(Lydia)The mansion felt quieter than usual when we returned from the hospital. I helped Mama out of the car, walking her up the stone steps, arm in arm. The crisp air carried a faint promise of rain, and I made a mental note to bring the potted plants inside later. As we entered the grand foyer, one of the staff, Mrs. Garvey, approached with an unusually tight expression.โMrs. Lombardi left earlier today,โ she said carefully.I blinked, โMargaret? Did she mention where she was going?โMrs. Garvey shook her head, โNot to me, maโam. She had the driver take her.โMargaret wasnโt the type to share her plans, but it still struck me as odd. Lately, she seemed to hover around the mansion more than ever, as if unwilling to leave it for long. But I shrugged it off. There was plenty to keep me busy, and if she had ventured out, sheโd surely return soon.โThank you, Mrs. Garvey,โ I said, โLet me know when sheโs back.โI focused on the rest of my day. After settling Mama in her room and making
(Thomas)The drive home felt longer than usual. My mind was clouded with worry after Lydiaโs call. I had spoken to the police on the way and learned the basics: my mother, Margaret Lombardi, had been targeted in a brazen robbery. Stranded, left vulnerable on a remote road, words that felt absurd when associated with her. My mother was many things, proud, composed, indomitable, but vulnerable? That word didnโt fit her. Yet here we were.The mansionโs gates loomed in the distance, and I took a steadying breath as I pulled into the driveway. It was dark now, the lights from the house spilling out onto the path. Parking quickly, I strode into the foyer, brushing off Mrs. Garveyโs greeting.โWhere is she?โ I asked.โIn the drawing room, Mr. Lombardi,โ she replied, her voice laced with concern.I found her there, seated in her usual armchair, perfectly poised as if nothing unusual had happened. Her posture was upright, her chin tilted just so, and her expression was one of calm composure. B
(Lydia)I stood just outside the door to the drawing room, my hand resting on the frame as I overheard Thomasโs voice rising in frustration. He was speaking to Margaret, and his tone carried an edge that immediately set my nerves on high alert. My husband rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was always for a reason.โAll of us are being targeted,โ Thomas was saying, his words clipped, โThis isnโt just bad luck, Mother. This is deliberate.โTargeted. The word struck me like a blow to the chest. I stayed frozen where I was, my mind racing. He wasnโt wrong. Jackโs attack, the slashed tires, and now Margaret being robbed in broad daylight, it was too much to be coincidence. And yet, hearing Thomas voice it out loud made the reality of it all the more terrifying.I pressed a hand to my stomach, feeling the tight coil of anxiety twisting within me. The urge to step inside and join the conversation was strong, but something held me back. Maybe it was the look of weariness Iโd seen on
(Lydia)I couldnโt do it. I couldnโt just say the words.The weight of secrets pressed on me like a heavy cloak, suffocating in its intensity. For days, Iโd tried to convince myself that keeping Thomas in the dark was the right thing to do. Telling him about Clara and Lucien would open a door I wasnโt sure I wanted to walk through. But with every passing moment, the fear of what Lucien might do next clawed at my sanity. This wasnโt just about me anymore. Thomas, Mabel, Miles, Jack, Margaret and even Ruby, could be at risk.It was early morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains of our bedroom. Thomas was already downstairs, sipping his coffee and going over something urgent on his laptop. I could hear the faint hum of his voice on a call. I lingered in bed, trying to summon the strength to face another day of pretending everything was fine.My thoughts wandered back to the last time Clara and I had spoken. Her voice had been calm, too calm, as she told me Lucien w
(Clara)Lucien had been restless all morning, pacing the small, dimly lit room we were using as our hideout. His energy filled the space, crackling like a live wire. I sat on the worn couch, my arms wrapped around myself, trying to make sense of his latest scheme. His presence had a way of drowning out everything else, like a storm you couldnโt escape from.He stopped suddenly, turning to face me. His sharp features were etched with a dangerous determination. โItโs time to take this to the next level,โ he said, his voice low but charged, โWeโve let Lydia play house for too long. She needs to realize she canโt outmaneuver me.โMy stomach tightened. I had heard this tone before, the one that meant he was gearing up for something big, something dangerous. โWhat are you planning, Lucien?โ I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.His lips curved into a smile that didnโt reach his eyes, โItโs simple. We apply more pressure. She has resources, wealth, connections, but even she has limits. W
(Lydia)The bell above the door jingled as I pushed into the coffee shop, the warmth of the cafรฉ rushing to greet me. It had been a long, chilly morning, and I needed a moment of peace with just me, a steaming latte, and a quiet corner to sort through my thoughts. The kids were at preschool, Thomas was buried in work, and for once, I had time to myself.The shop was pleasantly busy, filled with the hum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine. I ordered my usual and scanned the tables, hoping for a quiet spot. Thatโs when I saw her.Clara.She was sitting by the window, her hands curled around a cup of coffee, staring out at the street. My breath caught, and I instinctively took a step back, the air seeming to thicken around me. What was she doing here? Of all places, why this cafรฉ?Her gaze flicked toward the door, and our eyes met. For a moment, neither of us moved. Then she stood, smoothing down the front of her coat, her expression carefully neutral as she made her way
(Thomas)The weight of responsibility pressed down on me as I strode through the mansion, my eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. The security team was bustling about, double-checking entry points and testing surveillance equipment. The latest upgrades had cost a small fortune, but no price was too high when it came to my familyโs safety.I paused in the foyer, watching as the head of security briefed his team near the main entrance. Despite the measures weโd taken with reinforced gates, motion detectors, and round-the-clock guards, I couldnโt shake the unease gnawing at my gut. It felt like we were bracing for a storm, but I didnโt know where or when it would hit.โMr. Lombardi,โ the head of security approached me, clipboard in hand, โThe perimeter sweep is complete. Everything checks out.โI nodded, but it wasnโt enough to ease my mind. โI want double patrols tonight,โ I said firmly, โAnd make sure the night team is on high alert. No blind spots, no assumptions.โโYes, sir,โ he
(Lydia)Dinner at the mansion was usually a chaotic affair. With Mabel and Miles chattering about their day, Margaret giving unsolicited advice, and Mama occasionally offering wry commentary, it was rarely quiet. But tonight, it was just Thomas and me. The kids were asleep after a long day, and Margaret had retreated to her room, likely exhausted from the dayโs events.The dining room felt larger than usual, the clink of silverware on porcelain echoing faintly. Thomas sat across from me, his brow furrowed slightly as he focused on his meal. I knew he was preoccupied, his silence wasnโt unusual when his mind was churning through work or family matters. But tonight, it was me who was distant.โEverything alright?โ he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was soft but tinged with concern, โYouโve barely touched your food.โI looked up, startled. โOh, Iโm fine,โ I said quickly, forcing a smile, โJust a lot on my mind.โHe didnโt push, but his gaze lingered on me for a moment before he no
(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.