Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows by Landon Creed Hale 1 Summary
In the first chapter of “Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows,” Natasha Burnett experiences a surreal twist of fate, awakening at the age of 27, married to the world’s wealthiest man, Evander Palmer. Despite the seemingly enviable circumstances, Natasha feels trapped in a life where she has always been overshadowed by Evander’s first love, Penelope Holyfield. Determined to reclaim her agency, Natasha confronts Penelope, presenting her with divorce papers and declaring her intent to leave Evander and their children behind. This moment is filled with a mix of defiance and resignation, as Natasha refuses to repeat the mistakes of her past.
Penelope’s initial disbelief quickly morphs into a reluctant acceptance as she contemplates the implications of Natasha’s decision. Natasha’s unwavering demeanor contrasts sharply with Penelope’s anxiety, highlighting the emotional stakes involved. As Natasha watches Evander shower affection on Penelope and their children, she grapples with feelings of bitterness and inadequacy. The stark realization that Evander has never truly loved her, but instead has always been devoted to Penelope, intensifies her sense of loss and isolation.
The chapter unfolds further as Natasha reflects on her past, revealing the painful memories of a marriage that felt more like a business arrangement than a genuine partnership. Her experiences are marred by moments of neglect and emotional distance from Evander, culminating in a life filled with solitude. The vivid recollections of her previous life, including the heart-wrenching moment of her birthday spent alone, amplify her determination to change her fate in this second chance at life.
As Natasha begins to pack her belongings, the confrontation with her children and Evander escalates, revealing the deep fractures in their family dynamics. The children’s loyalty to Penelope and their harsh words cut deeply, leaving Natasha feeling like a stranger in her own home. Evander’s indifference further compounds her pain, as he dismisses her emotional turmoil and prioritizes his work over their family. This moment marks a turning point for Natasha, as she resolves to reclaim her life and not allow herself to be silenced or diminished any longer.
Ultimately, the chapter encapsulates a profound emotional journey, showcasing Natasha’s struggle for self-identity and her fight against the suffocating expectations of her role as a wife and mother. The blend of determination and heartache sets the stage for her quest to redefine her future, promising a narrative rich with themes of empowerment and redemption.
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**Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows by Landon Creed Hale**
**Chapter 1**
**288 Wouchers**
Natasha Burnett awoke one fateful morning, her mind swirling in disbelief as she realized she had inexplicably returned to the age of 27.
In this bewildering twist of fate, she found herself married to none other than Evander Palmer, the richest man in the world, a titan of industry whose name dominated the Forbes list. He had once been celebrated by Time magazine as “The Most Desirable Bachelor,” a title that had attracted the attention of even the most esteemed European royalty, all vying to match their princesses with him.
People often whispered about Natasha’s extraordinary luck, yet in this new chapter of her life, the very first action she took was to seek out Penelope Holyfield—the woman who had always held Evander’s heart—and present her with divorce papers.
With a resolute push, Natasha slid the documents across the table, her expression unwavering. “I want a divorce. You can have Evander and the kids.”
Penelope’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth slightly agape as she processed the suddenness of Natasha’s declaration. After six long years of clinging to Evander, she was now faced with this unexpected turn of events.
Natasha’s voice was devoid of emotion, flat as the surface of a still lake. “They all prefer you. I’m simply giving them what they want. Just get Evander to sign. After the waiting period, I’ll be gone.”
She was determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past. The thought of living another lifetime as the invisible wife was utterly unacceptable to her.
Penelope’s fingers nervously traced the rim of her coffee cup, her brow knitting with anxiety. “Natasha, what is this? What are you trying to pull?”
Seeing the confusion etched on Penelope’s face, Natasha reiterated, “I’m not pulling anything. I’m just done.”
**Chapter 1**
**Rai Ek Samaan R**
“Do you have any idea how many women would kill to be you?” Penelope questioned, a hint of incredulity lacing her voice.
“I do,” Natasha replied, her gaze unwavering and fierce. “But soon, they would kill to be you.”
For the first time, Penelope felt a flicker of temptation.
She scrutinized the papers for a lengthy moment before finally reaching for them. “Alright. I suppose I have to take the chance.”
“But mark my words—what I take, I don’t give back.”
“Don’t worry.” Natasha offered a small, sardonic smile. “I won’t change my mind.”
After all, in her previous existence, she had endured a lifetime of solitude, a prison of her own making.
Penelope moved to another table with an air of elegance, retrieving her phone and tapping the screen with practiced ease.
When the call connected, her tone softened. “Evan? I’m at Caffé Reggio. Could you come get me?”
Natasha felt a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Almost every time she had called Evander, it was his assistant who answered, not him.
Yet now, in a matter of minutes, the man who was perpetually “busy” strolled through the café door, his presence commanding attention.
Through the window, Natasha observed him enter, his tailored black suit accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist.
Their six-year-old son, Mervin Palmer, and four-year-old daughter, Ashley Palmer, dashed toward Penelope, enveloping her in hugs and showering her cheeks with kisses.
“Penny!” Ashley squealed, snuggling into her.
Evander placed a cake box on the table, nudging it toward Penelope. “Your favorite cake. I had them make it less sweet.”
Penelope’s eyes sparkled with delight. “How thoughtful of you!”
Natasha sat in a corner, her nails digging into her palms as she fought against the rising tide of resentment.
Six years of marriage, and Evander still didn’t know what flavor she preferred.
In her previous life, she had been hospitalized, yearning for strawberry cake, while Evander had sent his assistant to fetch a mango cake—one she was allergic to.
“What would you like for dinner?” Evander’s voice was low, almost soothing. “How about French food?”
Penelope beamed, retrieving the divorce papers from her bag. “Before that, there’s something I need you to see.”
She flipped to the signature page. “There’s a townhouse I really like, but I’m a bit short on cash. Could you…”
Evander took the pen and signed without a second glance. “You don’t even have to ask.”
“Are you buying a new house, Penny?” Mervin inquired, his eyes wide with excitement. “Daddy, can we buy the one next door? Ashy and I want to live with Penny. We don’t want to stay home with Mommy all the time.”
Evander’s brow furrowed slightly, but as he looked at their eager faces, his demeanor softened. “We can do that.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble,” Penelope interjected quickly. “I’ll have rooms ready for Vinnie, Ashy… and you. You can all come stay ‘whenever you want.'”
The children erupted in cheers. Ashley wrapped her arms around Penelope’s neck, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Penny’s the best! Way better than Mommy!”
A sharp, suffocating ache gripped Natasha’s heart, twisting it with a cruel intensity.
She caught the slight smile on Evander’s lips, a warmth she had never once experienced in their marriage.
Unable to bear the sight any longer, she grabbed her bag and fled the scene.
Outside, memories of her previous life crashed over her like a relentless wave.
Their marriage had been a mere transaction, a business arrangement orchestrated by their families. She had borne a son and a daughter, lived to sixty-two, yet true happiness had always remained just beyond her reach.
That was because Evander had never truly loved her; his heart had always belonged to Penelope, his first and only love.
After their breakup, Penelope had left for abroad. Evander had drowned his sorrows in alcohol for days, his pride preventing him from chasing after her. Eventually, he resigned himself to the arranged marriage.
Back then, Evander, the heir of the Palmer family—striking, refined, and noble—had been Natasha’s dream come true. Every wealthy young woman in New York had aspired to be his bride.
When she learned of their families’ plans for their union, she had been overjoyed.
After their wedding, she devoted herself to loving him wholeheartedly, yet he remained distant, cold as ice.
Then Penelope returned.
Evander never asked Natasha for a divorce; he simply couldn’t take his eyes off Penelope.
Even worse, their children adored Penelope and began to drift further away from Natasha.
In her later years, Natasha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Evander, claiming she needed peace, left her alone in the estate.
On her birthday, she had tremblingly called Evander and the kids, only to discover they were in Hawaii with Penelope.
She had attempted to prepare herself a birthday pasta but, in her confusion, forgotten to turn off the stove…
As the flames engulfed her, the last image etched in her mind was Evander’s cold eyes the day he had slipped the wedding ring onto her finger.
She closed her eyes, pain flooding through her, her final wish a desperate plea: if granted a second chance, she would never squander her time on him again.
Natasha returned to the villa late that evening, her resolve unshaken.
She didn’t allow herself a moment of rest. Instead, she began to clear out her belongings immediately.
Evander’s suits, the children’s toys, family photos—everything was packed into boxes.
“What are you doing?” Evander’s voice echoed from behind her, sudden and sharp.
She turned to find him standing in the doorway, holding the children’s hands, his expression stern.
“Mommy, why are you throwing away our stuff?!” Ashley rushed over, her face flushed with anger as she spotted her beloved teddy bear in the box.
Mervin glared at Natasha, confusion and frustration etched on his face. “Why are you so upset? We just spent a little time with Penny.”
Evander’s gaze was icy, his demeanor unyielding. “The kids love spending time with Penny. Why make such a big deal out of this?”
“I’m not upset,” Natasha replied evenly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
“Liar!” Ashley shouted, her voice ringing with accusation. “You’re just jealous of Penny! That’s why you’re throwing my teddy bear away! You’re a bad mommy!”
“When I grow up, I’m moving in with Penny,” Mervin declared, clutching his sister’s hand, his eyes hardening as they locked onto Natasha. “And I’m never coming back!”
Evander didn’t intervene; he merely frowned, his eyes cold and distant, treating Natasha as if she were a stranger making a scene.
“Enough!” he commanded, his voice low and authoritative, casually adjusting his cufflinks. “I have a board video call. Toss whatever you like, just keep it quiet.”
With that, the door shut behind him, and Natasha’s tears finally fell.
Her heart felt as though it had been ripped to shreds, every breath a raw reminder of her anguish.
Wiping her tears, she glanced at the disarray around her, and suddenly a laugh escaped her lips, surprising even herself.
She wouldn’t make a sound.
She wouldn’t disturb him ever again.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of Natasha’s resolute declaration, the emotional landscape of her life shifted dramatically. The pain of her past, once a heavy burden, transformed into a catalyst for her newfound determination. No longer would she be the invisible wife, relegated to the shadows of Evander’s affections. As she packed away the remnants of a life that had suffocated her spirit, a sense of liberation began to unfurl within her. The tears that once flowed freely now served as a cleansing rain, washing away the remnants of a love unreciprocated and a life unlived. Natasha’s laughter, unexpected and bright, echoed through the empty villa, a defiant proclamation of her rebirth. She was ready to reclaim her narrative, to craft a future untainted by the echoes of forgotten tomorrows.
With each box she filled, Natasha felt the weight of her past lifting, replaced by the exhilarating promise of independence. The children’s harsh words, once daggers to her heart, became the fuel for her resolve; she would no longer be defined by their perceptions or her husband’s neglect. Instead, she would embrace the possibility of a life where her choices mattered, where her happiness was a priority. As she stepped away from the remnants of her former life, Natasha was not merely escaping the confines of her marriage; she was stepping into a world brimming with potential. The silence that enveloped her was no longer a reminder of her solitude but a canvas upon which she would paint her own future—a future where she would carry echoes of her own tomorrows, vibrant and full of life.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension between Natasha and Evander to escalate as the consequences of her bold decision begin to unfold. Natasha’s determination to reclaim her identity and independence will clash with Evander’s stoic demeanor, leading to explosive confrontations that reveal buried emotions and long-held resentments. As Natasha navigates the complexities of their fractured relationship, she will also grapple with the implications of her choice on her children, who are caught in the crossfire of their parents’ tumultuous history. The stakes will rise as Natasha realizes that her quest for freedom may come at a cost she never anticipated.
Moreover, the re-emergence of Penelope will add another layer of complexity to the narrative. With her newfound influence over Evander and the children, Penelope’s presence will challenge Natasha’s resolve and force her to confront the shadows of her past. Will Natasha’s fierce determination to break free from the shackles of her previous life be enough to reclaim her family’s love? Or will she find herself trapped in an even deeper cycle of heartache and regret? As the chapter unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how Natasha will navigate the turbulent waters of love, betrayal, and self-discovery in her quest for a brighter tomorrow.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
