Elijah’s POVI hadn’t seen him in months, not since our last meeting in Paris. “Antoine Lefevre,” I greeted politely as we shook hands. “What a surprise.”“Elijah Sinclair,” he greeted me neutrally, extending a hand. “Always a pleasure. I hope I’m not intruding.”“Not at all,” I replied smoothly. “But this is unexpected. What brings you here at this hour?”His smile didn’t waver, but his eyes showed anxiety, and the faint shadows beneath them pointed at sleepless nights. I remembered the longing, the restless nights I’d spent after my own divorce from Sophia. I could see where Antoine was coming from; his situation wasn’t so different from mine once.“I apologize for the late visit,” he said. “My hotel’s nearby, and I know you’re one to burn the midnight oil. I thought I’d drop by to say hello to a well-respected business partner.”“Well,” I said, trying to gather my thoughts, “I appreciate the thought.” I motioned to the chair opposite my desk. “Please, take a seat.”He nodded, sett
Sophia’s POV“You know, it’s been ages since I’ve had an art conversation that wasn’t about fashion shows or clients!” Emily exclaimed as I drove to Reese’s school. “It’s nice to talk about it just for the love of it.”I adjusted the rearview mirror and smiled as I glanced at her beside me. “I agree. I feel like I’ve known you forever. What was your last artistic project?”Emily’s eyes lit up. “I was experimenting with abstract designs, blending my fashion background with painting—using fabric textures on canvas.”“That sounds fantastic,” I said, making a right turn. I noticed Reese listening closely. “What about you?” Emily asked. “What’s your newest project?”“I’m working on murals for a new boutique. It’s been challenging to blend interior design with art, making the murals reflect both the space and the brand’s identity,” I explained.“That sounds amazing!” Emily said, intrigued. “Is it hard to balance design and art?”“A bit,” I admitted. “There’s always a push and pull between
Sophia’s POV"Did you hear about the new Italian place downtown?" my new colleague Elena asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as we headed into the office lobby together with Andy. "Yeah, I heard it's fantastic. I've been meaning to check it out," Mark replied, adjusting his jacket as he prepared to leave. “We should go this weekend.”“I’ll think about it,” I told them with a grin as they began to head off their separate ways. “Chat me up if you decide to go.” As they waved goodbye and headed out, I turned to walk toward the exit, eager to go home and play with Reese. But then I noticed him.At the far end of the lobby, near the large glass doors, a man stood alone. He was dressed in a dark coat that seemed too heavy for the season, his face partially obscured by a hat pulled low over his brow. His gaze was fixed directly on me, and though he stood perfectly still, his eyes pierced through the crowd of passing employees like a spotlight.My heart began to beat fast. Is this the
Sophia’s POV“Get your hands off her before I make you regret it!” Elijah’s voice was a thunderclap in the quiet lobby, his anger a palpable force that seemed to draw every eye in the building.Antoine hesitated for a moment, his grip on my arm loosening reluctantly. He finally released me, stepping back with a scowl. “I just wanted to know the truth from her,” he said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene.”Elijah’s gaze remained cold. “Maybe you’re not in the right frame of mind to be discussing this right now. Besides, Sophia already told you she doesn’t know where Emily is.”Antoine’s face darkened. “And you think you’re in a position to—”“I think you’d better leave my building now,” Elijah interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument.Antoine scoffed, straightening up as if to regain his composure. With one last, frustrated glance in my direction, he turned on his heel and strode toward the exit, his footsteps echoing as he walked
Sophia’s POVBefore long, Elijah and I found ourselves back in his car, this time heading to see a doctor who specialized in recovering memories long buried in the past.I stared out the window of Elijah's car, my fingers nervously tracing the seam of the seat. Elijah’s hand rested lightly on mine, a comforting anchor as we made our way to the specialist’s office.“Are you okay, Sophia?” Elijah's voice was gentle, his concern evident.I turned to him, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just a bit nervous. This feels like a big step.”He squeezed my hand in a reassuring way. “I know. But don’t worry, I’m right here. We’ll get through this together.”The specialist’s office was a modern, calming space, filled with soft lighting and muted tones. The receptionist greeted us with a warm smile and directed us to a comfortable waiting area. I sank into a plush chair, my heart racing with anticipation.Dr. Lawson, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a seemingly soothing aura, entered the room. She exten
Sophia’s POV“Alright, everyone, time to celebrate!” Trevis announced, raising his glass high. His voice boomed over the lively chatter in the room, capturing everyone's attention. “To Sophia and her incredible work on the Horizon Group project and the new boutique design. Let's enjoy this moment!”Applause filled the spacious hall as my colleagues turned toward me, raising their glasses in unison. The large hall inside the Sinclair Realty office building had been transformed for the occasion, the usual stark and professional atmosphere replaced with something far more vibrant.Music played in the background, a catchy tune that made me want to sway along with it. Tables were laden with a small feast—platters of finger foods, bowls of fresh fruit, and an assortment of sweets. Drinks flowed freely, and the clinking of glasses punctuated the cheerful conversations.I felt a warm flush of pride as I looked around the room. It was surreal seeing everyone so happy, knowing that they were ce
Sophia’s POV“I’m so happy for you, and I’m proud of you, Sophia.”As Elijah’s words sunk in, a warm, fuzzy feeling bloomed in my chest, catching me off guard. Back when we were married, Elijah had rarely acknowledged my ambitions, often seeing me only as a homemaker rather than someone with her own dreams and achievements. Hearing those words from him now, after everything we’d been through, felt surreal. It was something I never thought I’d hear from him, and it touched me more deeply than I could have imagined.Before I could say anything, Kayla appeared beside us, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Hey, get a room!”I burst out laughing, and so did Elijah. Kayla and Connor went on to tease us, and even hinted about how we’d gotten together in the first place — in a party just like this so many years ago!We all laughed, and it felt so good. I never thought I’d see the day that getting pregnant after college and marrying someone who didn’t lo
Elijah’s POVIt was late, and the apartment building was silent. I stood beside Sophia, feeling the gentle sway of the elevator beneath my feet. The air between us was electric, a silent pull that had been growing stronger all evening.I reached out, taking her hand in mine, and slowly rubbed my thumb across her skin. She turned her head slightly and smiled up at me, her eyes soft and a little hazy from the champagne.She wasn’t drunk—just tipsy enough for her guard to be down. I’d had a few drinks myself, but my thoughts were clear. Crystal clear. I want you, Sophia. Ever since that day you left me, I never stopped wanting you. And I’m hoping you feel the same way, even just for tonight. My heart pounded with a fierce intensity, each beat echoing in my ears as I tried to read her expression. The warmth of her body so close to mine was almost unbearable, igniting something primal inside me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her—especially not from the curve of her neck, so close, s
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