Novel-novel oleh Cindy Rohn

ElodieMy face brightens up as my eyes fall on her. Vivian.She’s standing not too far from me, blinking like she is unsure if It's really me.I gasp, as a warm relief wraps around me.At least… It's her. Of all people, it's her. “Vivian,” I breathe out, forcing a tired smile. “Why of all people?!”“Elodie? It's really you. What do you even mean?” she says, her voice shifting from surprise to excitement. Then she rushes forward.We fell into a hug. She wraps me tightly with joy. “You are the last person I expect to see here.” I answer, holding back the tears pressing up in my eyes.“It's been ages!” Her warm voice echoes. “You disappeared, girl. Without a word…”I smile exhaustively. “It's not what you think.”She pulls back from me a little, her eyes scanning me with that same old knowing look. “Then what is it?” She rolls her eyes playfully.“It’s been almost ten years since I last saw you.” She draws closer and hugs me again. I've missed you so much.”“I missed you too,” I whis

Elodie“God, Please…” I whisper shakily. “Don't take him from me.”I glance sideways at the man behind the wheel. The idiot who hit my son.His face remains pale, and there's blood near his temple. He holds tightly to the steering wheel.But it doesn't move me at all.I press my trembling hands in my chest, trying to steady the storm. This is his fault, his exact act of recklessness.And now I'm back to this city, this one place I swore I'd never set my foot in again.I can't run into Mason. I can't run into his wife.They must never find out about Liam.Not now. Not ever.To them, I must remain the barren ex. The woman they threw away like trash.Tension grows thicker in me, I grip the edge of my blouse in my fingers.Liam, I'll protect you. Even if I have to fight the devil himself. I will keep you safe.“Can you drive any faster?” I snap at him. Frustration rises within me the more I look at him.He blinks hard. “I apologise ma, I didn't mean to…”“Just drive.” I cut him off.“I

Travis“Any news yet?” Nathan's voice drifts from the other side of the phone, “Have you heard from…?”I shrug, swirling the wine in my glass. “Not yet.” “But it's been years, Travis,” Nathan says. “You don't even remember her face. Or her name.”“But I remember how I felt,” I murmur, a sad smile creeping onto my lips. “That night was the only time I've felt that way with another except Serena.”Nathan sighs. “Who chases an unknown shadow for Five years?”“A man who has nothing else that makes sense." I answer with a lower voice now.He softens, his tone calmer. “There are still good women out there. Women who'd treat you better, if…”“If I just let go?” I cut in, a bitter chuckle slipping through. “I already did that once. You saw how it ended.” He fell silent for a beat. “Serena betrayed you, yes I'm aware. But not every woman is like her.”My grip on the glass tightens. The pain is still there, buried under ambition and denial. “I know. But I can't fake closure.”Nathan groans l

ElodieMy inconsistency at the workplace has been piling up, and today is one of those days I have to send yet another email asking for permission to be absent.My finger glides across the red button and it clicks Send.I sit quietly, staring at the white ceiling of the hospital when the doctor walks in with a file and a wide smile on her face.That kind of smile that is either too good… or about a change in everything.“Congratulations, Elodie,” she says softly, “you’re pregnant.”My heart races, skipping a beat as I blink once.Twice.Then I laugh.Not a happy laugh. A bitter, cracked sound that makes the nurse beside her shift uncomfortably.“I think you're mistaken here,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I can't be.”But the smile on her face didn't falter. “I ran the test twice. You're eight weeks along. There's no mistake.”My throat tightens, and my fingers curl around the strap of my purse, squeezing it like I’m holding on to reality.Pregnant?Me?“How?” I squint as the word s

ElodieNow, here I am again… back at this monter’s home. My head is buried beside my neck.Words that cannot be uttered remain in my mind, pounding my heart as a pestle does to a mortar.Loud music fills the air, but somehow, it is no match for the voices screaming in my mind. I sit in the farthest corner, nursing down my third glass of tequila to dull the pain. I haven’t say a word. I just keep hearing the same three words over and over again:“Saviour… Pregnant…Married.”“Saviour…Pregnant... Married.” I keep on repeating the same thing.What do they take me for?A stinking, barren bitch?Really?I let out a deep breath. I shouldn't be drinking.Not after how badly it embarrassed me the last time, four years ago.He saved me that night… and wh..what did he make of it?He strips me of dignity and ruins me again.How could it be so easy for him to be done with me?Just like that.After three good years of my life?Mason used to be my safe place. My last resort, my only constant.What

Elodie“Happy anniversary bab—” The words die in my throat at the person who walks in behind him …The door has flown open with a loud thud, making me raise a hand to my chest, soothing my frightened heart.My eyes lit up, filled with smiles the moment my husband walked in, but then it faltered at the sight of her. “Serena.” I frown, taking in my threat of a step-sister.I blink to make sure I’m seeing very clearly.She grins, wide and malicious. “Elodie.”She’s truly here then, it’s not a figment of my imagination.“What are you doing here?” I snap, brows dipping in both confusion and irritation.I turn to my husband. “Mason, babe, what is she doing here?”He rolls his eyes. “Who gave you the right to question me or whoever I bring into my house?”“Serena.” I face my step-sister again, my patience wearing thin. “I asked you a question!”Before the words even land, a hand cracks across my face. Pain sear up my cheeks. “Are you out of your mind? Questioning my guest?” Mason roars.I f