Serena’s POVCalvin saw us laughing. I know he did. Now, we're all standing in front of my apartment door, and it's like a standoff. Calvin and Bill are staring each other down, neither of them willing to look away first."Hi, Calvin, it's so nice to..." I start, but then I glance at Bill. He's sto
Serena's POVBill grabs Calvin by the collar, yanking him forward. Calvin's eyes widen in shock, and he stumbles slightly, trying to regain his balance. For a moment, he looks genuinely surprised, but then his expression hardens. He clenches his fists at his sides, but he doesn't make a move to fig
Bill's POVI sit in the backseat of my car, staring blankly out the window. How could one of the happiest days of my life turn into an absolute nightmare by the end?Everything was going well. The baby’s check-up, the plans we were making — I thought Serena and I were finally on the same page. But
Serena's POVAs soon as I plug in my phone, I feel relieved. The familiar chime as it powers on is comforting. The screen lights up, and notifications start pouring in.Text messages, missed calls, emails, and app alerts all come at once. It's overwhelming. My phone keeps buzzing, reminding me how m
Bill's POVThe next day, I walk into my office, and something feels off. As I move through the hallway, I notice people glancing at me, then quickly looking away. It's like I'm under a spotlight, and everyone is whispering.I pass by Lisa at the reception desk. She gives me a tight-lipped smile, no
Bill's POV“I told you not to call Serena that," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but there's a hard edge to my words.Mom doesn’t back down. She steps closer, her voice lowering to a hiss. "That gold-digging tramp has ruined everything. How can you let her drag you down like this?”Here she g
Serena’s POVI push open the door to my jewelry shop, the little bell above it ringing softly. The familiar scent of polished wood and a hint of floral perfume greet me, instantly making me feel at home. The soft lights make the jewelry in the cases sparkle like tiny stars."Serena!" Stevie's voice
Serena’s POVEden Jonas’s perfectly arched eyebrows lift as he examines a pair of earrings, and a smirk plays on his lips as he turns to one of his friends."Eden, these are to die for. What do you think?" the friend asks, holding up the earrings.He tilts his head, considering. "They're fabulous, d
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