ANNALISE'S POVMy lips curved into a sly smile as I narrowed my gaze at Caroline, who looked worried about my expression."What?" I shrugged as the smile widened. "You were the one who said I should live a little, right? That’s what I plan to do, so don’t be scared."Caroline gave me a long look before shaking her head."I don’t think this will end well. Especially when you do that eye thing." Caroline pursed her lips, her shoulders slumping slightly."What eye thing?"My voice rose slightly above normal, and my eyes instinctively squinted."Forget it. What’s the plan you have in mind?" she asked, leaning back on her elbows.Hope’s little hand tightened around my neck, and I cradled her closer, feeling her warm, steady breaths against my skin. My little angel was fast asleep. I exhaled, gently caressing the back of her neck.The journey must have taken a toll on her."Is she sleeping?" Caroline arched her brows, stretching her neck to get a glimpse of Hope’s face."Yeah, she is."I lo
ANNALISE'S POV"Oh my, Annalise. I didn't even expect to see you here," Katherine says in a sly voice, but I couldn’t miss the fire in her eyes.Her hands were still clinging to the gown. Neither of us wanted to let go. "The dress is mine," I said dryly, but her face tightened."I got it before you did." She gave me a stern look, but her sassy attitude was the least of my concern."Alright. It seems that stealing is a hobby. You can have it."My hands slipped from the dress, and I crossed my arms over my chest. I didn’t break eye contact; I kept my gaze firm, hoping it would sink into her skull that I was not her toy.I was not her sister who would do anything to please her. The only reason I decided to let this go was because I was too big to be dragging dresses with her. I could buy the whole boutique if I wanted to.She bit the side of her lip, and I smirked. I guess I hit a nerve. This was just the beginning of my payback for what she had taken from me."When are you going to tell
ANNALISE'S POVAs expected, my sister wasted no time in painting me as the villain in front of the manager. Unbelievable. She was the very definition of a goody two-shoes, always trying to look like the saint while, in reality, she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing—a monster hidden behind a pretty smile.“Is what she said true?” Mr. Evans asked, casting a stern look in my direction.I crossed my arms and pressed my lips into a thin line. “I don’t have to explain myself to you,” I replied firmly.And I was right. Whatever opinion they held of me didn’t matter. It didn’t define who I was.“Miss, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience,” he said, turning to Katherine with an apologetic tone.I scoffed inwardly. As if his apology would finally satisfy her. But imagine my surprise when Mr. Evans gave me a slight bow, shifting his attention away from her.Katherine’s face flushed red as she bit down on her lip, her fingers digging into the fabric of the dress she was holding. For a moment, I thoug
ANNALISE'S POVAs the car pulled up to the event venue, my heart began to race even more in my chest. The red carpet stretched ahead, illuminated by flashes from cameras and the low buzz of murmured anticipation from the gathered crowd. Once upon a time, this was the reality of my life, but then I left. Now it seemed that no matter what I did, this was my fate. I was born for the spotlight. My eyes flickered over the place. As Caroline said, this was a huge event. Every major player in high society would be here, and tonight, they would see me. The possibility of running into Kathrine, Diego, or even my parents was not slim. I had to mentally prepare myself for anything. No more playing hide and seek. It was time to get my head into the game and take everything back. My fingers tightened around Hope’s small hand, her soft skin grounding me in the moment. I glanced down to find her looking up at me with her bright and wide eyes. Somehow, they reminded me of Diego's, but I s
DIEGO'S POVMy heart thundered in my chest as I stared into space. She looked so different from the person I once knew. Even if she was different, she was still Annalise—the woman I grew to love without even realizing it. Just like the first time I met her, she was shining like the star she was, flashing her warm smile. Guilt crept into my heart the more I stared at her. My eyes darted to her side, and my heart stopped when I saw the little girl standing beside her. A sharp pain cut through my chest, and I forced air out of my lungs. My hands tightened over the frame of my glass, my gaze glued on the mini version of Annalise. Was she married? That wasn’t possible, right? How could she be married so soon—and worse, with a kid? My thoughts began to spiral out of control when I felt a nudge on my arm. "Babe, what's going through your mind?" Katherine's voice rang in my ears. Suddenly, I felt a rush of raw emotions. I grabbed her wrist, my movements sharp and abrupt. The sight
Annalise's Point of View"What are you doing here?"Those were the words my own father said to his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen in five years. Did he really despise me that much? Why did he hate me and love Katherine? Wasn’t I his blood too?My thoughts began to spiral out of control, but I forced a smile to my lips. They didn’t need to know what was going on inside me. They didn’t need to know how much his words had pierced my heart. Besides, it was too late to crave fatherly affection from a man who wouldn’t think twice before running me over with a truck.My eyes darted to the side, and the sight of Katherine and Diego made me want to puke. As usual, she took her role very seriously, clinging to him as if he were the only thing that mattered. He just stood there, his expression unreadable, but I couldn’t help noticing how his eyes softened when they landed on me.I snapped my head back to my father and held his gaze.“Mr. Romeo. It’s an honor to see you again,” I said with a curt
ANNALISE'S POVWith a stealthy turn, I stared at my sister again—the nemesis of my problems. I had plenty to thank her for, but that was no excuse for what she did to me."What do you want this time?" I asked, half-concerned as my tone hung low with a dangerous edge. "Haven't you done enough for one evening? Some might think you're deliberately trying to piss me off."Katherine's eyes glimmered, her lips forming into a smile before she rolled her eyes."Yes." Her voice dragged on, her eyes scanning the crowd as she leaned forward until her perfume hit my nostrils. "What if I am?"I smirked, letting out a scoff with a smug expression. Since my sister was unwilling to reveal her evil intentions, there was no use in trying to play nice or fair."Find something better to do so those wrinkles tugging at the sides of your eyes might just ease up a bit."As the words hit her, Katherine's smile faltered, and she blinked furiously.There was no way she expected that, I thought.My eyes cast a
ANNALISE’S POVI watched as Diego took Katherine away and rolled my eyes. "Finally, some peace and quiet."Jackson’s arm formed a protective barrier around my waist. "I hope they didn’t scare you."My eyes swept onto him, studying his expression. I was staring at him, but I couldn’t shake that word out of my head. "I’m fine," I replied to ease his worries."Mommy, I’m thirsty." Hope’s voice made me instinctively whip my head in her direction.Her big round eyes stared up at me with longing. I gave her a nod, and before I could speak, Jackson moved further to scoop her into his arms."If you’re so thirsty, why don’t I take you to the chefs? I’m sure they can give you something sweet. If you’re hungry, I can also ask them to give you some nice dessert."I muffled a laugh as Hope’s face contorted into her usual frown whenever she was around Jackson. It was obvious she wasn’t happy around him. Reluctantly, she wrapped her arms around his neck, still giving him the wicked bombastic side-ey
ANNALISE’S POVI watched as Diego took Katherine away and rolled my eyes. "Finally, some peace and quiet."Jackson’s arm formed a protective barrier around my waist. "I hope they didn’t scare you."My eyes swept onto him, studying his expression. I was staring at him, but I couldn’t shake that word out of my head. "I’m fine," I replied to ease his worries."Mommy, I’m thirsty." Hope’s voice made me instinctively whip my head in her direction.Her big round eyes stared up at me with longing. I gave her a nod, and before I could speak, Jackson moved further to scoop her into his arms."If you’re so thirsty, why don’t I take you to the chefs? I’m sure they can give you something sweet. If you’re hungry, I can also ask them to give you some nice dessert."I muffled a laugh as Hope’s face contorted into her usual frown whenever she was around Jackson. It was obvious she wasn’t happy around him. Reluctantly, she wrapped her arms around his neck, still giving him the wicked bombastic side-ey
ANNALISE'S POVWith a stealthy turn, I stared at my sister again—the nemesis of my problems. I had plenty to thank her for, but that was no excuse for what she did to me."What do you want this time?" I asked, half-concerned as my tone hung low with a dangerous edge. "Haven't you done enough for one evening? Some might think you're deliberately trying to piss me off."Katherine's eyes glimmered, her lips forming into a smile before she rolled her eyes."Yes." Her voice dragged on, her eyes scanning the crowd as she leaned forward until her perfume hit my nostrils. "What if I am?"I smirked, letting out a scoff with a smug expression. Since my sister was unwilling to reveal her evil intentions, there was no use in trying to play nice or fair."Find something better to do so those wrinkles tugging at the sides of your eyes might just ease up a bit."As the words hit her, Katherine's smile faltered, and she blinked furiously.There was no way she expected that, I thought.My eyes cast a
Annalise's Point of View"What are you doing here?"Those were the words my own father said to his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen in five years. Did he really despise me that much? Why did he hate me and love Katherine? Wasn’t I his blood too?My thoughts began to spiral out of control, but I forced a smile to my lips. They didn’t need to know what was going on inside me. They didn’t need to know how much his words had pierced my heart. Besides, it was too late to crave fatherly affection from a man who wouldn’t think twice before running me over with a truck.My eyes darted to the side, and the sight of Katherine and Diego made me want to puke. As usual, she took her role very seriously, clinging to him as if he were the only thing that mattered. He just stood there, his expression unreadable, but I couldn’t help noticing how his eyes softened when they landed on me.I snapped my head back to my father and held his gaze.“Mr. Romeo. It’s an honor to see you again,” I said with a curt
DIEGO'S POVMy heart thundered in my chest as I stared into space. She looked so different from the person I once knew. Even if she was different, she was still Annalise—the woman I grew to love without even realizing it. Just like the first time I met her, she was shining like the star she was, flashing her warm smile. Guilt crept into my heart the more I stared at her. My eyes darted to her side, and my heart stopped when I saw the little girl standing beside her. A sharp pain cut through my chest, and I forced air out of my lungs. My hands tightened over the frame of my glass, my gaze glued on the mini version of Annalise. Was she married? That wasn’t possible, right? How could she be married so soon—and worse, with a kid? My thoughts began to spiral out of control when I felt a nudge on my arm. "Babe, what's going through your mind?" Katherine's voice rang in my ears. Suddenly, I felt a rush of raw emotions. I grabbed her wrist, my movements sharp and abrupt. The sight
ANNALISE'S POVAs the car pulled up to the event venue, my heart began to race even more in my chest. The red carpet stretched ahead, illuminated by flashes from cameras and the low buzz of murmured anticipation from the gathered crowd. Once upon a time, this was the reality of my life, but then I left. Now it seemed that no matter what I did, this was my fate. I was born for the spotlight. My eyes flickered over the place. As Caroline said, this was a huge event. Every major player in high society would be here, and tonight, they would see me. The possibility of running into Kathrine, Diego, or even my parents was not slim. I had to mentally prepare myself for anything. No more playing hide and seek. It was time to get my head into the game and take everything back. My fingers tightened around Hope’s small hand, her soft skin grounding me in the moment. I glanced down to find her looking up at me with her bright and wide eyes. Somehow, they reminded me of Diego's, but I s
ANNALISE'S POVAs expected, my sister wasted no time in painting me as the villain in front of the manager. Unbelievable. She was the very definition of a goody two-shoes, always trying to look like the saint while, in reality, she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing—a monster hidden behind a pretty smile.“Is what she said true?” Mr. Evans asked, casting a stern look in my direction.I crossed my arms and pressed my lips into a thin line. “I don’t have to explain myself to you,” I replied firmly.And I was right. Whatever opinion they held of me didn’t matter. It didn’t define who I was.“Miss, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience,” he said, turning to Katherine with an apologetic tone.I scoffed inwardly. As if his apology would finally satisfy her. But imagine my surprise when Mr. Evans gave me a slight bow, shifting his attention away from her.Katherine’s face flushed red as she bit down on her lip, her fingers digging into the fabric of the dress she was holding. For a moment, I thoug
ANNALISE'S POV"Oh my, Annalise. I didn't even expect to see you here," Katherine says in a sly voice, but I couldn’t miss the fire in her eyes.Her hands were still clinging to the gown. Neither of us wanted to let go. "The dress is mine," I said dryly, but her face tightened."I got it before you did." She gave me a stern look, but her sassy attitude was the least of my concern."Alright. It seems that stealing is a hobby. You can have it."My hands slipped from the dress, and I crossed my arms over my chest. I didn’t break eye contact; I kept my gaze firm, hoping it would sink into her skull that I was not her toy.I was not her sister who would do anything to please her. The only reason I decided to let this go was because I was too big to be dragging dresses with her. I could buy the whole boutique if I wanted to.She bit the side of her lip, and I smirked. I guess I hit a nerve. This was just the beginning of my payback for what she had taken from me."When are you going to tell
ANNALISE'S POVMy lips curved into a sly smile as I narrowed my gaze at Caroline, who looked worried about my expression."What?" I shrugged as the smile widened. "You were the one who said I should live a little, right? That’s what I plan to do, so don’t be scared."Caroline gave me a long look before shaking her head."I don’t think this will end well. Especially when you do that eye thing." Caroline pursed her lips, her shoulders slumping slightly."What eye thing?"My voice rose slightly above normal, and my eyes instinctively squinted."Forget it. What’s the plan you have in mind?" she asked, leaning back on her elbows.Hope’s little hand tightened around my neck, and I cradled her closer, feeling her warm, steady breaths against my skin. My little angel was fast asleep. I exhaled, gently caressing the back of her neck.The journey must have taken a toll on her."Is she sleeping?" Caroline arched her brows, stretching her neck to get a glimpse of Hope’s face."Yeah, she is."I lo
ANNALISE'S POV"Well, honestly, he didn’t say much." Caroline pursed her lips, and I had to hold back a scoff. It was hard to believe her."He didn’t say much, and you just decided to pack up your bags with my daughter and show up in town?" I arched a brow, my skepticism was palpable. This was so typical of Caroline—always jumping headfirst into something without thinking it through."Sweetheart, I found it really hard to believe you." She shot back defensively, but I could see the tension in her shoulders."Alright, fine." Caroline rolled her eyes, her pout deepening. "Promise you won’t be mad."I narrowed my eyes, my suspicion growing. Just what game was this girl playing?“Jackson doubled the money for our contract,” she finally blurted out, and my heart sank. “I could refuse the offer again, but…”I threw my hands up in frustration. “Oh, of course! Why wouldn’t he? You always were his golden ticket to success.” I loved Caroline, truly, but her ambition was sometimes blinding. B