Serena’s POVStevie and I make our way to the dining room, spreading out the Chinese takeout on the table. As we unpack each container, the delicious aromas fill the air."So, what's really going on with you and Calvin?" she probes gently, her eyes scanning my face for clues.I take a deep breath, p
Serena’s POVWith just a week until the fashion show, things are getting really busy in my studio. I've been deep in my work, creating a variety of unique jewelry pieces designed to stand out on the runway. My workspace is covered with gemstones, wires, and tools, as I bring each design to life.Ste
Serena’s POVMax's expression tightens, clearly not happy with my sarcasm. He pauses for a moment, arms crossed, as he thinks about what to say next.After a moment, Max uncrosses his arms and says, "Let's see if your TikTok jewelry can actually handle the high fashion scene."Max is such a jerk to
Serena’s POVIt's the day of the fashion show, and I'm carefully inspecting the jewelry designed for Josephine's collection. As I examine each piece, I notice some slight discoloration that wasn't there when we set them up yesterday. Something isn’t right.Suddenly, Josephine approaches me, her expr
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie among the pre-show chaos, camera in hand. She's capturing the flurry of activity around her, focusing on the models getting their last-minute touch-ups and the designers making final adjustments to their garments.I make my way through the bustling crowd and reach Stevie.
Serena’s POVI find myself taking charge with a sense of purpose I hadn't fully realized I possessed. Surrounded by Calvin's team of expert jewelers, I quickly lay out the plan.“We need to focus on the most damaged pieces first,” I begin, gesturing toward a collection of necklaces and bracelets on
Serena’s POVFrom a monitor backstage, I watch intently as the runway show unfolds. The first to showcase is Josephine’s collection. The models glide down the runway in elegant, flowing garments made from sustainable fabrics. Her outfits showcase organic textures and colors like forest greens, eart
Serena’s POVThe designers and models exit the stage while Marjorie remains. She steps forward, microphone in hand, and addresses the crowd."Thank you all for being here tonight," Marjorie begins, her voice clear and warm. "The designers worked incredibly hard to put this show together, and I belie
Stevie’s POVThis has to be the fanciest kidnapping in the history of bad ideas.I’m standing in the foyer of Calvin’s penthouse, staring at the polished marble floors, the towering windows, and a chandelier that looks like it could fund a small country. Everything about this place screams luxury—to
Calvin’s POVHospitals always feel the same—like time slows down, stretching every second into an eternity. I’m standing outside Stevie’s room, staring at the door, willing myself to move. My hand hovers near the handle, but I can’t bring myself to push it open.I can hear her voice faintly through
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