Upon arriving at the foster home, without even announcing my prolonged visit, my mother was the only one who welcomed me, slightly surprised to have me there in February.Contrary to my siblings, who excitedly shouted and hugged me.They embraced me and listened fascinated to the news of me staying there for a few months without an apparent reason. They didn't mind the news at all, so they ran off to play after asking for some alone time with my mother.After leaving my things in my room, I sat on one of the armchairs in the living room, where my mother remained silent, knitting what seemed to be another scarf, waiting for me to speak willingly without her having to interrogate me.She observed me for a few seconds, almost unable to believe that her eldest daughter was back. I could see in her eyes that she was forming countless mistaken ideas about my return. Unable to conceal it any longer, I burst into tears, clumsily telling her everything that had happened since we had returned to
"Lucy had lost everything... or so she thought.After enduring the worst pain she had ever experienced for years, she now has to put up with her arrogant boss, who will do anything to make her life difficult."I'll come for you soon."That note had left her perplexed and worried. Who was Jackson Thierry, her mysterious and irresistible boss?”\\\In the present day, eight years laterI arrived at the majestic Jackson University Hospital after walking a few blocks.This place was the centerpiece of the entire Jackson empire, encompassing malls, restaurants, hotels, and, of course, the university where I had spent nearly six whole years of my life.However, the hospital was one of the oldest and most significant businesses in that family. It was a paradise just by looking at it from the outside, built with majestic buildings—more like skyscrapers—that connected through bridges.But it wasn't just the marvelous architecture; it was also the specialists, the technology, and the numerous m
He revved up that monstrous machine and shot me one last look before darting off into the distance toward the university, which, to be honest, wasn't too far away.I couldn't help but smile, remembering our ridiculous chat.Cody always knew how to change my mood; even when we argued, he managed to make me laugh.I looked at the beautiful roses, and a strange thought crossed my mind: how I wished I could take some to Jack's grave, but I knew that wouldn't be possible. Not unless I found Deborah or someone who could tell me where he was after so many years of not even knowing where his body was resting...I was in my office, going through my mail, and after opening letters and other meaningless things, I finally found another one of those mysterious notes—no sender, no signature, just a simple paper with a phrase made up of cut-out pieces from what seemed to be magazines.'I'll come for you soon.'I jumped, piling it up with the rest.They arrived once a week for over two years now. So
I walked casually towards building B, took the elevator up to the fourth floor, and walked a few more steps until I stopped at the last door on the right side of the hallway, where Nia's office was located.I entered, finding the reception area completely empty. There wasn't a soul in the waiting room chairs, not even where her secretary was supposed to be. Well, there was someone after all; it was noon, the only break the poor lady was allowed.I headed towards the door with the sign bearing my friend's name and before entering, I lightly tapped on the wood as a signal that I had arrived.Stepping into the cozy room, I found all the windows wide open, allowing the scarce winter daylight to filter in. It was still a bit early for the first snowfall in Atlanta, considering the year was about to end.The room where my old friend spent much of her time was painted in black and white, nothing more. It was spacious enough to feel comfortable for hours, with a desk next to a bookshelf, a co
Finally, Friday arrived without any special hiccups, and feeling grateful like never before, I left the hospital early. Having successfully finished my shift for the week, I spent much of the afternoon lying in bed, sleeping until nightfall hinted that I should get ready for the big party before Nia arrived.I wasn't used to attending such events; something significant always seemed to prevent me from going. Yet there I was, ready to celebrate the start of a new year alongside colleagues and superiors from the hospital, unless an emergency arose, which I believed was unlikely that day.I adjusted my elegant dress, styled my hair in a simple way, applied natural makeup, and when I felt completely ready, I looked at myself one last time in the bathroom mirror.I had changed so much since Jack had died; I wasn't the same person inside or out. I had aged a bit; I no longer spent most of my time with a furrowed brow, smiled whenever I felt like it, and laughed without apparent reason.My
"Dr. Wolfang, could you please return to your seat?" mumbled the man, seeing that I showed no signs of wanting to get up.Most around me threw mocking glances, and some whispered things among themselves, laughing.It seemed as if he intentionally made that comment just to embarrass me, but there was nothing that hurt me more than having him in front of me; handsome and radiant as he used to be, except something in his expression told me he wasn't the same, that he had changed drastically over the years.I felt my legs trembling as I tried to stand, and my heart raced uncontrollably inside me.He was just a few steps away from me, alive like any of us; serious and distant, but just as handsome as when I first met him. There was only a subtle crease that appeared around his eyes when he maintained that forced smirk.Was I hallucinating, right? Was everyone seeing the same thing as me?I walked, almost dragging my feet, toward my seat, under the disapproving stares of everyone present.U
I couldn't enjoy the rest of the party at all, even when Jack had left after giving his speech and greeting a few acquaintances, especially me; I seemed to be his main target from the start.That argument kept tormenting me in my mind, chilling my blood.I tried to eat what was served, but I could barely take a bite; the urge to rush to the bathroom and vomit returned.Nia seemed even more distressed than me, as if I might faint at any moment."Let's go, Lucy," she repeated with concern. "You don't look good."But I stayed, thinking I could overcome it.Just as everyone got up to dance, Nia insisted we go back home. I wanted to drive, but my hands were shaking, my feet weren't cooperating, just like my thoughts.So, she took the trouble to be the driver, while I remained silent, gazing out the window, feeling the whirlwind of memories hit me harder each time.Seven years, seven damn years deceived, thinking it was my fault, blaming myself in solitude. How could Deborah have done that
The foster home hadn't changed at all, even the swings and the playground remained in perfect condition, although they were rarely used. The older kids took care of them in case new children arrived, which hadn't happened since I turned eighteen. Perhaps it was because our mother was too old to handle rambunctious kids.After all, looking after nine teenagers wasn't an easy task.To my surprise, the villa was covered in snow, an eerie coldness that made my skin prickle as I stepped out of the car. Thankfully, I had thought to bring some thick clothing just in case. Tiny snowflakes fell onto my hair, prompting me to shake them off.If it was that cold there, it was likely that Atlanta had already seen its first snowfall of the year by the time I returned.My younger siblings, who rushed out to greet me as soon as I stepped inside, embracing me as if they were still little and fragile, had changed so much over time. Even though they were all young adults now, they remained the same c