Stephanie‘s POVThe café is warm and bustling, with the faint aroma of roasted beans mingling with the soft hum of conversation. I push the door open, and my eyes immediately land on Anna sitting by the window. She waves me over with an eager smile, her auburn hair catching the sunlight streaming in.“Stephanie!” she exclaims as I slide into the chair opposite her. “Look at you! You look amazing!”I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s just the lighting in here.”She narrows her eyes playfully. “Don’t even try to downplay it. There’s a glow about you I haven’t seen in years. Divorce suits you.”I let out a small chuckle, though her words linger. “I guess getting out of a toxic situation does wonders.”“Exactly,” she says, stirring her latte. “I’m so proud of you. You’ve been through hell, but now look at you—thriving. So,” her voice drops conspiratorially, “how’s Henry?”My stomach twists at the question, though I keep my expression neutral. “He’s... good. Supportive.”Anna leans in, her ex
Stephanie‘s POVHenry’s family sitting room is a picture of understated opulence, all muted golds and creamy whites with polished wood accents. The tea service on the table gleams under the soft light, but the atmosphere in the room is icy, and no amount of sophistication can mask the tension threading through the air.I sit primly on the edge of a plush armchair, hands folded neatly over my lap to keep from fidgeting. Across from me, Henry’s mother, an elegant woman with flawless makeup and an aura of practiced authority, holds her teacup like a weapon. Her piercing gaze flickers over me, dissecting every detail of my appearance. Beside her, Henry’s father, with his stern face and a sharpness in his posture that screams military discipline, watches me like I’m a suspect in an interrogation.Henry had excused himself a few minutes earlier to meet his grandfather in the study, leaving me alone with his family. I had prepared for this moment, told myself to stay calm, but nothing coul
Stephanie‘s POVThe competition for inheritance? It seems Henry's parents care even less about him than I originally thought. They are clearly more supportive of their other son, Ryan.I try not to let my frustration show, but the words hit like a slap. The undercurrent is clear: they think I’m a mistake. That somehow, by choosing me, Henry has lost ground, especially against Ryan.They—being Henry's parents—seemed oddly satisfied with the situation. For some reason, I began to feel a surge of anger.I swallow, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Henry is well aware of the consequences. But I’m confident in his choices.”Her smile widens, but this time it feels like a victory she’s already claimed. “Well, then, I suppose we’ll see, won’t we?”I fight the urge to grit my teeth, to respond with something sharp and cutting. But I can’t. I can't mess this meeting up. Not here. Not with them.I grit my teeth but manage a tight smile. “Henry is a remarkable person, and I’m fortunate to have
Stephanie‘s POVThe study is warm and inviting, with a large mahogany desk and walls lined with bookshelves brimming with well-worn volumes. Henry’s grandfather sits behind the desk, a distinguished man with silver hair and piercing eyes that seem to see right through me. His presence is commanding, and I feel the weight of his scrutiny the moment I step into the room.Henry places a steadying hand on my lower back as we approach the desk. It’s a small gesture, but the warmth of his touch sends a ripple of unease and something else—something I’m not ready to name—through me.“Grandfather,” Henry says, his tone respectful yet confident. “This is Stephanie. Stephanie, this is my grandfather; Joseph.”Joseph’s sharp eyes flick to me, and I force a polite smile, extending my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”He shakes my hand briefly, his grip firm but not overbearing. “The pleasure is mine, Stephanie,” he says, though there’s a hint of skepticism in his voice. “Please, have a s
Stephanie‘s POVThe scent of expensive wine and freshly brewed tea lingers in the air. The conversation around me flows effortlessly between Henry’s family members, but there’s a coldness beneath their polished words, a pointed exclusion that I can’t ignore.What surprised me was that this exclusion wasn’t just directed at me; it was more aimed at Henry.I take a sip of my tea, the warmth doing little to ease the tension gripping my chest. Henry sits beside me, composed as ever, his expression unreadable as he listens to his parents and younger brother discuss business.Yes, as a successful CEO, he could only listen to his parents and brother discuss business, as if family matters had nothing to do with him.I was about to ask Henry a question, but Robert’s words reach my ears first. He’s talking to Ryan."You need to be assertive with this," Henry’s father says, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Investors want confidence, not hesitation."Investors? Now, what could they w
Stephanie‘s POVI can’t help but hold my breath, my fingers tightening slightly on the napkin in my lap. Until now, the thought of reclaiming the Saunders Project had never crossed my mind. In my head, that project belonged to Vince’s company now. It wasn’t mine anymore.The thought lingers, curling in the back of my mind like an ember waiting to catch fire.It was mine.I had poured everything into it—the research, the designs, the long nights perfecting every detail. I fought for it. Nurtured it. And yet, the moment I walked away, Vince handed it over to Darci like it was a gift.Like my work, my talent, had never meant anything at all.The injustice of it stings. My blood simmers.I should let it go. Shouldn’t I?Why should I?Darci didn’t earn that project. She didn’t put in the work. As for Vince? He only ever got as far as he did because I had been the one making his work look effortless.I glance at Henry, whispering under my breath. “Do you really think we could take it back?”
Stephanie‘s POVI think I have finally escaped Ryan’s harassment. But just when I think I can breathe again, that same, revolting touch resurfaces.My heart races, and every inch of my body screams in protest.I can't take it anymore. I’m done.I don’t hesitate.With calculated force, I bring my heel down on Ryan’s foot, pressing down hard enough to make sure he feels it.He lets out a choked yelp, his whole body jerking in pain. The room goes silent.All eyes turn toward us. Henry, seated beside me, tenses immediately, his sharp gaze flicking between me and his brother.“What’s wrong?” their mother demands, her voice clipped with irritation.Ryan grits his teeth, schooling his face into something more composed, though I see the flicker of anger in his eyes. “It’s nothing,” he mutters, but when Claire glares at him, he quickly adds, “Stephanie… came onto me.”A heavy silence blankets the room.I blink, stunned for a moment at the sheer audacity of his lie.Ryan exhales sharply, wincin
Stephanie’s POVRobert doesn’t even hesitate.“No.” His tone is absolute, sharp, like a gavel hitting a courtroom desk. There is no room for negotiation in his voice, and yet, I don’t falter.I expected this. I anticipated this level of resistance.So, I smile.Not sweetly, but coldly, calculated, like a chess player making their next move.“That’s unfortunate,” I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “I was really hoping we could work something out amicably.”His expression remains unreadable, but his eyes narrow slightly. He doesn’t trust me.Good.I tilt my head, my voice softer now, but laced with a quiet threat. “If you’re really refusing… well, I guess I’ll have no choice but to go public.”A pin-drop silence follows.Henry, seated beside me, remains still, though I sense his amusement. His fingers tap lightly against his knee, as though waiting for the inevitable outcome.“You wouldn’t,” Claire sneers, her nails digging into the fabric of the chair.I smile wider. “Oh, guess.”I lean
Stephanie’s POVThe ceremony is perfect. Almost too perfect.The grand hall is bathed in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Delicate floral arrangements line the aisle, their fragrant scent filling the air. Everything is pristine, polished—just as it should be for a wedding of this scale.Yet, as I stand at the altar, my hands clutching the bouquet so tightly my knuckles turn white, I can’t seem to shake the weight pressing against my chest.This was supposed to be a contract marriage. A business arrangement. A performance.Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like an act.I glance up at Henry, my soon-to-be husband. He stands tall, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly, his expression composed yet unreadable. Only his eyes—intense, unwavering—give anything away.He looks at me as if I’m the only person in the world.I swallow hard, my heart hammering.The officiant begins, his voice steady and formal as he speaks of love, of com
Stephanie’s POVI sit at the dining table, staring at the open planner in front of me, tapping my pen against the pages. Across from me, Henry flips through a thick binder filled with wedding venue options, his expression unreadable.“If I have to look at one more gold-accented ballroom, I might lose my mind,” I mutter, rubbing my temple.Henry chuckles, setting the binder down. “Agreed. Maybe something simpler would suit us better.”I glance up at him, surprised. “You’d actually go for that?”His lips curve into a small smirk. “I’m not as predictable as you think, Stephanie.”I roll my eyes, but my heart does a strange little flip at the way he says my name. Lately, the line between our arrangement and something more has been blurring, and it’s becoming harder to ignore.“So,” I say, shifting focus, “what do we still need to finalize?”Henry leans back in his chair, thoughtful. “Venue, catering, final guest list. And we need to schedule the wedding photoshoot soon.”I groan. “The pho
Stephanie’s POVThe café hums with the quiet buzz of conversation, the scent of freshly brewed espresso hanging in the air as I stir my coffee absentmindedly. Across from me, Anna watches me with a knowing expression, her hands wrapped around her cup as she leans forward slightly.“You’re overthinking again,” she says, her tone light but pointed.I blink, snapping out of my thoughts. “I am not.”Anna raises an eyebrow. “You’ve been staring into your coffee like it holds the meaning of life for the past five minutes. Spill it.”I sigh, setting my spoon down and meeting her gaze. “Do you think… marrying Henry is a bad idea?”Her eyes widen slightly before she recovers, tilting her head in thought. “I mean, it depends. Are you asking if he’s a serial killer? Probably not. Are you asking if he’s a good guy? That’s something only you can answer.”I groan. “Anna.”She smirks before turning more serious. “Alright, let’s break this down. Do you even like him?”I hesitate, my fingers tapping
Stephanie’s POVThe soft glow of candlelight flickers over the elegantly set table, casting warm golden hues across the room. A delicate aroma of freshly prepared dishes fills the air, and I can't help but smile as I take in the effort Henry has put into this evening. The table is arranged with precision—white linen napkins, delicate china, a bouquet of roses at the center. Everything about this is intentional, carefully crafted, and undeniably romantic."You really went all out," I murmur, trailing my fingers along the stem of my wine glass before glancing up at him.Henry leans back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "I thought you deserved something nice after everything you've been dealing with."A warmth spreads through my chest at his words, but I push it down. This is Henry—he’s composed, strategic, and always one step ahead. I can’t let myself read into things that aren’t there.Still, I can’t deny that the effort means something to me. Vince never care
Stephanie’s POVI arrive home, exhaustion settling into my bones after everything that happened with my adoptive mother. My mind is a tangled mess of emotions—anger, betrayal, confusion. I still can’t believe it. She stole me. My whole life, my identity, everything I believed about myself, had been built on a lie. Yet, she begged me for forgiveness, for help.I step inside, sighing heavily, only to be met with an unexpected sight—Henry, standing casually in the living room, watching me with those sharp, knowing eyes. He doesn’t say anything at first, just observes, but I can tell he’s already read my mood before I’ve even opened my mouth.“You’re upset,” he states simply.I sigh, rubbing my temples. “Is it that obvious?”Henry doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he steps forward, his hands slipping into his pockets, his gaze steady. “What happened?” His voice is gentler than usual, lacking its usual teasing edge.For a moment, I debate telling him. This is my business, my mess. The c
Stephanie’s POVThe words hang in the air between us, heavy and suffocating. "I... I stole you, Stephanie."I stare at the woman in front of me, my so-called mother—no, my kidnapper—and for the first time in my life, I don’t recognize her. The lines on her face, the familiar curve of her shoulders, even the pleading look in her eyes—it all seems foreign now, like I’m looking at a stranger wearing my mother’s skin.My chest tightens as nausea grips my stomach. My fingers dig into the fabric of my dress, my knuckles going white. “You what?” My voice trembles, but the shock doesn’t dull the sharp edge of anger bleeding into my words.She flinches as if I’ve struck her, tears pooling in her tired eyes. “Please, Stephanie. Let me explain.”“Explain?” A bitter laugh escapes me, unbidden. I shake my head, stepping back as if putting physical distance between us will make this make sense. “How do you explain something like this? How do you justify stealing a child?”Tears spill down her ch
Stephanie’s POVThe ride back to the villa is silent. Henry’s hand remains on my back, a comforting weight, but my mind is a whirlwind. Darci’s theatrics, Vince’s blind acceptance, the sheer audacity of their deception – it all boils inside me. I stare out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of color, mirroring the chaos in my thoughts.I didn't succeed in suing Darci, ultimately.Because Vince reminded me that the most crucial evidence has been destroyed, and that if I sue Darci at this point, there is a high probability that I won't get the result I want. Apparently he was trying to protect her.I know in my gut that he's right, I'm just not reconciled.“Are you alright?” Henry’s voice breaks through my reverie.I turn to him, forcing a small smile. “I will be. I’m just… disappointed.”He nods, understanding. “They underestimated you, Stephanie. And that’s their mistake.”A heavy sigh escapes my lips. “It’s not just about the project, Henry. It’s about the principle. T
Stephanie’s POVThe tension in the boardroom is suffocating. I can feel my pulse pounding in my ears as Vince and Darci stand across from me, their expressions unreadable. I grip the edge of the table, forcing myself to stay calm even as frustration burns beneath my skin.Darci’s smug smile lingers, and I know she thinks she’s already won. She believes she’s backed me into a corner, that I’ll be forced to relinquish the project and accept their fabricated allegations.Then the boardroom doors burst open.The room collectively turns toward the interruption, and my breath catches in my throat as Henry strides in, his presence commanding and unyielding. He moves with purpose, his sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on me.He’s holding a thick folder in his hand, and I recognize that look in his gaze—the one that says he’s here to end this charade.“I believe we have some unfinished business,” Henry says smoothly, stepping forward and dropping the folder onto the conference table.
Stephanie’s POVThe room is heavy with tension, the weight of accusation thick in the air. I finish speaking, and for a moment, Vince and Darci are speechless. But Darci quickly recovers, her voice laced with disbelief. "Stephanie, darling," she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "while we appreciate your efforts on this project, let's be honest. You're a talented designer, no doubt, but you're hardly a name that commands the attention of the Rush family. Surely you don't think you're on their level?"Vince smirks, adding, "Indeed. You're well-known in certain circles, but compared to the Rush empire, you're practically invisible. I'm quite curious, actually. How do you manage to convince them to even consider this collaboration? Do you perhaps... offer them a little something extra to persuade them?"Darci stands in the center, her perfectly manicured fingers curled around a stack of papers—evidence, she claims, of my betrayal. Her lips curl into a smirk as she slowly, deliberate