Sophia’s POVWhen Reese and I finally made it back home, I took a moment to appreciate our new house. It was a cozy, modern space with large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. The open-plan living area was decorated with comfortable furniture and a few family photos scattered around. The garden out back was lush and green, with a small play area where Reese spent her afternoons lost in imaginative play.Reese darted outside as soon as we got in, her little feet already running toward the swing set and the sandbox. I watched her with a grin, loving the way she laughed. I headed to the kitchen to start on dinner, the aroma of sautéing vegetables and herbs soon filling the air. I was deep in concentration, chopping and slicing ingredients, when Elijah finally walked through the door.“Hey there,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek as he set his keys on the counter. “How was your day?”“It was good,” I replied, trying to keep my voice casual despite the weight of the conversa
Sophia’s POV“So what was the wedding present and who sent it?” Kayla asked me curiously, her eyes wide as I told her the story. “Apparently, one of Elijah’s associates had his driver drop it off, but we didn’t immediately see the card so it really frightened us!” I said, almost laughing at the memory. “This business partner wasn’t able to come to the wedding and he’d sent the gift late. And by the way, it was a pretty expensive set of towels. I loved it.”“Whew!” Kayla said, putting her hand over her chest. “You’re going to give me a heart attack!” “But the first one, the really scary doll… We still don’t know who sent it.”We were both quiet for a while as we navigated through the racks of colorful dresses in our favorite shop. Then eventually, Kayla rubbed my shoulder as a sign of comfort. “Don’t worry, Sophia. Maybe it’s just a prank.”I shook my head in disagreement. “I think it could really be Julia.”Kayla sighed. “Well, let’s all just be careful…” I nodded, trying to focus
Emily’s POVIt feels good to be back at work. I remembered how my sister Phoebe had taken care of me the past weeks, and I was so glad and grateful that she came when she did. It was perfect timing. And even though I needed to be on bed rest, we still got to have our bonding moments. “Emily!” a voice called from across the room. It was Jenna, one of the senior designers. She walked over, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Welcome back! How are you feeling?”I managed a grateful smile. “Thanks, Jenna. I’m doing well. It’s nice to be back. I’ve missed this crazy place.”Jenna chuckled. “We’ve missed you too. You’re the best fashion designer we’ve ever had around here. Anyway, glad to know you’re feeling better now.”As Jenna walked away, I couldn’t help but let my fingers rest on my slightly rounded belly. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling a flutter and whispering to the little life inside me.“I’m glad you’re feeling stronger now,” I murmured. “We’ll get through all this t
Emily’s POVModels flitted in and out, draped in the latest designs for Lila’s upcoming concert. The energy in the room was infectious as we made final adjustments to the outfits, ensuring everything was perfect for the big event.In just a short while, Lila herself would be arriving and I would need to make her fit all the clothes we intended for her to use in that concert. I was lost in the details, pinning here, adjusting there, when I heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching.“Emily, how are you holding up?” Kayla’s voice cut through the hum of activity, warm and reassuring.I looked up from the array of fabrics I was inspecting and saw Kayla standing at the edge of the studio with a look of concern. I smiled, grateful for her presence.“Hey, Kayla,” I said, straightening up from my work. “I’m doing well, thanks. Just busy with all these fittings. Lila’s concert is going to be amazing.”Kayla walked over and joined me at the worktable, her gaze scanning the busy scene. “
Sophia’s POVThe lights in the Raven Media office shimmered brighter than usual, reflecting the jubilant atmosphere that filled the room. The smell of catered food mingled with the faint scent of fresh flowers, and the air buzzed with excited chatter. “So you already planned this?” I asked Kayla incredulously. Kayla grinned, nodding. “Yup! I assumed she’d win a prize, for sure.”I chuckled. “You are the best boss ever! And of course, the best best friend too!”“That’s right,” Kayla agreed with a wink, making us both laugh. Soon I was making my way through the crowd of Emily’s colleagues and friends, and even some media people, when I spotted her standing near the windows with a big smile on her face. She looked radiant and beautiful, her cheeks flushed as she accepted congratulations from various people. "Emily!" I called out as I approached her. "Congratulations! First prize in a prestigious contest? That's incredible!"Her eyes lit up even more when she saw me. "Sophia! Thank yo
Daniel’s POV“Daniel…” I heard Kayla take in a sharp breath, as if she was about to reveal something of great importance. Then her next words hit me hard. “Sophia's having a baby with Elijah.”Kayla's voice rang clear through the phone, her words cutting through the sterile air of the hospital room in Bangkok. I had just been admitted when she’d called me.I felt my heart skip a beat, followed by a thud in my chest as a rush of emotions washed over me. I was surely surprised. But along with it, I felt something unexpected. It was happiness, slightly tinged with a familiar ache. “I’m happy for her,” I replied, my voice steady, though I could feel the effort it took. There was still a flicker of something unresolved, a faint echo of what had been. But for the first time, it was muted, overshadowed by a growing sense of acceptance.I wasn’t there yet, not completely. But maybe, just maybe, I was starting to find my way.“Are you okay?” Kayla's tone softened, probing gently.“Yeah,” I l
Daniel’s POVIt was late, and the hospital was quiet. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind refusing to settle. My condition felt like an ever-present burden, a constant reminder of how weak and vulnerable I was. Anxiety edged into my thoughts, making it difficult to find any semblance of peace.A soft knock on the door broke through the silence. I turned my head as Heather stepped inside, her silhouette framed by the dim light from the hallway. Suddenly, I remembered what she’d last said to me, which she had not been able to finish because we were interrupted by another nurse who was calling her. “Daniel?” Her voice was gentle, but a little hesitant. “I saw the light on. Are you alright?”I sighed, the words escaping before I could stop them. “I’m scared, Heather. What if… what if this doesn’t get better? What if this is it for me?”She crossed the room, pulling up a chair beside my bed. Her hand reached out and warmly gripped mine. I looked up, and for the first time, I not
Sophia’s POVI took a deep breath, the scent of fresh paint and construction materials filling my lungs. It felt amazing to be standing here again, at the site of Daniel's real estate development. My designs were finally coming to life, and it was like watching a dream unfold before my eyes. Every corner, every detail—exactly as I had envisioned.After an hour of going around and conferring with the architect on site, I was ready to go back to my office. As I reached the parking area, I thought about Daniel and wondered what he was doing now. He and I used to be so close. We’d share our dreams and frustrations, and now, after so many weeks of silence, it felt strange to be here without him. He still hasn’t returned, nor has he tried to contact me since he sent me an email greeting before my wedding. I shook my head, trying to push away the feeling of wistfulness. “Just focus on the project,” I muttered to myself, smiling at the progress.As I turned to head back to my car, my heart n
Elijah’s POVI ended the call with Emily and let out a long, slow breath, leaning back in the chair. Her pain lingered in my chest like an echo. The weight of everything—the mob, Jared, keeping everyone safe—pressed heavily on my shoulders.“You okay?” Joe asked, his sharp eyes scanning me from across the room.I nodded, though the tightness in my chest hadn’t eased. “Yeah. Just a lot to think about.”I glanced at him then, leaning against his desk, his ever-present sharpness softened just a fraction. “Emily’s strong,” I said, more to myself than to him. “But even she has her breaking point.”Joe nodded, picking at the corner of a file on his desk. “She’s got Chris, though. Guy’s solid, if a little rough around the edges. They’ll hold out.”“Chris isn’t used to this kind of life, but he’s never loved someone like how he loves Emily. It’s really admirable that he’s doing all this for her. She needs him by her side.”Joe rubbed the back of his neck, his face tight with thought. “The mob
Elijah’s POVI leaned back in my chair, glancing at the neatly organized business reports in front of me. Normally, mornings like these were a steady grind, but today, I couldn’t keep the small smile off my face.Last night replayed in my mind, unbidden but welcome. The warmth of Sophia’s touch, her whispered promises, and the way we’d melted into each other as though the rest of the world didn’t exist. It had been intense, much more than the usual. Definitely one of the most memorable. The sound of my phone shattered the moment, pulling me back to the present. I picked it up, spotting Joe’s name flashing on the screen. His timing was rarely coincidental.“Joe,” I answered, straightening in my chair. “What’s the update?”“Got something big,” he said, his voice urgent, but low enough that I knew he was being cautious. “I managed to connect with Emily and Chris. Used a secure satellite line. They’re safe for now.”Relief washed over me. “That’s good to hear. And Marc and Luc? What are
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