ISLA’S POV The soft melody of the music played in the background, filling the air with a romantic ambiance. The dance floor was filled with couples swaying effortlessly to the rhythm, lost in their own little worlds. I, however, was completely out of my comfort zone. When Damian extended his hand toward me, asking me to dance, my heart skipped a beat. A nervous chuckle escaped my lips as I hesitated. "I should warn you… I’m a terrible dancer," I admitted, biting my lip. Damian tilted his head slightly, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Isla, dancing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling the moment. Just follow my lead." I hesitated again, but something about the way he looked at me—confident yet gentle—made me take a deep breath and place my hand in his. "Alright," I whispered. He grinned. "That’s the spirit." As soon as he pulled me closer, his touch sent a strange warmth through me. His hand rested lightly on my waist while our fingers intertwined. The moment
ISLA'S POV I fell asleep with a smile on my face, reliving every beautiful moment from the wedding. The laughter, the dance, and the unexpected connection with Damian made it a night I wished would never end. It had been a while since I felt that free, that happy. The way he made me laugh, the way he looked at me—it was different, refreshing. But now, the wedding was over, and reality was setting in again. Morning came too soon, and I groaned as I stretched my arms, unwilling to leave my warm bed. But unlike other mornings when I would drag myself to work, today was different. I felt light, energized, and in high spirits. Maybe it was the lingering excitement from the wedding, or maybe it was something else—someone else. Either way, I was ready to take on the day. After a warm shower, I slipped into a fitted white blouse and navy-blue pencil skirt, completing the look with my favorite nude heels. I let my hair fall in soft waves over my shoulders and applied a touch of makeup, just
VICTOR’S POVA text from Emma lit up my phone that afternoon, asking me to meet her at the café. I frowned at the screen, wondering what this was about. What more shocking news could she possibly have for me now? It had barely been two weeks since she dropped the bombshell of her pregnancy, and I was still struggling to process it.Was she about to say something even more life-changing?The thought unsettled me, but I pushed it aside. After wrapping up work for the day, I made my way to the café. As I stepped inside, I spotted Emma sitting at a corner table, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her cup. She looked up the moment I approached, her face unreadable.I pulled out the chair across from her and sat down. “What’s this about?”Emma hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, placing a hand on her stomach. “Victor, I’ve had a lot of time to think about this pregnancy,” she started. Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. “And I don’t think I’m going to ke
VICTOR'S POVI had no intention of going to the office today. My plan was simple—visit my grandfather in prison. It had been a while since I last saw him, and there were questions I needed answers to. However, just as I was about to leave, my secretary called, informing me that someone from Titan Holdings had scheduled a last-minute appointment.The moment I heard that name, my interest was piqued. Titan Holdings was a mysterious entity, a company that had remained in the shadows for years, silently expanding its influence. No one knew much about the people behind it, only that they were powerful and ruthless in business.Curiosity got the best of me. I told my secretary to confirm the meeting.When I arrived at the office, I tried to focus on some paperwork, but my mind kept drifting. What did Titan Holdings want with me? And why now?A sharp knock on my door snapped me back to reality."Sir, your guests are here," my secretary announced."Send them in."The door opened, and two men
ISLA’S POVI was running late to the office this morning, but for a good reason. My mother had finally been discharged from the hospital, and she was now living with me. She was doing great—getting stronger each day—but I still wanted to make sure she was comfortable before I left for work.I prepared breakfast, set everything she might need within reach, and even made sure the TV remote was right beside her so she wouldn’t have to search for it. She teased me about acting like a full-time nurse, but I knew she appreciated it.By the time I finally got out the door, I was already behind schedule. I hurried into the company building, mentally preparing for whatever awaited me today.That was when I saw him.Damian.He was walking out of the building alongside another man, who was dressed sharply in a suit. At first, I thought I was imagining things, but then our eyes met.For a brief moment, surprise flickered across his face—mirroring my own. But then his lips curved into a familiar,
VICTOR’S POVI sat in my office, gripping the edge of my desk. My mind wasn’t on the paperwork in front of me—it was on the conversation I’d just had with Damian Lannister.Titan Holdings had made their intentions clear. They weren’t just trying to buy my company—they were trying to silence me. “Speaking of your grandfather’s legacy, the only way your company will remain standing is if you stop digging into how he ended up in prison. Let the case sleep, and we will leave you, your company, and your loved ones alone.”The moment those words left Damian’s mouth, I knew this wasn’t just business. This was a warning.A threat.And I didn’t take threats lightly.Instead of heading home, I drove straight back to my office. The streets of New York were alive as usual, but I barely noticed. My mind was racing, piecing things together.Inside the office, most of the staff had left for the day. The silence was almost suffocating, but I welcomed it. I needed space to think.I sat at my desk, fl
ISLA’S POVThe night was calm, the kind of peaceful silence that felt rare these days. I sat on the couch, curled up with a blanket, watching a romantic comedy with my mom. She had been getting better every day, and seeing her smile again made all the stress worth it. She turned to me suddenly, her eyes soft but filled with emotions."Isla, I don’t say this enough, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for me since your father passed."I smiled, squeezing her hand. "Mom, you don’t have to—""No, let me finish," she said gently. "Losing your father was the hardest thing for both of us, but you stepped up in ways I never expected. You took care of me when I was sick, worked hard to keep things running, and never once complained. I know I haven’t made it easy for you, but you stayed. And I just want you to know how proud I am of you."A lump formed in my throat. I tried to brush it off with a small laugh. "Well, you’re stuck with me, so you don’t really have a choice."She chuckled, wi
VICTOR'S POVEver since Damian walked into my office and threatened me, I had been extra careful. I could sense the danger in the air, lingering like a shadow. Strange vehicles had been tailing me. Sometimes it was a black SUV parked across the street from my company, other times, headlights followed me for too long before disappearing. I told Daniel about it, and he took my concerns seriously. He assigned two undercover cops to follow me discreetly, ensuring my safety. I considered hiring private security, but I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention. I had to play smart.That evening, I was driving back from a meeting with a high-profile investor at one of the city’s luxury hotels. The meeting had gone well, but my mind was elsewhere. Damian’s threats had been echoing in my head, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. As I drove through the quiet road leading back to my penthouse, I noticed a black SUV in my rearview mirror. It had been behind me for
SIENNA’S POVI should have known Victor had something else up his sleeve.We had barely gotten through planning our fake dating act when he called me late that night, his voice low but urgent.“There’s a gala tomorrow night,” he said. “Nathan’s going to be there.”I stiffened where I sat, curling my fingers around the throw blanket.Nathan.It was always Nathan.Always the name that made my chest hurt and my heart speed up.“I’m not invited,” I said before I could stop myself.I heard the words come out, too sharp, too defensive.Victor chuckled, soft and patient.“You are now.”I frowned. “Vic—”“Sienna,” he cut me off gently, “I was invited. And now I’m inviting you.”I hesitated, the words twisting inside me.Nathan had mentioned the gala once.Casually.Almost like it didn’t matter.And he hadn’t invited me.What was I supposed to think?Victor must have heard the hesitation in my silence.“He’s an idiot if he thinks you don’t belong there,” he said quietly. “Come with me. Let’s s
VICTOR'S POVIt was strange how easy it became to talk to Sienna after that night at Nathan’s restaurant.What started with a simple exchange of numbers turned into casual chats every other day.Nothing serious at first — just random conversations about life, work, memories from our different paths.But tonight, something shifted.We found ourselves sitting outside a small coffee shop, two cups of coffee warming our hands while the cool evening breeze brushed past us.Sienna was watching the busy street, a faint smile on her lips, looking like she was somewhere else entirely.I took a sip of my coffee, then said, “You know, I noticed something the other day.”She turned to me, one brow raised, curious. “Oh yeah? What's that?”“The way you look at Nathan,” I said, keeping my voice casual but steady. “It’s... different.”For a second, she froze — just a small flicker across her face before she hid it with a laugh.But I caught it.I saw through the smile she tried to wear like armor.“Y
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