Alexander’s POV:Three hours. Three long, agonizing hours, and Elizabeth still hadn’t come home. It wasn’t like her to disappear for this long, not without telling at least one of her brothers where she was. The boys were pacing the living room, restless, their concern as clear as mine. I sat at the head of the table, my hands clenched into fists on my lap, trying to keep my frustration at bay. The more time passed, the heavier the dread in my chest became.I looked up at my best friend, Michael, who sat across from me, his brow furrowed with concern. The silence in the room was deafening, interrupted only by the occasional shuffle of feet or a sigh from one of the boys. Finally, I cleared my throat, breaking the heavy tension."I'm sorry for disturbing you all this evening," I began, my voice quieter than I intended, "but my daughter, Elizabeth, is missing again."The weight of my words sank into the room like a stone into water. There was a collective intake of breath, followed by
Elizabeth's POV"Why would she just leave without telling anyone, Dad?" I heard a voice murmur quietly in the distance. My head was throbbing, a dull ache pulsing behind my eyes. I blinked, trying to focus, my surroundings still blurry from sleep. Why did my head hurt? And why did my body feel so stiff, like I'd been sleeping on the ground?"Wait... if I was sleeping on the ground in the woods, why does this bed feel so comfortable?" my mind raced, panic rising in my chest. My eyes shot open fully, and I darted a glance around the room, heart pounding. Was I kidnapped? Where am I?But then, I saw them. My family. My brothers, Dad, everyone was there, standing in the room, their faces tight with anger and... hurt."Hey guys," I said quietly, hoping to ease the tension, but it didn’t work. Instead of welcoming smiles or relieved hugs, they all just stared at me, their expressions a mix of frustration and disappointment. Zack was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his jaw tight. Mi
Elizabeth's POVI woke up to an eerie stillness.The house was quiet—too quiet. No footsteps echoing in the hallways, no clinking of dishes from the kitchen, no soft murmurs of conversation floating up the stairs. It was as if the entire house had emptied itself overnight, leaving only me behind. I blinked, slowly sitting up in bed, my heart sinking at the silence that surrounded me. The familiar warmth that used to fill this place was gone, replaced with a cold emptiness that pressed down on my chest. I listened for any sound, any sign that someone was still here, but there was nothing. Just the quiet hum of the world outside, indifferent to the turmoil inside me.I hugged my knees to my chest, staring at the door. No one was coming. No one was going to check on me, ask if I was okay, or even acknowledge that I was still here. They were all angry—Zack, Ryan, Dad—everyone. And I couldn’t blame them. I had messed up, broken their trust, and now... this was the result.I felt the weigh
Elizabeth’s POVAs I walked down the dimly lit street, my mind swirling with everything that had happened. My brothers, my dad... the look of disappointment on their faces replayed in my head over and over again. No matter how much I told myself I did the right thing by leaving, it still hurt. Each step I took felt like I was trying to leave behind a part of myself that no longer fit.The streetlights flickered as I passed under them, their dim light barely cutting through the fog that had begun to settle in. I clutched the handle of my small suitcase tightly, trying to shake off the feeling of dread that crept up my spine. I wasn’t going far—just to Anna’s house—but the silence of the night was unnerving. It felt like the world had gone still, holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.I hadn't called Anna yet. I figured I’d just show up, hoping she wouldn’t mind me crashing at her place for a while. She was my best friend, the only one I could count on right now. I just ne
Alexander’s POVI woke up with a heaviness in my chest, a feeling I couldn’t shake no matter how much I tried to convince myself it was just exhaustion from the previous night. The silence in the house was unsettling. It was too quiet. Even though it was early, the house normally had some life to it—either one of the boys would be up and about, or Elizabeth would be downstairs, maybe having breakfast or just sitting quietly. But today, the stillness gnawed at me.I sat up, running a hand over my face, trying to push away the remnants of a restless sleep. The events of the night before played through my mind, and a wave of guilt washed over me. I had been too harsh with her. I knew that now. I had let my anger get the best of me, and I didn’t stop to consider how hurt she might’ve been after finding out the truth. I should’ve been more understanding.The words I said to her... they hung heavy in the air.“We kept it from you for a reason.”The look in her eyes when I told her that—it
Elizabeth’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, the first thing I felt was a sharp, throbbing pain in my head. My vision was blurry, and everything around me was dim and unfamiliar. I groaned, trying to sit up, but my body felt heavy, sluggish. Panic began to creep in as I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision.Where am I?I glanced around, noticing the cold, bare walls of the room. There was no furniture, no windows, just a single, flickering light overhead that barely illuminated the space. I was lying on a hard, concrete floor, a thin blanket tossed haphazardly over me. The air smelled musty, like it hadn’t been ventilated in a long time.I tried to think back, to remember how I got here, but everything was a blur. The last thing I remembered was walking down the street, my mind clouded with thoughts of my family—Zack, Ryan, and Dad. I had been angry, upset, but mostly confused. I just wanted some space to clear my head, to think things through. But then... a car. Yes, I remembered hea
Ryan’s POVThe house had been unusually quiet for days, and it was starting to get to me. I hadn't seen Elizabeth since that day we fought. She’d stormed out, angry as usual, and I just assumed she needed some space. She always came back, even if it took her a while. But this time, something felt off.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that had been gnawing at me. Elizabeth could be dramatic, but she wasn’t irresponsible. She wouldn’t just disappear without a word, right?But it had been days.“Dad?” I called out, pushing the covers off and heading toward the dining room. My footsteps felt heavy, like I was dragging an invisible weight behind me. The house had this oppressive silence to it, and the knot in my stomach tightened with every step.When I entered the dining room, Dad was sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in front of him. His shoulders were slumped, and his face looked more tired than I had ever seen it. Dark circles framed his
Elizabeth pov:“I told you, they won’t come for you,” the voice echoed, cutting through the suffocating silence of the dark room.Elizabeth sat in the corner, knees pulled to her chest, her back pressed against the cold wall. The dim light above flickered weakly, casting shadows that danced on the cracked concrete floor. It had been a week. Seven days of being trapped in this place, alone, with nothing but her thoughts and the haunting certainty that maybe—just maybe—her family wasn’t looking for her after all.She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the voice. But it kept replaying in her mind, taunting her, breaking down the fragile hope she’d been clinging to. *No one’s coming.*She wanted to believe it wasn’t true. That any minute now, Dad would storm through the door, Leo and Mike right behind him, ready to pull her out of this nightmare. Or that Ryan would figure it out and do whatever it took to find her, like he always did. But as each hour passed, the truth became har
Elizabeth's Point of ViewAs the car pulled up in front of the house, a smile spread across my face, lighting up my entire being. I could barely contain the excitement bubbling inside me. After everything—after the surprises, the time spent in Paris, the love from Black, and everything else in between—I was finally going back home.Home.There was something so comforting about returning to the familiar, the place that had once felt so chaotic but now felt like a refuge. I couldn’t wait to see my dad and my brothers again. They’d all been so supportive, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they had planned for my birthday.It felt surreal, knowing that I was about to turn twenty. Two decades of life, with all the ups and downs. But this moment—this was the best birthday I could have ever asked for.I stepped out of the car, holding my puppy gently in my arms, and walked toward the door with a skip in my step. Each footstep brought me closer to the people who mattered most in my life. Th
Elizabeth's Point of View"Everything ready?" Black asked me as I snuggled my new puppy closer to my chest, feeling her little body warm and soft against my skin.It’s been a month now since we left everything behind and went on our little escape to Paris. The memories we made here were unlike any other, and I cherished each moment. The Eiffel Tower, the cafés, the romantic walks under the Parisian sky—it had all felt like a dream. But all good things must come to an end, and now, it was time to go home.“Yeah, everything’s packed,” I replied, walking around the room to double-check that nothing was left behind. I couldn’t help but smile. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this chapter was closing. But I was also eager to get back to my family.Home was waiting, and it was time to reunite with them after everything that had happened. My father had called earlier, telling me that Mr. Black was trying to take me away from him, and it made me laugh. I knew how possessive my dad c
Rose’s Point of ViewThe air felt warmer than usual as Mike’s car hummed softly along the road. My fingers twisted nervously in my lap, the soft fabric of my dress bunching between my fingertips. I glanced at Mike every few moments—his calm expression as he drove, the faint smirk he wore like it was second nature, and the way his strong hands gripped the steering wheel.I didn’t understand him.“Why?”The word slipped out before I could stop myself.Mike glanced at me briefly, his voice soft as he replied, “Why what?”“Why are you being so kind to me?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. I didn’t dare look at him now; instead, I focused on the houses blurring past outside the window. “You’ve been like this since the first day we met.”For a second, there was silence—just the soft hum of the car and the faint music playing from the radio.Then he said it.“Because I like you, and I want to take you on a date.”His voice was so casual, so matter-of-fact, that for a moment I though
Mike’s Point of ViewI leaned back in my office chair, exhaling a long breath as I scrolled through my phone. My sister Elizabeth’s picture popped up—her smiling face glowing brighter than the Parisian lights in the background. She looked so happy, holding that tiny white puppy in her arms, Mr. Black standing proudly beside her.She looked like Mom.That smile, those eyes—they reminded me of the mother we lost far too soon. I set my phone down with a quiet sigh, my fingers brushing over the stack of papers on my desk. No matter how chaotic life got, seeing Elizabeth happy always brought me a strange kind of peace.“Mr. Mike?”I turned my head toward the soft, almost hesitant voice coming from the door. Rose stood there, her small hands fiddling nervously with the hem of her dress. Her wide eyes peeked up at me shyly, and I couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at my lips.“Yeah, Rose?” I said softly, leaning back in my chair.She hesitated for a second before speaking. “Um, today
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewThe sunset cast streaks of gold and pink across the Parisian skyline as I stood by the balcony, staring at the Eiffel Tower. The view was breathtaking—unreal, almost—but nothing felt as dreamlike as this moment.Behind me, the faint rustle of fabric caught my attention. I turned to see Mr. Black walking toward me, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored slacks. He had changed into a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal his strong forearms, and his top two buttons left undone.It wasn’t fair how effortlessly handsome he looked.“You’re staring,” he teased, his lips curving into a slow smile.I blushed and turned back toward the balcony, pretending to focus on the view. “No, I’m not.”“Liar,” he murmured.I felt his presence behind me before he touched me—a soft warmth that sent a shiver down my spine. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me gently against him, and rested his chin on my shoulder. I melted int
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewWarm lips pressed against my cheek, then my nose, and finally my forehead, stirring me awake. I giggled, scrunching my face and swatting lightly at the culprit.“Stop it,” I murmured with a laugh, trying to push Mr. Black’s face away as he hovered over me, peppering me with kisses.“Good morning to you too,” he teased softly, his voice deep and smooth like melted chocolate. “You didn’t complain last night when I was being this affectionate.”I blushed at his words and shoved him playfully. “You’re insufferable.”He grinned that roguish grin that always did something to my heart, sitting back slightly so I could sit up. I stretched, the soft sheets pooling around me as I blinked, trying to take in the elegant room we were in.Paris. We had arrived in Paris.Two hours ago, we stumbled into this hotel room after a long trip, too tired to do much more than crash onto the bed. But now, the light pouring through the balcony windows revealed the beauty I had missed
Alexander's point of View The shots echoed through the building, sharp and final. I didn’t need to be there to know what had happened. Victor Hale was dead, and my boys had finally done what needed to be done. I leaned back in the chair, a slow exhale slipping past my lips.It wasn't exactly. More like relief—the kind of relief that settled deep in your bones after years of carrying a weight too heavy to bear.Adrian sat next to me, his fingers drumming idly on the armrest. He looked calm, but I knew better. Guilt sat heavy on his shoulders, and no amount of time could erase it.“Where’s my little Elizabeth?” Adrian’s voice broke the quiet. He smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.I let out a low chuckle. “Not so little anymore. She’s off with that man—Mr. Black.”Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly, but the smile returned. “And you’re fine with that?”“She’s in love with him,” I replied simply, a smile tugging at my lips. “He makes her happy. That’s all I care about.”M
Mike’s Point of ViewThere was a kind of satisfaction that came with this moment—a deep, twisted feeling of triumph as we stared at the man who’d torn our family apart. It wasn’t the kind of happiness that lit up your soul; no, this was darker. Sharper. A vengeance that burned in our veins.Victor Hale. The man who’d orchestrated our sister’s suffering, who’d sent our mother into an early grave, all because of jealousy. My mother’s sister Amanda had fallen into his trap years ago, and in her delusion, she’d joined him. But Victor… he was the mastermind. The cancer that ate away at our family until nothing was left but pieces.And tonight, we were finally going to end him.The room stank of sweat, blood, and concrete. Leo was the first to go at him. Every punch he landed echoed against the walls, and Victor grunted with each impact, his face swelling more with every blow. But the bastard… he was still smirking, as if he wanted to die.With every punch, I felt something inside me come
Adrian's Point of ViewThe dim light from the single hanging bulb flickered as I leaned against the chipped wall, staring at Victor Hale. Beaten, bruised, and bound to the chair, he still managed to look smug. His lip was cracked, his face swollen, but his arrogance hadn’t disappeared.“Your biggest nightmares are coming,” I told him, my voice low and cold.Victor let out a short, bitter laugh, his bruised face twisting into a smirk. “They’re finally coming, huh? Took them long enough. Must be a family reunion.”His words grated on me, but I didn’t let it show. Men like Victor thrived on getting under people’s skin. He wanted a reaction, something to latch onto so he could twist it into his favor.“I don’t think you understand what’s coming for you,” I said, pushing off the wall. My boots echoed against the cracked concrete floor as I stepped closer. “You sold my niece, shattered her life, and sent my sister—your precious Amanda—down a road she’ll never come back from. You’re going to