Sarah's POVThe Blackwood mansion loomed ahead, a symbol of grandeur and power. The towering marble columns, the sprawling driveway, and the warm glow of the chandelier spilling through the oversized windows felt like a scene from another world. This wasn’t just wealth—it was a dynasty.I adjusted the pale pink dress Adrian had chosen for me, acutely aware of how out of place I felt. The dress was beautiful but unfamiliar, much like the man walking beside me. Adrian’s hand held mine in a firm, reassuring grip, though it did little to settle the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach. His expression was unreadable, his jaw set in a way that hinted at tension.“Just breathe,” Adrian murmured to me as the heavy oak doors swung open. I nodded, inhaling deeply, though it did little to ease my nerves.The foyer was as overwhelming as I had imagined—polished marble floors, high ceilings, and an air of cold perfection. A massive spiral staircase wound its way to the upper levels, but my a
Adrian’s POVThe dim lighting of my father’s study felt oppressive, the heavy scent of cigar smoke hanging in the air like a challenge. Richard Blackwood stood by the window, his broad frame silhouetted against the city lights. He hadn’t said a word since I entered, but the tension between us was palpable.“Married,” he finally said, his tone clipped. “And you didn’t think to inform me beforehand?” I crossed my arms, refusing to flinch under his gaze. “It happened fast.”He turned to face me, his eyes sharp and calculating. “Fast? Adrian, nothing about you happens fast. You’re deliberate, meticulous. So, tell me, what was so urgent that you had to marry this woman?”“She’s my wife,” I said firmly, ignoring the disdain in his tone.His lips curled into a mocking smile. “And what does she bring to the table? Connections? Wealth? Influence?” He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “Or was this some act of rebellion against me?”I clenched my jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface.
Sarah’s POVThe sound of the front door slamming shut jolted me. I stepped out of the bedroom, still holding the sweater I’d been folding. “Adrian?” I called, but the only answer was the echo of silence.I glanced at the clock. It was barely nine AM, and he hadn’t mentioned having plans. His half-finished coffee sat on the table, the faint buzz of his laptop on the counter drawing my attention. Whatever had made him leave in such a rush, it wasn’t something he’d planned for.I set the sweater aside and reached for my phone, shooting him a quick text:"Are you okay?"The message remained unread.I sighed, returning to the task of packing my clothes. Most of them were new, outfits Adrian had insisted on buying to “match the lifestyle” of his world. Expensive fabrics, designer labels, nothing like the casual, comfortable clothes I’d brought with me. As I folded another dress, I wondered how much of myself I was losing in this arrangement.The emptiness of the house pressed down on me, so
Adrian’s POV I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my knuckles whitening with the effort. The call had come out of nowhere, dragging me out of the quiet morning I’d been planning.There was no time to inform Sarah, no chance to grab my jacket or finish my coffee. I was out the door in a heartbeat, trying to prepare for what I already suspected would be a confrontation.Ever since Julian got back into town, I had been anticipating with bated breath what new tricks he had up his sleeves. His message lingered in my mind as I navigated the busy streets of the city. His cryptic tone didn’t sit well with me. If there was one thing I’d learned about Julian over the years, it was that he thrived on creating chaos and watching others squirm.I pulled into the parking lot of a familiar upscale bar—the kind of place Julian preferred for his “meetings.” Inside, he was waiting in a corner booth, swirling a glass of whiskey as though he didn’t have a care in the world.“Adrian,” he greeted w
Sarah’s POVWhen I saw Julian standing there, a knot formed in my stomach. His presence always had a way of unsettling me, even more so now with the way his eyes danced with that smug glint.He wasn’t supposed to be here."Julian," I said, my voice coming out more strained than I intended. "What are you doing here?"He glanced over at me, his lips curling into a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. "I came to visit my niece," he said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.My heart skipped a beat. "Niece?" I repeated, trying to mask the panic rising in me. "How did you even find out she was here?"How was I supposed to explain that my daughter wasn't related to Adrian, and by extension, their family?That'd only make things worse for Adrian. I don't think his parents would take lightly to him marrying a single mother, forgoing the risk of soiling the family's name.Julian shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "I have my sources. You’ve been keeping secrets, Sarah. I don
Adrian’s POVSarah and I entered Dr. Arnold's office, where the doctor greeted us with a warm but professional smile. The room was small, with walls lined with certificates and medical charts. “We’re here to discuss moving Nora home,” I began. “She’s stable, but we want her out of this environment for safety reasons. We’re prepared to set up everything she needs to recover fully.”Dr. Arnold leaned back, considering my words. “Nora has made significant progress, but home care requires careful planning. I’d recommend a comprehensive check-up to ensure she’s ready for the transition. If all goes well, I’ll prepare a detailed list of equipment and follow-up requirements.”Sarah nodded, her voice soft but resolute. “We trust your judgment, Doctor. Our priority is her well-being.”He scribbled something in his notebook. “I’ll start the check-up immediately. By tomorrow, I’ll have all the results and recommendations ready. Assuming there are no complications, you can take her home then.”R
Sarah's POVAdrian's office was colder than I'd expected, the atmosphere thick with tension as Rome's presence sucked all warmth from the room. My eyes darted to the spilled contents of the folder: photographs and documents that clearly rattled Adrian. I wanted to look closer, but his rigid stance warned me to stay back.“Care to explain yourself, Adrian?” Rome asked smugly, leaning against the desk as though he owned the place.Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Where did you get these?”Rome’s smirk widened. “Does it matter? What matters is what I plan to do with them.” He glanced at me briefly, as if gauging my reaction. “You’ve got a lot riding on this deal, Adrian. Don’t make me ruin it for you.”I stepped forward, surprising even myself. “What exactly do you want?” I demanded, my voice steadier than I felt.I felt Adrian's heated gaze on me but I paid him no attention, my glare directed at Rome.Rome’s brows arched. “Bold, aren’t we? It reminds me of someone I know.” He turned his full at
Adrian's POVThe moment my lips were inches away from hers, I hesitated, my mind a chaotic storm. Sarah’s green eyes widened, searching mine, and I could see the wariness mingled with something softer, something I didn’t deserve.I couldn’t bring myself to cross that line. Not yet.I released her hand gently and took a step back, raking a hand through my hair in frustration. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry, Sarah.”She blinked, clearly thrown off by my sudden retreat. “Adrian…” Her voice was quiet, unsure, and it only twisted the guilt tighter in my chest.“I just—” I paused, trying to find the words. How could I explain the storm raging inside me? The pressure Rome had applied, the secrets I was desperately trying to keep buried, and now, the undeniable pull I felt toward her. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.“I need some air,” I muttered, walking toward the balcony before I could do something else I’d regret.The cool night air did little to calm my nerves. My hands grippe
Adrian’s POVFriday dawned grey and golden, with streaks of early light filtering through the blinds. I was already awake, staring at the ceiling and listening to the soft rhythm of Sarah’s breathing beside me. The day had come—the handover, the press, the board, the gala.My phone buzzed on the nightstand. 6:14 AM. Julian.Julian: You ready to be the face of Blackwood Enterprises?I smirked at the text and responded:Me: I was born ready. Or at least, I fake it well enough.Sarah stirred and rolled toward me, eyes still heavy with sleep. “It’s today, isn’t it?”“Yeah,” I whispered, brushing her hair back. “The big day.”She reached for my hand beneath the covers, her fingers curling around mine. “You’ve earned this.”“I know,” I said quietly. “But it still feels like walking into a storm, just this time, I’m the one holding the lightning.”That earned a sleepy smile. “And a really good suit.”I kissed her forehead. “Go back to sleep. I’ll try not to wake the whole house.”*By 8:00 A
Sarah’s POVThe smell of grilled chicken filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of cartoon laughter from the living room. Emily stood beside me at the kitchen island, chopping vegetables like a pro while I stirred the pot on the stove. The kitchen was warm, lively, and full of the kind of chaos I had grown to cherish.“I swear, if Nora teaches Alex one more dramatic line from those princess movies, I’m telling her you and Adrian will leave her alone for a week,” Emily said, tossing sliced peppers into a bowl.I laughed. “She probably learned it from you. You’re the one who let them watch Frozen three times in one day.”Emily rolled her eyes. “That was self-defense. They ambushed me before coffee.”From the living room, we could hear the kids yelling excitedly about who was winning their game of “magic couch lava.” Their laughter echoed off the walls, blending seamlessly into the cozy rhythm of the evening.The front door opened and shut, followed by the unmistakable sound of tw
Adrian’s POVThe boardroom was finally empty.I leaned back in my chair, the quiet hum of the city drifting through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Blackwood Tower. The meeting had gone exactly as expected—formalities, final signatures, and an overuse of the word “legacy.” It was official now. The handover ceremony was set for next week.I’d thought I’d feel relief.Instead, I felt... still. Like the moment before a storm breaks or the silence that follows a gunshot. This wasn’t just a transition of power. This was a final blow to the people who tried to destroy everything I stood for. Rome. Daniella. The chaos they’d tried to bury us under—it was about to come to light.And I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the mess that would follow.A smile tugged at my lips as I recalled Sarah's text. She always knew how to ground me. Just a few words from her had a way of steadying the war going on in my head.I stared at the screen a second longer before locking the phone and rising to my feet. M
Sarah’s POVThe house was quiet when I woke up the next morning. Adrian had left early for work, and Nora was already off to school. I stood at the kitchen counter, sipping my coffee, the warmth of the mug comforting as the cool morning air drifted in from the open window. It felt like the calm after a storm, the kind of peace I hadn’t realized I was craving.Emily was sitting on the couch when I walked into the living room, her legs tucked underneath her, a blanket draped over her lap. The silence between us was still new as we'd only really started getting to know each other.“How are you holding up?” I asked, setting my coffee mug down on the table and sitting across from her.She gave a soft, almost relieved sigh. "I don’t think I ever really knew what peace felt like until now," she said, her voice low but steady. "I spent so many years just... surviving. And then, when the divorce happened, I thought I’d lose myself in it all. But now, being here, having time to breathe, I feel
Adrian’s POVSleep didn’t come easy.Not because I wasn’t tired—I was. Bone-deep and soul-weary in that quiet, post-confession kind of way. But something about tonight stirred everything in me. Her words echoed through my head on repeat.“You make it feel safe.”That did something to me. Cut through layers I didn’t even know I still wore.I watched her breathing even out, her lashes fluttering slightly, one hand curled beneath her cheek. She looked peaceful. Like something sacred. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I didn’t have to earn the right to breathe beside her. I just could.I slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake her. The floorboards creaked under my weight, but she didn’t stir. I pulled on my hoodie—the same one I’d worn on our walk—and stepped out onto the porch.The night hadn’t changed. Still full of stars. Still wrapped in that quiet, velvet stillness.But I had changed.I ran a hand over my face and sat on the steps, elbows on my knees, staring
Sarah’s POVI couldn't sleep.The atmosphere was too beautiful to waste on sleeping, so I struck up a conversation just as I felt Adrian nodding off beside me.“Do you want to go for a walk? The moon looks nicely bright,” I whispered in his ear.He stirred, turning slightly toward me. “Now?”“Just for a little while,” I said. “Please.”He opened his eyes, gave me a groggy but indulgent smile, and nodded. “Give me two minutes.”I slipped on my sweater and socks while he pulled on a hoodie and sneakers. We crept out of the cabin like teenagers sneaking out after curfew, careful not to wake Nora. The air outside was crisp but gentle, and the sky was a velvet canvas scattered with stars. The moon hung low and full, casting silver light across the lake.We walked in silence at first, the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet the only interruption. I took his hand and he gave mine a reassuring squeeze.“I used to dream about places like this when I was little,” I said quietly. “Peacefu
Adrian’s POVI hadn't expected Sarah to leave the house so early on a Saturday morning but when she said she had to see Dr. Monroe, I didn't stop her. That morning, breakfast was a quiet affair without Sarah and Julian around, and with things still being a bit awkward between Emily and I. After breakfast, Emily offered to take the kids to the park. I helped her get them ready, packing a basket for a little picnic while they were there. Once they left, the house was empty for the first time in a long while. It reminded me of the days before I met Sarah. They were dark and lonely days which blended into each other. Sarah had been the beacon of light I didn't know I needed. I made my way to my study to get some work done. Operations at the company had continued without supervision while the chaos about who would be chairman went on which meant I had a lot to cover now that it was mostly over. I briefly thought about Dad who was now on permanent bed rest in his home. If he had his w
Sarah’s POVThe house was quiet.Emily and her kids were asleep, and Julian was staying the night out.Nora had fallen asleep in Adrian’s arms during bedtime stories, and he'd tucked her in like always—soft smile on his face, even after everything that happened earlier. I was curled up on the couch now, knees hugged to my chest, a blanket draped over me. My hair was still slightly damp from a quick shower, but the ache in my chest had nothing to do with fatigue.Adrian came into the room with two mugs of chamomile tea. He handed one to me without a word and sat beside me, close enough that our knees touched.For a few minutes, we just sat there in silence, the weight of the day slowly settling.And then, softly, I said, “I thought I was going to break again.”He turned toward me, eyes gentle. “But you didn’t.”“I know,” I whispered. “That’s what’s strange. I thought seeing him would send me spiraling like last time. That the fear would come back… the shaking, the flashbacks, the guilt
Adrian’s POVIt was finally Friday, the day I'd been dreading all week.It was the day Sarah chose to meet with Michael. The moment I saw his name flash on the private security log, I felt something cold settle in my chest.Michael.I hadn't seen him since that day in the motel—the day he barged back in Sarah's life and sent her spiraling into a seizure. The day I had looked him straight in the eye and told him to never come near her again.And yet… here he was. Again.I glanced at Sarah sitting beside me in the private lounge we’d secured for this meeting. She was tense, shoulders rigid, hands clasped so tightly her knuckles were white. Julian had wanted to be in the room. I told him to wait outside—but close.She shouldn't have had to see him again. I hated myself for even allowing this meeting to happen.But she said she wanted closure. Not answers—because Michael had none—but closure. Finality.The door opened. He walked in like he hadn’t thrown our lives into chaos the last time