Elijah’s POVWhy can’t I just talk to her straight, tell her what Serena had been insinuating? And then tell her how I’ve been feeling?I sighed, thinking about Sophia once again. I just couldn’t stop thinking about her. I leaned against the windowsill of my office, staring out at the city below. In my hand, I swirled the last of the wine in my glass. The days since the airport sendoff felt like a haze, a series of moments where I replayed the same scenes in my mind over and over.Dropping Sophia off at her apartment, almost asking her if she was Sabrina, almost telling her how I truly felt… Holy shit! The words had been right there, on the tip of my tongue, but something held me back. Fear, maybe. Or perhaps the gnawing uncertainty that I could be wrong.I’m not sure how she’ll react, and that scares me. She’d always been adamant that she wasn’t Sabrina. I took a sip of the wine, savoring its warmth before placing the glass on my desk. I picked up my cellphone, scrolling until I fo
Kayla’s POVSitting across from Connor in the quaint little cafe, I couldn't help but smile as I stared at him over the delicious spread of pastries on our table. Sometimes I still couldn’t believe that we had ended up together. But I was really happy with him. Connor took a sip of his latte and smiled at me. “So, how's Adrian doing in Italy?” he asked curiously.I leaned back in my chair, a smile tugging at my lips. “He just had his first successful concert there,” I said proudly. “He's off to another venue soon. He's really making a name for himself over there. People are loving him!”Connor nodded, a pleased expression on his face. “That's great to hear. Has he been hanging out with Serena much?”I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “Adrian was kind of vague about it,” I admitted. “But I think he's still in love with Sophia. He's always asking how she is.”Connor frowned slightly, his face showing great concern. “Elijah is beyond himself,” he said, lowering his voice. “He's h
Sophia’s POV“Mommy, look at that big roller coaster!” Reese squealed, her little feet bouncing off the pavement as she tugged on my hand. The balloon bobbed happily above her head, its bright colors reflecting the sunlight.“I see it, sweetie! Isn’t it amazing?” I said, smiling as I glanced over at Daniel. He was walking beside us, looking happy and content as he observed Reese’s excitement.“Yeah, I haven’t seen a roller coaster that big in ages,” Daniel said, chuckling as he adjusted his sunglasses. “I’m glad you two are having a great time.”“I really appreciate you bringing us here, Daniel,” I said, squeezing his arm gratefully. “Reese is having the time of her life.”“No problem at all,” Daniel replied with a warm grin. “It’s been a while since I had a chance to hang out like this. I’m glad I could be part of it.”The amusement park stretched out before us, showing off a vibrant tapestry of colorful stalls, thrilling rides, and cheerful crowds. Brightly lit attractions towered a
Elijah’s POV“Sophia? Are you here?” I called out after the nanny had let me in, but Sophia’s apartment remained silent. “Ahh she stepped out for a while, Mr. Sinclair,” the nanny told me. “She needed to do some errands.”I felt disappointed, but nonetheless, it was understandable. I had not informed her that I was coming. I just wanted to see them before I left the country. Just then, I heard a cheerful squeal from the other room. “Daddy!” Reese burst into the living room, her face lighting up as she ran toward me. Her small arms wrapped around my legs, and I bent down to scoop her up.“Hey, kiddo,” I said, holding her close. Her laughter was a welcome break from my otherwise rough day.Reese’s eyes twinkled as she wriggled free and started showing me her toys. “Guess what? Mommy and Uncle Daniel took me to the amusement park yesterday! We had so much fun. Uncle Daniel made the best cotton candy!”I forced a smile, though inside, a tight knot of unease was forming. “That sounds lik
Elijah’s POV“I didn’t expect to see this place again,” I murmured, my eyes tracing the grandeur of the Goldwell Institute of Art’s signage. The familiar letters seemed to mock me with their presence, a bittersweet reminder of the past.I had checked into my hotel a few hours earlier, barely pausing to rest before I found myself wandering through the Goldwell Business School campus.The investigators had mentioned Henry was here once, and now that I was here, I couldn’t help but notice the nostalgia stirring within me. This was the same campus where Daniel had once walked with Sophia, a place so intertwined with our shared history.After checking some records and interviewing a few of Henry’s former professors, I still hadn’t gathered any significant information. As I walked further, the path led me to the Institute of Art. My heart ached with an odd mix of sadness, pride, and joy. I remembered Sophia’s determination when she came here to study, pregnant and alone, after our divorce.
Sophia’s POVI glanced at my watch, realizing it was almost time for my meeting with Trevis. With a deep breath, I gathered my designs for Daniel's project and headed toward his office. Knocking softly on the door, I waited for his voice to invite me in.“Come in,” Trevis called out, his tone warm and welcoming.Pushing the door open, I stepped inside and walked over to his desk, spreading out my designs. “Trevis, I have the latest designs for Daniel's project. I wanted to show them to you first.”Trevis leaned forward, adjusting his glasses as he carefully examined each page. A smile slowly spread across his face. “Sophia, these are incredible. Truly, this is some of your best work so far.”I felt a wave of relief and pride wash over me. “Thank you, Trevis. That means a lot.”He continued to admire the designs, shaking his head in disbelief. “You've really come a long way. I'm proud of you.”My heart swelled with gratitude. “I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support.”
Sophia’s POVDaniel pulled up in front of the small, cozy coffee shop. I could see the soft glow of the interior lights through the windows, making the place look inviting despite the tension building inside me. He turned off the engine and looked at me, concern etched across his face.“Are you sure you don't want me to stay for support?” Daniel asked, his voice gentle yet firm.I managed a small smile, trying to reassure him. "You've already done more than enough, Daniel. I'm not afraid of Morgana."He reached out and took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You don't have to do this, you know. You have the right to say no to her and never see her again. She's not your mother-in-law anymore.”I sighed, glancing at the coffee shop's entrance. “Yes, but I'm also curious about what she has to say after all the drama that's happened.” I looked back at him, my expression more determined. “I'll be fine. I'm braver and stronger now.” I said the last words jokingly, but Daniel still l
Sophia’s POVI walked into Raven Media the next day, eager to talk to my best friend. The creative department office was just as vibrant as I remembered, the walls lined with artwork and the air filled with creative energy. Kayla spotted me the moment I walked in and waved enthusiastically.“Sophia! Over here!” she called out, her voice cutting through the clamor of the office.I made my way to her private space, where she greeted me with a warm hug and closed the door so we could have some privacy. “Hey, Kayla. You won’t believe the meeting I had yesterday.”“Oh, spill it! What happened?” Kayla’s eyes were wide with curiosity.“I met with Morgana yesterday. She asked to meet me just to tell me not to mess with her daughter!”“What?” Kayla exclaimed in shock. “What was she talking about?” I took a deep breath and plunged on. “Her daughter’s name is Lila and you’ve supposedly met her already? Do you know her?”Kayla gasped. “Oh, no freaking way! Lila can’t be her daughter!” She stood
Sophia’s POV"Mom! Look at the rabbits!" Reese’s excited voice rang out as she dashed ahead, her little sister Roxy giggling as she tried to keep up. Jared wasn’t far behind, his laughter ringing through the air. I smiled, watching my children run toward the petting zoo, their energy contagious.Beside me, Emily tensed.I glanced at her, noticing how her shoulders tightened, how her eyes darted around like she was scanning for threats. She was supposed to be enjoying this—a simple afternoon in the botanical garden, surrounded by friends, fresh air, and laughter. It was the perfect opportunity for Emily to bond with Jared, without him feeling nervous or out of place. But years of running, hiding, and surviving had wired her differently.She wasn’t relaxed. She seemed to be waiting for something to go wrong. And I really couldn’t blame her. I reached for her hand, giving it a light squeeze. “You’re safe here,” I murmured.Emily forced a small smile, nodding, but her fingers still trem
Sophia’s POVThe warmth of freshly baked cookies filled the air, a scent that felt so familiar, so comforting, that for a moment, it was easy to forget all the fear and uncertainty of the past few days.My mother bustled around the kitchen, setting out plates and pouring tea, determined to make this a small celebration, in spite of her still being a bit rattled. But more than anything, I could see that she was very, very happy. Emily and Chris had showered and changed, looking far better than they had when I first walked in. The exhaustion was still there, written in the lines of their faces, but they were standing tall, present, and—most importantly—home.Elijah arrived shortly after, his presence filling the room with steady reassurance. When he saw Chris, he didn’t hesitate, pulling him into a tight embrace. They had been best friends since childhood, and after everything Chris had been through, I could see the relief in Elijah’s eyes. He held onto Emily for a moment, too, murmuri
Sophia’s POVMy heart pounded as I gripped the phone tighter. "Mom? What’s wrong?"There was a moment of silence, just soft, uneven breaths on the other end of the line. My stomach twisted painfully. "Mom, talk to me!""S-Sophia…" her voice cracked, and I felt my chest constrict. "They’re here."I blinked, my mind struggling to keep up. "Who’s here?""Chris and Emily. They’re home."I inhaled sharply, my breath catching in my throat. For a second, I couldn't move, couldn't think. My pulse raced as my mind fought to process what she had just said.Chris and Emily are back.My grip on the phone loosened, my knees nearly buckling from the sudden rush of emotions. Relief, disbelief, overwhelming gratitude."Oh my God," I whispered, pressing a hand to my chest. "Are they okay?""I… I don’t know," my mother admitted, still sounding shaken. "They haven’t said much. But you need to come quick."I didn’t hesitate. "I’ll be right there."As I ended the call, I turned to see Elijah watching me,
Sophia’s POVThe kitchen was quiet except for the faint sizzle of eggs in the pan. It was still very early in the morning, and I could see the sun rising through the window. Normally, I would have stopped to admire the view. But my mind was still preoccupied with a lot of chaotic things. I had barely slept.Everything Lucas had told me last night still lingered in my mind, a tangled mess of unanswered questions and uneasy truths. Hugo Tournier. He had been part of my family's past all along, a ghost lurking in the shadows, and now he was back. It settled over me like a heavy fog, impossible to shake.But as much as my thoughts circled around Hugo, it was Elijah’s reaction that unsettled me more. The way he had looked at me. The sharpness in his voice when he told me I didn’t need to talk to Lucas anymore, that Joe would handle the investigation.He hadn’t accused me outright, but I could feel the tension beneath his words. The distance. Lucas was a sensitive issue between us—alwa
Sophia’s POVLucas stood in front of me, his face partially shadowed by the porch light, his eyes unreadable but filled with something that made my stomach twist—regret, sorrow, maybe even guilt.“I don’t even know where to start,” he murmured, running a hand through his hair.I crossed my arms, bracing myself. “Just tell me what you found.”He exhaled sharply, nodding. "I started looking into the records of missing children around the time you disappeared. A lot of reports were vague, but… I found something." He hesitated before continuing, his voice tight. "There was an old witness statement—a retired cop who had once suspected a man named Hugo Tournier."My breath hitched. The name. I had heard it before. Grandpa George had mentioned it when we talked about the man who might have taken me.Lucas continued, unaware of my growing realization. "The name meant nothing to me at first, but when I dug deeper, I realized it was connected to your family."My pulse quickened. “Connected how?
Emily’s POVDarkened streets stretched endlessly ahead as we sped through the city, the glow of neon signs flickering across the windshield. The sound of other cars was distant, almost muffled, drowned out by the pounding of my heart. My grip tightened on the edge of my seat, eyes darting to every shadowed alley, every figure on the sidewalk. It felt like eyes were on us—watching, waiting.Chris’s grip on the wheel was tight, his jaw set in a hard line. He hadn’t said much since we got the warning. The burner phone lay silent between us, the last message still glowing on the screen:“Do not go to the docks. You are being watched.”I swallowed hard. "Who sent it?""No idea," Chris muttered. "Could be someone helping us. Could be someone luring us into another trap."My stomach twisted. "So what do we do?"He exhaled sharply, eyes darting to the rearview mirror. "We can’t risk it. If someone’s waiting for us at the docks, we won’t stand a chance. We haven't been able to reach Crimson Ve
Sophia’s POVJared was safe. That was all that mattered.We were gathered in the house, the weight of the night still pressing heavily on our shoulders. But at least Jared was asleep now, curled up in his bed like nothing had happened. He hadn’t seemed afraid, hadn’t even realized the gravity of what Antoine had done. And for that, I was grateful. The last thing I wanted was for him to carry fear because of this.But once he woke up, I knew I would have to face the reality of telling him about his father. And why it was only now that he was finding out about Antoine. “We’re not pressing charges,” I had told Elijah. But we did have to watch our backs more carefully, to stay guarded and alert all the time. And we needed to make sure never to let Jared out of our sights again. Still, we had made Antoine promise never to pull something like this again. Not that his word meant much. I didn’t trust him, and I knew Elijah didn’t either. This wasn’t over. Not really.Phoebe sat beside me,
Sophia’s POVElijah and I sprinted through the mall, dodging past confused shoppers and security personnel as the urgency of the moment drove us forward. My heart pounded in my ears, my breaths coming fast and shallow.“We need to check the parking lot exits,” Elijah said, his voice tight with controlled fury. “If Antoine took Jared, he won’t risk staying here much longer.”Elijah nodded, pulling out his phone and dialing Joe. The moment Joe answered, Elijah got straight to the point. “Antoine’s here. He took Jared. We need to know if he has a car registered in his name or any known places he might go.”I looked at Elijah in anticipation. He nodded then ended the call. "He said he'll get back to us soon."My eyes darted around the busy corridor, searching for any sign of our son.Jared, my sweet boy. Where are you?Phoebe ran alongside me, her face streaked with tears. “He must’ve followed us,” she choked out. “I swear, I didn’t think— I mean, I saw someone watching, but I wasn’t sure
Sophia’s POVI pushed through the crowded mall, my heart hammering in my chest, my breath coming in short, uneven gasps. The world around me blurred into a haze of faces and voices, none of them the one I was searching for. Oh, god, Jared. Please be okay.My mind screamed his name with every step I took, my hands trembling as I grabbed Phoebe’s arm, trying to keep both of us steady.“He has to be here,” Phoebe said, her voice shaking as she wiped at her tear-streaked face. “He has to be here somewhere.”I wanted to believe her. I had to believe her. But the sheer panic clawing at my throat made it hard to hold on to hope. Jared wasn’t just missing—he seemed to have vanished into thin air. And the longer he was gone, the worse the possibilities became.“Elijah’s talking to security,” I said, scanning every store, every passerby, searching for even a glimpse of him. “They’re checking the cameras. We just have to keep looking.”Phoebe nodded frantically, but guilt was etched into every