felt like subtle daggers aimed at Sarah. I watched Sarah carefully over breakfast that morning, noting the way her shoulders sagged every time Marina opened her mouth. It wasnโt fair. I waited until Sarah went upstairs to rest before I approached Marina. She was sitting in the living room, flipping through a magazine like she didnโt have a care in the world. โMarina,โ I said, my voice steady but firm. โCan we talk for a moment?โ She glanced up at me, raising a brow. โOf course, Richard. Whatโs on your mind?โ I sat down across from her, leaning forward with my hands clasped. โLook, I appreciate you coming to visit and all the advice youโve been giving, but I think itโs starting to overwhelm Sarah. Sheโs doing her best, and I think it would help if you could give her a bit of space.โ Marinaโs expression didnโt change much, but I saw the
Sarah pov.By mid-morning, Iโd had enough of Marinaโs relentless remarks. She had barely been awake for an hour and had already managed to critique my toast, my tea, and my posture at the breakfast table. I needed an escapeโor at least some good advice. I grabbed my phone and slipped into the guest room, locking the door behind me for some much-needed privacy.Zoe answered on the first ring, her chipper tone cutting through my frustration like a breath of fresh air. โSarah! Howโs my favorite boss lady-slash-baby incubator?โ I groaned. โIโm surviving. Barely.โ โOh no, Marinaโs still there, isnโt she?โ Zoe asked, her voice laced with amusement. โSheโs practically set up camp,โ I said, flopping onto the bed. โThis morning, she told me I should replace my toast with oatmeal because itโs better for my digestion. And yesterday, it was water. She counted how many sips I took, Zoe. Counted.โ Zoe burst into laughter, the kind that made me laugh too, even though I was still annoyed
Richard pov.The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the kitchen table. Marina was seated there, her coffee cup cradled in her hands as she scrolled on her phone. For once, there was silenceโa brief reprieve after days of subtle jabs and unsolicited advice. I noticed her suitcase by the door and felt a flicker of relief. Marinaโs departure was imminent, but as much as I wanted to celebrate the end of this stressful visit, a part of me wanted to ensure we ended things on good terms.She was still family, after all, even if she had an uncanny knack for pushing Sarahโs buttons. โHeading out soon, Marina?โ I asked casually, leaning against the counter with my own coffee. She looked up and gave a tight-lipped smile. โYes. I should be on the road in about an hour. Itโs a long drive back.โ I nodded. โSafe travels. Do you need anything for the trip? Snacks? Water?โ She waved a dismissive hand. โOh, no, Iโm fine. You and Sarah have beenโฆ accommodat
Sarah pov.The next few days felt like a slow exhale, like when you finally get to take off a tight pair of shoes after a long day. It wasnโt that I hated MarinaโI just couldnโt stand how overbearing sheโd been. I had always known she could be a bit much, but having her around constantly made it hard to keep my patience. Now, with her gone, I could finally breathe.I was sitting at the kitchen table the morning after she left, sipping my coffee in peace. Richard was at the counter, fiddling with the coffee machine, his back turned to me. It was a rare moment of calm, but I wasnโt sure if I was ready to let go of all the tension that had built up in the past week.โYou okay?โ Richard asked, glancing over his shoulder with a slight smirk. โYou seem... quieter than usual.โI shook my head, forcing a smile. โJust... tired, I guess. Itโs nice to have the house back to ourselves. No unsolicited advice on every little thing.โ I chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. But deep down,
Richard povThe hum of the kettle filled the kitchen as I leaned against the counter, waiting for it to boil. It had been a peaceful morningโno sharp comments, no awkward silencesโjust Sarah and me enjoying the calm. But as my phone buzzed on the counter, the name flashing on the screen made my stomach twist: Marina. I hesitated for a second before picking up. โHey, Marina,โ I said, trying to sound casual. โRichard, hi! I hope Iโm not catching you at a bad time,โ she chirped. Her voice was overly sweet, the kind of tone people use when theyโre about to dive into something uncomfortable. โNo, itโs fine. Whatโs up?โ I replied, keeping my voice even. โI just wanted to check in after I left. You know, make sure thereโs no hard feelings. I feel like things got... tense while I was there.โ I gripped the counter, reminding myself to stay calm. โItโs been fine. Weโre good.โ She sighed, a dramatic sort of sigh that made my eye twitch. โLook, I know Sarah can be a bit... sensitive.
Richard pov.The weeks that followed were like a dream, the kind of dream I never wanted to wake up from. Sarahโs recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She was her old self againโstrong, 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 usโand everyone elseโin 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. Sheโd always talked about having a garden wedding, surrounded by nature, with the sun setting in the background. And thatโs 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 heโd rather be anywhere else. โMartins, the flowers go on the left,โ Zoe said, hands on her hips. โThey look fine where they are,โ 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 Sarahโs 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 couldnโt 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. Iโd visit her every evening after sitting with Sarah, watching her tiny chest rise and fall under the glow of the incubatorโs lights. She was the only glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark time. โHey, little one,โ I whispered one night, my hand resting on the incubator. โYour momโs going to wake up soon. She has to. She wouldnโt leave us like this.โ It was a quiet morning when the miracle happened. I was sitting in Sarahโs 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. โTodayโs a big step forward,โ he said. โRemember, this trial is about getting justice, not reopening wounds. Youโre here to see Susan held accountable, not to punish yourself for her actions.โI nodded, though his words didnโt settle the unease churning in my gut. The courtroom was cold, and even though Iโd prepared myself for this moment, seeing Susan seated across the room made my stomach twist. She didnโt 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 Sarahโs hospital bed. I fumbled with my phone, heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway to answer.โWeโve located Susan,โ the officer said. โSheโs in custody. Weโd like you to come down to the station.โMy grip tightened around the phone. The relief I felt was fleeting, quickly replaced by anger. โIโll be there,โ 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 wasnโt alone. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her concern for Sarah mirrored my own.โWas that about Susan?โ she asked.I nodded. โTheyโve got her. Iโm heading to the station.โโIโm coming with you,โ she said firmly.โNo,โ I said, shaking my head. โStay here. I need someone I trust to be with Sarah.โShe hesitated, then sighed. โFine. But keep me updated.โWhen 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 Sarahโs fall. Sitting across from Isabelle in the small interrogation room only amplified it. She looked differentโdisheveled, almost feralโbut 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 wasnโt here to trade pleasantries. โWhy, Isabelle?โ My voice was steady, but my hands clenched into fists under the table. โWhy did you hurt Sarah?โ She tilted her head, a slow, deliberate movement that made my skin crawl. Then, she smiledโa twisted, almost childlike grin. โShe wanted to take you from me,โ she said, her tone eerily calm. I blinked, the sheer absurdity of her words momentarily robbing me of speech. โTake me from you? Isabelle, how many times
Richard pov.Morning came soon. The soft hum of the machines in Sarahโs 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 logisticsโcoordinating with hospital staff, keeping everyone updated, and ensuring the security team outside wasnโt 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. โThis better be good,โ I snapped, my voice low but sharp. โMr. Wright,โ a familiar voice respondedโit was Derek, head of my security team. โWeโve apprehended Isabelle.โ The words didnโt re
Richard povThe living room buzzed with lifeโlaughter, 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 wouldnโt come undone. Martins nudged me as I stood by the window, eyes darting to the security guards stationed discreetly outside. โHey, CIA,โ he joked, his tone light. โYou might wanna dial it down before Sarah figures out youโve turned the baby shower into a covert operation.โ I managed a thin smile. โJust being cautious.โ Martins chuckled. โYeah, cautious is your middle name. Youโre so tense, you might scare the baby into coming early.โ His humor didnโt land. I couldnโt shake the image of Sarah falling down those stairs from my mindโa thought that had no basis but still felt like an omen. Isabelle was out there. I didnโt 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 backโthe soft glow of fairy lights, Richardโs 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. โGood morning, little one,โ 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 couldnโt 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. โAh, our glowing bride-to-be!โ 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 strengthโit 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.โMartins, hurry up with the banner!โ 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, thatโs 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 didnโt look like a Pinterest project gone wrong. I wanted everything to be perfect for Sarah. After everything weโd been through, she deserved thatโand more.โRichard, mate, you need to chill,โ Ma