(Thomas)As we drove back to the hotel, I couldnโt help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Everything had gone according to plan, right down to the final detail. I glanced over at Lydia, who was staring out the window, her face partially hidden behind the mask she hadnโt taken off yet. I could see the tension in her shoulders beginning to ease, though neither of us would feel completely at peace until this entire nightmare was over. But for now, weโd won this round.My part had been simple, really. After Lydia had managed to snag the original pen from around Nathanโs neck, all I had to do was replace it with an identical one in the confusion. It had been seamless, just as weโd rehearsed. Naomi had done her part, making sure Nathan was far too out of it to notice anything happening around him. In the chaos of helping him stumble into the room, no one had noticed when I slipped the duplicate necklace around his neck. He hadnโt even stirred. The genius behind this plan belonged to L
(Thomas)The door closed softly behind us, and the soft click echoed in the quiet of the hotel room. My fingers were still curled around the small pen that probably contained more than what it was worth. It was a mere piece of plastic and metal that felt heavier than it should. It held everything we had risked ourselves for, everything that could change everything. Yet, for the moment, none of that mattered.I glanced at Lydia. She was standing still, too still, in front of the mirror. Her eyes were distant, her hands bracing against the dresser, and I could almost feel the weight of her thoughts from across the room. We had been through so much, too much perhaps, and I could see it etched in every inch of her. I could see it in her taut muscles, the tired slump of her shoulders, and the quiet storm brewing behind her eyes.I slipped the pen into my pocket, the action automatic and the weight of it vanished from my palm, but the implications of what we had stolen didnโt. We were on t
(Ruby)I sat on Adam's couch with my knees pulled up to my chest, trying to make sense of the mess that had unfolded over the past few days. The blanket I had grabbed earlier felt comforting, but it didnโt do much to calm the storm of emotions that were swirling inside of me. I had been staring at the muted TV, not really watching it, just letting the flickering images distract me. But there was no real escape from the noise in my head. I kept thinking about the pictures, the headlines, and the narrative that was being spun about Jack and Amanda. Adam had been kind enough to let me crash here without asking too many questions. Iโd shown up at his door with a hastily packed bag, and he hadnโt even flinched. Heโd just welcomed me in, and told me that I could stay as long as I needed. I hadnโt wanted to stay at the mansion after everything. It was too much for me and Iโd feel like an unwanted guest.I know Lydia told me to take care of the kids and I hate to leave them behind, but I co
(Jack)I leaned against the cool stone wall outside the Jefferson mansion, trying to catch my breath. My head was still spinning after what had happened at the Golden Jubilee event. I had no idea what to make of everything that had happened. It had all been such a blur. There was the speech I had been worried about, then after that was done, there was the applause, the crowdโs energy lifting me higher than I had been in a long time. And then, like a punch to the gut, my motherโs voice cut through everything, pulling me back to reality.I could still see her on that stage, smiling brightly as if she was announcing the greatest triumph of her life, as though it was the most natural thing in the world. The applause came fast, but my heart sank even faster. She had looked at me then, with that expectant, knowing look in her eyes, and before I could even process it, she turned toward me, extended her hand, and said one word that made me still.โRing?โI donโt know what happened after that
(Jack)I stood there, staring at Amanda in disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, my voice low, barely able to contain the anger boiling beneath the surface. "We were best friends, Amanda. Once upon a time, we cared about each other. I thought you of all people would at least be honest with me, even if my mother couldn't be."Amanda flinched at the sharpness of my words, but she held her ground, "Jack, I didn't know how to tell you. It wasn't supposed to go this far, I swear. Your motherโฆmade it seem like it was best for everyone. That it was for your future, for the family. I didnโt think it would get to this point."My hands balled into fists at my sides, "Best for everyone? You thought stringing me along, lying to my face, would be best for everyone? Do you even hear yourself right now? This isnโt just business. This is my life, Amanda! My decisions! And you took that away from me," I took a step closer, and in a quieter voice I said, โWhat about Ruby? What had she do
(Thomas)I woke up to the warmth of Lydia beside me. Her soft breathing was a gentle reminder that, for a brief moment, everything felt right in the world. The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a muted glow. I didnโt want to move, didnโt want to disturb the fragile peace that enveloped us. After everything that had happened, after the storm weโd weathered together, this quiet felt like a gift.Lydia stirred beside me. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw me watching her, she smiled. It was a sleepy, soft smile that made my chest tighten with something between relief and love. I couldnโt help it; I reached over and tickled her side, making her laugh before she could stop herself.โThomas!โ she squealed, wriggling away, but not going too far. I knew she did not want to be separated. I felt the same, especially after the night we had,Her laugh filled the room, and I couldnโt help but grin. It was the kind of sound I hadnโt heard in a while, not since
(Lydia)I couldnโt shake the feeling that there were eyes on me, even after we shut the laptop and the horrifying contents of the USB were tucked away. My skin tingled as if Nathanโs gaze, or the gaze of whatever twisted cameras he had hidden, was still trained on me. Every corner of the hotel room suddenly felt unsafe, like there could be lenses buried in the walls, hidden in the light fixtures, recording my every move. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to push the feeling away, but it clung to me like a second skin. The silence in the room was suffocating, the air heavy with everything weโd just seen. The pictures, the documents, the videoโฆmy mind kept looping back to it, trying to make sense of it all but only feeling more lost. How could anyone do something like this? How could Nathan invade my life so intimately, so horrifically? It made me want to crawl out of my own skin, to hide from the world, to disappear.I glanced at Thomas, who was still sitting beside me on the b
(Thomas)I closed the door behind me, taking a moment to listen for any sounds from the other side. The room had fallen silent, the kind of stillness that happens only when someone finally succumbs to sleep after worrying themselves sick. Lydia needed this rest more than anything right now. Iโd spent the last hour trying to soothe her, convincing her that everything would be fine, that we were almost there, almost at the end of this nightmare. But even as I said the words, I could hear the hollow ring in them. Neither of us truly believed it.I made my way across the guesthouse. It was late, the streets quieter now but still lit up, still alive. This place never really slept. I rubbed a hand over my face, trying to wipe away the exhaustion. It had been a long day. Hell, it had been a long few months. Ever since we discovered the truth, Lydia hadnโt been the same. How could she be?The truth. That word felt too simple for what we knew now, for the weight of the secrets Nathan had bee
(Lydia)The reception was everything I had dreamed of and more. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The venue, bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights, felt magical, as though we were all living in a dream. Thomas and I had just shared our vows, but now the celebration was in full swing, and the joy in the air was palpable.Mabel and Miles were the stars of the evening, as expected. They had barely left the dance floor since the music started, their little feet moving in uncoordinated yet adorable ways. Miles was trying to spin in circles, his arms flailing around as Mabel, ever the perfectionist, tried to keep him in check. They were a sight to behold, so carefree and full of life. Their giggles and shouts of โLook at me!โ filled the room, and I couldnโt help but laugh along with them.Thomas was by my side, his hand gently resting on my back as we watched our children steal the show. The evening felt like it was slipping by in the most
(Thomas)The day had finally arrived. Our wedding day.I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie for the fifth time, trying to focus on the simple task instead of the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I couldnโt stop the memories from creeping in, images of Lydia in a wedding dress years ago, her radiant smile lighting up the room, and the way my heart had soared knowing she was about to become my wife.And then, the accident. The chaos, the pain, the years we spent finding our way back to each other.Today wasnโt just about vows or rings. It was about us. About the journey we had taken, the battles we had fought, and the love that had carried us through it all.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Jack stepped in, looking sharp in his suit, his usual easygoing expression replaced by something softer.โYou doing okay?โ he asked, leaning against the doorframe.I nodded, though my reflection betrayed me. โJust...a lot to process.โJack walked over, clapping
(Lydia)With only a week left until the wedding, the house felt like a beehive, everyone buzzing with purpose, energy, and, occasionally, a touch of chaos. I stood in the middle of it all, both exhilarated and slightly overwhelmed.Ruby was in the corner of Mamaโs room, hunched over her sewing machine, her brow furrowed in concentration. My wedding dress hung on a nearby mannequin, almost complete but still needing those final, intricate touches that only Ruby could master. She was doing this here because if she needed to know any adjustments, I would just be a few rooms away.She was holed up in Mamaโs room because she didnโt want Thomas to get a glimpse of the wedding dress, not until the day of the wedding as I walked down the aisle.โAre you sure you donโt need a break?โ I asked, holding out a cup of tea for her.Ruby looked up, her eyes tired but determined. โNot until this hem is perfect. Youโre going to look stunning, Lydia. Just trust me.โโI do,โ I said softly, setting the te
(Thomas)The moment we pulled up to the venue, I felt a mix of anticipation and pride. The sprawling garden, framed by blooming flowers and soft sunlight, looked like something out of a dream. This was it, the place where Lydia and I would officially start the next chapter of our lives.Mabel and Miles were already buzzing with excitement, craning their necks to get a better look as the car slowed to a stop.โIs that where weโre going to walk with the flowers?โ Mabel asked, pointing to the long stone pathway that led to the main garden.โIt is,โ I said, glancing at Lydia, who was smiling softly.โItโs so pretty!โ Miles added, practically bouncing in his seat.Once we were out of the car, the kids ran ahead, their laughter echoing in the crisp air. Lydia and I followed at a slower pace, her hand tucked into mine.โCan you believe itโs almost here?โ she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.I shook my head. โIt feels surreal. But seeing this place again...it makes it all feel real.โT
(Lydia)Sitting at the dining table with Thomas, a notebook in front of me and a pen in hand, I felt an odd mix of excitement and dread. Finalizing the guest list for our wedding should have been a straightforward task, but when Margaret got involved, nothing ever stayed simple for long.I glanced at Thomas, who was scrolling through his phone, cross-checking names. He looked calm, but I knew better. We were both bracing ourselves for the inevitable drama.โAre we really going to put up with Margaretโs list of distant cousins and relatives weโve never met?โ I asked, my voice low but pointed.Thomas sighed and set his phone down. โYou know how mother is. She thinks a wedding is a chance to show off family connections.โโWell, itโs not her wedding,โ I said firmly. โItโs ours, and I want it to feel personal, not like some society gala.โThomas reached over and squeezed my hand. โI agree with you. But letโs try to handle this delicately. You know how she can get.โBefore I could respond,
(Thomas)The house was alive with energy, and it all revolved around two very determined little people: Mabel and Miles. Ever since weโd told them they were going to be the flower girl and flower boy at the wedding, their excitement had reached a whole new level. They were taking their roles very seriously, perhaps even more seriously than Lydia and I were taking the rest of the wedding planning.This morning, the focus was on their outfits. Lydia and I had arranged for a tailor to come to the house to ensure everything fit perfectly. Mabel was already dressed in a soft pink dress with layers of tulle that made her look like a little princess. She twirled in front of the mirror, her curls bouncing with every spin.โDo you think I need a tiara, Daddy?โ she asked, her big brown eyes wide with sincerity.I crouched down to her level, brushing a stray curl from her face. โI think youโre perfect just the way you are, sweetheart. But if you really want a tiara, we can look for one.โMabel c
(Lydia)The morning sun streamed through the windows as I parked outside Rubyโs boutique. My heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement. In just two weeks, I would be walking down the aisle to marry Thomas, the man who had stood by me through everything. But today, all I could think about was my first fitting for the wedding dress Ruby had been tirelessly designing.As I stepped into the boutique, the soft chime of the bell announced my arrival. Ruby appeared from the back room, her face lighting up with a smile that instantly put me at ease.โYouโre here!โ she said, walking over to hug me. โIโve been waiting for this all week.โโIโve been counting down the days,โ I admitted, hugging her back. โIโm nervous, though. What if the dress doesnโt feel right? What if-โRuby placed her hands on my shoulders, her expression firm but kind. โStop right there. This dress is going to be perfect because itโs made for you, by me. Trust me, Lydia.โI took a deep breath and nodded. โOkay. I t
(Lydia)The sunlight poured down as I stepped out of the car, grocery list in hand. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasnโt looking over my shoulder or scanning the parking lot for anything suspicious. Ben, my personal bodyguard, walked a few paces behind me, his presence a quiet reassurance. But today, I didnโt feel like I needed him as much as I had in the past.The air felt lighter, and so did I. It was as if the dark cloud that had loomed over my life for so long had finally dissipated. Nathan was gone, Lucien was behind bars, and the world was moving on. So was I.Inside the grocery store, I grabbed a cart and started down the aisles. It felt good to do something as ordinary as picking out apples and comparing cereal brands. For so long, Iโd avoided public places, afraid of the whispers and stares. But today, there were none. People walked past me, absorbed in their own lives, and it was blissfully normal.I paused by the bakery section, tempted by the scent of fre
(Lydia)The sleek glass doors of the event management company slid open, and Thomas and I stepped inside. The lobby was stunning, a perfect balance of elegance and modernity. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandelier lights, and a gentle floral scent wafted through the air. A cheerful receptionist greeted us, offering sparkling water while we waited for our meeting.Thomas leaned toward me, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. โThis place screams โperfect wedding,โ doesnโt it?โI smiled, squeezing his arm. โLetโs see if they can live up to the hype.โIt was Margaret who had given us the name of this event management company after making her calls and asking around for suggestions. And as far as I could tell, the place looked like the sort of company I would have chosen for myself.Moments later, a tall, impeccably dressed man approached us with a wide smile. His tailored navy suit and silk pocket square spoke volumes about his attention to detail.