(Lydia)I sat in the cozy corner of the living room, a cup of tea cradled between my hands as I stared at the message in my inbox. It was from a director, offering me a role in a new film. It had been sitting in my inbox for a while now and it was a big opportunity, one that could potentially jumpstart my career again, but I couldnโt bring myself to respond. I had been staring at the email for days now, each time thinking I should reply, but something always stopped me.Mama, who had been sitting across from me knitting, glanced up from her work, her eyes soft and knowing. She could tell when something was bothering me, even if I didnโt say a word.โLydia, whatโs troubling you, my dear?โ she asked, her voice gentle but insistent.I sighed, setting the cup of tea down on the table in front of me. I felt like I had been carrying the weight of this decision for so long, and it was finally starting to feel too heavy to hold on my own.โItโs the email from that director,โ I said, my voice
(Lydia)I sat on the edge of our bed, staring at the reflection in the mirror. The soft glow of the lamp in the corner made the room feel calm, but I couldnโt shake the thoughts swirling in my head. I needed to talk to Thomas. I knew he would understand, but there was a part of me that still felt hesitant, unsure of how to explain it all.I heard the soft creak of the door as Thomas walked in, his presence filling the room with warmth. He smiled when he saw me sitting there, looking thoughtful, and I felt a small pang of guilt. He always made everything seem so easy, so effortless, while I seemed to be struggling with something that should have been simple.โHey,โ he said softly, crossing the room and sitting beside me on the bed. โYou okay?โI nodded, though I wasnโt sure if I really was. โYeah, I just...Iโve been thinking a lot about everything. About the opportunity, about what I want, and what feels right for me.โThomasโs eyes softened, and he reached out, brushing a strand of ha
(Thomas)Sitting in the cozy warmth of the living room, I glanced around at the familiar faces gathered for what I thought would be a simple conversation. Lydia sat beside me, her hand resting lightly on mine. Across from us, Adeline and Mother occupied the loveseat, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Ruby leaned casually against the armrest of a chair, while Jack sprawled on the couch, looking like heโd rather be anywhere else. And, of course, Mabel and Miles sat cross-legged on the floor, their wide eyes darting between everyone like they were soaking in every word."Alright," Lydia began, her tone both warm and decisive. "We need to set a wedding date. Thomas and I talked about it but since everyone is involved, Iโd like to have your input as well."As soon as the words left her mouth, the room erupted into a cacophony of voices.โYouโll need at least six months to plan properly,โ Mother declared, her voice cutting through the noise with the authority of someo
(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.
(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 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
(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)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,
(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.