Note: This POV was only written to tell this part of the story.•Vera POV•I stared at my reflection in the mirror, then turned slightly to check out the back of my dress. A sweet smile spread across my lips. The dress showed a little bit of my back, but the thin straps looked so much better, and the way it hugged my features felt perfect.My slender figure didn’t look bad in the dress, not compared to the bodycon one I wore on a date in London. I ran my hand through my golden-brown hair, brushing it back and tucking the loose strands that had fallen across my face, nearly blocking my view.With one last glance at my reflection, I walked over to the bed, grabbed my purse, and walked out of the room.It had been a while since I’d been on a date, and I just couldn’t keep the excitement in. With everything that had been going on lately, I wanted to tell Juliet about it, but I figured it would be off with her current state.I made my way down the stairs, the soft click of my heels echoing
•Juliet POV•"Mommy, are you awake?" Jace’s voice came through, pulling me out of sleep. I opened my eyes and saw him leaning close to me, his blue eyes peering into mine with curiosity.I smiled and pulled him close. He rested his head on my chest while I patted him softly on the back. "Yes, baby," I muttered, closing my eyes once more.The pain in my head had subsided, even the ache in my chest. There was calmness, one I never wanted to leave. I tried not to think of anything else and focused on my son laying on my chest. I brushed my hand through his curly hair, feeling the softness of it, with the sweet smell of lavender and vanilla coming from it."Mommy, I’m happy to have you as my mom," Jace said softly, and my eyes snapped open in surprise."My baby," I smiled, and Jace lifted his head to peek at my face. "Why do you say that?"He smiled as I sat up slowly. "Because other kids in my school, their moms don’t have time to cuddle them and buy them Legos."I smiled. "Really? How d
•Juliet POV•I felt like I was spinning, my head pounding, my heart beating faster than normal. The only thing holding me up was the last bit of strength I had left in my body.“Juliet, please don’t let this make you sick,” Edward murmured as he pulled me closer into his arms. “Don’t think about it too much.”“Why wouldn’t I?” I mumbled into his shoulder. “I feel hurt. I’m in so much pain.”Edward’s hand rubbed gently around my back, steady and calming. “I know how you’re feeling. I might not know how you started this company, but I feel the pain of betrayal.”“What have I done to deserve this, Edward?” I cried, my voice barely holding together. “Why is it that everyone I trust always ends up betraying me? Do I deserve it?”“My love, you don’t,” Edward said softly, pulling me back just enough to wipe my tears with his palm. His other hand cupped my chin, lifting it slightly. “You don’t deserve any of the bad things happening lately. You deserve better.”He hugged me again, holding me
•Juliet POV•I wrapped my arms over my chest as I stared at the view of the city, tears rolling down my face. I couldn’t believe this, everything felt like a bad nightmare I was caught in, and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t wake up from it.The cold coming from the air conditioner in the office seeped into my skin, like tiny needles prickling my pulse. I let out a raspy breath as my mind drifted to my past with James. I remembered how I had found his behavior strange back then... and yet I still fell for it.“You’re such a fool,” I muttered to myself, my voice low and bitter. “If you’d stuck to your gut, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.”I sniffled and wiped my tears with my palm, feeling an ache deep in my chest. I rubbed my hand against my forehead like it would ease the pain building inside me.“Jules, I need to talk to you.” Vera’s voice came through, pulling me out of the storm of my thoughts. She knocked lightly on the door, turning the knob. I heard her try to open it
•Edward POV•I watched as Juliet walked out without looking back. Her shoulders were slightly hunched, and even though she tried to hold herself together, I could hear her soft sniffles fading down the hallway. I could only imagine how she must’ve been feeling right now.Every of her attempt to get her company back in business was failing. I sighed, shoving my hand through my hair as my mind spun, thinking of the next move to take.Rona sat in front of her monitor, eyes glued to the screen like she was waiting for just one positive comment to pop up. But none came, her face tightened in frustration before she groaned and slammed the laptop shut, standing up sharply.Vera stood not far from me, typing quickly on her phone, her brows furrowed in focus.Then my gaze drifted to Dora.I let it linger there, narrowing my eyes a little. She wore that same calm, supportive look. If Eric hadn’t told me what he saw, she would’ve been the last person I’d suspect. That’s what made it sting even m
•Juliet POV•I crouched to Jace’s level and brushed my hand against his curly hair that fell to his forehead before pulling him close for a hug. He wrapped his hands around my neck.“Be good for Mommy, okay?” I whispered.Jace smiled when we pulled out of the hug, nodding softly. “Okay, Mommy.”I smiled back and then turned to Mila, who was standing close to us with her backpack hung on her shoulder. “And you too, Mila,” I said, taking her hand softly.“Okay, Miss Ryder,” she said cheerfully, and I straightened up, watching as Jace and Mila walked down to the entrance of school.I kept my eyes on them until I could no longer see them. My chest tightened a little before I finally turned toward Vera, who was standing by the car, leaning against it while scrolling through her phone.“I can’t say this is good, after the government shut down the company for investigation,” Vera mumbled, staring at her phone screen. “The comments online have finally died down.”I walked over slowly, my hand