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 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
Adrian’s POVFriday dawned grey and golden, with streaks of early light filtering through the blinds. I was already awake, staring at the ceiling and listening to the soft rhythm of Sarah’s breathing beside me. The day had come—the handover, the press, the board, the gala.My phone buzzed on the nightstand. 6:14 AM. Julian.Julian: You ready to be the face of Blackwood Enterprises?I smirked at the text and responded:Me: I was born ready. Or at least, I fake it well enough.Sarah stirred and rolled toward me, eyes still heavy with sleep. “It’s today, isn’t it?”“Yeah,” I whispered, brushing her hair back. “The big day.”She reached for my hand beneath the covers, her fingers curling around mine. “You’ve earned this.”“I know,” I said quietly. “But it still feels like walking into a storm, just this time, I’m the one holding the lightning.”That earned a sleepy smile. “And a really good suit.”I kissed her forehead. “Go back to sleep. I’ll try not to wake the whole house.”*By 8:00 A
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