Sarah POV“Are you okay?” 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. “Get out, Parker. Now. Or I’m calling the cops.”Adrian glared at him but didn’t 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 emotions—fear, 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 I’d experienced in years?On one hand, I was relieved—thrilled, even—that 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 truth—that you were already married to Adrian Parker. But it didn’t take me long to see through the facade of your marriage.Alessandro’s 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 images—Adrian 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, Jessica’s hand lightly brushing
For some strange reason, I didn’t push him away when he did so. His touch didn’t make me feel threatened; instead, it felt warm, grounding—the 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 I’d never play again.My eyes traced his features, searching for any sign of deception, any glimmer of manipulation behind that practiced charm. Alessandro’s jaw was tense, his lips pressed into a firm line as though he were holding back words he couldn’t say aloud. His gaze was soft yet unyielding, brimming with something raw—sincerity, 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 he’s just using me and all this is a facade?The thought clung to my mind li
Adrian P.O.VIt’s 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, I’m 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 didn’t 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 I’d 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 Sarah’s face whenever I close my eyes?Why do I hear her voi
Adrian POVShe can't know you're here for her."Where's Sarah?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. I saw Miss Caswell about to say something, but Noah interrupted."Oh, she went to the restroom a while ago."I nodded and downed my drink, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. The alcohol burned down my throat, but it did nothing to extinguish the jealousy igniting my veins. Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and felt a smile tug at my lips despite my foul mood."Hey, love. When are you coming home?" Jessica's sweet voice came through the line."Hey, sweetheart. I'm just at the club with Noah. I'll be home in an hour or two," I replied, raising my voice to be heard over the thumping bass."Alright, I'll be waiting. See you soon." She sounded content."Bye, love," I said before disconnecting the call. As I turned back, my eyes landed on a familiar figure on the dance floor.Sarah.My breath hitched as I saw her, dressed in a stunning blue dress that clung t
Adrian POVIt was early morning, and the golden hues of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. I stood by the wardrobe, adjusting my tie, my gaze drifting to Jessica. She lay sprawled across the bed, her golden hair tousled on the pillow, breathing softly in her peaceful sleep. I felt a pang of guilt mixed with affection. She looked so serene, completely unaware of the turmoil brewing within me.I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. "I'll see you later, love," I whispered before straightening up and heading downstairs.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I stepped into the kitchen. Memories hit me unexpectedly memories of Sarah bustling around this very kitchen, her hair tied up messily, a faint smile on her lips as she prepared breakfast. No matter how strained things had been between us, she had never missed a morning meal. Her pancakes were unparalleled, and even now, my taste
Adrian POVHalf an hour later, I pulled up in front of Sarah's house, killing the engine with a frustrated flick of my wrist. The morning sun bathed the quaint home in soft light, but my mood remained stormy. I strode up the stone pathway, each step fueled by simmering irritation.The bell echoed sharply as I pressed it, the sound cutting through the stillness. I folded my arms, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited. When the door finally creaked open, Sarah stood there, framed by the doorway.Damn. Even in the morning, with barely a touch of makeup and her hair in loose waves, she looked effortlessly stunning.Focus, Adrian. You're not here to admire her looks. You're here to confront her.Her brows lifted slightly in surprise, though she said nothing. That calm, composed demeanor she always wore made my frustration spike. Without waiting for her to invite me in, I brushed past her, the faint scent of jasmine trailing after her as I entered the house. My shoes thudded against the p
Adrian POVShe looked down at the shirt, her expression carefully neutral. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, and that only made my thoughts spiral further. My mind raced, grasping at every possible explanation for why she was wearing it.Maybe she just likes wearing men's shirts.Or perhaps it’s some new fashion trend I’m unaware of.But none of those possibilities made sense to me. Not with Sarah. Not with the past we shared.Her voice broke through my chaotic thoughts, soft yet firm, carrying an undertone of finality. "Adrian, just sign the papers and leave."There was a weariness in her words, almost as if she were pleading to avoid another conflict. For a fleeting moment, I considered doing just that signing the damn papers, walking away, and freeing both of us from this endless tug-of-war.It shouldn't matter to me anymore. Her personal life was no longer my concern.I picked up the pen, ready to scrawl my signature and be done with it when I caught movement from the corner
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