Caroline’sPoint of ViewWearrive at the restaurant with my heart still feeling hesitant and unsure. I amnot sure if I am ready to face him, after all the the she makes me feel I amnot enough and I can’t make it through. I sit acrossfrom my dad, and the silence between us feels heavier than I thought it would.The restaurant is quiet. We hear soft clinks of silverware and hushed talksfrom other tables, but to me, it feels like I can't breathe.Wehaven't eaten together in a long time—maybe too long.Helooks at me with his usual analytical stare, which always gives me the feelingof being assessed rather than just observed. Time hasn't mellowed him. Hispresence continues to command attention when he walks into a room. Yet rightnow, with nobody else around, he seems almost exposed. Almost."Whereis your son? Why haven't you allowed me to meet my grandson?" His tone issteady, but it has a sharpness that tells me this isn't mere interest—it's acharge.I letout a breath and pu
Knoxx’s Point of View“Knoxx, please!”Dolly’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard, an irritating sound that refuses to fade no matter how much I try to tune it out.She’s been glued to my side all morning, nagging about something—her doctor’s appointment, the baby, how I haven’t been spending enough time with her. I barely absorb half of what she’s saying. My patience is already worn thin, stretched taut like a rubber band on the verge of snapping.“Knoxx, are you even listening to me?” Her voice pitches higher, demanding my attention. Her manicured nails dig into the sleeve of my suit jacket, trying to physically anchor me in place.I exhale sharply and pry her fingers off me. “I’m busy, Dolly,” I mutter, barely hiding the exhaustion in my tone.She crosses her arms, pouting like a child who didn’t get their way. “You’re always busy,” she complains, her lower lip jutted out. “You barely talk to me anymore. You don’t even—”I don’t let her finish. I’ve had enough. I need an escape. My
Caroline’s Point of ViewKnoxx’s words hit me like a slap to the face—sharp, uncalled for, laced with that familiar condescension that used to chip away at me piece by piece.After all these years, I thought I was past this—that his words would be nothing more than empty noise to me, that no matter what he said, I wouldn't feel a thing. I convinced myself that I had built up enough walls, stitched together enough scars, and buried the past deep enough that it couldn’t touch me anymore.But emotions aren’t so easily controlled.They don’t vanish just because you tell them to. They don’t fade just because you wish they would.No matter how much time passes, no matter how much stronger I’ve become, the sting is still there. It creeps in like a shadow, slow and insidious, wrapping around my ribs, curling tight in my chest. It’s the echo of old wounds, the ghost of a love that should have died long ago but somehow still lingers in the places I can’t fully reach.And that—that—is what infuri
Caroline’s Point of ViewAs we step out of the restaurant, the cold air rushes against my skin, cooling the lingering heat of confrontation still thrumming inside me. My father walks beside me, his posture relaxed, but I know him well enough to see that his mind is busy dissecting everything that just happened.I glance up at him, wondering what he’s thinking, but before I can ask, he beats me to it.“So,” he starts, adjusting the cuff of his suit, his tone deceptively light, “Knoxx still doesn’t know who you are, does he?”His words make me pause, my fingers tightening slightly around the small clutch in my hand.I know what he’s implying. Knoxx still thinks I was just some gold-digging woman who moved on to an older, wealthier man. He has no idea that the “old man” I was dining with tonight was actually my father.And honestly? I don’t care to correct him.“Let him misunderstand,” I say with a casual shrug, as if it doesn’t matter.My father narrows his eyes slightly, studying me wit
Knoxx's Point of ViewI grip the edge of the table so tightly my knuckles turn white. My jaw is clenched, teeth grinding together as I replay what just happened over and over in my head, like a sick joke the universe is forcing me to relive.Caroline.Walking away.On another man's arm.I suck in a breath, forcing the air into my lungs like doing so may somehow steady me, may cool the onslaught of fire spreading through my chest. But it does nothing.Instead, the anger ignites hotter, twisting tightly in my belly like a live wire sparked, prepared to combust. There’s disbelief sewn into it, jagged and bitter, feeding the anger creeping its way up my throat.My pulse pounding against my temples, my fingers itching to do something—lash out, demand answers, shake some fucking sense into her?How dare she?How dare she sitting there, looking all effortlessly beautiful and unbothered, while I here barely keeping myself put together? How dare she pretend that I never meant anything, that th
Caroline’s Point of ViewI have made it to the day of the competition.My stomach knots with anticipation, my insides buzzing like a live wire. I’ve been preparing months for this, pouring every last bit of my time, energy, and creativity into getting my designs just right. Today isn’t merely a competition — it’s a declaration. It’s my chance to prove myself, to make a name that isn’t attached to Knoxx Wayne.I take a deep breath, flattening my hands on my dress to rid it of imaginary wrinkles. My nerves weigh heavily on my chest, but I ignore that and carry on. I’ve come way too far to doubt myself at this point.To my side, Liam swings his tiny backpack over his shoulders and fixes a fierce look on his small face. He seems excited, but I sense the tension in the way his fingers grip the straps. I squat in front of him, brushing a stray curl from his forehead.“You ready, baby?” I ask gently.He nods, his bright eyes shining. “Yeah! But, Mommy, do you think I can bring my toy car? It
Caroline's Point of ViewWithout Adrian here, I'd struggle to keep it together.I keep seeing Liam's white face hearing his faint voice saying he didn't want me to skip this for him. I feel so guilty, but Adrian's taking care of things letting me do what I need to. He calmed me down. He said he'd call if Liam got worse. I believe him.That trust is the only thing stopping me from bolting back to the car and quitting this contest right now. I keep going reminding myself why I showed up.This contest isn’t just about showcasing my skills—it’s about reclaiming my dignity. The last time I stood before a panel of judges, I wasn’t just overlooked—I was humiliated. My work was dismissed, my talent questioned, and the whispers that followed me out of the venue still linger in my memory like a stain I can’t scrub off. They laughed. They doubted me. And worst of all, the people I had trusted, the ones I believed would stand by my side, betrayed me without hesitation.That kind of failure doesn’
Knoxx’s Point of ViewEver since I ran into Caroline at the restaurant, I haven’t felt right. I’ve always had everything I wanted—power, money, control. From the moment I was born, the world bent to my will. If I wanted something, I reached for it, and it was mine. That was my reality. People listened when I spoke. Doors opened before I even had to knock. The idea of losing something—of being denied anything—was never something I had to consider. The only exception was Dolly. She left once, walking away like she had something better to do. But even then, my life didn’t change. It didn’t shake me. It didn’t break me. I was irritated, maybe a little angry, but I still had everything I needed. I still had my life, my routine, my control. Losing her didn’t leave a mark. But Caroline… she was different. She didn’t just leave. She took something with her. And the worst part is, I don’t even know what it is. She walked away, and suddenly, things weren’t the same. My bed felt to
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe hospital halls are quieter than usual this afternoon. Adrian is still asleep when I come back from the nurse’s station, where I asked for his updated chart. He’s stable. Recovering well, they said. But even if they didn’t, I think I would’ve stayed right here anyway. I sink into the chair beside his bed and fold his blanket higher on his chest. His breathing is slow, steady. Peaceful.I don’t know how long I just sit there staring at him. Watching his fingers twitch slightly in his sleep. I’ve memorized every line of his face these past few days, every scar and freckle, every soft crease that forms when he dreams. Sometimes, I wonder what he dreams about. Does he know I’m here?There’s no schedule in my head anymore. No outside world. No thoughts of work, the shop, or anything else. Just this room. Just him.The door clicks open behind me.I don’t need to look to know it’s Knoxx. The air shifts the moment he walks in—thick with that same tension that’s bee
Penelope's Point of ViewI knock on Liam’s door, glancing at the time on my phone. Caroline’s still at the hospital, taking care of Adrian. I offered to drop by the house and help with Liam since I know her hands are full. Plus, I miss the kid. There’s something about Liam’s energy that makes everything feel lighter.The door opens, and the nanny greets me with a smile. “Hi, Ms. Penelope. Liam’s inside drawing. He’s been asking if you’re coming.”My chest warms. “Good. I brought snacks.”I head inside, dropping my bag by the counter before walking into the living room. Liam is sitting cross-legged on the rug, his little hand moving crayons across a piece of paper. He looks up and beams when he sees me.“Penny!” he says, jumping to his feet and running to hug me.I kneel to catch him. “Hey, bud. You missed me?”He nods. “Mama’s busy. Daddy is sick. But I made drawings.”“I can’t wait to see them.”He pulls me by the hand, dragging me to the living room floor. I sit down beside him as h
Caroline’s Point of ViewKnoxx is standing in front of me again. Same expensive suit. Same arrogant posture. Same eyes that once used to undo me with a single look. Not anymore.I don’t flinch when he speaks.“You really won’t even look at me?”I cross my arms, leaning back against the wall of the hospital waiting area. The air smells sterile and cold. But inside, I feel oddly still. Numb, even.“I’m looking at you right now,” I say quietly.“That’s not what I meant,” he replies. He shifts on his feet like he’s uncomfortable. “Caroline… everything’s out. Everyone knows what Dolly did. She’s going to prison. You don’t have to keep pretending like you’re angry at me.”“I’m not pretending,” I say, still calm. Too calm. “And I’m not angry.”He frowns. “You’re not?”
Knoxx’s Point of ViewThe jail reeks of sweat, piss, and something else I can’t name. The kind of scent that clings to your skin long after you leave. I’ve been standing here for ten minutes, waiting for them to bring her out. I’m not pacing. I’m not anxious. I’m angry. And the longer I stand here, the more it simmers.She finally walks in—Dolly. Her wrists are cuffed, her hair a tangled mess, lips dry and pale. Her eyes flicker up to mine, hopeful. God. Still hopeful.“Knoxx,” she says, a breathy smile tugging at her lips. “You came.”I sit down across from her, hands clasped, jaw tight. “Don’t act surprised. You knew I would.”She leans forward like this is a reunion. “I didn’t think you’d visit this soon.”“I didn’t come to visit,” I snap. “This isn’t a visit. This is the last time we’ll speak.”Her smile falters, but she covers it quickly. “You’re upset. I get it. The media’s twisting everything—”“Stop talking.”Her mouth shuts.I breathe through my nose, steady, even, but inside
Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit across from the detective in the cold, gray-walled interrogation room, the recorder lying on the table between us. My fingers tremble slightly as I slide the flash drive across the smooth surface. I’ve played this moment in my head all night—how I’d hand over the truth, how I’d finally clear my name.“This is it,” I say, voice low but steady. “Everything she confessed. It’s all there.”Detective Ramirez picks up the drive, giving me a long, assessing look. “You’re sure she wasn’t coerced? No threats?”I meet his gaze. “She talked on her own. I just listened.”He nods slowly, motioning for the officer behind the mirror to take it for processing. My stomach tightens as the door clicks shut again. The moment feels heavier than I imagined.“She admitted to the theft of your designs, the drugging incident, and the incident involving the late Mr. Wayne?” he asks.“Yes,” I say. “She confessed to all of it. She also named someone else. A man. I don’t know his fu
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe door clicks open, and for a moment, I can’t breathe.The surgeon steps inside, still wearing his scrubs. His gloves are off, and his face is tight, but it’s not the kind of tight that screams bad news. It’s calm. Measured.I shoot to my feet.“Is he—?” I choke on the rest of the sentence. My legs feel shaky. I grip the back of the plastic chair for balance.“He’s alive,” the doctor says.I drop into the chair.Alive.My vision blurs, and I don’t realize I’m crying until I taste salt. I cover my mouth, letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Alive.“He lost a lot of blood,” the doctor continues, his tone clinical, but kind. “The stab wound punctured a lung, but we were able to stop the bleeding. He’s stable now. He’ll need rest. Weeks of it. But he’s going to recover.”I nod furiously, even though I can barely hear him over the pounding in my chest.“Can I see him?”He nods. “We’ll move him to recovery in a few minutes. He’s still unconscious, but
Caroline’s Point of ViewKnoxx is standing in front of me again. Same expensive suit. Same arrogant posture. Same eyes that once used to undo me with a single look. Not anymore.I don’t flinch when he speaks.“You really won’t even look at me?”I cross my arms, leaning back against the wall of the hospital waiting area. The air smells sterile and cold. But inside, I feel oddly still. Numb, even.“I’m looking at you right now,” I say quietly.“That’s not what I meant,” he replies. He shifts on his feet like he’s uncomfortable. “Caroline… everything’s out. Everyone knows what Dolly did. She’s going to prison. You don’t have to keep pretending like you’re angry at me.”“I’m not pretending,” I say, still calm. Too calm. “And I’m not angry.”He frowns. “You’re not?”
Knoxx’s Point of ViewThe jail reeks of sweat, piss, and something else I can’t name. The kind of scent that clings to your skin long after you leave. I’ve been standing here for ten minutes, waiting for them to bring her out. I’m not pacing. I’m not anxious. I’m angry. And the longer I stand here, the more it simmers.She finally walks in—Dolly. Her wrists are cuffed, her hair a tangled mess, lips dry and pale. Her eyes flicker up to mine, hopeful. God. Still hopeful.“Knoxx,” she says, a breathy smile tugging at her lips. “You came.”I sit down across from her, hands clasped, jaw tight. “Don’t act surprised. You knew I would.”She leans forward like this is a reunion. “I didn’t think you’d visit this soon.”“I didn’t come to visit,” I snap. “This isn’t a visit. This is the last time we’ll speak.&rd
Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit across from the detective in the cold, gray-walled interrogation room, the recorder lying on the table between us. My fingers tremble slightly as I slide the flash drive across the smooth surface. I’ve played this moment in my head all night—how I’d hand over the truth, how I’d finally clear my name.“This is it,” I say, voice low but steady. “Everything she confessed. It’s all there.”Detective Ramirez picks up the drive, giving me a long, assessing look. “You’re sure she wasn’t coerced? No threats?”I meet his gaze. “She talked on her own. I just listened.”He nods slowly, motioning for the officer behind the mirror to take it for processing. My stomach tightens as the door clicks shut again. The moment feels heavier than I imagined.“She admitted to the theft of your designs, the drugging incident, and the incident involving the late Mr. Wayne?” he asks.“Yes,” I say. “She confessed to all of it. She also named someone else. A man. I don’t know his fu