Serena’s POVCollin’s lying on his tummy, little legs kicking as he wiggles around, making his way from toy to toy, determined to grab every single one within reach. It’s a happy sight, one that fills me with a warmth I didn’t realize I was missing all this time.Bill and I are both down on the floo
Serena’s POVThe moment the word leaves Collin’s mouth, I feel like my heart might burst. “Mama.” It’s so clear, so perfect, like he’s been waiting for this exact moment to say it. He looks at me with those wide, curious eyes, his tiny mouth forming the sound again, like he’s testing it out. “Mama.”
Bill’s POVReturning to the office feels different this time. There’s a new energy running through me, something alive. Damn, I haven’t felt this good in ages. I think back to Serena and Collin at home, inseparable since the day we brought him back. Serena has taken to motherhood like she was born
Bill’s POVThe idea hits me suddenly, a need to just… get away for a while. To actually enjoy this time with my family, to let go of everything else, even if it’s just for a day. So I turn to Serena, who’s sitting on the couch with Collin in her lap, and ask, “How about we go out? All three of us.”
Serena’s POVThe Airbnb we found is small and cozy, just perfect for a quick night’s stay after a long day at the beach. Collin’s already knocked out, his little hand gripping the edge of the crib we managed to snag at the last minute. I watch him for a moment, smiling at the way he’s sprawled out,
Bill’s POVAs soon as we’re back from the beach, I barely have time to settle in before my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down at the screen— Aunt Claire. She’s not the type to call without a reason, and a feeling of dread settles over me.“Hey, Aunt Claire,” I answer, trying to keep my tone ca
Bill’s POVI pull away from Aunt Claire’s hug, noticing the lines of exhaustion on her face. She’s been here often — more than she’s probably said. “How is she?” I ask quietly.“She’s resting,” Aunt Claire replies, her voice thick with emotion. She glances down, like she’s trying to hold herself to
Serena’s POVElena is propped up on a mountain of pillows, her skin pale, almost translucent, and her frame so much smaller than I remember. The woman who once towered over Bill, always in command, looks vulnerable in a way that tugs at something deep inside me.Bill clears his throat softly and ask
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
Stevie’s POVI shouldn’t have worn these heels.It’s the first thing I think as I step into the ballroom, my feet already protesting the dumb idea of combining sky-high stilettos and a body that feels like it’s actively rebelling against me. My stomach’s been on the verge of staging a full-blown mut