HIS PAST: HIS BRIDE

“Sir, I have a boyfriend, so I would have to politely decline,” I reply, my voice firmer than I felt. Yeah, Daniel might not be the best man alive, but I’m loyal to him. He’s been with me through enough, at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Lately, though, he’s been more of a weight than a wing. The moment those words left my mouth, I saw the change in Mr. Addams. His jaw tighten, his nostrils flare slightly, and he gives a low grunt that make my stomach twist. “This would benefit us both,” he said, voice low but controlled, “If you’re ready to be smart about it, you have until the end of the week to decide.” Give or take more 48hours, very generous much Typical Derek Addams, calm and completely used to getting whatever he wants, not even caring to ask why I said no, or he just didn’t think my reasons mattered. All he cares about was results. Control. Power. And for some strange, unsettling reason… me. I don’t even know why he wanted this marriage or maybe he needed a

Three years.That’s how long it’s been since I became both Mrs. Addams and still the secretary to Derek Addams, the man who, once upon a time, was just my boss. Three years of a life that feels like a dream amazes me sometimes when I think about how I got hereThree years ago, after paying the hospital bills, instead of accepting my offer to pay him back, he offers me a marriage contract, with me getting ten illion for every year we stay married and said contract expires in four years, which is nine months away,The early light filters through the sheer curtains as I step down from the bed, toes curling against the cold marble floor with the other side of the bed empty, as always. Derek is already out for his morning run. That’s how he’s always beenMarriage changes the way you see a person and I’ve learned that love hits you when you least expect it, from the quiet comfort or even the smell of his cologne on the pillow, or the way he leaves the bathroom light on because he knows I’m

I thank God every single day for allowing my path to cross with Ella’s.Some days, when the weight of everything presses too hard against my chest, I honestly do not know how I would have survived the past five months of pregnancy without her. Carrying twins alone is not easy. Carrying twins while also carrying the emotional burden of my mother, the collapse of my marriage, and an entirely new life is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.Yet here I am—still standing.Immediately after my divorce from Derek, I disappeared.Not literally, of course, but to everyone who once knew me, it probably felt that way. I moved to a secluded island, far away from the noise, the judgment, and the suffocating memories of the city. It was Ella’s idea. She insisted I come, practically dragged me here when I was too broken to make decisions for myself.Her mother, Mrs. Stunt, has been nothing short of a blessing.She runs a small hotel and restaurant downstairs, one of the most popular spots on

Two weeks after my call with Ella, my best friend is finally here.The moment I hear the familiar hum of her car pulling into the compound, something inside me snaps awake. Excitement rushes through my veins so fast it almost makes me dizzy. Without thinking twice, I grab the banister and rush downstairs as fast as my eight months and two weeks pregnant body will allow.“Slow down!” someone yells behind me, but I barely hear them.By the time I reach the front, the car door has already opened, and Ella is stepping out, her sunglasses perched on her head, her smile bright and unmistakably hers. The sight of her alone is enough to make my eyes burn with unshed tears.“I miss you so much,” I say the moment I reach her, wrapping my arms around her tightly. “You were gone for so long.”My voice cracks despite my effort to sound composed. Being pregnant has turned my emotions into fragile glass, ready to shatter at the slightest touch.“I miss you too, babes,” she replies, hugging me back j

With the house finally quiet, I creep out of the nursery, easing the door shut with the kind of care only a mother learns,Aurora and Junior are finally asleep.Aurora’s earlier protests had taken nearly an hour to soothe, while Junior, as always, surrendered quietly to sleep, his tiny fingers curled close to his chest like he’s guarding his peace. I lingered longer than necessary, watching them breathe, memorizing their faces as if they might change overnight.Sometimes I still can’t believe they’re real.Turning around, I take one careful step into the hallway and immediately collide with a warm, familiar body.“Mum!” I gasp, clutching my chest. “What are you still doing up at this time of the night?” I whisper sharply, instinctively turning back toward the nursery door as if my voice alone might wake the twins.My mum presses a finger to her lips, eyes wide in warning. “Lower your voice,” she whispers back. “Do you want the whole house awake?”I shake my head quickly, silently mout