Daniel’s POVI hadn't slept well the past few nights. Every time I closed my eyes, the image of Sophia's face, tinged with that faint sadness, kept appearing in my head. The text she sent—"It's fine, just busy lately"—felt like a dismissal, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had messed things up beyond repair. It had been three days since our encounter at her place, and I was desperate to make things right.Today, I was at the development site, pacing around the place as if that would make time pass faster. We’re supposed to have a meeting here today, and I really hope she shows up and things get back to normal between us. When Sophia finally walked through the gate, my heart skipped a beat. Her presence triggered an electric charge inside me. I tried to calm my nerves, but seeing her standing there, with her hair falling perfectly over her shoulders and that confident stride of hers, made it hard to concentrate.“Hi, Daniel,” she said, offering a polite but reserved smile.“H
Sophia’s POVI felt like I was on top of the world as I walked through the swanky hotel, my eyes ogling at the sleek presentation boards and interactive displays sprinkled all over the main function hall. Being part of the International Architecture and Design Conference in New York was certainly a dream come true for me!Everywhere I looked, the room was bustling with innovative ideas and creative energy from professionals all over the world.I eagerly mingled with other attendees, soaking in the wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives. Each session offered something new, and I found myself inspired by the groundbreaking projects and cutting-edge techniques being discussed.It’s a shame Trevis couldn’t make it at the last minute, I thought sadly. He would have loved everything here! I do hope he feels better soon. During one of the sessions, a coordinator unexpectedly approached me with a request that both flattered and unnerved me. “Ms. Sophia Bennett? One of our panelists can't
Sophia’s POVI checked my reflection in the mirror, feeling giddy with excitement. Yet I felt on edge at the same time. It had been ages since I'd dressed up like this. The deep emerald gown hugged my figure perfectly, accentuating my curves and making my green eyes pop. Tonight was the gala night for the conference, and I wanted to make a good impression.A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I walked over, my heart racing a little faster than usual. When I opened the door, my breath caught in my throat. There stood Elijah, looking as handsome and dashing as ever in his perfectly tailored suit. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance, and I could see genuine admiration in his gaze.“Sophia,” he blurted out, his voice full of awe. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, suddenly self-conscious under his intense stare. “Thank you, Elijah,” I replied softly, trying to calm my racing heart.For a moment, we just stood there, taking in the sight of
Sophia’s POVI stirred my tea latte absentmindedly, watching the foam swirl into intricate patterns. The coffee shop was pretty busy, but I hardly noticed it. I was too lost in my own dreamy world. Kayla sat across from me, sipping her cappuccino and eyeing me curiously. “So, how was the design and architecture conference?” Kayla asked, leaning in with genuine interest.“It was amazing,” I said with a huge smile, my enthusiasm shining through. “I learned so much and can't wait to apply some of the techniques at work. The speakers were incredibly inspiring.”Kayla nodded, a hint of regret in her eyes. “I was supposed to go too, but there were so many things I needed to attend to at Raven Media. I couldn't get away.”“That's a shame,” I replied, taking a sip of my drink. “You would have loved it.”Kayla studied me for a moment, a playful smirk forming on her lips. “You seem... different. Happier, maybe? There's something about you today, like you're glowing or radiating.”I felt a war
Elijah’s POVWalking into Raven Media with Sophia, I felt very determined to find out more. And yet, I couldn’t shake off the unease within me. The lobby was bustling, with people rushing about, clutching papers and talking into headsets. I kept my focus on the task at hand: finding out more about Henry Stanford.We made our way to Kayla's office, the anticipation building with each step. Inside, Kayla was chatting casually with a beautiful teenage girl who bore a striking resemblance to Morgana. My eyes narrowed, feeling a twinge of awkwardness. But I quickly set those feelings aside, reminding myself that this investigation was crucial. All potential leads were important.“Elijah, Sophia, this is Lila,” Kayla said, gesturing to the girl.Lila's gaze lingered on me, and I sensed a flicker of recognition. But she didn’t say anything except a polite "Hello" to both of us.“Hi, Lila,” I responded, keeping my tone friendly and professional.Kayla cleared her throat. “Lila, could you sha
Elijah’s POVShe took a deep breath and began to sing, her voice filling the room with a powerful, soulful melody. It was clear that she wasn't just talented—she was extraordinary. The room seemed to vibrate with the depth and emotion in her voice.I was certainly surprised and blown away. When she finished, there was a moment of stunned silence before Kayla clapped enthusiastically. “See? I told you she has the potential to be even bigger than Adrian!”Lila beamed, her eyes shining with hope and excitement. I nodded, thoroughly impressed. “You’ve got an incredible gift, Lila. I’ll get in touch with some people, and we’ll see what we can do to help you on your path to stardom.”“Thank you so much!” Lila exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. To me, she really just seemed like any regular teenager with a huge dream of becoming a celebrity. She wasn’t some kind of spy or undercover contact of Henry. Sophia and I said our goodbyes to Kayla and Lila, explaining that we needed t
Sophia’s POVI leaned back in my chair, tapping the end of my pen against my lips, deep in thought. The soft afternoon light streamed through the large windows, illuminating the studio with a warm glow that spread over the scattered sketches and mood boards on the table.Kayla sat across from me, her eyes glued to her tablet as she scrolled through various fashion inspirations. “Lila's new single is going to be a hit, no doubt about that,” she said, not looking up. “But we need her look to match her sound. Something that screams Lila.”“Agreed,” I nodded, flipping through a stack of sketches we had accumulated over the past few weeks. “Her voice is so unique—sassy, quirky, with that hint of sexiness. And even her personality suits it! We need to capture that in her image.”Kayla glanced up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What if we go for a mix of retro and modern? Like, think 70s glam rock meets contemporary street style. Bold patterns, metallic fabrics, but with a twist.”I ra
Sophia’s POVStanding in the garden of Elijah’s estate, I took a deep breath, feeling the warm summer breeze brush against my face. The estate was grand, with lush greenery and a meticulously maintained lawn. I can’t believe I used to live here and I never appreciated the garden so much before. I guess I was just too focused on my crumbling marriage at that time. Elijah stood beside me, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. He had just returned from France, and despite the weeks apart, the connection between us felt as strong as ever. We had kept in touch throughout his trip, sometimes falling asleep while on video calls. I have to admit, it feels good to have him back. Freya, the party planner, was animatedly describing the layout for the upcoming event. She pointed out various spots in the garden, explaining enthusiastically what each area is for. “The stage will go right over there,” she said, gesturing to a raised platform near the rose bushes. “It’ll be perfect for the
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