ISLA’S POVI sat at my desk, my mind racing with thoughts. How should I deal with this?My heart pounded as I tried to think through my options. Emma had stolen my designs. I knew it. I could feel it in my bones. But proving it? That was the real challenge.I had a few options.I could confront Emma directly—but no, she would never admit to it. She was too cunning for that, too careful. If I went to her without solid proof, she would twist the story and make me look like the villain.I could search her office in secret—but she wasn’t foolish enough to leave evidence in such an obvious place. Besides, if I got caught, it would only make things worse.I could give up on the proposal entirely—but no, that was impossible. This project was my dream. I had worked too hard to let it go to waste.And there was Victor.I could already imagine the disappointment in his eyes if I failed.Letting out a frustrated sigh, I leaned back in my chair. I can’t solve this on my own.Then, I thought of Da
ISLA’S POVDaniel asked me to recall the times when I wasn’t at my computer. He said it would help him find the corresponding surveillance footage more quickly. I thought about it carefully and realized that apart from getting off work, the only time I wasn’t at my desk was during lunch breaks.Hearing this, Daniel immediately got to work, pulling up the security footage for the past three days and checking them carefully, frame by frame.Minutes turned into an hour, and the office outside the security room was growing darker. I was beginning to lose hope when suddenly, Daniel's voice cut through the silence."I think I found something," he said, motioning for me to come closer.I rushed to his side, and my heart pounded as I stared at the screen. The footage showed a figure moving near my desk. My breath hitched when I saw who it was.Karen.I blinked, unable to believe my eyes. How could it be her?On the screen, Karen inserted a USB drive into my computer. She typed something, then
ISLA’S POVVictor’s questioning made me feel both angry and sad. Who did he think he was to question me like this? Did he really believe I had something to do with this mess? I was the one who had been locked up. I was the one who had been wronged. Shouldn’t I be the one demanding answers, not the other way around?I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Getting angry wouldn’t help me right now. I needed to stay focused.Without saying another word, I turned around and walked out of the room. The hallway was already filling up as my colleagues arrived one after another. I could feel their eyes on me, their whispers floating in the air like tiny daggers aimed at my back. No doubt, they had already heard the rumors. Some might even believe them.But I didn’t care about their opinions. I had proof. And I was going to show Victor the truth.I reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and opened the surveillance video that Daniel and I had found th
VICTOR’S POVI wasn’t sure why I called Daniel. It wasn’t as if I had something urgent to discuss with him. Maybe I just didn’t want to see him and Isla together.Ever since this whole situation with her design happened, she had been relying on him, asking for his help, confiding in him. And I hated that.It wasn’t like Daniel had done anything wrong—he was just being himself, the dependable and kind-hearted person he had always been. That was probably why he became a police officer in the first place. But no matter how much I tried to reason with myself, I couldn’t stop this uneasy feeling from growing inside me.Was I jealous?I pushed that thought away as Daniel walked into my office."Why were you with Isla last night?" I asked, trying to sound casual, as if it didn’t bother me.Daniel raised an eyebrow. "She asked for my help. Her file was deleted, and she suspected someone had done it on purpose. We checked the surveillance footage together."His explanation was straightforward,
ISLA'S POVI never imagined myself rejecting my boss. Maybe it was because of embarrassment or fear—perhaps both. The gap between us felt too vast, like an invisible wall separating our worlds. He was powerful, confident, and surrounded by people who thrived in his world of influence. I, on the other hand, was just an ordinary employee trying to survive in a corporate jungle.A part of me wondered if I had made the right decision. Did I reject him because I truly didn’t feel anything for him, or was I simply afraid of the consequences? His world was filled with scrutiny, expectations, and people who would judge me harshly. I wasn’t sure if I could handle that pressure.But the thought of accepting him scared me even more. What if I disappointed him? What if I wasn’t enough? I wasn’t sure if I was rejecting him for the right reasons or if I was just running away from something I didn’t understand.I shook my head, trying to push these thoughts aside. I needed to focus on work. I needed
ISLA'S POVThe sun had started to set by the time I left the hospital, casting a warm orange glow over the city. As I walked towards my apartment, my mind drifted to Daniel. He had been such a huge help to me when my designs were sabotaged, and I still owed him dinner as a thank-you.I smiled to myself and pulled out my phone. It had been a while since I spent time with someone who didn’t make my life feel like a battlefield. Daniel was different—easygoing, funny, and always making people around him feel comfortable.I scrolled through my contacts, found his number, and pressed call.He picked up after a few rings. "Well, well, if it isn’t Isla Morgan. To what do I owe this honor?"I laughed at his playful tone. "I owe you dinner, remember? You helped me out when my files were corrupted, and I never properly thanked you.""Ah, so you finally remembered my heroic efforts," he teased. "I was beginning to think you were just using me for my investigative skills."I rolled my eyes. "Danie
Isla’s POVDaniel pulled up in front of my apartment building, shifting the car into the park as I reached for the door handle. The evening had gone by too fast, filled with lighthearted conversation and laughter that made me forget, if only for a moment, the weight I carried on my shoulders."Thanks for tonight," I said, turning to face him. "I had a really great time."Daniel smiled, his usual easy-going expression softening. "Me too. I’m glad we finally had that dinner."I nodded, feeling the warmth spread through me. He had been nothing but kind and supportive, and spending time with him always made me feel comfortable. It was rare to find that kind of ease with someone, and I appreciated it more than I could put into words.As I stepped out of the car, Daniel suddenly spoke again."By the way, next Saturday is my birthday."I turned back, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?""Yeah," he said, leaning casually against the car door. "I’m throwing a party, and I’d really like you to come."I he
VICTOR’S POVSeeing Isla working hard every day gave me mixed feelings. I admired her dedication, her drive to prove herself, and the way she handled challenges with determination. But at the same time, a part of me felt uneasy.I wasn’t sure if it was because I was proud of her for becoming stronger or because I was afraid that, in her pursuit of success, she would forget about me.I tried not to dwell on it too much. After all, seeing her grow, watching her push forward no matter what, was inspiring. She had potential—undeniable, limitless potential—and no matter where she ended up, she would shine.That thought brought me some peace.A week passed quickly, and soon, Daniel's birthday arrived. It was a day I never forgot because, for as long as I could remember, we had always celebrated it together.I drove to his house, a familiar place filled with warmth and memories. The moment I parked, the door opened, and Daniel’s mother, Margaret, stepped out with a welcoming smile."Victor,
NATHAN’S POVI wasn’t planning to see Sienna that day.She’d called earlier in the morning asking if I still had the spare keys to my old apartment. Apparently, a few of her belongings were still tucked away in the hallway closet—left behind from the chapter of our lives I preferred to leave unread. I told her I’d be at the restaurant all day and she could swing by to pick the key up there.The Yard was already buzzing with energy when she arrived, her signature scent trailing in ahead of her. She had always been composed—polished like fine silver—but today there was something lighter in her steps. Maybe it was the sun or the scent of rosemary in the air, but even I couldn’t deny how easily she still blended into places like this.“Still my favorite spot,” she smiled as she slid into a booth near the corner.I nodded, handing her the key across the counter. “Figured you’d show up before lunch. Still remember your usual?”Sienna glanced at the chalkboard menu and laughed softly. “You h
ISLA'S POV The lights inside the gallery shimmered like stars caught in motion, casting warmth over sleek canvases, glass sculptures, and colorfully dressed guests weaving in and out of conversations. The event was going smoothly—Tasha’s idea to merge creative exhibitions with culinary excellence had turned out to be brilliant. Nathan’s corner had drawn a crowd, as expected. People weren’t just eating—they were savoring. Even the art enthusiasts lingered around his table longer than necessary, sampling delicate bites and engaging him in cheerful banter. Isla watched him, a soft smile playing at her lips. He moved with grace and humility, laughing modestly when someone complimented his smoked truffle crostini or lavender lemon tart. “This is a hit,” Tasha whispered beside her, sipping a glass of Prosecco. “You were right about him. Everyone’s raving.” “I’m glad,” Isla replied. “He deserves this. He’s been hiding too long.” “Is he always this humble?” Tasha asked, raising an eyebro
ISLA'S POV The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow across my apartment. I sat at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in hand, my thoughts swirling like the steam rising from the mug. The events of the past few days played in my mind—Nathan's unexpected kiss, the lingering tension between us, and the invitation from Tasha. It all felt like a whirlwind, and I was caught in the middle, unsure of where I stood.I glanced at my phone, noting the time. I had a meeting with Tasha later today to discuss the upcoming event at her gallery. She had mentioned it briefly when we met, but now it seemed more significant. The idea of merging corporate events with creative showcases was intriguing, and I couldn't help but wonder how Nathan would fit into this world.As I sipped my coffee, I thought about Nathan. He had been distant lately, his usual warmth replaced with an air of mystery. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something, something important. But wha
ISLA’S POVThe memory of seeing Sienna in Nathan’s apartment still burned at the edges of my thoughts. I wasn’t angry—at least, not in the way I had expected. But I was confused. It felt like pieces of a puzzle I didn’t know I was solving were being scattered again. Nathan had explained it all: she needed help, it was temporary, she was moving out soon. But that didn’t make it easier. Knowing Sienna had been in his space, the same space I’d come to feel safe in, twisted something in my chest.Still, I pushed through my day at the office, handling back-to-back meetings and trying to focus on my work. Judith must have sensed something off because she nudged my arm during a break and whispered, “You sure you’re okay? You’re staring at your coffee like it said something offensive.”I laughed softly. “I’m fine. Just tired.”“You sure it’s not ‘Nathan’s-ex-roommate-is-hot-and-still-kinda-there’ tired?” Judith grinned, clearly trying to lift my mood.I gave her a look. “Not funny.”“Okay, ok
ISLA'S POV I should’ve known the calm wouldn’t last long. Something about the way Nathan held my hand as we walked out of the restaurant made my heart race, but that peace was fleeting. The night had gone perfectly—until now.It just a night, and I hadn’t stopped smiling since that dinner. Nathan had kissed me gently after driving me home, and it wasn’t just a kiss—it was a promise. But promises have a way of being tested.I had no idea that stepping into Nathan's apartment would shake me up the way it did. After the incredible dinner we shared last night, I had a strange urge to surprise him—just a casual drop-in to bring him break fast, maybe a slice of my favorite pie from that little corner bakery I knew he liked too. Something light. Something romantic. I guess I just wanted to see his smile again.Not in that awkward “Hi, I’m meeting you for the first time” kind of way. No. We had met before.She was the woman Nathan hugged warmly. I’d known there was a history between them. Na
ISLA’S POVNathan and I were already seated at the restaurant. The food had just arrived, and we had started eating. I couldn’t help but smile at how peaceful and natural it felt. We talked about our favorite meals, and Nathan kept making me laugh with silly food jokes. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed this – laughing freely, feeling seen, and just… happy.Nathan looked up at me with a boyish grin. “This is nice, right?”I nodded, my heart fluttering a little. “Yeah. It is.”We continued eating, sharing bites from each other’s plates and laughing over how I liked my pasta creamier while he preferred his spicy. We had barely made it halfway through our meal when something shifted.A voice. A familiar one.My fork paused mid-air.I knew that voice.“Isla?”I turned my head slowly, my stomach tightening as my eyes met his. Victor.He stood just a few steps away from our table, dressed in a crisp dark suit, looking just as surprised as I was.“Victor?” I said, stunned. “Wow… it’s been
NATHAN'S POVAfter I complimented Isla’s dress and told her how beautiful she looked, her smile lit up like the night sky. I offered her my arm, and she gently held onto it as we headed to the car. I walked to the passenger side, opened the door like a gentleman, and she stepped in with a playful smile.“Thank you, sir,” she teased.“Only the best treatment for the prettiest girl in the city,” I replied, grinning as I closed the door behind her and moved to the driver’s seat.It wasn’t a long drive, but I took my time. I wanted the night to go slow, to take it all in—her presence, her smile, and the chance to show her how I truly felt. I had been planning this night for days. I’d checked everything twice, from the wine list to the table view. I wanted it to be perfect, something she would remember.When we got to the restaurant, it was glowing with soft golden lights. Everything looked perfect from the outside. I parked the car and quickly walked around to open Isla’s door again. She
NATHAN'S POVAfter my long and heartfelt conversation with Sienna, I realized something. Life was unpredictable, and sometimes we needed to take bold steps to go after what we truly wanted. That night, while lying awake and staring at my ceiling, all I could think about was Isla. Her laugh, the way she looked at me with both curiosity and warmth, and the way she made everything around me feel lighter. I had made up my mind.The next day, after making sure everything was in order at the restaurant, I pulled out my phone and called her. It was early afternoon, the sun pouring in through the windows of my office."Hello?" Isla answered, her voice soft and familiar."Hey, I have a surprise for you," I said with a smile.There was a pause, followed by her excited voice, "Really? A surprise? This sounds interesting. Does this mean you've finally decided what you actually want?"I could almost hear her smiling through the phone."I've always been clear about what I want," I said, my voice a
NATHAN'S POV Sienna and I had been spending a lot of time together lately, more than I expected when she first walked into my restaurant after five years of silence. It was as though time had folded in on itself, bringing us back to those days when we were inseparable. But it wasn’t the same. Something had shifted in both of us. We laughed a lot. About the old days. The way I used to try and impress her with overcooked pasta and how she pretended it was the best thing she’d ever eaten. She reminded me of the time I attempted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, only to spill orange juice all over her military documents. I hadn’t heard her laugh like that since she got back, and it made something in my chest loosen. One evening, after closing the restaurant, we sat on the back patio sharing a late dinner. "Have you found a place yet?" I asked casually, sipping my wine. She hesitated before answering. "No. I’m still looking. Been staying at a hotel for now. The place I liked fell