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
Bill's POVI push aside the usual work stuff for a bit to check my phone. Right now, I’m glued to the screen, checking out updates from Serena’s summer collection launch. The posts keep coming in, and I can’t help but feel proud of her.Taylor’s been all over I*******m, sharing posts and reposting c
Bill's POVThe shareholders are listening closely, nodding as I walk them through the progress we’ve made — new training programs, leadership initiatives, and the early signs of a stronger company culture.“We’ve seen a measurable improvement in employee engagement,” I say, clicking to the next slid
Bill's POV“Alright, Calvin,” I say, keeping my voice steady, but firm. “What's your deal?”I watch him closely, trying to read his expression, but it’s like a blank slate. No smirk, no raised eyebrow — just an unreadable mask.Calvin never does anything without a reason, and right now, I’m left gue
Calvin’s POVThe Lancaster estate feels colder than usual today, and it’s not because of the weather. The vaulted ceilings and polished marble floors echo with the tension that always seems to fill the air when the family gathers.This isn’t a casual dinner or a holiday reunion. It’s a “concerned di
Stevie‘s POV“Calvin, I can’t just say yes.”The words tumble out before I can stop them, hanging in the air between us. His eyes, which had been so hopeful, cloud over with something I can’t quite place—disappointment, maybe, or worry.We’re sitting in my apartment, the baby gear shoved into the co
Stevie‘s POVThe lens feels foreign in my hands at first, like it’s judging me for neglecting it for so long. I twist the focus ring back and forth, snapping shots of random things in my apartment: the pile of laundry I still haven’t done, the chipped paint on the windowsill, the vase of wilted dais
Serena‘s POVI can’t focus. Not on the new campaign proposals sitting in front of me, not on the email from our partners in Paris, and definitely not on the cup of tea I made an hour ago that’s gone cold on my desk.All I can think about is Stevie.Her face, flushed with anger, tears glistening in h
Calvin‘s POVThe buzz of my phone pulls me out of my focus, its vibration rattling against the glass surface of my desk. It’s another alert, no doubt tied to the leak at Etoile de Collin. The headlines have been relentless: “Scandal Rocks Global Launch,” “Is Etoile de Collin Losing Its Shine?”I don
Stevie‘s POVThe click of my camera is the only sound in my apartment. The blinds are half-drawn, letting in just enough light to paint soft streaks across the floor. I’ve spent the last hour taking photos of mundane things — a chipped coffee mug, the shadow of my old ficus, the crumpled blanket I t
Calvin’s POVThe call comes in just as I’m reviewing a financial report in my office. It’s Serena, and I can tell immediately from her clipped tone that something’s off.“Calvin, we have a situation,” she says, not bothering with pleasantries.I lean back in my chair, setting the report aside. “What
Serena’s POVI tap my pen against the edge of the conference table, staring at the open file in front of me. My head’s buzzing, not from caffeine—I haven’t had nearly enough of that today—but from the words staring back at me in black and white.“Are you sure about this?” I ask Grace, my PR director
Calvin’s POVI’ve been staring at her address on my phone for ten minutes, trying to work up the courage to get out of the car. It’s ridiculous. I’ve faced down corporate takeovers and boardroom ambushes without flinching, but this? This feels harder.Stevie’s apartment building looms in front of me