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
Serena’s POVIt’s the day of the summer collection launch, and the shop is buzzing with excitement. Interns are hurrying around, making last-minute adjustments, and Stevie’s doing her usual thing, keeping everyone on track. The displays are all set, and the jewelry looks amazing under the lights.I
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
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