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 evening air was crisp, but it did little to cool the fire burning in my chest. I sat in Nora’s room, perched on the edge of her bed as I watched her sleep. Her small hands clutched her stuffed bunny, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the chaos raging in my mind.Adrian’s words replayed over and over, each one hitting like a hammer. “I was trying to protect you… to protect us.”How was I supposed to believe him? How could I trust someone who had hidden something so significant? Emily’s smug smile in that photo haunted me. She knew exactly what she was doing, and it was working.I tucked a stray curl behind Nora’s ear and stood, my heart heavy. I couldn’t let my emotions spill over into her life. She didn’t deserve to feel the weight of the tension between Adrian and me.But I couldn’t just ignore it, either.I walked to my room and shut the door behind me, leaning against it as I tried to steady my breathing. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I hesitated
Adrian’s POVThe moment Sarah fell asleep, I slipped out of the room, careful not to wake her. She was exhausted, and I hated that she had to go through this mess because of me. She didn’t deserve to carry the weight of my family’s power games or the vultures circling her past.If she hadn't gotten involved with me, her past wouldn't be plastered all over the place. Neither she or Nora would be in danger.I made my way downstairs, the quiet of the house doing little to soothe the turmoil inside me. My phone was still in my hand, the text from my father glaring back at me like a taunt.“Fix this mess, Adrian. Now.”Fix this? The audacity of the man. My father had spent years molding me into the perfect heir, dictating every move, every decision. And now, with Sarah’s past dredged up and splattered across headlines, he probably thought he could use this as leverage to remind me who truly held the reins.Not this time.I dialed his number, pacing the length of the living room as it rang.
Sarah’s POVThe faint hum of coffee machines and the quiet chatter of customers had been my background for most of the day. The cafe had been my haven, a place to work and let my thoughts roam freely. I had spent hours drafting ideas for my new freelance position and working on my new article, a sense of accomplishment warming my chest.As the day waned, I glanced at my watch. I needed to get home early enough to prepare for the dinner Adrian had promised. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I gathered my things. Dinner as a family—it was such a simple thing, yet it filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in years.By the time I got home, Nora was already playing in the living room, her laughter echoing through the house. “Mommy!” she called, running toward me.“Hey, sweetheart,” I said, bending down to scoop her up. “Let’s get you all dressed up for dinner, okay?”Her eyes sparkled. “What should I wear? Something sparkly?”I laughed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Something ni
Adrian’s POVThe soft glow of sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows as I descended the stairs, the scent of fresh coffee filling the air. It was one of those rare mornings where everything felt normal. Peaceful.Sarah was bustling around the kitchen, dressed in a simple but elegant blouse and jeans, her hair swept into a loose ponytail. Nora sat at the kitchen island, humming a cheerful tune while munching on a piece of toast."Good morning, ladies," I greeted, taking a seat across from Nora."Good morning, Daddy!" Nora chirped, her face lighting up with a grin. My heart felt like it would burst open. I didn't think she'd take what I said the day before so seriously. Sarah glanced over her shoulder, a spatula in hand. "Eat your breakfast quickly, Missie." She scolded, hiding a smile. "What does the best chef have for us today?" I asked, pouring myself a cup of coffee. Sarah rolled her eyes, but I caught the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Toast and scrambled eggs."As we
Sarah's POV I breathed in deeply as the memories of that night came rushing back. "It was when Nora was three years old," I began. "I had just gained admission to study part-time at the university, and I was staying with Tasha at the time." I paused and glanced at Adrian. His gaze was focused on me as he listened intently. "Tasha was still a nursing student at the time and was away on a night shift, leaving Nora and I alone at home."I felt a sob clawing its way up my throat as I continued. "I had just put Nora to bed when someone picked the lock and forced their way in. Turns out it was my ex.""Nora's dad?" He asked, his eyes a silent comfort. I nodded in response. "He had just been released from jail earlier that day and he managed to track me down."I flinched as I remembered how when I had refused to follow him, Michael had thrown me against the wall and punched me in the guts. It was that sight Nora woke up to. Adrian's jaw tightened as I spoke, his hands clenched into fis
Adrian’s POVThe words left my mouth before I had the chance to rethink them, and the silence that followed was deafening. Sarah stood there, her hand still resting on the doorframe, her back stiff, her expression unreadable.What was I even saying? Was I insane to bring this up now? Maybe. But seeing Nora’s face earlier—the innocent hope in her eyes—had stirred something inside me I couldn’t ignore any longer.She didn’t move, didn’t speak, and for a brief, agonizing moment, I thought she was going to leave without saying a word. Then, slowly, she turned to face me fully."Adrian," she said softly, her voice cautious. "You can’t mean that.""But I do," I replied, surprising even myself with the certainty in my voice. "I don’t want this to just be a contract anymore, Sarah. Not for me, not for Nora."Her eyes widened, and I saw her grip the doorframe tighter, as if she needed something to steady her."Don’t do this," she said, her voice trembling. "Don’t say things you don’t mean.""I
Sarah's POVNora’s question pierced the air, so direct and innocent it left me momentarily frozen. I turned to her, my heart hammering as I saw her big, curious eyes staring at Adrian.Adrian looked equally stunned, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out."Nora…" I began softly, trying to regain control of the moment, but she wasn’t finished."Because Emma said people who live together are married," she continued, her voice tinged with confusion. "And you and my Mommy live together. So are you my Daddy?"The weight of her words hit me like a freight train. It was a question I’d known would come eventually, but I hadn’t expected it so soon—or for her to ask it so casually like she was talking about the weather.Adrian cleared his throat, his usual composure faltering. "Nora, I—""Sweetheart," I interjected, placing a hand on Nora’s shoulder. "Remember when we talked about how every family is different? Not all mommies and daddies are married o
Adrian's POV"I should go to bed now," Sarah let out, scrambling to her feet."Goodnight, Sarah," I muttered. The kiss lingered in my mind long after Sarah disappeared upstairs. I sat in the dimly lit living room, staring at the almost empty bottle of wine on the table, replaying the moment in my head.It wasn’t planned. I hadn’t intended for it to happen. Yet, as I leaned back on the couch, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was inevitable.Her quiet strength had always drawn me in. The way she carried herself, even when everything seemed to weigh her down, was remarkable. Tonight, though, something shifted. I’d seen a side of her I hadn’t before—vulnerable, open, and unguarded.I ran a hand down my face, letting out a heavy sigh."What are you doing, Adrian?" I muttered to myself.It wasn’t part of the deal. I wasn’t supposed to care—at least not like this. This arrangement was meant to be simple: a contract, a partnership. But every time I saw her with Nora or caught her smiling
Sarah's POVThe morning air was still crisp as I watched Adrian and Nora leave. I sighed, leaning back against the counter, trying to gather my thoughts.As soon as the door shut behind them, Tasha cleared her throat, bringing my attention back to the present."I need to get going," she announced, stretching. "Afternoon shift at the hospital calls.""Right, of course," I replied. "Let me grab my things. I’ll drop you off on my way."Tasha raised an eyebrow. "You’re heading out too? Where to?"I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much I wanted to share. "It’s my first day freelancing for that company I told you about. Figured I’d work from a co-working space to get some quiet."Her expression softened with approval. "I’m glad you’re doing this. It’ll be good for you, Sarah."I offered her a small smile before heading upstairs to change into something more presentable. A soft blouse and tailored pants later, I grabbed my laptop bag and keys, and we were out the door.The ride to Tasha’s
Adrian’s POVI woke up early the next morning, determined to make Nora’s day easier so Sarah wouldn’t have to stress more than she already was. I made my way to Nora's room, where she was still sleeping."Hey, sunshine," I gently shook her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw me, her lips stretched into a smile."Good morning, uncle Adrian," she murmured, latching onto me in a hug."Good morning, Nora. Did you sleep well?" I asked, patting her back."Hmmhmm," she hummed, snuggling closer."Why don't you go brush your teeth while I make breakfast?" I suggested, setting her down in front of the bathroom.She nodded eagerly and skipped off. I stood there for a moment, listening to the soft sound of her tiny footsteps on the floor as she made her way to the bathroom. A sense of calm washed over me as I watched her, her innocence and simplicity reminding me of what really mattered. For now, at least, I could still take care of her in the ways she needed.I made my way downstair