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
Serena’s POV"It's just dinner with Calvin, nothing more," I remind myself, trying to play it cool. Even though I tell myself it's just a casual catch-up, the nerves and excitement I feel say otherwise.I consider the midnight blue dress, its fit is perfect for accentuating my curves and a neckline
Serena’s POVThe kitchen table is a disaster zone. Wedding magazines are piled high, ready to topple over at the slightest nudge. Fabric swatches are scattered everywhere like pastel confetti, and sticky notes are plastered all over, each one screaming something I still need to deal with. My laptop
Bill’s POVThe elevator ride to our suite feels longer than usual, but I’m not complaining. Serena leans into me, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along the back of my hand. Her engagement ring catches the soft glow of the elevator lights, and I can’t help but smile. I don’t know how I got lucky en
Serena’s POVBy the time we return to the hotel, Collin is completely worn out. I tuck him into his crib, brushing his hair back as he mumbles sleepily. His tiny chest rises and falls, his face relaxed in a way that only toddlers can manage.When I step out of the room, Bill is waiting for me, a mis
Serena’s POVThe morning is cool, and the light spilling through the trees casts a golden hue on everything. We’re sitting at this small café by the canal, the kind of place that’s almost too picturesque to believe — flower pots on the tables, cobblestones underfoot, and the faint sound of water lap
Serena’s POVMariah Johnson sits across from me, her eyes wide with admiration as she flips through her notes. The studio for Luxe Perspectives is bright and modern, the kind of place where creativity feels like it’s floating in the air. The interview has gone on for over an hour, but Mariah’s energ
Bill’s POVThe room is silent as the jury files in, their expressions solemn. I sit straight, keeping my focus on them, my heart pounding despite the steady mask I’ve worn all day. Beside me, Serena sits just as tense, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I glance at her briefly, giving her a small
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