MIA'S POVI sit at the dining table, carefully tying Wendy’s shoes, though every stretch sends a painful ache shooting up my leg. The heel incident from last night left my leg broken and it hurts every time I do something. My daughter, Wendy, squirms in her seat. “Mommy, I have a quesrion" she says. I smile at her "What is it, honey?" "Why do stars not fall down?” she asks as her tiny hands grip her glittery backpack straps.I laugh at her innocence. In this moment, I forget about the pain in my leg. “Because they’re held up in the sky by magic,” I say with a wink. She gasps dramatically. “Really? Like princess magic?”“Exactly like that,” I reply with a chuckle, ruffling her curls. “Now, are you ready for school, my little star?”Wendy giggles, throwing her arms around my neck in a quick hug. “Ready!”I glance at the clock. If we don’t leave now, she’ll be late. Grabbing my keys and bag, I limp toward the door with Wendy hopping happily behind me, but just as I reach for the kn
MIA'S POVThe car comes to a slow halt in front of the mansion. My leg hurts like hell and I wince. I can feel the officer's eyes on me as he steps out to open my door.“Miss Mia,” he says softly, bowing his head. “I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding earlier. We had no idea—”“It’s alright,” I interrupt. I smile as I step out of the car “You were just doing your job.”He looks surprised. He was probably expecting anger or resentment but I don’t have the energy for either. I'm not that kind of person. As I step out, pain shoots up my leg, and I wince. I try to hide it, but he notices.“Are you sure you don’t need help inside?”I shake my head. “I’ll manage. Thank you.”The moment I step into the house, the maids rush toward me immediately. “Miss Mia! Are you okay?” one of them asks “What happened?” another questions. “Your leg! Are you hurt?”I force a smile, raising my hands to calm them. “I’m fine, really. It’s just a little sore.”One of the younger maids, Sarah, looks l
JULIA'S POVThe moment Eric walks into the room, I can feel how tense he is. He’s been pacing all day. His eyes are literally dark with frustration, and I know exactly what or rather, who, is bothering him.“Mia,” I say flatly, crossing my arms as I lean against the doorway.He freezes mid-step, “What about her?”“Don’t play dumb, Eric,” I snap “You’ve been restless ever since she got out of jail. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”“I’m restless because she’s dangerous,” he bites back, turning to face me. “Not because of whatever you’re insinuating.”I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “Dangerous? To who? You, or us? Or maybe just to your fragile ego because you've seen she's moved on without you.”His eyes narrow, and he takes a step closer "You don’t understand, Julia. She’s not just some woman anymore. People don’t just get out of prison that easily unless they have power or connections. This isn’t about feelings. This is about knowing what she's up to. I got her arrested agai
MIA’S POVI sit on the couch of the VIP section, I’m pleased with everything so far. The place is luxurious and everything here is detailed.I sip champagne as the attendants carefully display dress after dress for me. They’re polite, attentive, and very respectful. I can feel their admiration for me.An attendant holds out a red dress “Miss Mia, this would bring out your eyes. You should consider this”I take a good look at the dress. Sure, it’s beautiful. It’s a long fitted evening dress with a huge cleavage. The whole dress is adorned with stones that shimmer in the light. It looks elegant and bold. It’s a perfect fit for someone like me.Still, I don’t connect with it.“It’s beautiful” I say “But I don’t like it. Can I see more options?”She bows her head “Of course, ma’am”The attendants continue to show me more dresses.One gown in particular catches my eye. It’s a lovely blend of midnight blue and silver that sparkles under the lights. Before I can reach for it, though, a movem
MIA’S POVThe air in the room shifts instantly. Julia’s face is filled with so much shock that it almost makes me laugh. She looks between me and the manager in disbelief. I can see the wheels turning in her head as she tries to process it all.“You’re joking,” she says.She tries to keep her expression neutral now but it’s too late. I know Julia like the back of my hand and it doesn’t take a genius to know that she’s upset. Not to mention, surprised out of her mind.The manager shakes his head. “Not at all. Miss Sophia took ownership recently. She has full authority here. Is she the one you were referring to? You should apologize to her”I meet Vanessa’s gaze with a smile “Surprised, Vanessa? You’ve always underestimated me.”She stares at me for a long moment, her hands clenching at her sides. Finally, she forces a tight laugh, though it sounds strained. “Well, congratulations. I’m sure you’re very proud of yourself.”I let the silence stretch between us, watching her squirm before
MIA’S POVThe house feels quiet as I unlock the door and step inside. I set my purse down on the entryway table. It’s late—later than I intended. I’m tired from the long day at the store and the office. But the sight that greets me as I close the door behind me makes me stop in my tracks.Alexander is standing in the living room with his tall frame dominating the space. He looks completely at ease. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, revealing the sleeve tattoo on his muscular forearm. In his hand is a half-filled glass of wine.My breath catches for a split second, and I hate myself for it. Alexander is cold and impossible to read. Yet, every time I see him, there’s a magnetic pull I can’t quite explain. He’s handsome in the kind of way that’s almost unfair. It makes it hard for someone to look away from him.When his eyes meet mine, I forget to breathe.“You’re home late,” Alexander says.“I was at the store,” I reply evenly, walking further into the room. “The new one. I neede
THIRD PERSON’S POVMia leans back in the chair with her wine glass. Cynthia keeps trying outfit after outfit. Mia can’t help but laugh at some of Cynthia’s funny antics.“What about this one?” Cynthia asks, spinning around in a sleek, emerald-green dress that hugs her figure.Mia tilts her head with a smile “It suits you. Bold, confident—definitely your style.”Cynthia grins, turning back to admire herself in the mirror. “I knew you’d say that.”Before Mia can respond, a movement from the corner of her eye catches her attention. A man stands just beyond the racks of clothing with his gaze fixed on her.Eric.Her smile vanishes, replaced by a look of irritation. He stands there like a statue. His expression is one of shock. His shock intensifies after she speaks to her staff members about the file. She can see how surprised he is to hear that she owns the place.“Mia?” Cynthia’s voice interrupts her thoughts. She follows Mia’s gaze and spots Eric. “Who’s that?”Mia’s grip on her wine g
MIA’S POVThe day of the fashion event has finally arrived. Today is a big day. Today, I will step into the world I’ve worked so hard for, and I can’t help but feel proud of myself. I feel a bit anxious too. I can’t wait to see my clothes on the runway.I take a deep breath as I roll out of bed, stretching my limbs. I’ve had my mind wrapped around the event for weeks now. I’ve planned everything down to the smallest detail, from the presentation to the outfits, and now, I only need to focus on enjoying the day.But, as I stand in front of the mirror, looking at myself with my hair still tousled, I remember that I didn’t remember to tell Alexander about the event.. With everything I’ve been juggling—work, preparing for the event, making sure Wendy was settled—I completely forgot.I make my way toward Alexander’s room. Maybe it’s not too late. Maybe I can catch him before he leaves. But when I reach his door and gently push it open, I find that his side of the bed is already empty. His
MIA’S POVI step into the boardroom with Alexander by my side. The air is thick with tension, the kind that makes people hold their breath, waiting for something to happen. As soon as we enter, Camille's expression shifts from confidence to shock, but she quickly masks it with a scowl.She wasn’t expecting us. Especially not Alexander.A slow, smug smile spreads across her lips as she crosses her arms and leans against the long y table. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Mia and Alexander. Just in time for my leadership party. How thoughtful of you to attend."Her voice drips with mockery, but I refuse to give her the reaction she wants. Alexander stands tall beside me. I meet Camille’s gaze head-on, unbothered by her taunts."I must say," Camille continues, strutting around the room as if she already owns the place, "I expected resistance, but I didn’t think you'd have the nerve to show up and watch your empire slip right through your fingers."I smirk, tilting my head. "I wouldn’t be so
CAMILLE’S POVThe past two days have been nothing but preparation. Preparation for me to take over Alexander’s company. Ever since the attack, I’ve spent hours scrutinizing my men, watching their every move, searching for any sign of betrayal. But for the first time, I find nothing. No suspicious behavior, no hidden agendas. Just silence.Fine. It doesn’t matter.Tomorrow is what truly counts. Tomorrow, I take everything. The company will be mine, and I’ll get to watch as Alexander and Mia crumble under the weight of their own failure. Just the thought sends a rush of satisfaction through me. They took everything from me. Now, it’s my turn.A slow smile stretches across my lips as I reach for my phone, dialing one of the board directors.“Everything is in place?” I ask him. “Yes, ma’am,” he responds without hesitation. “Everything will proceed exactly as planned.”“Good.” I end the call. My fingers tighten around the phone as I let the victory settle in my bones.Tomorrow, everything
MIA’S POVLooking into Alexander’s eyes, every worry of mine is gone in an instant. There’s just something about him….something that keeps pulling me deeper even when I try to pull away. I don’t try to fight it. I can’t.Alexander leans down, capturing my lips in his again. Our lips move passionately against each other. His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer to him. Every kiss, every touch – it sets my whole body on fire but in the best way possible.Alexander lifts me up as if I weigh nothing, never breaking the kiss. I feel him go to the other end of the room and sit on the bed. I shove my tongue further down his throat, deepening the kiss. My whole body feels alive in a way it never has with anyone before. His touch is electric. His kisses are addictive. Alexander is like a drug that I can’t get enough of and I don’t even want to. As we kiss, the air around us feels charged with electricity. Every nerve ending of mine is standing at attention and goosebumps rise down my a
ALEXANDER’S POVMia's fingers are tight around my wrist as she drags me out of Wendy’s room. Her grip is so desperate that I can feel the slight tremble in her hands. I follow her without arguing because I know for Mia to act this way, it must be something serious. Earlier, she said something about Eric being convinced that he’s Wendy’s father but it’s still left me confused because she hasn’t explained yet. I need her to tell me what’s happening. That’s the only way I’ll be able to help.“Mia, what’s going on?” I ask the moment she pulls me into the hallway.She looks around as if to make sure no one else is within earshot. Then she turns to me. Her eyes are wide and filled with fear. “Eric knows.”Silence stretches between us as my stomach tightens. “Knows what?”“He’s convinced that Wendy is his daughter,” she breathes out.Shock slams into me like a fist. “What?”Mia nods frantically. “When he confronted me in my office, it seemed like he was just making assumptions but right now
MIA’S POVI slide into the backseat of the car. My fingers tremble as I gently touch my throat where Eric’s hands had squeezed. The skin there is still hot from the pressure. I wince at the memory of his grip, the raw anger in his eyes. I could practically feel the anger radiating off him. His actions shocked me even more.Even when we were married, Eric had never been violent with me. He’d always been... controlling, sure, but never like this.Now, it’s like a switch has flipped. I can see the fury in his eyes. He seems desperate to find out the truth. He knows something, and I can’t—won’t—let him find out the truth. Wendy cannot be his. I won’t let him take her away from me. Not after everything we’ve been through.I need to talk to Alexander. He’s the only one who can help me. He’s the only one who knows about sending the warden off.How else did Eric confirm that Wendy was his daughter if not through the warden? My mind is racing and the pieces of the puzzle seem to be snapping in
MIA’S POVThe moment Gina walked away, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. The best option was to fire Gina but she begged me not to. I put myself in her shoes. I don’t blame her. She was desperate.Besides, was firing her really the best idea? Gina knew a lot about the company and she could easily play into Camille’s hands out of spite. The best thing is to keep an eye on her.I sink back into the seat of the car. My thoughts keep circling back to the fake document. It was supposed to be a weapon, something to use against me, but Camille didn’t know it was fake. Camile didn’t have a clue, did she?Just as I’m about to slip deeper into my thoughts, my phone buzzes, dragging me out of my head. The number on the screen is unfamiliar, but I answer it anyway.“Mia,” the voice on the other end says.I recognize the voice immediately. It’s Eric.“I see you,” he says “You need to pull over. I need to talk to you.”I sigh, rubbing my temples. I don’t have time for his games. Not
MIA’S POVMy heart pounds against my ribs as I sit in the car, gripping the leather of my seat. Outside, my driver speaks to the stranger who has been following us. I watch them through the tinted window with my breath caught in my throat.Who is this person? And why are they trailing me?Then, the second car door opens, and someone steps out.Gina.My breath hitches. Gina? My secretary?What the hell is she doing here?She exchanges a few words with my driver. As she talks, I can see her hands trembling at her sides. Then I hear it in her voice as she speaks. Even her voice is shaking."I need to speak to Miss Mia alone." She says.Alone?We literally just saw each other at the office. Why didn’t she talk to me there? Why did she have to trail behind me like a mad man?I lower the window. My eyes lock onto hers, searching for answers. Gina looks terrified. Her face is pale and I can see beads of sweat glistening on her forehead despite how cold it is outside."Gina?" My voice comes o
ERIC’S POVI pace the length of my study. My fingers keep drumming against the desk as I stare at the countless documents spread out before me. I know Mia is lying. Wendy is mine—I feel it in my bones. But feeling isn’t enough. I need proof. And if Mia won’t give it to me willingly, I’ll tear the truth from her hands myself.The research is relentless. I’ve scoured every record, every connection Mia had in prison, looking for someone—anyone—who might know what happened during those months she disappeared from my life. And then, in the midst of my search, I stumble upon something I never expected: my own past. I find out a secret about my family that I never knew about.A scandal. A cover-up. A murder.My father, my perfect, untouchable father—was accused of killing a family of three. Not with his own hands, no. He built the unstable house they lived in and because of how greedy he was, he refused to renovate it with better materials. He let it crumble to pieces around them. And when t
MIA’S POVThe cold metal chair beneath me is uncomfortable. The air in the visitation room is thick and suffocating. My fingers drum restlessly against the table as I wait.As soon as Eli gave Camille the document, we knew Camille would try to double cross him. Turns out, we were right. Camille got Eli arrested. I need Eli’s help. So, I decided to come see him in prison.I tap my fingers on the table, waiting impatiently. Then, the door creaks open.Eli steps through, and my breath catches in my throat.He’s barely recognizable. His walk is slower, heavier. His cheekbone is bruised, his lip split, and there’s a faint discoloration around his eye that tells me he’s been in a fight—several, by the looks of it. His jumpsuit hangs off his frame.“Jesus, Eli…” The words slip from my lips before I can stop them.He smirks, or at least tries to, but it looks more like a grimace. “Miss me?”I shake my head, swallowing down the lump in my throat. “What the hell happened to you?”He exhales slo