The Cast for Today:
The Thatchers: Lilith and Griffin (Sister and brother)
The Wildes: Elodie Wilde, and Chris Thatcher (Teen daughter, and teen neighbor)
The Kellers: Ben and Raya (Husband and wife)
Griffin Thatcher poured his second cup of coffee before his sister, Lilith, joined him for breakfast that morning. As the Thatchers had nothing better to do with their days than live off the backs of other people, their lifelong tradition had been eating breakfast together each and every morning.
This morning was unusual in that they did not discuss any of their businesses or the money being spent that day.
In fact, by the time they left their breakfast table on the large balcony overlooking the city, they were already tired of each other’s company.
“And what are you doing today?” Griffin asked as he tossed the newspaper he’d read while eating eggs onto the nearby sofa. He knew the maid would recycle it and that he needn’t bother with such menial things as doing the recycling himself.
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
Griffin raised a curious eyebrow at his sister’s deadpan response. Normally, her side of the conversation was monotone, but today, there was something different just under the surface. Something, he supposed, she did not want him to pick up on.
But like the proverbial elephant in the room, she was trying too hard to hide whatever it was.
He could see it in her icy blue eyes. Were her cheeks flushed? Yes, perhaps they were. And she’d been late to breakfast with him, which she never was. Did that mean she had taken extra care in getting ready this morning?
He decided not to pursue the matter any further. After all, he didn’t want her poking around in his business, so it was best to leave this alone.
For now.
But if he noticed anything strange in the future, you’d better believe he’d be on it.
“Have you seen Chris?” Griffin asked.
That had been another unusual thing about the morning. His son never missed breakfast in the summer months when there was no school.
Lilith raised her hands and shrugged. “I saw him earlier this morning. He was very interested in the little house on Old Street.”
Griffin couldn’t be more pleased to hear that. He’d always seen great potential in Chris and to know he was taking an interest in the family business filled his heart with pride.
“He needs to spend more time with me this summer, since he’s taking such an interest.”
Lilith smirked as if she knew something he didn’t.
“Yes, he’s a chip off the old block,” she said, smirking even harder. “I don’t suppose his interest in the cottage has anything to do with a certain teenage girl that lives there now.”
Griffin heard what his sister said, but he refused to believe his son’s interest in the cottage had anything to do with the Wilde’s daughter. Chris was already spoken for, dating the daughter of a prominent family in Mayfield Springs.
Elodie Wilde took the morning to explore her new yard. There were steps leading to the lower level of the house in back, but she was more interested in the rusty swingset.
She had no idea how long she’d been sitting on the swing when a voice behind her startled her from the daydream that had been occupying her thoughts.
Jumping to her feet, she found herself face to face with a handsome young man, similar in age to her.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Elodie took a gulping breath, her hand resting over her heart.
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
He smiled. “I really didn’t mean to.”
She let out a deep breath and smiled back at him.
“I’m Chris Thatcher. I live a few blocks down the street. So, um, I saw the moving trucks, and I was curious.”
Chris awkwardly shifted his weight as he realized after scaring her, she might want nothing to do with him.
Then she smiled, her posture relaxing.
“I’m Elodie Wilde. I think it’s your family we’re renting the cottage from.”
He nodded. “Yeah. Nice to meet you, Elodie. I’m Chris Thatcher. My dad and aunt own the property. It’s nice to see someone my age moving to Mayfield Springs.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Chris. I was hoping there would be people my own age here.”
All the while they spoke to one another, Elodie wondered if she should attempt to get to know Chris or not. Her family had moved so many times over the years, it seemed pointless to make friends in this new setting.
But something about Chris was endearing. He seemed to genuinely want to know her, for which she was grateful.
Maybe Mayfield Springs wouldn’t be that bad after all.
Ben Keller was used to getting what he wanted. And when it had been time to settle down and plant some roots in Mayfield Springs, he knew exactly who he wanted to do that with.
Raya had been all too eager to become his wife, and four years later, she was still madly in love with him.
Who wouldn’t be, though?
Ben had it all. A beautiful wife, home, and a career most would die to have.
He was the type that needed to feel adored, and Raya fit that bill, always gazing at him with those puppy dog eyes. They spent every minute they could together, just cuddling and talking about how much she cherished him.
They couldn’t have children, and he knew that had disappointed Raya. What she didn’t know was that it was a problem with him because he’d had the vasectomy. He was fine, letting her believe she was flawed instead of telling her the truth.
He’d never wanted children, anyway, and that’s all that mattered.
While they cuddled, he let her apologize to him once again for not being able to have a baby. He never corrected her when she did this. What would be the point?
Yes, she loved him with all her heart, and that made him feel like the king of the world.
He told her he had business to conduct, so she went upstairs to read for a while.
As soon as she was out of earshot, he was on his phone.
“Let’s meet,” he said into his Android 12. “Yeah, I can’t wait, baby.”
Special thanks to Bee (Stories by Bee / Poses by Bee) for editing this story and making the poses used in this chapter: Convo/Emotion Poses – Set 2, Just Standing – Males, and Couch Cuddle 2.
Thank you so much for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting!
Other Credits:
Sims: Sonya Rose (Elodie Wilde) by Bee
World: Mayfield Springs
Lots: Evansdale County Renovations 2 (The Kellers), Evansdale County Renovation 3 (The Menkins), Gracious Green (The Fellowes), Red Oak Lane (The Wildes), Villa Elisa (The Thatchers), Ranch House from Alpine County (The Whittingtons), Hospital for Storytelling
Raya needs to ditch this trash ASAP!
That’s so true! I agree.
I am still reading! Love the way you express words and storyline.
This Ben character is a devious little stinker! I like how you added this spice into the mix, it’s getting even hotter.
You know how to keep one wanting more. The entire setting of the story and the realistic individuality behind each character’s disposition and how they speak, think and interact is smart, creatively scandalous, mysterious, and all entertaining.
As each character is different and all have their own things going on the blends and intertwines all fit in together perfectly.
Awww that’s lovely. Thank you for reading.
Wait until you see who Ben is with! 😱😱😱
Your words are so kind and encouraging. I’m so glad you are enjoying this series. xo
I can’t wait till you see everything! 😀
I can’t wait to read what happens next and about Ben!
I publish a new chapter every Saturday. It’s great to have you here. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know so I know when to look forward to it.
You are so welcome. And thank you again for reading.
It was truly my pleasure. And I am being totally honest! 🧸🌷
❤️❤️
Thank you so much. I am glad to be here.
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Keep up the good work!
Thank you. 😀 I will try.
Concerning your much-loved Cesare, it left me with the feeling that it must be a cat’s world. After all, they always hold to their dignity, are not influenced by others, love their food, sleep and most of all – themselves! I think your work is grand Kymber. 🙂
LOL Thank you so much, Peter. Sounds about right where cats are concerned. I always say I wish I could get as comfortable as Cesare looks. 😀
Thank you for sharing another chapter!.. Mr. Keller is there for the purpose of showing others what not to do or be… my advice for Mr. Keller; “Sometimes it’s better to keep one’s mouth shut and appear stupid, rather than open it and remove all doubt” (Mark Twain)… 🙂 🙂
Until we meet again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
Thank you, Dutch. Aaaaah, I love that quote! And it fits Mr. Keller just right. 🙂 🙂
Loved it
Thank you. ❤️❤️
Ooh, fantastic setup for the series, Kymber! Such intrigue. And the sims fit your characterisations so well. Love it 💕🙂
Thank you so much, Harmony! I’m so glad you love it. I can’t wait to show what’s happening here. 😀 💕
Aww, Elodie and Chris are already cute together! Looking forward to seeing how their friendship develops. In polar contrast, I’d like to say a big fat “EW” to Ben. What a nasty man and poor wife – I hope Raya gets away from him as she deserves much better!
Thank you so much, Lila. 🙂 I can’t wait to show you more of Chris and Elodie. As for Raya and Ben, hopefully, more Raya and less Ben! LOLOL
Great introduction to what I can already tell will be a story filled with intrigue. That Ben character needed a slap, but hey, there’s a lot of people like him out there.
Thank you so much, Jina. 🙂 And congratulations on your new book, too!
There certainly are a lot of “Bens” out there which is a shame. I can’t wait for you to see what happens!
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So much intrigue, Kymber. Some nasty characters developing in here, as well as some to root for. I’m already looking forward to seeing where this goes. 🙂
Thank you so much, Diana. 🙂 Right now, I’m laying some ground-work, and hopefully, the intrigue will develop well. I’m so, so happy you’re reading it. 🙂
Hooked already.
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Intriguing story and great story telling. The graphics complement the story very well. Ben Keller seems like a terrible character and a narcissist, but unfortunately I’ve come across such people many times.
Thank you, Thomas. I know what you mean by Ben Keller and being a narcissist. There are too many people like that in real life, I agree. Hopefully, he will get his comeuppance.
Is it bad that I’m already rooting for a house to fall on Ben Keller?
LMAO, no, that’s definitely not a bad thing you feel that way. I’d worry more if you didn’t. haha
OK, so this is basically Narcissist Central! I’m looking forward to when those around them wake up! Watch out then! Love the screenshots so much, especially the landscape ones. So much care and artistry behind each one!
LOLOL Narcissist Central! I love it! Not the narcissists, but the name. lol 😀
That’s true! It’s all bound to get real soon. lol
I’m so glad you like the screenshots. I’ve had so much fun flipping between households and playing this save.
Ever since I saw Chris wearing that sweater last chapter, I’ve been thinking from where I remember that one. And as it turns out, I had Eddie wearing it that one time he visited Dellie, lol. Such a throwback, as you can see: shorturl.at/gmRY8
I already have strong distaste toward Ben. He seems like a narcissist, and I’m so sorry for Raya being blinded by love. It will hurt so much when she finds out. And to think she’s blaming herself for the inability to have children! I hope he eventually gets his just desserts.
I do wonder what Lilith is up to.
And I didn’t realize it was your birthday – I forgot we were exactly a month apart! Happy birthday, Kym!
Awww thank you. That’s so sweet. ❤️❤️
Thank you, Jowita. I’m so glad you mentioned that and let me see the pic! That does bring up memories. 🙂
Ben seems like a weasel, doesn’t he? lol I can see why you already dislike him. Hopefully, you’re right and Raya realizes she’s worth more than that.
That’s a good thing to wonder… what is Lilith up to? You never know with this story. LOLOL
I wonder if Ben and Lillith are seeing each other…Ben is a real loser. His poor wife. I really hope she finds out that its him and not her who can’t have children. How can he do that to her?
I think Griffin is going to be disappointed in Chris and his choice of girlfriends. Of which I’m a 100% for.
Thank you, Dandylion. 🙂 Ben is an absolute piece of work. Maybe Lilith deserves him? LOL We don’t know yet. Hopefully, Raya finds out soon what the deal with Ben really is.
You might be right about Griffin and how he’ll feel about Chris if Chris starts dating Elodie. I’m glad you ship them. 😀
Enjoy reading your stories and your images are awesome and brings story to life. Keep writing, keep inspiring and I hope to see a published book soon.
Thank you so much, Tangie. I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement. I hope we see a book soon, too. ❤️❤️