Sophia “Where is she?” I woke up with one thing in mind – I wanted to wrap my hands around Moira’s neck and look her in the eyes as I squeezed the life out of her. I was lying on the sofa, the comforter covering me lightly. Kieran was sitting beside my feet, and I moved them to make more space for him. “Police took her away half an hour ago.” He said quietly, confirming my unspoken questions. It was true. I didn’t dream it; I didn’t imagine it. Once again, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I let them fall freely for all the years I spent grieving the loss of my parents, thinking it was some higher power that decided Ellie and I should suffer the greatest pain children could live through. At one moment, I felt Kieran shift in his place, moving closer to me and pulling me into his embrace, offering me what I needed the most – a shoulder to cry on. “Do you know why?” The voice sounded strange and distant, perfectly reflecting how I felt. A part of my soul detached, numbing me. “You

SophiaMy back was resting against Kieran’s front as the bubbles emerging from the water gently massaged us. The lights were dimmed, and the surrounding silence only added to the atmosphere. Who would have guessed my husband had this romantic note in him?His hands softly pressed the tense neck muscles, following the invisible trail down to my shoulders. The little game he was playing brought exactly what I needed – relaxation. My hands caressed his bent legs, and occasional grunts of pleasure told me how much he enjoyed my touch.“What’s bothering you?” I hated to ask, but I didn’t like seeing him weighted by unspoken thoughts.“When did you get to know me so well?”“When I married you?” I tilted my head to see his face, to ensure he was OK, but he planted a kiss on my cheek instead. I leaned back on him and took a few deep breaths, not pressing any further, giving him time and space to tell me when he was comfortable to do so. “I missed this. Just you and me, alone... These past few

Sophia “What are you doing here?” I blurted out, absolutely shocked by Nora’s appearance in Ellie’s hospital room. “Don’t be like that!” Nora remarked in her characteristic sickly-sweet tone. Oh, how I despised her voice! “I had to congratulate the young mother here. And you, of course. You’re an aunt now! You’ll do anything for your little nephew?” My heart grew cold from her words; I knew this couldn’t end well. She was here for some wicked reason other than what she stated, I could swear. I just failed to understand it. “Who’s this woman, Sophia?” I heard Ellie’s inquiry, but I kept my stance straight. I couldn’t take my eyes off Nora, not even for a second. “She’s leaving.” I gave my best to sound stern and confident, but there was no help for the slight tremble my voice carried. Nora ignored me entirely and stepped further into the room, closer to Ellie’s bed. Driven by the pure instinct to protect my sister and her child from the cloud of evilness that came in with Nora, I

KieranThe meeting with the financial director took place at 10 a.m. sharp. Mr. Perkins expounded on his latest plan for the expenses and how it would affect the goals I set for the end of the trimester. With a few adjustments and constructive arguments, we were done by 11 a.m., and all I had on the schedule for the day was Tanya.Even the thought of Nora’s best friend was like a disease; it infected my good mood, threatening to destroy it, and I couldn’t let that happen.A smile crept up on my face as I invoked the memories of my sweet wife. Sophia. I couldn’t stop the rush of emotions that would overtake my heart and mind every time I said her name. She was mine, only mine, and what a pleasure that knowledge brought!If a year ago, anyone had told me that today I’d be whipped for the woman I married, I would have laughed. No, I would have punched them in the face because who could ever predict Sophia coming into my life? Who could ever predict Sophia becoming the center of my univer

KieranFree of the desperation that broke my body and mind, I ran through the hospital, aiming for the rooftop. Security stopped me from entering the elevator, so I tried the stairs, but they caught me on the second floor, delivering a message from my brother to stop acting crazy.Though Philip was right, I’d reconsider the new CT scan donation I promised to the director.Two guards led me to the waiting area, and moments later, a nurse exited a room and came straight to me.“Mister King, our best team of doctors is with your wife. They’re doing everything necessary to make sure there are no hidden threats to her health.”Barely comprehending what the brunette was saying, I headed to the room, but she stopped me, blocking my way.I pulled my hands into fists, directing the fury for the woman into them. Should I kill her right now?As if she could read my mind, she cast her eyes down to the floor, trying to hide from my murderous intentions. but still didn’t move.“Sir, I can’t let you