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 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