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
Serena’s POVThe bell chimes as Stevie and I step into the supply store, the familiar scent of polished wood and metal filling the air. The place is packed with everything we need for our jewelry line — rows of gemstones, spools of wire, delicate chains in every color, and trays of clasps, each more
Bill’s POVAs the morning light spills through the windows, I sit on the floor with Collin, who’s perched on his knees, bouncing with that endless energy he seems to have discovered overnight. His chubby fingers reach out to grab the small stack of wooden blocks I’ve been carefully balancing, and wi
Serena’s POVCollin’s laughter echoes through the backyard, loud and full, the way only a kid’s laugh can be. It cuts through the evening air, blending with the soft rustling of trees and the occasional gurgle from one of the twins.I take a sip of tea, letting the warmth settle in my chest as I lea
Bill’s POVI throw a punch at the heavy bag, ignoring the sharp pain that shoots through my ribs. My knuckles connect with a solid thud, but it’s not satisfying. Not enough. The ache spreading through my side is a reminder that I should be resting.But I don’t care.I shift my stance and hit the bag
Stevie’s POVI spot Calvin before he sees me.He’s sitting in a booth near the back, leaning against the leather seat with one hand wrapped around a whiskey glass. His sleeves are rolled up, his tie is slightly loosened, and his phone is face-down on the table. He looks… tired, but in a way that’s d
Calvin’s POVI stand at the head of the table, both hands resting on the smooth glass, my fingers pressing into the surface just enough to keep me grounded. Across from me, a dozen board members sit in their usual seats, but the energy in the room is off.Some of them shift slightly, their eyes dart
Serena’s POVThe sound of soft giggles and the rustling of blankets pulls me from sleep. For a moment, I think I’m dreaming, but then I hear something else—Bill’s voice. Low, soothing, but laced with strain.I blink my eyes open, squinting against the early morning light seeping through the curtains
Bill’s POVI ignore the pain in my ribs as I push through the doors of Calvin’s office. Every step sends a dull, burning ache through my side, but I don’t slow down. I don’t have the patience for weakness right now.Calvin and James are already at the table, hunched over a laptop, deep in discussion
Stevie’s POVThe house is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels rare lately.I rock Elijah gently, his tiny body curled against my chest, his breath warm and steady. His little fingers twitch slightly, grasping onto the fabric of my sweater in his sleep. I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the
Calvin’s POVThe study smells like coffee, old paper, and exhaustion. The kind of exhaustion that doesn’t just sit in your bones but in your mind, making every thought feel heavier than it should. The desk lamp flickers slightly, casting uneven light over the chaos of blueprints, files, and scattere
Serena’s POVThe house is finally quiet.I stand by the twins’ crib, watching their small chests rise and fall in slow, steady breaths. Their room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the nightlight, casting gentle shadows along the walls. For the first time in what feels like forever, they’re both asle