“You have my blessing. If this is the only way I can make you happy as your grandfather, then you have it. You’ve made the right choice. I’ll be there.”He paused briefly, then added, “Okay,” and ended the call.That week turned into a flurry of preparations. The house was busy from morning till night—flowers being arranged, fabric swatches spread across tables, and lists being checked off.Janet was chosen as Olive’s chief bridesmaid.Ethan and Ezra managed everything from guest seating to sound checks.“I already confirmed with the priest,” Ezra said one morning. “We’re good to go.”Raymond’s mother and Olive’s mother sat in the garden with swatches and samples, debating color tones and flower arrangements.“Nothing too loud,” Nancy said. “It should feel soft… almost like a dream.”Finally, the wedding day came. Olive stood in front of her mirror, dressed in white. Her gown swept the floor, delicate lace curling around her wrists like vines.“You’re breathtaking,” Janet whispered, p
After they finished their meal, Ezra stood up and stretched lightly.Janet turned to him, wiping her hands. “Where to now?” she asked.Ezra just smiled. “Let’s go home.”They stepped out and got into his car. The drive was quiet but comfortable, filled with the soft hum of the engine and a few shared glances that didn’t need words. Soon, they pulled into the driveway of a large, beautifully designed house surrounded by a well-kept lawn and tall hedges.Janet stepped out of the car and stood still for a moment, taking in the size of the place. “Ezra… this place is so big. Do you live here?”Ezra walked around the car to her side, pulling out the key. “Technically, yeah,” he said, chuckling. “I live here with my brother, but we each have our own space. It’s sort of a family house.”Janet blinked. “A family house?”He shrugged. “Yeah. But everyone’s got their own corner now.”She followed him toward the entrance, still glancing around in surprise. “Okay, but… who’s your father, really?”
It had been one week since the court case. Olive and Raymond were doing fine. Olive had been cheering up over the past few days. In the next two days, she and her brothers would go to see their mother, and Mrs. Sarah would be going with them.But first, Olive had to check on her father at the hospital. When she and her brothers arrived, they were told that their father’s condition wasn’t improving. Even though all the poisons had been drained from his body, his organs were slowly failing.They stepped out of the hospital. Ethan and Ezra followed them but got into their own car.As they came out of the hospital ward, Ezra bumped into Janet. Olive just looked at her. Janet greeted her, “Hi, Mrs. Olive.” Olive waved back.Everyone walked out of the hospital except Ezra. He sighed deeply and rubbed his hands through his hair. Nurse Janet stammered, “I’ll go about my work.” She was about to leave when Ezra held her hand and said, “I’ll come pick you up later after you close.” She just nodd
The courtroom was filled with onlookers.The judge, an elderly white man with thick grey brows and a slow, heavy voice, adjusted his glasses and glanced at the accused. On the left side of the courtroom sat Mia, her mother Mary, Delilah, Delilah's mother, Mr. Charles, Matthew, Kain, and Kerah. They looked cold, worn, and deflated. On the right, Raymond sat calmly beside Olive. Raymond’s grandfather sat behind them with his arms folded. Ethan and Ezra were close by. There was silence when the judge cleared his throat.“This court is now in session,” the judge said, flipping through a thick folder. His voice dragged, heavy with gravity. “Multiple charges have been brought before this court… including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy.”He looked up slowly. “Prosecution, you may begin.”The prosecutor stood and adjusted his suit jacket. “Your honor, we begin with our only live witness. A man once employed by the accused’s primary target — Raymond. Please call Mr. Stone to the stan
"Yes, you can," Raymond said with a calm smile, walking toward her. "It’s your house, not mine. Did you forget? I gave it to you. It’s yours, Olive. You have control."He reached for her hand gently."Even if it were still mine, you’d still have control. You’re the woman. I’m the man. The man may lead, but the woman? She runs the home. She brings peace. She gives the orders that make it feel like home."Olive smiled faintly at his words."Okay," she replied quietly.She stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom to have her bath.She bathed, dressed simply, and came downstairs. Raymond was already at the dining table, waiting for her with breakfast set out.They ate in peaceful silence, only the clinking of cutlery echoing softly in the room.Raymond glanced at the time, stood up, and kissed her forehead. "I need to step out for work. Daniel’s been texting me about the executive meeting."Just then, the door opened a guard came to inform them about the arrival of Ethan and EzraLe
Olive stepped into the ward. Her father lay there, pale and sunken into the sheets like a shadow of who he used to be. Wires were attached to his chest and arms. His eyes opened as she walked in.He didn’t speak at first—only tears escaped the corners of his eyes. His fingers twitched, weakly trying to reach out.For some reason, Olive wasn’t angry.She wasn’t sad either.She just... stared.She was supposed to feel something. But all she felt was empty.He struggled to talk, his voice like wind passing through rusted metal.“I... I know I’ve... wronged you...” he rasped.He coughed, his chest rattling.“I don’t... deserve... forgiveness... not even a good burial,” he choked out, barely above a whisper.Tears streamed freely down his cheeks now.Olive remained still for a few seconds. Then she walked closer and sat down next to the bed.She looked at him, and said quietly:“You just have to hang in there. You need to apologize to Mom.”That was all.He turned his head slightly towar