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
Sophia’s POVElijah’s silence pressed down on me like a physical force, heavier than the comforter I was clutching. I lay on my side, my back turned to him, staring into the darkness. My heart felt raw, aching with the knowledge that I’d hurt the one person who meant everything to me.He wasn’t asleep—I knew him well enough to sense that. And knowing he was lying there, just as restless as I was, made the ache in my chest even worse.I couldn’t take it anymore.“Elijah,” I whispered. Turning slowly, I faced him, my eyes adjusting to the faint light filtering through the curtains. His back was still to me, but I reached out tentatively, my fingers brushing against his shoulder. “Please,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I can’t stand this distance between us.”For a moment, he didn’t move, and I thought he might ignore me. But then, he rolled over, his face etched with both exhaustion and pain. His eyes met mine, and the sight of his hurt broke me.“I’m sorry,” I said, tears pooling i
Sophia’s POVAs I stepped out of the bathroom, the cool silk of my nightgown brushing against my legs, I immediately noticed Elijah standing near the bed, his back to me. His posture was rigid, his head slightly tilted as he studied something in his hands. My breath caught when I realized what it was.The chocolate wrapper.My heart sank as I recognized it instantly. I’d completely forgotten about it after stashing it away. How had it ended up here?“Elijah?” I said hesitantly, my voice quieter than I intended.He turned, his face calm but his eyes sharp, like he was holding back a storm. He held up the wrapper. “Where did this come from?”I froze, my mind racing. “I—”“I found it in Reese’s bag,” he said evenly, cutting me off. His tone wasn’t accusatory, but there was an edge to it that made my stomach churn.For a split second, I considered lying, brushing it off as something our daughter must have gotten from a classmate or a friend. But the look in Elijah’s eyes stopped me. He d
Elijah’s POVI sank into the couch, remote still in hand, as the credits of some late-night documentary rolled across the screen. The faint hum of the television was lulling me into that in-between state of wakefulness and sleep when my phone buzzed on the coffee table. The name Camille lit up the screen.Frowning, I picked it up. “Hello?”“Elijah,” came her voice, slightly slurred, accompanied by background noise—music, chatter, the unmistakable din of a party still in full swing. “Hey... I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?”“No,” I said cautiously, sitting up straighter. “Are you okay? You sound... off.”She let out a soft laugh that sent warning bells ringing in my head. “Just had a little too much fun tonight, that’s all. I’m about to leave the party.”“You shouldn’t drive,” I said immediately. “Find someone sober to take you home or call a ride. Seriously.”“Oh, so protective,” she teased, her words laced with flirtation. “I’m so flattered you care.”“Camille,” I said firmly,
Sophia’s POVI sipped from my glass of champagne, the bubbles fizzing on my tongue and giving me a fleeting sense of lightness. Kayla’s concerned voice cut through the haze.“Are you okay? That’s your third glass already,” she said, a shadow of worry crossing her face as she moved closer.I waved her off with a forced smile. “I’m fine. Really. I’m just so... happy. The event was a huge success. We deserve this, don’t you think?”Kayla hesitated, her gaze scanning my face. “Yeah, but don’t go overboard. You’ve got a family waiting for you at home.”“Elijah went ahead,” I said quickly, my tone dismissive. “He’s tired.”Her eyes narrowed slightly, like she wanted to press further, but Connor appeared beside her, sliding an arm around her waist. The moment passed as she turned her attention to him, and I took the opportunity to slip away into the crowd.The bass thumped through the speakers, reverberating in my chest as I joined a group of familiar faces on the dance floor. The alcohol co
Sophia’s POVThe energy of the fashion show was electric. The applause was thunderous as the models made their final walk down the runway in Emily’s stunning tribute collection. Kayla and I stood near the stage, watching as the curtains closed on months of hard work.“We did it,” Kayla whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. She squeezed my hand tightly, her smile brighter than the spotlights above.I nodded, unable to suppress the overwhelming joy bubbling inside me. “We really did. It’s perfect, Kayla.”The after-party was in full swing now, a celebration of what we had pulled off. Everyone seemed to be riding the high of the evening. Elijah had surprised me earlier with a bouquet of my favorite flowers, a sweet and thoughtful gesture that made my heart swell. His warm kiss on my cheek and whispered, “I’m so proud of you,” had been the cherry on top of a perfect night.But now, as I moved through the crowd, my excitement dulled slightly. I couldn’t find him.“Elijah?” I called
Sophia’s POV"Kayla, can you double-check the lighting cues for the finale?" I asked, glancing at the stage where models were gliding down the runway, their movements rehearsed to perfection.Kayla, clipboard in hand, barely glanced up. "Already done. Now spill. How was the night with Lucas?"My heart jumped, the question catching me off guard. I kept my tone breezy as I adjusted a hemline on one of the dresses. "Oh, it was fine. We caught a movie and grabbed dinner. Nothing special."Kayla lowered the clipboard and arched a brow. "Uh-huh. And where was Luana during all of this?"I busied myself with the dress, my hands suddenly fidgety. "She... got caught up with something at home. A repair, I think. She couldn’t make it."Kayla’s lips parted in mock surprise as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait. Are you telling me you and Lucas—alone—watched a movie and had dinner together? No Luana? Just the two of you?""Shh!" I hissed, glancing nervously around the backsta
Elijah’s POV“All the permits and licenses are in order,” Victoria began, her tone suddenly professional again as her eyes scanned the screen. I felt relieved. “But I’ll double-check the fire safety certifications and food handling records to make sure we’re fully covered.”“Good,” I replied, keeping my tone brisk. “I’ll work on connecting with a few experts to get additional certifications if necessary. It won’t hurt to go above and beyond for now.”She nodded, typing something into her device. “That’s a smart move. It’ll help to counter any claims before they gain traction.”As she spoke, she reached across the desk to grab her pen, her fingers brushing mine. I pulled my hand back instinctively, but she barely seemed to notice—or pretended not to.“Sorry,” she murmured with a faint smile, her eyes briefly flicking to mine before returning to her tablet.I shifted in my seat, brushing it off as an accident until, moments later, she reached up to unclip her hair. The cascading strands
Elijah’s POVI walked into Bella Sera, happy to see that it was packed with guests at this time in the afternoon. Fresh from closing a successful business deal, I was in a good mood, but there was a nagging concern for Morgana at the back of my mind. It was why I’d decided to stop by the cafe—to check in and see how she was holding up after she’d left me a series of frantic voicemails.Since I didn’t see her in the dining area, I went straight to her office. The door was ajar, and I could already feel the tension and anger leaking through it. I found Morgana pacing like a caged lioness, her hands gesturing wildly as she muttered to herself. The sight reminded me of the old Morgana— my stepmother who never minced her words or held back when someone crossed her.“I cannot believe this! The audacity, the gall!” she ranted, slamming a folder onto the desk. “This is a targeted attack, Elijah. It has to be. Who else would stoop this low?”“Morgana,” I greeted cautiously, stepping inside. “
Adrian’s POVThe Roosevelt mansion came into view as the car eased into the circular driveway, its stately facade bathed in the setting sun. Growing up here, I’d long since grown accustomed to its grandeur—the towering columns, the meticulously trimmed hedges, the way it seemed to command attention. Yet tonight, I barely noticed it. My thoughts were entirely on the woman sitting beside me, her fingers absently toying with her bracelet. “Relax,” I said, throwing her a reassuring smile. “My father’s not as intimidating as he looks. He’s actually… well, decent these days.”Lila gave me a skeptical glance. “Decent? I’ve read about your family, Adrian. You’re practically royalty in this country.”I laughed at her dramatic tone. “You’ll be fine. Trust me.”“Tell me again why you’re bringing me to see him?” she asked as we both stepped out of the car. Laughing, I simply answered, “You’ll find out soon enough.” One of the staff greeted us and led us inside. The interior was just as imposin