Adrian’s POVThe rhythmic clicking of buttons filled the game room, accompanied by Julian’s occasional muttered curses whenever I got the upper hand. He was competitive, always had been, but tonight, his focus was scattered."You’re distracted," I pointed out, not taking my eyes off the screen.Julian scoffed, leaning back against the couch. "Says the guy who’s been playing on autopilot for the last ten minutes."I clenched my jaw, knowing he wasn’t wrong. My mind wasn’t on the game—it was on Sarah.Her conversation with Tasha had been playing in the back of my mind ever since I overheard my name. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the way her voice softened when she said she didn’t regret marrying me—it did something to me."We should call it a night." I muttered, throwing the gamepad on a beanbag. "Hey! I was finally winning." Julian cried out, standing up after me. "I owe you a rematch some other day, right now, I really want to see Sarah." I told him, turning off the system. He t
Sarah’s POVThe faint sound of the bedroom door clicking shut stirred me awake. My body felt warm, cocooned in the blankets, and for a moment, I just lay there, relishing the rare sense of peace. The scent of Adrian’s cologne still lingered on the sheets beside me, a reminder that he’d been here just moments ago.I stretched, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. My body still felt sluggish, but at least today, the ache in my chest wasn’t as heavy as before. Small victories.A soft knock sounded at the door before it creaked open slightly."You're awake," Tasha’s voice floated in as she stepped inside. "I was about to wake you up."I didn't realize she'd slept over last night, Julian must have convinced her to. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "What time is it?""A little past nine. I figured you might want some tea before getting ready." She held up a steaming cup, and I smiled, taking it from her."Thanks, Tash."She perched on the edge of
Sarah’s POVI slipped my hand into Adrian’s, my fingers curling around his warmth. It wasn’t the first time we’d held hands, but today, it felt different—like I was choosing to lean on him, to trust him.He didn’t say anything about it, just gave my hand a light squeeze.“Let’s go,” he said.As we walked down to the car, I felt his eyes on me, but I kept mine ahead, steadying myself. I had spent days convincing myself that I was ready for this session, that I could sit in a room with a stranger and say the words I’d been running from for years.Now, standing on the edge of it, my chest felt tight.Adrian opened the car door for me, waiting until I was seated before rounding to his side. I watched him as he started the engine, the steady way he moved, the ease in his presence. He had been patient with me—more patient than I deserved.“What is it?” he asked, his tone light but attentive.I hesitated, then murmured, “Just… thanks. For coming with me.”His grip tightened on the steering w
Adrian’s POVI watched as Sarah slipped her hand into mine, her fingers small but steady against my palm. It wasn’t the first time she’d held my hand, but today, it felt different—like she wasn’t just seeking comfort but choosing to trust me.It was a small step, but with Sarah, every step forward mattered.“Let’s go,” I said, giving her hand a light squeeze before leading her toward the door.As we made our way down to the car, I stole a glance at her. She looked beautiful in the sky-blue dress, but beyond that, there was something in her expression that struck me—an openness that hadn’t been there before. She was still guarded, still careful, but she wasn’t pulling away.Progress.I opened the car door for her, waiting until she was settled before rounding to my side. As I started the engine, I could feel her watching me.“What is it?” I asked, keeping my tone light.Sarah hesitated. “Just… thanks. For coming with me.”I glanced at her, my grip tightening slightly on the steering wh
Sarah’s POVThe cafe smelled of fresh bread and warm coffee, a quiet hum of conversation filling the space around us. It was cozy, simple, and oddly comforting. I ran my fingers along the rim of my coffee cup, my mind still lingering on my conversation with Dr. Monroe. Across from me, Adrian watched me with those steady, patient eyes. He hadn’t pushed me to talk, hadn’t filled the silence with empty words. He just was—a quiet strength I could lean on if I chose to.“Want another pastry?” he asked, nudging the last croissant on the plate toward me.I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. “No, I’m good.”He arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Because you inhaled the last one.”I shot him a look, but he only smirked, clearly pleased with himself. Annoying man.I reached for my coffee, taking a slow sip. The warmth settled inside me, grounding me. “I feel like ice cream,” I said suddenly, surprising even myself.Adrian blinked. “Ice cream?”I nodded, leaning back against the cus
Adrian’s POVThe weight of Julian’s words settled in my chest like a stone. I’d known this moment was coming—the day he’d finally walk away from our father’s expectations—but I hadn’t expected the tension that came with it.Julian stared at me, waiting for my reaction. Sarah, standing a few feet away, had that quiet, assessing look she always wore when she sensed something was off.I exhaled, rubbing my jaw. “Julian, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. If this is what you want—”“It’s not that simple,” he interrupted, shaking his head. “You think he’s just going to let me walk away?” His laugh was bitter. “He’s furious. And you know how he is when he’s mad.”Yeah, I did. Our father was a man who demanded control, who molded his sons into what he deemed worthy. And if you refused to fit the mold? You were a disappointment. A failure.Julian had been fighting that label for years. And now, he was finally letting it go.Sarah stepped forward, her voice softer but firm. “What exactl
Sarah’s POVThe way Adrian’s jaw clenched, the way his fingers curled into tight fists at his sides—I knew whatever he’d just learned wasn’t good.I tightened the towel around my hair, stepping closer. “Adrian.” My voice was soft but firm. “What is it?”He exhaled through his nose, his gaze dark with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine. “My father’s making moves.” His voice was controlled, but I could hear the anger simmering beneath. “He’s coming after me.” A pause. “And you.”A cold weight settled in my stomach.Me?I blinked, my fingers tightening around the towel. “What do you mean?”Adrian ran a hand over his face before pushing off the wall and walking toward me. “He’s pulling strings, calling in favors. He’s not taking Julian’s resignation lightly, and since I’m the one still under him...” His throat bobbed. “He’s going to come unto me very strongly. And knowing him, he’ll come at us from every angle.”My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay calm. “What does that
Adrian’s POVThe morning started off wrong. I knew it the moment I opened my eyes and felt the tension in the air, the unease settling in my chest like a weight I couldn't shake.Sarah stirred beside me, her face scrunched up in discomfort. Her breathing was shallow, her skin pale, and when I placed a hand against her forehead, I felt the heat radiating off her.The moment my mind caught up with what was happening, I sat up, my heart pounding as I turned to her. She was curled into herself, her face twisted in discomfort, beads of sweat forming at her temple."Sarah?" I whispered, brushing her hair back.She let out a low whimper, her hand pressing against her abdomen. "It hurts..."Dread curled in my stomach. She hadn’t complained about pain since we got back home. The worst was supposed to be over.I threw off the covers and immediately reached for my phone. “I’m calling the doctor,” I said firmly, dialing the number as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I glanced at the cloc
Adrian’s POVI paced the length of the private suite, my mind calculating every possible angle, every potential counterstrike. The city skyline stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I barely noticed the lights flickering in the distance. My focus was here, on the war we were fighting in the shadows. Every move we made had to be precise, every action timed perfectly. Rome had underestimated us. And I was going to make sure he regretted it.Julian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression tight with barely restrained fury. He was always calm under pressure, but even he couldn’t hide the anger simmering beneath the surface. Neville sat at the small dining table, laptop open, his fingers drumming against the wood in that familiar rhythm of a man who thrived on pressure. Emily sat across from him, her lawyer beside her, her hands clenched in her lap. She was nervous, but there was a new steel in her spine. She wasn’t the same woman Rome had controlled for years
Sarah’s POVThe soft flicker of candlelight illuminated the dining table, casting a golden glow on the delicate china I had carefully set. The aroma of roasted chicken and fresh bread lingered in the air, mingling with the faint notes of vanilla from the scented candle burning on the sideboard. It was meant to be a quiet evening, a rare moment of peace before the storm Adrian was facing at Blackwood Enterprises.But then my phone buzzed. Once. Twice. Then again, in rapid succession.Frowning, I picked it up, my stomach tightening as I saw the flood of notifications. My heart pounded as I tapped on one of the messages from Emily.Emily: Sarah, check the news NOW. It’s bad.A chill rushed through me as I clicked on the link she had sent. The headline blared in bold letters across the screen:BREAKING: BLACKWOOD ENTERPRISES CEO ACCUSED OF INSIDER TRADING—NEW FINANCIAL REPORT REVEALS SHOCKING DETAILSMy breath caught in my throat. I scrolled down, my fingers trembling as I skimmed through
Adrian’s POVThe skyline of New York stretched before me, illuminated by the city’s endless pulse of life. I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of my office, phone in hand, the weight of the moment pressing heavily against my shoulders."He’s here," Julian said from the doorway.I turned, nodding once. "Send him in."Julian hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside to allow Gregory Shaw, Blackwood Enterprises' Chief Financial Officer, to enter. Shaw was in his early fifties, a seasoned executive with a reputation for caution rather than bold moves. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, but there was tension in his jaw as he adjusted his cufflinks."Mr. Blackwood," Shaw greeted me, his voice measured."Gregory," I acknowledged, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I appreciate you coming in so late. I assume you know why I asked for this meeting?"Shaw exhaled, lowering himself into the leather chair opposite my desk. "I have an idea. But let’s not play
Sarah’s POVThe scent of coffee and toasted bread drifted through the air as I stepped into the dining room. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the table where Tasha sat with Nora, helping her spread peanut butter on a slice of bread.Tasha glanced up and smiled. “Morning, sleepyhead.”I let out a small laugh, sinking into the chair beside her. “I wasn’t that bad.”“You were,” she teased. “I thought we’d have to carry you to bed.”Last night had been exactly what I needed. For the first time in weeks, I’d let go of the tension that had been weighing on me. Tasha, Emily, and I had talked about everything—some serious, some ridiculous, and plenty in between. Emily had left at dawn with the kids, but Tasha had decided to stay a bit longer, keeping me company until Nora left for school.I poured myself a cup of coffee as Nora took a careful bite of her toast. “Did you sleep well?” I asked her.Nora nodded, her little feet swinging beneath the chair. “Uh-h
Adrian’s POVThe house was quiet by the time I made my way to our bedroom. The absence of Sarah beside me felt strange, but I knew tonight was important for her. She’d been carrying so much lately. If a girls' night could bring her even a little peace, I wouldn’t stand in the way.Still, I wasn’t used to sleeping without her anymore.I took off my shirt and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing a hand over my face. I thought back to the meeting with Emily and Julian earlier. The solid evidence Emily had presented us with was enough to disarm Rome, and maybe Daniella but I wanted something that would put him away completely.I leaned back against the headboard, my mind still racing. Emily had given us enough to corner Rome, but I knew men like him—backed into a corner, they became even more dangerous. He wouldn’t go down without a fight.I reached for my phone on the nightstand and scrolled through my messages. Neville had sent over a few updates from our legal team, outlining the next s
Sarah’s POVThe guest room was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the space as I pulled back the covers for Emily. She stood near the dresser, her arms crossed, watching me with an unreadable expression.“You didn’t have to do all this,” she murmured.I straightened, offering a small smile. “You and the kids deserve a safe, comfortable place. It’s no trouble.”She hesitated, her fingers brushing against the fabric of her sweater. “I’m not used to this… people looking out for me.”My chest tightened. I knew that feeling all too well—the weight of having to do everything on your own, of expecting kindness to come with conditions.“Well, get used to it,” I said softly. “Because you’re not alone in this anymore.”Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, nodding. “Thank you, Sarah. Really.”I reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before stepping back. “Get some rest. I’ll check on the kids before heading to bed.”She offered a faint smile before I slipped o
Adrian’s POVThe laughter around the dinner table was something I hadn’t realized I missed until now. It wasn’t forced, wasn’t cautious—it was easy, natural. Even Emily, though still reserved, looked more at ease than she had since she arrived.I glanced at Sarah, watching as she gently wiped a smudge of mac and cheese from Alex’s cheek. She was in her element, smiling, laughing softly at something Julian said.She caught my gaze, her eyes meeting mine. And in that brief moment, I saw it—the quiet satisfaction, the relief, the warmth of knowing that, for tonight, things were okay.I squeezed her thighs, reached for my water with the other hand and taking a slow sip before setting the glass down. The conversation had drifted toward the kids and their adventures at the park, but my mind was already shifting to what awaited me in the study.Evidence. Proof. A way to finally put an end to Rome and Daniella’s sabotage.Julian caught my eye, as if sensing my thoughts. He gave a small nod, t
Sarah’s POVBalancing the tray of beverages, I returned to the study with Emily and Julian following behind me. I set the tray on the table, pouring a cup of coffee for Julian and tea for Emily before handing Adrian his usual black coffee.Adrian gave me a brief nod of thanks, his focus already back on the documents in front of him. Emily sat stiffly, her fingers curled around her teacup, while Julian leaned back, watching Adrian sift through the papers.I didn’t linger. “I’ll leave you to it,” I said, straightening. “The kids are in the living room. I’ll be with them.”Adrian caught my hand briefly, squeezing it before letting go. I squeezed back before stepping out, closing the door softly behind me.I had barely reached the living room when I heard a door open behind me. Emily stepped out of the study, her gaze flicking toward me before quickly looking away.“I just need the bathroom,” she murmured, heading down the hall.I hesitated for a moment before following. When she reappear
Adrian’s POVI tapped my pen against the desk, my mind drifting away from the reports in front of me. It was impossible to focus when I knew what was coming. The board meeting was only a few days away, and if I didn’t have solid proof against Rome and Daniella, everything I’d built—everything my father built—would slip right through my fingers.The sound of the door opening made me glance up. Julian stepped in, his hands in his pockets, his usual air of arrogance dimmed by something quieter.I leaned back in my chair. “Didn’t think I’d be seeing you today.”Julian gave a half-shrug before settling into the chair across from me. “Yeah, well… Sarah thinks I should stop avoiding you.”A small smirk tugged at my lips. “She’s right.”He let out a breath. “Look, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have backed out the way I did. If I’d stayed—”“Julian, how many times do I have to tell you?” My voice came out firmer than I intended. I set the pen down and met his gaze. “This isn’t on you.”His j