Ivy's heart raced with a mixture of relief and trepidation as she stood before Gerard, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that mirrored her own tumultuous emotions. They were alone in the hospital room now, Nathan and Anthony having discreetly left to give them privacy in this pivotal moment. "Gerard," Ivy began, her voice wavering slightly as she searched for the right words. "I want you to know that I've let go of everything that happened in the past. All the pain, the hurt... I forgive you. And more than that, I'm willing to love you again." Gerard's expression softened, disbelief mingling with profound gratitude. His voice caught in his throat as he struggled to find words adequate to express the emotions swirling within him. “Ivy," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't believe this... after everything..." Tears welled up in Ivy's eyes as she reached out, placing her hand gently on Gerard's. "I mean it," she affirmed, her voice steadier now with c
The atmosphere in the quaint, sunlit church was serene yet vibrant with anticipation. Yvette, radiant in a flowing ivory gown adorned with delicate lace, stood beside Gerard, who looked dashing in a classic black tuxedo. Her veil gently cascaded down her back, catching the light that filtered through the stained-glass windows. Gerard's expression held a mix of gratitude and love as he gazed at Yvette, his eyes sparkling with renewed hope.Behind them, Anthony, dressed impeccably in a dark suit, stood proudly as Gerard's best man. Opposite, Ella, in an elegant burgundy gown, exuded warmth and support as Ivy's maid of honor. The couple faced the priest, an elderly man with a gentle demeanor, who began the ceremony with a solemn grace."In the presence of God and these witnesses, do you, Gerard, take Yvette to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest intoned, his voice resonating through the hushed sanctuary.Gerard's voice was steady, filled with conviction. "I do," he declared, hi
As the morning sun bathed the Quinn mansion in golden light, a palpable tension hung in the air. Today was a pivotal day, not just for Mia, but for everyone whose lives had been entangled in her deceit and treachery. The Huxleys and Quinns gathered somberly, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension, ready to face the final chapter of a long and tumultuous ordeal.In Yvette's room, a quiet sense of unease prevailed. She stood before the mirror, adjusting her attire with nervous hands. Her reflection betrayed the turmoil within—a blend of hope and anxiety, uncertainty mingled with resolve. Today held the promise of closure, yet the weight of past grievances lingered."Yvette, we're leaving soon," Gerard's voice called from downstairs, breaking the tense silence. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, and descended to join the rest of the family."Late as always," Nathan remarked with a half-smile as Yvette entered the gathering in the foyer. S
Six years had passed since the tumultuous courtroom drama that had marked a turning point in their lives. Now, Gerard and Yvette stood quietly at the tomb of Old Master Huxley, a place of reverence and reflection. Yvette held a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hands, her fingers gently tracing the edges of the petals as if seeking solace in their delicate beauty. The morning sun cast a soft glow over the cemetery, lending an air of serenity to the solemn occasion.Beside them stood Abigail, their five-year-old daughter, a radiant blend of her parents' features and spirit. Her curly hair caught the sunlight, framing her cherubic face as she clutched her own bouquet of wildflowers, chosen with the innocent instinct of a child. With solemn grace beyond her years, she placed the flowers atop the tomb, a gesture of love and remembrance taught by her parents.Gerard knelt down beside Abigail, his large hand gently lifting her up to rest on his hip. "Grandpa loves you very much, Abigail,
Abigail sat at her desk in the bustling classroom of St. Jude's Elementary School, the best school in Artea. Her small hands fidgeted with a pencil as she waited anxiously for the morning announcements to end. Today was the day they would meet their new homeroom teacher, and excitement buzzed through the room like static in the air.Principal Thompson entered the third-grade classroom with a poised young woman by his side. “Good morning, class," he greeted warmly, his voice carrying authority yet kindness. "I'm pleased to introduce you to your new homeroom teacher, Mrs. Mia."The students turned their attention to the new arrival, Mrs. Mia, who smiled graciously, her eyes scanning the eager faces before her. She was a striking figure, with dark hair pulled back neatly and an air of confidence that seemed almost too perfect for a classroom setting.Her eyes looked too sharp to be a teacher, but it was soon replaced by warmth when she glanced around the classroom and the array of st
An elegant young lady exited the hospital and quickly got into a high-end black car.“You seem very happy, Mrs. Huxley,” the driver commented with a smile.Happy? She was joyful! After three years of marriage with the love of her life, she finally got pregnant. And this news came just at the right time!Ivy had been in love with Gerard since high school. Gerard Huxley was her senior and the dream boy of every girl. He was handsome, intelligent, with an impressive background. His parents were the presidents of the Huxley group, the most powerful group in Artea, and it was no news that he would be the successor. Not that Ivy cared for the last part.Looking at the report in her hand, the word ‘PREGNANT’ couldn't help but make her feel happy, and her smile grew even wider. Ivy has always been a beautiful girl - big doe-eyes, small plump lips, and a cute button nose, even when she was just a child. Coupled with her sunny and friendly characteristics, it was impossible for one to hate her.
Three years later...A man was seen sitting in his study. The lights were off; the only light filling the room came from the moonlight outside in the sky.The moonlight illuminated the man’s exquisite facial features - thick eyebrows, piercing black eyes as dark as the ink, sharp nose, thin sensual lips, and chiseled jawline. To say that he was handsome was an understatement. He was drop-dead gorgeous and clearly was a man favored by God. Every man envied him, and every lady wanted him.The man had his eyes down, staring absentmindedly at a paper and a photograph in his hand. There was also a white bunny plushie sitting on his desk. Soon, his usually hawk-like eyes were filled with sorrow, despair, and heartbreak.“Ivy...” his soft, hoarse voice sounded from his throat.Yes, that man was Gerard Huxley.He caressed the face in the photograph. The woman in it was beautiful. She was smiling brightly, and her eyes were twinkling with playfulness.“Ivy...” he called out her name again befo
The female voice called him, “Gerard..”Gerard looked toward the source of the voice, and he could see a blurry female figure.“Gerard..” the female voice said again.He could see the female figure coming closer and closer. As the figure was within arm’s length, he reached out his hand and pulled her toward him. “Ivy, I miss you,” he mumbled. How Gerard missed his wife. He wished for her to appear, and here she was in front of him.“Let’s go back to bed, Gerard,” the soft female voice said.Gerard pulled her closer to him, wanting to feel her warmth and smell her scent.The moment the female sat down on his lap, he realized it wasn't his wife. They smelled different. Ivy had a distinct soft smell of roses, but this female’s rose scent was strong. It made him want to puke.He pushed her away abruptly. “You are not Ivy,” he slurred.“Gerard..” the female reached out her hand, but Gerard slapped her hand away.“You are not Ivy!” he shouted with a clear voice despite being drunk.“Gerar