Angela POV I could feel the tension in my chest like a vice, squeezing tighter with every breath. Kurtis's words lingered in my mind, stirring up emotions I wasn't ready to face. How dare he speak to me like that? How dare he suggest that this was my fault? My life was falling apart, and he had the nerve to lecture me?I was about to lash out, to tell him exactly what I thought of his self-righteous attitude, when the barista called out, "Your coffee, miss."I grabbed the cup without even looking at her, my hand trembling with barely contained rage. "Kurtis, if you think for one second that you can"But before I could finish, I heard a voice behind me. "Angela?"I froze, my heart dropping into my stomach. I turned slowly, dreading what I might see, and there he was, Alex, standing just a few feet away, his eyes wide with confusion and hurt."What are you doing here?" I snapped, my voice harsher than I intended.He looked down at the coffee in my hand and then back at me, his expressi
Angela POVI couldn’t move. The moment Alex turned and walked away, it felt like the ground had shifted beneath me, leaving me stranded in some strange, desolate place. My chest tightened as I watched him go, the image of his broken expression burned into my mind. The anger that had driven me seconds ago began to dissipate, replaced by a gnawing sense of regret and fear. What had I just done?My hand trembled as I took a sip of the coffee, the liquid bitter on my tongue. I didn’t even want it, but I needed something to focus on, anything to stop the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. I looked around, realizing I was still standing in the middle of the busy coffee shop. The sounds of life, laughter, conversation, and the hiss of the espresso machine felt distant, like I was underwater, cut off from everything.My mind kept replaying the scene, over and over. The look in Alex’s eyes when I told him I didn’t know if I ever loved him. It was the truth, at least, that’s wha
Angela’s POVThe door clicked shut behind me, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that everything might just be okay. Alex’s apartment felt warm and familiar, filled with the memories of the times we’d shared. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air, mingling with the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen. It felt almost normal.He turned to me with a small smile, gesturing toward the living room. “I made us some coffee. You look like you could use it.”“Yeah, thanks,” I replied, my voice a little shaky. I followed him to the couch, where two mugs of coffee sat on the table, steam curling up from them. He’d even put out a plate of cookies, just like he always did when we needed to talk.I sat down, taking the mug in my hands, the warmth soothing my nerves. Alex sat beside me, close but not too close, like he was giving me space. We talked about little things at first, work, mutual friends, the latest news. For a while, it felt almost like old times, like the tension be
Angela POVAlex was gone, and this time, it was for good. I knew I had hurt him, but he wasn’t innocent either. He had changed, becoming possessive and overprotective, making me feel trapped. That was when my mind started drifting to Kurtis again. But now, standing in the silence of my empty apartment, I realized something: I was completely alone. No Alex. No Kurtis. Just me.But if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was reclaiming my power. I wasn’t going to wallow in self-pity. No, I needed to remind myself, and the world, who I was. I was Angela, and I was going to shine again.That’s when the idea hit me. What better way to make a comeback than by hosting a glamorous charity event? It would boost my career, put me back in the spotlight, and prove to everyone that I was still the powerful, unbreakable woman they all knew. I wasn’t just going to reclaim my shine, I was going to blind them with it.The grand ballroom was filled with the who’s who of society. Wealthy donors, cel
Angela POVI met David by chance at a coffee shop one rainy afternoon. I was in a hurry, juggling a million things in my head, trying to forget about Alex and all the drama that had consumed my life for the past few months. The last thing I was thinking about was meeting someone new. I had just ordered my usual, an extra shot of espresso in my latte, when I felt someone’s eyes on me. It wasn’t the usual type of glance either; it was intense, curious. When I looked up, there he was, David. Tall, confident, with that easy smile that could make anyone feel like they were the only person in the room. I wasn’t immune to that charm, not by a long shot.He approached me as I stood by the counter waiting for my drink. “You seem like you’ve had one hell of a day,” he said casually, his voice low and smooth.I gave a small laugh, trying to play it off. “Is it that obvious?”“Just a little,” he said with a grin. “Mind if I keep you company? Maybe I can make your day a little better.”I hesitate
Lyra's POV The late afternoon sun streamed through the office windows, bathing the room in a soft, golden light. I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen, anxiously waiting for the email that could change everything. My heart raced with anticipation, and my hands, despite the excitement, felt clammy against the cool surface of the keyboard. Kurtis was at the other end of the room, pacing, his usual calm demeanor now tinged with tension. It had been months of negotiations, sleepless nights, and an endless barrage of meetings. Today, we would find out if it had all paid off. Then, suddenly, the email came through. For a moment, I just stared at the screen, almost unable to believe it. I blinked, my eyes scanning the words over and over. It was real. The confirmation of our biggest deal yet was sitting right in front of me, signed and sealed. The luxury brand we’d been chasing for what felt like forever had finally said yes. This wasn’t just a win, it was a breakthrough. “
Lyra's POVThat evening, after the initial rush of excitement had worn off, Kurtis and I found ourselves in the quiet comfort of our living room. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, joy, relief, and pride, but now, in the stillness of the evening, it all started to settle in. The deal we had just secured wasn’t just monumental for the business; it was a milestone in everything we had built together. This moment deserved more than a quick toast or a casual dinner. It needed to be special, just like our journey had been.Kurtis sat next to me on the couch, his laptop balanced on his knee as he scrolled through potential restaurants. He was focused, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration, yet relaxed in that way only he could manage. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, his determination to find the perfect spot for us felt so…us. Thoughtful. Intentional.I sipped on my glass of wine, the rich flavor filling my senses as I curled my feet beneath me, sinking deeper into
Kurtis’s POVAs I sat there, the evening wrapping around us like a soft blanket, I couldn’t take my eyes off Lyra. She was curled up next to me on the couch, her hair cascading over her shoulders, her face glowing in the soft light. We’d done it. Secured the deal, crossed a major milestone in our lives, and now, sitting in the quiet aftermath, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude, of happiness. But more than anything, I felt this overwhelming sense of pride, pride in her, in us, and everything we had built together. Lyra wasn’t just my business partner, she was my everything. And seeing her here, relaxed and happy, reminded me of just how lucky I was to have her in my life.I leaned back on the couch, my eyes tracing the curve of her lips as she took a sip of wine. God, she was beautiful. Not just on the outside, but in the way she moved, the way she thought, the way she always seemed to know what I needed even before I did.“Baby girl,” I said softly, reaching for her hand.
Lyra’s POV The day had finally arrived: my wedding day. The world outside seemed to know it was special, too. The sky was a canvas of soft blues and wispy white clouds, with the sun gently warming the seaside breeze. Every detail of the morning felt surreal, like I was walking through a dream I never wanted to wake up from. In my bridal suite, the air buzzed with excitement. Sophie, my bridesmaid and Angela’s closest friend, was helping me into my wedding dress. The dress was everything I’d imagined, sleek and elegant with delicate lace running down the sleeves and tiny pearls dotting the bodice. The train cascaded behind me like a flowing river of ivory silk. As Sophie zipped the back, I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. For a moment, I didn’t recognize myself. “You look stunning, Lyra,” Sophie said, stepping back to admire me. Her voice was thick with emotion. I turned to her, my own heart brimming. “Do you think Kurtis will like it?” Sophie laughed. “Like i
Lyra's POV The next morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee drifting up to my room. For a moment, I stayed under the covers, savoring the warmth of my bed and the quiet anticipation that filled the air. Tomorrow, I would become Mrs. Lyra Hartley. The thought sent a flutter of excitement and nerves through me. Finally, curiosity got the better of me, and I padded downstairs, barefoot, my robe loosely tied. In the kitchen, I found Angela standing by the counter, a steaming mug in her hands. Her back was to me, and she seemed lost in thought. “Good morning,” I said, stepping closer, my voice soft so as not to startle her. Angela jumped slightly but quickly recovered, turning around with a faint smile. “Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you. I just... couldn’t sleep.” I reached for a mug and poured myself some coffee, the rich aroma wrapping around me like a comforting hug. “You didn’t wake me,” I assured her. “But you being up this early is definitely unusual. What’s on your
Lyra’s POVThe morning light streamed through my bedroom window, painting everything in soft gold. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting me out of my thoughts. I reached for it, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Kurtis’s name flashing on the screen. “Good morning, baby girl,” his deep voice greeted me. “Good morning,” I replied, feeling a flutter in my chest. Even after everything we’d been through, his voice still had that effect on me. “How did you sleep?” he asked. “Better than I have in weeks,” I admitted. “Knowing Alice is finally in custody helps.” There was a pause, and then he chuckled. “I knew that would ease your mind. But listen, we have something more important to focus on now—our wedding.” My heart soared. “You’re right. No more delays.” “Exactly. Can you meet me at the venue later today? I’ve already called a decorator and the caterer to start discussing ideas.” “Of course,” I said, excitement bubbling up. “What time?” “Around two. I’ll text you
Kurtis’s POVThe morning after James was arrested, I woke up feeling lighter, yet there was still a lingering weight on my chest. Alice. She was the real puppet master, the mastermind behind James’s schemes. If I let my guard down now, it could all be for nothing. I sat at the edge of the bed, watching Lyra sleep. Her face was serene, untouched by the chaos that constantly tried to invade our lives. I wanted to keep it that way. Standing up, I grabbed my phone and dialed Detective Harper. “Harper,” her voice was sharp and awake despite the early hour. “We’ve got to move on Alice,” I said, my tone firm. “If she gets wind of James’s arrest, she’ll bolt. We need to act now.” There was a pause on the other end of the line before Harper responded. “Agreed. Do you have anything concrete on her yet?” “Not enough to keep her locked up for long,” I admitted. “But James’s arrest is going to shake her. If we can catch her making a move, we’ll have something to work with.” “I’ll dispa
Kurtis’s POVI was still seeing the the moment the handcuffs clicked around James’s wrists, playing in my eye, how I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. It wasn’t just about justice, it was about keeping Lyra safe, about making sure that maniac wouldn’t come anywhere near her again. As the officers led him out, his defiance hadn’t wavered. “This isn’t over, Kurtis,” James hissed, his eyes filled with venom. “You think taking me down changes anything? You have no idea what you’re up against.” His voice echoed back in my ear.I didn’t respond. He could spit all the poison he wanted; his threats didn’t matter anymore. His reign of terror had ended the moment those cuffs locked into place. Once the police cars disappeared into the night, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Detective Harper walked up to me, her expression grim but satisfied. “You did good tonight, Kurtis,” she told me.“I just did what needed to be done,” I replied, glancing at the warehouse where
Kurtis’s POVJames was a menace, a shadow that loomed over Lyra and Angela's lives for far too long. As I stood by the window of my penthouse suite, staring at the city lights below, the thought of letting him roam free even for another day was unbearable. Lyra’s safety wasn’t just a responsibility, it was personal. “I’m not waiting for him to make his next move,” I said, turning to Detective Harper on the other end of the phone. Harper’s voice was professional but tinged with determination. “We need solid evidence to make the arrest stick, Kurtis. What you’ve given us so far is compelling, but I need more to ensure he doesn’t wriggle out on a technicality.” I clenched my fist. “Then you’ll have it. I’ll send over every document, every email, every recording we’ve compiled so far. And I’ll make sure he has no place to run.” After hanging up, I paced the room, my mind racing. James was clever, but arrogance was his fatal flaw. He never imagined I’d play the long game, collectin
Lyra's POV Later that evening, as the hospital quieted down, I sat by Angela’s bedside, my mind a storm of thoughts. The air felt heavy, not just from the day’s events but from something I’d been holding back, something I needed answers to. I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to bring it up. Angela’s eyelids were drooping, but I knew she wasn’t asleep yet. “Angela,” I said softly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I need to ask you something… and I need you to be honest with me.” Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head slightly to look at me. “Of course. What is it?” “It’s about James.” At the mention of his name, her expression shifted, a flicker of guilt flashing across her face. She didn’t say anything, so I pressed on. “You’ve been around him more than I have lately. You must know something about his intentions. What’s he planning, Angela? What does he want from me?” Angela hesitated, biting her lower lip. “Lyra… I don’t know if” “Do
Lyra’s POVThe cold, sterile smell of the hospital hit me the moment I stepped inside. My heart was pounding so hard it drowned out every other sound—the murmur of voices, the beep of monitors, the shuffling of feet. Angela. Critical condition. The nurse’s words rang in my ears as I approached the counter, my voice trembling as I asked, “Angela… Angela Hayes. Where is she?” The receptionist barely glanced up, typing away on her computer. “Room 115. Down the hall, second door on your left.” I didn’t wait for her to finish. My feet moved before my mind could catch up, rushing down the hallway, my breaths coming in short, panicked gasps. My legs felt like jelly, but I pushed forward, ignoring the ache. When I reached the door marked *115,* I paused, my hand hovering over the handle. I wasn’t ready to see her like this—to see my sister, my twin, lying broken and vulnerable. But I had to. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my breath catching in my throat at the sight be
Angela’s POV The door slammed behind me as I left Lyra’s house, but the sound didn’t drown out the storm in my head. The cold evening air wrapped around me like a punishment, but it was nothing compared to the icy distance Lyra had put between us. I climbed into my car, letting the silence close in, but the quiet only gave space for my thoughts to scream louder. My hands clutched the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as I sat there, reliving every moment of the last hour. I had gone there to apologize, to mend the bridge I had set on fire. Instead, I’d been met with something far worse than anger, indifference. When she opened the door, her face was unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might slam it shut again, but she stepped aside, her cold eyes fixed on me. “What do you want, Angela?” she asked, her voice void of emotion. My heart had twisted at her tone, but I forced myself to speak. “I came to say I’m sorry, Lyra. I know I’ve been… awful. I know I’v