Lily’s Point of View“Si,” I muttered under my breath, and as his lips separated from mine, a sweet sensation lingered, awakening memories of the night we made love. His lips pressed against mine again, his arms encircling my waist while I clasped my hands around his neck, my eyes closed. I felt a deep, aching desire, a hunger I hadn't felt since he vanished. His kisses were like fire, destabilizing me and stirring a longing I couldn’t ignore. Kissing at the poolside in broad daylight was risky, but neither of us cared. We missed being together, lost in each other’s presence.My knees became weak, and I felt dizzy. I struggled to cling to my anger, but it couldn’t protect me from him. I longed for the love we once had.“I want to make love to you,” he murmured between our kisses.“I want that too,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. But then my eyes widened in shock. What did I just say? I tried to pull myself together, withdrawing my hands and stepping back. Simon’s intense gaze se
Simon’s Point of ViewGeoffrey stood there, observing me with concern and frustration. “Fighting with your brother and stepmother, I see,” he said, looking disappointed. “Simon, you can't wage war against your entire family.”I crossed my arms, my voice cold. “They’ve left me no choice. You made Thomas CEO over me.”“You left,” he countered, sharply. “You turned your back on your family, on me, for eight years without so much as a word.”“I had good reasons to leave,” I shot back.He sighed, his tone softening. “I know.”His admission caught me off guard. I stared at him, searching his face for signs of what he truly meant. “I had to go, Dad. I didn’t feel safe anymore.”“I understand,” he admitted, to my surprise. “We are far from the perfect family, but we do not harm our own.”I clenched my fists, bitterness rising in my throat. “I’m not so sure of that.”He looked really down. “Your brother didn’t cause your accident, Simon.”“Then who did?” I demanded. “Because the brakes on my c
Geoffrey’s Point of View I desperately peered at him, waiting for his response. He wouldn’t refuse my offer—I thought confidently, clinging to the hope that he still had a sense of duty to this family. My intention had always been for Simon to run the dynasty from the day he was born. I remembered holding him in my arms—my son, my heir. But putting him against Thomas was the only way I thought I could control him, keep him tethered to me and the company. He changed everything when he left for those eight years. Headstrong and determined never to return, he abandoned us. Whatever had made him turn his back on the family, I still didn’t fully understand. His rebellion shook my plans to their core. I had no choice but to turn to Thomas, though I knew deep down he wasn’t the right leader for the company. He had my ruthlessness, but not the vision, not the balance that Simon could have brought. But I couldn’t let Weston Global fall, and so Thomas stepped in to fill the void his brothe
Simon’s Point of View I stood by one of the windows in my room, lost in thought, staring into the void. The conversation with Dad had reopened old wounds that had never fully healed. I could still picture Simone’s smile when she used to bathe me or feed me, her gentle hand patting my hair and her soft kiss on my cheek, telling me she loved me. The memories were both a comfort and a torment, but I needed them to fuel my determination to uncover the truth and seek my revenge. First, I would find the proof of who killed my mother. Then, I would make them pay. I exhaled deeply, feeling a surge of resolve. This was my purpose, the driving force that had kept me going all these years before I met Lily, the only woman who had ever loved me after my mother. She reminded me so much of Simone. With her, I felt a sense of home. “How are you doing?” Lily said from behind me. I was so lost in thought, I didn't realize she had entered. “Not so good,” I replied, turning to face her, a faint smil
Lily’s Point of View His gaze was hot on mine. I knew I had to be careful with my response. Despite the way he hurt me, I couldn't stand to see him hurt. Where is the ring Simon gave me? I asked myself. After everything, I was determined never to look at the ring again, the symbol of his deceit and my own gullibility. I didn’t throw it out; it looked expensive. I tucked the small black box somewhere among my old belongings, where I wouldn't remember it or my broken heart. It had been three years since I last saw it, but it had to be around somewhere. “Lily, do you still have it?” Simon asked, his gaze searching mine. “Of course I do,” I answered, even though I wasn’t sure where it was. “Thank God,” he said, his eyes filling with relief. “I thought you might’ve pawned it or lost it after what I did.” He smiled, gently stroking my cheek. “It means a lot to me that you kept it, Lily.” “Don’t read too much into it. I’m giving it back,” I said, trying to sound unaffected. “I d
Lily’s Point of View His eyes were intense, locked onto mine. I felt his stare as if it was burning right through me. I knew I had to be careful with what I said next. Even after all the hurt, I couldn’t stand seeing him in pain. Where’s the ring Simon gave me? I asked myself. After everything, I swore I’d never look at that ring again—the symbol of his betrayal and my own gullibility. I didn’t throw it out, though. It looked expensive, and something in me couldn’t just get rid of it. I’d hidden the small black box somewhere among my old things, hoping to forget about both it and him. It had been three years since I’d last seen it, but I knew it had to be here somewhere. “Lily, do you still have it?” Simon’s voice was soft, his gaze searching my face. “Of course I do,” I said, even though I had no idea where it was. He sighed, visibly relieved. “I thought maybe you’d pawned it or gotten rid of it after what I did.” He smiled then, his hand gently brushing against my cheek. “It me
Lily’s Point of ViewWhen I arrived at my parents' house, I was relieved to find Mom wasn’t home. Thank God. I never told her or Dad about Simon’s proposal after he left. The ring had been hidden from them as well. So there was no way I could call her up and ask, ‘Hey Mom, have you seen my engagement ring to Simon?’ I shuddered at the thought as I entered my room, praying she hadn’t stumbled upon it. How would I even begin to explain?I resumed my search, rifling through the drawers and under piles of old clothes. Finally, I found it. Yes! I sat down on the bed, clutching the small black box like I’d just dug up a treasure. My pulse quickened as I opened it for the first time in three years.The ring was just as beautiful as the day Simon had slipped it onto my finger. My heart ached with memories of our time together. I hesitated, then slid Thomas’s ring off and placed Simon’s back on. For a fleeting moment, I let myself imagine what could have been if Simon had never left. I probabl
Jessica’s Point of View I stood just outside the kitchen, my hand on the doorframe, frozen as I overheard Simon’s voice:“I really want to help you, Lily. You don't have to marry Thomas. Not If you don't want to.”I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. How could Simon discourage Lily from marrying Tom, even with the wedding plans in motion? The very thought sent a rush of anger coursing through my veins. As I peered around the corner, I caught sight of them—Lily, gazing up at Simon, their chemistry, so evident, it was undeniable. I watched Lily lean in, clearly tempted to kiss him.How long has this been going on right under my nose? Why didn't I track that it’d get this far when I saw them in the garden from my balcony? They want to make a fool of me and Tom, but I wouldn’t allow it. Not after everything I have done to ensure Tom’s success, to protect him from his brother. No, Lily wasn’t going to ruin everything. Not now.I stepped into the kitchen. “Jessica,” Lily muttered, shock