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 POVThe metallic clang of the prison gates behind me sent a chill through the air, though the day was warm and bright. Joe walked beside me, his expression set in its usual mask of calm determination, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. I wasn’t exactly at ease myself—this wasn’t the kind of place anyone walked into lightly.“Charlotte Vega,” I said quietly, more to myself than Joe, as we followed a guard down the sterile corridors. “She’s been visiting both Julia and Henry frequently. That alone is suspicious.”After what we had discovered from Vito’s visitor logs, I’d decided to check into the ones for Henry and Julia. And that was how I’d come across Charlotte Vega. Joe nodded, keeping his voice low. “The guards I spoke to say she’s supposedly an investigative journalist. Claims she’s writing some big exposé on international mobs. Sounds plausible enough on the surface.”“But?”“But,” he said, giving me a sideways glance, “they also mentioned she’s always very
Elijah’s POVThe cafe was brimming with energy as I sat across from my wife, happily sharing a relaxed conversation with her over lunch. Potted plants hung from the ceiling, their vibrant greens adding a refreshing touch to the cozy interiors and putting me in a rather good mood despite my recent discoveries. Sophia animatedly described her latest design project, her hands moving in lively gestures. “It’s for a seaside mall,” she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “They want something modern but that still incorporates natural elements—wooden textures, open spaces, lots of natural light.”I smiled, admiring the passion in her voice. “Sounds like the perfect job for you. You’ve always had a knack for making things both elegant and practical. I know you’ll do an amazing job.”Her cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, and she laughed softly. “Thank you. I’ve already started sketching out some ideas, but there’s so much to consider. I’m just hoping I can balance everything.
Sophia’s POV“Are you sure we’re at the right place?” Elijah asked, squinting as he scanned the brightly colored signage above the doors. His hand rested protectively on Jared’s small shoulder, while I carried Roxy’s favorite tote bag stuffed with snacks and toys.“Yes, this is it,” I said with a smile. “The indoor activity center Kayla recommended.”Just then, Reese tugged on my hand impatiently. “Mom, come on! Let’s go in already.”“Alright, alright,” I said, laughing as we stepped through the sliding doors. The sounds of laughter and squeals of children filled the air, mingling with the whir of air conditioning. The place was bustling, with climbing structures, ball pits, and vibrant murals on the walls depicting animals playing in forests and jungles.Before I could take it all in, a familiar voice called out, “Sophia! Over here!”I turned to see Victoria standing by a table near the play area, waving enthusiastically. She was dressed casually in jeans and a light cardigan, lookin
Elijah’s POVThe sound of laughter echoed from the play area. The kids were having a blast, and it was good to see Roxy getting along so well with Royce now. Jared and Reese were joining in here and there, with Reese effortlessly taking on the role of big sister to all of them. It brought a smile to my face—this was the kind of moment we lived for as parents.But the smile didn’t last. My thoughts kept circling back to Victoria. What exactly was her angle? Was I just being paranoid? I hated the thought of her playing some kind of game, especially when Sophia was trying to foster a friendship.Part of me wanted to just confront her, lay everything on the table. But then again, maybe keeping my distance was the better approach. If I could avoid giving her an opportunity to stir the pot, I wouldn’t risk her creating any more drama. I decided to walk out onto the balcony, hoping to enjoy the cool air and the serene view so as to clear my mind.The sound of approaching footsteps broke thr
Sophia’s POV“Why won’t he just tell me?” I muttered under my breath as I sank into the chair, crossing my arms over my chest. My gaze wandered to the kids, their laughter ringing out across the play area. At least they were having a good time.I leaned back, trying to piece together Elijah’s strange behavior. Was it something from before? Maybe he and Victoria had clashed at Morgana’s cafe—something to do with the legal mess. That would explain why he seemed so stiff around her. But if that was it, why not just tell me? We’d promised to be honest with each other, and yet here he was, shutting me out.I sighed, guilt creeping in despite my frustration. Elijah wasn’t acting like a man who was interested in someone else—at least, not romantically. He seemed... wary, almost like he was avoiding a problem he didn’t want to deal with. But what kind of problem?I shook my head, forcing my thoughts back to the present. The kids’ joy was infectious, and I didn’t want to ruin the day by obsess
Sophia’s POVThe car hummed quietly as we drove home, the evening shadows stretching long across the road. I stared out the window, watching the faint glow of passing streetlights. The kids were all asleep in the back seat, their soft breaths filling the silence. Elijah’s hands gripped the wheel, his focus on the road, but I could feel his eyes darting toward me now and then.I shifted slightly in my seat, crossing my arms. My mind was a whirlwind. I couldn’t stop replaying Kayla’s words over and over. Elijah and Victoria on the balcony. Arguing. Why hadn’t he told me? What had she said to him? And why did it feel like he was keeping me at arm’s length?The trust between us—something I’d always considered unshakable—now felt fragile, like a thread stretched too thin.“You’re really quiet,” Elijah said, breaking the stillness. His voice was calm, casual even, but I could hear the undercurrent of concern. “What’s on your mind?”I snapped out of my thoughts. “Hmm?”“You’ve been quiet,” h
Sophia’s POVI began to walk away. But then, something stopped me. If I refuse to communicate with him, it’s going to get worse. We’ve just made up after all those misunderstandings involving Lucas and Camille. And now, Victoria’s destroying us too. I can’t let that happen.I bit my lip, unsure of how to start. “I just... I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me about Victoria. About her being alone with you.”A crease formed on Elijah’s forehead, and he seemed to look conflicted. “Because it didn’t matter. I didn’t think it was worth bringing up and making you upset over something that meant nothing to me.”“But you were already being weird around her even before she approached you on that balcony,” I insisted. “Kayla saw the two of you looking as if you were arguing. What’s up with that? I thought you and I had agreed to be honest?”He took in a sharp breath and then went to take my hands in his. “I’m sorry, Sophia. I really am. I realize now that I should have explained about thi
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