I hear Jason exhale sharply, but he doesn’t argue further. The stone comes loose in my hand, heavier than I expected. I glance toward the cell door, my heart pounding. Whatever happens, I can’t let Victor win. I need to get to Jason. As I grip the stone tightly, the sound of Victor’s laughter ec
STACY. “But wait—what’s the plan before we charge in there?” I ask, grabbing Jason’s arm to stop him. Jason turns his head slightly, a wry smirk tugging at his lips. “The plan?” he echoes, his voice low and calm despite the tension crackling around us. “The plan not to shift because this is a sm
Victor’s eyes gleam with cruel satisfaction as he pulls a blade from his belt. He lunges forward, the blade flashing in the dim light, and sinks it into Jason’s side. Jason lets out a strangled sound, dropping to one knee. “No!” The word rips from my throat as I see him collapse, clutching his sid
JASON. (Days later and Jason is still in a coma) I’m walking, or at least I think I’m walking dressed in a long sleeved white gown. The ground beneath me feels strange, almost weightless, as if I’m floating. Where am I and where is Stacy? I glance around looking for her until I notice there’s
The warmth of Stacy's embrace fades as she sits back down beside me, wiping at her tear-streaked face. My chest tightens at the thought of how much she’s been through while I was unconscious. I reach for her hand, threading my fingers with hers. “How is our son? Has he seen me like this?” I ask, m
STACY. I can’t stop smiling. Every breath Jason takes feels like a miracle, every groggy word he speaks is a gift I never thought I’d receive again. The doctors had been grim, their faces tight with concern every time they checked on him. 'The poison from the dagger was too strong,' they had sa
I glare at him, annoyed by his playful tone, and give his shoulder a light smack. “Stop teasing me.” “Ouch!” he exclaims, wincing as he grabs his shoulder. His grimace makes my stomach twist with guilt. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you,” I apologize quickly, leaning down
STACY. Two days later, we’re finally discharged from the hospital. The fresh air feels incredible as we step outside, and though I’m relieved Jason is recovering well, my thoughts are entirely focused on one thing—our son, Liam. The drive to Jason’s parents’ house feels longer than it should. Ja
I stare at the pile, then burst out laughing. “Were you two planning to open a pharmacy?” Daniel smirks. “Figured it was better to be thorough.” I shake my head, grabbing one of the tests and handing it to Stacy. “Alright, go pee on this.” Stacy glares at me like I just asked her to do something
HANNAH “You, get a doctor! Now!” Daniel’s voice booms through the wedding venue, commanding instant obedience from the nearest guard. But even as the order leaves his lips, I tighten my grip on his arm. “Baby, I am a doctor, remember?” His eyes flick to mine, realization dawning before he steps a
HANNAH. "Uh-uh, no, not today" Stacy says the moment her eyes land on Margaret. "Please, just hear me out," Margaret pleads, standing in a simple deep red dress suited for her age. She looks… hesitant, so unlike her usual self. Gone is the cold authority, and the condescending stare. Instead, he
HANNAH. (Hours later) Dinner is tense, the air thick with an unspoken rivalry that neither Roxanne nor I are willing to acknowledge outright. The dining room is dimly lit, with the scent of roasted chicken filling the air, but I can barely focus on the food. My attention is solely on Daniel and
She ends the call and turns to me, practically glowing with excitement. "Great news. That was an old friend of mine who owns a bridal boutique. I asked for a favor earlier, and she’s sending over a selection of dresses, ones you’ll actually like." I let out a breath of relief, shaking my head. "Th
ANNAH. (An hour later) I sit cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a bridal magazine Stacy came home with while she scribbles notes in a planner. The coffee table between us is littered with fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and sample wedding invitations. The scent of fresh roses fr
"You’re a damn tease," I snap. Daniel only smirks before lowering his mouth to my breast, his tongue flicking over my nipple before sucking it between his lips. "Mmm," I murmur, arching my back to press my breast further into his mouth. My body is on fire, every nerve ending alive under his touc
HANNAH "You want proof that you are the only woman I love? Fine. I'll show you proof," Daniel says while locking the bedroom door behind him. I frown slightly as my pulse quickens. "What do you think you are doing?” He doesn't respond to my question but walks toward me with the grace of a leop
She nods faintly, leaning against me as we walk. But just as we reach the steps, Roxanne stumbles. I react instantly, catching her before she can fall. Her hands grip my shoulders for support, and as I pull her upright, our faces end up dangerously too close even for my own comfort. Her breath bru