Serena’s POVAs we sit in the cozy coffee shop, the tension from earlier begins to melt away. Stevie sips her drink, eyeing Bill and me thoughtfully."Okay," Stevie finally says, breaking the silence. "So what's our next move?”Bill sighs, running a hand through his hair. "We don't know yet. We need
Bill’s POVAs we pull up to my lawyer's office, my nerves are on edge. The building is a sleek, modern structure with large glass windows reflecting the morning sunlight. I park the car and glance over at Serena. She's biting her lip and her fingers are fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, her eyes
Serena’s POV“Do we really have to depend on that bastard’s testimony?” Bill asks. I can see his jaw clenching and his fists tightening, knuckles white as he tries to hold back his frustration. The muscles in his neck are tense, and there's a fierce look in his eyes that shows just how much he hate
Bill’s POVAs soon as I get home, I head straight for my office and pick up the phone to call James. The phone rings a few times before he picks up."Hey, Bill," James answers, sounding curious. "What do you need?"I take a deep breath, getting straight to the point. "James, I need you to look into
Serena’s POVAll morning, I find myself unable to focus. My mind keeps drifting back to the conversation with Atty. Murphy and how Bill insisted on facing Alvez alone. I wanted to argue and say I could handle talking to the man who tried to kill me. But Bill wouldn't budge. He wouldn’t let me put
Serena’s POV Marjorie makes her way around the shop as I return to overseeing the interns. I can tell the interns are excited about the presence of someone as renowned as her. As I move from table to table, checking on the progress of the summer collection, I can’t help but steal glances at Marjo
Bill’s POV I park my car in the visitor’s lot and take a moment to steel myself. The prison looms ahead, stark and imposing. I check in at the front desk, go through the usual security procedures, and follow the guard down the bright, sterile hallways. Finally, I’m led into a small, dimly lit ro
Bill’s POVAlvez narrows his eyes. "Father to father? Pfft," he scoffs. "You don’t know what it’s like to be me.”"Then make me understand," I say, my voice calm but firm.Alvez leans forward, his eyes burning with intensity. “You think you get it, Bill? You have no idea what it's like to wake up wi
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