Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains. A wave of disorientation washed over me as I blinked them open, the room unfamiliar for a moment. It took a sluggish mental count to register the time – 3 pm. “Had I really slept that late?” The exhaustion must have been deeper than I realized.Sitting up slowly, I scanned the room, my gaze landing on a tray perched on the bedside table. A steaming cup of tea sat beside a plate piled high with colorful pastries. A small, folded note beside the tray. Reaching for it, I unfolded the paper, my mother-in-law’s familiar handwriting filling the page.Eat this, honey. I didn’t wake you up because you looked so tired. - Love, Caroline.I picked up a pastry, the flaky crust giving way to a satisfying crunch. The filling, a sweet blend of fruit and spices, danced on my tongue. I took a sip of the tea, loosening the stiffness in my muscles. I made a quick trip to the bathroom for a splash of water and a swipe of lipstick. Deciding it's ti
As we walked, I couldn't help but scan the crowd anxiously, searching for Regan amongst the throngs of family members. But he was nowhere to be seen, something I probably should have expected. Outside, a fleet of jeeps lined the driveway which was also filled with excited chatter."Why don't you ride with us?" my mother-in-law suggested, ushering me towards the jeep where her husband stood waiting.“Yeah, you can come with us.”I nodded, my smile a little strained as I continued to search for Regan. “O-okay”Just as I was about to climb into the passenger seat, a hand clamped down on my arm."She's coming with me, Mom," a voice spoke from behind me.I turned, my breath catching in my throat at the sight of Regan. He looked effortlessly handsome, clad in a crisp white button-down shirt that clung to his broad frame, the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal toned forearms. His strong jawline and high cheekbones gave his face
I stood with my mother-in-law, Caroline, and other relatives as we watched the men gather around the stables, each stall housing magnificent horses with coats gleaming in the sunlight. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement, everyone chatting and laughing."Isn't this lovely?" Caroline said, her eyes sparkling with joy."It certainly is," I agreed, a smile gracing my lips as I watched Regan emerge from the stable, a vision of equestrian grace.He wore riding breeches that hugged his toned legs, a crisp white polo shirt with the collar popped, and a tweed hacking jacket. A pair of polished riding boots completed the picture. He moved with a quiet confidence, a natural at home in the saddle. As he mounted his horse, a powerful black stallion, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride."Who usually wins these races?" I asked, turning to Caroline."Oh, Regan often takes the prize," Caroline replied, beaming. "He's been riding sinc
As we got inside the car, Regan stared out the window, a deep frown etching lines on his forehead. I stole a glance at him, the carefree mood I had earlier dissipating like mist. Silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating.“So,” I began, needing to break the ice, “how did you get into horse riding?”He flinched a little at the question as if yanked back from his thoughts. “Lessons”It wasn’t much, but it was a start. “Lessons, huh? Must have been amazing. I saw this video online the other day, this rider going full gallop across a field, the wind whipping through their hair… looked exhilarating.”A flicker of something crossed his face, a spark of emotion I couldn’t quite place. Pressed on, refusing to let the conversation die. “And you just did it earlier. How did you learn to do that?”“Practice,” he responded, his ton
Inside, the dining room buzzed with conversation. A long table stretched down the center of the room, groaning under the weight of a feast. Platters heaped with roasted meats, glistening vegetables, and golden-brown bread filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. I found my seat amongst Regan's family on the right side of the table.As the clinking of silverware and polite chatter filled the room, the conversation inevitably shifted towards us. My mother-in-law, her face creased with a wide grin, leaned towards me."So, Anastasia, when are you two lovebirds going to give us a little grandchild to spoil?"A blush crept up my cheeks, warming my face like a summer sun. I stole a glance at Regan, but his attention remained fixed on his plate, his expression unreadable."We're working on it," I replied with a shy smile, "Hopefully it won't be too much longer."My words were met with a chorus of delighted gasps and excited chatter."Oh, that's wo
My eyes fell upon a horse tethered nearby, a magnificent brown stallion. Almost on autopilot, I moved towards it, untying the lead rope with shaking hands. Swinging myself onto its back, I urged the horse forward.I needed to get away.Kicking the horse into a gallop, I rode towards the familiar sight of the forest. The trees blurred past me as I pushed the horse harder, the wind whipping through my hair and stealing my tears. Reila's words echoed in my mind, each one a cruel arrow piercing my heart.Deep within the forest, far from the mansion and the judging eyes, I finally reined in the horse. Dismounting, my legs gave way beneath me, and I sank to the ground, leaning against the rough bark of a tree."It's fine," I whispered, "It's all fine."But the lie tasted like ashes in my mouth when Reila's words, dripping with smug satisfaction, replayed on a loop in my mind. "It's not fine, fuck it is not" I choked out, a sob escaping my lips. Tears streamed down my face now. "I’m not fin
The cool evening air kissed our wet skin as we found ourselves emerging from the lake, our clothes clinging to us. The moonlight filtered through the trees as the sounds of the forest surrounded us. Suddenly, Regan caught my waist, and I squealed as he pushed me back against a tree. My hands landed on his shoulders as if I were going to push him off, but I didn't.“Regan,” I breathed, my heart pounding.“Hmm?” he murmured; his lips dangerously close to mine.Before I could say anything else, he leaned forward and kissed me. My heart leaped, my skin tingled, and my traitorous body gave in to his demand. I was supposed to be angry at him. I was supposed to be shoving him off and telling him to stay away from me. Telling him I hate him. But instead, I found myself pulling him closer, my hands fisting in the material of his shirt, my lips parting to admit his tongue.A groan of desire escaped him, the heat of his kiss lighting me up from within. I gave up any thoughts of pushing him away.
"What will you do today?" I asked Regan as I closed our bedroom door behind us. I was in a good mood, and he seemed relaxed, which lightened my heart after the events of last night. I could sense that Regan cared for me at least a little.He had his hands tucked in his shorts pockets as he shrugged in response. "I don't know. I think Mom has plans for us later."I nodded, grateful that he wasn't responding with just one word or being distant. That small gesture was enough for me. "Do you think we can go to the town sometime? I really want to see it."As we descended the staircase, walking side by side, he answered, "Yeah, I can bring you there."I smiled, feeling excited at the prospect. But as we reached the bottom of the stairs, my joy turned to shock. I froze in place as I beheld the sight before my eyes. Why couldn't I have a peaceful life? Just why?There stood Zarina, with her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a floral sundre
Sheila laughed and shoved her playfully. "Please, I’m the life of this party. You’re the sidekick, four-eyes.""Four-eyes? Bold words coming from someone who tripped over a flat sidewalk last week!"Sheila scowled. "Did Tasia tell you that? It was uneven!""It was flat," Ava shot back without missing a beat. "Gravity personally requested you fall over to entertain the public."I couldn't stop laughing, hiding my face behind my hand as the two of them bickered like no time had passed at all. It was chaotic, it was loud, it was messy—And it was home.Sheila turned to me with an exaggerated sigh. "You see what I put up with? You should pay me hazard fees just for being friends with her."Ava rolled her eyes and leaned casually against the table. "Yeah, yeah. You’re welcome for making your life interesting."Susan and Elise were trying—and failing—to hide their giggles as they discreetly stepped
The morning light streamed through the massive, floor-to-ceiling windows of the living room, filling the space. The wide, sunlit room looked like something from a magazine spread—polished marble floors, pale cream walls lined with intricate crown moldings, and plush, oversized couches in soft champagne hues. The chandelier above sparkled subtly, catching the light.In the center of it all, a long rectangular table had been set up—draped in white linen and neatly arranged with tasting plates, tiny glasses, and silver utensils.Susan and a few of the maids bustled quietly nearby, arranging fresh pitchers of water and clearing empty plates.And at the far end of the room stood a cluster of smartly dressed individuals from Champagne and Roses Events Company, all smiling with their clipboards in hand and their nerves barely hidden beneath their professional exteriors.In the midst of it all—I sat poised at the head of the table, wearing a simple but el
I stared at the phone. The call replayed in my mind. His offer, unexpected and overwhelming. Something I hadn’t seen coming.Then—my phone buzzed again.The sound made me flinch, jarring me out of my daze. But when I glanced at the screen, my heart stuttered.Miguel Sanchez. Champagne and Roses Events Company.The one I had hired months ago for Regan’s birthday—before everything fell apart. Before Zarina. Before the accident. Before the child growing silently inside me.My fingers hesitated for just a moment before I swiped to answer."Hello?""Good afternoon, Ms. Anastasia!" the man chirped, his voice full of an excitement I couldn’t even begin to mirror. "I’m just calling to confirm that everything is set for your husband’s birthday! We’re almost ready with the setup—just wanted to ask if you’d like us to drop by your home and discuss final details like food options and guests lists!"My breath hitched painfully.
Another short silence stretched between us, and I could almost picture him standing somewhere across the world, arms crossed, watching over me the way he always used to."Why did you call, Uncle? Is there a problem?"“No, no, dear," he said quickly, reassuringly. "There is no problem.”I slumped back slightly into the chair."Oh," I exhaled, allowing the smallest smile to pull at the corner of my mouth, "that’s good to hear."But there was a pause on his end—a pause that said there was more. Much more.“I know you heard from Don Alonso,” he said finally.I stiffened, heart picking up again. Moment of truth.I swallowed. "Um, yeah… is it about the promise? Is that why you called?"There was no hesitation in his answer."Yes, it is," he said simply. "I know it must be hard to believe something like that even existed. I understand it must be shocking."I laughed softly under my breath, a dry, breathless sound.
The red velvet was rich beneath my fingertips, almost too luxurious for something that made my heart hammer with dread. The gold ribbon gleamed under the sunlight, tied so precisely it made my chest tighten.I stared at it for a moment—Just stared.As if the box itself was waiting, breathing, daring me to open it. Then, with a trembling breath, I pulled the ribbon loose and lifted the lid.Inside—Photographs. Dozens of them. Hundreds, maybe.My heart slammed into my ribs so hard it hurt. Picture after picture spilled before me, sharp and glossy and mercilessly real.Regan. Zarina.Laughing together. Hands brushing. Leaning into each other like lovers in secret. Whispering in corners. Clinging to each other in dark rooms. Moments I was never meant to see.Moments hidden from me while I played the fool. Dates were marked neatly in red ink in the corners of each photo.Some of them were recent.But
A flood of emails greeted me first—formal messages from the foundation, updates on business reports I hadn't had the energy to care about. Then, a few news articles—headlines about society events, political scandals—none of them touching my world anymore.I swiped idly through them, my mind elsewhere, my body still fighting the lingering nausea.Then I saw it.One message stood out among the floods.A simple text, from a name I hadn’t seen in months but had been waiting for without even realizing it.Ava Ramos.My assistant. My friend.She had taken a six-month leave to care for her mother abroad, but even from halfway across the world, Ava had still managed to handle the details of my business life better than anyone else could. She didn’t just work for me—she stood by me. Without judgment. Without condition.I opened the message with trembling fingers.Ava:Miss A, Just wanted to let you know my l
The morning light spilled into the room in soft, golden streaks, coaxing me awake. I stirred beneath the light linen sheets; my body slow to move. The nausea hit me almost immediately. A wave of dizziness and discomfort churned in my stomach, forcing me to squeeze my eyes shut for a moment before carefully sitting up.The clock on the nightstand blinked back at me—7:08 AM.“Ugh” I groaned, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet touching the cool marble floor. I sat there for a moment, breathing through the nausea, pressing a hand gently against my still-flat stomach.Almost six weeks of being two people instead of one.And somehow, it already felt like my entire body had shifted. My chest tightened at the thought, and I forced myself to sit up straighter, blinking against the dizzying morning light streaming through the tall windows. I reached for the robe hanging loosely over the nearby armchair—a light ivory silk robe with delicate lace
“After Alisha died, the bond between our families… frayed. Your uncles—especially Alvaro—blamed Gregory. Maybe not for her death directly, but for the way she lived before it. For the silence. For the sadness that started showing behind her eyes.”I drew a sharp breath. I’d always known something was… strained between the Montreals and the Saavedras. Even as a child, I could feel the tension, though no one ever spoke of it.Don Alonso’s voice dropped lower, his tone thickening with something heavy. Not just memory—guilt.“After Alisha died, the bond between our families… frayed. Your uncles—especially Alvaro—blamed your father—Gregory. For her death directly, for the way she lived before it. For the silence. For the sadness that started showing behind her eyes.”His words struck something sharp and cold inside me. My hands freezing in place on my lap. I had always known, deep down, that there was a quiet rift between the Montreals and the Saavedras. It wa
There was a long pause between us.The kind that didn’t feel uncomfortable—just… heavy with things unsaid.We sat quietly, staring out at the garden bathed in the warm light of late afternoon. The hedges rustled softly as the breeze moved through them, carrying the scent of blooming roses and sun-warmed grass. A few loose petals floated gently across the stones. Birds chirped high in the trees.I reached for my teacup, the porcelain smooth and cool against my fingertips. I brought it to my lips and took a slow sip. The taste was soft—chamomile and lemon—meant to be calming. But instead of comfort, all I felt was the bitter knot in my chest, untouched by warmth.I set the cup down carefully, the clink of porcelain against porcelain sounding too loud in the stillness.Then, finally, Don Alonso spoke.“Have any of the Saavedras contacted you?”I blinked, confused.The Saavedras. My mother’s family.I frowned, turning toward