I stared at my phone one last time and smashed it as I did it. My heart shattered too…I was too determined and not even my parents would change my mind. They would understand me if I explained my redemption.As the days turned into weeks, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The pain in my heart was still raw, and the weight of my shattered dreams felt unbearable at times. But I knew that I had made the right decision to leave the city and start anew.One evening, as I stood behind the counter of the coffee shop, serving customers with a smile, I noticed a familiar face in the crowd. A man, with kind eyes and a gentle smile, would come in every day, ordering the same cup of coffee. He seemed drawn to me, always choosing a seat near the window where he could catch a glimpse of me.At first, I didn't pay much attention to his presence. I was still healing from the wounds of my past, and the thought of opening my heart to someone new felt daunting. But as the days went by, I

The weeks went by, the symptoms of my pregnancy began to intensify. Nausea plagued me throughout the day, and even the smell of certain foods made me queasy. Fatigue weighed me down, making it difficult to find the energy to do even the simplest tasks. And to top it all off, my belly started to show a visible sign of life growing within me.Sarah had been my constant companion during this time, taking care of me and ensuring that I had everything I needed. She even took time off work to be by my side, knowing that this was my first pregnancy and that I needed extra support. Her presence brought me comfort and reassurance in the midst of the uncertainty that surrounded me.One day, as I sat on the couch, trying to find some relief from the constant nausea, I heard a knock on the door. Sarah glanced at me, concern evident in her eyes, before getting up to answer it. I watched as she opened the door, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Oliver standing there.There was something about

She looked shaken and scared, but physically unharmed. I rushed to her side, embracing her tightly."I'm so sorry, Sandra," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I should have protected you. I should have never let this happen."Sandra held onto me, her voice filled with forgiveness. "It's not your fault, Naomi. You did everything you could to save me. I'm just glad we're both safe now."We stayed there, in each other's arms, finding solace in the fact that the nightmare was finally over. The police assured us that Oliver would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that they would do everything they could to ensure our safety.In the days and weeks that followed, Sandra and I leaned on each other for support. We attended therapy sessions together, As the days passed, the weight of guilt and fear continued to bear down on me. Despite Oliver being apprehended, I couldn't shake off the feeling that danger was still lurking around every corner. Reuben's ransom was st

I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears, determined to compose myself before stepping out of the bathroom. I didn't want Reuben to see me in such a vulnerable state. I splashed some water on my face, trying to wash away the pain and sadness that still lingered.As I walked back to the dining area, I kept a close eye on Reuben, making sure to avoid any direct contact. I didn't want him to notice me and potentially ruin my already fragile emotional state.I continued to serve customers, forcing a smile and pushing aside my own heartache. I focused on providing excellent service, distracting myself from the thoughts of Reuben and the woman he was with.Time seemed to pass slowly as I anxiously waited for my nanny to arrive from the daycare with my baby. I knew that once my baby arrived, I would have a reason to smile and find solace in the love I had for my child.Just as Reuben was about to leave, the nanny arrived with the baby in her arms. My heart skipped a beat as I realized th

As I stepped out of the car, holding Liam's hand tightly, my heart raced with anticipation. Returning to the city after two long years, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The bakery, the place where I had grown up and where my passion for baking had flourished, held a special place in my heart. I had hoped to find solace and familiarity within its walls, but as I approached, my heart sank.The bakery, once bustling with life and the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods, now stood dark and empty. The sign that had proudly displayed the name "Naomi's Bakery" was gone, replaced by a plain, nondescript board. My breath caught in my throat, and a wave of agony washed over me.I couldn't understand why the bakery had been closed down. Had it fallen into disrepair during my absence? Or had the royal families, angered by my disappearance, taken it away from my family as retribution? Questions swirled in my mind, but the answers eluded me.Desperate for answers, I