Sophia’s POVI woke up to an empty bed. My hand instinctively reached out to the space beside me, but it was cold, and the sheets were neatly smoothed over. I checked the clock on the nightstand and groaned. I’d overslept.Panic set in almost immediately. Today wasn’t just any school day—Reese needed art supplies for her project, Jared had a mini show and tell at play school, and Roxy had begged me for her favorite snacks for recess. My head spun with the mental checklist as I threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed.I didn’t even bother brushing my hair, rushing toward the kitchen with a thousand thoughts racing through my mind. What if the kids were still in their pajamas? What if I didn’t have time to make breakfast? What if—?The aroma hit me first: sweet pancakes, sizzling bacon, and a hint of cinnamon. I slowed my pace, my brow furrowing in confusion as the sound of happy chatter drifted toward me from the dining area. Was that… Reese singing?When I reached the dining roo
Sophia’s POV"Lucas?" I managed in a whisper.He smiled, that familiar, confident tilt of his lips that always seemed to hold an air of mystery. "Morning, Sabrina."The sound of that name, one I hadn’t heard in days but felt etched into my past, sent a shiver down my spine.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended, the surprise mingling with an edge of annoyance.Lucas raised his hands slightly in mock surrender. “Relax. I just wanted to check in, see how you’re doing.”My grip on the door tightened as I fought to steady myself. “It’s not a good time.”His smile faltered, and for a moment, something genuine flickered in his eyes. “I just... wanted to make sure everything’s okay. After the other night, I’ve been thinking—”“This really isn’t a good time,” I interrupted firmly, stepping back slightly. This is the last thing that I need right now. I can’t have him here. Lucas hesitated, his gaze searching mine. “Alright,” he said finally, his voice softer. “
Sophia’s POV“Sophia, I need you to come to my office now for a meeting. Big client. High-profile. This could be a game-changer for Urban Next.” Trevis sounded very excited over the phone. I sat up straighter in my chair, my curiosity instantly piqued. “Who is it?” I asked, already flipping open my notebook to jot down details.“Not over the phone,” Trevis said, his tone conspiratorial. “Just get here. Trust me, you’re going to love this.”His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile as I grabbed my things and made my way to his office. This was exactly the distraction I needed. Something to throw myself into, to focus on, to leave everything else behind for the meantime. When I stepped into the room, Trevis was pacing by the windows, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke with another colleague. As soon as he saw me, his face lit up. “Ah, there she is—the star of Urban Next.”I laughed, shaking my head as I took a seat. “Flattery already? This must be big.”“Oh,
Elijah’s POV“The surveillance is live,” Joe’s voice said through the speakerphone in my office. “We’ve got drones in the air and eyes on the docks. If Lennon’s hiding something, we’ll find it.”“Good,” I muttered, leaning forward. My fingers drummed against the desk as the satellite feed from the docks came into focus. The grainy image showed cargo containers stacked high, workers moving in synchronized chaos under the amber glow of floodlights.The private investigation firm I’d hired had already combed through the basics—shipping manifests, customs declarations, and transaction records. Too much of it didn’t add up. Confidential shipments. Redirected goods. And partnerships with shell companies linked to known mob fronts.“Any movement?” I asked.Joe’s keyboard clattered on the other end. “Not yet. But if Lennon’s got anything going on tonight, it’ll be here. These docks are his central hub for domestic shipments.”I rubbed my temples. “Keep me posted. I’ll head out soon.”It’s bee
Elijah’s POVJoe’s voice came through again. “Elijah, we’ve got movement. That SUV is circling back, and they’re unloading something heavy. You need to wrap it up.”I cursed under my breath. “Understood. Get me an exit route.”The PI beside me nodded sharply, sealing the crate back up with quick, practiced hands. My heart pounded as I scanned the area, my eyes locking onto the approaching headlights of a forklift. Its beam swept across the rows of containers, illuminating patches of the shadows we were hiding in. We crouched lower, pressed against the cold metal of a nearby container, holding our breath as the vehicle rumbled past, its operator none the wiser.“Exit to your left,” Joe said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “There’s a service road leading to a back lot. Minimal cameras. You’ve got a clear path, but move fast.”I gave a small nod to the PI, and we slipped out of our hiding spot, moving swiftly but quietly. Every footstep felt like it echoed in the oppres
Elijah’s POVI stretched out on the couch, letting out a slow breath as I stared at the ceiling. Saturday mornings were supposed to be a time to recharge, but my mind was a tangled web of doubts, plans, and suspicions. Between Lennon’s shady dealings and Sophia’s decision to work with Lucas, I felt like I was walking a tightrope, trying to balance everything without falling apart.The sound of laughter drifted in from the garden, pulling me out of my thoughts. The kids were giggling about something, their voices light and carefree. Sophia’s laughter mingled with theirs, warm and melodic.Maybe this is what I need. Just one day without suspicion or frustration. One day to relax and have fun with my family, just like before. Pushing myself off the couch, I headed toward the garden. The sight that greeted me made my chest loosen for the first time in days. Reese, Jared, and Roxy were seated around a small table, their hands smudged with paint as they worked on terracotta pots. Sophia wa
Sophia’s POVKayla and I settled into the plush chairs at the nail salon, the soothing melody of soft music blending with the faint scent of lavender in the air. It was a welcome reprieve from the chaos of life, and I could already feel some of the tension lifting from my shoulders.“This is exactly what I needed,” I sighed as the nail technician began working on my hands. “Just some peace and quiet with my best friend.”Kayla grinned from the chair next to me, her toes soaking in warm, bubbly water. “Tell me about it. Between Asha’s teething and Connor’s latest work crisis, I feel like I haven’t sat down for five minutes in days.”I chuckled. “Motherhood. Marriage. The joys of adulting, right? Remember when our biggest problem was whether our outfits matched for the weekend parties?”“Or whether that cute guy from history class would notice us,” Kayla added with a laugh. “Life was so simple back then.”We both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like we were back in those carefree day
Sophia’s POVThe dim glow of the club’s neon lights danced across our table as Kayla and I leaned in, laughing over the rim of our cocktail glasses. The music thumped in the background, a pulsing beat that seemed to sync with the energy of the room.“See?” Kayla grinned, tossing her hair back. “Aren’t you glad you came out?”I took another sip of my drink, nodding. “I’ll admit, this is fun. It’s been forever since I just let loose like this.”Kayla gave me a playful nudge. “Good. That’s the whole point. Forget your worries for a bit.”A few minutes later, we were on the dance floor, swaying to the music. The crowd around us moved as one, and for the first time in weeks, I felt free—untethered by work, responsibilities, and the heavy weight of my recent thoughts.As we returned to our table, a man approached Kayla, flashing a charming smile. “Hey there. Can I buy you a drink?”Kayla raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with amusement. “Appreciate the offer, but I’m good, thanks.”He h
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