Emma's Point of ViewThe shrill sound of my alarm tore through the early morning silence, pulling me from restless dreams into the harsh light of reality. I groaned, slamming my hand down on the snooze button before reluctantly rolling out of bed. My muscles ached, a dull reminder of the tension from yesterday. After a quick stretch, I sat up and muttered a short prayer under my breath. God knows I would need it.The bathroom greeted me with its cold tiles, jolting me further awake. Brushing my teeth and constantly gagging on water felt almost mechanical, my thoughts drifting to what lay ahead. After my shower, I stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the bandage on my wrist. The pale blue dress I chose seemed unassuming yet professional, perfect for avoiding unnecessary attention.Looking into the mirror, I smiled in satisfaction before muttering "A new week as Mrs Steele, here goes nothing" with that I took to my heels and went down. Downstairs, the rich aroma of coffee
Emma’s Point of ViewThis restaurant was a scene straight out of a billionaire's daydream, marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and waitstaff that glided as if on air. I sat stiffly across from Evelyn, Adrian’s mother, who had her legs crossed elegantly, a picture of poise and hostility. Her piercing gaze locked onto me, her lips curling into a practiced smile that somehow felt like a threat. My palms were slick with sweat, hidden under the table where I fidgeted with the fabric of my skirt.This wasn’t a lunch, it felt more like an ambush.As a waiter set a plate of overpriced food in front of us, Evelyn picked up her cutleries before gesturing delicately with her manicured hand. “Eat,” she said before beginning to eat hers, her voice dripping with sweetness, but her eyes betrayed the venom underneath.I nodded meekly, picking up my fork and toying with the food instead, though my stomach churned too much to take a bite. I had barely started when her voice cut through the silence li
Emma's POVI barely registered the warmth of Adrian’s lips on mine before I staggered back, my hand flying to my mouth in shock. His expression was unreadable as he rubbed the back of his neck, stepping away like he’d just set something on fire.“Shit,” he muttered under his breath "I'm... I'm sorry!" he finished before abruptly turning on his heel and storming into his office, slamming the door shut while leaving me frozen in place, reeling.My heart hammered against my chest. What had just happened? One minute, I was explaining myself, and the next, I was caught in the most unexpected kiss of my life. My lips still tingled, his minty breath still stuck in my mouth and I wiped at them instinctively, trying to erase the sensation and the confusion."Didn't he just go on a date with that model girl his mother chose, Celia or what was her name again?" I muttered to myself, my voice barely above a whisper.But there was no time to dwell on the chaos in my mind. The sharp trill of the off
Emma's Point Of ViewI stood outside the ER window, gripping the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping me upright. My vision blurred from the hot tears streaming down my face, but I could still hear the doctor’s voice, steady and commanding, cutting through the chaos: “270! Clear!”The sound of the defibrillator charging pierced the air, and I flinched as the electrical pads made contact with Brandon’s chest. His body jerked violently, but the heart monitor stayed the same, the same painful flatlining, that dreadful, endless beep echoing in my ears.“Again!” the doctor barked.Another jolt, another fruitless attempt.The panic rose in my chest like a tidal wave. My brother. My sweet, brave brother. He couldn’t leave me. Not like this.“Time of death, 4:45 PM.”Those words shattered me. “No! No, no, no!” I screamed, my voice breaking as I pushed past the nurse trying to hold me back. I stumbled into the room, collapsing by Brandon’s still body.“Brandon! No!” I sobbed,
Emma's Point Of ViewThe morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a faint glow across the room. My body felt as heavy as my heart, weighed down by grief that still clung to me like a second skin. Waking up didn’t feel like waking up, it felt like resurfacing from a pit of despair, only to be shoved back under again.Brandon was gone.The words didn’t even feel real yet, but they echoed in my mind like a cruel taunt. My brother, my only family, the one who always had my back, was no more. And now, I was alone in this world, no parents, no sibling, just me. I sat up slowly, every muscle aching as if my emotions had seeped into my physical being.My phone chimed on the bedside table, a small intrusion into my cocoon of grief. Picking it up, I saw the message from the hospital."Miss Carter, kindly visit the hospital to collect Brandon Carter's death certificate and finalize arrangements for his burial." A bitter laugh escaped me. "Arrangements. Death certificate." Words I ne
Adrian’s POVThe sky was overcast, a dull gray, as though the heavens themselves mourned with Emma. I stood by my car, dressed in black from head to toe, my phone pressed to my ear as I spoke to the temporary assistant filling in for Emma. “I specifically asked you to cancel all my meetings for the week. Yet here I am, getting emails from Mr. Rodriguez’s assistant saying he’s on his way to New York. Care to explain that?”Her voice trembled through the line. “Sir, I sent out a bulk email. Maybe he didn’t receive it…”“Maybe?” I cut her off, anger bubbling. “You’re supposed to make sure everything is handled, not guess! Emma wouldn’t make such stupid mistakes, and to think I doubled your pay for this nonsense…”“I’ll call him again and... ”“Don’t you dare. You’ve done enough damage already. Just get your act together before I lose my patience with you.” I hung up and rubbed my temples, trying to reign in the irritation.Movement caught my eye. Emma stepped out of the house, dressed in
Adrian's Point Of ViewI strode out of the elevator, the soft hum of its machinery fading behind me as my gaze instinctively darted toward Emma’s desk. Empty. Of course, it was. Today marked the last of her approved off days. She had insisted on returning two days after Brandon’s funeral, but I refused. Emma deserved more than a rushed return to the mundane chaos of work. Grief wasn’t something that could be tidied up and shelved away like office files. And yet, I found myself missing her presence more than I wanted to admit.Work hadn’t felt the same these past few days. Hell, life hadn’t felt the same. The end of the workday had become my sanctuary, a time when I could let my mind wander toward thoughts of be returning home to her.The familiar sight of my office greeted me, but I stopped short. A figure sat in one of the visitor chairs, legs crossed, perfectly manicured nails tapping against the armrest. Her emerald-green dress was as short as her patience, and as I stepped inside,
Emma's Point Of View I didn’t realize how deeply exhaustion had claimed me until Adrian’s voice broke through my dreams. “Hey, we’re here,” he said softly, shaking me gently. My eyes fluttered open, and I groggily noticed my head resting against his shoulder. Heat flushed my cheeks as I immediately straightened up.“Oh, God, sorry, I must have inconvenienced you all flight” I muttered, fumbling to wipe my cheek.Adrian gave me a lopsided grin. “Yeah, you almost damaged my ear with your loud snoring I'm quite sure people behind us heard you.”“Adrian! I don’t snore!” I shot back, giving his arm a light shove, but my indignation faded as I tried to defend myself. “That’s ridiculous. Brandon would've... ”My voice caught, and the weight of reality hit me like a sledgehammer. Brandon wouldn’t have teased me about snoring or anything else ever again.Adrian’s expression softened instantly. Without a word, he draped his arm around my shoulders. “Come on,” he said quietly, “don’t hold it in
Adrian's Point of ViewThe face staring back at me in the mirror was unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. Strong jawline, piercing eyes, and a tailored suit that screamed control. I ran my fingers through my slicked-back hair, a grin tugging at my lips. The man in the mirror was no longer the shadow of himself, no longer the defeated figure trapped in a wheelchair five years ago. I was a man reborn, and tonight, I was finally going to see her.My phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts. Reaching for it, I answered, keeping my tone even. “Hello?”“Mr. Steele,” Robert’s professional voice greeted me. “The event planning team has arrived.”A smirk crept onto my face. “Is she with them?”“As requested, sir,” Robert confirmed. “She’s here.”I closed my eyes, letting the thought sink in. Emma was here. The years I’d spent wondering, regretting, and aching for her had led me to this moment. “Good job, Robert,” I said, my voice calm but commanding. “Keep an eye on her. I’l
Emma’s Point of ViewThe warm morning sun kissed my face as I stepped out of the car, the crisp winter air biting gently at my skin. I walked around to the passenger side, opening the door to help Lily out. Her curly hair bounced as she hopped out, her little hands clutching her lunchbox tightly.“Alright, baby girl,” I said, crouching to her level. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. “Be good today, okay? And don’t forget to eat all your lunch.”“I will, Mommy,” she said sweetly, throwing her arms around my neck. The scent of her strawberry shampoo comforted me, anchoring me in the moment. “Love you!”“Love you too,” I whispered, giving her a quick squeeze before she darted off towards the school gates. She waved back at me, and I stood there for a moment, watching her little figure disappear into the schoolyard.I turned to head back to my car, but a voice called out behind me. “Excuse me, Ms. Carter!”I turned to see Miss Lean, Lily’s teacher, approaching with a smile an
Emma's Point of ViewCelia’s voice sliced through the tension like a blade, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. “I see you haven’t given up on pursuing my husband. Are you that desperate, Emma, that you had him followed?”Her words were venomous, laced with the arrogance that had always defined her. I turned to face her, trying to keep my composure, though my hands itched to slap the smirk off her face.“Still as delusional as ever, I see,” I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Get off your high horse, Celia. I don’t go back to my vomit.” My voice was steady, but inside, my heart raced like a drumbeat echoing through a war zone.Her face twisted with fury, her perfect facade cracking. Without warning, she raised her hand to slap me, but I caught it mid-air, gripping her wrist tightly. Her gasp of pain fueled my resolve.“This isn’t the Emma you knew before,” I warned, my voice dangerously low. “Raise your hand at me again, and I swear, Celia, I’ll make sure you regret it.” I twisted her
Emma's Point of ViewThe sharp trill of my alarm pierced through the afternoon heat, glancing at my phone it was barely two hours left for us to get this place breathtakingly ready. It was another day like every other, another event to manage. I had appeared in my crisp royal blue shirt and tailored black trousers, tying my hair in a sleek ponytail as I navigated through the list of things to do effortlessly.“Rachel!” I yelled, stepping into the garden square where my team was bustling about. The afternoon sun poured over the tables and decorations we had carefully set up. “Rachel, hold the cake properly! If that topples, we’re all doomed!”Across the square, Martin was wrestling with the banner. “Move it to the right!” I hollered. “No, the other right. Okay, forget it—stay put, I’ll help.”As I sprinted toward him, I felt a small tug on my skirt. I glanced down to see my daughter, Lily, her wide brown eyes peering up at me with a mix of curiosity and seriousness. “Mommy,” she said s
Emma's Point of ViewI sat in the backseat of the cab, my heart thudding loudly against my chest as the city blurred past the window. Every turn the car took seemed to bring me closer to the moment that could change my life forever. Adrian. My lips curled into a soft smile as I pictured his reaction when I told him the news.“You’re… pregnant?” I imagined him saying, his voice full of surprise and wonder. In my mind, his shock would quickly give way to joy. He would lift me off my feet, spinning me around in celebration, his laughter filling the space between us. For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to hope... really hope, that maybe this baby would bring us back together, that the love we once had could be rekindled.I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when the cab came to a stop.“We’re here,” the driver said, pulling me out of my daydream.I handed him a few bills, murmured a quick thanks, and stepped out of the car. Adrian’s house loomed ahead of me, its ta
Emma’s Point Of ViewThe café was alive with its usual hum of chatter and clinking coffee cups. The smell of freshly brewed coffee swirled in the air, blending with the sweetness of pastries fresh out of the oven. It was the kind of setting I once found comforting, but now, it was merely a distraction from the chaos in my mind. I have been working here for almost a month now, I was carrying a tray to a customer when Sarah, one of my colleagues, rushed toward me, untying her apron."Emma, could you fill in for me? I have an emergency," she said hurriedly.“Of course,” I replied, giving her a tight smile. It wasn’t like I had anything better to do.Sliding into her role, I carried out a plate of pastries and a steaming cup of coffee, placing it in front of one of our regulars. He gave me a smile and said, “The usual, huh?”I nodded politely “Enjoy, sir,” I responded with another tight smile before retreating behind the counter.As I set up the next order, I suddenly felt the world aroun
Emma’s Point of ViewThe air in the room was suffocating, heavy with the weight of days spent drowning in humiliation and pain. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how I had become a prisoner in the life I thought I’d build with Adrian. The door creaked open, again. I didn’t flinch this time. I was used to their invasions.Adrian’s tall, brooding figure stepped in, his face cold and unreadable. Behind him trailed his mother Evelyn, her disdain practically oozing off her in waves, and Celia, wearing her usual smirk, triumphant and vile. It was like clockwork, another day, another attempt to break me. I sat up, ready to face whatever venom they had prepared. If they thought I was going to cower, they were in for a surprise.Without a word, Adrian tossed a thick envelope onto the bed, its weight echoing with finality.I glanced at it before meeting his icy gaze. “What’s this?” My voice was steady, but my chest burned with a thousand unanswered questions.Evelyn huffed dra
Adrian's Point Of ViewThe tension in the air was thick enough to choke on as I stormed down the hall, my footsteps reverberating like thunder against the wooden floors. I shoved the door to Emma's new room open with enough force to rattle the hinges. There she was, sitting on the edge of the tiny bed like she was the queen of the damned world. The sight of her, defiant and unbothered, ignited something primal in me.She jumped, startled by my entrance, but her expression quickly hardened into that maddening mask of defiance. “Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be in the damn kitchen making me breakfast?” I spat, my tone dripping with venom.“If you want breakfast, ask your dear lovely Celia to make it. I’m not your maid,” she snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. My jaw clenched.I felt my temper snap. “Yes, you are my maid, Emma. My slave, remember? You owe me five hundred thousand dollars for your damn brothers medical bill, and you will work off every damn ce
Emma’s Point of ViewThe taste of tequila still clung bitterly to my lips as I swirled the last remnants of my drink in the glass. The dim bar lights flickered, casting shadows over the room that matched the darkness in my chest. I didn’t belong here, my elegant blouse now wrinkled and stained, my makeup smudged from crying. But I didn’t care.“Another,” I slurred, sliding my empty glass toward the bartender.“Lady, you’ve had enough,” he replied, crossing his arms.My laugh was humorless. “Enough? Oh, sweetheart, I’ve never had enough.” I slammed my hand on the counter. “Pour the damn drink.”He sighed but complied, and as I took another gulp, the memories I’d tried to drown surfaced once more. Adrian. Celia. That smug smile on her face when she announced she was pregnant with his child. My throat burned, and it wasn’t just from the alcohol.“You’re such an idiot,” I muttered to myself, tears slipping down my cheeks. “How could you trust him? How could you think you mattered?”I tipp