MasukThe moment I stepped into the police station, it reminded me of the time I’d spent here months ago. I still remember the traumatic experience like it happened yesterday.“Miss Ophelia Valentino.” I turned around to find a chubby middle-aged woman walking toward me. When she reached me, she grabbed my hand and shook it.“Miss Ophelia, we meet again.”My brows furrowed. I looked at her thoroughly from her head down to her toes, trying to remember where I’d seen her. I didn’t need to wonder for too long as her face finally registered in my head.I chuckled. “Madam Ruth.”“You remember me. What are you doing here anyway? Can I help you with anything?”I tugged my hand away from hers. How pretentious. She must’ve seen the news these past few months and realized who I was.“I’m here for Selena Cassel.”“Oh, that child thief. Come this way.”She led the way, passing through a tiny hallway until we reached the prison. After passing three gates, we reached the fourth one and paused. Nova gru
OPHELIA“Please take a seat.” After we broke from the handshake, Matteo unbuttoned his suit and took the leather chair opposite me. “I’ll be outside,” Nova said. She exchanged nods with the man before she stepped out of the office, shutting the door behind her.“I’ve heard so much about you,” Matteo began. “And I hope they’re good things only.”He chuckled. “Exceptional things. Like you being the best jewelry designer of our time.”“Oh, wonderful.” A smile spread across my lips. “Did I get all the way to Italy?”“Actually, your return was one of the biggest topics in the jewelry industry. Many designers were eager to see what you’ll create first in this comeback.”I grinned. “Thank you for your kind words, Mr Moretti. One would think that we’ve met before.”He shrugged, leaning back on the chair with his lips curled upward. “I’m sure everyone has met you already. Just not physically. You’re incredible.”He sure had a sweet mouth. “Enough of the praises. Let’s talk about the market
OPHELIA“I had a one night stand last night.”I spat out the mouthful of coffee I’d just gulped across the table. When the hotness glided wrongly on my throat, I slammed my fist against my chest and began to cough.“Are you okay?”She stood up from the couch and rushed toward me, offering me a tissue to cough on. I held it to my mouth and almost coughed my heart out, the coughs mixed with laughter. “What did you say?” After my laughter died, I asked, staring at her as though she’d grown two heads. She dropped that out of the most randomest place. Geez. We were just talking about what to do when Alia’s fourth birthday arrives. “Why are you so surprised? It’s not the first time I’m telling you I had sex.”“That was ages ago, Nova. Aren't you celibate? I mean, weren’t you celibate?”“Well, I broke my celibacy.”My mouth formed into a wide ‘O’ and a smile tugged at my lips. “Interesting. Who is this guy?”Nova shrugged and returned to the couch. She slumped on it and leaned her head on
OPHELIA“The next evening, the doctor finally approved my discharge. Even before she approved it, I’d been prepared to leave.The hospital was not my favorite place. After spending years in it while growing up, I didn’t want to be in it as an adult.“Mommy, is Uncle Ronan coming?” Alia asked from the couch where she sat with Nova. They’d packed my necessities in a small bag and we were ready to leave.“I think he’s busy. We’ll meet him for dinner.”“Oh.” Her face fell and she threw a candy into her mouth. Before I could ask, the door of the room pushed open and Ronan stepped in.“Uncle Ronan,” Alia climbed down from the couch and hurried to hug his legs, her eyes shining brightly.I couldn't help but raise my brows. Well, that was strange. Wasn’t Alia being so welcoming to Ronan one of the strangest and rarest things ever?He patted her hair lightly.“Little princess.”She looked back at me shyly before finally unfurling her arms from his legs.“Can we go home now?” “Yes, baby,” I re
OPHELIA “I love you so much, Alia. You’re the prettiest, smartest, and bravest child in the whole world,” I said, planting kisses on her face. “Really?” “Really.”She let out that giggle that I was sure made everyone’s heart flutter. Afterward, she suddenly paused halfway and began to sniff herself.“What’s wrong?”She looked up at me again. “Alia’s stinks.”I couldn’t help the smile that lengthened my lips. A few minutes ago, I never thought that I would smile again.“You don’t stink. Your dress is just dirty.”“I don’t like it.”Before I could reply, Nova swept to our side and bent her knees so that she was head to head with the child.“Auntie Nova,” she called as if she was only just realizing that Nova was in the room. “Come on, Alia. I’ll get you a change of clothes. You should also let your Mama rest.”“Is Mommy sick?”I quickly replied. “It’s just a headache. Once I sleep, it will be gone.”Reluctantly, she whispered. “I’ll let Mama sleep then.” She let Nova carry her and
OPHELIAMy eyes slowly fluttered open to stare at the white ceiling above my head. I blinked once. And then twice.Where was I? How did I get here?When the smell of antiseptic hit me, I managed to turn my head to look around me. My eyes fell on Nova who lay on the couch on the other side.As if she heard me wake up, she slowly stirred awake and her gaze widened as it fell on me.“Ophelia,” she called, swiftly sitting up on the couch. “You’re awake.” Nova swept to my side and sat on the tiny spot beside me on the bed. The back of her palm touched my forehead and neck, checking my temperature.“Are you okay? How do you feel?”I shook my head. “What happened? Why am I here?” “Yo-you fainted.”“Huh?”It was only then that it hit me.Alia.Alia was missing. The memories flashed into my head and with the help of Nova, I managed to sit up on the bed.God, my head was pounding.“Be careful,” she said. “The doctor said you must be careful so that your heart condition doesn’t resurface.”“Wh
OPHELIA Not a second passed before I pulled away and took a quick step away from him. “Mr Throne.” As always, my brother-in-law wore that same smug, unreadable expression. He said nothing. Instead, his eyes raked over my body slowly and deliberately, from my head to my toes. Then his gaze retu
OPHELIASelena paused the moment her eyes fell on me. She looked from me to the child and before I could blink, she hurried toward us, shoved me out of the way, and bundled the child in a hug. “Alia, dear.”I grabbed the table to steady myself.“Oh, my child. Thank goodness you’re awake. I was alm
OPHELIAMaternity match?My brows knitted together and I looked from Nova to the paper. When my eyes grew sore from staring blankly at the report, I again lifted my gaze to Nova who was staring at me with concern.“What is this?” I asked. “Whose is it?”“Ophelia.”“I don’t understand. Why are you
OPHELIAThe Whitmores’Every single person in the city knew that name. Everyone knew I was married to Julius Whitmore, the charismatic CEO whose smile made every lady in the city swoon. I had what everyone called a perfect love story. Four years of marriage, a husband who adored me openly, support







