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
Julia’s POVAs I caught my breath, I finally made my way back to Henry, who was waiting for me near the edge of the crowd. I’d removed my scarf and sunglasses, hoping to blend in better with the revelers around us. The fireworks were about to start, and I needed to be there with him, as if we were just another couple celebrating the new year.Henry's face was filled with concern, and some irritation too, as I approached. “Where have you been?” he asked, his voice low but urgent. “I told you to stay close. You might get caught. We can’t risk being recognized.”I forced a smile, though it felt stiff on my face. “I just went to get a drink,” I said, trying to sound casual. But inside, I was seething. Seeing Sophia and Elijah, Kayla and Connor, and Daniel with his new girlfriend, all together and so obviously happy—it made my blood boil. They all seemed to have moved on, to be living these perfect lives, while I had to remain in hiding, constantly looking over my shoulder. It wasn’t fair.
Emily’s POV“This is unbelievable,” I whispered. “Totally amazing.” I stood in the middle of my new studio, taking in the sight with a mixture of disbelief and awe. The room was a dream come true: walls lined with racks of my designs, elegant displays showcasing my latest creations, and a bustling back room filled with sewing machines and all the tools of my trade. Kayla and Sophia flanked me, their faces lit up with joy. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked around, letting the reality of it all sink in. This space was mine—my own boutique and studio. It was a testament to all my hard work, sleepless nights, and an endless drive to succeed. This is for you, Mom and Dad, I said in silence. I know you’re always watching over me. Thank you for teaching me never to give up. Kayla nudged me playfully, her eyes twinkling. “So, does this mean you’re really going to resign from Raven Media, huh?”I laughed. “Yes, it does. It’s time for a new chapter. But I’ll always be grateful to you, K
Elijah’s POVI was rattled, my heart pounding not just from the adrenaline but from the shock of having used the weapon in my hand. It was the first time I’d ever fired a gun at someone. My training had kicked in—thankfully—but the reality of the situation was sinking in fast.Thank God I carry a gun all the time now, I thought as my racing heart began to calm down. Ever since Sophia had been captured by Henry and Julia, I’d chosen to bring a gun with me everywhere I went. Better safe than sorry. Emily was safe now, though, and that was what mattered most. I glanced over at her, still struggling to process what had just happened. Her eyes were wide with terror, tears streaming down her face. She looked confused, almost hysterical. “Emily, it’s okay. You’re safe now,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Where’s Sophia?”Her sobs were shaky as she looked up at me, clutching my arm. “Sophia… Kayla… they’re still inside.”“Okay, let’s go in,” I said firmly despite the tremor I felt
Elijah’s POV“Emily, we need to get you to a hospital now!” I said, my voice urgent.Emily’s eyes were wide with fear, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “No… no, not now. Please, I can’t…”Sophia’s face was pale with worry. “Elijah, what do we do?”I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm despite the overwhelming panic. “We need to get Emily medical help immediately. I’ll call for an ambulance right now.”As I fumbled with my phone, trying to dial emergency services, I could see Emily’s fear and desperation. Kayla held her tightly, whispering reassurances as tears streamed down her face.“Stay with me, Emily. We’re going to get you through this,” I said. “You’re going to be okay. We’re all here for you.”The wail of the approaching sirens was a welcome sound amid the chaos. As the ambulance arrived, I watched Kayla climb in with Emily, her face a mask of determination as she stayed by her side.Sophia and I followed closely behind, making our way to the hospital. When we arrived the
Sophia’s POVI had just finished reading Reese her bedtime story, her little eyelids growing heavy as she nestled into her pillow. I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead, but my mind was elsewhere. Elijah should’ve been home by now. He usually called if he was going to be late, but tonight, there was nothing—no text, no call. I began to get worried. As I tucked Reese in, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Relief washed over me—maybe it was Elijah finally calling. But when I saw the name on the screen, my heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t him.“Hello?” I answered, my heart pounding against my chest. “Mrs. Sinclair? This is the night guard at Mr. Knight’s office building,” came the urgent voice on the other end. “I’m afraid there’s been an incident. Mr. Elijah Sinclair was attacked in the parking lot. We found him unconscious.”My blood ran cold. “What? Oh my God… Is he… Is he okay?” My voice shook, panic threatening to take over.“We’ve already called an ambulance,” Ma
Emily’s POVI sat there, overwhelmed by guilt and self-reproach. I should have never let Antoine into our lives. If only I had been more careful, maybe none of this would have happened. The weight of responsibility felt crushing, and I couldn’t escape the blame that was gnawing at me.Sophia, seeing my distress, reached out and gently placed her hand on mine. “It’s not your fault, Emily. None of this is your doing,” she said softly, her voice full of empathy.Her words did little to ease the guilt that clung to me. Sophia had been nothing but kind to me since the day we met, and now she was dealing with this nightmare because of me. The silence that followed was heavy and laden with unspoken fears and regrets.Eventually, I knew I needed to explain, to offer some semblance of understanding. Taking a deep breath, I began to recount my story.“I met Antoine at a party,” I started, my voice slightly quivering. “I was working part-time as a waitress while in college. It was supposed to be