Lauren's POV I didn’t expect him. Not tonight, not like this. Alexander. I hadn’t seen him like this, drunk and desperate, in… well, ever. His dark hair was messy, falling just enough to frame his sharp jawline, and his face was tense, the familiar brooding look I once loved now mixed with som
“Alexander,” I hissed, my voice shaking. “You need to leave. Right now.” Instead, he stepped closer, his broad frame towering over me, his body radiating heat that I could feel even with the small distance left between us. His breath was warm against my skin, carrying the faint scent of whiskey, a
Lauren's POV I stood frozen in the doorway, my arms still awkwardly wrapped around Alexander as he leaned against me. His weight pressed into me, heavy and unyielding, a stark reminder of just how much trouble he was. Alright. I can’t call anyone. Someone smashed my phone. My blood began to bo
“Of course I’m still here,” I replied, exasperation slipping through. “You’re in my house. Besides, who else is going to deal with you?” He chuckled weakly, the sound rough and low, and reached for the glass. His fingers brushed mine, a fleeting touch that sent an unwanted spark of heat up my arm.
Abigail's POV The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the smell. Pancakes. Sweet, buttery pancakes. My nose twitched, and my stomach gave a loud, happy rumble. I sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes and yawning. The sunlight was sneaking through my curtains, painting my room in golden stripes.
“Are you going to stay?” I asked suddenly, the words spilling out before I could stop them. Alexander blinked, his eyes flicking to me. “Stay?” “Yeah,” I said. “Like… for good. Are you going to be around? Or are you just going to leave again?” “Abigail,” Mommy said, her voice sharp and full of
Lauren's POV Liam stepped further into the kitchen, his presence as sharp and unyielding as a blade. His ice blue eyes swept over the scene—the plates still on the counter, the faint smell of buttery pancakes lingering in the air, and Alexander standing there like he belonged. “What are you doin
“You could’ve called me,” Liam said, his voice quieter but no less intense. I looked away, guilt prickling at the edges of my mind. “Right. About that. No phone.” “What? Did he—” Liam’s face scrunched. “Long story,” my eyes rolled, glancing at the broken glass and metal bits still on the floor
“Sophia,” he said, his voice shaking. “She… she’s awful. A horrible mom. She—she threatened me.” “What?” I leaned forward, my heart pounding. “She said if I didn’t do what she wanted, she’d…” His voice cracked, and he buried his face in his little hands. “Take your time,” I said softly, trying
Lauren's POV The news was on in the background, the chatter of the anchors blending with the occasional giggle from Abigail as she colored on the living room floor. I had half an ear on the TV, more focused on sorting through the mountain of laundry I’d been ignoring for days. But then a familiar
Her hand landed on my shoulder, and I stiffened. The room fell silent, and I could feel every single eye on me, their gazes like lasers boring into my skin. “He’s the light of our lives,” Sophia said, her voice full of practiced affection. I resisted the urge to laugh—or maybe cry. Light of thei
Owen's POV One gala, right into another. This one felt less like an event and more like a loud, glittering outdoor carnival masquerading as high society. The kind of place where you had to squint—not just from the blinding sunlight reflecting off sequins, but from the overwhelming brightness of
He leaned forward, finally looking me in the eyes, his expression unreadable. “Sophia, I’m not firing her. You need to let this go. It’s between you and our…son.” My hands clenched into fists at my sides. “You’re really not going to do anything?” I asked, my voice a dangerous whisper. “You’re just
Sophia's POV I was furious. No, that wasn’t even the right word. Fury was too simple, too tame. What I felt was something darker, more visceral. The kind of rage that settled deep in your chest and burned through your veins until all you could see was red. It wasn’t just anger anymore—it was a n
Owen's POV The ballroom was everything I imagined it would be: glittering chandeliers dripping with crystals, walls covered in gold trim, and tables set with so many forks it made me wonder if anyone actually knew how to use them all. Grown-ups in fancy clothes laughed too loudly and carried gla
The line went silent for a moment, and I could almost hear his trembling on the other end. Good. He should be nervous. But his silence only fueled my anger. “You’re useless,” I continued, my voice colder now. “But, I’m not done with you yet, Doctor. Keep close.” “Yes, ma’am.” his voice replied q
Sophia's POV The soft click of my heels against the linoleum was muffled as I stepped into the shadows of the adjacent hallway, positioning myself just out of sight of Alexander’s hospital office. The air was almost too clean, and it made me wrinkle my nose in disdain. Hospitals always had that