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
Serena's POVThe night before, I crashed at Stevie's place for the first time since college. We stayed up late, and I told her all about the trial, leaving out the shady things Bill did. Stevie listened patiently, offering her unwavering support. I felt a bit better to have my best friend by my sid
Serena's POVBill takes a deep breath before speaking. "So, where did you stay last night, Serena?”"Where I stayed is none of your business," I snap.I haven't spoken to Bill since finding out all the things he did — the blackmail, the bribes, dragging us into a mess with the mafia.Bill looks hurt
Bill's POVIt’s been a few days since Serena moved back into the house. Even though we’re under the same roof again, it feels like she’s miles away.As I watch her in the kitchen, making a cup of tea, the distance between us becomes more obvious. She’s quiet, deliberately avoiding eye contact.She’s
Bill's POVThe maitre d’ leads us through the restaurant, the air filled with the scent of garlic and fresh herbs. It’s Serena’s first time here, and I chose this spot specifically for its quiet atmosphere and intimate setting, hoping it might help ease the tension between us.As we reach our table
Serena’s POVI can feel myself shaking, and I know Bill’s watching me with that look he gets, like I’m a lost puppy or something. I hate when he's looking at me like that.But no matter how much I try to steady my hands or calm my breathing, the fear just won’t go away. Bill meets my eyes. “I won’t
Serena’s POV“Have you noticed any changes since our last session?” Gianna asks, her voice calm and familiar as she looks at me from across the room.I pause, thinking about the past few days. “A little,” I admit, fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve. “The nightmares aren’t as intense, but they’re s
Serena’s POV“Serena, have you checked out the numbers on our viral social media campaign yet?” Stevie asks as she hands me her tablet.I glance at the screen, immediately seeing the surge in likes, shares, and comments. The campaign is doing even better than we expected. “Wow, these numbers are inc
Stevie’s POVThe envelope looks expensive. Heavy cream-colored paper, embossed gold lettering, and Calvin’s name written in the kind of script that probably costs more than my monthly grocery bill. He’s staring at it like it’s a summons to court.“What is that?” I ask, leaning against the kitchen co
Calvin’s POVThe morning starts like most others these days. I wake up early, review emails over a cup of coffee, and make a mental list of everything I need to get done before the day spirals out of control. Except, today, there’s a weight sitting on my chest that has nothing to do with quarterly r
Stevie’s POVThe soft hum of the penthouse’s ventilation system is too damn loud today. Or maybe it’s my own restlessness that’s making me hyper-aware of everything—the sound of my foot tapping against the floor, the faint ticking of a ridiculously expensive clock that Calvin insists is “decorative.
Stevie’s POVIt’s too quiet in the penthouse. The kind of quiet that makes you feel small, even in a place this massive. Calvin left early for a meeting, saying he’d be back by lunch, but it’s already 2 p.m., and I haven’t heard a word from him.Not that I care.Okay, maybe I care a little.I pace a
Calvin’s POVStevie is restless again. I can see it in the way she keeps adjusting the blanket on her lap and tapping her fingers against the arm of the couch. She’s trying to hide it, but I know better.“You’re bored,” I say, watching her from across the living room.“No, I’m not,” she replies, her
Serena’s POVThe elevator ride up to Calvin’s penthouse feels endless, even though I’m pretty sure it’s moving faster than I can think. The last few days have been a blur of texts and phone calls with Stevie, each one giving me a little more reassurance that she’s okay, but not quite enough to calm
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