Leah was pouring tea into the cups when the doorbell rang. Jeremy called from the living room, "I'll get it."She smiled, wiping her hands and stepping out of the kitchen just in time to see Jeremy opening the door for Maggie and Alfred to come in."Mom, Alfred," Jeremy said warmly, pulling them both into hugs."We come bearing gifts and a belly for tea," Maggie said, laughing.Leah walked up to them. "Welcome. You're right on time. I just made tea.""Perfect," Alfred replied. "And you look radiant, Leah. Wedding glow, huh?"Leah chuckled. "Maybe a little. Come in. Let's sit."They all settled in the living room, teacups in hand.“So, have you both finally settled on a wedding plan?” Maggie asked, sipping her tea with a warm smile.Leah nodded slowly. “We have. Well... sort of.”Jeremy chuckled. “It depends on what you call ‘settled.’”Alfred raised a brow. “That sounds like there’s a story behind it.”“There is,” Leah said, leaning forward. “I’ve decided I don’t want a big wedding an
“Jeremy,” Leah said softly, twirling the hem of her sweater as they sat on the couch together. “I’ve been thinking about the wedding.”He glanced at her with a smile. “Yeah? You’re finally ready to talk about which designer you want for your dress?”She chuckled. “Not exactly.”“Okay, shoot,” he said, turning his full attention to her. “Whatever you want, I’m game.”She paused, drawing in a slow breath. “I’m not sure I want a grand wedding anymore.”Jeremy blinked. “Wait, what?”“I mean it,” Leah continued. “I know we’ve been planning something big—press, security, flowers, media… But now, I don’t know. I just want something… simple.”He tilted his head. “Simple how?”“By the lake,” she said. “Just us. Our families. A priest. No crowd, no photographers, no stage. Just vows, fresh air, and peace.”Jeremy studied her face. “Where’s this coming from? Is it about security?”“Partly,” she admitted. “But mostly because I’m tired. Every time we try to plan something big, something goes wrong
The evening breeze drifted through the trees as Ivan adjusted the straps on his backpack and pulled his hoodie tighter over his head. The fading sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, but he wasn't focused on the beauty of nature. His attention was razor-sharp, his ears tuned to every sound. He had a mission tonight.Earlier that day, the tension between him and Keira had simmered with curiosity and frustration."That stalker, I still felt her presence earlier today," Ivan had said, rubbing his temple as he sat beside Keira in the quiet confines of the library.Keira leaned in, eyes alert. "I'm certain it's Sarah. But why is she following you? I can't fathom it."Ivan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "I'll think of a plan to find out who it is for sure."Keira nodded. "And then we can proceed to knowing why.""Right."There was a moment of silence as Keira's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "Wait. I think I have a plan."Ivan turned his gaze to her, eyebrows
The following days moved slowly for Leah. Though she stayed productive at work and focused on the wedding plans, there was a lingering tension inside her. Every time she stepped into the office with Jeremy, she couldn't help but notice how Benita looked at him. It wasn’t just admiration—it was something else. Leah couldn’t explain it precisely, but she knew what she felt. There was a subtle shift in the air whenever Benita was around Jeremy. A flicker in her eyes, a faint smile that lingered too long. Leah’s instincts rarely failed her, and now, they were screaming.Sitting alone in her home office one evening, Leah opened her phone to scroll through messages and emails. One text stood out—an anonymous message she’d received a few days before: "Keep your eyes on your man. Some women don't play fair." Leah had dismissed it at first, but now it haunted her.Could the message have been about Sarah? Or Benita?The timing was too strange. Sarah reappearing just as their wedding approached.
“Hi, Sarah,” Jeremy said as they approached.Sarah turned slowly, her eyes catching theirs. For a moment, something flickered across her face, tension, fear? But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a polite smile.“Jeremy. Leah,” she greeted, her tone neutral, her smile faint.“You’re here,” Jeremy said, glancing at the gown she wore.“Yes,” she said coolly. “Just as you.”Leah crossed her arms. “You were pregnant. Have you had your child?”Sarah’s smirk widened. “Pretty Leah, how does that concern you?” Her tone held a soft sting. “Just go ahead and plan your wedding, alright? Congratulations, by the way.”She turned her gaze to Jeremy. “It’s good to see you again.” There was something loaded in her voice, something only Jeremy caught.She turned, about to leave, when Jeremy’s voice called after her.“And you?” he said, his voice calm but probing. “You’ve got a wedding coming up too? Is that why you’re here?”Sarah paused, one hand on the edge of a gown rack. Her back was
The aroma of spices filled the air, dancing around the kitchen like a warm, familiar song. Leah stood in front of the cooking gas, her left hand stirring a pot while her right hovered over her laptop keyboard. She typed really quickly, like she was conducting a delicate symphony of taste and deadlines. A pot of simmering stew bubbled beside her, and her brow furrowed in concentration as she typed a quick email.Jeremy walked in, leaning on the kitchen doorway. He wore a soft smile and a hoodie that hugged his shoulders perfectly. His eyes scanned the scene: the laptop placed on the counter, Leah in her apron multitasking, the smell of peppers, tomatoes, and spices blending into something divine."Babe," he said, stepping closer. "You're doing too much."Leah didn't even look up, just chuckled and said, "I'm fine. Just trying to finish this email while the stew softens."Jeremy walked over, gently took the spoon from her hand, and moved her laptop a safe distance from the stove. "No.
Leah and Jeremy stepped into the office together, looking like a picture straight out of a fashion magazine. Leah wore a pastel blue blouse tucked into a high-waisted cream skirt that complimented her figure effortlessly. Jeremy looked equally dashing in his charcoal grey suit, open-collar shirt, and confident smile.As they walked through the corridor, soft murmurs and admiring eyes followed them. The staff members stood to greet them with respectful nods and warm smiles. It was no secret that the power couple had become the heartbeat of the newly merged company."Good morning, Mr. Jeremy. Good morning, Ms. Leah," a few voices echoed."Good morning," Leah replied warmly, flashing a smile as she walked past."Morning, guys," Jeremy added, his voice light.As they reached the elevator, a new face approached them. She was a petite woman in her mid-twenties with glossy black hair tied into a low bun. Her eyes sparkled as she stepped forward with confident grace."Good morning, sir, ma'am
Maggie and Alfred had checked into a luxurious suite for their honeymoon. Their wedding ceremony had been magical, heartfelt, and full of laughter. Family and friends had gathered around them, not just to celebrate their union, but to honor the second chance that life and love had given them.Maggie stood by the window, her hair let down, brushing softly against her shoulders. She had changed into a silk nightgown—simple, elegant, and ivory white. Alfred, behind her, watched her reflection in the glass. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist."You look beautiful," he whispered, kissing the back of her neck.She smiled and leaned into his warmth. "And you look incredibly handsome in that robe."They both chuckled. The laughter slowly faded into a comfortable silence. They were together now. Officially. No longer bound by what had been, but united in what was to come.Alfred turned her around to face him. "Maggie," he said softly, holding her hand, "I know life has throw
The sun poured gently across the lush green fields of the estate, blessing the day with warmth and brightness. Birds sang from the trees, flowers danced to the tune of a calm breeze, and every face present seemed to glow with joy. Today wasn’t just any day. It was Maggie and Alfred’s wedding day.Maggie stood in front of the mirror, her hands gently adjusting the lace sleeves of her white dress. It was elegant and modest, yet it highlighted the glow on her face. There was a certain peace in her eyes, a joy that came not just from marrying the man she loved, but from seeing her son understand and stand by her despite everything."You look beautiful," Leah said softly as she stepped into the room. She was dressed in a pastel pink gown that hugged her frame gently. Her hair was pulled back, with loose curls cascading down her shoulder.Maggie turned to look at her and smiled, her eyes glistening. "Do I really?"Leah stepped closer and held her hand. "You look like someone who just took a