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
Sarah’s POVThe moment Adrian left, a strange sense of unease settled over me. I tried to shake it off, telling myself I was just exhausted, but something in my gut told me that whatever he was going to face wouldn’t be simple.I shifted against the pillows, trying to find a comfortable position, but my body protested every movement. My muscles ached, my skin burned, and my stomach felt like it was twisted in knots. I hated feeling this weak, this helpless.Dr. Arnold adjusted my IV, his face calm but focused. “How are you feeling now?”“Like I got run over by a truck,” I muttered.His lips twitched in amusement, but his eyes remained serious. “The reaction should subside soon. Your body is just struggling to adjust.”I let out a slow breath. “I thought I was getting better.”“You were—you are.” He paused. “But sometimes setbacks happen. The important thing is that we caught it in time.”I nodded weakly. “Thank you.”“Just rest,” he said gently. “Tasha will be here if you need anythin
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
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 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 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 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 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
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
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