MASON’S POVI don’t remember when I fell asleep. The last clear memory I had was of Dr. Khatri checking on me late in the evening, his face a blend of concern and weary resignation as he updated my chart and adjusted my IV. Sometime after that, another doctor—a face I didn’t recognize—came in to examine my wounds while a nurse, quiet and efficient, changed my bandages. The new doctor’s hands were cold but gentle, probing the bruised and tender areas along my ribs and arms. Once the nurse finished, the doctor administered an injection that sent a wave of drowsiness washing over me, pulling me down into a restless sleep.***Whenever I was conscious, I found myself reaching for my phone with what little strength I had. Each time I typed out a message to Florence, my heart squeezed tight with a mixture of hope and dread. But there was never any reply. After the first three days of silence, I stopped trying. It became clear that she didn’t want to talk to me. The realization stung bi
MASON’S POVA week had passed since my family declared their intention to fold Eternity into Whitehill International. When the day came to vote, I knew it was just a formality because the decision had already been made behind closed doors. I entered the boardroom, a space I had meticulously designed down to the very grain of the oak table and the plushness of the leather chairs. In fact, every detail in the entire office was my vision. From the boardrooms and conference rooms to the breakroom and bathrooms, I had picked the tiles, the wallpapers, the furniture, all by myself. Not because I had to but because it made me proud to call something my own. And in that very office… I was doing to see it all disappear. Like a giant, arrogant whale swallowing a merry fish. As I took my seat, heavily medicated to manage the pain, I watched the board members file in. Their faces were a mix of sympathy and stern resolve. Again… I told myself it has all been decided. But somewhere in me,
FLORENCE’S POVAfter Daniel had tossed my phone out of his speeding car, I’d spent weeks living like someone from the early 2000s. I had purchased a flip phone, the simplest thing available—nothing but calls and texts. At first, it had felt refreshing. Only Raiden and Annalise knew the number, and it was nice to disconnect from the chaos of social media.But now, reality was calling. Raiden helped me reclaim my old number, and as I sat down at the café to switch on my brand-new phone, messages flooded in. Notifications bombarded my screen, one after the other.Most were from Mason.My heart caught in my throat as I scrolled through the messages he’d sent when I was kidnapped:Flo, where are you?? Are you safe? Please answer me.Florence, please reply. Jade told me what happened. I swear I’ll find you.God, Flo, please just let me know you’re alive.I’m so sorry for everything. If I lose you, I’ll never forgive myself.Reading those words, raw and desperate, sent an uncomfortable ach
FLORENCE’S POVSunlight streamed softly through the curtains, gently nudging me awake. For a moment, I forgot where I was until the plush sheets and elegant decor of the hotel reminded me.Raiden’s room.I sat up quickly, my heart fluttering. The room was empty, and I felt a wave of relief mixed oddly with disappointment.Just then, I heard a gentle clinking sound from the small kitchenette area near the entryway. Raiden was standing at the counter, calmly pouring freshly brewed coffee into two porcelain cups. My heart stopped. He was still in his pajamas—just a simple white t-shirt and soft, gray lounge pants, his black hair tousled slightly from sleep. It was a casual look, but somehow effortlessly attractive. I felt my cheeks flush.He glanced up, noticing me awake, and smiled warmly. “Good morning, sleepyhead. Coffee?”“Yes, please,” I managed, trying to keep my voice even.He brought the coffee over, setting it on the bedside table. As he sat beside me, he grinned. “Reception c
FLORENCE’S POVThe gallery hummed with a strange, nervous excitement. Paris’ elite, with their delicate glasses of champagne and glittering evening gowns, murmured amongst themselves, speculating about the stolen photographs and who could possibly want pictures of some random woman from the exhibition.Some random woman—me.Raiden stood by me protectively, his expression growing increasingly irritated as the police officers ambled lazily around the gallery. Clearly, a theft like this was low priority.“Are you sure this isn’t some misunderstanding?” one officer asked Augusta, scribbling notes absent-mindedly.Raiden scowled openly, stepping forward. “Look, officer, someone deliberately stole two photographs of Florence. Doesn’t that worry you? Somebody wanted those photos.”The officer shrugged lightly. “They’re just pictures, monsieur. Hardly the Mona Lisa. Perhaps an overenthusiastic admirer?”Raiden’s jaw tightened. He turned back to me, sensing my discomfort, and took my hand ge
MASON’S POVStuck in my father’s sprawling mansion, the days blurred together in a haze of misery and self-pity. But finally, I’d had enough.First, I called in a barber. He was discreet and efficient, trimming away weeks of unruly hair and stubble, leaving me looking polished again. Seeing myself clean-shaven in the mirror sparked something deep inside me—a familiar determination, buried under layers of neglect.Next came weeks of intensive physiotherapy sessions. Each day was grueling, filled with sweat, frustration, and pain. But I refused to give up. My body strengthened little by little, first allowing me to walk steadily, then eventually run without exhaustion. With each milestone, my confidence returned.Finally, I was ready to reclaim Eternity from my father’s grip.But I had no idea just how difficult that would be.***My first day back at the Eternity office felt strange. It was quieter than I remembered. Employees eyed me cautiously, whispering behind my back as I made my
MASON’S POVBetween endless meetings with designers, suppliers, and coordinating closely with Blackwood PR, my days had once again become a blur of deadlines, emails, and phone calls. Eating and showering were nothing more than obligations, moments I forced myself in to simply to stay alive.Some nights, I slept in my office under the table. It reminded me so vividly of those early days when I first built Eternity. The sleepless nights, endless coffees, skipping meals—nothing else had mattered but the company. Nothing except building a legacy so strong, so impenetrable, that no one could take it away from me.No one but myself.Because in those same days, in my obsession, I’d sacrificed Florence. My negligence and lack of appreciation had pushed her away. I shook my head, determinedly forcing her image from my mind. If I wanted Florence back—and I did—I needed to rebuild Eternity first. She deserved more than a crumbling mess. She deserved stability, happiness, and a partner who v
MASON’S POVThe next day, as I sifted through an overwhelming pile of design notes and fabric swatches cluttering my desk, Candace gently knocked on the door before entering.I glanced up, immediately noting the crisp white envelope in her hands. “Is it here?”Candace smiled broadly, brandishing it triumphantly. “Two invitations for Paris Fashion Week, sir. Freshly delivered.”I exhaled in relief, allowing myself a small smile. “Excellent.” I leaned back, stretching briefly. “You’ll accompany me, of course, and ensure all our designers receive their invites as well.”She nodded eagerly, her usual brisk efficiency already kicking into gear. “Absolutely, Mr. Whitehill. Everything will be arranged.”As she hurried out to begin preparations, I reached for the invitation, my fingers brushing the delicate, embossed paper. It was a small piece of hope in what had otherwise been a bleak few months.***Later that evening, while the new housekeeper quietly packed my suitcases in my bedroom, I
FLORENCE’S POVAs soon as the final model stepped off the runway and the lights began to rise, I rose from my seat like a fire had been lit beneath me.“I’ll be right back,” I told Raiden.He blinked in surprise but didn’t stop me. “Want me to come?”“No,” I said quickly, already stepping past him.From the corner of my eye, I saw him turning his attention to one of the designers seated nearby, sliding effortlessly into conversation. Typical Raiden—he could read me without even trying. He knew I needed space. And I appreciated him for that.But right now, all I could think about was Emily.She was here.Not just here but on the runway, front and center. Strutting down like she hadn’t vanished off the face of the earth after Daniel had kidnapped me. After Mason had nearly died. After everything.I pushed my way backstage.The buzz was overwhelming—stylists shouting, models laughing, and garment bags flying from one end to another. The air was thick with perfume, hairspray, and leftov
FLORENCE’S POVMason Whitehill.Surrounded by top-tier designers, international media, and half the room’s attention like he always belonged there. Sharp suit, perfectly groomed and even smiling a little as someone laughed at something he said.I felt a rush of frustration—quick, sharp, irrational.Of course, he would be here. Fashion Week was filled with big names and bigger egos. It made sense.But why now?Why this show?Was he following me?I bit the inside of my cheek and mentally reminded myself to ask Raiden to stop posting photos and videos of us together until we were back home. Not because I had anything to hide—but because I didn’t want my past showing up where it didn’t belong.Mason turned slightly, caught my eye for half a second, and then… started walking toward us.My spine straightened on instinct.Raiden, beside me, noticed immediately. “What just happened?” he whispered, leaning closer. His tone was gentle, calm.“Mason’s here.”Raiden followed my gaze and then nod
MASON’S POVThe next day, as I sifted through an overwhelming pile of design notes and fabric swatches cluttering my desk, Candace gently knocked on the door before entering.I glanced up, immediately noting the crisp white envelope in her hands. “Is it here?”Candace smiled broadly, brandishing it triumphantly. “Two invitations for Paris Fashion Week, sir. Freshly delivered.”I exhaled in relief, allowing myself a small smile. “Excellent.” I leaned back, stretching briefly. “You’ll accompany me, of course, and ensure all our designers receive their invites as well.”She nodded eagerly, her usual brisk efficiency already kicking into gear. “Absolutely, Mr. Whitehill. Everything will be arranged.”As she hurried out to begin preparations, I reached for the invitation, my fingers brushing the delicate, embossed paper. It was a small piece of hope in what had otherwise been a bleak few months.***Later that evening, while the new housekeeper quietly packed my suitcases in my bedroom, I
MASON’S POVBetween endless meetings with designers, suppliers, and coordinating closely with Blackwood PR, my days had once again become a blur of deadlines, emails, and phone calls. Eating and showering were nothing more than obligations, moments I forced myself in to simply to stay alive.Some nights, I slept in my office under the table. It reminded me so vividly of those early days when I first built Eternity. The sleepless nights, endless coffees, skipping meals—nothing else had mattered but the company. Nothing except building a legacy so strong, so impenetrable, that no one could take it away from me.No one but myself.Because in those same days, in my obsession, I’d sacrificed Florence. My negligence and lack of appreciation had pushed her away. I shook my head, determinedly forcing her image from my mind. If I wanted Florence back—and I did—I needed to rebuild Eternity first. She deserved more than a crumbling mess. She deserved stability, happiness, and a partner who v
MASON’S POVStuck in my father’s sprawling mansion, the days blurred together in a haze of misery and self-pity. But finally, I’d had enough.First, I called in a barber. He was discreet and efficient, trimming away weeks of unruly hair and stubble, leaving me looking polished again. Seeing myself clean-shaven in the mirror sparked something deep inside me—a familiar determination, buried under layers of neglect.Next came weeks of intensive physiotherapy sessions. Each day was grueling, filled with sweat, frustration, and pain. But I refused to give up. My body strengthened little by little, first allowing me to walk steadily, then eventually run without exhaustion. With each milestone, my confidence returned.Finally, I was ready to reclaim Eternity from my father’s grip.But I had no idea just how difficult that would be.***My first day back at the Eternity office felt strange. It was quieter than I remembered. Employees eyed me cautiously, whispering behind my back as I made my
FLORENCE’S POVThe gallery hummed with a strange, nervous excitement. Paris’ elite, with their delicate glasses of champagne and glittering evening gowns, murmured amongst themselves, speculating about the stolen photographs and who could possibly want pictures of some random woman from the exhibition.Some random woman—me.Raiden stood by me protectively, his expression growing increasingly irritated as the police officers ambled lazily around the gallery. Clearly, a theft like this was low priority.“Are you sure this isn’t some misunderstanding?” one officer asked Augusta, scribbling notes absent-mindedly.Raiden scowled openly, stepping forward. “Look, officer, someone deliberately stole two photographs of Florence. Doesn’t that worry you? Somebody wanted those photos.”The officer shrugged lightly. “They’re just pictures, monsieur. Hardly the Mona Lisa. Perhaps an overenthusiastic admirer?”Raiden’s jaw tightened. He turned back to me, sensing my discomfort, and took my hand ge
FLORENCE’S POVSunlight streamed softly through the curtains, gently nudging me awake. For a moment, I forgot where I was until the plush sheets and elegant decor of the hotel reminded me.Raiden’s room.I sat up quickly, my heart fluttering. The room was empty, and I felt a wave of relief mixed oddly with disappointment.Just then, I heard a gentle clinking sound from the small kitchenette area near the entryway. Raiden was standing at the counter, calmly pouring freshly brewed coffee into two porcelain cups. My heart stopped. He was still in his pajamas—just a simple white t-shirt and soft, gray lounge pants, his black hair tousled slightly from sleep. It was a casual look, but somehow effortlessly attractive. I felt my cheeks flush.He glanced up, noticing me awake, and smiled warmly. “Good morning, sleepyhead. Coffee?”“Yes, please,” I managed, trying to keep my voice even.He brought the coffee over, setting it on the bedside table. As he sat beside me, he grinned. “Reception c
FLORENCE’S POVAfter Daniel had tossed my phone out of his speeding car, I’d spent weeks living like someone from the early 2000s. I had purchased a flip phone, the simplest thing available—nothing but calls and texts. At first, it had felt refreshing. Only Raiden and Annalise knew the number, and it was nice to disconnect from the chaos of social media.But now, reality was calling. Raiden helped me reclaim my old number, and as I sat down at the café to switch on my brand-new phone, messages flooded in. Notifications bombarded my screen, one after the other.Most were from Mason.My heart caught in my throat as I scrolled through the messages he’d sent when I was kidnapped:Flo, where are you?? Are you safe? Please answer me.Florence, please reply. Jade told me what happened. I swear I’ll find you.God, Flo, please just let me know you’re alive.I’m so sorry for everything. If I lose you, I’ll never forgive myself.Reading those words, raw and desperate, sent an uncomfortable ach
MASON’S POVA week had passed since my family declared their intention to fold Eternity into Whitehill International. When the day came to vote, I knew it was just a formality because the decision had already been made behind closed doors. I entered the boardroom, a space I had meticulously designed down to the very grain of the oak table and the plushness of the leather chairs. In fact, every detail in the entire office was my vision. From the boardrooms and conference rooms to the breakroom and bathrooms, I had picked the tiles, the wallpapers, the furniture, all by myself. Not because I had to but because it made me proud to call something my own. And in that very office… I was doing to see it all disappear. Like a giant, arrogant whale swallowing a merry fish. As I took my seat, heavily medicated to manage the pain, I watched the board members file in. Their faces were a mix of sympathy and stern resolve. Again… I told myself it has all been decided. But somewhere in me,