Elijah’s POVJulia’s been sending me messages yesterday and today, wondering where I had gone. I told her that I needed to attend to some important matters, but I didn’t specify what it was. I did not want to stress her out by saying that I’d gone to Reese’s school with Sophia after she just confessed her real feelings for me. So this afternoon, after dropping by the office to check on things, I went back to the hospital. The hallways seemed quieter than usual, which made me feel like I could hear myself think. I made my way to Julia's room, my mind preoccupied with the unexpected turn of events that had brought her back into my life.When I reached her door, I paused, taking a deep breath before pushing it open. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a sight I hadn't anticipated: a man standing beside Julia's bed, engaged in a low conversation with her.The man looked familiar, and it took me a moment to place him. His sharp features and confident stance sparked a memory—business ga
Julia’s POVI stared at the ceiling, my thoughts spiraling into a dark vortex of desperation and fear. Elijah had just left, his words echoing in my mind. “I need to do something at work for a while, but I'll be back tonight.” He'd said it so casually, as if he didn't notice the rising panic in my eyes. His presence had been my only anchor in this sterile, suffocating room, and now that anchor was slipping away.I turned my head to the side, watching the door through which he had exited. It felt like a finality, a cruel punctuation mark on the sentence of our relationship. He'd been different lately, a little distant, almost aloof. The caring, sweet Elijah he’d been since my “accident” seemed to be fading, replaced by someone more detached and perhaps even eager to get away from me. I can’t let this happen. No way.Was it because I had confessed my love for him? The words had spilled out of me, raw and vulnerable, but his reaction had been lukewarm at best. Or was it something else
Sophia’s POVSince Family Day, Elijah has been coming over every single day to check on Reese and me. It's strange, really. I remember how he barely acknowledged my existence when we were married. Now, he's here all the time, playing with Reese, hanging out, or just chatting with me. Part of me wonders if he's trying to make up for lost time, or maybe he's finally realized what he lost.It gave me a sense of satisfaction, seeing him make this effort. But more than anything, I was just happy that Reese gets to spend so much time with her dad.I've also noticed that Elijah hasn't been spending as much time at the hospital lately. Instead, he would be here with us. We would even go to the park together or grab food as a trio. It was becoming almost routine, his presence in our lives.Still, I remain cautious. After everything that happened, I can't help but be careful. Yet, seeing Reese's face light up when Elijah walks through the door—it's worth it. For her sake, I'm willing to give t
Sophia’s POVReturning to Urban Next after more than a week felt like coming home after a long, exhausting journey. My colleagues, faces beaming with genuine warmth, surrounded me, welcoming me back with open arms and cheerful banter.“Hey, look who's back!” shouted Kelly from the corner, her smile as bright as ever.“It's great to see you, Sophia!” said Mark, giving me a quick hug. “We've missed you!”I laughed, feeling a rush of happiness. “I missed you all too. It's good to be back.”I flexed my arm, no longer confined to a cast, and felt a surge of relief. I felt great, ready to dive back into the projects and the hustle of the office.As I made my way to my desk, Trevis approached me, his usual confident stride evident. “Sophia, can I have a word with you in my office?”“Of course,” I replied, following him. His office was the same as ever, meticulously organized and exuding an air of calm efficiency.“How are you feeling?” he asked as we settled into our chairs.“Much better, th
Julia’s POVThings were really getting out of hand. Elijah hadn't accepted my brother Henry's proposals for a business partnership, and he hadn't been coming to visit me often anymore. I knew he had been busy hanging out with Sophia and Reese because, even if he said nothing, I overheard him talking to Sophia one time.And now, the doctor said there was no progress with my hand and it was likely that I wouldn't be able to use it like before. Ever. How can I ever pursue my passion for drawing and painting again? How can I fulfill my dream of becoming a world-famous designer? How can I ever beat Sophia in this field?It was all too much. All my dreams were shattering one by one in front of my eyes! And it was all because of that stupid driver that Henry had hired. He needed to pay for this too. I couldn't help crying and breaking down in the hospital room when I got the news about my hand. “No! This can't be happening!” I shouted, throwing a vase across the room. It shattered against
Elijah’s POVHolding Julia in my arms, I had my back on everyone else in the hospital room. My hand moved in slow circles on her back, trying to soothe her as she sobbed uncontrollably into my shoulder. Her cries were gut-wrenching, and each one felt like a dagger to my heart. It took me back to when my best friend Sabrina had fallen off her bike and cried just as hard. I was the only one who could comfort her back then, the only one who could make her feel better. And now, Sabrina’s here with me, after all those years I spent searching and yearning for her. Julia is Sabrina. And she needs me now more than ever. “Hey, it's okay, Julia. I've got you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over her sobs. I couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt. I had doubted Julia, doubted that she was really Sabrina. How could I have done that to her?I glanced over my shoulder briefly. The doctor was talking to Chris, who looked alarmed at the mention of additional tests for potential trauma. I qu
Sophia’s POVI stood outside Julia's hospital room, my heart pounding in my chest. My bag slipped from my shoulder and hit the floor with a loud thud. Suddenly, all eyes turned to me. Elijah's eyes widened in surprise, and Julia's tear-streaked face twisted in confusion. I forced a smile, even though my insides felt like they were shattering into a million pieces.“Sorry about that,” I said, bending down to pick up my bag. Trevis was behind me, his hand on my shoulder in a show of support.I took a deep breath and stepped into the room, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze. “Hey, Julia,” I said softly. “How are you feeling?” Julia's sobs had quieted, but tears still streamed down her face. “Not good, Sophia. My hand... the doctor said…”“It's not final,” I interrupted gently, moving to her bedside. “I heard what he said a while ago. Believe in miracles, Julia. Your hand might still heal with long-term therapy and other treatments. Don't lose hope, okay?”Julia shook her head, her ey
Sophia’s POVMy mind was stuck in that hospital hallway, replaying the scene between Julia and Elijah over and over. By the time I parked and walked into the Italian restaurant, I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.I spotted Kayla at our usual corner table, slightly secluded from the rest of the diners. She stood up with a warm smile, and we hugged tightly.“Soph! It’s been too long,” she said, pulling back to look at me. Her smile faltered slightly. “You okay? You don't seem like your usual jolly self.”I waved a hand dismissively, trying to brush off her concern. “It's nothing, really.”Kayla frowned, her eyes narrowing. "I know something's up. Come on, tell me."We sat down, and I took a deep breath, knowing she wouldn’t let it go. “I was at the hospital earlier,” I began, my voice shaking slightly. “Julia was screaming and crying because the doctor told her she might never be able to use her right hand again. Elijah was there comforting her. Then she… she asked him to