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 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
Calvin’s POVI see her before she sees me.Stevie’s stepping out of the building, her bag slung over her shoulder, sunglasses perched on her nose. She looks like she’s trying to blend into the crowd, which is almost funny considering Stevie Malone doesn’t exactly do subtle.“Stevie,” I call, walking