Caroline’s Point of ViewThe ocean breeze filters through the open balcony doors, stirring the sheer curtains and bringing with it the faint scent of salt and sun-drenched sand. I’m supposed to be relaxing, but my mind refuses to cooperate.Instead of lounging with a book or napping under the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun, I’m hunched over my laptop, furiously texting Lisa about the studio.Lisa: Stop nitpicking. The designs are perfect.Me: Are you sure? Maybe the second collection could use more variety. And the logo—does it feel too understated?Lisa: No, it’s chic. Caroline, trust me. This is the kind of subtlety that sells. But we need to talk about something more important.Me: What is it?Lisa: The studio’s name. It’s time we drop the anonymous act. People need to know that you’re the designer behind all of this.My stomach tightens. Me: Why? The anonymous branding is working fine. It’s not about me, it’s about the designs.Her reply comes instantly. Lisa: Caroline, your n
Caroline’s Point of ViewI’m arranging the last set of picture frames on the dresser when I hear the sharp sound of heels clicking against the wooden floor. The steady rhythm grows louder, accompanied by an unmistakable tension that makes my shoulders tighten.When Dolly appears in the doorway, her expression is a storm of anger and disdain. Her eyes scan the room, taking in every detail of the space I’ve worked so hard to transform into something that feels remotely like mine—ours.“What is this?” she demands, her voice cutting through the peaceful atmosphere I’d been trying to cultivate. Her gaze narrows on the fresh curtains, the navy-blue sectional, and the carefully chosen decor. “Who do you think you are, redecorating this place like you own it?”I blink, startled by her audacity but quickly recovering. My hand settles on the edge of the dresser as I face her. “Dolly, this is my house. My name is literally on the property. If anyone has the right to make changes, it’s me.”She s
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe room is bathed in darkness, save for the faint silver light of the moon streaming through the curtains. I stir awake, reaching out instinctively to Knoxx’s side of the bed. My hand meets cold sheets, and my heart skips a beat. I sit up, scanning the dim room, but he’s not there.Frowning, I slip out of bed, wrapping a robe around myself. Maybe he couldn’t sleep and went to get some water, or perhaps he was working late in the study. I tell myself not to worry, but a small voice in the back of my mind whispers doubts I don’t want to entertain.The house is eerily quiet as I pad through the hallway. The soft sound of waves crashing against the shore drifts in through the open windows, mingling with the creaks of the old floorboards beneath my feet. I glance into the kitchen and the living room, but both are empty. The study door is ajar, but there’s no sign of him there either.A chill runs down my spine as I realize Dolly's room is empty as well. My breath
Knoxx’s Point of View The door creaks open, and I’m jolted awake. For a split second, I think it’s Caroline, maybe coming back to bed after a restless moment. But instead, I see Dolly standing there, her silhouette framed by the dim hallway light. My stomach tightens with a mix of frustration and alarm. What the hell is she doing here?I quickly rise from the bed, glancing back at Caroline. She’s still asleep, her breathing steady, her features soft in the moonlight. I don’t want her waking up to this.“What are you doing?” I whisper harshly, stepping toward Dolly and shutting the door behind me as quietly as possible. “Have you lost your mind?”Dolly’s face is flushed, her eyes glistening as though she’s been crying. But I’ve seen this act before—the carefully calculated vulnerability designed to chip away at my defenses.“Knoxx,” she breathes, her voice low and pleading. “We need to talk.”I drag her further down the hall, away from the bedroom until we reach outside the house, nea
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sun dips low on the horizon as the car weaves through the familiar roads back to the city. One month. It feels like both a lifetime and a fleeting moment. I glance at Knoxx, who’s focused on the road, his profile calm yet determined. The man who once felt like a stranger has been trying, in his own way, to close the chasm between us.But is it enough?I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that the one-month trial is over, and I’m still here. The papers remain unsigned, folded neatly in the back of my drawer, where I hid them after we arrived at the beach house.“You’re awfully quiet,” Knoxx says, his voice breaking the silence. His gaze flicks toward me briefly, concern etched into his features.I force a small smile. “Just tired.”His brows furrow slightly, but he doesn’t press. I can tell he wants to. The Knoxx from a month ago would’ve brushed it off, uninterested in prying deeper into my feelings. But now, he hesitates, as if weighing his words ca
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sunlight streams through the windows of the living room as I sip my tea, savoring the fleeting calmness. It’s the kind of peace that feels too fragile to last, especially after everything we’ve been through.But then I hear the sound of heels clacking against the floor, loud and intrusive. My brows knit together as I set my cup down. The front door opens, and a familiar figure steps inside like she owns the place. Dolly. Again.I rise from the couch, my heart thudding with irritation. “What are you doing here?” My voice is sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.Dolly pauses, a fake smile plastered across her face as she adjusts her designer bag on her shoulder. Her hand rests lightly on her stomach, the calculated gesture meant to draw attention to her pregnancy.“Good morning, Caroline,” she says, her tone dripping with saccharine sweetness. “Didn’t Knoxx tell you? I’ll be staying here for a while.”My jaw tightens. “He most certainly did not. And w
Caroline’s Point of ViewTime sit still when Dolly's presence is all over the house. I sit on the couch, flipping through a book, attempting to ignore the rising tension in the house. She’s been oddly quiet today, which is more unsettling than her usual antics.Then, as if on cue, her heels clack against the floor, a deliberate announcement of her arrival. She steps into the room with a smug smile, her hand resting lightly on her ever-growing belly.“Oh, Caroline,” she says in that overly sweet voice of hers, “you’ll never believe what I found while organizing my things.”I glance up from my book, already dreading whatever nonsense she’s about to spew. “What is it this time, Dolly?”She holds up an old, slightly worn photograph. “Look at this!” she exclaims, walking closer to shove it in my face. “It’s from homecoming. Do you remember, Knoxx? You took me to prom that year. It was such a magical night.”Knoxx, who’s sitting in the adjacent chair, barely looks up from his laptop. “Hmm,”
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe evening air in the room feels heavy, suffocating almost, as I lie on the bed, my back turned to the door. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts long shadows on the wall, and I focus on the faint patterns, trying to block out the turmoil in my mind. Dolly’s smug face, her incessant need to dig into our past, still plays in my head like a taunting melody.Knoxx’s muffled footsteps outside the door grow louder. My heart clenches when I hear the knob turn, but I’m determined not to let him know how much I’m stewing over the events of the day. I close my eyes, pretending to sleep, my breaths slow and even.The door clicks shut behind him, and his presence fills the room. Even without looking, I can feel his eyes on me, assessing, calculating. The bed dips slightly under his weight as he sits beside me. The silence between us is palpable, broken only by the faint rustle of his shirt as he shifts.“Caroline,” he murmurs, his voice soft but insistent.I don’t
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe rhythmic click of my heels echoes against the marble pavement as I make my way toward the grand entrance of the 30 Under 30 dinner party venue. The glowing chandeliers spill light through the tall glass doors, illuminating the bustling street outside. The entire building exudes elegance and exclusivity, making me acutely aware of every second I’m late.I glance at my phone, its screen glaring at me with an unwelcome truth: 8:15 PM. Knoxx must already be inside. My stomach twists as I imagine him waiting, checking his watch, and wondering why I haven’t arrived yet.This isn’t how I planned tonight.The delay had been unavoidable. Lisa had insisted that I complete a design before leaving work. It wasn’t just the design; it was her tone—the unspoken expectation that only I could finish it properly. I wanted to be done sooner, but the hours had slipped through my fingers. Now, standing outside t
Knoxx’s Point of ViewA sharp ray of sunlight pierces through my eyelids, and I groan, turning away from the glare. My head pounds, the remnants of too much alcohol still sloshing in my system. I shift, but the soft sheets beneath me feel unfamiliar. Something doesn’t add up.Where the hell am I?The smell of faint perfume hits me, and my eyes snap open. My surroundings blur into focus: floral-patterned curtains, a dresser lined with delicate trinkets, and... the sight that makes my blood run cold—I’m in Dolly’s bed.Panic grips me like a vise. No, no, no. This can’t be happening. My mind scrambles to piece together last night. I remember coming home, drunk. I dreamed of her—her touch, her voice, the way she looked at me. I’m sure it’s Caroline… but now I’m here, and it doesn’t make sense.“Good morning,” a soft, saccharine voice purrs from the doorway.I wh
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sun filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft, golden streaks across the bedroom floor. But the warmth of the light does little to ease the cold emptiness beside me. The bed is unmade, Knoxx’s side rumpled but unoccupied. My heart sinks as the realization hits me—he’s gone. Again.I sit up slowly, the events of the previous night replaying in my mind. His whispered “I love you,” the way his hands held me as if I were the only thing anchoring him to this world. It felt real. It felt sincere. And now? Now it feels like a cruel joke.“Knoxx?” I call out, my voice barely above a whisper. The house is eerily quiet. No response.Wrapping my robe tightly around me, I step into the hallway. My bare feet make soft thuds against the wooden floor as I search each room. The living room, the kitchen, his office—all empty. Even his car is gone.A lump forms in my throat as I stand in the middle of the living room, staring at the door. He left without a wo
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sound of Knoxx’s car pulling into the driveway pulls me away from my book. I glance at the clock—past midnight. My chest tightens, a mix of irritation and worry bubbling to the surface.When the door swings open, Knoxx’s assistant steps in first, his expression apologetic as he struggles to support Knoxx, who is visibly drunk.“Mrs. Wayne,” the assistant says hesitantly, his voice low. “He had a few too many drinks at the dinner party. I tried to stop him, but you know how he gets.”My gaze shifts to Knoxx. His tie is undone, his shirt untucked, and his normally sharp eyes are glazed over. He’s leaning heavily on the assistant, mumbling incoherently.“I’m fine,” Knoxx slurs, trying to push the assistant away but nearly stumbling over his own feet.Before I can respond, Dolly’s voice cuts through the air. “What’s going on?”She appears in the hallway, her eyes narrowing as she takes in Knoxx’s state. Her expression twists in disgust. “He’s drunk?”“Very,” I
Caroline's Point of ViewI can feel the gaze of Knoxx on me because we are positioned near the door frame. He looks at me attentively, preparing himself for a battle. Not now, though – I don't want to make things get worse.I turn to Knoxx and say softly, “There is nothing go on, Knoxx. Adrian just help me. And thank you, Adrian, for your time tonight. It was…unexpected but appreciated.”Adrian’s easy smile returns, but there’s a glimmer of something more serious in his eyes. “Anything for you, Caroline. Always.”Knoxx's jaw clenches. He doesn't say anything, though. His fists clench at his sides for a brief moment, the tension there is obvious. Adrian nods at both of us before turning to walk away to his car, the silence that remains almost deafening.I turn back to Knoxx, meeting his piercing gaze. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but then he catches something in my expression. Whatever he sees m
Adrian’s smile widens, a glint of smug satisfaction in his eyes. “You left her alone, Knoxx. Someone had to step up and be the manKnoxx’s Point of ViewThe tires screech slightly as I pull into the hospital parking lot, my grip on the steering wheel tighter than it needs to be. My chest feels heavy, and my thoughts are racing. Caroline’s face flashes in my mind—the disappointment, the hurt in her eyes when I told her I had to leave. I’ll make it up to her, I promise myself. But first, I need to handle Dolly.I step out of the car, my suit jacket feeling heavier than it should. The fluorescent hospital lights seem to buzz louder than usual as I walk into the lobby, the sterile smell immediately assaulting my senses. I find Dolly in the maternity ward, lounging in a chair with her hand resting lightly on her stomach, looking perfectly calm. My irritation spikes.“What’s going on?” I ask, my voice sharp.
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe evening air wraps around me as I step outside the restaurant, trying to gather my thoughts after Knoxx’s abrupt departure. The ache in my chest feels heavier with each passing second, the humiliation of being left alone gnawing at my composure. I clutch my purse tightly, fighting back the sting of tears. But before I can decide what to do next, a familiar figure steps out from the shadows.“Adrian?” I say, startled.He’s leaning casually against a sleek car, dressed impeccably as always. His presence is both surprising and strangely comforting.He flashes me that easy smile of his, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Fancy meeting you here,” he says, straightening up. “What a coincidence.”My brows furrow, suspicion flickering in my mind. “What are you doing here?”Adrian tilts his head, feigning innocence. “Secret,” he replies with a tea
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe soft light of the afternoon spills through the window, warming the room as Knoxx’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.“I want to make it up to you,” he says, standing a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets.I raise an eyebrow, skeptical but answer with cold tone, “Make up for what?”Knoxx sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “For being an idiot. For buying her that gift without considering your feeling… after I promise I won’t do things that will hurt you,” he says, his tone lighter but still earnest. “I’ve been terrible at keeping promises, Caroline, especially when it comes to spending time with you. Let me take you on a proper date.”A proper date. The words hit me with a mix of excitement and disbelief. A part of me wants to scoff at the idea—after all, how many times has he said something similar, only to leave me waiting? But another part of me, the one that still hopes, stirs with anticipation.“Are you serious?” I ask cautiously, narrowin
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe soft sound of the front door creaking open pulls me from my thoughts. I’m seated in the living room, my hands wrapped tightly around a mug of cooling tea. My mind replays Dolly’s smug smile as she flaunted that bracelet—my bracelet design, no less. When Knoxx steps inside, loosening his tie with one hand and carrying his briefcase in the other, I take a deep breath, bracing myself.He spots me immediately. “Hey,” he says, his tone casual as he sets his briefcase down. “You look like you’ve had a long day.”I set the mug down on the coffee table and fold my arms. “We need to talk.”His brow furrows slightly as he shrugs off his suit jacket, draping it over the arm of a chair. “Okay. What’s going on?”I stand up, unable to keep still. “Dolly showed me the bracelet you bought her.”He blinks, clearly caught off guard. &ld