Emma’s POVThe forest was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of those around me. Marcus, Damian’s enforcer, stood tense and poised for violence, while Alexander’s unexpected arrival threw everything into uncertainty. Chloe shifted beside me, her hands subtly moving toward the small blade she carried at her waist. I could feel Ethan’s protective stance near me, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react. Alexander’s cold gaze flicked between Marcus and us. “Damian doesn’t want them dead,” he said sharply. “Not yet.” Marcus let out a low chuckle, his amusement sending chills through me. “That’s funny, because he didn’t give me any orders to keep them alive.” He rolled his shoulders, as if he was itching for a fight. “Besides, they’re already too much trouble. It’d be easier to end it now.” Ethan stepped forward slightly, positioning himself in front of me. “You should listen to Alexander, Marcus. If Damian wants us alive, you don’t want to be the one who disobeys.”
The small apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. I stared at the eviction notice taped to the counter. Bold, unforgiving letters. Two weeks to find a miracle—or a new place to live. My heart clenched, but I refused to cry. Not after everything Cameron put me through.Cassie’s voice rang from the other end of the line, sharp with concern. “You’re not thinking about going to that party, are you?”“I am,” I replied, pulling on the heels she’d lent me months ago. They pinched, but I couldn’t let that stop me. “What else am I supposed to do, Cassie? Sit here and wallow?”“Getting drunk isn’t going to fix anything, Emma.”“No,” I said, grabbing my purse. “But it’ll shut my brain up for one night.”Cassie sighed heavily, but I didn’t wait for her response. I hung up and left. The chilly New York air wrapped around me as I stepped out, heading toward the club where my life was about to change forever.---The music was deafening, a mix of bass and lights that made my
Emma’s Point of ViewThe sound of a spoon clinking against porcelain banged loud in the dining room. My stepmother, Regina, sat across from me, her perfectly manicured nails tapping rhythmically on the table. Her sharp green eyes scanned me like a predator stalking its prey. “Tell me, Emma,” she said, her voice deceptively sweet, “what exactly do you plan to do with your life now?” I hesitated, gripping the edge of my chair. “I’m figuring things out.” She let out a soft laugh, one that sent chills down my spine. “Figuring things out? That’s not good enough. Your father didn’t work his entire life for you to become—” she paused, her lips curling into a smirk—“a burden.” I clenched my fists under the table, willing myself not to react. Regina always had a way of digging under my skin, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. “I have a plan,” I said firmly, meeting her gaze. “Oh?” she arched a perfectly shaped brow. “And does this plan involve the father o
Ethan’s Point of ViewRegina’s townhouse was far from the opulence I expected for a woman with such a sharp tongue. It was modest, even charming, but I wasn’t here to admire the decor. I stepped out of the car, adjusting my cufflinks, and made my way to the door. My driver had already announced my arrival, so I wasn’t surprised when the door opened before I could knock.“Ethan,” Regina greeted with a sly smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.”She stepped aside, waving me in. “By all means. You didn’t have to come all this way, though. A man like you must have better things to do.”“Nothing is more important than protecting my interests,” I replied, stepping into the living room.She closed the door and followed me, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “You sound so serious. What’s the matter? Is the perfect marriage already falling apart?”I turned to face her, my expression cold. “Let’s skip the games, Regina. I know what you’re try
Emma’s Point of ViewThe morning light streamed through the windows of Ethan’s estate, but the beauty of the view did little to calm my nerves. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the coffee cup in front of me, trying to focus on anything other than the storm that was brewing.Ethan had been distant for the past few days, his mood colder than usual. He was always intense, but now there was a hard edge to him that made it impossible to ignore. I had an uncomfortable feeling that things were about to get worse.“Good morning,” I said quietly when I saw him enter the kitchen, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t quite place.He didn’t respond immediately, instead grabbing a mug and pouring himself coffee. His silence made the air thick with tension, and I could feel my throat tighten.Finally, he spoke, his voice low and clipped. “You need to get dressed. We’re going out.”I didn’t have time to ask why before he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. His co
Emma’s POVEthan sat at the head of the table, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. His cold demeanor only fueled my frustration. “You’ve been quiet,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “I take it you’re upset.” I set my fork down with deliberate slowness. “Upset doesn’t even begin to cover it, Ethan. What was that meeting with Delilah about? Why didn’t you tell me she existed?” His jaw tightened, but his expression remained unreadable. “Because it wasn’t relevant.” “Not relevant?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You’re telling me that your *betrothed*—the woman you were supposed to marry—isn’t relevant?” “She’s my past,” Ethan said flatly. “You’re my present. That’s all that matters.” I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. “Except she doesn’t seem to think she’s in the past. What kind of relationship do you even have with her?” Ethan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s complicated.” “Complicated,” I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s all yo
Emma’s POVThe morning sun peeked through the thin curtains, painting the walls of the bedroom in golden hues. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had evaded me last night, as it often did since Ethan became a constant storm in my life. His words, his moods, and his secrets were like weights I carried every day, and I didn’t know how much longer I could bear them. Downstairs, the dining room table was set with an elegant breakfast spread. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filled the air. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to eat. My appetite had vanished, replaced by the unease that now seemed to follow me everywhere. Ethan’s chair sat empty, as it often did. I pushed my plate away, frustration bubbling inside me. Cassie’s advice replayed in my mind like a broken record. *“Stand your ground, Emma. If you let him control you, you’ll lose yourself.”* The sound of steady footsteps drew my attention. Ethan entered the room, dressed sharply in his signature navy
Emma’s POVThe room was filled with laughter and chatter, but I wasn’t part of it. My gaze lingered on Roland as he mingled with the guests, his easy smile making my heart ache. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, the start of a new chapter. Yet, a shadow loomed over it—Ethan.I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong. My palms felt clammy as I adjusted the necklace Roland had gifted me earlier, his small gesture of love and commitment.“You okay?” Cassie’s voice cut through my thoughts. She stood beside me, holding a champagne flute.“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile.“You don’t look fine,” she said, lowering her voice. “Is it about him?”I didn’t need to ask who she meant. “I just want tonight to go smoothly,” I said, evading her question.Cassie gave me a knowing look. “If he shows up, just let me handle him.”Before I could respond, the double doors at the far end of the room swung open. My heart sank as Ethan walked in, his presence commanding atte
Emma’s POVThe forest was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of those around me. Marcus, Damian’s enforcer, stood tense and poised for violence, while Alexander’s unexpected arrival threw everything into uncertainty. Chloe shifted beside me, her hands subtly moving toward the small blade she carried at her waist. I could feel Ethan’s protective stance near me, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react. Alexander’s cold gaze flicked between Marcus and us. “Damian doesn’t want them dead,” he said sharply. “Not yet.” Marcus let out a low chuckle, his amusement sending chills through me. “That’s funny, because he didn’t give me any orders to keep them alive.” He rolled his shoulders, as if he was itching for a fight. “Besides, they’re already too much trouble. It’d be easier to end it now.” Ethan stepped forward slightly, positioning himself in front of me. “You should listen to Alexander, Marcus. If Damian wants us alive, you don’t want to be the one who disobeys.”
Emma’s POVThe crisp morning air stung my cheeks as I stood at the cabin’s doorstep, my thoughts drifting between Ethan’s warmth and the danger lurking beyond the trees. The snow was fresh, untouched, save for our own footprints from the night before. I couldn’t help but feel a shiver crawl down my spine despite the sunlight cutting through the forest canopy.Ethan stepped up behind me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. “We’ll have to move soon,” he said, his voice steady.I nodded, forcing myself to focus. After everything Chloe revealed, it felt like the entire world was shifting under my feet. A powerful member of the council was helping Damian. The implications were terrifying. If the council itself was compromised, then nowhere was safe.Ethan pulled me close, his lips brushing against my temple. “We’ll figure it out.”Chloe joined us on the porch, her expression as tense as mine. “I’ve been thinking,” she began, crossing her arms. “We need more than just a plan to confron
Emma’s POVThe morning was calm, but my mind wasn’t. Bright sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting every corner of the room. I sat at the edge of the bed, staring out into the woods beyond the cabin. Snow glistened under the sun, making the entire landscape look peaceful. It was the kind of scene you’d expect in a painting, but peace was the last thing I felt. Behind me, Ethan stirred. The bed creaked as he shifted, his warm hand brushing my back. “Why are you up so early?” he asked, his voice low and husky from sleep. “I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, my voice soft. He sat up, leaning against the headboard. “What’s on your mind?” “Damian,” I said honestly. “And whoever’s helping him.” Ethan sighed heavily. “We’ll handle it.” “How can you be so sure?” I turned to face him, needing answers. “He’s out there, plotting, and we don’t even know who else is involved. Chloe said someone in the council might be behind this. That’s big, Ethan.” “I know,” he said calmly,
Emma's POV My breath formed small clouds in the chilly air, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were tangled, racing between Damian’s threats and Ethan’s secrets. Everything felt like it was slipping out of control, and I didn’t know how to hold on. I hugged myself tightly, not sure if I was trying to warm my body or calm my nerves. The woods were silent, with only the soft rustling of leaves breaking the stillness. I took a shaky breath and turned toward the cabin door. Inside, Ethan was pacing near the fireplace. The light from the flames flickered across his tense face. He hadn’t spoken much since we got back, but I could feel the weight of everything unspoken hanging between us. "Ethan," I said quietly, breaking the heavy silence, "we need to talk." He stopped pacing and looked at me, his eyes sharp. "You're right." I walked toward the fire, letting its warmth chase away some of the cold. "Why didn’t you tell me everything from the beginning?" Ethan ran a hand through
**Ethan’s POV**Damian’s body was limp beneath me, but I didn’t trust that he was out for the count. I tightened my grip around his wrists, pinning him against the snow-covered ground. Every part of me was on high alert, anticipating the next move from the man who had been pulling the strings behind so much of this chaos. Emma was still out there, somewhere in the dark, and I couldn’t afford to lose track of her now. My thoughts were scattered, torn between ensuring Damian stayed down and finding Emma before she did something reckless.I looked over at Damian, still breathing but not moving. "Stay down," I growled, my voice low. But I knew that wouldn’t stop him for long. He had a way of worming out of situations, always a step ahead.“Let me go, Ethan,” Damian said, his voice a dark chuckle, strained but filled with menace. "You can't protect her forever."I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. "This is over," I said. "You won’t hurt her again."Damian laughed again, a bitt
**Emma’s POV**The room felt heavy with silence. I stood near the window, staring out at the dark trees. The cold wind blew outside, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were racing. Serene had shown up today, and I still couldn’t make sense of everything. There were so many questions. Why had she come? What did she want from Ethan? What was really going on?Ethan had gone out to deal with something. He’d left in a hurry, but his words stayed in my mind. *Let me protect you.* I didn’t know if I wanted his protection anymore. I didn’t even know if I could trust him fully. He had so many secrets. And those secrets were getting harder to ignore.I turned away from the window and walked to the fireplace. The logs crackled, giving off a soft glow that lit up the room. I thought back to the things Ethan had said about Damian, the man who seemed to be behind everything. Damian wasn’t just a threat; he was someone who had power, someone who could destroy everything I cared about.And then there
Emma’s POVThe next morning, I awoke to the smell of coffee drifting through the cabin. It was a small comfort after the emotional weight of Ethan’s confession the night before. My thoughts swirled as I dressed, each one more troubling than the last. The man I had come to depend on, despite our differences, had killed someone. And now, because of that act, Damian had marked me as a target in his vendetta against Ethan. When I entered the kitchen, Ethan was already seated at the table, his laptop open and a mug of coffee in his hand. He looked up as I walked in, his eyes betraying a wariness that mirrored my own. “Good morning,” he said, his tone cautious. I nodded, pouring myself a cup of coffee before sitting across from him. “What’s the plan?” Ethan closed his laptop, leaning back in his chair. “The plan is to keep you safe.” I frowned. “That’s not a plan. That’s a vague promise.” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Emma, I know you’re frustrated—” “Frustrated
Emma’s POVThe man’s calm demeanor unsettled me more than his words. His warning echoed in my mind: *“Ethan isn’t who you think he is.”* “What are you talking about?” I demanded, keeping the flashlight pointed at him. The faint beam flickered across his face, highlighting sharp features and calculating eyes. He didn’t flinch. “You think Ethan is your protector, but he’s only protecting his own interests.” I tightened my grip on the flashlight, my unease growing. “Who sent you?” “Does it matter?” he countered, his tone even. “I’m here because you need to know the truth.” “And what truth is that?” I pressed. The man hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure we were alone. Then he turned back to me, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Ethan has been lying to you about Damian. This isn’t just about business or revenge. There’s something else at play—something much darker.” Before I could respond, the crunch of snow behind me made me spin around. Ethan stood th
Emma’s POVThe snow outside the cabin had thickened overnight, turning the world into a white abyss. I sat by the window, staring out at the blanket of frost that stretched for miles. My thoughts swirled, an endless loop of questions and doubts. Damian’s threat hung over us like a storm cloud, and the tension between Ethan and me seemed ready to snap at any moment. I needed clarity, but with Ethan’s constant secrecy and Serene’s cryptic warnings, it felt like I was trapped in a puzzle with no solution. The sound of a car engine broke through the silence. I turned to see headlights cutting through the falling snow, approaching the cabin. My stomach churned. “Ethan!” I called, my voice sharp. He emerged from the study, his expression immediately alert. “What is it?” “There’s someone here,” I said, pointing to the window. Ethan moved to my side, his eyes narrowing as the car came to a stop. “Stay here,” he said firmly, already heading for the door. I followed him despite hi