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
"Incredible," he breathes out. "If I hadn't known you made this, I'd think you'd bought it from some high-end shop in Paris.""Really?" My voice carries a mix of surprise and pride. Knowing Calvin's background in fashion retail makes his praise even more meaningful. "Serena, you've got a real talen
Bill’s POVI told Tyler, my driver, to take me to the restaurant where Sarah saw Serena. Here I am, still in a cast, and she's already out on a date with some rich, older guy. Unbelievable."Tyler, can you step on it? I've got to meet someone," I say, realizing I'm absentmindedly tapping my fingers
Bill’s POVHonestly, I'm at a loss about what to do with my mom. She keeps pushing me to date Doris, saying she'd be good for me, unlike my ex-wife.I've tried explaining to my mom that Doris is just a friend and a trusted business associate. But she insists on me dating someone she approves of this
Bill’s POVI had hoped Doris would realize I wasn’t interested in her that way, but she kept inviting me to dinner. Every time, I found myself scrambling for a new excuse to say no. It felt awkward dodging her invites without hurting her feelings. Honestly, I’ve been avoiding conversations with Do
Serena’s POVThis is it! The day I've been eagerly waiting for.I called Calvin, asking if he could come with me to scout the best shop for my first business on Melrose Avenue. Surprisingly, he agreed, even though I'm aware of his hectic work schedule. I also reached out to Stevie, hoping she could
Serena’s POV“Stevie, stay with me,” I mutter, my voice shaking as I keep one arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her weight sags against me, and I feel the panic rising in my chest.“I’m fine,” she whispers weakly, but her pale face and unfocused eyes say otherwise.“You’re not fine,” I snap, flaggin
Serena’s POVThe office feels quieter than usual. Maybe it’s the late hour or the fact that most people have already gone home. But as I glance across the room at Stevie, hunched over her laptop, I know something’s off.She’s always had a way of pushing through, of pretending everything’s fine when
Calvin’s POVFatherhood.The word keeps bouncing around my head, refusing to settle. It feels foreign, heavy. Like trying on a jacket that doesn’t fit but knowing you’re stuck wearing it anyway.I stare out the window of my office, watching the city buzz below. Cars honk. People hustle. Life moves o
Stevie’s POVI’m pacing my living room, muttering to myself like a lunatic.“Calvin, listen—no, that’s too polite.” I stop and shake my head, trying again. “Look, Calvin, I don’t owe you an explanation. That’s better. Straight to the point. No room for debate.”I glance at the mirror above my couch
Calvin’s POVI see her before she sees me.Stevie’s stepping out of the building, her bag slung over her shoulder, sunglasses perched on her nose. She looks like she’s trying to blend into the crowd, which is almost funny considering Stevie Malone doesn’t exactly do subtle.“Stevie,” I call, walking
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie slipping out of the ballroom as I’m finishing up a conversation with a PR exec. She moves quickly, almost like she’s trying not to be seen, but I know her too well. The slight wobble in her steps, the way she clutches her bag like it’s holding her together — it’s a dead gi
Stevie’s POVI shouldn’t have worn these heels.It’s the first thing I think as I step into the ballroom, my feet already protesting the dumb idea of combining sky-high stilettos and a body that feels like it’s actively rebelling against me. My stomach’s been on the verge of staging a full-blown mut
Bill’s POVSerena’s doing that thing again.The thing where she picks at her food but doesn’t actually eat it. She pushes the salad around her plate, stabbing a cherry tomato like it insulted her mother. I lean back in my chair, watching her, trying to figure out if this is work stress or something
Stevie’s POVI’m sitting on the edge of my bathtub, staring at a little stick on the counter like it’s a grenade about to go off. My hands are shaking. My heart feels like it’s trying to beat its way out of my chest.It’s been three minutes.Three. Long. Fucking. Minutes.The instructions said that’