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
Bill’s POVThe car hums beneath us as Sarah and I head toward the Étoile de Collin launch. My suit is sharp, perfectly tailored — black with a hint of sheen in the fabric, a nod to the event’s high-end nature. I’ve kept the tie sleek, silver, and simple, knowing this isn’t the kind of night for bol
Serena’s POVThe lights from the chandeliers above twinkle as I make my way through the sea of elegant masks and glittering gowns. The masquerade theme is in full effect, and everything about this night is perfect. This is the grand launch of Étoile de Collin, a moment I’ve dreamed of for so long.
Bill’s POVThe room swarms with people congratulating Serena after her speech, but I can’t focus on any of it. My eyes are locked on her as she moves through the crowd, trying to stay out of my reach. I weave between the guests, barely acknowledging the ones who greet me. I need to talk to her — no
Serena’s POVBill saved my life?The thought is so surreal it feels like a lie. Yet here he is, standing in front of me, saying those words. Everything about this moment feels wrong. I should hate him, despise him for everything he’s done, for leaving me when I needed him the most. How could he be t
Bill’s POVI pace back and forth in my living room, the weight of everything hanging heavy over my head. The frustration building inside me feels like it's about to explode, and no matter how many times I circle the room, it doesn't ease the tension. Sarah sits on the couch, watching me, her eyes fo
Serena’s POV The morning sun streams through the large front windows of the shop on Rodeo Drive, casting long rays of light onto the pristine, empty display cases. I’m kneeling on the floor, carefully unpacking delicate pieces of jewelry that will soon fill this space. My hands are steady, but my
Serena’s POVThe sun is setting over Rodeo Drive, casting a soft, golden light across the high-end storefronts. Matt walks beside me, his presence relaxed, and I can’t help but enjoy the change of pace. The energy of Rodeo is different from the intensity of last night. It’s easy to get lost in the
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