Victor's POVI bore holes through Neil with a scorching hot stare. My jaws flexed as I ground my teeth together in an attempt to keep my composure.The silence that enveloped the room was deafening.It stayed that way—quiet, tense, cold—for God knows how long.A sense of foreboding fell on the shoulders of my employees, while they waited anxiously for my next move.But now there was only one thing I needed.Answers.Because if all of this was true, then that meant Emelia would be one of their designers. Which meant, she was possibly home.I took a deep breath and rolled my shoulders as I softened my expression, but not to one of empathy or sincerity.No, it was a calculated calmness that washed over me instead."So... Neil," his name leaned off my tongue with emphasis, "Care to share your theory with me as to how you think the prototypes for The Collective's new lineup is reminiscent of Emelia's old work?"Neil swallowed as he straightened his back to appear more confident. "W-well, it
Victor's POVThroughout the entire day, I felt like absolute shit. It'd been a while since I'd resorted to alcohol in an attempt to pathetically self-soothe myself, and I was remembering now why I tried to kick the stuff to the curb.My head was a throbbing, aching mess, while my joints disagreed with every slight movement I tried to make. The lights in the meeting room were too damn bright, and even the normal, indoor chatter of my employees was the equivalent of someone screaming in my ear.I was fucking miserable. And it was only amplified by the latest development in the rival business.Recently my team had been directly overseeing the production of a new flagship concept design. This summer season, albeit a little basic for my personal tastes, we were fully leaning into an ocean theme. The profits made from last season were just enough to afford new gemstones and materials to work with, so it seemed promising.The only problem was that The Collective seemed to have the same though
Victor's POVThe cottage was calm and tranquil, but most importantly—quiet. Being in its presence was healing, and it made me wish that this feeling was more than temporary.I stepped inside, and immediately felt the weight of all my stress and anxieties lift off my shoulders.The clock ticked on while I took my seat on the couch. This was bliss, but I was still missing one important detail.Emelia.My eyes settled on a wall-mounted photo of me and her at the beach. The sun illuminated her brown hair into shades of honey, and made her already big. beautiful eyes shine brighter.I took out the bottle of liquor I'd shoved into my jacket pocket and immediately took a swig. The burn of the alcohol wasn't enough to distract me from the burn of the guilt that was trying to claw its way through my chest.And so I drank.And drank.And drank.Then, there was darkness.Nothingness.A pure representation at how my days were without Emelia's light in my life.But then, something else stirred. Col
Victor's POVThe last thing I wanted to think about in the middle of an argument with Lily, was my business competition. Not to mention, she was the last person I wanted to have this conversation with!A dull, aching pain crept behind my eyes. I shut them tight, hoping the onset headache would just leave.But I knew better. It wouldn't.Not with the can of worms Lily was threatening to open."What I'm worried about is Violet growing up without her mother." I tried to divert the conversation. "Maybe you should focus your attention towards that instead.""Don't try to steer the conversation again." Lily's voice was teasing. "I know what's really getting under your skin. I'm sure the new business is nothing more than a lousy startup. Everyone thinks their big break happens when they come to New York."Her fingers danced up my arm. "But there's nothing to be worried about. You're all worked up over something that's not going to last.""There's a lot to be worried about and you sure as hell
Victor's POVVisiting the cottage was an almost daily thing now—at least it was more recently. It was calming and a way for me to destress. Especially after how the last few weeks have been for the company, I'd been leaving work earlier to help clear my mind.But for the last few days, I haven't been able to do that.Violet's nanny called some time after lunch, and told me that Lily hadn't been back at the time she said she would've. Esmerelda had a doctor's appointment to go to, so I rushed home so someone could be with the child."I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Russo." Esmerelda bowed her head out of respect."Don't be. You need to look after yourself, too. Where is Lily anyway?""Madame Russo told me she needed to go shopping to find a few more things for the upcoming charity gala."I shook my head disapprovingly. This would make the fifth day in a row that she's been out all day supposedly shopping for this damned event. "When did she tell you this?""Not too long after you l
Emelia's POV"Bestie, I'm going to hold your hand when I say this…" And I actually took Alexis's hand like I was about to deliver bad news. Well, technically, I was. "…but nothing's going on between me and Mason."Alexis narrowed her eyes at me and turned up her nose. "I don't believe you! The pet names?! Beautiful, princess? He said he wanted to see you!""Yeah, yeah, I know what it sounds like!" I laughed. "But seriously, nothing's going on between us. We're literally just friends still.""That man is in love with you!""Yeah, I know!""Wait, pause, how do you—?""When he came to Italy, he actually told me that he was staying, and—""HE STAYED WITH YOU IN ITALY?""Yeah? Hello! I told you this!""Look, I know I remember trying to tease you about a surprise visit from Mason, but I wasn't expecting him to stay! He told me it was just going to be a quick visit!""Well, he lied to you!" I laughed. "He came and stayed with me the whole two years."Alexis's eyes looked like they were about