Sarah's POVThe house was quiet now, except the TV that was still playing on in the background. Adrian had gone upstairs a while ago, leaving me alone in the living room with my thoughts and a journal that refused to cooperate.I tapped the pen against the blank page, willing the words to come. Writing had always been my solace, the one place I could pour out my heart without fear of judgment. But tonight, it felt like my emotions were tangled in a knot I didn’t know how to untie.The sound of the staircase creaking made me glance up. For a split second, I thought Adrian might be coming back, but the house fell silent again. I exhaled, a strange mix of relief and disappointment washing over me.Shaking my head, I looked back down at the journal. I’d written three words: A new start. It felt ironic. Was that what this really was?My life with Adrian was supposed to be an arrangement, a practical solution to a complicated problem. And yet, somewhere along the way, practicality had given
Adrian's POVThe morning sun was unusually bright as I helped Nora climb into her car seat. She waved goodbye to Sarah with a toothy grin, clutching her bunny tightly. Sarah stood on the porch, her cardigan draped loosely over her shoulders, a soft smile playing on her lips."Be good," she called out, and Nora responded with an exaggerated salute that made me chuckle.As I buckled the seatbelt securely around Nora, my gaze flickered back to Sarah. Her hair was a little messy from the morning rush, and she had that natural, effortless look that always caught me off guard.“Have a good day, Adrian!” She called out again. I waved at her, unable to keep the grin off my face.Shaking the thought from my mind, I climbed into the driver’s seat. “Alright, kiddo. Ready?”“Ready!” Nora chirped, bouncing slightly in her seat.The drive to her school was filled with her usual chatter about her dreams, her favorite cartoons, and her plans to conquer the playground during recess. By the time I drop
Sarah's POV The gala's venue was everything I imagined and more. The Claridge Hotel stood tall and imposing, its grand entrance illuminated by crystal chandeliers and the soft glow of streetlights. A red carpet stretched out before us, a symbol of exclusivity and opulence that made my stomach tighten.Adrian exited the car first, adjusting his tuxedo. He looked like he belonged here—confident, poised, and completely at home in this world of wealth and influence.I, on the other hand, felt like an imposter.The driver opened my door, and Adrian was there instantly, offering his hand to help me out. His grip was firm, grounding me as I stepped onto the carpet.“You’ll be fine,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring.I nodded, swallowing the lump of nerves in my throat. As we made our way toward the entrance, photographers called out Adrian’s name, their cameras flashing incessantly.I froze up, not knowing how to act in front of so many people. “Relax,” Adrian murmured, his voice
Adrian’s POVThe ride back was heavy with unspoken words. Sarah sat beside me, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights. She hadn’t said much since we left the gala, and I couldn’t blame her. Tonight had been complicated.Rome. Emily. The uncanny resemblance between Emily and Sarah.I loosened my tie, trying to make sense of it all. Of course, I’d known this night would be uncomfortable. Rome’s presence alone guaranteed that. But seeing Emily next to Sarah? That had been a curveball I wasn’t prepared for.The resemblance was undeniable, and it rattled me more than I cared to admit. It wasn’t just their looks—it was the way they carried themselves, their posture, even the tilt of their heads when they were deep in thought.It wasn’t a coincidence. It couldn’t be.“You’re quiet,” I said, breaking the silence.“So are you,” Sarah replied, her tone unreadable.I glanced at her, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the car’s interior lights. “Are you okay?”She hesitated, then nodd
Sarah's POVAfter Nora and Adrian left the house, I was supposed to go to a cafe to work on my writing. I had been applying to be a freelance writer for media companies even though I didn't tell Adrian yet. But with the way last night went, I had no strength in me.Adrian’s admission about hiring a private investigator had caught me off guard. It was such a decisive step—one I hadn’t expected him to take. But even with his promises, the ache in my chest lingered.I didn’t doubt Adrian’s intentions, but trust? That was harder.I walked into the living room and sank into the couch, pulling a throw blanket over my lap. My mind replayed the events of the gala: Rome’s arrogant smirk, Emily’s enigmatic smile, the whispers among the guests. And then Adrian’s face—tense, conflicted, and far too familiar with Emily for my comfort.The resemblance between Emily and me was undeniable, and it haunted me. It wasn’t just her appearance but the way she carried herself, her confidence, and the subtl
Adrian's POV I stared blankly at the file open on my desk. It had been hours since I texted Sarah, and though her response gave me some relief, the distance between us still felt like a gaping chasm.I glanced at my phone, half-hoping for another text from her, but the screen remained dark. Setting my coffee aside, I shifted my focus back to my laptop, where Daniel’s latest update sat in my inbox.The subject line read: Preliminary Findings – EmilyMy pulse quickened as I clicked it open."Mr Blackwood,I’ve started digging into Emily’s background as requested. While the deeper investigation will take some time, here’s what I’ve uncovered so far:Emily Harrison was adopted as a child through an agency called Bright Horizons. It is no more functional though.Records indicate she spent her early years in foster care before the adoption.Her adoptive parents, Margaret and Henry Walsh, relocated frequently for work, keeping a relatively low profile.Interestingly, the Walshs worked for R
Sarah’s POVI closed the door behind me with a little more force than I intended, my heart pounding against my ribs. Adrian’s words echoed in my mind, relentless and invasive.“Emily isn’t just some random woman, Sarah. She’s tied to you in ways we don’t understand yet.”I hurried down the hallway, barely noticing the luxurious decor that once seemed so foreign. My hands clenched into fists as I tried to suppress the whirlwind of emotions surging inside me.I hated how easily Adrian had peeled away my carefully constructed defenses, exposing doubts I hadn’t dared to face.No. Emily and I are not connected. She’s just a coincidence. That’s all.Yet, the nagging voice in the back of my mind refused to be silenced.I found myself at Nora’s door and paused. I hadn't been around when the driver brought her back home. A pang of guilt hit me. Nora didn’t need to see me like this. She needed a mother who could keep it together, not someone unraveling at the seams.She was asleep, her small b
Adrian’s POVThe late morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, highlighting the immaculate desk before me. I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled as I read through the latest reports from the Blackwood organization. Profits were steady, but cracks were forming, ones I couldn’t ignore.Harrison Industries — the one headed by Rome.The name alone was enough to set my teeth on edge. Rome and Daniella. Two vultures circling, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They’d been subtly undercutting Blackwood contracts, targeting our key clients, and planting rumors about financial instability.I thought it was something I could handle but the cracks were getting more visible. A knock at the door broke my thoughts.“Come in,” I said, straightening in my chair.Neville, my assistant, entered, his expression tense. “Sir, there’s something you need to see.”He handed me a tablet, and I swiped to the highlighted report. My stomach churned as I skimmed the c
Adrian’s POVSarah’s breathing evened out before mine did.She had fallen asleep with her fingers still laced through mine, like she trusted me to hold them through the night.Like she trusted me.I let out a slow breath, staring up at the ceiling, but all I could focus on was the warmth of her beside me. The way her presence filled the space like she had always belonged here.Because maybe she did.I had spent months convincing myself that this marriage was nothing more than an arrangement—something convenient, practical, necessary. But nothing about Sarah had ever been just convenient. She had come into my life like a quiet storm, soft but unrelenting, undoing me in ways I hadn’t been prepared for.And now, she was here. In my bed. Trusting me enough to stay.I turned my head slightly, my gaze drawn to the way her hair fanned out against the pillow, the steady rise and fall of her chest, the way her lips parted slightly in sleep.I had seen her like this before—unguarded, vulnerable
Sarah’s POVI watched as Julian strolled out of the living room, his parting words to Adrian lingering in the air.You are doing well.The warmth of the evening still wrapped around me—laughter, the easy companionship, the quiet touches Adrian didn’t seem to think twice about. It was disarming, how natural it all felt.Nora stirred slightly against me, her tiny fingers curling tighter around my shirt. I ran a hand over her back, soothing her, while Adrian reached over and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was soft, intimate, and it sent something fluttering in my chest.I exhaled slowly. “She’s out.”Adrian smiled, his gaze dipping to Nora. “She had a long day.”“So did you,” I murmured, shifting my attention back to him. His dark eyes met mine, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. The quiet between us wasn’t uncomfortable, but it held something unspoken—something I was finally ready to face.I looked away first, brushing my fingers over Nora’s hair. “I
Adrian’s POVThe call ended, leaving me staring at the blank screen for a moment before I slipped my phone back into my pocket.I sighed, pushing off the wall and making my way toward my study. As much as I hated to admit it, Neville had a point. Ignoring my work wasn’t going to make things disappear. If anything, it gave the people waiting for my downfall more ammunition.Settling behind my desk, I powered on my laptop, scanning through the flood of unread emails Neville had been nagging me about. A few were from the board, no doubt expressing their “concern” over my absence. Others were updates on ongoing projects, financial reports, and legal matters—things I would normally dive into without hesitation.Today, however, my mind was elsewhere.I forced myself to reply to the most urgent emails, signing off on approvals and making quick notes where necessary. After about two hours, I leaned back, rubbing the bridge of my nose. It wasn’t much, but it would keep things from falling apar
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