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
Bill’s POVThe sky hangs heavy with clouds, casting a solemn shade over everything as we gather around my mother’s casket. The Richardson family cemetery is quiet, except for the muffled sounds of the priest’s words, fading into the background of my thoughts. The chill of the air seeps through my ja
Serena’s POVThere’s a part of me that doesn’t want to be here, doing this, especially now. But maybe it’s time we finally settle things.Calvin stands there, hands in his pockets, staring down at the ground like he’s working up the courage to speak. It’s odd, seeing him like this — almost… vulnerab
Bill’s POVI feel a tap on my shoulder. My whole body tenses. It’s instinct — I turn, fists clenched, eyes sharp. Calvin’s standing there, hands up in a show of surrender.“I’m not here to fight, Bill,” he says calmly, voice low enough that only I can hear.I study him, still suspicious. Calvin neve
Bill’s POVThe energy in the room is electric. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen RGE like this—alive, vibrant, filled with people celebrating, and full of hope for what’s next. The space is decked out with elegant white and gold banners that say “Welcome Back!” and “Here’s to New Beginnings!” T
Bill’s POVThe rooftop is quiet, the sounds of the party fading away as we step into the open air. The sun’s almost set, painting everything in shades of pink and orange. Serena’s by my side, and I can’t take my eyes off her — there’s something different in her expression, something intense but calm
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