Serena’s POVThe drive along the coast is beautiful, sunlight shimmering on the waves. Bill is focused, hands steady on the wheel of his sleek black sports car, wind tousling his neatly styled hair. I glance down at my outfit — a light blue sundress fluttering in the breeze, paired with simple sanda
Serena’s POVBill calls out to me, "Serena, are you okay?"I blink, my mind foggy. For a moment, I feel completely out of it, as if I'm not really here."Serena!" Bill's voice cuts through the haze.I snap back to reality, the rhythmic sound of crashing waves and the salty tang of the ocean filling
Serena’s POVBill guides me down a narrow path through the dunes. After a short walk, we arrived at a secluded cove. A small picnic setup awaits us: a blanket spread out with a basket full of delicious-looking treats and a bottle of sparkling cider."Surprise!" Bill says, spreading his arms wide.I
Bill’s POVWe stay like that for a while, just being close. The steady rhythm of her breathing, the warmth of her body against mine, and the subtle scent of her hair help calm me down. With Serena so close, everything feels a little less crazy.After a few minutes, Serena lifts her head and looks a
Serena’s POVBill and I stand in front of my apartment, the warmth of the Malibu sun still lingering on our skin. The breeze from the ocean is in my hair, and I can still feel the soft grit of sand on my legs. I fish my keys out of my bag, the sound of metal against metal breaking the comfortable si
Serena’s POVThe makeup artist dabs a bit of highlighter on my cheekbones, making them pop under the bright lights. I sit still, trying to take it all in. Taylor’s studio is something straight out of Hollywood. There are big, professional cameras on tracks, huge lights hanging from the ceiling, and
Serena’s POV"Serena?" Taylor asks, her brows knitting together and her smile fading slightly. She leans in, her eyes searching mine with concern.My mind is a complete blank, and I just sit there, staring at her. Taylor reaches over and gently touches my arm. "Hey, it's okay," she says softly, the
Serena’s POV Taylor’s question is the one I’ve been expecting. I take a deep breath, my fingers interlacing as I prepare to respond. I shift in my seat, sitting up straighter. My hands rest in my lap, and I take a moment to collect my thoughts. “Max and I don’t really get along,” I begin, keeping
Calvin’s POVStevie’s been here for three days, and I’m starting to think she’s allergic to letting people take care of her.She spends most of her time holed up in the guest suite, emerging only when absolutely necessary, like meals. Even then, she always looks like she’s bracing herself for an amb
Stevie’s POVThe ride to the clinic is quiet. Calvin’s hands are steady on the wheel, his focus fixed on the road. I know he’s trying to make this feel normal, like he’s not driving me to an appointment that confirms the biggest change in my life. It doesn’t work.“You didn’t have to drive me,” I sa
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