Serena’s POVI'm in front of the mirror, trying to find something that fits just right with my growing bump. Stevie's sitting on the bed, giving each dress the once-over like she's the fashion police.The first dress I try on is a tight little number. Stevie wrinkles her nose. "Nope, too sexy. You'r
Serena’s POV"Calvin, I... I think you already know where this is going."He nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. But he doesn't say anything, just waits for me to continue.The silence is killing me, but I have to do this. For both of us."Calvin, I — ""Serena, please. Just tell me one thing
Bill's POV"I thought I'd surprise you," I say. "I've been thinking about you all day.”I hand Serena the bouquet of pink lilies and notice she looks a bit tense. She must've had a long day.With a smile, she takes the bouquet. “Oh, they're lovely. Thanks," she says softly, her fingers brushing agai
Bill's POVWe stumble down the hallway, still caught up in each other. I lift Serena into my arms, making her laugh softly against my lips. I carry her through the door, her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer. The door shuts behind us, but we barely notice. I gently lay her down on the
Bill's POV"What do you mean Max is dead?" I ask. James takes a deep breath. "I heard it from a reliable source. I know this guy, Steve — he's pretty connected in some circles. Steve says the mafia found out where Max was hiding.”As James speaks, a sinking feeling settles in my stomach. I had blac
Serena's POV Bill is hiding something from me, and I can sense it. This morning, as he drives me to work, he's unusually quiet. Normally, we chat about our plans or joke around, but today, he seems lost in his thoughts. His fingers tap the steering wheel lightly, and every now and then, he glance
Bill's POVAs I sit in the sterile, softly humming hospital corridor, I watch through the glass as nurses bustle around Ana, setting up for her chemotherapy session.My stomach tightens as I see her small form on the bed, tubes and monitors connected to her. No kid should have to go through this.I
Bill's POVSofia's expression shifts, worry replacing the relief. "I don't know about this, Mr. Richardson. I already told you he's a stubborn man. He only listens to what he thinks is right."I nod, understanding her hesitation. "I get it, Sofia. But maybe this time, you can get through to him. Rem
Bill’s POVI ignore the pain in my ribs as I push through the doors of Calvin’s office. Every step sends a dull, burning ache through my side, but I don’t slow down. I don’t have the patience for weakness right now.Calvin and James are already at the table, hunched over a laptop, deep in discussion
Stevie’s POVThe house is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels rare lately.I rock Elijah gently, his tiny body curled against my chest, his breath warm and steady. His little fingers twitch slightly, grasping onto the fabric of my sweater in his sleep. I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the
Calvin’s POVThe study smells like coffee, old paper, and exhaustion. The kind of exhaustion that doesn’t just sit in your bones but in your mind, making every thought feel heavier than it should. The desk lamp flickers slightly, casting uneven light over the chaos of blueprints, files, and scattere
Serena’s POVThe house is finally quiet.I stand by the twins’ crib, watching their small chests rise and fall in slow, steady breaths. Their room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the nightlight, casting gentle shadows along the walls. For the first time in what feels like forever, they’re both asle
Bill’s POVPain.That’s the first thing I register. A deep, dull ache pulsing through my ribs, spreading through my chest like a slow burn. It’s not unbearable, but it’s enough to remind me that I’m not at full strength. Not even close.I blink against the morning light filtering through the curtain
Stevie’s POVThe four of us sit in Bill and Serena’s living room, the weight of everything pressing down like a storm cloud.No one speaks at first.Bill is in a wheelchair, recovering from the gunshot wound that was meant for Calvin. His face is pale, drawn tight with exhaustion, but his eyes are s
Calvin’s POVI should’ve done this sooner.For months, I’ve been playing defense, trying to keep my family safe while Sterling takes shot after shot. I’ve been reacting, scrambling to patch the holes he punches in our lives.But that ends now.Bill is in a hospital bed because of him.My son was nea
Serena’s POVI don’t move from Bill’s side.The hospital room is dim, the only light coming from the monitors next to his bed, casting a soft glow over his face. His breathing is steady, but the sound of it isn’t enough to calm me. The machines beep in slow, measured rhythms, a reminder that he’s st
Stevie’s POVThe call comes in just after midnight.I almost don’t answer.Elijah finally went down an hour ago, and I was hoping for maybe one solid stretch of sleep. But my phone vibrating on the nightstand sends a jolt through my system.No one calls this late unless it’s bad news.I grab my phon