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
Sophia’s POVAs I stepped into my car, the cold leather seats sent a sharp chill through me. The afternoon sun, shy but persistent, peeked through scattered clouds, bathing the pristine snow in a gentle radiance. Thankfully, the blizzard had blown over quickly, and the roads were clear enough to navigate. It was the kind of crisp day that made the world feel brand new, but my thoughts were far from fresh.Lucas stood near the entrance of the ski resort, his hands shoved into his coat pockets. He waved, a warm smile on his face as I rolled down my window.“Thanks for coming, Sabrina,” he called, his voice carrying easily in the still air. I forced a polite smile, not knowing how to feel about him still calling me Sabrina up to now, especially after what I'd just discovered about my childhood. “Thanks, Lucas. The resort has so much potential. I’ll send over the updated designs soon.”“I’m looking forward to it,” he said, stepping back. “Drive safe. Roads might still be icy in some spot
Emily’s POVThe biting cold wrapped around me like a vice as the forest settled into an eerie stillness. The sounds of the chase from the night before had faded, but they seemed to continue echoing in my head. My legs ached, my hands were raw, and my breath fogged in the frigid air as I stumbled forward, searching for something—anything—that could serve as a refuge.It’s getting late. I have to find shelter first. The darkness was suffocating, but then, faintly, through the trees, I saw a glimmer of light. My heart leaped as I cautiously approached, praying it wasn’t a trap. What I found instead was a small, dilapidated hunting shack, nearly swallowed by the forest. Its wooden walls were warped, the roof sagging in places, but it was shelter. For now, it was enough.Inside, the air was stale and cold, but at least it shielded me from the howling wind. I found a dusty lantern and managed to light it with trembling hands, its soft glow pushing back the shadows. There was an old cot in
Sophia’s POVThe memory hung in my mind like a shadow, vivid and unsettling. Lucas’s voice—the one I had heard in my dream, the one calling for Sabrina—now felt too real to dismiss as just a fragment of my imagination.I tried to focus on the snow, its mesmerizing dance beyond the glass, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing.And then Lucas stepped closer, his presence pulling me from my turmoil. His eyes searched mine. “What are you remembering?” he asked carefully. I turned to face him fully, my heart thundering in my chest. “It’s… hard to explain,” I began, forcing the words out through the lump in my throat. “I had a dream—a nightmare, really—about when I got lost in the snowstorm as a child. I mean, I already know that it was Morgana who actually left me behind because she’d met with her lover then. But now…”Lucas’s eyes narrowed. “Now what?”“Well, in my dream, I thought I heard Elijah calling my name. He’d been there with his family too, so…”Lucas’s expression tightened, but he s
Sophia’s POVThe view outside the window was breathtaking—snow-dusted hills stretching endlessly under a pale blue sky. The cozy lounge, with its crackling fire and soft golden lighting, felt like the perfect setting for a romantic moment. It should have been calming, but my mind was anything but calm.That photo of Elijah and Victoria burned in my memory. Her sitting so close to him, their laughter captured at just the right moment. It made my chest tighten with anger and something I didn’t want to name—jealousy. The thought alone made me queasy, but it also left me vulnerable. Vulnerable to Lucas.I glanced at him. He stood just a few feet away, his expression soft but intent, watching me like I was the only person in the world. His confession still echoed in my ears, and I couldn’t deny the pull of the moment. It was too perfect, too charged. For a brief, fleeting second, I let myself wonder what it would feel like to bask in his affection, to let myself be swept up in something s
Elijah’s POVThe silence in my office was deafening. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the half-empty coffee cup on my desk. The bitterness clung to my tongue, a reminder of the recent situation in my marriage. Oh, Sophia. What’s happening to us?She’d been consuming my every thought lately. And not in the way she used to. Not with warmth or laughter, but with cold uncertainty. We hadn’t spoken properly since I sent her those flowers. It was my way of saying: I still care about you. She’d thanked me, of course, but there was no follow-up. No deep conversation. I really miss her. God knows how much I miss my wife. We used to talk about everything. The kids. Work. The stupid little things that made up our days. Now? She was busy. Always busy. Late nights at the office. Early mornings. And when she was home, she was either buried in her laptop or tiptoeing around me like I was made of glass. And it wasn’t just work. It was that damn Lucas who found a way to be with her more. Just
Sophia’s POVThe image of Elijah and Victoria stayed with me, eating away at my thoughts like an unyielding tempest. They looked so comfortable together, so... familiar. It wasn’t just Victoria’s presence that unnerved me—it was the way Elijah seemed to let her get close. Is he falling for her? No. No, it’s impossible. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it was growing faster than I could contain it.We need to talk. Soon. Heart to heart, I resolved, my chest tightening as I fought back a surge of emotion. The silence of the room around me only made the ache sharper, more vivid.Just then, Lucas’s footsteps broke through the quiet, and I quickly pushed my phone back into my pocket. He entered the lounge with a tray balanced in his hands, two mugs of steaming hot chocolate sending up tendrils of inviting warmth.The image of Elijah and Victoria lingered in my mind, gnawing at my thoughts like a relentless storm. They looked so comfortable together, so... familiar. It wasn’t j
Sophia’s POV“Lucas,” I called out, stepping onto the cobblestone path that led to the resort’s grand, albeit faded, entrance. “You’ve got a prime location here.”He emerged from the double doors, his familiar grin warm against the chilly mountain air. “Sophia, welcome. How was the drive up?”“Long,” I admitted, adjusting my scarf as the wind tugged at it. I was bundled up in a navy wool coat, a pair of tan ankle boots, and a thick cream-colored knit scarf. The frosty air bit at my cheeks, and I shoved my gloved hands into my coat pockets for warmth. “But worth it. This place…” I gestured to the sprawling ski resort behind him, its old-world charm dulled by time and neglect. “It’s stunning. Or at least, it has the bones to be.”Lucas chuckled, his gaze lingering on me. “That’s why you’re here. To make it amazing again.”As I stepped closer, I caught the faint scent of pine and woodsmoke clinging to the air, mingling with the crispness of the snow-dusted ground. For a brief moment, the
Sophia’s POVThe sight of Phoebe standing in the doorway took my breath away. She looked so different from the last time I’d seen her—thinner, her cheekbones more pronounced, her posture subdued. But her eyes, wide and shimmering with unshed tears, carried a familiar depth of emotion that struck me instantly. Before I could speak, she stepped forward and wrapped both Kayla and me in a tight embrace.“Phoebe,” I murmured, still stunned. “You’re here.”Her hug felt prolonged, as if she were drawing strength from it. When she pulled back, her hands rested firmly on my arms, her smile wavering slightly. “I couldn’t stay away any longer,” she said, her voice soft but laden with feeling. “I needed to see you.”“We’ve missed you so much,” Kayla said, adjusting Asha on her hip. Asha reached out with a tiny hand, patting Phoebe’s cheek, as if sensing the tension in the air. Kayla smiled gently, her tone as soothing as always. “How have you been?”Phoebe hesitated, brushing a tear from her chee
Sophia’s POV“This is where she works?” Jared asked in awe, looking around Emily’s fashion boutique and studio. Last night, I dreamed of Emily. The memory stayed with me through the morning, compelling me to take Jared to her studio today. I wanted him to see her world, to connect with the pieces of his mother’s life, and perhaps, in the process, learn more about the woman who had given him life.“Yes, sweetie,” I said, kneeling beside him and pointing to a mannequin draped in a half-finished gown. “Your mom spent hours here, creating beautiful designs. She always said fashion was her way of telling a story without words.”Jared tilted his head, studying the unfinished dress. “Did she make this one for someone special?”A lump formed in my throat. “Maybe,” I whispered. “She had so many dreams... and you were always her biggest one.” I guided him to a small table near the sewing area. I pulled out a box filled with swatches of fabric and colorful buttons, things Emily had once used t