Elijah’s POVIsabelle’s mask of composure shattered, her eyes darting to the side as if searching for an escape. She recovered quickly, forcing a smirk back onto her face, but I had already seen the fear flash in her eyes.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. I leaned back, crossing my arms, the smallest smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Is that so?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, controlled. “Because it seems like they’ve been quite busy lately. Hiding out, keeping their heads low. I’m sure you’ve noticed. And I heard that the Scarlet Shadows could even be the one helping them here.” She glared at me, not responding right away, but the way her jaw tightened told me I was on the right track. She wasn’t going to make this easy, but I didn’t need her to.“Funny thing,” I continued, casually as if discussing the weather. “Authorities are cracking down on the Scarlet Shadows—every major player is being tracked. It’s only a matter of time before Henry and Julia sli
Sophia’s POVI sat at the kitchen table, my hands wrapped around the warmth of a cup of tea. The steam rose lazily, curling into the air, but I barely noticed it. My mind was too busy, tangled in a mess of thoughts I couldn’t seem to untangle no matter how many cups of tea I drank.Work was its usual chaos. Morgana was being impossible, more demanding than ever, as if she thrived on seeing me bend over backward to accommodate her endless list of “urgent” changes.And then there was Elijah, who had gone to see Isabelle in prison today. Just thinking about it made my grip tighten on the mug. I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened in that grim prison room. Could they really keep her locked up, or would she slither out and be set free again?I sighed, leaning back in my chair. The thought of Isabelle walking free again sent a shiver down my spine. Emily and Jared... even Chris… none of them would be safe if she got out. Isabelle wasn’t the kind of person to just disappear quietly. N
Sophia’s POVThe next morning, I hovered over Roxy’s crib, watching her peaceful breaths. The panic from the night before had faded, and although she’d had a slight fever, she seemed fine now. Still, I couldn’t shake the worry completely. Reese had been beside herself when Roxy wouldn’t stop crying, and for a moment, I had panicked too. But this morning, Roxy was back to her usual, sweet self.I gently touched her forehead, relieved to feel it cool under my fingers. She stirred a little but stayed asleep, and I let out a soft breath.“She’s okay,” Elijah said from behind me, his voice calm and reassuring. I turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, watching me gently. “Her fever broke last night. You don’t have to worry.”“I know,” I replied, though I couldn’t help but still feel that tug of hesitation. “But what if it comes back? I don’t want to leave her today, not when she’s just getting better.”Elijah stepped into the room and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I’m stayi
Sophia’s POVGod, she’s really testing my patience, I thought as I took a deep breath. But I must stay calm and professional. I proceeded to click through the design renderings, showcasing each updated detail. Lisa, who had helped with the color palette, was on edge, shifting in her seat. Matt leaned in, looking eager to hear Morgana’s thoughts, while Carla gave me a small nod of encouragement.The room fell silent as everyone waited for Morgana’s reaction. Her eyes moved over the images slowly, her expression unreadable. I could feel the tension mounting, especially from the team, who had been dealing with her never-ending demands for weeks. I noticed Lisa’s fingers drumming nervously on the table and caught Matt exchanging a subtle glance with Carla—an eye roll that mirrored the frustration we all felt.Finally, Morgana leaned back in her chair and sighed. “It’s... fine, I guess. But something’s still missing.”Fine? Something missing?!I resisted the urge to clench my fists. After
Sophia’s POVI held my breath, anxiety gripping me.Then, without warning, Emily broke into a wide grin. “The fashion show we’ve been planning is happening soon! It’s pushing through despite everything, and I’d love for you and Kayla to contribute to the set design. And yes, it’ll be paid, of course!”My eyes widened in disbelief as relief washed over me. “Oh my God, you scared me!” I exclaimed, laughter bubbling up. “Of course, we’ll do it for you! That’s amazing!”Emily’s excitement radiated off her. “Really? You’ll help? This means so much to me!”Just then, she seemed to notice Trevis standing there, and her smile faltered for a brief moment. “Oops, sorry to disturb,” she said, her cheeks coloring slightly.Trevis chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s alright! I’ll leave you two for now.” He stood up, giving us a quick wave before stepping out of the room.As soon as the door closed behind him, Emily and I exchanged quick hugs, the weight of the earlier panic lifting. “I’m really happ
Sophia’s POVKayla leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “You know what? We should throw a small party,” she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.Emily raised an eyebrow. “A party? For what?”I couldn’t help smiling at the idea. It was like Kayla had heard my thoughts just now. Kayla smiled, shrugging. “No real reason, just so we can relax, wind down, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. With everything going on, I think we deserve a break. What do you guys think?”Sophia’s face brightened at the suggestion. “Honestly, that sounds amazing. A night without work stress or personal drama? Count me in.”Emily nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it would be nice to just hang out and unwind. But when are you thinking?”Kayla’s grin widened. “How about tomorrow? Nothing too fancy, just us, some snacks, and a few drinks.”“Tomorrow? Already?” Emily chuckled, shaking her head. “You don’t waste any time.”Sophia laughed too. “That’s quick, but it works for me
Chris’s POVThe goofy smile on my face faded the moment I saw Antoine. He was standing by the pool, staring right at me with a serious expression that didn’t sit well.What the hell is this man doing here? Is he going to cause trouble again?!Emily, standing next to me, tensed. “Don’t do it,” she whispered fearfully. She looked up at me with wide, anxious eyes. “Please, Chris. He looks… I don’t like this.”I reached out and gently squeezed her hand. “It’s fine, Emily. I’ll be fine,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “He wouldn’t dare do anything here, not in Kayla and Connor’s house.”She shook her head, clearly not convinced. “But he’s had much to drink, I think. I know how he looks like when he’s drunk a lot. You don’t know what he might do.”I glanced over at Antoine again, his posture unsteady, his eyes glassy. She wasn’t wrong about the drinking. I could practically smell the whiskey on him from here.“I’ll be right back,” I assured her, climbing out of the pool. Emily made a move
Emily’s POVI couldn’t help but smile at the dresses on display. The dreamscape-themed fashion show was finally taking shape, and it felt like magic. Each mannequin inside my studio wore a piece I had lovingly crafted, some of them transforming Sophia’s intricate designs into reality. I took a step back, adjusting a delicate lace overlay on one of the dresses, my heart brimming with joy and pride. “It’s perfect,” I whispered to myself, tracing my fingers along the hem of a gown that glimmered like starlight. I glanced over at Reese’s dress, a whimsical creation adorned with colorful butterflies that seemed to flutter with life. This had incorporated the little girl’s idea herself, but it was Sophia who had designed it from scratch. I was so proud of them both. Everything turned out so beautifully; the fabrics danced in the gentle breeze from the open window, as if celebrating with me.Just then, my phone rang, waking me up from my reverie. I saw Elijah’s name flashing on the screen
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