LOGINMom claps. “See? Good sense.”Dad groans, drops into a chair, and rubs his forehead. “Fine. Sparklers. But I get to choose the color.”“Deal,” I say, leaning over to kiss his temple. He pretends not to smile but I see it anyway.I never thought I would have this again—a father who tries, really trie
Maya’s POVFrance changed me. I did not expect it to. I thought all I wanted was revenge, a reckoning, a balancing of the scales that would make everything feel right again. But standing at the kitchen window of our townhouse with the late-morning sun warming the old stone, watching Oscar toddle aft
After a few minutes, Emma sits beside me, nudging my shoulder. “How are you really,” she asks, her voice softening.I smile. “Good. Really good. For the first time, everything feels... quiet.”“You deserve quiet.”I nod, my eyes warming. “He is different now. Softer. Present. You should see him read
Emily’s POVSix Months LaterI wake before the alarm, before the morning light even filters through the curtains, to a soft flutter beneath my ribs. A tiny kick, gentle but unmistakably there. I smile into the pillow, pressing my palm over the swell of my stomach. The baby is awake, stretching, gree
Damian’s POVI do not think I exhaled until the plane door shut behind us.No reporters.No blinking notifications.No family emergencies.No corporate disasters waiting like open jaws behind every email.Just Emily beside me, fingers loosely threaded with mine, her head resting on my shoulder as if
Emily’s POVThe morning light over the farm looks unreal, soft as milk, drifting across the grass in wide strokes that make everything glow. It is the kind of light you only see on days you remember forever. A gentle breeze carries the smell of lilac and fresh earth, the decorations swaying slightly
Charlotte’s stomach twisted. “Then what?”“Then we’re all in danger,” Schwartz finished.The room fell silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner.Finally, Nathan exhaled. “Well, since we’re waiting for Armageddon, I brought lunch.”He stood, heading for the kitchen, and returned with tw
Emily’s POVThat Saturday night I could barely keep my eyes open. My body felt heavy from the weight of the week, my shoulders aching, my mind still reeling with worry. The restaurant glowed around me — candlelight reflecting off copper pots, polished glasses, and the marble counters where Kayden an
Charles’ POVCharles had always been an early riser, but that morning felt different. He was restless before dawn, wide awake by six, already half-dressed when the coffee pot in his private office sputtered to life. The caffeine wasn’t helping—it only amplified the pounding rhythm of his thoughts.D
Barrett reached across the table, resting a reassuring hand on hers. “He will be. Soon.”His words were meant to comfort her, but instead they made her heart ache. She smiled politely and rose to clear the plates.After breakfast, she retreated to the veranda to call Madelin.The call rang twice bef







