Sophia’s POVThe sun was shining brightly through the curtains, but inside my home, it seemed like a gigantic shadow was looming ahead. I stood there in shock, watching Adrian and the strange men talking in hushed tones, my mind spinning with confusion and unease. Adrian’s expression was tense, but his eyes softened when he glanced my way. I didn’t trust him, not entirely, not yet. Especially now that I’ve discovered this about him. The creak of a bedroom door made me whip around. Reese appeared, her small figure framed in the doorway. She was in her favorite pink pajamas, rubbing her eyes and looking adorably sleepy.“Uncle Adrian?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She looked up at me with wide, curious eyes. “Who are they, Mommy?”Panic surged through me. I rushed to Reese’s side, scooping her up in my arms. “It’s okay, sweetie,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice calm. “Go back to bed, alright?”Reese blinked at me, confused. “But it’s already morning!” she exclaimed.

Sophia’s POVAs I followed Troy down the stark hospital corridor, I felt Elijah’s steady presence beside me. My mind whirled with a thousand thoughts, but the loudest was my concern for Brenda. She had never been the mother I needed, not like my foster father had been before he passed. Now, with Troy’s desperate plea and his claims that Brenda was at death’s door, I felt a gnawing sense of guilt and responsibility.“Sophia, you have to understand, Brenda’s condition has gotten so much worse,” Troy insisted, his voice tinged with urgency. “We’re buried in debt. The guys I owe money to, they’re the ones who I came with to your office. They’re waiting in the lobby right now. If we don’t pay them, they’ll hurt me and Brenda.”I stole a glance at Elijah. His jaw was set, eyes dark with concern. He hadn’t said much since we’d arrived, but his hand occasionally brushed mine, offering silent support.“Troy,” I began, my voice trembling, “this is a lot to take in. Why didn’t you tell me sooner

Julia’s POVRushing into the hospital room with Elijah by my side, I put on my best concerned face. Inside, I was boiling with frustration. Oh, this Sophia is really something else, always able to avoid death. It would have been easier for me if the accident had gotten rid of her, so I don't have to plan for her "unfortunate demise" again. I couldn't help but think sarcastically, It's like she's a cat with nine lives. But those lives are going to be used up soon, and then she'll be gone.Elijah didn't say a word, but he was obviously beyond himself with worry. His knuckles were white from gripping the edge of the door frame as we approached the room. As soon as he saw Sophia lying in the bed, her arm in a cast, he rushed to her side, his voice soft and full of concern.“Sophia, are you okay?” he asked, his hand gently brushing her hair away from her face.I rolled my eyes when they weren't looking, but quickly masked it with a look of concern. “What happened? How are you feeling?” I

Sophia’s POVI woke up with a dull ache in my arm and the sterile scent of the hospital surrounding me. As I glanced at the cast encasing my arm, memories of the accident flashed through my mind.At least I don’t have to stay another night, I thought. I was eager to see Reese again. She must be so worried about me, even though Kayla said they hadn’t really specified what had happened to me. When I was finally discharged, I was surprised to see Daniel waiting for me. His face lit up with worry and relief as he approached.“Sophia! How are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes scanning me for any sign of pain.“I'm okay,” I assured him with a small smile. “It's just a broken arm. It'll heal fast.”“Sorry I only came now,” he apologized. “I wanted to visit you yesterday when I heard the news, but I couldn’t get a flight back from San Francisco where I had a few meetings.”“It’s fine, Daniel. Don’t worry about it.”“Kayla wanted to come, but she's staying with Reese,” he explained. “She thoug

Elijah’s POVI hit the road, the sun already dipping low on the horizon. Sophia's message flashed in my mind—I was supposed to meet them at her apartment, but plans changed. “She’s at the beach with Kayla and Reese,” I mused aloud, a smile tugging at my lips. “Can't wait to see them!”Whistling a tune, I turned onto the winding coastal road, excitement coursing through me. The ocean breeze teased through the window, a welcome change from the city's stifling heat. My mind wandered to Reese's laughter and Sophia's smile, both etched vividly in my memory.I’m so glad Sophia is well enough to play with our daughter at the beach. Then, I noticed it—a dark sedan, its windows ominously tinted, tailgating me. Suddenly, I remembered the same kind of car that had followed Sophia and later on appeared at the office. Can this be her brother Troy again, causing trouble?!My heartbeat quickened. What's going on? I tried to shake it off, focusing on the road ahead. But the car persisted, swerving