ANNIKA'S POV“Hey, Mom.” My tears fell when I saw her sitting on her bed, looking healthier than the last time I saw her.I immediately closed our distance, and gave her a tight hug. “I missed you,” I whispered.She gently stroked my back, I can feel her smiling as she hug me back. “I missed you too, honey. I'm sorry if I made you worried.”“No, Mom. I'm sorry for not seeing through your pain. And I'm glad that you're awake now,” I murmured against her ear.We continued hugging each other for a moment until Jade interrupted. And that's when I remembered that Caspian was outside the room.“Thank you for taking care of Mom while I was away. You're such a big help,” I told her.Jade grinned at me. “You know how much I love you. I always got your back, Annika.”Indeed, I was so lucky to have her. I couldn't imagine what might have happened if I was alone as I go through it all. I would have crumbled down, or maybe I'd lose my sanity.“Mom, I want you to meet someone. He's the one helping u
ANNIKA'S POV I usually doze off after making love with Caspian, but tonight, sleep seems to be avoiding me. I was staring blankly at the white ceiling, my mind so lost in my thoughts but aware of Caspian's gentle hands as he stroked my arm. I'm resting my head against his chest, listening to his erratic heartbeat.A sense of familiarity hits my heart as I listen to his chest, rising and falling with every breath that he takes. It's a sound that makes me feel happy, content and at peace. And just thinking that I would wake up to this kind of familiarity in the next few months, makes me want to slow down time. It wasn't hard to admit…I knew then that the possibility of falling in love with him is high.Before, I didn't try to look at him because I was afraid I'd mess up my job. I set a barrier between us…and yet, fate had other plans for me. However, along with realizing and admitting that I was helplessly falling in love with him, I am scared. Scared…because I know it's a losing game.
ANNIKA'S POV“I heard you got married. Who's the unlucky girl?” the woman asked as she stood up and walked towards us.I felt how Caspian stiffened when he saw her. His eyes immediately widened, failing to hide the surprise. “Juliette? What are you doing here?” he asked, letting my hand go.When his hand left mine, it took away the warmth, leaving my palms in cold sweat. I stood there, watching as they gaze at each other. Then, I felt a punch on my chest when the woman he called Juliette stroked his arms. Her other hand traced Caspian's face, and I can see he was distracted with her touch.“Oh, is that how you welcome an old friend?” Juliette asked, emphasizing the last two words. She then turned her gaze on me and I couldn't help but feel so little. ”Won’t you introduce me to your lovely wife?”She looked at me from head to toe…then she looked at my face and faked a smile. Judging from Caspian's reaction, and the familiarity of their touch…I didn't need to ask who Juliette was in his
ANNIKA'S POV”His heart is already tied…”Like a broken record, those words kept on ringingin inside my head. No matter how I try to shake those thoughts away, I couldn't. The image of Caspian while wiping Juliette's tears flashed vividly on my mind. I felt a stab on my chest.I shouldn't feel this way…but maybe it was his genuine concern, kindness and thoughtfulness that made me see him in a different way…in a different light.The night went on. Caspian didn't even realize that I wasn't with him. I sipped on the glass of wine as I gaze at the millions of stars that illuminates the sky. The wind was cold, so hugged myself a little tighter. From where I stood, I can hear their heartful laugh. I should have known…I don't belong in this place.I wanted to get mad…or to feel jealous, but then. I remembered I wasn't supposed to like him. I wasn't supposed to break rule number three, but I did…I did.I looked up, took a deep breath and then, I closed my eyes. I felt the cold wind kissing my
ANNIKA'S POVI was pacing back and forth while waiting outside the operating room. It has been three hours since the operation began, but we haven't heard from the doctors yet. I'm beginning to feel anxious and worried. Cold sweat broke on my forehead and I wiped it hastily, closing my eyes to utter a silent prayer.“Hey…”I turned around to see Caspian holding a cup of coffee, then he handed it to me. “Drink this. And please, just relax. The doctors are doing the best for her.” He smiled reassuringly at me.“I can't…especially not when I know the surgery’s not yet done. What if she won't survive? What if—”“Sshhhh…” He then gathered me into his arms and hugged me tight. “Everything's gonna be alright. I promise you that. She will make it because she knows you're waiting for her. She'll make it, hmmm.“He kissed the top of my head, and continued whispering comforting words. Soon enough, I found myself relaxing under his touch, and gentle strokes. I sat on the seat provided outside the
ANNIKA'S POVI took a deep breath and sighed. It felt like I was floating, and my mind was in turmoil. I sat on the couch, waiting for Caspian to go home. It's been five hours since he left his office to follow Juliette, and yet, he has not returned home. I had no idea where they went, but my heart ached at the thought that they were together...or that maybe they're doing something behind my back.To be honest, I had no idea how I went home today. Whatever magic I felt inside Caspian's office earlier, it immediately disappeared. I reminded myself about our contract, but I can't stop myself from hurting. It pained me to think that he could drop me...in an instant whenever Juliette was there.Sometimes, I wonder if all his gestures were true. Caspian made me feel important. He has given me assurance even when he didn't need to. For days, he made me feel special that I thought, maybe I was slowly occupying a space in his heart. Or was I wrong? I don't know.I sighed, and closed my eyes, t
ANNIKA'S POVI couldn't move. I couldn't explain how I feel, seeing them together. They were just eating dinner, I know that...and yet, it couldn't even comfort my heart. I was hurt.“Hey, let's get inside. I'm starting -- wait, is that who I think it was?” Jade asked in confusion.I nodded my head. I can't trust myself to speak right now. I'm afraid that if I tried to open my mouth, I might end up a crying mess. That's the last thing I want for now.“Shall we go somewhere instead?” Jade asked.Maybe we should. I think we should.“Yes--”“Oh, hi! Annika, right?” I froze when I heard Juliette's voice. Why did she have to see me right before we could even leave?I faked a smile...“Yes, Juliette. It was nice to see you. And you too, honey...”Caspian turned to me. His eyes widened, as if he wasn't expecting to see me there.“Oh, I hope you don't mind. I borrowed your husband for a bit...” she giggled. “I wanted to eat outside, and it would be sad to eat alone, don't you think? I don't hav
ANNIKA'S POV“What did she tell you?” Jade repeatedly asked.She looked pissed and if only let her, I know she would confront Juliette. But I didn't want that to happen. She's my friend, alright, but she doesn't have to get involved. I know she only cared for me, but I didn't want her to look bad.I shook my head. “Not now, Jade. I don't want any trouble...“She sighed defeatedly. “Fine... I'll let this pass for now. But if it happens again, I will teach the woman a lesson. i don't care who she is, but if she hurts my friend, then she'd an enemy. Promise me...that next time, you will tell me anything that bothers you, Annika. You know you can always share your burdens to me. You're more like a sister to me, and I don't want to see you getting hurt or crying. After everything you've been through, you don’t deserve it.“I nodded my head and hugged her tight. What would I do without her?I wiped my tears, and washed my face. And then, I retouched so it won't look like I cried. My eyes ar