Emma's Point Of ViewThe bathroom was still heavy with the scent of lavender steam as I stepped out, my hair damp and curling over my shoulders. A fluffy towel was tightly secured around me as I crossed the room and sat down at the dresser. My fingers hovered over my collection of skincare products, ranging from toners, moisturizers to serums, a luxury I never thought I would ever afford. Six months ago, the idea of a “night routine” was laughable. My days had been a blur of hospital visits, work, and exhaustion. Picking out a product for my face would’ve been at the bottom of the list.As I opened a drawer to grab my jade roller, my fingers brushed against something familiar. Pulling it out, I saw a photograph of Brandon, his smile frozen in time. My heart clenched. I traced his features on the photo, whispering, “Thanks to you, I got to meet the real Adrian. The man who treats me like a Queen. Without you, I’d still be hating him as my insatiable Casanova boss.”A pang of bitterswee
Adrian's Point Of View The aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon lured me into the kitchen as I adjusted my tie. Mornings at home had become my favorite part of the day since Emma entered my life. Seeing her moving around the kitchen, her hair pulled into a loose bun and an apron tied neatly around her waist, made everything else fade into the background. “Morning, baby,” I said, slipping my arms around her waist from behind and pecking her cheek. She smelled like lavender and honey, a scent that had become intoxicatingly familiar. “Good morning,” she replied, glancing at me over her shoulder with a soft smile. “What’s for breakfast?” I asked, reluctantly letting her go and sliding into my seat at the table. “Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs,” she replied, flipping a pancake with practiced ease. The cook stood by the counter, offering assistance when needed, but it was clear Emma was running the show. I smiled, watching her move with a confidence that made me proud. She was
Emma's Point of ViewBreakfast should’ve been a calming start to the day, but the tension hung thick in the air, making every bite feel like a struggle. I stared at my plate, pushing scrambled eggs around with my fork as my appetite vanished. Across from me, Adrian sat, his sharp blue eyes darting between me and his coffee cup.“Alright,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “What’s going on, Emma?”I glanced up, feigning a weak smile. “Nothing. Just... stressed. You know, mentally preparing for another delightful day with your mother.”Adrian chuckled softly, though the concern in his eyes lingered. “Come on, she can’t be that bad. My mother's just... strong-willed.”I arched an eyebrow. “Strong-willed? Adrian, she practically lives to tear me down. Every time we’re together, it’s like she’s sharpening knives with her words.”He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. “Then how about you don’t go. Skip the food tasting. Or I can go with you, I’ll handle her. You don’t
Emma's Point of View~~Flashback~~I never thought love could hurt this much. Sitting in front of the mirror, towel wrapped around my damp hair, I tried to steel myself against the bubbling anger that refused to subside. Adrian’s footsteps echoed down the hall before the door creaked open, and the moment he walked in, I knew we weren’t going to have a peaceful night.He strode into the room, his briefcase landing heavily on the bed. “Has it gotten to the point where you insult my mother now?”I froze mid-motion, slowly lowering the towel from my hair. “What are you talking about?” My voice was steady, but my heart thudded in my chest.“Don’t act like you don’t know!” he snapped, his hand slicing through the air. “You removed the cake slices my mother wanted just to spite her.”My jaw dropped. “That’s what she told you?” I rose from my seat, incredulous. “Did she mention how it was Celia switched my choice of dessert, calling muffins low-class?”Adrian’s laugh was bitter. “Who even use
Adrian’s Point of ViewMy reflection staring back at me from the mirror wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped to see. My eyes were underscored by dark circles from nights of restless sleep, and the tension in my jaw felt permanent. I adjusted my tie, trying to focus on the day ahead, but my mind was somewhere else or rather, on someone else. Emma.For the past three days, the house had been like a graveyard. Her silence was deafening. I’d catch glimpses of her at a distance, always avoiding me. The space between us felt insurmountable, but I didn’t blame her. I knew I’d crossed a line, siding with my mother without hearing Emma out. I had let my own insecurities and misplaced loyalty blind me.As I grabbed my briefcase and stepped into the hall, I hesitated outside her door. Should I knock? Apologize? The words lingered on my tongue but never left my mouth. Coward. That’s what I felt like. With a sigh, I moved past, trying to shake off the nagging guilt that clung to me.Downstairs, the cook
Emma's Point of ViewThe chill of the morning dew still clung to my skin as I stepped back into my room. I didn’t expect to find anyone there, let alone Adrian, waiting in my room like some brooding storm ready to unload its fury. The sight of him froze me in place. His disheveled hair, the crease in his shirt, he looked like a man who hadn’t slept a wink.But why would he care?I’d spent the morning sitting by Brandon’s grave, letting my tears mix with the cool earth as I whispered my fears to the only person who had never let me down. Brandon had been my anchor, my reminder that I was worth something even when the world made me feel like I wasn’t. But now? Adrian’s actions, his easy belief in his mother’s lies, had left me adrift.“Emma,” Adrian’s voice cut through the haze of my thoughts.“What are you doing in my room?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.Without answering, he closed the gap between us and, before I could pull away, wrapped me in his arms. The embrace ca
Emma's Point of ViewI woke up to the steady rhythm of Adrian's breathing, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek. This had become my favorite way to start the day, wrapped in his warmth, feeling his arm draped protectively around me. But today wasn't the day to linger. The memory of last night's passion brought a small smile to my lips, but the responsibilities of the day ahead tugged me out of bed.Sliding out carefully so as not to wake him, I padded over to the closet and pulled out a navy-blue sleeveless dress. It was sharp, professional and confident, the energy I needed for today's interviews. Pairing it with a black blazer, stilettos, and my favorite shoulder purse, I laid everything out neatly before heading to the shower.The warm water cascaded over me, but my mind was already racing. This wasn't just about finding the right candidate, it was about proving myself worthy to Adrian, to his mother, and most importantly, to me. I had to get this right.When I stepped out
Emma’s Point of ViewTonight was supposed to be perfect.Standing before the mirror as the stylists worked their magic on me, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far I’d come. The Steele Charity Ball had always been a highlight of the year, a grand event where the city’s elite gathered to flaunt their wealth under the guise of philanthropy. I’d attended the ball three years in a row as an employee, a mere assistant relegated to the shadows. But this time? I wasn’t just attending, I was running the whole thing as Adrian Steele’s wife.The thought filled me with a heady mix of pride and nerves. Adrian’s support had been unwavering, even when his mother, Evelyn, had thrown a fit about me taking over her long-held position as the event organizer. Adrian had stood firm, demanding she step aside. The memory of his defense warmed me, but Evelyn’s parting words lingered like a shadow: “You won’t last, dear. This world will eat you up alive.”A sharp ringing interrupted my thoughts. I reached fo
Adrian's Point Of ViewOutside Lily's room I couldn't help but let my tears run freely, I was holding back for the sake of Emma, she was already a mess, how do I let her see this mess of a man.I spent 5 years without my child and now that I'm finally getting back with my daughter, this happens. It feels like the universe doesn't want me anywhere close to being a father. "We are all done Sir" I had sat through pierces of syringes with out an iota of pain as my mind was pain stricken enough to register such minor pain. Looking at the tiny plaster placed on the pierced area, I knew it was worth it. "This was for Lily, anything for my little girl." I assured myself, turning to the nurse and asked "When should I expect the results?""Blood match should be out within 24 hours" she said, I nodded before getting back to the room.Emma had slept off while crying, she had her head on the bed while holding Lily's tiny hands. My heart ached at the sight before me, Emma had been through a lot
Emma's Point Of View "So Princess, who told you that babies are bought?" I asked as we drove. I briefly glanced at her through the rear mirror, to see her playing with her stuffed rabbit which was always in my car. "In a book mummy, we read it that beanies are bought in a baby store" she says innocently not taking her eyes off the teddy for a secondI chuckled and continued driving, Adrian’s return into our lives may have been an unexpected event but it sure made me see life in a new phase. "Who knows how his mother is faring?" I thought quietly as my mind reeled into the events of these last few months. She may have acted like a self-centered witch but she is still Adrian's mother, I know what it means to lose a family member, she may not be dead but her absence would definitely take a toll on AdrianThe rest of the drive was familiar blur if thoughts, when we finally arrived at the school gate, I got out and helped Lily out of the back seat“Hey baby, be good at school okay?” I
Adrian’s Point of ViewWaking up to a cold, empty bed wasn’t something I was used to these past few days. The absence of Emma's warmth beside me felt strange... Off, even. I stretched my hand over to her side, but all I felt was the chilled sheets. Frowning, I sat up, ruffling my messy hair, my bare feet brushing against the cold wooden floor as I slid into my slippers.“Emma? Love?” I called out softly, though I already knew she might not be in the room.The bathroom light was off. Empty.I sighed, pushing my groggy body out of bed. The house was oddly quiet, too quiet for a place that usually buzzed with Emma’s soft humming or Lily’s endless chatter. As I padded down the stairs, the faint melody of a nursery rhyme echoed from the kitchen. A soft smile crept onto my face."Twinkle, twinkle, little star..." I stopped by the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, leaning against the frame. There they were.. Emma, with her messy bun falling out of place, flipping pancakes with that peaceful lo
Emma's Point of ViewThe Prison lights buzzed faintly above me, a dull hum that had become all too familiar in the past weeks. I sat on the edge of the cold, metal cot, twisting my fingers together, my heart racing with an unsettling mix of hope and dread. Today was my hearing, the day that would determine whether my life spiraled deeper into chaos or finally clawed its way back to normal.I glanced at the rusted clock on the wall in the hallway. Its slow, dragging ticks only heightened my anxiety. Every second felt like it was mocking me.The sharp jingle of keys snapped me out of my thoughts. A guard appeared at the cell gate, his eyes scanning the clipboard in his hands before calling out, "Emma Carter, you have a visitor."I blinked, surprised. "A visitor?" I echoed under my breath. My heart thumped painfully hard against my ribs as I stood, wiping my clammy palms against my jeans.“Let’s go,” the guard said gruffly.I followed him through the echoing corridors until we reached th
Adrian’s Point of ViewOne week in and I feel like I'm losing it, the weight of the world seemed to be crashing down on me, my fingers drumming impatiently on the glossy surface. Tomorrow was the damn court hearing, and I hadn’t heard a single word from Pedro since he walked out of the cell with Emma’s staff records. Days of silence... nothing.The tension was driving me insane.Papers were scattered all over my desk from financial reports to legal documents, you name it. But my mind wasn’t on any of them. Instead, it was stuck on the thought of Emma sitting behind those cold bars, waiting for me to pull off a miracle. And Lily... God, Lily. She kept asking when her mom would be home, and each time, it felt like a knife to the chest.My phone vibrated sharply against the wood. I snatched it up without even looking, but when I did, I frozePedro.“Finally,” I muttered before answering, “Pedro. Please tell me you’ve got something.”“Turns out,” Pedro’s gravelly voice echoed through the
Adrian’s Point of ViewMy mind ran wild as I drove out of the house, the only sound interfering with my thoughts were just the sound of the car engine. My hands gripped the steering wheels tightly as my knuckles turned as white as sheet. Lily sat in the backseat, her tiny hands clutching her backpack, while Paul, Naomi’s Son, gazed out the window, unaware of the storm that was brewing in my mind.“Daddy,” Lily’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.I glanced into the rearview mirror, locking eyes with her big, innocent ones. “Yes, princess?”She hesitated, her fingers playing with the strap of her bag. “When’s Mommy and Aunty Naomi coming home?”My chest tightened. God, how was I supposed to answer that? I forced a smile, even though my heart was heavy. “Very soon, baby. Mommy’s just… handling a little business. She and Aunty Naomi will be back before you know it.”Lily’s small head nodded, but her eyes told me she didn’t buy it. Kids... they always seem to know when you’re lying. I
Emma’s Point of ViewFor the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up feeling completely at peace. The warm weight of Adrian’s arm draped over my waist, his steady breathing against the back of my neck.. it was everything I had once thought I’d never have.Who would have thought we’d end up like this? After everything we’d been through, all the battles we had fought, all the pain, all the betrayals... yet, here we were. Together.I let out a contented sigh, shifting slightly under his hold. He tightened his grip around me, pulling me even closer to him."You're not trying to escape, are you?" he murmured against my ear, his voice thick with sleep.I chuckled, tilting my head back to look at him. "Escape? I must be crazy if I ever think of running from this."His lips curved into a smirk, and he trailed his fingers lazily along my bare shoulder, sending shivers down my spine. "Good. Because I have no plans of letting you go, Emma."I turned in his arms, looking up at him with pl
Adrian’s Point of ViewThe moment I pulled into the driveway, I felt it. That suffocating weight pressing against my chest. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. Celia’s car was still parked outside, sitting there like a goddamn reminder that I wasn’t free... not yet.I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my fury in check, but the anger was already flaring up inside me like an uncontrollable fire. I had given her and my mother clear instructions to be gone before I got back. My mother had obeyed, but of course, Celia never listened. She was too stubborn, too manipulative, too damn convinced that she could somehow still control me.Slamming the car door shut, I strode toward the house, my steps heavy with purpose. This needed to end. No more games. No more power struggles. No more Celia.As soon as I stepped inside, I spotted her in the living room, standing there like she owned the damn place. She was dressed in a silk robe, her hair perfectly styled as
Emma's Point Of ViewI woke up to the memory of Adrian’s touch still burning on my skin. His hands, his lips, the way he whispered my name like it was the only word that ever mattered. “I love you, Emma. Nothing can make me stop loving you.”And, God help me, I had believed him.I rolled over, expecting to find him there, still asleep, his strong arm draped over me, his face softened in the morning light. But the bed was empty. Cold. My heart sank, and my mind spiraled into a mess of regret. Had I been too stupid, too easy? Had I let myself fall back into his arms just to be left alone again?I buried my face in my palms. "Damn it, Emma. You should have known better." I murmuredJust then, the door creaked open. My head snapped up, half-expecting Lily to waltz in like she usually did. But instead, there he was.. Adrian... standing in the doorway with a tray of food.And shirtless.My eyes drifted from the tray to his abs... defined, strong, everything I used to trace my fingers over f