Sarah’s POVMy eyes were bloodshot from staying awake all night. The morning felt like a fragile thread I was trying desperately to hold onto. Cooking with Nora was my attempt at normalcy, but the moment Adrian walked through the door, the tension in the air became palpable.He looked tired — haggard, even. His shirt was wrinkled, his tie loosened, and his eyes held something I couldn’t quite place. Guilt? Regret?I wasn’t sure I cared.I’d spent the better part of the night staring at that picture. Adrian at the club, drink in hand, with a woman clinging to him like she belonged there. A part of me had wanted to call him, demand answers. But another part, the part that still clung to the terms of our so-called marriage,told me it wasn’t my place.This was a contract. Nothing more.And yet, the ache in my chest told a different story.“Do you want some?” I’d asked him, my voice carefully neutral as I flipped a pancake.When he nodded, I turned back to the stove, grateful for the mome
Adrian's POV The soft hum of the dishwasher filled the silence as I stood in the kitchen, absently wiping my hands on a towel. My mind, however, was far from the task at hand.Sarah’s frosty demeanor lingered in my thoughts, gnawing at me like an itch I couldn’t reach. She had smiled, nodded, even apologized, but her tone and body language betrayed her. Something was wrong, and I had no idea what it was.Through the window, I could see Nora playing on the lawn, her laughter carrying through the crisp morning air. Sarah sat on the porch, knitting, her eyes occasionally lifting to check on Nora.She looked serene, but I knew better. The tension from breakfast was still thick enough to cut with a knife.I glanced at the table where Sarah’s phone lay. Its screen lit up with a notification, momentarily catching my attention. I didn’t mean to look, but the image on the screen froze me in place.It was me.At the club.With the lady who had followed me back to the penthouse.My chest tighte
Sarah’s POVThe soft creak of the porch swing was the only sound breaking the stillness of the late morning. My hands moved rhythmically, knitting a scarf for Nora, but my mind was elsewhere.The photo on my phone haunted me. Adrian at that club, the woman draped over him like an accessory—it was a scene I couldn’t unsee, no matter how hard I tried.Nora’s laughter floated across the yard as she twirled in the sunlight, clutching a flower she had picked. I forced myself to smile as she bounded toward me.“Mommy, look! Isn’t it pretty?” She held up the delicate flower, her excitement contagious.“It’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I said, gently tucking the flower into her hair.But even as I tried to be present for her, the weight of my thoughts dragged me down. Adrian’s complete turnaround from the caring man he had been for the past few days to the man he had been before we signed the contract. “Are you okay, Mommy?” Nora’s small voice broke through my reverie, her eyes searching mine.I
Adrian’s POVThe Black Orchid’s private dining room was a study in excess, with its shiny mirrors, soft candlelight, and pristine table settings that screamed exclusivity. Rome sat at the head of the table, a smug expression plastered on his face. Every time I dealt with him, I was reminded of why I hated playing these games.Tonight wasn’t just about business, it was a chessboard, and Rome was positioning himself for the ultimate checkmate.Sarah stood beside me, her posture perfect but her unease palpable. The dress I’d chosen for her hugged her figure, drawing a few lingering stares from Rome and his cronies. My jaw tightened, but I placed a protective hand on her lower back, guiding her forward.Rome rose as we approached, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes spreading across his face.“Adrian,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with venom. “It’s always a pleasure.” He turned to Sarah, his gaze lingering far too long. “And you must be Sarah. You’re even more stunning in person.”
Sarah's POV Adrian drew in a sharp breath bedside me, drawing my attention. Unable to keep up my anger, I turned to him. “Are you okay?”He glanced at me and turned off his phone, shoving it in his pocket. “Yeah, I'm fine.” He replied, not meeting my eyes. “Okay.” I drawled, turning back to the window. “We are here, Mr Blackwood, Mrs Blackwood.” The driver announced as he pulled into the driveway, killing the engine. Without a word, Adrian jumped out of the car as though he was being chased. I wondered what was up with him. “Have a good night.” I said to the driver as I stepped outside. He muttered a reply before driving the car to the garage. I took a deep breath and pulled my coat tighter around me. The chill in the evening air wasn’t the only thing making me uneasy. As I climbed the steps to the house, the grand front door loomed ahead like a cage. Adrian had already disappeared inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts.I pushed the door open and stepped into the warm glo
Adrian's POV The door to my study clicked shut behind me, muffling the sounds of the world outside. I loosened my tie, tossing it onto the desk before slumping into the leather chair. My hands dragged down my face as the weight of the evening settled over me.I fished out my phone from my pocket, the image filling the screen immediately after I turned it on. There was Sarah. With a man who looked too familiar for my liking. If I had thought Nora looked so much like Sarah, it was because I hadn't met this man. She was a little, female copy of him. Sarah was smiling widely, an expression I had never seen on her. She looked quite young also. Under the picture was a caption from Rome. "What would happen if the world were to find out that your wife got pregnant as a teenager and for a criminal, at that?"I stared at the screen, my grip on the phone tightening as Rome's taunting words seared into my brain. A criminal? Sarah had never mentioned anything like this.Questions clawed at my
Sarah's POVThe door clicked shut behind Adrian, and silence filled the space he’d left. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my hands, the weight of the conversation sinking in. Though we’d managed to air some of the tension between us, a lingering unease remained. Trust was fragile, and rebuilding it would take more than a single night.I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind raced with thoughts of Rome’s threats, the image of Chris, and the secrets I’d kept buried for so long. It was terrifying to think how quickly the past could unravel everything I had fought to protect.A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Mommy?”Nora peeked her head in, her wide, curious eyes reminding me of the innocence I was trying so hard to preserve.“Come here, baby,” I said, patting the bed beside me.She climbed up and nestled into my side. “Are you okay? You look sad.”I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m okay, sweetheart. Just a lot on my mind.”“
Adrian's POVThe morning sun streamed through my office window as I leaned back in my chair, staring at the spreadsheet open on my laptop. Numbers and projections blurred together, my mind elsewhere entirely.I couldn’t stop thinking about Sarah and Nora.The sight of them at breakfast had left a warmth I hadn’t felt in years, ever since my mother died. Nora’s laughter was a melody I hadn’t realized I needed, and Sarah’s guarded smile—though rare—gave me a sense of purpose I couldn’t explain.But beneath it all, I could feel the tension. Sarah was still holding back, still keeping me at arm’s length. I couldn’t blame her. After everything she’d been through, trust didn’t come easily.A sharp knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, straightening up.My assistant, Neville, stepped in with a stack of files. “Morning, Mr. Blackwood. These are the reports you requested.”“Thanks,” I said, taking the files and setting them on the desk.He lingered for a moment,
Sarah’s POVI stared at the door long after Adrian left, my fingers still curled in the warmth he’d left behind.Julian’s voice pulled me back. “So, are we going to talk about what just happened?”I turned to find him watching me with a smirk, arms crossed like he was waiting for me to admit something I wasn’t ready to say.Nora, oblivious to the tension, climbed onto the bed beside me, curling up against my side. I stroked her soft curls absentmindedly, avoiding Julian’s gaze. “Nothing happened.”Julian scoffed. “Right. You two were just holding hands for fun, then?”I rolled my eyes but felt the heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s not like that.”He let out a low chuckle, clearly unconvinced. “You should see the way he looks at you.”I swallowed. I had seen it. And it terrified me.Because for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like running.I cleared my throat, changing the subject. “Where have you two been?”Julian let me have the distraction. “Took Nora to the park. She made
Adrian’s POVI hadn’t planned on asking her.The words had just slipped out, unfiltered and honest. Maybe it was the way she looked at me—soft, unguarded in a way I didn’t see often. Or maybe it was how easy it felt, sitting here, hands intertwined like it was the most natural thing in the world.Either way, I didn’t regret it.Sarah hesitated at first, her mind doing that thing where she overthought every detail. I could see it in the way her fingers twitched slightly against mine, the way she chewed her lip like she was trying to convince herself it was okay to want this.But then, she nodded.And just like that, something in my chest loosened.I didn’t think she’d say yes.At least, not this easily.Sarah had always been the careful one, the one who thought things through, weighed the risks, and second-guessed anything that felt too impulsive. And yet, here she was—her lips curving into a small, uncertain smile, but a smile nonetheless.I smirked. “Good. I’ll take care of everythin
Sarah’s POVThe warmth from my shower still clung to my skin as I ran a towel through my damp hair. The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the room, but my thoughts were louder. My body ached—not as badly as before, but enough to remind me of everything I’d been through.A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the sound, hesitating for only a second.“Come in.”The door creaked open, and Adrian stepped inside, his tall frame filling the space. His usual confidence was there, but his eyes carried something softer today. He lingered for a second before stepping forward.“You feeling okay?” he asked, his voice low.I offered a small smile. “Better than yesterday.”He nodded, watching me closely before glancing around the room. His gaze flickered to the neatly made bed, then back to me.“Nora and Julian headed to the park,” he said after a moment. “So, it’s just us.”I stilled. The way he said it wasn’t suggestive, but something about it made my pulse quic
Adrian’s POVThe breakfast table slowly emptied, leaving only the remnants of a meal that had been more than just food. It had been a moment—one I wasn’t sure I had expected but found myself grateful for.Sarah had looked lighter this morning. Not entirely at peace, but something close to it. And for the first time in a long time, I’d seen a hint of something in her eyes that wasn’t guardedness.We are getting somewhere I started gathering the plates while Nora ran off excitedly to get ready. Julian helped Sarah up, supporting her as she walked slowly toward her room. “Take it easy,” he murmured, his usual teasing tone absent.“I will,” Sarah replied, offering him a small smile before disappearing down the hall.I carried the dishes into the kitchen, setting them in the sink before turning to find Julian strolling in, rolling up his sleeves. “You actually gonna wash those or just stare at them?” he asked, smirking.I huffed out a breath. “You could’ve just gone with Nora instead of c
Sarah’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was the quiet.For months, my body had been conditioned to expect chaos—to wake up in a haze of panic, machines beeping, heart pounding, muscles tight, always bracing for something to go wrong. But this morning, the silence was different. It wasn’t heavy. It wasn’t suffocating.It was peaceful.I turned onto my side, blinking as the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains. Nora was still asleep beside me, her tiny fingers curled into the sheets, her breath slow and steady. I smiled, smoothing a hand over her hair.She was safe.I was safe.That truth should have settled me. But instead, it made something twist deep in my chest.I swallowed, shifting carefully so I wouldn’t wake her, and sat up. The ache in my body was dull but present, a reminder that I wasn’t fully healed yet. Physically, at least.Emotionally?That was another story.I had spent so long keeping my guard up, convincing myself that I didn’t need anyone. Tha
Adrian’s POVThe hallway was dark, but I didn’t need light to find my way. I had walked these halls enough times now, memorized every creaky floorboard, every shift in the air.Still, I hesitated outside Sarah’s door, listening.Silence.Good.She was finally asleep.I exhaled, dragging a hand down my face as I leaned against the wall. I hadn’t planned to check on her again. I had already done it once after she settled in, and I had told myself that was enough. That I needed to give her space.But space was the last thing I wanted to give her.Seeing her in that hospital, pale and fragile, had changed something in me. Or maybe it hadn’t changed anything at all—maybe it had only made me realize how much she had already meant to me.Hearing her say thank you tonight had been unexpected.She didn’t owe me gratitude.She didn’t owe me anything.And yet, that whisper of appreciation had settled in my chest, lodging itself in a place I wasn’t sure I wanted to acknowledge.I pushed off the w
Sarah’s POVHome.The word should have felt comforting. But as I lay in my bed, staring at the familiar ceiling, unease curled around my ribs.I didn't know how long it had been since I'd been staring at the ceiling but I was sure hours had passed.I had dreamed about this moment for weeks—about leaving the hospital, about stepping back into my own space, about finally being free from the suffocating sterility of that room.And yet, now that I was here, I felt anything but free.The sheets smelled the same—fresh linen with the faintest hint of my perfume. The mattress molded against me just as it always had. Everything was the same.But I wasn’t.I shifted under the covers, the soft fabric brushing against the bandages still covering parts of my skin. My body was healing, but the bruises that weren’t visible? Those would take longer.I turned my head slightly, glancing toward the doorway. Adrian had left only a few minutes ago after making sure I was settled. His presence had been ste
Adrian’s POVThe night air still clung to my clothes, the weight of the last few hours pressing against my chest like a phantom I couldn’t shake.Michael.I hadn’t known him before today, but I had known his kind. Men who thought they could haunt a woman long after she had left them. Men who mistook fear for power, who thrived on control.Men who didn’t know when to stay buried in the past.But he knew now.I stood in the doorway of Sarah’s hospital room, watching the slow, steady rise and fall of her chest. She was asleep, curled up under the blanket, one hand resting near her face. Even in sleep, there was a slight crease between her brows, like the tension of the day hadn’t fully left her.I exhaled quietly and stepped inside.The chair beside her bed was still warm from when I had sat there earlier, waiting for her to fall asleep. I sank into it once more, running a hand through my hair.I had handled it.But the truth was, I still wasn’t sure what disturbed me more—the fact that
Sarah’s POVThe hospital room was quiet—too quiet.Tasha had left a few minutes ago, but I could still feel the weight of her presence, the way she had stood beside me, her arms crossed in that protective stance of hers. She didn’t say much, but she didn’t need to. I knew she was ready to fight this battle with me, just like Adrian was.And now Adrian was out there, facing the past I wanted so desperately to leave behind.I let out a slow breath, my fingers tightening around the blanket on my lap. My heart felt like it had been caught in a vise since the moment Neville walked in with the news. Michael was back. After everything—after all the pain, all the fear—he had come back like a ghost that refused to stay buried.I pressed a hand to my temple, willing the pounding headache away.It wasn’t fair.I had spent years trying to move forward, to build a new life, to be strong for Nora. And just when I thought I had finally escaped the shadow of my past, it had found a way to claw itself