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
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 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
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sharp click of my heels on the pavement matches the thundering of my heart. The chaos of the last few moments swirls around me like a storm. My eyes dart toward the voice that cuts through the crowd, and relief floods my chest as I see a familiar face—my father.“Dad?” My voice is unsteady, a mix of disbelief and gratitude.He steps forward, his tall figure imposing as always. His sharp suit and confident stride immediately command attention. “Caroline,” he says curtly, his gaze sweeping over me with a quick assessment. ”The receptionists, who moments ago were mocking me with sneers and biting words, suddenly straighten, their demeanor shifting as they recognize him. The smug expressions vanish, replaced by nervous smiles.“Mister Hill,” one of them stammers, her tone now saccharine sweet. “We didn’t realize she was with you. Please, go right in.”My father’s cold gaze lands on her, and she visibly shrinks under his scrutiny. He doesn’t bother to acknowled
Knoxx’s Point of ViewI’m standing near the center of the grand ballroom, a glass of champagne in my hand, barely listening to the conversation swirling around me. Dolly is beside me, her laughter high-pitched and artificial as she flirts shamelessly with some big-name businessmen, her arm looped possessively through mine. I force a polite smile, nodding at the right moments, but my mind is elsewhere.Then I see her.Caroline.She’s here.Her presence pulls my attention like a magnet. She’s radiant, even from across the room, the dim lighting catching on the soft waves of her hair and the elegant dress that hugs her frame. But my stomach twists when I notice who she’s with.Adrian.My stepbrother is leading her to the dance floor, his hand resting casually on the small of her back, his touch infuriatingly intimate. Caroline’s lips curve into a soft smile as he speaks to her, and something primal surges within me. I grip my glass tighter, the champagne threatening to spill over the rim.
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe ride home with Adrian is quiet, but not uncomfortable. The tension from the evening hangs in the air, and I can feel Adrian glancing at me occasionally, gauging my mood. My cheeks burn as I replay Knoxx’s outburst in my head. He’s reckless, emotional, and now, he’s made me the center of gossip in a room full of powerful people. I’m embarrassed, furious even, but the overwhelming feeling is guilt—guilt that Adrian had to endure the brunt of Knoxx’s actions.“I’m sorry,” I murmur, breaking the silence. My voice feels small, but I need to say it.Adrian glances at me, his expression softening. “Why are you apologizing?”“Because none of this would have happened if I hadn’t…” I trail off, unsure how to phrase it without sounding ridiculous. “If I hadn’t danced with you.”He lets out a quiet chuckle, shaking his
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe bar smells of spilled alcohol, and the dim neon lights flicker overhead, casting a muted glow on Knoxx’s slouched figure. The space is quiet enough that I can hear the soft hum of the music, a sound that seems to hang in the air and contrast sharply with the storm inside my chest. My heels click against the floor, my steps measured, as if I’m walking toward a confrontation I already know the outcome of. My heart is a twisted mess of confusion and anger, but I hold myself steady as I approach him.He lifts his head slowly, his eyes glassy and unfocused. For a moment, I wonder if he even recognizes me. His gaze lingers for a second longer than usual, and then he mutters, “Caroline.” His voice is hoarse, like he’s been calling for me long before I stepped into the bar. “You came.”I stop just a few steps away, crossing my arms tightly, instinctively shielding myself from whatever comes next. My mind is a whirlpool of emotions, and I don’t trust myself to say
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning light filters through the curtains, but it does nothing to lift the weight in my chest. I sit by the window, staring at my phone, willing it to ring. The house is silent, the kind of silence that makes every creak of anything sound louder than it should.Knoxx hasn’t called. Not once.I thought he might notice I wasn’t there when he woke up—or maybe when Dolly and his mother pointed it out. I thought he’d try to contact me, to say something. Apologize, fight, explain—anything. But the hours have stretched on, and my phone screen remains painfully blank.I drop the phone onto the table and rub my temples, trying to ease the tension that’s been building since last night. What am I doing? The question loops in my mind over and over, louder each time. I’ve always believed that if you worked hard enough, you could make a relationship work. But this? This doesn’t feel like a relationship anymore. It feels like a battlefield, with no clear winner and on
Caroline's Point of ViewI sit on the couch, my fingers touch the edge of my glass creating a soft clink that breaks the quiet between Adrian and me. My brain can't stop, ideas colliding as I look at Adrian, who sits across from me. His face gives nothing away, his body seems at ease, but I know better. I understand him more deeply. Something always hides under the surface with him.The impact of this revelation hits me hard making breathing tough. For years, I clung to that memory—gripped it like a lifeline during my marriage's worst times, as if it proved Knoxx could do something good, something unselfish. But it wasn't him. It was Adrian.I let out a slow breath before I break the quiet. "Adrian," I begin, my voice gentler than I meant it to be. "The watch... that day... you saved me, didn't you?"Adrian looks at me, his dark eyes calm hard to read. He doesn't answer right away, which makes my heart race with suspense.After what seems like forever, he sits back on the couch drummi
Caroline’s Point of ViewI hesitate for a moment before knocking on Liam’s bedroom door, the soft sound barely audible in the quiet hallway. My fingers tighten slightly against the wood as I wait for a response. When none comes, I push the door open gently, peeking inside.Liam is curled up on his bed, his small frame illuminated by the glow of his nightlight. The soft, star-shaped light casts a faint pattern against the walls, a comforting presence in an otherwise heavy atmosphere.He doesn’t look at me when I enter.Instead, he stares at the ceiling, his brows furrowed in deep thought, his little hands gripping the blanket tightly. The sight makes my chest ache. I know that look—I’ve worn it too many times myself.Something is eating at him.I take a slow step forward, keeping my voice gentle. “Hey, buddy,” I say, sitting on the edge of his bed. “Uncle Adrian said you came home upset today. Want to talk about it?”Liam’s reaction is immediate. His small shoulders tense, and he shake
Caroline’s Point of ViewAs expected, Adrian’s entire demeanor shifts the moment his gaze lands on Alessandro. His usual cool confidence falters just enough for me to notice—the sharp furrow of his brows, the slight clench of his jaw, the way his shoulders stiffen like he’s bracing himself for something.Jealousy.It hums in the air between us, subtle but unmistakable.He steps forward, his movements controlled but laced with something tense, something taut and restrained. “Who’s this?” His voice is steady, but there’s a bite to it, a careful edge that makes my stomach flutter for reasons I don’t want to analyze too deeply.Alessandro, ever the charming one, doesn’t seem the least bit fazed. He offers a small smile, tilting his head as he introduces himself. “Alessandro Luca Romano,” he says smoothly, his Italian accent thick and effortless. “Caroline’s newest employee.”I can practically feel the heat of Adrian’s gaze as he shifts his attention to me, questioning, searching for somet
Dolly’s Point of ViewThe moment Knoxx mentions that our stay in Italy is only temporary, a sharp pang slices through my chest. I have always known this wasn’t permanent, but hearing it so plainly from his lips makes my stomach churn. It isn’t just about me anymore. My daughter loves it here.And I can’t say no to her.“Mommy, please,” she whines, tugging on the hem of my designer dress with her tiny hands. Her big, pleading eyes glisten as she looks up at me, her bottom lip jutting out in an almost perfect pout. “I don’t want to go back. I love it here. Italy is so much prettier than home! The people talk funny, but I like it!”I stroke her soft curls, my heart squeezing. She is my world, my perfect little angel. How can I deny her anything?I kneel in front of her, smoothing out the frills of her dress as I speak softly. “I know, sweetheart. Mommy loves it here too. But Daddy—” I hesitate, my lips pressing together. The words feel heavy, like they don’t belong in my mouth. “Daddy th
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe moment he speaks, I know I’m in trouble."I saw your job posting," he says, his deep, smooth voice laced with something effortlessly charming. "I’d like to apply."Penelope grips my wrist hard under the counter, and I barely suppress a wince.This man—this Italian god—is exactly the type of employee that would drive my customers crazy. And I don’t mean bad crazy. I mean good crazy. The buy-everything-in-the-store-just-to-see-him-smile kind of crazy.He's got a boyish charm, younger but still undeniably handsome. Tall and lean, he carries himself with effortless confidence, the kind that turns heads without trying. His dark brown hair is tousled in that perfect mix of careless and intentional, and his sharp, well-defined features make it impossible to look away.But it's his eyes that truly draw you in.A deep, warm hazel—alive with mischief, edged with something both playful and a little dangerous.He tilts his head, and I realize I’ve been quiet for too l
Caroline’s Point of ViewWinning the competition should have been the hardest part.I pour everything into my designs, fighting against sabotage, betrayal, and every possible obstacle thrown my way. Yet, standing in my boutique weeks later, watching the steady stream of customers come and go, I realize something.The real battle has just begun.Success has turned into an exhausting whirlwind. My inbox is constantly flooded with custom orders, my phone never stops buzzing with inquiries, and every time I sit down, another customer walks in needing assistance.At first, the rush of it all is exhilarating. Now? It’s just exhausting.Penelope leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching me struggle to balance three jewelry boxes while answering a customer's question. "You need help," she says, unimpressed."I’ve got it," I insist, shifting my grip.I do not have it.One box slips, and in my panic to catch it, the others follow.With a loud clatter, all three hit the floor.Penelope s
Caroline’s Point of ViewI grip my bag so tightly my fingers start to cramp. But I don’t loosen my hold. I don’t dare. Because if I do, I might lose my grip on more than just the bag—I might lose my grip on myself.My mind is still a storm of emotions, a violent whirlwind that refuses to settle, refuses to let me breathe. I replay every word of that kindergarten disaster, every sharp remark Dolly threw at me like knives, aiming straight for the parts of me she knew were already bruised."A child raised without a real father is bound to be unruly.""No wonder Knoxx replaced you."My jaw clenches, my teeth grinding together.How dare she?How dare she stand there, smug and victorious, as if she has some moral high ground over me?Dolly—the woman who stole my designs, my husband, and now wants to act as if she has the right to look down on me?The very thought of it makes my blood boil.I should have said more. Should have ripped her down from that pedestal she’s so desperate to stay on.
Caroline’s Point of View The call from the kindergarten comes when I’m in the middle of reviewing some design sketches. "Ms. Hill," the teacher's voice is tight with concern. "I'm sorry to bother you, but there's been… an incident with Liam." My heart stops for a second. I grip the phone tighter. "What happened?" The teacher sighs. "There was a disagreement between the children. Some of the kids… well, they were saying that Liam has no father. Another child defended him, but it escalated into a physical altercation." My breath catches. Liam. They bullied him again. I inhale sharply, trying to control the sharp sting in my chest. "Who defended him?" A pause. "Bryan." I blink, stunned. Bryan? Lorenzo’s son? That… that doesn’t make sense. Bryan had always been distant towards Liam, not outright cruel, but he never stood up for him either. So why now? I shake off the confusion, focusing on what’s important. "Is Liam hurt?" "No, but we need to address this
Knoxx’s Point of ViewThe moment Dolly steps into my house, holding our daughter in her arms, I feel nothing.Absolutely nothing.I stand there, watching as she moves past me with her usual bright, expectant smile, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor like she already owns the place. She looks around, her eyes lighting up, as if she’s envisioning the future she’s always wanted—the future she thinks she’s about to have.I should feel something.Satisfaction, maybe.Relief, even.But instead, there’s only this dull, suffocating weight in my chest, this gnawing emptiness that refuses to go away no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise.This was supposed to make me feel better.I brought them here for a reason.To prove a point.To show Caroline that I didn’t need her. That I moved on. That I had a family now, a woman who stayed by my side instead of walking away.But the moment I saw her face twist with that cold, indifferent expression, the moment she looked