[ Nicholas ]The last one month has been the hardest for me. I buried myself completely in the work to get rid off conflicting emotions and thoughts which drives me crazy with passing days.I keep minimal contact with my family and has nothing to do with my Dad. I am also avoiding Rain to sort out what I actually wants for my marriage. She has been ignoring my presence as well.She asked some time and I gladly gave it to her. It's like we're two strangers living in the same house. Yes, I call us strangers now as there are days we don't come across each other and it started taking a toll over me. I have become a cold man whose temper looses on simple things. I fired forty eight employees including three of my assistants in less than three weeks.A knock on the door snaps me out of my personal life's myriad."Come in,"I permit the person on the other side in an icy cold tone.The door opens and the familiar scent of my best friend's perfume invades the air in my office."How long are yo
[ Rain ]My feet seem to freeze at my spot. I can't believe or register what my eyes are showing to me.My sister is at my doorstep with my husband holding her like his damsel in distress. It stings my heart but I can't express it to the person whose feelings for me died a long time ago.Or he never felt anything for me other than sympathy.The truth hurts but I've learnt my message."Rose, what happened to you?" I hid my displeasure by a normal look. I can't act surprised as Nicholas told me everything about her and Samuel.Nicholas's eyes flickers on me as if he's gauging my actions.I can play better, dear husband if you think I'd act like a jealous wife and question his decision. It will give him concrete reasons to declare me a gold digger like rest of my family."It's a long story, Rain which I don't think you want to hear." She again smiles weakly at me. I want to roll my eyes but seeing the wounds and bruises on her body made my heart melt on her current condition.She's batte
[ Rain ]Only I know how I spent the sleepless night as the haunting image of my future without Nicholas and all the people I loved kept replaying inside my head whenever I tried to close my eyes. I thought a thousand times about my decision to leave everything behind and pick the shattered pieces of my life.I want to go far away from this life and this place which messed up with my emotions and my mind.And again, it's really hard to imagine a life without Nicholas who may not even remember me after a time as his first and true love is back and living under the same roof. It's hard to resist and I am sure one day or later, he'd feel the attraction between them. The old flames will rekindle on the ashes of my hopes.I woke up before the dawn and left the house for a run to clear my head. I have a flight to Boston at one in the afternoon but I need to pack my things before the courier service move them to Boston safely. It cost me a lot but I managed rather than asking Nicholas or my
[ Rain ]I don't see or try to come across Nicholas in the next few hours I stay at the mansion. Nicole's words keep ringing in my ear but I also hold my self respect high. If Nicholas wants to save our marriage, he has to show some efforts which I am seeing going in the opposite direction.He wants to end it as soon as possible.I left the house after bidding final bye to the house staff. It was very painful. Elle promised to come on the competition day. Dad called me again but as usual, I didn't answer.My eyes are staring out of the car window as the driver drives me to the airport. I don't know if I'll be back here again. I spent all my life here, in this city and leaving my birth place is the most difficult thing. I never imagined this day would come when I have to say good bye to the place which I love the most."Ma'am, Mr. Blackwood called me. He asked if I'm dropping you off at the airport." Shawn, the new driver speaks breaking the agonizing silence in the car.It catches my
[ Rain ]"Elle told me that you're not opening the door of your study room for anyone. Are you alright?" I dare to ask him. I know I am crushing a snake's tail but for his poor house staff's sake I have to do it. It may backfire on me."Why do you care?" I can sense his scowl from the other side. He acts like a stubborn child.I sigh in exasperation, it's more difficult than I thought,"I do care, Nicholas. I thought you would have understood by now. We have been married for months for crying out loud." I state the fact which earn me the same silence from him."Nicholas?" I call his name again as I don't receive any response for him and about to hang up."Why did you leave without meeting me, Rain? I was waiting for you but you just left." He complain and it makes me laugh dryly."Are you even listening to yourself, Nicholas? You are the one who completely shut me out of your life. I tried many times to have a decent talk with you but you just..."I pause and contemplate my words. I don
[ Rain ]Two days quickly passed in the preparation of the competition. My nerves have been high as I feel very small against world famous and award winning photographers. I had zero experience in the field. I bet that people wouldn't spare a glance at my pictures are are going to be displayed among the new release of the year, in short among new bees."Can't you sit straight for a minute?" Candace glare hard at me as she is trying to put make up on my face much against my wish. I want to keep it neutral but she opposed my idea. According to her, I must look like a regal lady, a page 3 model who should make her presence acknowledged by everyone. According to her, a strong personality, an elegant feminine beauty to lure everyone around here.She made me wear a black, tight fitted dress which ends just below my knees and have a low neck. It has a heart shaped neckline with no straps. The drass caught my eyes but it's not my style, it's way out of my comfort zone but Candace thinks I ha
[ Rain ]The amount of praises that I have been receiving from the admirers of art and other visitors, boost my confidence. I feel less worked up and opened up more to everyone who congratulated me on my works.My family has also been with me, introducing me to more people and also applauding for me but again, the void isn't gone. My eyes hopelessly search for a familiar face in the crowd thinking a miracle would happen and he'd be here on my big day."Hey, Rain, come here. There's a group of Amazon tribal who want to meet you as you took their picure when they were fishing in the river." Candace drags me to a group of people who seems very happy. It's visible in their eyes."I shot the photo five years ago, Candy. I was there with my Dad on his business friend's anniversary party. I took it when we're traveling through the boat. I don't think it's that much special." I tell her.One of the elderly man comes forward and pats my head. He's saying something in his local language which I
[ Rain ]"Mrs. Blackwood, it's your turn. We want to know what is your inspiration behind such great work at such young age." The anchor's voice brings me back in the present.I reluctantly tear my eyes away from Nicholas which I still think is a dream. He can't be here. He made it clear two days ago. I give a last glance at him whose eyes are fixed on me. It's hard to tell what he is feeling right now but my heart is ready to jump out of my rib cage.He hands me the microphone. Goosebumps erupt on my skin as I feel everyone's attention solely on me."Hello everyone, I don't know what to say right now. In fact, I wasn't prepared to stand here, share my thoughts because right now, I am an emotional mess. Please pardon me." I blink my tears, a low laugh waves through the audience."Everyone has something or someone as their inspiration and in my case, I have both. My photography passion developed when my grandfather's collection of vintage cameras and the photos he used to capture durin