Lucas POV“Aren’t you going to leave?” I was startled when Katherine asked me that question. My eyes instantly riveted to her. I watched when she tried futilely to fight back a yawn and lost the battle when she ended up covering her mouth with her hand. I could tell how she was trying hard to keep her eyes open, but the urge to sleep was strong. The only thing that was preventing her from totally submitting to sweet oblivion was my presence in her home.“I will carry Erin to her bed.” She offered. She stood from the couch to take our daughter from me, but Erin’s hands tightened on my neck. She did not want to let go. Katherine sighed. “You can go to bed,” I told her. “I will take care of Erin.” Despite the assurance, she did not leave the sofa. I watched her valiantly fight sleep, and our talk back at the hospital came to my mind. I understand her misgivings. She lost her memory. She did not know me. But we have a daughter that I would fight tooth and nail to share custody
Katherine POVI woke up feeling refreshed. It was the first time I felt like this in years. I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. It was peaceful. I closed my eyes once more to savor the serenity of my surroundings. It dawned on me that it shouldn’t have been this peaceful with Erin around. I bolted from the bed, eyes scanning my room. The light from the sun passing through the glass window told me it was morning and it was late!“Erin! Sara!” I cried, hurriedly opening my door to go out. In the living room, my chest expanded when I took a whiff of something divine! Bacon. Eggs. Muffin.My mouth watered, and my stomach began to grumble.My feet carried me to the kitchen, where I found Lucas Sanders in front of my stove. It was where the rich, flavorful aroma was coming from. And he was naked from the waist up. The realization that he was in my kitchen, flexing his back muscles did something to me. Awareness spreads through every pore of my body, and with it comes shy
Katherine POVLucas Sanders’ face turned beet red. I saw Sara’s eyes widen, reflecting my own shock at this latest development in our lives. “Daddy?” I asked. Lucas grabbed my hand again to leave the apartment. He marched back to my apartment with me in tow. When we reached the living room, he dropped my hand, and I felt bereft of his presence. Then, he turned to me. “She knows you are her father.” I felt a little let-down. I thought I would be there when he told her. I wanted to see how my daughter would react. I was sure she would be delighted to know that the man she liked so much was her real father. But I was deprived of the opportunity to witness such a beautiful moment. I felt cheated. “She didn’t.” Now, that made everything murky. “She called you Daddy. You told her you are her father.” The proof was in the pudding. Was there any other way to explain it? Lucas tutted when he saw the doubt written all over my face. “You really painted an ugly picture of me in
Lucas POV“Greg married me because he felt guilty. He was Noreen’s passenger when their car collided with my family’s car. My parents were dead on the spot. I was lucky to be alive, but I stayed in a coma for two months.”“I did not run away with Greg.”I clenched my fists as remorse filled me.I closed my eyes because the pain in Katherine’s eyes was overwhelming. It told me how I had ruined our lives.The glaring fact remains the same. I did not trust her enough.When I woke up this morning, I was pumped up about courting Katherine and showing her that it was worth investing in me.But our conversation turned out to be a failure.“You could have done something to find us, but you didn’t. If only you had more faith in me, maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess. Maybe Erin wouldn’t have to endure growing up in a broken home. “
Katherine POVI love the hope that I gleaned from his words, but the part of me who was reeling from the changes that had happened in my life since I knew him had so many misgivings. I don’t know what or who to trust anymore. All I know is that I have to be wary because this can all disappear in the blink of an eye. “B-but…” My voice trailed off when he took my hand.I felt tingles when he kissed the knuckles, all the way to my heart. “Think about Erin. Don’t you want to give her the family she deserves? Our daughter needs a family. She needs us.” He was winning the argument there. Of course, I wanted to give Erin a family. That is why I stayed with Greg even though I felt Erin and I were becoming more of an encumbrance to him, especially when Erin got sick. I shut my eyes, thinking deeply. This is not just about me. This is about my daughter. “W-what if we fail? What if love didn’t happen in the end? I don’t want Erin to suffer. She already bore the trauma from my failed marr
Katherine POVFor the first time since the accident, I felt like I was coming home. It had been so long since I had felt this way, and I meant to savor every moment. I hugged him and Erin, ensuring I did it right and tight. It was like the three of us belonged together. Erin squirmed in our arms and slid down from Lucas’ arms, allowing him to wrap his free arm around me. Now, we are hugging each other on that corridor without thought of the past or the future; only the now. Then, someone cleared his throat, breaking the cocoon of warmth we surrounded ourselves in. I self-consciously pulled away from Lucas to shoot Sara and Dan Burns an apologetic smile.It turned into a gasp when I saw Lucas’ friends watching us.A feeling of embarrassment washed over me. How long have they been watching us?I awkwardly stepped away from Lucas, but he wouldn’t let me.He wound his arm around my waist to keep me to my side. I couldn’t meet his friend’s gaze, so I kept my head down, nibbling my l
Lucas POV“Daddy! Mommy! Let’s go!” Erin called out when she returned to the apartment after following Dan and Sara when they walked out our guests, or maybe I should call them my harassers.Katherine, upon hearing our daughter’s arrival, immediately jumped from my lap, her face flushed. My eyes darkened.I wanted to kiss her senselessly, but I was sure it would embarrass her. She was still shy, and I knew it would take a while before she got used to us. I was just glad that she agreed to take a chance on me. “Where are we going?” She asked our daughter. “The zoo. Daddy promised to go to the zoo because I am a good girl." Then, she turned to her father. “I am a good girl, right, Daddy?” I tapped Erin’s nose. When I turned to look at Katherine, she had this tender expression pasted on her face. “You looked like you were about to cry,” I told her when Erin ran to her room to get her small bag. Sara followed her ward. “I didn’t see Erin this happy until now. It was such a
Katherine POV“What’s wrong?” I asked Lucas when I emerged from the bedroom and saw him looking like he was about to cry.He winced and lifted his head to look up to the ceiling.“Nothing.” He said, but obviously, it was something, or he wouldn't look like he sucked on lemons.I turned to our daughter. She was on the floor, checking her bag for something.“I found it!” she cried and held up for us to see her favorite scrunchie.Lucas smiled. Still crouching, he held Erin’s hair gently, pulling the strands to the back of h
Veronica POVI went inside my unit morosely, thinking about what happened at the monastery today.Without bothering to turn on the light, I slumped on my sofa, feeling drained. The events of the day washed down on me. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that this reunion would turn out to be a permanent goodbye? I remembered what Nanny Miller told me earlier. “Forgive, and let go.” Who should I forgive? My father? His wife? And their son who did not consider me family and instead treated me like a servant in their house?If I did not learn how to hustle, I wouldn’t be able to finish high school because his wife did not want me to learn. They said that servitude is my calling and that nothing good will ever come out of me. That’s why I strove to be better and live well. I learned how to fight to live because who else would do it for me?The only consolation I had was Nanny Miller. She was the only reason I lasted eighteen years in that house. I shook my head and sighed
Oliver POVI was leaning on a wall, a few feet away from Veronica and the woman she called Nanny Miller. She was crying, and her tears inexplicably tugged at my heartstrings. But every time I thought about seeing her meeting secretly with John Quinn, I could not help suspicion gnaw at me. I can’t figure her out, and it’s making me crazy. Is she a friend or a foe?Nanny Miller gently wiped Veronica’s tears away before loving tucking the loose strands that escaped her ponytail to the back of her ear. It was a gentle gesture borne out of love. “How have you been? I returned to that house, but they told me you were gone.” Veronica sniffed and wiped her face with the palm of her hand. Nanny Miller had this gentle look while she stared at Veronica’s face.“There was no point in staying when you left.” Nanny Miller said, smiling. She was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were wise and warm. She looked like she weathered a few storms in her life and came out stronger. Veronica held Nanny M
Veronica POVBefore I put the paper I got from John, I tucked it in my memory, safe and secure. “Nanny Miller,” I said her name in my head countless times. I walked from the coffee shop to a nearby cab terminal when I heard a honk behind me. I sidestepped closer to the curb to resume walking when the car honked again. This time, I made sure to stop and let the car drive past me when I noticed that it was the same car Oliver used. The window opened, and Oliver’s face appeared. “Where are you going? Let me take you there.” He offered.I was surprised. I thought he had already left after dropping me off. Did he wait for me to conclude my meeting?I shook my head to thank him for the offer. I would rather go alone. This is a personal business and has nothing to do with our friends. “Thanks, but no,” I replied and resumed walking.I was already a few feet away from the terminal when I noticed the absence of cabs waiting for passengers. Oliver persisted. And the next thing I knew,
Veronica POV“I am okay here. Leave.” I told Oliver Manns after he parked his car outside a popular coffee shop in Berkeley.My eyes became alert as I surveyed the shop from our distance.“Stop being rude. I am not your driver, miss.” His tone brimmed with sarcasm.I decided to disregard it while I got busy unclasping my seatbelt.Despite getting into a frenzy, I hadn’t forgotten my manners. “Thank you,” I said, opening the door to my side to get out.Unfortunately, Oliver Manns opened his side of the door and was about to get out, too.&nb
Oliver POVI followed Veronica toward the makeshift altar. We did not talk, and it worked just fine for me. Pachelbel’s Canon in D wafted in the air, and the processional began. After Lucas walked the beige-colored carpet, the coordinator nodded in my direction to indicate my turn. I squared my shoulders and began walking until I reached Lucas, and I stood beside him. We both face the end of the aisle to watch the rest of the entourage walk toward their seats. Then, it was Erin’s turn. Lucas smiled, watching Erin walk the aisle holding a cute flower basket made from dried rattan. From time to time, she stops to toss flower petals in the air before resuming her walk. When she reached Lucas, she smiled and made an okay sign. Lucas responded by giving her two thumbs up. Then, she lifted her arms to Lucas, wanting to be carried. Lucas indulged her. He grunted when he bent to pick her up, amusing the guests. Erin's arms surrounded Lucas's neck. Now, it was Veronica’s turn.
Veronica POVI watched my friend meet our boss on her bridal walk at that spectacular spread by the beach. The white decorations embellished generously with varied shades of lavender were most appealing to the eyes.With the backdrop of seawater, the color seemed to translate into tranquility - a soothing balm for my soul.“You look maudlin. Aren’t you happy for your friend? Or maybe you are expecting her to suffer until now.” A man asked from the side.The accusation stung.The mocking tone in his voice left a bad taste in my mouth.Why was it
Katherine POVFor a moment, I thought he changed his mind, allowing doubt to creep in. But living in fear for too long makes one realize that there was a moment when she had to seize the moment and take a risk. Right now, I took a risk when I affirmed his question because he had become hesitant after asking the question. The glassy look on his face made me doubt if he was indeed serious with the proposal. But of course, raising your guard for a long time comes with a price -vulnerability. I tried to mask that weakness by pretending to be impatient, but inside, I was freaking out. What if he recalls the proposal?I grabbed his hand - the one with the engagement ring - to prove that the whole thing was not just a figment of my imagination. It was real. Lucas Sanders proposed to me. He had mentioned it previously but always tailed it with words that he would wait for my readiness. I realized no one was ready for anything. You take and accept things because they feel right. When L
Lucas POVMy chest pounded as I waited for Katherine’s reply to my proposal. Still, as the seconds stretched into a minute, I felt a wave of desolation washed over me. Disappointment was all over her features. My fingers closed on the diamond ring I bought with her in mind. "I know I did not prepare a grand proposal. I didn't even think of a good speech. I am also sorry for rushing you." I began to explain. It was different from pitching project proposals for my business because this would change my whole life. It sounded like I was babbling. The truth is, this is my first marriage proposal. I never proposed to anyone because no one came to measure up to this gorgeous woman in front of me. No one came close to how she has affected me that even after five years, she was still the only one I wanted. As I waited for Katherine’s reply, I remembered what Duke told me. “We can’t touch Agatha because JQ Entertainment is protecting her.”Now, the faceless man who dared to antagonize
Katherine POVI woke up alone in bed and felt slightly disappointed when I realized Lucas was gone. I turned to the side to hug the pillow he used on my chest, wishing it was him. It would have been nice to wake up and see him first thing in the morning. I was jolted from my daydreaming when the door to my room opened. Lucas entered the room with Erin in his arms. “Mommy!” Erin called out in a singsong voice. I watched her wiggle from Lucas’s arms. When her feet reached the floor, she began to run toward me. She climbed the bed and sat next to me. “You and Daddy sleep without me.” She complained.My eyes met Lucas above Erin’s head. Then, I turned to my daughter to mumble an apology. Erin shrugged. “It’s okay. Daddy promised we would sleep together tonight. You, me and Daddy.” Erin reported.The idea excited me. I began to caress Erin’s head to hide the pleasure the news brought. “Have you eaten?” I asked She bobbed her head. “Me and Daddy.” Then, she stood on the bed to tu