Bill's POVAfter the yoga class, Serena and I decide to stop for ice cream. We walk down the street, hand in hand, enjoying the cool evening air. It feels like a normal date, something we haven't had in a long time. We found a small ice cream shop with a cozy outdoor seating area. The place is alm
Serena's POV"Mr. Alvez," Hansen begins, his tone measured and calm, "can you please state your full name and occupation for the court?"Alvez clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably. "My name is Carlos Alvez, and I'm a mechanic."Hansen nods. "Mr. Alvez, can you please tell the court about your i
Bill's POVI could kill Alvez right now. He's a no-good son of a bitch. I can’t believe this is happening.Everything we've worked for is falling apart because he couldn't keep his end of the bargain.I feel Serena's eyes on me, burning with anger and betrayal. She has every right to be pissed. I o
Bill's POVWe walk in silence to the nearby park, finding a secluded bench. Serena sits down first, her posture tense. I take a seat next to her, unsure of how to start.“Serena,” I begin, my voice low. “I know I’ve messed up. I was trying to help, but I see now that I went about it the wrong way.”
Serena’s POVThe tension in the courtroom is palpable as we wait for the jury to return with their verdict. Every second feels like an eternity. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, and my palms are sweaty. I glance at Bill, who looks as anxious as I feel. This is it. Everything we’ve been th
Bill’s POVI'm waiting outside the courthouse, pacing back and forth on the steps. The security guards are keeping a close eye on me, making sure I don't go back inside. I keep glancing at the entrance, hoping to see Serena walk out. I can't believe how badly things went in there. Doris getting awa
Serena's POVBill is fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, twisting it between his fingers like he's trying to unravel a secret. His eyes dart around the room, avoiding mine as if the right words are hiding in the corners. I lean back in my chair, waiting for him to get it out."Bill, just spit it ou
Serena's POVI arrive at Stevie's studio, the familiar scent of coffee filling the air.Stevie, ever the perfectionist, adjusts her lighting and angles. Taylor stands in the center, striking a pose that captures the essence of our new summer collection.Taylor looks stunning, her outfit a seamless b
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