Serena's POV The last day of boot camp feels like the end of something much bigger than a training program. The air is thick with finality, but there’s a quiet buzz of excitement too. I step into the workshop, and for a moment, I just stand there, taking it all in. The familiar scent of metal, th
Serena's POV“Thought I needed to surprise you because it’s the last day of boot camp,” Taylor says, flashing one of her signature smiles.I can't help but smile back as we move toward each other for the typical Parisian greeting — cheek to cheek. It’s a warm gesture, one that feels natural between
Serena's POV"Bill's been asking where you are," Taylor says, watching me closely for my reaction.I stiffen, my heart racing. "Did you... tell him?" My voice is quieter than I mean it to be, worry gnawing at me. The last thing I need is for Bill to know where I’ve been hiding.Taylor shakes her hea
Bill's POVThe plane touches down in Silicon Valley, and the energy is already different. It’s not the boardroom drama or family politics I’ve been drowning in lately — it’s innovation, ideas, a chance to build something new. Sarah sits next to me, reviewing the notes she’s compiled on the two foun
Serena's POVWhen I step into Marjorie’s office, I’m instantly reminded of the gravity of what we’re about to do. Everything feels bigger, more serious. But the moment I see Stevie sitting on the couch, her eyes already brimming with tears, the tension melts a little.“Serena!” she exclaims, rushin
Bill's POVWe sit across from Josh and Leo in the same conference room as before, but this time the atmosphere is different. Sarah has her notepad in front of her, and I’m running numbers in my head, thinking about how this partnership will work.“So,” I say, leaning forward, “let’s talk about shar
Serena’s POVFabiana’s studio is full of that buzzing, creative energy I’ve come to love. Ester Paige’s name keeps coming up during the discussions, and it’s no surprise — she’s the biggest name in Hollywood right now. Tall, striking, and effortlessly glamorous, Ester has become the face of every i
Serena’s POVWhen I walk into the café, I spot Adam immediately. He’s seated by the window, the soft afternoon light casting a warm glow on him as he scrolls through his phone. His casual confidence is still there, the same Adam I remember, but there’s something different about him. As I approach t
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