Serena’s POV“You’re an asshole, Bill,” I say with a straight face. I can feel my face getting hot, but I don't let any emotions show. He's acting like his old self, trying to provoke me with his words. But I can play that game too.I scoff at his comment. "So, what if I have a sugar daddy?" I shoo
Serena’s POVHalfway out of the hospital, I remember that Calvin's gift is still in Bill's room. But I can't go back, not after Bill degraded me.I can already see it. If I go back for the gift, Bill will probably hurl more insults about me trying to seduce his uncle. He didn't even let me explain t
Serena’s POVI never realized just how much I'd drifted from my old life after marrying Bill, until bumping into Stevie between the cereal and coffee at the grocery store.I'm halfway down the coffee aisle when I spot her. Stevie, looking just like she did back in our college days, is checking her p
Serena’s POVStevie waits outside the stall as I puke my guts out in the toilet.I hear a gentle knock on the door. "Do you need any help? I can hold your hair back if you want," Stevie offers."No, it's alright," I reply. "I've got this. I've had plenty of practice."After I'm done, I wipe my mouth
Dad's eyes light up with the question. "Well, your mom's really turned the garden into something special, and her cooking, as you know, is better than ever," he says with a proud glance at Mom."And believe it or not," Mom chimes in with a chuckle, "your dad's been joining me in aerobics classes eve
Serena’s POVI just stare at my phone for a couple of minutes, wondering, "Why on earth is Bill calling me now?"Seeing the puzzled look on my face, Mom leans in with concern. "What's wrong, dear? Who's calling you?""Oh, it's just my friend, Stevie. She's probably checking if I got here safely," I
Bill’s POV I almost want to clear my desk with one angry swipe. Serena's really changed since the divorce — she's got way more guts now.She's not picking up my calls, which is totally unlike her. I tried calling again, but now the line's busy. Is she talking to some new guy already?Considering h
I furrow my brows in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m fine,” I insist.But Mom and Aunt Claire exchange a knowing glance. Mom then turns back to me, her expression filled with worry. "Bill, you don’t look so good," she says gently.I try to sound convincing, "Trust me, I'm doing better th
Bill’s POVThe second day of the trial feels heavier than the first. I sit at the stand, every eye in the courtroom on me. Kevin sits across the room, leaning back in his chair, his face as blank as ever. But I’ve known him long enough to spot the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers tap rh
Serena’s POVEvan Carter steps up to the stand, his posture rigid but his face set with a kind of quiet determination. He’s nervous — I can see it in the way his hands grip the edges of the chair, his knuckles white — but he doesn’t hesitate when the prosecutor starts her questioning.“Mr. Carter,”
Serena’s POVThe courtroom feels like it’s holding its breath. Kevin sits across the room, calm and collected, as if he isn’t facing the weight of his crimes being read aloud. Arson. Money laundering. Drug trafficking. Arms dealing. Conspiracy. Each charge is like a hammer falling, but Kevin doesn’t
Bill’s POVThe flashing red and blue lights from the police cars paint everything in sharp. Kevin’s hunched figure disappears into the back of a cruiser, his hands cuffed tightly behind his back. But even as he’s being taken away, he still manages to twist the knife with his parting words.“This isn
Serena’s POVKevin strides toward me, his expression dark and twisted. I don’t move. I plant my feet, keeping my stance steady, just like Bill taught me. My heart races, but my mind is sharp, clear. I’m not afraid — not anymore.He lunges, fast and aggressive, the blade in his hand aiming straight f
Serena’s POVKevin raises the knife, and my breath catches. For a split second, time seems to slow, the glint of the blade catching the faint light like a silent threat. Before I can react, Bill charges in from the side, slamming into Kevin with the full force of his body. They hit the ground hard,
Serena’s POVKevin steps toward me. His twisted grin grows wider with each deliberate step. He thinks he has this in the bag. He thinks I’m scared, that I’ll back down the second he closes the gap. He doesn’t realize he’s underestimating me.My feet stay planted firmly on the ground, my hands steady
Bill’s POVKevin and his men approach slowly, scanning every corner. They’re trying to catch even the smallest hint of movement. They’re wary but not afraid, at least not yet. Kevin’s confidence radiates off him like a bad cologne, seeping into the minds of the men with him. Serena is crouched besi
Serena’s POVBill, Matt, James, and I go over every detail of the plan again and again. I sit at the table, watching as they discuss the best routes in and out of the location, debating whether we’ll have enough cover.It’s late, and all of us are tired. But I shake it off. There’s no time for being