We freshen up, the anticipation of an evening of elegance and gastronomy adding an extra beat to our hearts.In the soft glow of our bedroom, Jim and I stand facing our wardrobe, selecting the perfect attire for our evening at Le Paragon. I run my fingers over the silky fabric of a deep burgundy dress."What do you think of this one?" I ask Jim, contemplating my choice of outfitJim, a black suit in hand, smiles appreciatively, "it’s Stunning princess, It'll complement the ambiance of the restaurant perfectly.""And what about you, Mr. Dan? Going for the classic black?""Always a safe bet, don't you think?" He teasesAs I slip into the dress, Jim takes a step back, his eyes reflecting admiration."You look incredible, Anastasia." Jim compliments.And the one thing about Jim is that he never forgets to compliment me…. He never forgets."Thank you, Jim. Now, let's make sure you're equally dashing." I say, blushing.We share a moment of laughter as Jim adjusts his tie, the meticulous car
It’s been two weeks since Jim proposed, and we finally decided to get married.Our families are present here in New Zealand, and my growing stomach a revelation to the family that were about to build together.Jim’s mother and my father insisted that the wedding be done in one of the biggest churches…It’s a night to the wedding and I’ve been too eager to sleepAs the night wraps its comforting arms around us, Kendra and I find ourselves in a room, surrounded by the soft glow of fairy lights. The air is filled with a mix of excitement and tranquility, a prelude to the significant day that awaits us tomorrow, my wedding day."Anastasia, can you believe it's finally here? Your wedding day! I mean if we were to have this conversation years back, there’s no way I would have believed that you’re going to get married before me, but here you are sissy, and I can’t lie, I am so proud of you and of how far you have come in this journey of life, despite the setbacks… I’m always rooting for you,
Three months later.....The morning sun bathes our kitchen in a soft glow as I decide to whip up breakfast, the familiar routine grounding me in the comfort of our shared life. The scent of pancakes fills the air when, suddenly, a sensation unfamiliar sends a shiver down my spine. A warm rush, and I freeze.My water breaks."Jim!" I call, my voice betraying a mix of excitement and anxiety. In an instant, he's by my side, a mixture of concern and joy etched on his face.He guides me gently to the car, the anticipation of the imminent arrival of our little one palpable in the air. The drive to the hospital feels like a whirlwind of emotions, the rhythmic hum of the engine punctuated by the intensity of each contraction.Jim's reassuring presence grounds me as we navigate the hospital's corridors, the anticipation building with each step. The medical team takes charge, their efficiency a comforting backdrop to the rollercoaster of sensations enveloping me.The delivery room becomes a san
Anastasia's POV."Mom, please don't do this to me” I found myself screaming and crying, begging my mom not to leave me with my abusive father again because I knew that the possibility of making it out alive was very slim and, frankly speaking, I would just give up.My dad came out with a gun, pointed it at my head and told my mother that if she didn't leave immediately he was going to kill me, I was only 12.I hugged my mom one last time as she turned her back, and I head a gunshot! I squirmed in fear thinking I was going to die, but I examined myself and I could not see any blood, my gaze went straight to my mother and I could see the blood gush out from her back and she mouthed the word “run” to me.“She did not deserve to die like that” I mournedKendra pulled me into a tight hug as I kept mouthing the words “she did not deserve like that”Nights have been like this since Kendra and I moved in together, I would always wake up sobbing and weeping uncontrollably and Kendra would alwa
“Good morning” I greet Mr. Hemsworth, the owner of the coffeehouse I worked in.“Good morning” he said as he looked up from the papers he was working on, “How was your weekend?” He asks.“It was just what I needed to relax” I smile“Good because we need to make as many sales as we can, else we won't be able to keep this place open”“I'll do my best” I say and walk away to get started for the day.The bell dings as the first customer walks in, he is light skinned and of average height.“Can I get two cups of iced cappuccino, pretty lady?” He smiles.“Good morning, welcome to Jundas coffeehouse, two cups of iced cappuccinos coming right up” I smile dryly at his weak attempt to flirt“Thank you” he says as I hand it over to him“That'll be 10 bucks please”He hands me the money as he leaves the storeCustomers after customers and it was finally time for a break.I decide to take a walk to let the warm air hit my lungs and calm my body that has been taken over by stress, soon after my bre
It's finally time to close for the day, and I check the office to see Mr. Hemsworth working on some papers.“May I take my leave now?” I ask him from the door.“Yes, but before you do, I'm thinking of expanding this business and employing more workers” he says“That would be great sir, we could really use the hand around here.” I smile.“Do have a good night rest” he says as I head out.As I shut the door behind me, I turn to see an excited Stewart smiling at me with vibrant yellow rose flowers.“Hey, you scared me” I say in shock“Well I didn't mean to, sorry about that” Stewart says, handing me the bouquet of flowers. “I got this for you”“Thank you” I say as I collect the flowers and smell them, “it smells nice, thank you. Roses are my favorite” I smile.“Well, at least that makes up for scaring you, want to go for a ride with me?” He asks shyly.“Well, are you a kidnapper? Should I be scared?” I question.“There's only one way to find out, want to hop in?”“That's actually scary,
“Kendra we need to get up else we'll get fired” I say when I realize that it was already morning and Kendra and I had overslept“Alright, I'll be up in a jiffy, give me a little time to reboot my system” she yawns“Okay” I say as I stand up to brush my teeth and decide on making breakfastKendra finally gets up when I'm done brushing, and I decide to head to the kitchen to make breakfast.I decide on making waffles with hot chocolate for breakfast, and I get it done.“Well I'm exhausted, I wish I could just get some fucking ass money to employ cooks and get a bigger apartment” Kendra says as she walks into the kitchen“Well wishes aren't horses baby girl, they just don't come through, we've got this” I reply while I give her a plate of food.“We've got this” she smiles as she takes her plate of food from me and digs into it.“I just love waffles” Kendra says satisfyingly.“I better get dressed for work” I say, heading to my room and getting dressedI look at myself in the mirror and I
“How was work?” I ask an already dozing off Kendra laying on the couch.“Oh you're back, work was fine” she replies in a raspy voice which tells me she has been trying to stay awake a little longer“Kendra my dad called” I say, sitting on the sofa“Are you okay” she asks as her eyes turn wide with concern“I don't know if I can be okay knowing that my father has found me” I stutter“It's going to be okay, he won't be able to hurt you, I promise, I'll be here for you and so would your new friend and Joel will be there too” Kendra says, hugging me close to her chest like the moment she leaves me, I will be taken away.I sob silently into her chest as different thoughts races through my mind.“But what if he comes for me when I'm alone? And there's no one there to protect me?” I mutter.“He won't, trust me”I don't realize when I fall asleep, but the next day I wake up and Kendra is not home. I assume she has gone to work, so I decide to lock the doors and occupy myself with anything tha