Elijah’s POV“Hi, Sophia,” I heard myself say to her. My voice was filled with mixed emotions upon seeing her. Sophia looked shocked at first, but then she relaxed and managed a faint smile. “Hello, Elijah.” She didn’t give me a chance to say anything else, though. It was as if we were acquaintances chancing upon each other. She just simply continued to walk on. I turned around, trying to decide if I should follow her. I saw her eventually put her phone to her ear. “Daniel?” I heard her say. “Meet me now at Georgia’s.”Hearing Daniel’s name and Sophia's tone of voice, I felt a surge of curiosity. As she passed by the little girl's table, I decided to follow her, intrigued by their interaction. Sophia seemed unusually distant from the child, almost as if she were pretending not to know her. I watched them closely, trying to gauge their connection. Sophia didn’t even glance at the child. She walked much faster toward the exit while talking on the phone. “Reese, darling!” I suddenly
Sophia’s POVBefore returning to the United States, I had prepared myself for another encounter with Elijah, but I hadn't expected it to happen so soon. As I walked out of the restroom, my mind was racing. I had thought about this moment for so long, rehearsing what I would say and how I would act, but now that it was actually happening, all of that preparation seemed to have vanished from my mind. I’m just glad I’m not panicking. I remembered how I had prepared for this before coming over here. I had arranged for Reese's nanny and the nanny's sister to come and help look after my daughter. Now, I was grateful for that foresight, as it gave me some peace of mind knowing that Reese was in good hands and I could continue to pretend that she wasn't my own child while Elijah was around. “It’s going to be okay,” Daniel assured me, reaching over the table to gently rub my hand.“I want to get out of here now, but it might seem too obvious,” I told him nervously. “Relax, Sophia. Everyth
Serena’s POVElijah’s in love with Sophia. It was a realization that had hit me years ago, but was now rushing back like a terrifying flood as Sophia stood in front of me — live in the flesh. Right here in the Sinclair Realty Group building. He loves her, I thought bitterly, a lump forming in my throat while anger rose within me like a huge flame of fire. I could see it in his eyes, and hear it in his voice, long before he even acknowledged it himself. I thought he'd give up on her once he was back in the States, especially after Sophia terminated her pregnancy. But no… He chose to dive headfirst into work, burying himself in projects and meetings, because he’s affected by what happened. Because he didn’t want to get emotionally involved.As the days turned into weeks, I noticed a change in Elijah. He became more distant, more formal. Our interactions became purely professional, and I found myself missing the easy banter we used to share. He trusted me with the design department, le
Sophia’s POVElijah! With Julia?! These were the words that immediately formed in my head upon seeing them together outside the elevator. So I guess they talked more in the restaurant and came here together!I was still fuming from my heated exchange with Serena, but now, my anger had turned toward my ex-husband. What a real jerk! I’m so lucky to have gotten rid of him when I could. Elijah and Julia stepped in to join us within the small confines of the elevator. I felt trapped, making it harder for me to breathe. “Hi again, Sophia,” Julia greeted me warmly. She probably still had no idea that Elijah was my ex-husband. “Hey, Julia,” I greeted back, trying to sound normal. The elevator continued its ascent, and I could feel Elijah's gaze on me. I fixed my eyes on the digital screen that showed the floor number, waiting for us to reach the 8th where Urban Next was located. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, I quickly stepped out, feeling relieved. Julia followed behind
Sophia’s POVI tried to control my feelings and remain cool and professional, especially since Elijah’s company was technically our client. “I’ll talk to you later, Sophia,” Craig murmured before hastily leaving the room. He nodded in acknowledgment to Elijah, who simply ignored him and invited himself in. He closed the door behind him and faced me squarely. “We need to talk, Sophia.”“You’ve been saying that for the longest time, Elijah,” I said, rolling my eyes. “It’s getting old, and I have a lot of work to do.”I sat behind my desk and began sifting through the documents and design plates on top of it, completely ignoring Elijah. “I came across this little girl today, about the age of three,” he began, making my heart skip a beat. I certainly knew who he was talking about, but I tried not to let him see that. I continued what I was doing without bothering to look up. He went on, “She looked so much like you, Sophia. And she was in that restaurant where I happened to see you to
Sophia’s POVThe next two weeks were a whirlwind of creativity and productivity. I threw myself into refining my design, working day and night to bring my vision to life. The last time I devoted myself to a project like this was back in school, and I relished every moment of it.It’s tough, but quite thrilling. As I immersed myself in my work, I felt a renewed sense of passion and purpose. I realized that being a designer wasn't just a job for me—it was a calling. The thrill of bringing my ideas to life, of creating something truly unique and impactful, was exhilarating. I was in my element, and I loved every minute of it.The days blurred into nights as I poured myself into perfecting my design. I often found myself staying late in the office, most of the time the only company being Craig, my architect partner. He shared my dedication to the project, which I truly appreciated. He would linger, offering insights and ideas that helped me refine my work.One evening, as we worked side
Sophia’s POVI was about to answer Craig's question over the phone when Reese came over and tapped the end button. I looked at her in surprise, wondering why she had interrupted me. Her face was red, and she looked quite angry, even though her eyes were sleepy.“Now, sleep! No phone!” Reese declared, her voice firm despite her tiredness. I couldn't help but smile at her determination. I pinched her nose affectionately, thinking that I would just explain to Craig tomorrow.“Alright, alright, no phone,” I chuckled, lifting Reese up and placing her gently on her bed. She snuggled into my pillow, already half asleep. I grabbed a storybook that was lying on my bedside table and began reading it to her. Eventually her eyes closed and she was sound asleep. “I love you, Reese,” I whispered, giving her a kiss on the cheek and lying down next to her to sleep. Soon the big day came for Julia and I to present our refined proposal to the entire team. As I stepped into the meeting room, my heart
Sophia’s POVThe meeting ended, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't hide my disappointment. I managed to keep a smile on my face, but inside, I felt crushed. I ignored the sight of Julia basking in their victory, focusing only on the need to retreat to my small office and be alone.Elijah’s eyes shifted to me, and it seemed like his gaze meant to tell me something. I hurried away quickly, not caring to find out. As I entered my office, I hoped to find solace in solitude, but my wish was not granted. Serena followed me in, ignoring my request to leave. She locked the door behind her and sat down on the couch, looking at me expectantly.“What do you want, Serena?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.“Well, do you know why Elijah chose Julia’s design over yours?” she asked straightaway, her eyebrows furrowing. She seemed greatly bothered by this, and I silently wondered why she wasn’t celebrating with them instead. “I’m not interested to know why,” was all I answered as I turn
Emily’s POVThe worn leather journal felt heavier in my hands than it should have, its frayed edges brushing against my fingertips as I clutched it tightly. Every step I took on the narrow mountain trail seemed to amplify the weight of it, as if it held not just pages of memories, but the crushing reality of the life Chris and I now led, lived before by someone else. The peaks of Mercantour National Park loomed ahead, their jagged edges shrouded in mist. Chris walked a few steps in front of me, his head turning every so often to scan the trail behind us."Do you think this place will be safe?" I asked. Chris slowed his pace, waiting for me to catch up. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he adjusted the strap of his backpack and glanced at me, his face unreadable. “It’s secluded. Hard to find, even harder to reach. That’s something.”Not exactly comforting. “But for how long?” I pressed. “How long until they find us again?”Chris’s jaw tightened, the tension in his shoulders makin
Elijah’s POVThe café had transformed under the warm glow of evening lights, its usual charm elevated by strings of delicate fairy lights and subtle touches of elegance. Tables were arranged to face a small stage near the window, where a sleek microphone and a guitar stand hinted at the night’s entertainment. Lila stood nearby, radiant in a flowing dress, her hand entwined with Adrian’s. Their closeness was unmistakable, their easy smiles a reflection of the love they now shared.I leaned against the counter, nursing a glass of sparkling water, and watched as they chatted with Morgana. Adrian was gesturing animatedly, and Lila laughed, leaning into his shoulder. Their new album launch was clearly more than just a career milestone—it was a celebration of their partnership.The sound of the door opening drew my attention. My grip on the glass tightened as Camille stepped inside, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She was dressed to impress, her bold red dress catching the light
Elijah’s POVDetective Marcus and I met the vendor in a discreet corner of the back room. The man glanced nervously between us as Marcus explained the plan.“You’re going to approach your contact,” Marcus told him firmly. “Tell them there’s an opportunity tonight—something disruptive, something damaging. Be clear, but not pushy. If they bite, we’ll catch them red-handed.”The vendor nodded, swallowing hard. “Alright. What do you want me to suggest?”“Target the performance,” I said, crossing my arms. “Lila’s scheduled to sing tonight. Make it sound like ruining her set would humiliate Morgana and damage the café’s reputation. It’s the kind of petty, public sabotage this person seems to thrive on.”The vendor shifted uncomfortably. “And you’re sure I’ll be safe?”“You’ll be wired,” Marcus assured him, holding up a small device. “We’ll monitor everything, and my team will be close by. As soon as we have what we need, you’re out.”I stepped forward, fixing the vendor with a hard stare. “
Elijah’s POVI could see my stepmother smiling, talking to a couple of regulars at the counter in her cafe. Business had become much better lately, and for the first time in weeks, she looked genuinely happy. It seemed as if the chaos of the past few months had been nothing but a bad dream. I glanced at my watch. The investigator I’d recommended—Detective Marcus—was due to arrive any moment. He’d personally called me and mentioned new leads on the vandalism and threats against Morgana and Lila, promising that this time, we’d finally get somewhere.I looked over at Morgana. Her genuine smile was a rare sight these days, and despite everything, it was a relief to see her like this. Yet, the faint strain in our dynamic was impossible to overlook.She hadn’t entirely forgiven me for investigating Lennon. The look of betrayal on her face when she caught me in my study weeks ago still lingered in my mind. But for all her anger, she hadn’t shut me out completely. She’d allowed me to continu
Elijah’s POV“Sophia…” I whispered, that one word sending all sorts of emotions shooting through my body. God, I miss my wife. I couldn’t stop replaying the moments of distance, the fractured conversations, and the way her eyes held questions I didn’t know how to answer. But right now, I couldn’t afford to dwell on it.My phone buzzed on the desk, pulling me from my thoughts. Joe’s name flashed across the screen.“Elijah,” his voice came through, sounding serious. “I’ve got an update. One of Lennon’s companies has a scheduled shipment tomorrow night. Destination? A port that’s had connections with Les Ombres Écarlates in the past.”I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. “What’s being shipped?”“Hard to tell. The manifest says machinery parts, but the quantity doesn’t match the volume listed. It’s suspicious, to say the least.”I rubbed my temple, frustration mounting. “And Lennon? Is he directly involved?”“Hard to say,” Joe admitted. “But it’s his company’s name on the paperwork. If h
Sophia’s POVThe knock on my office door was brief but firm. I glanced up from my laptop, my brow furrowing as my assistant stepped in, holding a bouquet of vibrant roses and lilies.“This just came for you,” she said, her smile bright as she placed the vase on my desk.“For me?” I asked, surprised. My gaze dropped to the small white card nestled among the flowers. I reached for it, curiosity piqued.The handwriting was familiar, steady and bold: For Sophia – because I’m thinking of you. – E”Elijah.A soft warmth bloomed in my chest, quickly followed by doubt. Was this a genuine gesture, or was it guilt? My mind immediately replayed the strained conversations, the silent meals, the guarded looks we’d exchanged over the past weeks. But as I stared at the flowers, their vibrant colors brightening my desk, I pushed those thoughts aside. Whatever the reason, he’d thought of me. And wasn’t that what mattered?“Lovely bouquet,” my assistant commented before slipping out of the room, leavin
Sophia’s POVA rapid thudding filled my ears as I watched the elevator doors close, Camille’s figure disappearing behind the sleek metallic panels. She hadn’t seen me, but there was no mistaking her—she was here, in the Sinclair Realty building.What was she doing here? And more importantly, who was she here to see?I swallowed hard, my thoughts racing as I tried to keep my emotions in check. She couldn’t possibly still be pursuing Elijah? The very idea made me feel sick. I suddenly had the urge to run after her and grab her by the hair. Forcing a steadying breath, I turned and walked toward the lobby doors, my heels clicking against the polished floors. I told myself not to jump to conclusions, not to let my insecurities get the better of me. I walked briskly to my car, the thought of Camille’s presence lingering like a bad aftertaste. What the hell is she doing here? I repeated silently in my head. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of all the possibilities—none of them good. My
Sophia’s POVBalancing the coffee and pastry bag in my hands, I hurried toward the door, eager to get back to the office and away from whatever awkwardness I’d just left behind. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, a tug-of-war between relief that nothing suspicious seemed to be happening and the persistent pang of doubt gnawing at me.Just as I stepped outside, I nearly collided with someone. “Oh!” I gasped, clutching the coffee tightly to avoid spilling it.“Sophia!” Luana’s voice greeted me warmly, her eyes wide with surprise before her expression shifted to a delighted smile. “It’s so good to see you!”“Luana!” I managed, trying to sound equally cheerful as my heart raced for entirely different reasons. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.”“No harm done,” she said with a light laugh. “It’s been too long. I feel like we haven’t had a chance to properly catch up.”“I know,” I said, forcing a smile. “You’ve been busy, though. How’s everything going?”“Good, actually.” She
Sophia’s POVSee you later for lunch at Bella Sera.The words on the screen seemed to taunt me. It was early morning and I was rushing to prepare for work in the bedroom while I could hear Elijah in the shower. His phone had just buzzed with a message, and when I saw Victoria’s name pop up, I just couldn’t help myself. I had to read that woman’s message. My eyes stayed glued to the message, my heart hammering as I tried to make sense of it. Bella Sera was Morgana’s cafe, so it wasn’t entirely strange for Victoria to be meeting Elijah there. But why? The legal issues at the cafe had been handled, hadn’t they? They shouldn’t have any more reason to meet with one another, a voice whispered in my head. I closed my eyes, trying to suppress the jealousy bubbling inside me. This wasn’t who I was—or at least, it hadn’t been. Lately, though, it seemed like I’d turned into a completely different person. Suspicious. Distrusting. Always questioning.But could I really blame myself? Elijah and