ERIC'S POVI walk through the door into the living room as my mind still replays the scene from earlier today. And there she is—Julia. She's filming a video, as usual, capturing her perfect angles for her followers with a dazzling smile plastered across her face.Does she not care about anything else? All she wants to do is make videos and post them. Oh. And shopping, of course. But that’s not the problem right now. No, the problem is Mia.It’s been days since I saw her—since she walked back into my life with that new, confident aura surrounding her. It’s like a punch in the gut every time I think about it. Mia’s changed. And she’s all I can think about.“Hey, you’re back,” Julia says. Her voice is laced with the false sweetness she always uses when she wants something from me. She stands up with a bright smile. The smile is too bright. I don’t respond at first. My eyes drif away from her as I try to settle my racing thoughts. “Yes, I’m back,” I reply flatly. She steps closer “D
MIA'S POVI sit poised and composed. I smile as I watch the models walk down the makeshift runway. Each step they take showcases my designs—exquisite dresses from my store, tailored perfectly to their figures. The dresses aren’t just fabric to me; they represent beauty and elegance, just like the women who wear them.I can’t help but smile wider as I admire the way the dresses cling to their bodies. Their heels click sharply against the floor The models move with such grace that, for a moment, I feel like I’m in the middle of a dream. Everything is falling into place."Let her try on those dresses we received yesterday," I instruct one of my staff members. My eyes are fixed on one particular model who moves gracefully. There’s something about her—her poise, her confidence—that draws me in, and I know she’ll be perfect for my collection.“No, I need that dress styled differently. Not like that,” I say as I stand and make my way toward the model. The hours I’ve spent perfecting every
MIA'S POVThe moment I hear Eric’s voice, a cold shiver slithers down my spine. It’s as if the air itself knows to hold its breath, waiting for my response. I turn toward him. This man, the one who’s caused me so much heartache. And yet, seeing him standing there, it’s like my body forgets everything I’ve fought to bury.Just one glance, and I can see the memories again. Why is he here? Why can’t he leave me the hell alone?My heart races, and I feel so many emotions inside me. Anger. Resentment. Hatred. I take a deep breath, trying to swallow it all. I want him gone—out of my sight, out of my life. Is that too much to ask?James eyes him suspiciously.“What do you want?” James asks him. Eric meets his gaze for a moment before turning his attention to me. He looks at me with a softened expression and It sickens me.“Can I please have a word with her?” Eric’s request is so casual, so demanding, like he believes he’s entitled to my time.I can’t help but scoff. James looks between u
JAMES', POVI watch Mia closely. My eyes trace the subtle movements of her lips as she smiles. The light in her eyes never fades as she watches the models strut down the runway. There’s something in the way she observes them. It’s like she sees something the rest of us don’t.I excuse myself from the group I’d been chatting with. I push through the crowd, each step taking me closer to her. When I finally reach her side, a smile breaks across my face, almost involuntarily. I can feel the subtle shift in her energy as she feels me approach. Her back straightens just a little. “Hey,” I say softly “Are you okay?”She glances at me briefly, then takes a sip from her glass“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”I study her. I can tell there's more she’s not saying, but I don’t want to push. Yet, something in me can’t help but wonder—what the hell just happened? Why did that guy mess with her like that?I take a seat beside her. My eyes never leave her face as I try to read her, like I’ve alw
THIRD PERSON'S POVAs James pulls up to the entrance of Mia’s mansion, he can’t help but stare. He was taken aback by its beauty. The house is even more sophisticated than he expects. "Is this your place?" he asks Mia.Mia nods "Yes" James’s eyes widen, impressed. “Wow, it's stunning. You have an eye for good things—just like with the dresses at the event. The crowd can’t stop talking about them. They’re all so striking. I have to say, you’ve got brilliance written all over you.” His words are meant to be a compliment, but there's something more sincere, something deeper inside them.Mia’s smile widens and her eyes are filled with pride. She hadn’t expected such genuine admiration, and it warms her. “Thanks, James. Now that you mention it, I’m quite proud of it. It makes me stand out, after all.” The moment lingers as they stare at each other. James can’t tear his eyes away from her, but he quickly snaps himself out of it and makes a quick move to open the car door for her. He wal
THIRD PERSONS POVMia stands before the mirror for the third time that morning, looking at her reflection. She wants to make sure she looks perfect. She's dressed in a white blouse, paired with blue pants and heels. Her style has always been top notch. But today, as she looks at herself, she feels some sort of way. She sighs and steps away from the mirror, moving toward Wendy’s room. She peeks inside Wendy’s room. Her heart softens as she sees her daughter curled up under the fluffy blankets, still sleeping.. Quietly, she steps inside, closing the door behind her softlyMia leans down, brushing a stray lock of hair from Wendy’s forehead. She plants a soft kiss there. Just as she pulls back, she hears a faint whine, followed by Wendy’s small voice.“Mommy.”Mia’s heart squeezes in her chest at the sound, and she can’t help but smile down at her daughter, who’s now blinking up at her with sleepy eyes. Wendy’s small hand grips Mia’s sleeve, holding her in place as if trying to pull he
MIA'S POVI can’t believe it. I’m standing here, staring at Eli, someone I haven’t seen in years. His presence feels surreal, as if I’m caught in some kind of dream. But he’s real, right in front of me. I've missed him so much. “Get in,” I tell him, gesturing toward my car.He hesitates for just a moment before nodding and climbing in. I slide in next to him. As soon as the door closes, the driver pulls away, and I see Eli checking out the interior. "This is your car?" he asks. "Yes. Nice, right?" "It's amazing. You've done really well for yourself, Mia" "Thanks. That means a lot, Eli" I turn to the driver "Please, take us to the nearest restaurant" "Yes ma'am" he replies. I turn my attention back to Eli with a smile. It’s been years. Years since I last saw him, and now, I’m willing to cancel my entire morning just to talk to him.By the time we reach the restaurant, I’ve made up my mind. Once we’re seated, I pull out my phone and dial Lily, my PA. Eli sits across from me with
MIA'S POVI walk into the house later that evening. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Spending the day with Eli after so many years felt surreal. We laughed until our stomachs ached, reminiscing about college pranks, secret crushes, and late-night adventures. Seeing him again reminded me of a version of myself I hadn’t connected with in years. A lighter, freer me.I open the door and step inside. It feels good to be home.As I move through the hallway, I glance at the doors leading to the various rooms. My hand grazes the wall. Then, as I pass Alexander’s room, I stop dead in my tracks.A tall, stunning woman steps out. Herdark hair cascades in waves down her back. She’s wearing a fitted dress that barely qualifies as clothing, and her bright red heels click against the floor. Alexander is right behind her with his hand resting lightly on her lower back as he walks her to the door.I freeze, my breath hitching in my throat."Thanks for stopping by," Alexander says. She turns to hi
ALEXANDER’S POVI pace the length of my study and I can’t help the uneasy feeling inside my chest. The reports from the guards replay in my mind. They had found fresh footprints near the garden, leading up to Mia’s balcony. Surveillance cameras showing nothing. Nothing! How is that even possible?I’ve doubled the security around the property, but it’s not enough. It’s never enough. The thought of Julia or someone worse targeting Mia makes me worried. I can’t let anything happen to her or Wendy. They’re the most important people to me.“Sir,” a voice makes me look up. It’s my secretary. She walks in and holds out a manila folder “The latest report on Eric’s activities.”I snatch the folder and flip it open, scanning the contents. My stomach turns as I read the details. Eric’s been meeting with a private broker—one known for dealing in illegal surveillance equipment. My jaw tightens. This isn’t just petty meddling anymore. Eric has crossed a line. He’s a direct threat.Could he behind a
MIA’S POVThe office is silent except for the ticking of the clock. It’s late—later than I’d intended to stay, but throwing myself into work has become second nature. Numbers blur together on my screen, but I keep going.James’ face comes up in my memory like a ghost. He’s just away on a work trip, I remind myself for the hundredth time. That’s all it is. Yet, the ache in my chest refuses to fade. There’s a nagging feeling. I feel doubtful about it but I push it away.And then there’s Alexander. My chest tightens at the thought of him. Alexander, with his charm and those eyes that see right through me. He makes my heart race, but he’s made it clear what he wants: no strings, no promises, just… sex. I know I love him. But loving Alexander is like reaching for smoke. It hurts, and yet I can’t seem to stop.A sharp knock on the door startles me, pulling me from my thoughts. Gina peeks her head in, holding a small package.“This just arrived for you,” she says, walking in and placing it o
JULIA’S POVI sit at my desk, tapping a pen against the wood as I scroll through my phone for the hundredth time. Eric’s messages are dry. It seems like he doesn’t want to talk to me and he finds every excuse not to come home almost every night. I’ve tried to make plans, to reach out, but it’s like he’s avoiding me. He’s slipping away, and I can’t help but suspect the reason: Mia.The thought makes my jaw tighten. Ever since that damn auction, Eric’s been different. I remember the way he looked at Mia that night, like she was some rare piece of art he couldn’t take his eyes off. It’s nauseating. I’ve done everything—played every card but somehow, she’s still a threat.I grab my phone and try James again. It goes straight to voicemail, just like every other time. The last conversation we had replays in my mind. I had used the family angle, trying to sway him to betray Mia and make plans but he’d stood firm. James had refused to turn against Mia, claiming he wouldn’t betray her no matte
MIA’S POVI find myself in a dark place. It’s so dark that I can’t tell where I am. All I know is that the darkness stretches out for what feels like an eternity. It’s all I can see and feel.I look forward and that’s when my eyes land on him – James.I see him here in front of me. His mouth is tied so only muffled sounds come out from his lips. Blood pours out from his wounds, pooling beneath him. His eyes plead with me for help. I scream his name, trying to reach him, but I’m rooted to the spot, helpless. I can’t move, no matter how much I try to. The scene gets even more terrifying as his body goes limp. Instantly, the light fades from his eyes.I wake up with a loud scream and my body trembling. My whole body is drenched in sweat. My chest heaves up and down heavily. My heart is pounding as if it’s trying to escape my ribs. Before I can process anything, the door bursts open, and Alexander comes in with a gun in his hand.“Mia! What happened? Are you okay?” he demands, scanning th
ALEXANDER’S POVThe office feels suffocating. There’s a literal mountain of files on my desk. I lean back in my chair, massaging my temples, when Lily, my secretary, walks in. She’s wearing a blouse that’s unbuttoned just enough to make her intentions obvious, and as she bends down to place a file on my desk, her cleavage is practically on display.I roll my eyes. This isn’t the first time she’s pulled something like this.“Is there anything else you need, Mr. Alex?” she asks.“No” I say.She drops a file on the floor ‘accidentally’. She bends so that her ass faces me. Her skirt is lifted up and I can see her panties. At this point, I’m not even angry, I’m just irritated.She gets up and clears her throat “You’re sure there’s nothing you need, sir?”Without even looking up, I reply “No. And you’re fired.”There’s a stunned silence before she stammers, “W-what?”I finally meet her wide-eyed gaze “You heard me. Get out.”She hesitates for a moment. Her mouth opens and closes as if searc
ALEXANDER’S POVThe moment I see her smile, it feels like the world stands still. Mia looks radiant and it’s not just because of the soft golden light in the gallery. She’s holding the painting close. Her cheeks are flushed with excitement as she turns to me.“You bought it!” she exclaims.I nod. I can’t stop the smile that’s on my lips. “Of course, I did. It’s beautiful. Just like you.”She laughs. Before I know it, she’s wrapping her arms around me, again then she leans up to place a kiss on my cheek.“Thank you, Alexander,” she says “This means so much to me.”I shrug, playing it cool, but inside, it feels like I’m floating. “If it makes you happy, it’s worth it”It really is. I’d buy you a hundred more if it meant seeing that smile again.She pulls away and excuses herself, saying something about needing to use the bathroom.As she disappears down the hallway, I make my way to the bar. I need something to calm the emotions inside me. This wasn’t part of the plan. I’d convinced mys
MIA'S POVThe room is filled with excitement as the auctioneer taps the gavel, signaling the start of the auction. I clasp Alexander’s hand tightly. I'm so excited that I practically hop. He leans in close, whispering in my ear. “Relax, Mia,” he says with a chuckle. “It’s just an auction.”I smile at him "I can't help it" Across the room, I can feel Julia’s eyes on me. She glares at me so hard that I can feel it without even looking at her. I don’t have to look to know she’s watching.But, of course, I do look. I meet her gaze head-on, and for a moment, we’re locked. None of us is willing to back down. She arches her brow and if she has something to prove, she turns her attention to Eric.Eric.She wraps herself over him. Her arm slides possessively around his shoulders. Then, just to drive the point home, she presses her lips to his in a kiss.I laugh softly but Alexander hesrs it. “What’s so funny?” he asks. “Nothing,” I reply, but my gaze goes back to Eric. He’s stiff as a boa
MIA’S POVThe night of the auction arrives, and I stand before the mirror as my glam team puts the finishing touches on my look. The velvet red dress they’ve chosen clings to my body like a second skin. It’s high slit gives the dress a sexy look. Pearls adorn my neck, shining in the light. I complete the look with a pair of velvet gloves. "Perfect," one of the stylists murmurs, stepping back to admire their handiwork.I glance at my reflection and feel confident. Tonight, I am every inch the woman I need to be.I smile at my reflection. I won the merger and this auction is the perfect opportunity to celebrate.When I’m done getting dressed, I grab my purse and walk down the staircase. As I move, I hear the faint murmur of Alexander’s voice. He’s on his phone. The sound of my heels grab his attention.When his eyes lift to meet mine, the world seems to slow.Our gazes lock, and it’s as if nothing else exists in this moment. His blue eyes hold mine. I can see several emotions in them
ERIC’S POVThe boardroom is suffocating. My suit feels too tight. The air feels too thick, as if the very walls are closing in on me. I shift in my seat, trying to stay composed, though every muscle in my body is tense. I’ve prepared for this day for months but now that it’s here, my mind is racing. The stakes have never been higher.I steal a glance at Mia who’s seated across from me at the other end of the table. She’s calm, collected and I can’t help but admire the way she carries herself. Even now, in the midst of the final deliberations, she doesn’t seem bothered.Mrs Altridge stands up to make an announcement. This is it. The moment we’ve been waiting for“First of all, we want to thank both of you for your incredible presentations” she says “Both of you have shown what true dedication looks like. The level of expertise and effort you’ve put into this project shows how committed you are.”I nod along but all I can think of is Mia. She doesn’t show any signs of nervousness.“And