(GENERAL POV)That afternoon, the Howard family gathered in the grand living room of Grandpa Howard’s estate.At the head of the table, Grandpa was sitting, scanning the faces of everyone at the table, then slowly and steadily his focus was balanced solely on the vacant chair opposite him, where Michael was used to sitting during their meetings.Except that today he wasn't around; he was still away enjoying his vacation with his wife to be, Isabella.But nevertheless, the chair seemed to remind the old man of the exploits of his industrious grandson.Today, as of recent, he seemed especially proud and happy, considering all they have achieved so far in the company, from numerous products selling out to explosive contract bids now coming their way, twice that of the previous.Grandpa’s voice bore a mix of authority and pride when he spoke.“Well, I don’t need to tell all of you how far we’ve come,” he started, a glint of satisfaction lighting his eyes. “And I dare say, much of that su
(GENERAL POV)Moments after Mr. Howard saw the contents, panic surged through him.His eyes continued to widen, the familiar lines of age on his face tightening as he felt the tremor in his hands; his fingers were shaking, and there was this sudden cold feeling in his spine.From the dining room, Richard’s voice floated in. “Come off it, darling; you should have seen how they all reacted when Michael started joking about the budget cuts! I swear, half of them were ready to throw a party!”The laughter that followed was boisterous, a sharp contrast to the tension Grandpa was battling with.Grandpa squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment, trying to block out the light that felt like a cruel joke. He was thinking bitterly to himself.They have no idea what’s at stake.He glanced behind him, hearing Richard continue, his words echoing like taunts.“Just wait until we show them how the Howard family really does business! No one can resist our charm!”The lightheartedness of the convers
NATHAN’S POVIt was Saturday, and I found myself pacing around my new apartment, but no amount of comfort from its wide space and exclusive decor could calm down the chaos inside me.The apartment was two- bedrooms with high ceilings and large windows that offered a clear view of the neighborhood and of nature.Coming here was supposed to bring me peace. After all, I had moved out of my parents' house for space….mental space. Yet, here I was, wearing a loose T-shirt and jeans, trying to relax on the sleek, gray couch, but my thoughts wouldn’t stop racing. The new sense of independence didn’t bring clarity. If anything, it just amplified the questions swirling in my mind.And at the center of this chaos was Lilian.We had agreed to stay friends... just friends. But the truth was, I wasn’t sure if I had actually agreed.I wasn’t sure if I wanted to.It was like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing the jump would be terrifying but also unable to stay where I was.Then, to make m
GENERAL POVNathan pulled into the parking lot of Owen’s apartment building as the midday sun began to set.The familiar sight of Owen’s luxury sports cars lined up in neat rows caught his attention. One of them—a gleaming, creamy new model—stands out at once.“Typical Owen, always collecting something flashy.”Normally, Nathan would’ve smirked at the display, but tonight, his mind was too heavy for any amusement; he was not in a good mood.As he stepped out of his car, the warm breeze brushed against his skin.He walked across the lot, his brown shoes making soft, purposeful thuds on the pavement.When Nathan finally reached Owen’s door, he hesitated for a moment, his hand hanging in the air a little before he knocked. The first knock echoed through the quiet hallways. And was followed by silence.His brow furrowed slightly, then he knocked again, louder this time. After that, he started to hear the footsteps from inside.In a few seconds, the door creaked open, and Owen appeared
ISABELLA’S POVThe plane landed with a soft jolt, and the engines slowly quieted as we taxied to a stop. I sat back for a moment, taking in the last fragrance of peace from our vacation. I still couldn't believe I had almost said no to this trip, almost convinced myself I didn't have time. But thanks to God, Michael had been persuasive, and now I couldn't imagine missing those sunlit mornings, the quiet walks along the shore, the food, and, of course, the rare luxury of our time together. I would've loved to extend it just a little longer. But reality had other plans.Yesterday, my assistant Claire had messaged me.and had sounded really urgent, as always. There was a patient in critical condition at the hospital. A middle-aged woman with a ruptured aneurysm, hanging on by a thread.They needed me, specifically. No one else could perform the delicate surgery required. There was no refusing this call. So with no other choice, we had to put an end to the vacation.The plane doors
MICHAEL’S POVThe glass doors of the hospital entrance slid shut behind me, and for a moment, I just stood there, watching Isabella disappear into the corridors of the Thompson's hospital. As I pulled out of the lot, the early afternoon sun hung low.I shifted in my seat to readjust and steer better.The Thompson's hospital fell away in my rearview mirror, and I tried to focus on the road ahead on the short drive to the office, but my mind kept drifting back to Opraxin.It had been on my mind for days, no longer than that.Ever since I signed off on its release, I couldn’t shake the unease.At first, I would chalk it up to nerves—the usual jitters of launching something new. But that feeling hadn’t left me. It doubled on the day I proposed to Isabella.I glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror. My features were sharper in the fading light.My brow furrowed, and I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to ease the tension there.Something wasn’t right. My PA Shawn had brought it
GENERAL POVNathan sat slouched in his leather chair, the dim light of his office lamp casting a pale glow over his tired face. His elbow was resting on the arm of the chair, his hand absently rubbing his chin, his gaze locked on the blank wall across from him. The weight of Owen’s words hung heavy in his mind. “Find out if Lilian still has feelings for you.”But how? And what if it all went wrong? What if she hated him for trying?The thought disturbed him, twisting his insides with uncertainty. His foot was tapping nervously against the floor, a rhythm he wasn’t conscious of but couldn’t stop.He exhaled slowly, his shoulders rising and falling as the anxiety in his chest tightened. He knew Owen had a point, but it didn’t make the situation any easier. What if she’s moved on? What if this is a mistake? The questions ran circles in his head, leaving him dizzy and trapped.His eyes glazed over, staring into space for what felt like hours, before the sound of his own breath breaki
GENERAL POVNathan’s world slowed to a crawl as the pain on Lilian's face became more vivid.He was as angry as he was hurt. His chest tightened, his heart giving out this ache. in a way he hadn’t expected. "Lilian…" His voice was now full of desperation.He lifted her chin ever so slightly, tilting her face toward his own, forcing her to meet his gaze.“Who did this to you?”His voice cracked under the weight of the question, fear and fury bubbling beneath the surface.In the silence, he was trying to make sense of the situation. It couldn’t have been her parents, he thought. He knew they were distant but not violent. He had seen enough to know they wouldn’t do this.But who then? His mind spiraled through every possible scenario until one name, like a sharp blade, pierced through his thoughts. His entire body stiffened as the realization struck him.Then he parted his lips.“Was it Marcus?” His tone was in a whisper, as if saying the name aloud might make the truth unbearable