Bill’s POVThe underground parking lot is empty, our footsteps echoing off the concrete walls as we make our way deeper inside. The dim lights overhead flicker occasionally, casting long shadows that stretch out before us. The air down here is cold, still, and thick with tension. No cars, no sounds
Serena’s POV“Shit. My phone’s dead.” I mutter under my breath, staring at the black screen. Of all the times for it to die on me, it had to be now.I’ve been searching for Bill for what feels like forever. He’s nowhere to be found, and the last time I saw him, he was talking to Calvin. That uneasy
Serena’s POVI pause for a moment, a strange feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. "Where’s the limo, Kevin?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual. I distinctly remember him driving us here in that white limousine — the one Bill always uses for important events.Kevin hesitates, just for a sec
Serena's POV"Wakey, wakey, Serena!" a familiar woman's voice calls out, cutting through the fog in my mind.I blink, trying to clear the haze as I slowly come to. My head feels heavy, and my body sluggish, but there’s no mistaking that voice. The cold, mocking tone. The same voice that haunted my n
Bill's POVCalvin’s arm is like a vise around my throat, cutting off my air. I claw at his forearm, trying to break free, but his grip is strong, fueled by months of pent-up resentment. My vision starts to blur at the edges, dark spots swimming before my eyes as I struggle to breathe.I twist, throw
Bill's POVThe cab screeches to a stop at the curb, and I throw myself into the backseat, barely able to get the door closed before I bark at the driver, “Get me to this address. Now.”The driver glances at the address on my phone, his eyes narrowing. “You sure about that? That part of the city’s da
Bill's POVThe warehouse looms in front of me, a hulking, dilapidated structure that’s seen better days. It’s exactly as I remember it — cold and empty.My heart pounds as I sprint toward the heavy, rusted door. Without hesitation, I bang on it with both fists, the sound echoing through the still ni
Bill's POVKevin steps closer, and I can see the rage simmering just beneath the surface. His fists are clenched at his sides, and his eyes are locked on me, burning with a hatred that I can’t fully understand. Doris watches us with a twisted smile, leaning against the wall like this is some kind o
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
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie slipping out of the ballroom as I’m finishing up a conversation with a PR exec. She moves quickly, almost like she’s trying not to be seen, but I know her too well. The slight wobble in her steps, the way she clutches her bag like it’s holding her together — it’s a dead gi