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 POVI couldn’t help but laugh softly at the dynamic between them. “Okay, enough about that already. I think we have to stop considering what Morgana or Anderson or even Elijah wants. This is Lila’s life after all. And it’s Kayla’s company. So there.”Connor chuckled and threw his hands up. “Alright, alright, I give up. You’ve convinced me. I’m officially out of this debate.”Kayla smirked triumphantly, then leaned back in her chair. “Thanks, Sophia. It’s good to know I’ve got your support.”Suddenly, I decided to switch gears. “Speaking of Elijah, what has he been up to lately?” I tried to sound casual, but I could feel my curiosity creeping in.Kayla’s eyebrow shot up, a knowing look flashing across her face. I ignored it, more focused on the fact that Elijah hadn’t been in touch with me as much recently. Reese had mentioned a few days ago that Elijah had dropped by the apartment, but since then, I hadn’t heard a peep from him.Connor leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful e
Sophia’s POVWe rushed to the car, and Connor drove swiftly through the streets. My thoughts were a jumbled mess of fear and worry. I could barely breathe, the panic constricting my chest.When we arrived at the school, I ran straight to the office, my voice urgent. “I need to speak to whoever’s in charge. My daughter is missing.”The principal, a stern-looking woman, came out to meet us. “We’re doing everything we can,” she assured us. “We’ve checked all the security footage and asked all the teachers and staff. No one has seen her leave the premises.”Kayla and Connor fanned out, speaking with the teachers and parents who were still lingering around. The responses were disheartening—no one had seen Reese leave or noticed anything out of the ordinary.“We’re going to drive around the neighborhood,” Kayla said, her voice filled with determination. “Maybe someone saw something.”We all piled into the car, driving slowly through the area, scanning every corner. My eyes were blurred with
Sophia’s POVThe warm scent of baked rosemary chicken and freshly baked bread greeted me as I stepped into Phoebe’s cozy apartment, immediately putting me at ease. Roxy and Jared scurried ahead, their laughter bouncing off the walls. Reese was the first to greet them, her face lighting up as she jumped up from the playmat in the corner.“Mommy!” Reese ran over, wrapping her arms around me in a quick hug before joining her siblings. “We’re playing house! Jared is the baby!”I laughed, kissing the top of her head. “You all behave, alright? And no bossing Jared around too much, Reese.”Kayla emerged from the small kitchen, balancing baby Asha on her hip. Her warm smile widened when she saw me. “Sophia! Finally. I was starting to think you’d gotten stuck in another snowstorm.”“Trust me, I almost did,” I said, exhaling as I set down my bag. “Thanks for picking up Reese. You’re a lifesaver.”“No problem,” Kayla replied, adjusting Asha in her arms. “You know I love spending time with your l
Sophia’s POVAs I stepped into my car, the cold leather seats sent a sharp chill through me. The afternoon sun, shy but persistent, peeked through scattered clouds, bathing the pristine snow in a gentle radiance. Thankfully, the blizzard had blown over quickly, and the roads were clear enough to navigate. It was the kind of crisp day that made the world feel brand new, but my thoughts were far from fresh.Lucas stood near the entrance of the ski resort, his hands shoved into his coat pockets. He waved, a warm smile on his face as I rolled down my window.“Thanks for coming, Sabrina,” he called, his voice carrying easily in the still air. I forced a polite smile, not knowing how to feel about him still calling me Sabrina up to now, especially after what I'd just discovered about my childhood. “Thanks, Lucas. The resort has so much potential. I’ll send over the updated designs soon.”“I’m looking forward to it,” he said, stepping back. “Drive safe. Roads might still be icy in some spot
Emily’s POVThe biting cold wrapped around me like a vice as the forest settled into an eerie stillness. The sounds of the chase from the night before had faded, but they seemed to continue echoing in my head. My legs ached, my hands were raw, and my breath fogged in the frigid air as I stumbled forward, searching for something—anything—that could serve as a refuge.It’s getting late. I have to find shelter first. The darkness was suffocating, but then, faintly, through the trees, I saw a glimmer of light. My heart leaped as I cautiously approached, praying it wasn’t a trap. What I found instead was a small, dilapidated hunting shack, nearly swallowed by the forest. Its wooden walls were warped, the roof sagging in places, but it was shelter. For now, it was enough.Inside, the air was stale and cold, but at least it shielded me from the howling wind. I found a dusty lantern and managed to light it with trembling hands, its soft glow pushing back the shadows. There was an old cot in
Sophia’s POVThe memory hung in my mind like a shadow, vivid and unsettling. Lucas’s voice—the one I had heard in my dream, the one calling for Sabrina—now felt too real to dismiss as just a fragment of my imagination.I tried to focus on the snow, its mesmerizing dance beyond the glass, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing.And then Lucas stepped closer, his presence pulling me from my turmoil. His eyes searched mine. “What are you remembering?” he asked carefully. I turned to face him fully, my heart thundering in my chest. “It’s… hard to explain,” I began, forcing the words out through the lump in my throat. “I had a dream—a nightmare, really—about when I got lost in the snowstorm as a child. I mean, I already know that it was Morgana who actually left me behind because she’d met with her lover then. But now…”Lucas’s eyes narrowed. “Now what?”“Well, in my dream, I thought I heard Elijah calling my name. He’d been there with his family too, so…”Lucas’s expression tightened, but he s
Sophia’s POVThe view outside the window was breathtaking—snow-dusted hills stretching endlessly under a pale blue sky. The cozy lounge, with its crackling fire and soft golden lighting, felt like the perfect setting for a romantic moment. It should have been calming, but my mind was anything but calm.That photo of Elijah and Victoria burned in my memory. Her sitting so close to him, their laughter captured at just the right moment. It made my chest tighten with anger and something I didn’t want to name—jealousy. The thought alone made me queasy, but it also left me vulnerable. Vulnerable to Lucas.I glanced at him. He stood just a few feet away, his expression soft but intent, watching me like I was the only person in the world. His confession still echoed in my ears, and I couldn’t deny the pull of the moment. It was too perfect, too charged. For a brief, fleeting second, I let myself wonder what it would feel like to bask in his affection, to let myself be swept up in something s
Elijah’s POVThe silence in my office was deafening. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the half-empty coffee cup on my desk. The bitterness clung to my tongue, a reminder of the recent situation in my marriage. Oh, Sophia. What’s happening to us?She’d been consuming my every thought lately. And not in the way she used to. Not with warmth or laughter, but with cold uncertainty. We hadn’t spoken properly since I sent her those flowers. It was my way of saying: I still care about you. She’d thanked me, of course, but there was no follow-up. No deep conversation. I really miss her. God knows how much I miss my wife. We used to talk about everything. The kids. Work. The stupid little things that made up our days. Now? She was busy. Always busy. Late nights at the office. Early mornings. And when she was home, she was either buried in her laptop or tiptoeing around me like I was made of glass. And it wasn’t just work. It was that damn Lucas who found a way to be with her more. Just
Sophia’s POVThe image of Elijah and Victoria stayed with me, eating away at my thoughts like an unyielding tempest. They looked so comfortable together, so... familiar. It wasn’t just Victoria’s presence that unnerved me—it was the way Elijah seemed to let her get close. Is he falling for her? No. No, it’s impossible. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it was growing faster than I could contain it.We need to talk. Soon. Heart to heart, I resolved, my chest tightening as I fought back a surge of emotion. The silence of the room around me only made the ache sharper, more vivid.Just then, Lucas’s footsteps broke through the quiet, and I quickly pushed my phone back into my pocket. He entered the lounge with a tray balanced in his hands, two mugs of steaming hot chocolate sending up tendrils of inviting warmth.The image of Elijah and Victoria lingered in my mind, gnawing at my thoughts like a relentless storm. They looked so comfortable together, so... familiar. It wasn’t j
Sophia’s POV“Lucas,” I called out, stepping onto the cobblestone path that led to the resort’s grand, albeit faded, entrance. “You’ve got a prime location here.”He emerged from the double doors, his familiar grin warm against the chilly mountain air. “Sophia, welcome. How was the drive up?”“Long,” I admitted, adjusting my scarf as the wind tugged at it. I was bundled up in a navy wool coat, a pair of tan ankle boots, and a thick cream-colored knit scarf. The frosty air bit at my cheeks, and I shoved my gloved hands into my coat pockets for warmth. “But worth it. This place…” I gestured to the sprawling ski resort behind him, its old-world charm dulled by time and neglect. “It’s stunning. Or at least, it has the bones to be.”Lucas chuckled, his gaze lingering on me. “That’s why you’re here. To make it amazing again.”As I stepped closer, I caught the faint scent of pine and woodsmoke clinging to the air, mingling with the crispness of the snow-dusted ground. For a brief moment, the
Sophia’s POVThe sight of Phoebe standing in the doorway took my breath away. She looked so different from the last time I’d seen her—thinner, her cheekbones more pronounced, her posture subdued. But her eyes, wide and shimmering with unshed tears, carried a familiar depth of emotion that struck me instantly. Before I could speak, she stepped forward and wrapped both Kayla and me in a tight embrace.“Phoebe,” I murmured, still stunned. “You’re here.”Her hug felt prolonged, as if she were drawing strength from it. When she pulled back, her hands rested firmly on my arms, her smile wavering slightly. “I couldn’t stay away any longer,” she said, her voice soft but laden with feeling. “I needed to see you.”“We’ve missed you so much,” Kayla said, adjusting Asha on her hip. Asha reached out with a tiny hand, patting Phoebe’s cheek, as if sensing the tension in the air. Kayla smiled gently, her tone as soothing as always. “How have you been?”Phoebe hesitated, brushing a tear from her chee