SOPHIA'S POVThe restaurant was buzzing with life. The melodic clinking of glasses, the soft hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air like music. The aroma of saffron and truffle mingled with freshly baked bread wafted through the open kitchen, where Kate and Marco were in there, working their magic. The “Emilia drama,” which was what we were now terming it, though exhausting and infuriating, was now firmly in the rearview mirror—meaning it was well behind us.If anything, the chaos had served as a spark that reignited the fire in my restaurant and, oddly, in me. It made me more determined than anything about this life and what I do. It made me appreciate what I had and how easily it would have been to have it all snatched away from me if I had let it.In fact, Chef’s Heart, my secret weapon in the feud, had become more than just a dish. It was now a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. That was probably just the people of this
SOPHIA'S POVAs I turned the key in the lock, I paused for a moment, the weight of the day settling into my shoulders. The street outside was quiet now, the city bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Snow had begun to fall lightly, dusting the cobblestones and rooftops with a shimmering white blanket. It was the kind of serene moment that felt stolen from a postcard. It almost reminded me of a different place, a different time…I shook my head to pull myself out of that. I couldn't go back there. I had worked too hard to pull myself out of it.I pulled my coat tighter around me, the cold biting through the fabric, and took one last glance at the restaurant. The sign above the door, “Il Cuore de Sofia,” glimmered in the faint light. It had always been more than just a name. This place was my heart, my soul, my everything.As I turned to walk away, my phone buzzed again. Expecting another text from Maria or Grace or even Kate, I glanced at the screen, only to feel my stomach flip.It
NATHAN'S POVThe morning light streamed through the massive windows of my penthouse office. From here, I had a clear view of Brooklyn’s skyline – a city that seemed to buzz with relentless energy. I had secured the space within the week, needing to establish myself as soon as possible. It was all to make my plan nest within the realm of possibility.I'll admit, as I stood there, sipping a strong black coffee, surveying what would soon be my empire, I found it a bit strange that this was what humans thrived on. This was how they had lived their lives, focusing on the here and now. It did have a certain thrill to it, but I knew better than to lose sight of why I was doing this. Emerald Horizon Ventures was no longer a fledgling idea – it was taking shape, growing roots, and thriving.The boardroom meeting earlier had gone better than I anticipated, but one meeting wasn’t enough to solidify my place in this world. It was just the first step. I had to prove myself again and again, not jus
NATHAN’S POVI woke up with a start, my heart pounding and sweat clinging to my skin. For a moment, I couldn’t tell where I was.It was a dream.It was all just a dream.My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath. The vivid images from my dream lingered like shadows after dawn – Alex and Alexia, their laughter, the warmth of their smiles, the strange tug I felt toward them. The voices, the faces... it had all felt so real.But it wasn’t.I blinked, trying to focus on my surroundings. The soft grey light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. The clock let me know it was six in the morning, and it was a Saturday. The smooth expanse of my desk, cluttered with papers and plans for Emerald Horizon Ventures, grounded me. I must have had that dream because of how much I had been thinking about this project, so that soothed me.The ache in my chest, however, did not fade. So many things lingered.Alex and Alexia. Those names had been stuck with me sin
NATHAN'S POVI spent the rest of the night working. The quiet hum of my laptop and the occasional creak of my chair were the only sounds in my apartment. The city outside, usually so loud and chaotic, seemed subdued as if it knew I needed focus.The dream had given me a roadmap of sorts, and now it was time to bring it to life. Emerald Horizon Ventures wasn’t just a name anymore – it was an entity with potential, a vision waiting to be realized.How to go about it…I tapped my chin with the pen I was holding. It was mostly for decoration, seeing as I used the laptop to take notes of anything.The first step was outreach. I needed to secure partnerships with people who could elevate the brand – not just any people, but those who held sway in the luxury market. Claudia Williams and Victor Moreau were at the top of my list.I stared at Claudia’s boutique information on my screen, tapping a pen against my desk. High-end, exclusive, and connected to Manhattan’s elite. In fact, almost the e
NATHAN’S POVThe tall glass doors of the Moreau Enterprises building loomed in front of me. Its sleek exterior reflected the city’s endless motion on this Thursday morning—always busy, always striving. This was Victor Moreau’s domain, a monument to his power and influence in the luxury goods industry. I adjusted the cuff of my shirt, the tailored suit giving me a polished edge, and walked through the doors with purpose.When Lola had called me back two days later, that somehow, by some miracle, she had managed to get me a meeting with him, I was surprised but energized.“You owe me. Big time,” she had said to me.“I got you. If—sorry, when this works, we'll talk.”I knew this was just something that was going to happen no matter what. I would make it happen.Victor Moreau was not a man easily impressed. He thrived in a world of dominance, precision, and results. If I was going to make him see the value in Emerald Horizon Ventures, I had to match his intensity. No hesitation. No second
NATHAN'S POVThe elevator chimed softly as I reached the co-working space I had leased for Emerald Horizon Ventures. It wasn’t as grand as Victor Moreau’s penthouse office, but it didn’t need to be. This was the launch pad for something bigger – a place where ideas would take shape and the team would transform them into reality.Everything was slowly coming together, and it filled me with such an indescribable feeling. It felt like my nerves were charged with electricity. I almost couldn't tell if it was from the fear of failure, the excitement to build something or the challenge of going out of my comfort zone.This was nothing like leading a pack – but I'll be damned if I didn't give it my best shot.The air buzzed with quiet energy as I walked into the glass-walled conference room, where the day’s schedule was laid out. I adjusted my tie and checked my watch. My first round of interviews was set to begin in fifteen minutes.I’d made my pitch to Victor, secured the partnership, and
NATHAN'S POVThe office buzzed with the hum of quiet productivity, a stark contrast to the empty shell it had been just a few weeks ago. It was nearly Christmas, and the city outside sparkled with festive lights, wreaths, and the faint sound of carolers in the distance. Emerald Horizon Ventures had come alive faster than I had anticipated.I had employed only the most efficient people from those who had been interviewed. That would be Jacob, Camille, Priya, and Davis. More would definitely be added to the ship, but for now, let's see how smooth the sails will be with just this main core.The team was lean but effective, with each member contributing their own expertise. Jacob had proven his value almost immediately, launching an influencer-driven campaign that had luxury blogs buzzing about our brand before we’d even officially launched.Priya had streamlined our supply chain, cutting unnecessary costs without compromising our vision for ethical sourcing.And Camille – she was the glu
SOPHIA'S POVI stepped inside, the familiar scent of home greeting me, but something was... wrong. The door clicked softly behind me, and the silence that followed was almost suffocating. I hadn’t expected the house to feel so still, so quiet. But it was more than that. It felt empty in a way that twisted something deep inside me.I hesitated, standing in the entryway. The house was usually alive with noise – Alex and Alexia’s laughter, their endless chatter, the thumping of their footsteps as they ran through the halls. But now… nothing.I swallowed hard, the unease crawling up my spine as my fingers curled around my bag. I’d seen the note at the door, my heart already racing before I even touched it.“I'm here for you Sophia. Miss me?” The words had burned into my mind, and now, with the house so eerily silent, my stomach twisted painfully.“Alex? Alexia?” I called, my voice too small in the empty air. It felt like I was shouting into a void. No answer. Just that thick, pressing sil
SOPHIA'S POVLola was quiet for a moment, her hand loosely wrapped around her mug. Then, with a glance that was far too knowing for my liking, she said gently, “So… how do you really feel about him?”Her words settled like mist in the cozy room, quiet and unassuming, but thick enough that I couldn’t ignore them.I stared into my tea like it might offer a better answer than I could. It didn’t. “I don’t know.” I said, which was technically true, if you just didn't count all the parts of me screaming otherwise.Lola’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, please. That’s the most suspicious ‘I don’t know’ I’ve heard all week – and I’ve had three customer complaints and a guy who claimed his espresso was ‘emotionally cold.’”I laughed despite myself. “Emotionally cold?”“He said it lacked soul. I gave him a biscotti and told him to take it up with his therapist.”I nearly spit my tea. “God, I’ve missed this.”“What, sarcasm and caffeine-fueled delusions?”“Exactly that.” I smiled, then let it slip. “And…
SOPHIA'S POVThe warmth of the mug seeped into my fingers as I curled them tighter around it, watching the steam swirl into the quiet kitchen. It seemed like Elara had offered me tea more out of habit than anything else, but I had accepted with a small, grateful smile, and she nodded, a smile on her own face, the kind that made you feel like she already knew what you needed.We walked in silence from the woods, the smell of nature and moonlight still clinging to my skin. I didn't know moonlight has its own scent till today. Was this how freeing it could be? Was this what I'd been missing? Been denying myself in the name of protection? The streets beyond this clove were empty this late, the world hushed and still. And now, with a cup in hand and the ache of the shift softened into a gentle hum beneath my skin, I finally felt grounded.At peace.Well, almost.“Elara?” I asked, glancing up from my mug. “How often do you walk these woods?”She arched a silver brow, blowing on her tea. “A
NATHAN'S POVI didn’t slam the door.Didn’t storm off, didn’t shout or demand she choose me. That had been the old me – the boy who thought power alone could win devotion.I left Sophia’s house with my jaw clenched, my fists loose at my sides, and a storm brewing behind my ribs. Lucas had looked so damn settled in her space, and she hadn’t stopped him. Not really. Not even when the kids had lit up at the sight of me, not when the air had pulsed between us like a heartbeat.I got in the car and pulled away slowly, like I wasn’t unraveling inside.But I was.I couldn’t go home. Not to the penthouse with its cold silence and reminders of what I’d lost. So I drove with no destination until the buildings thinned and the edges of the city blurred.Eventually, I ended up at the overlook above the river, where the world fell quiet and I could breathe.Almost.The next day came with emails, missed calls, and two back-to-back meetings. Camille cornered me in the hallway with her usual stack of
SOPHIA'S POVThe laughter came first – sharp and clear, like little bells ringing through the living room.“Okay, okay, one more time.” I laughed, holding up the deck of cards.“No!” Alex shouted, laughing uncontrollably and holding his tummy as he fell over onto the cushions. “You’re cheating!”“I am not!” I defended dramatically, spreading my hands. “I’m just really good at Go Fish.”“You peeked!” Alexia accused with narrowed eyes and a smug little grin, arms crossed as if she were the judge and jury both.“I did not peek! That’s called strategic intuition.”“Mom.” Alex groaned from the floor, face stuffed into a throw pillow then turned to Alexia. “She’s using grown up words again. That means she’s lying.”I fell back onto the carpet in mock defeat, while both kids climbed over me like little wolves claiming victory. It was past their bedtime, the dishes from dinner was still in the sink, and I had at least two voicemails from Kate about tomorrow’s delivery schedule. But none of it
SOPHIA'S POVI couldn’t taste the waffles.Couldn’t even tell if they were burnt or perfect, though I watched Lucas flip them with his usual confidence and pride. I watched Alex drizzle syrup across his plate like it was a masterpiece. I watched Alexia pick at hers, pulling the edges apart like she was unspooling something too tightly wound.And across the table – Nathan.His presence alone changed the air in the room. Like a low growl under a wolf's breath . He sat with poise, talking softly to Alex as if they’d always known each other. Asking questions about school, about drawings, about dreams. And somehow – somehow – Alex opened up. Completely. Like he’d been waiting to be heard in exactly that tone, with exactly that warmth.It scared me. How easy it was.“You okay?” Lucas’s voice cut into the quiet.I blinked. He was watching me from the other end of the table, his jaw tight, his expression blank. Dangerous.“Yeah.” I said too fast. “Just tired.”“Didn’t sleep again?”I shrugged
NATHAN'S POVThe door swung open.And there she was.Sophia.Barefoot, wearing worn jeans and a soft sweater that still somehow managed to knock the breath from my lungs. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, her cheeks flushed like she’d been running — or panicking. Knowing the absolute fucking love of my life – probably both.Her eyes locked onto mine. For a second, neither of us moved.I tightened my grip on the paper bag and the small wooden box in my other hand. Gifts. Pathetic offerings for the things I really wanted — her forgiveness. My children’s acceptance. A place at their table. In their lives.“Hi.” I said, voice rougher than I intended.“Hi.” She breathed back.I saw it then — the war happening inside her. The way her body wanted to lean toward me but her mind pulled her back. Fear. Guilt. Hope.All tangled together. Dammit. Not still.“I brought something.” I said quietly, lifting the bag a little.Sophia blinked like she’d forgotten how to speak. Then she stepped as
SOPHIA’S POV The sun filtered gently through the curtains, casting warm stripes across the wooden floor. For once, the house was quiet – not with the eerie kind of silence that came from something being wrong, but the kind that only came after a storm. I stood in the kitchen, barefoot, a mug of tea cradled in my hands. “Ow, hot.” I burned my fingers as I dipped it in the mug to taste the tea. Then replied myself, “Of course it's hot you dummy. You just made it.” I sighed and leaned my head lightly against the cabinet door as I stared at the empty hallway beyond. The twins were still asleep, for now. I had let them sleep in. I’d taken the day off. No Kate, no kitchen, no demands. I texted her before dawn. “Can’t come in today. Family stuff. I trust you.” I didn’t say more, and she didn’t ask. She just sent back a thumbs-up and a heart. I knew she would understand even with no explanation. The truth was, I didn’t even know how to put words to what had happened last night. I wa
VICTORIA'S POVThe air reeked of stale beer, sweat, and desperation. Ew.But, it was exactly the kind of place I’d expect to find a disgraced Alpha drowning in his own failure. Go figure.The bar was tucked into the corner of a forgotten alley, away from prying eyes by broken neon signs and shattered dreams. How do the humans say it again? Ahh, yes. What a boulevard of broken dreams.I stood outside for a moment, letting my eyes adjust to the dim glow bleeding through the fogged windows. The faint thundering boom of music sounded from within – some cheap EDM beat vibrating through shitty speakers – and over all of that, somehow louder than it all, the rough voices of men exchanging bets, boasts, and laughter that reeked of low intelligence.I pushed the door open.The warmth inside hit me like a wall, thick with body heat and alcohol fumes. It was a human dive, alright. Ugh.Cheap wood paneling, flickering lights, a couple of dart boards with knives sticking out of them. A fight was b