Elijah’s POV“This is just another beginning…” I whispered to myself, feeling the adrenaline pulsing through my bloodstream. The news of Vito Romano’s arrest was definitely a small victory, but it was far from over. Interrogating Vito was our one shot to pry out the answers we desperately needed before he slipped away into the hands of the French authorities. Thinking about facing him had my nerves on edge, but along with it was a fierce determination to finally get answers and hopefully a resolution to close this chapter. I glanced back at Daniel and Sophia. I knew they probably needed some time to talk things through on their own. Daniel was visibly troubled, and Sophia was trying her best to be supportive. It was important that I give them some space, so I decided to step out into the hallway and make a call.I found a quiet corner, away from the busy hospital noise, and dialed Joe’s number. The phone rang a few times before Joe answered.“Hey, Elijah,” Joe’s voice came through,
Elijah’s POVI walked into the faintly illuminated holding room, my footsteps echoing off the cold, concrete walls. Joe had Vito secured in handcuffs, surrounded by his men. Vito's sneer was the first thing I saw as I entered. I steeled myself, keeping my expression calm and cool.“Vito Roman,” I began. “It’s good to finally meet you in person. How do you know Henry?”Vito chuckled, leaning back in his chair as much as his restraints allowed. “Elijah Sinclair… It’s a pleasure to see you…” His tone was sarcastic. “We go a long way back, Elijah. That's all you're gonna get from me.”I kept my temper in check, leaning forward slightly. “When did you start working together?”“Like I said,” Vito smirked, “a long way back. That's all you're gonna get.”I felt a flicker of irritation but maintained my composure. “Where is he now?”Vito's chuckle turned into a low, mocking laugh. “Haven't been in contact. I didn’t go with him to the chateau. How should I know?”I was well aware that Vito and
Sophia’s POVStanding at the crowded airport in France, I tried to calm my uneasy heart. The myriad of announcements and hurried footsteps around us seemed to fade into the background as I looked up at Elijah. His eyes burned with what I recognized as strong willpower, something that will not have him backing down anytime soon. “Be careful,” I whispered, my voice shaking despite my best efforts to sound strong. He gave me a tight smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “I will.”“Are you absolutely sure you can't come with us now?” I asked, desperation creeping into my tone. “I mean, Joe and his team can handle the rest, can't they?”Elijah shook his head, a shadow of sorrow crossing his features. “I'm sorry, Sophia, but I need to see this through. It’s too important.”I bit my lip, fighting back tears. We hugged each other fiercely, clinging to the moment, to the hope that this wasn’t the last time. Over his shoulder, I saw Daniel turning away, trying to give us some privacy and per
Sophia’s POVThe drive to the suburbs felt interminable, and I just couldn’t stop my mind from spinning with thoughts of what lay ahead. I had no doubt that Morgana was at fault for what had occurred many years ago, causing me as a child to be separated from my loved ones. However, I wouldn’t be able to rest and feel any closure without confronting her about it and hearing what she had to say. The neighborhood was quiet and serene, the kind of place where people knew each other's names and waved from their driveways. Not exactly Morgana's usual scene, but perhaps this was all she could afford right now.We pulled up to a modest, well-kept house with a small garden out front. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I couldn’t tell how I’d end up reacting once we were face to face again. Kayla turned to me from the driver's seat, looking very concerned. “Do you want me to come with you, Sophia?”I shook my head, managing a small smile. “It's alright. I have to do t
Elijah’s POVThe evening air in Durbuy was thick with tension. The outskirts of this quaint Belgian town, known for its picturesque beauty, had taken on a sinister edge under the twilight sky. Towering trees cast long shadows across the narrow dirt roads, and the only sounds were the occasional rustle of leaves and the crunch of gravel under our boots. It was hard to believe that this idyllic landscape might be harboring the two people we’d been hunting for days: Henry and Julia.I glanced at Joe, his face hard as stone. He was a veteran, a man who had seen more in his life than I could ever imagine, but even he seemed on edge tonight. The local team we’d hired—six men, each as rough and ready as the next—moved with quiet efficiency, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. Each of us was armed; we couldn’t afford to take any chances.The farmhouse came into view, tucked away behind a line of thick hedges, its silhouette barely discernible against the darkening
Elijah’s POVThe tunnel was narrow and claustrophobic, barely wide enough for one person to move through at a time. The air was damp, carrying the scent of earth and decay. I could hear the others behind me, their footsteps echoing softly as we descended further into the darkness.The path twisted and turned, eventually leading us to a small, hidden chamber—a cellar, perhaps, buried deep beneath the farmhouse. It was lit by a single, flickering bulb. And there, huddled in the corner, was Julia.She looked different—gaunt, her face pale and lined with exhaustion. Her once-vibrant hair hung limply around her shoulders, and her eyes, wide with fear, locked onto mine the moment I entered the room. For a split second, time seemed to freeze.“Elijah,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Please… don’t do this.”My grip tightened on the gun, but something in her voice gave me pause. This wasn’t the Julia I remembered—the cunning, manipulative woman who had caused so much pain. She seemed… br
Sophia’s POVThe silence in my office was deafening. My eyes were fixed on the stack of papers in front of me, but my mind was far away. I remembered how I’d almost slapped Morgana in my anger. But luckily, I was able to control myself in the end. She just wasn’t worth it. But more than that issue, something else was bothering me greatly. “Three days without hearing from Elijah,” I murmured. Three days of nothing but silence after that last message, just before they were about to raid the safe house where Henry and Julia were supposedly hiding. My heart ached with worry, my thoughts spiraling into all the things that could have gone wrong. I shook my head, trying to clear the anxiety that clung to me like a second skin. This wasn’t the time to lose focus. I had a lot of work to catch up on.Suddenly, the door to my office creaked open, and Trevis poked his head in. “Hey, you okay in here?”I blinked, snapping out of my reverie. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, trying to sound convincin
Sophia’s POV“There you go,” I murmured happily as I added the finishing touches to my design, the light from my desk lamp illuminating the sketches and digital renderings sprawled across my workspace. This design for our special client at Urban Next had taken up most of my week, but today, I felt content and relaxed. Everything was falling into place—both in my work and in life.At least I’m somehow assured that Henry and Julia won’t be coming back anytime. They wouldn’t dare, being wanted by the police not just in the U.S. but across the whole of Europe too. They’re probably still on the run somewhere.The idea of them being hunted down like the criminals they were brought me a sense of satisfaction. They had caused enough chaos, and the fact that they’d likely be hiding out for the rest of their miserable lives filled me with relief. There was no way they'd ever appear again. They’d be out of our lives for good.Just then, a soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. "Com
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