Sarah POVAfter what feels like an eternity of trying on clothes, weโre 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. Weโre 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, Alessandroโฆand thenโฆnothing. 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.โWhat happened last night?โ 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 โ 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. Itโs the right thing to do.โ 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 didnโt 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.โItโs not what you think, Adrian,โ I said firmly, refusing to let his accusations unsettle me. โAnd anyway, this shouldnโt concern you.โHe took a step closer, his voice laced with venom. โDonโt you dare lie to me, Sarah. Fck these papers, youโre coming with me. I canโt risk my reputation by leaving you here while you whre yourself out to random men.โI 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. โAdrian, donโt 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.โFor a moment, he didnโt 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. โY
Sarah POVโAre you okay?โ Alessandro asked, turning to me. His voice was softer now, filled with concern.I nodded numbly, unable to form words. He reached out and took my hand, his touch grounding me as he guided me toward the bedroom.As we reached the door, Alessandro turned back to Adrian, his eyes cold and unrelenting. โGet out, Parker. Now. Or Iโm calling the cops.โAdrian glared at him but didnโt argue. He wiped the blood from his nose and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.Alessandro shut the door and turned to face me. I stood there, still processing everything that had just happened. My mind was a whirlwind of emotionsโfear, anger, relief, and confusion.Why was Alessandro Dante defending me so fiercely when he barely knew me? And why did his presence, his protection, feel like the safest thing Iโd experienced in years?On one hand, I was relievedโthrilled, evenโthat someone had finally stood up for me. But on the other, my instincts refused to let me fully trust this
Sarah POVI couldn't hold myself back. So I asked you out for dinner, hoping to know you better.When you declined my invitation without a second thought, I found myself unable to stop thinking about you. My curiosity only deepened, so I started observing you again. Soon, I discovered the truthโthat you were already married to Adrian Parker. But it didnโt take me long to see through the facade of your marriage.Alessandroโs voice was calm yet firm, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. He reached into the pocket of his dark coat and pulled out his phone, unlocking it with a swift movement of his thumb before turning the screen toward me.My breath hitched as my eyes landed on the pictures displayed before me. A cold, sinking sensation spread through my chest. There were several imagesโAdrian and Jessica at a restaurant, their heads leaned in close as if engaged in an intimate conversation. Another photo captured them at a shopping mall, walking side by side, Jessicaโs hand lightly brushing
For some strange reason, I didnโt push him away when he did so. His touch didnโt make me feel threatened; instead, it felt warm, groundingโthe kind of warmth that wraps around you on a chilly night and makes you forget the cold biting at your skin. My breath caught in my throat, but my body remained still, unwilling to step back. And yet, my mind screamed at me, urging me to put distance between us, to not fall for the same kind of game I had promised myself Iโd never play again.My eyes traced his features, searching for any sign of deception, any glimmer of manipulation behind that practiced charm. Alessandroโs jaw was tense, his lips pressed into a firm line as though he were holding back words he couldnโt say aloud. His gaze was soft yet unyielding, brimming with something rawโsincerity, perhaps. The depth of it shook me to my core.No, Sarah. These men are all the same. You still can't trust him. What if heโs just using me and all this is a facade?The thought clung to my mind li
Adrian P.O.VItโs been six days since Sarah left the mansion. Even though I now have everything I ever wished for, it feels as if something is still missing. Today, I have Jessica with me, and soon I will be a father. Sarah has chosen to leave my life, but still, Iโm not happy. Her absence is affecting me more than I expected.You're missing her, Adrian.Accept that.I know I never truly wanted Sarah. Our marriage was a business arrangement, a decision I made for the sake of my company. And when she was here, I didnโt waste any opportunity to humiliate or belittle her. I wanted her to feel the same pain I endured being separated from Jessica. I made her life miserable, hoping it would bring me satisfaction. But when she finally left, I thought Iโd reclaim my happiness with Jessica and start the family I always dreamed of. Yet, why am I not satisfied? Why does my heart feel so empty?Why is Sarah on my mind 24/7?Why do I see Sarahโs face whenever I close my eyes?Why do I hear her voi
Sarah POVAlessandroโs 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 wasnโt 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 mindโthe 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.โMe too,โ I whispered back. โIโm so glad weโve been able to work through everything. Iโm committed to us, Alessandro. I want you to know that.โHis hold on me tightened slightly, and he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of my head.โI know,โ he said. โAnd Iโm committed to us too. Whatever comes our way, weโll face it together.โAs 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 couldnโt ignore the lingering weight of Adrianโs 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 wasnโt ready to let go, that much was obvious. But I had already made my decision.I wasnโt 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 Adrianโs 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 hadnโt realized I needed. But there was still one more thing I had to say, a truth that needed to be voiced.โI wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adrian,โ I admitted, watching his face carefully. โI told him we needed some space. I want you to know that youโre my priority, and I wonโt let anything or anyone come between us.โFor a moment, Alessandro didnโt 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. โThank you for that, Sarah. I appreciate it. Iโve been worried about how much heโs been around, but I didnโt want to pressure you.โI gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. โI understand,โ I murmured. โBut you donโt need to worry. Iโm committed to making this work. Weโve come too far to let anything get in the way now.โHis 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 pastโof Adrianโs 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 didnโt 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 thereโs an unmistakable edge to it. โWeโve been trying to focus on our relationship and work through things together. I appreciate your concern, but I think itโs important for us to handle this on our own.โAdrianโs gaze flicks to Alessandro, and for a moment, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Then he looks back at me. โI get it. I just didnโt realize how deep things were between you two. I guess Iโm still trying to understand where I fit into all of this.โA pang of something guilt, frustration, maybe both presses against my ribs. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. โAdrian, you have to understand that Iโm trying to rebuild my relationship with Alessandro. Iโve made it clear that I need to focus on that, and your presence here complicates things.โFor the first time since he arrived, something in Adrianโs 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 Alessandroโs eyes on me, his concern pressing against my skin like a silent question. He doesnโt have to say anythingโI already know heโs 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 nodโsilent 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. Itโs 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.โYouโre distracted,โ he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.I smirk, shaking my head. โYou wish.โHis 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 thereโs something deeper in the way he looks at me.โSarah,โ 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 Alessandroโs 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. Thereโs something so soothing about the simplicity of this momentโabout 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. Iโm plating the first batch when I hear Alessandroโs 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