Sophia’s POVI awoke to the tantalizing aroma of something delicious wafting through the house. My groggy mind struggled to process the scent as I stretched and rubbed my eyes. It was the kind of smell that promised a good day, and my curiosity got the better of me.When I got into the kitchen, still in my pajamas, my heart skipped a beat at the sight before me. There, standing by the stove in a bright red apron that was way too big for him, was Elijah. His hair was a bit tousled, and he was intently focused on something sizzling in the pan. I couldn't help but chuckle as I took in the scene."What on earth are you doing?" I teased, unable to suppress my laughter.Elijah looked up, his eyes widening in mock surprise. "Well, you caught me," he said with a sheepish grin. "I wanted to surprise you and make breakfast."My heart melted at the sight of him like this—so charming and endearing. I walked over to him, still giggling. "You don’t know how to cook, and that’s okay. I love you none
Sophia’s POVI stepped out of the taxi and onto the cobblestone streets of Florence, the city that seemed to shimmer with a golden hue under the afternoon sun. I took a deep breath, trying to let go of the anxiety I had felt about leaving Kayla behind. She had insisted I come to this workshop, despite her heartache. “You need this, Sophia,” she had said. “I know you’ve been waiting for this for so long. It’s an amazing opportunity, and it’s only by invitation. So go! I’ll be okay.”I was relieved to see that Kayla seemed more stable now, throwing herself into work even though both of us hadn’t heard from Connor. I knew he was on leave from Elijah’s company, and the silence from him was troubling. But for now, I had to focus on the task at hand.The workshop was being held at a stunning villa on the outskirts of Florence, surrounded by lush gardens and rolling hills. Inside, the villa was an architectural marvel. High ceilings with ornate moldings, elegant chandeliers, and tasteful fu
Sophia’s POVIt was interesting to see Adrian looking so eager to share his story with Serena. I could tell that he really had fallen in love with her. “We ended up spending more time together,” Adrian continued. “I flew back to Italy a few more times for concerts, and she would join me whenever she could. Eventually, we both decided to make a go of it. She moved to be closer to me, and things were going well, or at least I thought they were. Lately, though, it feels like the pressures of my career and her own ambitions are pulling us in different directions.”I could sense the gravity of Adrian’s words, the frustration and sadness underlying his otherwise composed exterior. “I’m sorry to hear that,” I said softly. “Relationships can be so challenging, especially when you’re both pursuing your own dreams.”My heart went out to him. Serena’s very complicated, and I’m not sure that she has fully changed for the better. Adrian sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve never
Sophia’s POVI had just returned from my workshop in Italy, and I couldn’t wait to apply all the new strategies I’d learned. “I’m so excited to put what I learned in Italy into practice. It’s going to make a huge difference for Urban Next and Sinclair Realty,” I said, glancing at Elijah, as we walked up the path heading to Reese’s school. He gave me a supportive smile, his eyes reflecting his pride. “I’m sure it will. I’m really proud of you, Sophia.”His encouragement filled me with warmth. “Thanks, Elijah. It means a lot to hear that from you.”Reese skipped up beside us, her eyes bright with excitement. “Mommy, can I go to the playground now?”I looked towards the playground and then back at her. “Yes, honey, but remember to stay where the nanny can see you.”“Okay!” Reese’s face lit up as she dashed off towards the swings, her small figure soon lost in the morning play. Her nanny followed her there. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I fished it out and saw a message from Kayla: Conn
Sophia’s POV“It seems that Reese has been easily annoyed by a little boy named Roy. Even if he’s just trying to sit beside her, she frowns and moves away. One day, he put a cookie on her table, and she got very upset.”The story left Elijah and me both confused and puzzled. I struggled to reconcile this with the cheerful and easygoing child I knew. I had always seen Reese as someone who could get along with anyone, and the idea of her being so upset over something like a cookie seemed out of character.“I’m really surprised,” I said, my voice reflecting my concern. “Reese has always been so friendly and kind. Why do you think this is happening?”Mrs. Parker nodded sympathetically. “It’s hard to say for certain. Children’s reactions can sometimes be triggered by things we might not immediately understand. I’ve talked with Reese about this incident, but it would be helpful if you could also discuss it with her at home. Understanding her feelings about the situation and why Roy’s action
Kayla’s POVThe hotel function hall was alive with activity as models rehearsed their strut down the runway, the sound of heels clicking against the polished floor blending with the murmur of conversation and the clatter of last-minute setup.I stood near the edge of the stage, directing a group of decorators to adjust the floral arrangements around the archway. The ramp was ready, its sleek design illuminated by the gentle light from overhead, but there was still so much to finalize. Every detail had to be perfect."Move that bouquet a little to the left," I called out, gesturing toward the display. "We need to balance the colors with the backdrop."As the decorators adjusted the arrangement, I checked the lighting setup, ensuring that the soft, ethereal glow we planned for the opening segment was just right. I could feel the pressure mounting, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. Everything needed to come together flawlessly, and I was the one holding it all togeth
Emily’s POVI stepped into the function hall with Sophia by my side, and the sight that greeted us stopped me in my tracks. There, in the center of the room, was Connor, down on one knee, proposing to Kayla. My heart leapt in my chest as I watched Kayla throw her arms around his neck, tears of joy streaming down her face.“Oh my God, he’s proposing!” Sophia gasped beside me. We exchanged a look of shock and pure excitement before turning our attention back to the couple in the middle of the hall.Kayla was radiant, her happiness lighting up the entire room. As Connor lifted her off the ground, their embrace was so full of love and promise that it made my own eyes well up with tears. The workers who had been taking a break were slowly filtering back into the room, drawn by the commotion. One by one, they started clapping and cheering, filling the space with applause and celebration.Without thinking, Sophia and I rushed forward, barely able to contain our excitement. As soon as Connor
Emily’s POVThe cab pulled up, and I almost didn't have the strength to lift my arm to hail it. My fingers were trembling, and the tears that had stained my cheeks felt like they’re drying into salt, a permanent reminder of the storm raging inside me. The driver opened the door, and I dragged my suitcase over the curb, my legs feeling like lead.I was supposed to return to France only when I’m super successful and Antoine is completely out of my life, I thought bitterly. Mom, Dad, Phoebe and I were supposed to have an amazing reunion. The cobblestone streets, the smell of fresh croissants wafting from nearby bakeries, the chatter of people speaking in rapid French—everything that used to feel like home now felt like a cruel joke.I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror as I got into the cab. My eyes were swollen and red, and my makeup was smeared, but I barely registered it. It was as if I was looking at a stranger, someone who had lost their way.The cab ride felt endles
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