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