After lunch, Lara resumed her classes, her focus shifting entirely to her Kindergarten 2 students. By the time her last class ended at 4 PM, she was exhausted. Once all the students had been picked up, she returned to the faculty room to pack her things. As she pulled out her phone to check for messages, her breath hitched slightly at the sight of an unread text—from an unknown number. She tapped on it. Unknown Number: It’s Reagan. Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. She had expected Duke to send her Reagan’s number, not for Reagan to reach out himself. Before she could type a response, another message came through. Reagan: Duke said you wanted my number. What for? Lara stared at her screen, a nervous flutter settling in her stomach. She bit her lip before quickly typing back. Lara: I just wanted to thank you properly for last night. I’d like to make it up to you. Maybe I can treat you to coffee? A few seconds passed before his reply appeared. Reagan: You don’t have to. Lara f
The next day, Lara went about her usual routine. She showered, got dressed, and left for work without seeing even a glimpse of Lucas. She had no idea what time he had come home last night or when he had left this morning. By now, she should’ve been used to it. But some wounds never truly heal.Pushing the thoughts aside, Lara focused on the day ahead.Work kept her occupied. As always, her students were a welcome distraction, their bright smiles and endless energy filling the hours with warmth. She spent the day guiding them through their lessons, laughing at their silly antics, and gently correcting their mistakes.By the time classes ended, Lara was in the waiting area with the children who were still waiting to be picked up. The late afternoon sun bathed the playground in gold, casting long shadows as parents slowly arrived, one by one, to collect their kids.Just as she knelt to tie a little girl’s shoelace, her phone vibrated in the pocket of her skirt.She finished tying the bo
Grabbing her purse, Lara straightened her shoulders, took one last look in the mirror, and walked out the door.The night air was cool as she locked both the main door and the gate, the familiar click echoing in the quiet street. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before heading to her car.As she slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, she entered the restaurant’s name into Google Maps. The drive took longer than expected due to traffic, leaving her tapping her fingers on the steering wheel impatiently. By the time she pulled into the parking area of Discovery Suites, it was already a quarter to six. She wasn’t late, but she didn’t have much time to collect herself before the dinner. Not that she needed to—it was just a simple meal, after all.Still, as she stepped out of the car and adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she couldn’t shake off the strange flutter in her stomach. Looking up, she took in the towering structure of Discovery Suites, its sleek
After scanning through the selections, they placed their orders. Reagan ordered a premium Wagyu dish, while Lara opted for seared salmon with truffle mashed potatoes. They also settled on a shared appetizer and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to complement their meal.As the waiter left, Lara relaxed into her seat, half-expecting silence to stretch between them. After all, she and Reagan were barely acquaintances. She wasn’t sure what to say to him—or if she should say anything at all.But surprisingly, Reagan was the one to break the silence first.“How was work?” he asked, casually swirling the water in his glass.Lara blinked at the unexpected question before answering, “Oh. It was… good. The kids kept me busy.”“You work at a preschool, right?”She nodded. “Yes. It’s a small private school, but I love it there.”Reagan hummed, as if considering her words carefully. “Not many people have the patience for children.”Lara smiled slightly. “They’re easier to understand than most adults
When her card was returned, they left the restaurant and stepped out onto the bustling city street. The evening air was cool, and the sound of the city filled the space around them—the distant hum of traffic, occasional laughter from people passing by, the rhythmic clicking of Lara’s heels against the pavement. Despite the silence between them, it wasn’t uncomfortable. Reagan walked at a steady pace beside her, his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. After a few minutes, they arrived at a nearby park nestled between high-rise buildings. The lamplights cast a soft glow over the cobblestone paths, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees, rustling their leaves in a quiet symphony. Lara shivered slightly, realizing too late that she had nothing to shield her from the cool air. Before she could react, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders. Startled, she glanced down and saw a familiar black coat. She looked up at Reagan, eyes wide. “Oh. You don’t have—” “You looked c
Lara pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine as she let out a slow breath. The warm glow of the living room lights seeped through the curtains, confirming what she already suspected.Lucas was home.The happiness she had felt earlier—the lightness from her evening with Reagan—slowly dissipated, replaced by an unsettling unease. There was no reason to feel guilty. She hadn’t done anything wrong. And yet, a strange nervousness settled in her chest.Taking a steadying breath, she grabbed her bag and draped Reagan’s coat over her arm before stepping out of the car. The sound of her heels clicking against the garage floor echoed faintly as she walked toward the front door.As soon as she entered the house, she caught sight of Lucas in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, dressed comfortably in a plain white shirt and gray sweatpants, his laptop open on the coffee table in front of him. His fingers moved across the keyboard before he suddenly stopped, looking up as if sensing
The next morning, Lara slipped into her routine as if nothing had changed.She showered, dressed in comfortable clothes, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. The house was quiet—just as it always was in the mornings.She tied her hair up into a loose ponytail and got to work, preparing a simple breakfast. Pancakes, fried eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. It was almost automatic now, the way her hands moved—measuring, flipping, plating. She wasn’t even sure if Lucas would eat, but she made enough for both of them anyway.She had just set the table and was pouring coffee into two mugs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Lucas entering the kitchen. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black slacks, and a neatly knotted tie, he looked every bit the man she had married.For a fleeting moment, her gaze lingered. It was an old habit, one she hadn’t quite shaken. But just as quickly, she pulled herself back to reality.“Good
After her last class, Lara decided to stop by the mall to buy a birthday gift for Lucas’s mother.Evelyn—her mother-in-law, had always loved designer bags. Lara had seen her collection over the years—luxurious, timeless pieces, each carefully chosen. Wanting to give her something she would genuinely like, Lara spent the next hour browsing high-end boutiques, examining different styles, colors, and materials before finally settling on a white Hermès Birkin. It was a safe choice—sophisticated and understated. Something Evelyn would appreciate.Without hesitation, she took it to the counter, paid for it, and waited as the staff carefully wrapped the bag in its signature orange box. Once the transaction was complete, she took the shopping bag in hand and made her way toward the exit.But just as she turned to leave, something across the walkway caught her eye. Lara slowed her steps, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took a closer look.And then her feet stopped altogether.It’s
Lara stirred slowly, her limbs heavy and her mind clouded with sleep. A faint headache pulsed at her temples, and for a moment, she didn’t quite understand where she was.Her brows furrowed as her gaze focused on the unfamiliar ceiling above her. It wasn’t hers. The room smelled faintly of sandalwood and something clean—masculine. She sat up abruptly, the soft comforter slipping off her shoulders.Panic seized her chest.Where... am I?This definitely wasn’t her room. The walls were painted in elegant shades of cream and black, the furniture minimalist but sleek. Everything about the space whispered luxury—but also restraint.Instinctively, she checked herself under the covers. She was still in the same clothes as earlier. Relief rushed through her, but her mind was still racing.Running her fingers through her messy hair, she tried to piece together what had happened. Her heart dropped as flashes of memory came rushing back—her conversation with Lucas... breaking down in Reagan’s arm
Lara kept walking, not once glancing back. Her chest felt tight, her emotions roaring inside her like a violent storm. Her vision blurred as tears clung stubbornly to her lashes, and the lump in her throat felt impossibly large. She pressed the elevator button with trembling fingers. When the doors slid open, she stepped inside and pressed herself into the corner, willing herself to disappear. The doors were just about to close when suddenly, a hand slipped through, forcing them to open again. Startled, Lara looked up—and her breath hitched in her throat when she saw who it was. “R-Reagan?” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. There he was, still in his dark, tailored suit, the crispness of his appearance a stark contrast to his expression. His usually composed face was tight with concern, his brows knitted together in a deep frown. There was no mistaking the worry in his sharp green eyes. Without a word, Reagan stepped inside. The elevator doors closed behind him, sealing
Lara stared at him like he had grown another head. And then, she let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Oh, God, Lucas. Are you being serious right now?”“I am,” he said, jaw tight with emotion.Lara’s heart thudded painfully inside her chest, but she kept her face neutral, forcing herself to stay calm even when her insides felt like a storm.“I was stupid... a coward,” Lucas went on, his eyes desperate. “I didn’t have the courage to admit it to myself, much less to you. I made so many mistakes, Lara. I was so consumed by guilt, by anger, by everything... and I hurt you. I know I did. Over and over because of my pride and selfishness. I blamed you for everything, when in truth, I was just as much—if not more—at fault. And by the time I realized I couldn’t afford to lose you... you were already slipping away from me.”There was no sign of the cold, emotionless Lucas she once knew. Now, he was stripped bare, vulnerable in a way she had never seen before.But Lara said nothing. She simply
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the living room.Lara stirred first, blinking against the soft brightness. She yawned and stretched, her muscles slightly sore from sleeping on the couch. She squinted at the wall clock to check the time.8:26 AM.A groggy voice mumbled from the other couch, “What time is it?”Lara turned her head to see Ali, tangled in the blanket, peeking at her with one eye half-open.“Eight twenty-six,” Lara answered, sitting up with a stretch that made her spine pop satisfyingly.Ali groaned, rolling over and blindly reaching for her phone on the coffee table. Meanwhile, Lara padded quietly out of the living room, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up. She splashed cold water on her face, brushed her teeth, and tied her hair into a messy bun before heading to the kitchen.She decided to prepare breakfast—simple but filling. Pancakes sizzled on the stove while eggs fried in another pan. She quickly threw toge
By the time Lara got home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange hue over the city skyline. The silence of her condo wrapped around her like a blanket—welcoming, familiar, and exactly what she needed after the emotional weight of her conversation with Riah. She wasn’t sad. Not really. She was just… tired. She dropped her keys in the bowl by the door, slipped off her shoes, and head towards the living room. She barely had time to sit on the couch when her phone rang. Ali. “Hey,” Lara answered, trying to sound normal. [“Okay, I know it’s short notice, but I’m sleeping over tonight,”] Ali announced without preamble. [“It’s Friday, tomorrow’s the weekend, and it’s been way too long since we had a proper girls’ night.”] Lara blinked, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. “You sure? I just got home, and I’m honestly not the best company right now.” [“All the more reason I’m coming over,”] Ali said. [“You need this. Trust me.”] Lara paused. She d
Lara stood frozen. Her mind reeled as the pieces started fitting together—pieces she never even realized were part of the puzzle. She thought back to that day so long ago—when her parents casually asked what she thought of Lucas. She’d smiled then, cheeks warm, and told them she liked him. Naively. Innocently. She had no idea there were already quiet talks happening between their families. She didn’t know that her little confession might have set everything in motion. Her throat tightened. So it was me. Her father had always admired Lucas. He used to mention how driven he was, how sharp, how impressive for someone his age. If she, his beloved daughter, also expressed interest in him… maybe her father had seen that as a sign. A confirmation. A chance to ensure her happiness while also securing a strategic alliance. He probably thought he was doing the right thing. But he wasn’t. He really shouldn’t have done that. He shouldn’t have meddled. Shouldn’t have played cupid
Lara’s jaw clenched as she took a mental step back, locking her emotions away before they could spill over. She looked at Riah, eyes cold. “It doesn’t matter,” Lara said stiffly, her voice clipped. “Whether you’re together or not—it makes no difference to me anymore. The annulment is happening. Whatever you’re trying to do here… it changes nothing.” Riah’s expression faltered. “Are you really going through with it?” she asked, her tone etched with worry and hint of desperation. “What about Lucas? I thought… you loved him.” Lara let out a slow, tired breath. “I did. God knows I did.” she admitted. “But I love myself too. And I’m done wasting my time on someone who can’t see my worth.” “But Lucas loves you!” Riah said suddenly, her voice rising slightly. Lara blinked, stunned for a moment. Then she let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Love? Really? He loves me?” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Come on, Riah. You’re making me laugh. Lucas has only ever loved one woman—and it sure
The sun was dipping low outside the school gates, casting soft amber streaks on the floors of the small waiting area. Lara sat on one of the low benches, her posture relaxed, listening to Ram chatter animatedly about a new cartoon she’d seen. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her tiny hands flailing as she described her favorite scene. “…and then Ate bought me a new pink unicorn! It lights up when you press its tummy, and it even sings, Teacher Lara!” Ram beamed. Lara smiled, brushing a strand of hair from the little girl’s forehead. “Really? That sounds magical.” Ram nodded excitedly. “I’ll bring it tomorrow!” Just then, Maera, her assistant, called out from across the room, “Ram! Your guardian’s here.” Ram perked up immediately, scrambling to her feet with an excited gasp. “Yay!” Lara leaned down to help Ram put on her backpack and fix the strap that had twisted awkwardly. “There you go, sweetie.” “Thank you, Teacher Lara!” Ram gave her a quick hug befor
When Lara got home that evening, she slipped out of her shoes, feeling the comfort of her condo wrap around her like a warm embrace. She set her bag down and walked into her bedroom, pulling her phone from her pocket to check any missed messages. A notification caught her eye—a message from Atty. Mendez, sent earlier that afternoon. Atty. Francesca Mendez: Hi Lara. I’ve finished drafting your annulment petition. Let me know when you’re free to review and sign it. We can meet anytime that works for you. Lara stared at the message for a moment. Her breath hitched, not out of panic, but quiet relief. It was real now. The end wasn’t just an idea—it was moving, breathing, taking shape. She quickly typed a reply. Lara: Thank you, attorney. I’m free after my class tomorrow, around 5 PM. Would it be alright if we meet over dinner? After hitting send, she placed her phone on the nightstand and walked into the bathroom for a quick half-bath. Warm water rushed over her skin, washing away t