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
Bill's POVThe tension in the room is suffocating, every breath feels like it could be the last. Doris has Serena’s life hanging by a thread, and one wrong move from any of us could send everything spiraling into chaos. My mind races, searching for any possible way to disarm Doris and save Serena. E
Bill's POVI lie on the cold, hard ground, every breath sending sharp waves of pain through my abdomen. The blood is sticky between my fingers, and each heartbeat feels like it’s tearing me apart from the inside. I try to stand, but the effort is too much. My legs give out beneath me, and I collapse
Serena's POVThe bright overhead lights blur into a haze as I’m wheeled through the hospital corridors, my body jostling on the gurney. Voices murmur around me, but they feel distant. I’m struggling to make sense of what’s happening. My mind is foggy, and everything feels disconnected like I’m stuck
*Trigger alertSerena's POVThe beeping of machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic fill the room, but all I can focus on is the crushing weight in my chest. My eyes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m not sure where I am. The bright lights above me sting, and everything feels too sharp, too rea
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