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 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 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
Sarah’s POVI arranged the presentation files carefully on the conference table, aligning each one perfectly in front of a seat. Next, I placed bottles of water beside them, smoothing out the edges of my dress with trembling hands. I exhaled slowly, stepping back to assess my work. Everything was in place for the meeting with Adrian Blackwood, the CEO.The door swung open, and the board members began filing in, their conversations blending into a steady hum. I took my seat beside my manager, gripping my iPad and light pen, ready to take notes.Just minutes before the meeting was set to begin, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated, then leaned toward my manager. “Excuse me, sir. I need to use the restroom.”He shot me a pointed look. “Make it quick. I don’t want you missing a thing in this meeting.”I nodded and hurried out, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The elevator doors slid open, and just as I stepped forward, Adrian Blackwood strode out. His attention was locked
Adrian’s POVI leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly as the weight of the board meeting settled over me. The pressure to maintain Blackwood’s dominance in the industry was mounting, and my personal life—of all things—was now under scrutiny.Neville, my personal assistant, strode in, shutting the door behind him with a knowing look. “We need to talk.”I rubbed my temples, already anticipating where this was going. “I was just about to call you in. Let me guess—you’re about to lecture me on how my dating habits are tanking our company’s image?”He didn’t even try to soften the blow. “I don’t need to lecture. The board made it clear: our biggest competitor is gaining traction because their CEO is a family man. Investors see him as reliable, grounded. Meanwhile, you…” He gave a pointed glance at the whiskey tumbler on my desk. “You’re ‘the bachelor CEO’ who cycles through models and influencers like they’re seasonal collections.”I scoffed, though the truth of his words gnawed at me. “S
Chapter ThreeSarah’s POVI stood at the doorway, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag tightly. The office was sleek and modern—black, white, and grey tones giving it a sharp, intimidating feel. Two paintings adorned the walls, though I barely noticed the details. My heart pounded against my ribs. This was the first time I had been called into the CEO’s office since I started working here two years ago.“Please, take a seat,” Adrian said, his voice smooth yet commanding.“I’m comfortable standing, sir,” I replied, trying to steady my voice.“Miss Nathaniel,” he said again, slower this time, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Have a seat.”With a reluctant sigh, I sank into the chair across from him, my back ramrod straight.“You sent for me, sir,” I said, meeting his gaze with a mix of defiance and anxiety.I had a bad feeling about this. Had my manager reported me? Did they find an excuse to fire me? I needed this job. I needed the money for Nora.Adrian leaned back in his cha
Adrian’s POVA moment of silence stretched between us, tension thick in the air. Then, she let out a slow breath and nodded. “Fine. I'll marry you… but I’m doing this only for my daughter.”A victorious smirk curled my lips. “Good. I knew you’d make the right decision.”Her eyes darkened with suspicion. “What do you stand to gain from this? You’ve been fine without a wife all these years.”I leaned back, watching her carefully. “I’m doing this for Blackwood Organization,” I said smoothly. “For the thousands of employees who rely on us. For my family’s legacy. For the future of the company. So, in a way, you and I are not so different.”She let out a sharp scoff. “Don't flatter me, Sir. There’s a world of difference between us. For one, I wouldn’t marry someone unless I loved him.”The second the words left her lips, realization dawned on her face. Her eyes widened slightly before she pressed her lips together, as if trying to take them back.I chuckled. “Well, you just shot yourself in
Sarah’s PovI stepped out of my bedroom, about to head out when Adrian emerged from the kitchen, his bare chest glistening with sweat. His sweatpants hung low on his hips, the sharp dips of his muscles on full display. He must have been working out—his usual morning routine before breakfast. Funny how I had memorized his habits when we had only been married for a few days.My eyes betrayed me, lingering a second too long.Adrian smirked. “I see you’re enjoying the view.”I snapped out of my thoughts, heat rising to my cheeks. “No! Eww!”His chuckle was low and deep, vibrating through the air between us. “You sure about that?” He took a step closer, arms folding across his chest, making his muscles flex deliberately.I took an instinctive step back, clearing my throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”He cocked a brow. “I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon since I got married last weekend.” His voice dripped with amusement. “Now, don’t change the subject. Where are you going?”“That’
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
Sarah's POVThe weight of Michael’s message lingered long after Adrian left for his study. Even now, as I sat beneath the jacaranda tree, my mind spun with memories I had long buried.I barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching until Adrian sat beside me. He didn’t speak right away. He just waited—like he always did when he knew I needed time.I exhaled, the words sitting heavy on my chest. “You heard.”He nodded. “Emily told me. What did he say?”My fingers tightened in my lap. “He… he wants to see Nora.”Adrian’s jaw tensed, his entire body stiffening. “Did he say why?”I swallowed. “He says he’s changed. That he wants a chance to be in her life.”Adrian scoffed. “Now? After all these years? After everything he put you through?”I felt my throat tighten. “I don’t know what to do, Adrian.”He reached for my hands, gently prying them apart so he could hold them in his. “You don’t owe him anything, Sarah. He has no rights to Nora.”I hesitated. “I know. But… he’s her father.