Emma’s Point Of ViewI could feel my heart pounding against my ribs, my blood boiling as the detective’s words echoed in my head. Evelyn Steele. The name alone made my stomach churn. I had expected deception, but not from her, I could have sworn that she would never. Never from the woman who was Lily’s grandmother.I shot up from my seat, my chair scraping harshly against the tiled floor. “What?” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. My hands trembled at my sides, not with fear, but with unbridled rage. “What do you mean not to arrest her?” I turned to Adrian, who had gone deathly still beside me.The detective remained composed, but Adrian wasn’t even looking at me. His jaw was tight, his fists clenched at his sides. That only pissed me off more.“She kidnapped Lily,” I hissed, my voice rising. “One of those men just admitted to taking orders from her. And you’re telling me not to have her arrested?”Adrian finally turned to me, his face drawn and conflicted.
Evelyn’s Point Of ViewThe world as I knew it was crumbling beneath me.My manicured fingers drummed restlessly against the polished mahogany of my desk as I skimmed through the company reports. The numbers and words blurred together, my mind elsewhere, on the child I had taken, the move I had made. It had been a perfect plan, calculated, controlled. And yet, the uneasy weight in my chest refused to lift ever since that damn detective started sniffing around.Then my phone rang.Ryan.My jaw clenched. That coward. He had wanted out, had made his position painfully clear. I had been tempted to cut him loose permanently, but he had been useful... until now. With a sigh, I picked up, my voice clipped. “What do you want? Didn’t you say you wanted out?”“This is exactly why I wanted out,” Ryan shot back, his voice sharp with tension. “Lily has been found.”I shot up from my chair so fast it screeched against the floor. “What?” The air in the study turned thick, suffocating. “That’s not pos
Emma’s Point Of ViewThe pen felt heavier in my hand than it should have. Each stroke against the paper felt like carving wounds into my soul. I had signed documents before, contracts, agreements, even hospital release forms but this? This was different. These papers held the weight of justice, the finality of punishment, and the severing of whatever little ties remained between Evelyn Steele and my daughter.Lily shifted in my lap, her small fingers curling into my blouse as she rested her head against my chest. The warmth of her tiny body grounded me, a reminder of why I was here. Why I was doing this.Detective Roy gave me a firm nod as I finished signing the last document. His expression, though professional, carried a hint of relief. "Thank you for trusting us, Ms. Carter," he said, his voice steady. "We'll keep you updated with each passing day."I met his gaze, my own hardened with resolve. "I expect nothing less, Detective."He extended a hand, and I shook it briefly before ri
Adrian’s Point Of ViewThe morning sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, casting an eerie glow across the floor. I had barely pulled on my shirt when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. The sharp, urgent ring sent a chill down my spine. Something was wrong.“Mr. Steele,” the voice on the other end belonged to Detective Roy, his tone clipped and professional, but there was something underneath, something I didn’t like. “You need to get to St. Andrews Hospital. Your mother was attacked in holding early this morning.”My breath hitched. Attacked?For a moment, I forgot how to move. My fingers clenched the phone so tightly I thought it might crack. My mother, Evelyn Steele, proud, untouchable, fucking indestructible had been attacked in a damn jail cell? I could barely process the words.“Is she alive?” My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.“She was stable when she was brought in, but I’d suggest getting here as soon as possible.”I was already moving. “I’m on my way.”
Emma’s Point Of View I was in my office, surrounded by my event planning team, discussing final details for an upcoming wedding of my client. The air buzzed with last-minute decisions.. floral arrangements, catering menus, seating charts. My assistant, Edith, was taking notes at lightning speed, trying to keep up with the whirlwind of ideas being thrown around.I was mid-sentence, discussing lighting options, when the door slammed open.The sound cracked through the room like a gunshot, making everyone jump. My eyes snapped to the entrance just in time to see Adrian storming in, his face thunderous with barely contained rage.Behind him, Edith scrambled to catch up, her expression flustered. “Mr. Steele, you can’t just barge in....”“I need a fucking word with Emma,” he growled, his eyes locked on me like a predator who had finally cornered its prey.A sick feeling twisted in my stomach. What the hell is going on?I lifted a hand, signaling Edith to let it go. “It’s fine. Everyone, c
Emma’s Point Of View “How dare he?” My voice was sharp, shaking with fury. “How dare he try to take my daughter from me?” I paced the living room, my hands clenched into fists so tight my nails dug into my palms. My entire body trembled with frustration, anger, and an overwhelming sense of injustice.Ryan sat on the couch, watching me with that usual calm, calculated look he always had when I was spiraling. But I didn’t care. I couldn’t sit still, couldn’t pretend like I wasn’t on the verge of breaking apart.“That bastard wasn’t even in our lives for years!” I shouted, pacing faster, my heart pounding against my ribs. “Years, Ryan! He walked away! Left us like we were nothing! And now... now he has the fucking nerve to come back and try to steal my baby from me?”My breath was coming out ragged, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I couldn’t lose Lily. I wouldn’t.“Emma,” Ryan said gently, but I shook my head, cutting him off.“No,” I snapped. “He has no right. None. I raised her.
Emma’s Point of ViewI crouched in front of Lily, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. Her big brown eyes stared up at me with innocent curiosity, unaware of the storm raging inside me.“Baby, you know Mommy loves you, right?” My voice was gentle, but my grip on her tiny shoulders was firm, as if holding on to her would keep her safe from the chaos threatening to tear our world apart.Lily nodded, her small hands gripping her lunchbox tightly. “I know, Mommy.”I pulled her into a tight embrace, inhaling her sweet scent, committing this moment to memory. Every time I let her go, I felt like I was losing a piece of myself.The school bell rang, loud and sharp, breaking through my fear-laced thoughts.“Mommy, I’ll be late,” Lily said, pulling back just enough to look at me.I forced a smile, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before reluctantly letting her go. “Go on, baby. Have a great day, okay?”I watched her small figure disappear through the school gates, my heart pounding un
Emma’s Point of ViewI never thought I’d be the kind of person to stake out someone’s house, but here I was, sitting in a car with Ryan, watching Cathrina’s apartment like we were in some damn crime thriller.The heater hummed softly, filling the silence between us, but it did nothing to warm the cold dread sitting in my stomach. The sun had long dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the quiet street. It had been hours since she ran, and she still hadn’t come back. My fingers tapped anxiously against my lap, my thoughts spiraling into the worst possible scenarios.Ryan, who had been staring out the window, finally turned to look at me. “Emma, you okay?”I let out a short, humorless laugh. “No, Ryan. I’m not okay.” My voice cracked, and I hated the way it made me sound.. small, weak, desperate. But I was.He didn’t say anything at first, just watched me like he was trying to piece together how to fix me.“My daughter…” I swallowed hard. “If we don’t figure this out, if w
Adrian’s Point Of View~~ Flashback ~~The soft hum of chatter filled the cozy café, blending with the clink of cups and the hiss of the espresso machine. I pushed the door open, the bell above jingling as I walked inside. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on herCelia had tucked herself away in a quiet corner, her fingers nervously playing with the handle of her cup.She looked up the moment she noticed me and offered a faint smile. “You came.”I pulled the chair out and sat across from her, my expression guarded. “What do you want, Celia?”Her smile faltered, her hands tightening around the coffee cup. “Adrian… can we not do this any longer?” She reached across the table, trying to touch my hand, but I pulled back instinctively.Her shoulders sagged, but she pressed on, her voice cracking slightly. “Why do you hate me so much? We used to be close. We dated, remember? Why is it so hard for you to forgive me for that night?”I inhaled deeply, weighing my words before I spoke.
Emma's Point Of View The scent of sautéed vegetables filled the kitchen as I stirred the pan, lost in the rhythm of preparing lunch. It was oddly therapeutic, chopping, stirring, seasoning each action giving me a moment of calm in the whirlwind my life had been lately.A pair of familiar arms snaked around my waist, pulling me back against a firm chest. Adrian’s breath brushed my neck before his lips followed, planting slow, deliberate kisses along my skin.I couldn’t help but chuckle. “When did you wake up, silly?”“A few minutes ago,” he murmured between kisses, his voice low and teasing, “and turns out, this beautiful lady of mine wasn’t in bed with me.”I smiled, leaning back into him. “Lily woke up early and wanted food. So, here I am, making her a healthy meal.”He nuzzled into my neck, pressing one more kiss there. “That’s a thoughtful mother right there.”He finally let me go, but not before sneaking a berry from the plate on the counter.“Adrian!” I scolded, giving him a pla
Emma’s Point of ViewThe soft morning light filtered through the hospital blinds, painting pale stripes across the room. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor had become strangely comforting over the past few days. Sitting between Adrian and Lily felt like breathing for the first time in weeks. The worst was finally behind us.Its been a week and Lily still lay on her hospital bed, her tiny hands gripping a plush bunny, but her color was beginning to return, cheeks flushed with life again. Adrian, on the bed next to hers, looked healthier too.. though the IV on his arm and the sore back he has reminded me of what he gave up for our daughter.“Good morning, Mr. Steele,” Dr. Frederick’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as he stepped in, clipboard in hand.Adrian sat up straighter, despite the stiffness in his movements. “Doc,” he greeted with a half-smile.The doctor made his rounds quickly, checking Lily’s vitals first. “She’s responding remarkably well. The traces of leukemia are
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