Sophia’s POVI sat on the edge of the tub, the cool porcelain against my skin providing little comfort. My heart ached, not just from the sadness but from the burden of past memories I hadn’t fully understood until now.The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Elijah’s worried face peering in. His expression shifted from concern to alarm when he saw me. He stepped inside, his voice slightly stammering. “Sophia, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for things to get out of hand last night. I mean, we both got carried away… But maybe, you felt like I took advantage of you…”His apology was barely a whisper, but his words began to confuse me. It took a minute for me to realize that he was apologizing for what happened last night. He squeezed my hand, his eyes gazing into mine. “We both had a lot to drink, but I meant everything I said. I’m sorry if I made you feel…”I stood up, walked over to him, and threw my arms around him, needing his warmth and strength.“No, Elijah,” I choked out. “It
Sophia’s POVI can’t believe he stayed here again another night. What the hell am I doing?I had jolted upright in bed, my heart pounding as I glanced over at the other side of the bed, where Elijah lay sprawled comfortably, entirely nude, his body glistening in the Sunday morning light. The sheets were a mess, and I felt my body heating up as I recalled the previous night. We’d done it again, I thought with a thrill. I also felt slightly embarrassed as the images of our lovemaking flashed in my mind. Elijah stirred beside me, a lazy smile spreading across his face. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble.Before I could fully process the shock of his nakedness and the vivid memories of last night, the shrill ring of the doorbell sliced through the quiet. My heart skipped a beat, and I scrambled out of bed, quickly wrapping a robe around myself.“What is it now?” I muttered, pulling the robe tight and heading toward the door.When I opened it, I was met with the cheerful face
Sophia’s POV“Oh my god, Elijah,” I managed to say, my voice breaking slightly as I took the bouquet from him and glanced toward the yacht. “This is… this is beyond amazing.”Elijah’s smile widened as he took my hand and guided me up the steps onto the yacht. My heart pounded with excitement and awe as I stepped aboard. The moment my feet touched the deck, I was enveloped by the magical ambiance Elijah had created.The yacht’s deck was a breathtaking blend of luxury and nostalgia, capturing the essence of our childhood treehouse with a touch of elegance. Wooden accents and lush greenery decorated the space, evoking the warmth of the special place where we’d spent countless hours dreaming together.Delicate twinkling lights draped from the overhead structures, and the air was filled with the soothing sounds of live music, a string ensemble playing soft instrumental versions of our favorite songs back in the day. The melodies created a serene and enchanting backdrop.The deck was transf
Sophia’s POV“Yes, Elijah,” I had said, my voice breaking as tears of joy fell down my cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”The days since that tearful, blissful moment felt like I was floating on cloud nine, unable to come down. Even in the middle of a busy workday, my mind kept drifting back to that magical night on the yacht. I frequently glanced at the shimmering diamond ring on my finger, a constant reminder of how unbelievably wonderful everything was.I sat at my desk, momentarily pausing in the midst of the design I was working on. The office was scuttling with a new kind of energy—everyone seemed to be celebrating our engagement. The congratulations and teasing had become a regular part of my workday. It was as if my personal joy had become a shared experience, and I loved every bit of it. Just then, my thoughts drifted to Daniel. I wished more than anything that I could share this happiness with him. Daniel had been such a big part of my life, and it hurt to know that he was now
Elijah’s POVThe heavy oak doors creaked open as Sophia and I stepped into the ballroom, and my breath caught in my throat.The room was straight out of a fairy tale, with its high ceilings soaring overhead, adorned with intricate gold trimmings that gleamed under the warm light of grand chandeliers. The floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side of the room, their old-school glass panes framing the view outside like a living portrait, while the light streaming in bathed the space in a soft, golden hue.“Wow,” Sophia whispered, her voice filled with awe. She took a few steps forward, her eyes wide as she took in every detail. “It’s like… a ballroom inside a castle.”I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her. The wonder in her eyes made my heart swell, and in that moment, I could suddenly picture us right there, in the center of the room, sharing our first dance as husband and wife. The image was so vivid, it was almost as if I could feel her in my arms, swaying slowly to the music.“It’
Sophia’s POVWeeks had flown by in a frenzy of wedding preparations and work commitments, and I was more than ready for a little break.I found myself at the Bakers' home, sinking into the comfortable familiarity of their living room, the scent of freshly baked cake lingering in the air. Chris sat across from me, a satisfied grin on his face. “I spoke to my florist and event stylist friend,” he began excitedly. “He’s agreed to handle the wedding. Trust me, Soph, he’ll transform the venue into something magical. You won’t recognize it.”I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “That sounds amazing, Chris. I mean, the venue’s already spectacular but this is a fantastic bonus. Thank you!”“Anytime! Anything for you and Elijah, of course.” Mr. Baker, who had been quietly sipping his tea, set his cup down and looked at me with a warm expression. "You know, I’ve got a former classmate who runs a photo-video coverage business now. We went ahead and reserved the date for you. He’s the b
Sophia’s POVIt’s time, I thought, smoothing down the flowy skirt of my wedding gown, feeling my heart beating hard against my chest. The big day is finally here. I could hear the soft, melodic strains of the violin as the door slowly opened, and it felt as if time itself was holding its breath. I stood on the threshold, peeking through the ornate wooden doors of the historic ballroom, my heart pounding like a drum. The music changed, flowing from the classical notes of the violin into the tender, resonant tones of Lila’s voice. Her singing, delicate and evocative, wove through the air like a gentle caress.Everything inside the ballroom was a dream come to life—flowers cascading in every hue imaginable, candles flickering in a symphony of light, and chandeliers dripping with crystals that shimmered like stars. With each deliberate step toward the front, I let my radiant smile shine brightly. The gasps, and claps of the crowd faded into the distance, eclipsed by the rhythmic poundi
Chris’s POVI watched with amusement as Emily, a pretty woman with flowing brown hair, took another generous bite of my mother’s cake. Her eyes fluttered closed in bliss, and she murmured, “This is oh so heavenly.”Kayla, seated beside her, grinned from ear to ear. “Isn’t it just the best? Sophia and Chris’s mom baked it.”Emily looked up, her expression a blend of delight and surprise. “Oh, really? Please thank her for me. I could eat this all day.”As she gazed into my eyes, I found myself feeling enamored by her presence. Kayla chuckled, then turned to me, her eyes sparkling. “Chris, I just realized, you two haven’t met yet. Emily, this is Chris. Chris, meet Emily.”I was glad for the introduction. Dinner had been going on for a while, and as much as I enjoyed the company of the people around the table, Emily had been a particularly intriguing presence. With the meal wrapping up and everyone else drifting off to mingle or fetch drinks, I seized the chance.Emily extended her hand
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