Stevie’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee drags me out of sleep. I blink at the sunlight streaming through the windows and realize, for once, I don’t feel like I’m running late or already behind. The bedside clock says it’s just past seven, which is weird because Calvin is usually halfway out the door
Serena My husband Bill and his beautiful assistant Doris are laughing and eating like they're on a first date. But the joke is on me... I'm here, Bill's wife, watching them from across the room, tending to my flat belly where a little life is now living. Of course, Bill doesn’t know about the ba
Serena’s POV It’s funny how adrenaline can make you forget pain for a bit. As I leave the hotel, my left knee starts to sting again. “Well, at least, I’m out of there,” I mumble. I still hear the commotion inside. Bill's family is checking on Doris. Wow, they're overreacting. She only fell — it'
Serena’s POV I thought Bill actually cared about my leg for a second there, but nope, he's back to being a total dickhead. "I tripped outside the hotel and —," I begin. “You know what, it doesn't matter. Just go say you’re sorry to Mom and Doris,” he says, not even letting me finish. And he's do
Bill’s POV I find myself staring at the door, just waiting for Serena to come into our room. The truth is, I didn't actually need to work on the Johnson and Haines proposal. I just needed a reason to get Serena to stop bringing up divorce. But now, here I am, typing away on my laptop, rewriting th
Bill’s POV No wonder Calvin wants to get out of Mom’s house. Aunt Claire and Doris are here. Calvin has always been an introvert. Dealing with gossip, especially the kind involving women, has never been his cup of tea. Meanwhile, I can handle it better than him. The women are already enjoying a
Serena’s POV Why does Elena always see me as the villain, no matter what I do? Angry, I slam the phone on the bed after hanging up on Bill. It lands with a muffled thud, bouncing twice on the soft duvet. Thankfully, it doesn't hit the floor and break. Bill's mom bad-mouthing me just makes me hate
Serena’s POV Three days after talking to Attorney Marquez, my phone beeps with an email while I'm making coffee. I see his name and slowly open it. "Divorce Proceedings: Initial Documents," I read to myself. "Seems Bill is finally going to realize that I'm serious about ending our marriage." I gr
Stevie’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee drags me out of sleep. I blink at the sunlight streaming through the windows and realize, for once, I don’t feel like I’m running late or already behind. The bedside clock says it’s just past seven, which is weird because Calvin is usually halfway out the door
Calvin’s POVNathan’s voice cuts through the boardroom like a knife, smooth and calculated, designed to leave a mark.“With all due respect,” he says, his tone just humble enough to be infuriating, “the board needs to consider whether our leadership is focused enough to steer Titan Group in these un
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
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 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 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
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 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
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