Sarah POVI pushed open the heavy oak door to the boardroom, a polite smile plastered on my face. "Hello, everyone," I said, my voice bright and professional. "Sorry to keep you all waiting." My gaze swept over the group of five men already seated around the large mahogany table. They were all impeccably dressed, their suits tailored to perfection, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and impatience. One man, tall and well-built, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, was standing with his back to me, engrossed in a phone call. I walked over and waited patiently for him to finish, my mind already reviewing the details of the proposal, the key points I needed to emphasize.He ended the call with a curt nod and turned to face me. Our eyes met, and I felt a jolt of…recognition. There was something familiar about him, something about the way his eyes held mine, something about the set of his jaw, the way he carried himself. But I couldn't quite place where I had seen him before."S
Sarah POVI was about to call Adrian again, my fingers poised over the keypad, when the office door swung open, and he barged in, his face etched with anger, his jaw tight, his eyes blazing. The force of his entrance made me jump, my heart pounding in my chest."Adrian? What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion and a touch of apprehension. He didn't answer. He grabbed my hand, his grip firm, almost painful, and started pulling me towards the door."We’re leaving, Sarah," he replied, his voice harsh, clipped. He didn’t explain, didn’t offer an apology for the abrupt interruption. He simply pulled me along, his grip tightening with each step. He practically dragged me through the office, past the startled glances of my staff, towards the elevator. We rode down to the lobby in tense silence, the only sound the soft whir of the elevator and the pounding of my heart. Despite my protests, my questions, Adrian remained silent, his expression set, his anger palpable. He
Sarah P.O.VSometimes, we need to accept reality and stop wasting our time on the wrong people. I’m okay with sacrificing my time to make a relationship work, but in the end, there should be positive outcomes. Like Adrian, I deserve a stable life. He can’t expect me to be a dutiful wife when all he did was find flaws in me while expecting me to overlook his own. It was a constant, subtle chipping away at my self-worth, a drip, drip, drip of criticism that eroded my confidence. I was constantly walking on eggshells, trying to anticipate his moods, his unspoken expectations. It was exhausting.It’s been five days since I moved back to my mother’s house. Unlike those cliché stories, I didn’t lock myself in a room and cry over my broken relationship. Instead, I continued with my normal routine because I can’t afford to be weak over a marriage that was doomed from the start. I refuse to drown myself in misery. I’d spent too long already submerged in it.From the beginning, it was clear tha
Sarah POV"Why? What happened, Sarah? Did he say something to you?" Lauren asks, moving closer, her eyes filled with worry. Her brow is furrowed, and she clutches my hand, her touch surprisingly strong."It's been nearly two months since Adrian and I got married, but we've both realized that we can't be happy together," I say, the words feeling strangely hollow even to my own ears. It’s a sanitized version of the truth, a carefully constructed sentence that omits the pain, the humiliation, the sheer waste of it all."Sarah, I know the circumstances under which you got married," Lauren begins, her voice laced with a familiar, frustrating blend of sympathy and disapproval. "But divorce isn't the solution. Adrian won't find a better life partner than you." The ‘better’ feels like a barb. Better for whom? For the company? For his social standing? Certainly not for his heart."Sarah, I know my son," James says, his tone serious, his gaze piercing. He always has been able to see through my
Sarah POVAfter what feels like an eternity of trying on clothes, we’re finally ready. My blue spaghetti strap crisscross bodycon dress hugs my curves in all the right places, a subtle shimmer catching the light. Ester, never one to shy away from a bold look, rocks a red strappy mini dress that accentuates her perfectly toned physique. She looks like she could set the dance floor on fire."We look hot!" Ester exclaims, striking a pose in front of the full-length mirror. I chuckle, smoothing down my hair one last time. We’re both too lazy to do anything elaborate, just letting our hair cascade down our backs. A touch of mascara, a swipe of lip gloss, and our favorite heels complete the look. Linking arms, we step out into the night, the anticipation buzzing in the air.Despite it being a weeknight, the club is throbbing with life. The bass vibrates through the floor, the lights flash in a dizzying array of colors, and the air crackles with a frenetic energy. We navigate through the cro
Sarah P.O.VI opened my eyes, a blinding ray of sunlight piercing through the curtains and landing directly on my face. It took a nanosecond for my brain to reboot and register my surroundings. I was in bed. My bed. Relief washed over me in a warm wave as I scanned the familiar posters on the wall, the haphazardly stacked books on my nightstand. I was home.A throbbing headache, like a tiny construction crew was having a party inside my skull, made itself known. I groaned, pushing myself up slowly, my body protesting the sudden movement. I ran my fingers through my tangled hair, trying to smooth it down, a futile effort.Then, the missing pieces of the night before started to flicker back, like a faulty neon sign. The club, the music, Alessandro…and then…nothing. A dark, gaping hole in my memory. Panic started to bubble up inside me. I pushed the duvet off my body, and the blood drained from my face. I was only in my bra and thong.“What happened last night?” I whispered, my voice ras
Sarah POVI unlocked the door and swung it open, only to be confronted by the last person I wanted to see at this hour – Adrian. He stood there, his face a mask of barely suppressed anger. Without waiting for an invitation, or even a greeting, he shoved me aside, his shoulder bumping mine roughly, and strode into the house."Why did you visit my parents yesterday?" he demanded, his voice sharp, the question hanging in the air like a toxic cloud. He stood in the middle of my living room, his posture rigid, radiating hostility."I needed to inform them about our divorce," I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. "They should know before we take any further steps. It’s the right thing to do.” I walked towards him, trying to maintain a semblance of calm, though my insides were churning."Don't give me that trash, Sarah," he sneered, his lip curling. "I know you're up to something again, trying to ruin my relationship with Jessica. Because of your little visit, Dad and Mom are questioning me,
Sarah POVIt didn’t take me another second to realize what Adrian was insinuating. His eyes burned with anger, his jaw clenched tightly as if he were barely holding himself together.“It’s not what you think, Adrian,” I said firmly, refusing to let his accusations unsettle me. “And anyway, this shouldn’t concern you.”He took a step closer, his voice laced with venom. “Don’t you dare lie to me, Sarah. Fck these papers, you’re coming with me. I can’t risk my reputation by leaving you here while you whre yourself out to random men.”I felt my stomach twist at his cruel words, but I refused to let him see my hurt. I met his glare head-on, refusing to back down. “Adrian, don’t create a scene here. I am not sleeping with anyone. Even if I were, you have no right to question me. Just sign the damn papers and be done with it.”For a moment, he didn’t respond. He just stared at me, his grey eyes stormy with unspoken emotions. Then, with a bitter laugh, he snatched the papers off the table. “Y
Sarah POVAlessandro’s gaze lingered on me, his deep brown eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation. I could feel the weight of his emotions pressing between us uncertainty, longing, fear. His jaw was tense, as if he was holding back words he wasn’t sure he was ready to say."Alessandro, you're right to ask," I said, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding. "I don't care about Adrian, I care about you. What happened to him... it was a moment of confusion, a mistake. I've realized that my heart has always been with you. That's why I told him we needed distance. I want you to know that you're the only one I want to be with."He exhaled slowly, crossing his arms over his chest, his posture still guarded. I could almost see the battle playing out in his mind—the part of him that wanted to believe me and the part that still held onto the pain of the past."And Adrian?" he asked finally, his voice softer now but firm. "What happens if he doesn't stay away?"I shook my head, step
Sarah POVA lump formed in my throat at the tenderness in his tone. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.“Me too,” I whispered back. “I’m so glad we’ve been able to work through everything. I’m committed to us, Alessandro. I want you to know that.”His hold on me tightened slightly, and he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of my head.“I know,” he said. “And I’m committed to us too. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.”As exhaustion pulled me into sleep, I felt a rare sense of peace settle over me. The doubts that had once gnawed at the edges of my mind were beginning to fade, replaced by the quiet certainty that Alessandro and I were on the right path.But even as I embraced that sense of calm, a small part of me couldn’t ignore the lingering weight of Adrian’s last message. His words echoed in my thoughts more often than I wanted to admit. There was something unresolved there, something that refused to fade into the backg
Sarah POVHis words carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy, laced with something deeper frustration, maybe even desperation. I could hear it in the way Adrian spoke, the way he hesitated just a fraction of a second before choosing his words. He wasn’t ready to let go, that much was obvious. But I had already made my decision.I wasn’t going to let the past interfere with the fragile, beautiful thing Alessandro and I were rebuilding.Instead of answering Adrian right away, I chose to ignore the message, setting my phone aside with a steadying breath. The temptation to respond, to offer him some kind of closure, gnawed at me, but I resisted. The best thing I could do for myself for my relationship was to keep my distance. Even if it hurt.So I threw myself into work that day, immersing myself in tasks, focusing on anything that kept my mind from drifting back to Adrian’s lingering words. But even as I busied myself with emails and meetings, I felt the weight of the unresolved tension
Sarah POVHis words settled deep within me, reassuring me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. But there was still one more thing I had to say, a truth that needed to be voiced.“I wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adrian,” I admitted, watching his face carefully. “I told him we needed some space. I want you to know that you’re my priority, and I won’t let anything or anyone come between us.”For a moment, Alessandro didn’t say anything. His expression was unreadable, but then his shoulders dropped slightly, and he exhaled a breath he had probably been holding for too long. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, appreciative. “Thank you for that, Sarah. I appreciate it. I’ve been worried about how much he’s been around, but I didn’t want to pressure you.”I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I understand,” I murmured. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m committed to making this work. We’ve come too far to let anything get in the way now.”His thumb brushed over my knuckles,
Sarah POVSarah's POVAs the days passed after Adrian's unexpected visit, the tension between Alessandro and me began to ease. We had successfully navigated a difficult moment, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Adrian's presence was still a looming threat to our relationship. Even when things felt light and easy between Alessandro and me, a small, anxious voice in the back of my mind kept whispering reminders of the past—of Adrian’s influence, of the confusion he stirred within me. I knew I had to confront the situation head-on, not just for Alessandro's sake, but for my own peace of mind.It was a bright, clear afternoon when I finally decided to send a message to Adrian. The sun streamed in through the curtains, casting golden patterns on the floor, but despite the warmth of the day, I felt an unmistakable chill settle in my bones. The words didn’t come easily, but I knew they were necessary.Message to Adrian:Hi Adrian, I think we must maintain some distance for a whil
Sarah POVBeside me, Alessandro shifts. His voice is calm, firm, but there’s an unmistakable edge to it. “We’ve been trying to focus on our relationship and work through things together. I appreciate your concern, but I think it’s important for us to handle this on our own.”Adrian’s gaze flicks to Alessandro, and for a moment, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Then he looks back at me. “I get it. I just didn’t realize how deep things were between you two. I guess I’m still trying to understand where I fit into all of this.”A pang of something guilt, frustration, maybe both presses against my ribs. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Adrian, you have to understand that I’m trying to rebuild my relationship with Alessandro. I’ve made it clear that I need to focus on that, and your presence here complicates things.”For the first time since he arrived, something in Adrian’s expression shifts. His shoulders relax just slightly, and some of the steeliness in his eyes fades. Th
Sarah POVThe tension in the kitchen is thick enough to cut with a knife. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich aroma of butter sizzling in the pan, but none of it is enough to mask the growing unease settling over the room. Adrian takes a seat at the table without waiting for an invitation, his movements deliberate yet casual, as if trying to stake a claim on the moment. I sense Alessandro’s eyes on me, his concern pressing against my skin like a silent question. He doesn’t have to say anything—I already know he’s on high alert.I try to steady my nerves, pushing down the wave of anxiety clawing its way up my chest. This unexpected visit could be nothing more than an awkward inconvenience, a minor speed bump on the road Alessandro and I are rebuilding. Or it could be the kind of turning point that shifts the entire course of our relationship.I glance at Alessandro, searching for reassurance in the warm depths of his gaze. He gives me a small, firm nod—silent suppo
Sarah POVWe move in perfect harmony in the kitchen, our bodies falling into an effortless rhythm as we prepare breakfast together. The scent of sizzling butter and warm spices fills the air, mingling with the quiet hum of our laughter. It’s easy, natural like slipping into a well-worn routine.Alessandro reaches for the same cutting board as I do, his fingers grazing mine. The brief contact sends a spark through me, and I glance up at him, my breath hitching slightly. He notices. His lips curl into a knowing smile, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away.“You’re distracted,” he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.I smirk, shaking my head. “You wish.”His laugh is low and warm, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. As the food on the stove begins to sizzle, Alessandro gently nudges me with his hip, pulling me closer to him. His touch is light, almost teasing, but there’s something deeper in the way he looks at me.“Sarah,” he says, his voice dropping into a w
Sarah POVThe kitchen is bathed in warm morning light as I start gathering ingredients. I pull my hair up into a loose bun and tie Alessandro’s oversized hoodie around my waist, enjoying the familiar scent of him clinging to the fabric. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and I hum softly as I chop vegetables and whisk eggs. There’s something so soothing about the simplicity of this moment—about the act of creating something with my own hands for someone I care about.I heat up the pan and begin making the pancakes, savoring the familiar rhythm of cooking. The sizzle of batter hitting the hot skillet and the rich aroma of butter melting fill the room, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. I’m plating the first batch when I hear Alessandro’s footsteps approaching from down the hall.He walks into the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep, the sleeves of his t-shirt pushed up haphazardly. A sleepy smile graces his lips as he rubs at his eyes. "Good morning," he says, h