Stevie’s POVThe soft hum of the penthouse’s ventilation system is too damn loud today. Or maybe it’s my own restlessness that’s making me hyper-aware of everything—the sound of my foot tapping against the floor, the faint ticking of a ridiculously expensive clock that Calvin insists is “decorative.
Calvin’s POVThe morning starts like most others these days. I wake up early, review emails over a cup of coffee, and make a mental list of everything I need to get done before the day spirals out of control. Except, today, there’s a weight sitting on my chest that has nothing to do with quarterly r
Stevie’s POVThe envelope looks expensive. Heavy cream-colored paper, embossed gold lettering, and Calvin’s name written in the kind of script that probably costs more than my monthly grocery bill. He’s staring at it like it’s a summons to court.“What is that?” I ask, leaning against the kitchen co
Stevie’s POVThe camera feels good in my hands. Familiar. Steady. It gives me something to focus on other than the weight of a hundred judgmental stares and the deafening hum of old money conversations swirling around me.Through the viewfinder, the Lancaster gala is dazzling. Gilded chandeliers spa
Stevie’s POVThe Lancaster ballroom glitters like something out of a dream, all soft candlelight and crystal reflections. But there’s nothing dreamy about the tension hanging in the air.I’m perched near a grand staircase, scrolling through my shots to make sure they’re not completely trash. Most of
Calvin’s POVVictoria’s stunt stays with me, gnawing at the edges of my patience. The second we left the ballroom, I knew I had to get Stevie away from the stares and whispers. Now, she’s sitting on a plush couch in one of the estate’s private lounges, blotting at her wine-stained dress with a damp
Stevie’s POVIf I have to listen to one more toast about “the strength and legacy of the Lancaster name,” I might throw up—and it won’t be from morning sickness.The ballroom is back to its usual glittering chaos, filled with laughter that feels more performative than genuine. Calvin’s family clinks
Calvin’s POVThe morning after the gala, I sit at my desk, staring at a mountain of emails. Most of them are the usual — status updates, meeting schedules, thinly veiled power plays from board members. But one subject line catches my attention: Coffee to Catch Up?It’s from Victoria.I close my lapt
Sunset Barbecue & Forever LoveSerena’s POVThere’s something about a perfect summer evening that makes me feel like we’ve done something right.The sun is just starting to set, casting that golden glow over our backyard, and the smell of barbecue fills the air. Kids’ laughter rings through the spac
The Sleepover from HellBill’s POVI don’t know how I got roped into this.One minute, I was minding my business, thinking about kicking back with a beer and watching the Lakers game. The next?I’m hosting a damn sleepover.Collin—our sweet, energetic, too-smart-for-his-own-good son—managed to convi
When Serena Got DrunkBill’s POVIt started out as a normal night.Just me, Serena, and a rare moment of freedom—no kids, no responsibilities, and no reason to be in bed by 10 p.m.I should’ve known it was going to get wild when she ordered her first margarita and said, “I deserve this.”By the thir
The Twins’ First Birthday BashSerena’s POVI told myself we were going to keep it simple.Something small, just close family and friends, maybe a cake, a few balloons, and a couple of presents. Nothing over the top.But I should’ve known better.Because the moment Calvin found out we were celebrati
The Worst Date Ever (And the Best Night After)Serena’s POVTonight was supposed to be perfect.A night just for us—no kids, no work stress, no last-minute interruptions. Just Bill and me, dressed up, out on the town, basking in the kind of luxury we rarely get to indulge in anymore. A night where w
Couples Therapy (Because Why Not?)Bill’s POVI have done a lot of things for my wife.I have sat through terrible rom-com marathons. I have held her purse in the middle of crowded shopping malls. I have eaten kale.But this?This might be the worst.Because somehow, someway, I have let Serena drag
When Serena Got JealousSerena’s POVI am not the jealous type.I am not the kind of woman who gets territorial, who glares at waitresses for being too friendly, or who overanalyzes every interaction Bill has with another woman.But this?This is different.Because Bill’s new assistant is young, fli
The Great Twin EscapeBill’s POVThere are few things in life more terrifying than waking up in the middle of the night to an eerie, unnatural silence.That’s what does it—the silence.When you’re the parent of three kids, you develop a sixth sense about these things. Normal nights come with backgro
Teaching Collin About LoveSerena’s POVIt starts at bedtime.Collin is curled up under his dinosaur blanket, his stuffed triceratops tucked beneath his arm, when he suddenly tilts his head and asks, “Mommy, how do you know when you love someone?”I pause, his question catching me off guard.From wh