The New Old House Novels & Stories

Ian’s POV The house sells faster than I expected. Three weeks on the market, two offers, and suddenly I’m signing papers that officially end the last tangible connection to Eva. The realtor hands me a check that represents fifteen years of mortgage payments. My new place is across town, a modern condo in a high rise that overlooks the river. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, none of the history that weighed down the old house. It’s exactly what I need and Felicia is going to be part of it.

Elara Thorne Six Months After the Fall The North was no longer falling from the sky. In fact, it had never felt more grounded. I stood on the balcony of our new home. It wasn't the cold, stone fortress of the past. That place had been a monument to war and debts. Our new manor was built of sturdy mountain pine and warm cedar. It smelled of fresh wood and the lavender I had planted in the window boxes. For the first time in my life, my head was quiet. There was no "Ting" of a task. There were no silver threads telling me who owed what to whom. There was just the sound of the wind through the trees and the distant, happy shout of my son.

Ivy smiled at him and did not say anything. … When it was time to return to the old house in Delmas Town to celebrate the New Year, Nia and Cooper were the happiest of all. The old house was located in a quiet area in Delmas Town. It had a large compound. The castle-like building hinted at a slight extravagance, yet it was subtle enough to be elegant. Old Madam Shelby was waiting in the yard for everyone's return. Nia quickly rushed toward her when she got down from the car. "Great Grandpa. Great Grandma. I missed both of you so much!"

The first time I went to the boutique to try on wedding dresses, I stumbled upon the staff playing their game of “Guess the Bride.” The big screen inside was displaying the package my fiancé had reserved. Eager to snag the commission, the makeup artist spoke up first: “I remember the bride is petite and delicate. She looks absolutely stunning in a mermaid dress.” The photographer chime in: “She has straight bangs and two dimples when she smiles.” “Oh, right—and a red mole on her collarbone. She looks best in an off-shoulder gown.” I froze right on the spot. I had waist-length, voluminous waves, no dimples, and certainly no mole. The person they were describing fit my best friend—Charlotte Ho

It really was delightful. As we reach the house it’s a little older than the others and it didn’t have the fence but it did have a lovely porch. It looked like it was being renovated as ladders and tools sat on the grass to the side of the house. There was a car in the drive and some lights were on so it looked positive that someone was at least there. I grab a card and a pen and write my number on it with my name incase they were out then I climb out and drake walks me up the path and onto the porch.I nervously play with the card as we wait for them to answer, silently praying that they would at least try and help.

My vision was still foggy from the anesthesia's lingering effects as I squinted, attempting to acclimatize to the intense lighting, and moved my gaze about the room. On the bedside table, within arm's reach, just a stretch away, was a newspaper with bold, captivating headlines that instantly grabbed my interest. The words sprang from the page, slicing through my foggy daze with cruel clarity. I was taken aback by the unexpected headline that read: "Mr. Sherman Colton Abandoned by His Second Spouse."

I grabbed my jean jacket and my white sneakers, I said bye to my family and ran out to the car. The drive there was unbearable, Melly and Rain sang at the top of their lungs. I think they thought it was good singing but it sounded like dying cats, I was staring out the window. Once we pulled onto the lawn I took a look at the house. It was a beautiful log house, people were flooding in and out of the house. Cars everywhere on the lawn. We entered the house and the girls found their boyfriends. We sat down on a couch in what looked like the living room, it wasn't long before I wanted a drink.

Everyone in the living room froze. The two teams were nearly equal in strength. Most professionals expected a low-scoring game. A 2-4 upset was something almost no one favored. My father raised a brow, surprised and unconvinced. "You decided that quickly? "The match has only just started. The situation isn't clear yet. Don't you want to watch a little longer?" Sophie shook her head hard. "Dad, just trust me once. Buy in now. It's guaranteed profit." In the end, my father couldn't resist her insistence.

"Don't throw a tantrum on me, Mindy." When Sonia spotted the divorce papers, she covered her mouth in apparent shock, but the subtle flash of delight in her eyes belied her joy. I smiled at them. "You already have a confidante, so why do you still need me?" "This has to be a misunderstanding, Ms. Bridgerton. There's nothing going on between Jake and I. In any case, you can't be demanding half his net worth with the divorce. How will his company tide through this?" I slammed my hand on the table and looked into Jake's eyes. "Do you have a problem with those conditions? These are all considered to be joint property after our marriage, Jake. Is it not within the law to demand half?"

My mind raced through possibilities as the road became more and more familiar, a quiet realization settling in my chest. No. It couldn’t be. I sat up straighter, my heart pounding as we approached a place I hadn't seen in what felt like a lifetime. My old home. Or at least, the land where it used to stand. My breath hitched as I took in the sight before me. Construction work was underway—stacks of lumber, cement bags, workers moving around with purpose. A new house. My new house. I turned to Caleb, my voice barely above a whisper. "What is this?"