Caroline’s Poin of View[Come home.]I glance down at my phone, seeing a text from Knoxx. My brows furrow as I read it again. Home? Why? The confusion lingers in my mind as I sit down on the edge of the bed, staring at the message. There’s no explanation, just a request, or rather, a command.A part of me wants to ignore it, to keep the distance I’ve been trying to build between us. But then I think about Grandpa. His birthday is today, and I know I’m doing this for him, not for Knoxx.Reluctantly, I reply, [I’ll be there.]When I arrive at the house later that day, I’m surprised to see a team of stylists waiting for me. One of them approaches with a warm smile, holding a bundle of clothes. “We’re here to help you get ready for the party, Mrs. Hamilton.”My confusion deepens. "It's just Grandpa's birthday. Why do I need all this?" I ask, looking around at the racks of dresses and trays of makeup.Knoxx steps into the room, his tall frame taking up space like it always does. "There wil
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe loving couple we played fooled everyone, even Knoxx himself, who now looked like a devoted husband. His hand rests lightly on the small of my back, guiding me through the grand ballroom with ease, and his smile is warm and practiced, as though none of this is fake. To the guests, we’re the perfect picture of a happy couple, but I know the truth.Every glance he gives me, every small gesture, feels rehearsed. It’s all part of the act. The man beside me is the father of another woman’s child. My stomach churns at the thought, but I keep my face calm, offering smiles and polite nods. Tonight, none of this is for me—it’s for Grandpa.When we arrive at the dinner party, the grandeur of the venue hits me. The room is draped in golden fabric that glimmers under the light of massive crystal chandeliers, casting a warm glow across the tables adorned with pristine linens. Elaborate floral arrangements sit in the center of each table, and servers in black-and-white un
Knoxx’s Point of View“Wha…what did you just say, Karen?” Grandpa opens his mouth, but suddenly, his face drains of color. His hand shoots to his chest, and his breathing becomes ragged. He looks like he’s about to collapse, as if he’s having a heart attack.“Grandpa!” My heart stops for a second, panic gripping me as I watch him struggle.“Grandpa, calm down!” Caroline notices the change in Grandpa too. Her eyes widen with alarm, and she rushes toward him. “Take deep breaths. It’s okay.”I can see the worry in her eyes, and I know she’s thinking about what mom just said. Then, she turns her head to me. Her expression hardens and confuse. She swallows hard and speaks, “Knoxx, maybe we should just tell him now… he deserves to know.”“No!” I reach out to grab her arm, urgency flooding my voice. “Not now, please. Let’s not do this for now.”Grandpa's breathing grows more uneven, and he grips the table for support. “What is happening? Knoxx, Caroline—what are you two hiding from me?”I l
Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit in the car, my heart still racing after everything Knoxx just told me. I can’t believe what I’ve just heard, and yet, the way he looked at me—desperate, almost broken—makes me want to believe him. But after everything we’ve been through, trusting him feels like stepping onto thin ice."Caroline, please," Knoxx says quietly, glancing at me from the driver’s seat. "I just need you to understand. I never wanted to hurt you."I lean my head against the window, fingers fidgeting with my phone. The memory of Dolly’s articles and their implications lingers like a shadow I can’t shake.I nod slowly, unsure of what to say. Part of me wants to scream, wants to ask why he didn’t tell me all of this sooner. But another part of me—the part that still loves him—wants to believe him. That part feels foolish, but it’s there, clinging to the hope that things could still change."I just don’t understand," I finally say, my voice edged with frustration. "Why didn’t you tell
Caroline’s Point of ViewIt’s Saturday, and my hands tremble as I adjust my dress for the hundredth time in front of the mirror. Today is supposed to be a turning point—Knoxx is finally going to meet my dad. The knot of nerves in my stomach tightens, but there’s a flicker of excitement too. For once, I have a chance to prove myself, not just to my dad but to myself as well.I glance at my phone, seeing a message from my father:[When will the young master come? Should I take out my fine china to entertain him?]The sarcasm in his words stings. He’s never been a fan of Knoxx, and his mocking tone makes it clear that he still doesn’t think highly of him. I grit my teeth, typing back a reply.[We’ll be there soon, Dad. Please just give him a chance.]I hit send, determined not to let his doubt ruin this day. Today isn’t just about Knoxx meeting my father—it’s about proving that this misunderstanding won’t define us. Once the air is cleared, I know we’ll be happy again.Knoxx walks into th
Caroline’s Point of ViewI step into my father’s office, the heavy wooden door creaking slightly as it closes behind me. The room feels cold and imposing, just as I remember it—lined with towering bookshelves and dominated by the massive mahogany desk in the center. My father doesn’t look up right away, his pen scratching against paper as he finishes whatever task has his attention.When he finally glances up, his piercing gaze lands on me, dissecting me in an instant. “So,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “What brings you back here, Caroline? Should I take out my finest china to entertain the young master, or is this a solo visit?”I square my shoulders, ignoring the sarcasm that drips from his words. “I lost,” I admit, my voice steady even as the admission slices through me. “I’m going to divorce him.”He sets his pen down, folding his hands neatly on the desk. “Ah,” he says, a bitter smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “The last time you appeared in this office, you wanted
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning shines through the curtains of the living room as I sit on the sofa, watching TV. After a moment, my phone rings, and I don’t have to look to know exactly who it is. Nonetheless, I still glance at the screen.Knoxx is calling...My heart doesn’t skip a beat. It doesn’t break. It just feels... tired. Still, I answer. I owe him that much.“Caroline,” Knoxx’s voice filters through the line. He sounds rushed, almost breathless. “I saw the papers... Look, I’m sorry about missing the visit to your dad. But something came up with Dolly. She thought—well, she thought she was having a miscarriage. I had to be there for her.”There’s a pause. He expects me to understand. He expects me to forgive him, like I always do.I hold the phone tighter, forcing my voice to stay calm, cold even. “Do you really think that’s why I’m divorcing you, Knoxx?”He hesitates. I can almost see the confusion on his face. He’s never good at understanding what’s right in front of hi
Caroline's Point of ViewI walk into the office for what I swear will be the last time. It’s strange how cold the place feels now—colder than usual. The building has always had this stiff, corporate vibe, but today, it feels almost unbearable. Maybe it’s because I know what I’m here to do: quit. End it all, both my job and my marriage.No one knows I’m Knoxx Wayne’s wife. Not my coworkers, not the higher-ups, no one. Knoxx insisted we keep it a secret. He said it was to avoid favoritism, to maintain professionalism. I convinced myself that made sense, that it wasn’t because he was ashamed or unwilling to acknowledge me publicly. But deep down, I knew better.We were already on the brink of divorce, so quitting my job here seems like the natural next step. There’s no point in working in his company anymore, no point in subjecting myself to the constant reminder of how invisible I am to him. I walk past my coworkers, most of them absorbed in their own tasks, and make my way to his offic
Caroline’s Point of ViewI don’t remember how I got to the hospital. The world outside is a blur, spinning too fast, but all I can think about is Adrian, still lying in that stretcher.My hands are trembling, so badly I can barely grip the sides of the ambulance. My mind is clouded with panic, with the image of his pale face, the blood staining his shirt, and his faint smile before he passed out.Don’t leave me, Adrian. The thought keeps repeating in my head, like a chant I can’t escape from.I try to steady myself, to breathe. “Adrian, please…” I whisper under my breath, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment. “Stay with me.”The ambulance doors slam open, and everything happens so fast. They’re pulling him out of the back, and I scramble out of the vehicle, not caring about anything but getting to him.I try to follow, but a nurse blocks my way, holding up a hand. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but we can’t let you in right now.”“I have to be with him,” I plead, my voice cracking, tears already t
Caroline’s Point of ViewI don’t know how long I’ve been in here.The cold, stale air presses against my skin. It clings to me like a second layer, suffocating and oppressive. My mouth is dry again, and the back of my throat feels like I’ve swallowed sandpaper. My wrists are sore from the ropes, and my shoulders are tense, locked in place. My mind races through a thousand thoughts, but nothing settles long enough to make sense.Please, God. Please let Adrian find me.I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the noise of the warehouse, the eerily quiet space that feels like a tomb. The only thing that keeps me grounded is the tiny device in my hand, the recording still running—everything Dolly’s said, everything she’s done, all captured in that one small, hidden gadget. It’s not enough to calm my nerves, though. What good is it if I die here?A part of me doesn’t want to think about that. I don’t want to imagine that this could be it.Then—A sound—a bang.I jerk upright in the chai
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning starts with the sound of metal clanging against the concrete floor.I’m still tied to this damn chair. My wrists are raw from the rope, my back aches, and I haven’t had water since last night. My throat is dry, lips cracked. My stomach clenches painfully, and I swear I could cry if I had anything left in me.The door screeches open.Two men step in—same ones from last night. One carries a tray, the other just sneers.“Finally,” I rasp, blinking against the dim light. “Water?”The one with the tray grins and sets it down just out of reach. There’s a small sandwich and a bottle of water. My stomach lurches at the sight of it.“Oops,” the guy says, kicking the tray a little further away with his boot. “Almost forgot. You’ve gotta earn your meals.”“What the hell does that mean?” My voice cracks. “I haven’t done anything.”“You’ve done plenty,” the other one mutters. “Don’t play innocent.”I glare at him, holding back the fury rising in my chest. “You
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe air is damp and cold. My skin sticks to the back of the chair I’m tied to, my wrists aching where the ropes cut into them. There’s a dull throb at the base of my skull—probably from being knocked out—but it’s nothing compared to the twist of fear in my chest.I don’t know how long I’ve been here. There are no windows in the warehouse, just faint light from a single flickering bulb above me. I keep waiting for someone to come in. Waiting for anything—another voice, footsteps, even a cough.But it’s been hours. Or maybe minutes. I can’t tell anymore.I test the ropes again. They’re tight. No give. My ankles are bound too, and the chair creaks every time I shift.Liam.The thought of my son rushes in like a knife. What if I never see him again? What if he wakes up tomorrow and I’m not there? What if no one tells him what happened? What if he grows up thinking I abandoned him?I breathe through my nose, trying to stay calm. If I break down now, I won’t think s
Adrian’s Point of ViewI can’t feel my legs as I stand in the middle of Caroline’s bedroom, staring at the chaos left behind. Her phone is still on the floor, screen cracked. Her scent lingers faintly in the air. Lavender and something sweet. Her wine glass is still in the sink. The blankets are twisted, half hanging off the bed. The small signs that she was just here. Alive. Safe. Real.And now she’s gone.I report her missing to the police. My voice shakes, but I keep it together long enough to give them every detail I know. They dispatch officers and promise to send someone over right away. I don’t wait for them to show. I head back to the living room and pace. My phone buzzes with notifications—calls I made, texts I sent, all unanswered.I call Penelope.She picks up, groggy. “Adrian? What’s wrong?”“Is Liam with you?”“Yes, of course. He’s asleep. Why?”“Don’t let him out of your sight,” I say tightly. “Caroline’s gone. Someone took her.”Penelope gasps. “What? Are you sure—”“I
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the night. The curtains shift gently with the breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window. I’m curled under my blanket, drowsy but content. My cheeks are still warm from the wine Adrian and I shared earlier. He walked me home, held my hand the whole way. When I tried to pull him into something more, he kissed my forehead instead and told me I deserved more.God. The man is too kind. Too patient.I roll over and glance at the clock. 1:47 a.m.I should sleep, but my heart’s still fluttering from that soft look in his eyes when he said goodbye. The way his thumb brushed my knuckles. The way he hesitated before walking away, like he didn’t want to.And then—A sound. A soft creak.I freeze.At first, I think I imagined it. But then it comes again. Louder this time.The floor marbles in the hallway. I know that sound.My entire body goes rigid. I sit up slowly, heart racing so loud it drowns out everything else.
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the night. The curtains shift gently with the breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window. I’m curled under my blanket, drowsy but content. My cheeks are still warm from the wine Adrian and I shared earlier. He walked me home, held my hand the whole way. When I tried to pull him into something more, he kissed my forehead instead and told me I deserved more.God. The man is too kind. Too patient.I roll over and glance at the clock. It’s 1:47 a.m.I should sleep, but my heart's still fluttering from that soft look in his eyes when he said goodbye.And then—A sound. A soft creak.I freeze.At first, I think I imagined it. But then it comes again. Louder this time. The floorboard in the hallway. I know that sound.I sit up slowly, heart racing. My hands instinctively reach for my phone on the nightstand. My breath catches.Penelope has Liam tonight. They planned a little movie night at her place. I thought I’d
Caroline’s Point of View“Caroline, are you really going to keep staring at the same three dresses?” Penelope stands behind me, arms crossed as I flip through my closet for what feels like the hundredth time.“I’m not used to this,” I murmur, fingers grazing a pale blue silk dress. “It’s been… years.”“You’ve gone to galas looking like a queen. You’ve pitched to billion-dollar investors without blinking. And now you’re freaking out over one date?” She raises an eyebrow and snatches the blue dress from the rack. “Wear this.”I look at it, then at her. “Is it too much?”“No. He asked you out. It’s your first real date in—God knows how long. And Adrian’s not the type to judge. He’ll be looking at your face the whole time anyway.”My chest tightens. “That’s what scares me.”Penelope softens. “You like him.”“I do,” I whisper, barely admitting it to myself. “And it’s not just gratitude.”“I know.” She hands me a pair of earrings. “Now sit, I’ll do your makeup.”Adrian is waiting just outsi
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe shop is unusually quiet this morning.No tinkling bell from customers entering. No chatter from Penelope rearranging the displays. Just the soft whirr of the heater and the gentle clinks of tools on glass.My eyes aren’t on the silver chain I’ve been trying to polish for the last thirty minutes. They’re not even on the sketchpad beside me, where a new pendant design waits to be finished.They’re on him.Adrian.He’s sitting at the far end of the worktable, inspecting a few invoices I’d asked for help with—focused, calm, and... completely unaffected.He flips through the pages like it’s the most natural thing in the world, brows slightly furrowed, lips pressed into a firm line. His jaw flexes every time something catches his attention. I know that look. I’ve seen it before. But today—today it’s different.He hasn’t looked a