LOGINJULIAN’S POV I stared at the reports spread across my desk, irritation simmering beneath my skin. Aaron and the rest of the campaign team had left hours ago. Maureen had also left for home a few minutes ago, after informing me that another venue had been canceled in Connecticut. Another “anonymous source” was feeding information to the press before my campaign even officially launched. And whoever was behind it knew exactly how to apply pressure without leaving obvious fingerprints. I let out an exasperated sigh as I skimmed through another email from one of the campaign coordinators. This was no longer a political competition. Someone was actively trying to destabilize me before I could even gain momentum. A frantic knock interrupted my thoughts. I barely looked up before calling out. “Not now.” The door opened anyway. Normally
JULIAN’S POV “So the campaign kicks off in NYC then we move over to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and lastly Oregon.” I listened quietly as one of Elijah Burke’s campaign strategists spoke, her manicured fingers tapping against the digital board displaying maps, schedules, projections, and polling data. The conference room was abuzz with energy. Half the people seated around the long black table had built political careers out of destroying opponents before they even realized they were in danger. There were Media consultants, campaign managers, financial strategists, and public image experts. Only the best in the game and now they work for me. “The NYC launch has to be flawless,” Elijah said smoothly from across the table. “First impressions matter more than anything else in politics.” Aaron, who sat two seats away from me, leaned back lazily in his chair. “Everything in politics sounds exhausting.” “It is,” one of the women mutte
MADISON’S POV I watched in disgust as Liam emptied yet another bottle of whiskey. My eyes drifted to the clock, it was barely past 9am. “Let me guess, you’re going to spend the entire day drinking again.” He gave me a deathly glare. “What is it to you?” “Because I’m the one who has to deal with your mood swings when the drinking starts and I’d rather not spend my day doing that.” He scoffed as he took another swig straight from a fresh bottle whilst scrolling through his phone. “Mind your own business.” “Speaking of business, shouldn’t you be at work by now?” “I called in sick.” I mentally face-palmed myself. Oh for the love of God. “Keep that up and you’ll be thrown out of this house when you can't afford the bills anymore.” He ignored me and continued scrolling on his phone, stopping when he got to a video whose audio I had heard countless times in the last week. It was the Video of Zoe giving a speech after being called on stage by her boss Julian. “Go
ZOE’S POV I still felt guilty for how I had told my parents to marry Talia off instead which was the reason I was currently standing on the front door even though I had vowed never to return. My sister and I may not have the best relationship but no one deserves to have their free will taken away… And no matter how much she irritated me…she was still my sister. I pushed open the front door without knocking. “Hello?” I called out, my voice echoing faintly through the quiet house. There was no response. That was odd, the lights were on, and the doors weren’t locked. Someone had to be home. “Talia?” I tried again, stepping further inside. Still nothing. A frown creased my brows as I slipped off my heels and set them by the door, my footsteps quieter now as I moved deeper into the house. The silence felt… off.
JULIAN’S POV “Guess who is running for Mayor?” “Who?” Aaron’s voice came through the line, slightly strained. He was probably at the gym. I let the silence sit for a second, my gaze fixed on the city below. Three months ago, I would have laughed at the idea. “Me.” I took a slow sip of whiskey, watching the city stretch out beneath me as I waited for his response. “Who are you and what have you done to my friend?” he finally asked. A faint smirk tugged at my lips. “It isn't a joke.” “It should be,” he shot back. “Because the last time someone brought this up, you told them you’d rather set your company on fire than sit in a room full of politicians pretending to care about people.” “I remember.” “And now you’re running?” he pressed. “Just like that?” “It’s not ‘just like that.’” “Then explain it to me.” Because I could. Simple. “I’ve been thinking about it,” I said instead. Aaron huffed out a breath. “That’s not an explanation, Julian. That’s a defle
ZOE’S POV The night air hit me the second I stepped out of the building, cool against my skin making me shiver. I tightened my grip on my bag as I walked, my heels clicking softly against the pavement as I headed to my car. The office building was deserted, with everyone having headed home, while the security men lingered. I got into my car and turned onto the road. The city lights blurred past the window as the car moved, but I barely noticed any of it. My body still hummed with aftershocks, every shift in my seat reminding me of what had happened some minutes ago—Julian’s desk, his hands, the way he’d looked at me with so much hunger and possession. Heat crept up my neck and I shook my head to dispel the nasty images. That man was dangerous. A small smile tugged at my lips despite myself as I pulled into my driveway, but it faded just as quickly when my phone buzzed in my bag. I pulled it out, the ID flashing across the screen. Dad. My brows pulled together sli
LIAM’S POV You know that feeling when you’ve messed up so bad you can’t even tell which way’s up? Like every move you make could save you… Or blow everything to hell? Yeah. That’s where I was. Madison was already waiting when I walked into the restaurant ,her back was to the window, her hair
ZOELLA The restaurant that Lani and I had decided to meet at was a few blocks from my office building. So I walked, it was easier than fighting midtown traffic. Also, I figured I’d drive home later. She spotted me before I even cleared the door, waving like we’d known each other for ye
ZOELLA’S POV Damien’s voice interrupted, effectively shattering the moment. “Oops. Forgot my watch.” I jerked back, my cheeks flaming, scrambling to my feet like the floor had just turned to lava. Perfect. Nothing like being caught kneeling in front of your boss, very appropriate. Julian s
JULIAN’S POV The moment the door clicked shut behind her, I ran a hand through my hair, leaning back in my seat. The night we met, I had thought the alcohol was to blame for her wit but seeing her today made me realise I was wrong. She had the same quic





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