Emily’s POVI stood there, the past burdening me as I stared at the charred remains of the house where I had spent so many years of my life. The structure, now nothing more than a skeletal frame of blackened wood and twisted metal, seemed to mourn the loss as much as I did. I could barely recognize my childhood home, which had been reduced to ashes and memories. Phoebe stood beside me, her arm wrapped around my shoulders. We were both crying, the tears mingling with the soot-streaked wind that swept through the ruins. Her presence was a comfort, yet also a reminder of everything we had lost.“I can’t believe it,” Phoebe choked out. “I know,” I whispered back, trying to steady my voice. “I keep thinking I’ll wake up and this will all be some horrible nightmare.”We stood in silence, letting the enormity of our loss sink in. The house had been more than just a building. It held every important moment of our lives, every joy and sorrow etched into its walls. And now, those walls were g
Sophia’s POVKayla practically floated through the aisles, her hand grazing over the plush towels and soft blankets as if she were in a dream. Her smile hadn't left her face since we walked into the store, and I couldn't help but grin at her. “You look like you're about to burst from all that happiness,” I teased, nudging her playfully.She laughed, a bright sound that matched the sparkle in her eyes. “What can I say? I'm a married woman now, and I've got the best husband in the world.”I reached for a vase with intricate blue patterns, imagining it on a mantle in her new home. “And you just got back from your honeymoon. You’re practically glowing. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you might have a little Connor J on the way.”Kayla’s cheeks flushed, and she giggled, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. “Well, let's hope so. Or a little Kayla Jr.! How amazing would it be if our babies were the same age and grew up as best friends, just like we did?”I couldn't help but
Sophia’s POVThe living room was filled with the scent of pine as we gathered around the Christmas tree, the twinkling lights reflecting in Reese's eyes. Elijah was next to me, holding up a box of ornaments while Reese, her small hands busy with a shiny red ball, hummed a Christmas tune.“This one goes here, Mommy!” Reese exclaimed, carefully placing the ornament on a low branch.“Perfect, sweetheart,” I said, smiling at her enthusiasm. Her joy was infectious, and I could feel my earlier worries slowly melting away.Elijah handed me a delicate glass angel, and I carefully hung it on a branch near the top. “It’s really coming together, don’t you think?”“It is,” I agreed, stepping back to admire our work. But my mind kept wandering back to Adrian. “Kayla couldn’t reach Adrian, and I’m getting worried about him,” I confided in Elijah. “Do you think he might’ve had a confrontation with Serena? Or maybe she finally told him she really doesn’t want him?”Elijah frowned slightly, consideri
Sophia’s POVThe week that followed was a roller-coaster as Kayla and Elijah’s respective PR teams moved swiftly, their strategy unfolding like a well-orchestrated symphony.Serena’s once-saccharine narrative began to crumble under the weight of carefully leaked photos—images of her with different men, the most damning being her cozying up to a much older professor. The public, so quick to rally behind her, started to see the cracks in her story. Sympathy shifted, and suddenly, Adrian was no longer the villain in this tale.I sat with Elijah on the patio near our garden, both of us checking our phones. Every news outlet, every social media platform was buzzing with the latest revelations. The tide had turned, and for once, it was in Adrian’s favor.“The strategy worked,” I said with satisfaction and gratefulness. Elijah nodded. “It was risky, but it worked. Now Adrian just needs to seal the deal with his statement.”As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a notification. I swiped to open
Sophia’s POVDaniel isn’t here yet, I thought as I surveyed the party scene. Maybe he’s not coming and that could be a good thing, even if Elijah said it’s fine with him. I looked around our living room with a smile, trying not to think about the awkwardness of having Elijah and Daniel together in one room again. Every corner shimmered with festive decorations, from the lush evergreen garlands draped over the mantel to the perfectly decorated tree standing tall in the corner. The smell of delicious food wafted through the air—roast beef, baked ham, and a mix of sweet and savory dishes prepared by a top-notch chef Elijah had insisted on hiring. The sound of laughter and cheerful conversation filled the room as our friends enjoyed the party, their glasses clinking in celebration.I can’t believe it has come to this after everything. A perfect Christmas with so much love around me. Elijah approached me with a glass of champagne, his smile warm and reassuring. Nearby, Reese was by the
Sophia’s POV“Mommy, do you think there will be more gifts at the Bakers'?” Reese’s voice was filled with a blend of sleepiness and excitement as she padded into the kitchen, her eyes still half-closed. She’d stayed up late last night opening all her presents. I glanced over, stifling a laugh. “Well, sweetheart, I think the Bakers always have a few surprises up their sleeves. It’s Christmas Day, after all, and you are their favorite.”Reese grinned, suddenly looking alert. “Yay!” she cheered. Elijah, adjusting his shirt collar with a thoughtful look, added, “Heather seemed really nice last night. I’m glad she makes Daniel happy.”I nodded, smiling as I poured us all some orange juice. “Me too. It’s great to see Daniel so content. I’m glad Heather makes her happy.”Reese, already dressed in her festive outfit, let out a dramatic yawn and stretched her arms as wide as she could. “I’m so tired, Mommy, but I can’t wait to see what’s next!”Her energy was infectious, and I found myself g
Sophia’s POVThe cheerful chatter faded, replaced by shocked silence as the heavy lyrics filled the air. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, but no one said anything. Mr. and Mrs. Baker looked over at Chris with surprise and worry. Elijah gave Mr. Baker a pat on the shoulder, whispering, “We’ll handle it.”“Okay, who’s hungry?” Mr. Baker suddenly asked loudly with a forced smile. “Let’s go enjoy our delicious Christmas Day lunch!” The rest of the family, sensing the tension, got back to their jolly chit-chat as they made their way to the dining table, leaving Elijah and me to approach Chris.“Hey, Chris,” I said casually as we joined him. He was slouched on the chair and had a faraway look on his face. Elijah dropped into the chair beside him. He nudged Chris lightly with his elbow, trying to keep things casual. “Hey, I get it. Love’s a real jerk sometimes. You’re allowed to feel crappy, especially when the person you care about isn’t ready for what you are. But, man, you’ve got to
Sophia’s POVThe night pulsed with energy, the park alive with the excitement of thousands gathered to welcome the new year. Elijah's arm was casually slung around my shoulders as we swayed in time with the music, our voices mingling with the crowd as we sang along to Lila and Adrian's Christmas duet. The stage lights flashed in sync with the beat, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the cheering audience.Beside me, Kayla practically bounced on her toes, her face alight with enthusiasm. “Can you believe it? The public is obsessed with Adrian now!” she exclaimed, trying to be heard above the roar of the crowd.I shot her a knowing grin, the thrill of vindication sparking in my chest. “Yeah, well, someone like Serena can’t get away with her lies forever,” I replied, my words laced with satisfaction. The way Adrian had risen above it all, emerging more beloved than ever, was nothing short of poetic justice.Just then, Kayla’s hand shot out, pointing through the throng of people. “Soph
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