LOGIN“Why wouldn’t they want you back?” Lilly scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. “They’d be idiots to let your talent go and besides, with that million-dollar compensation, you’re set for a while. You don’t have to rush back to work.”“You’re right.” I smile faintly. “Especially now with the baby so close
SIERRA.I run my fingers gently through Nolan’s soft hair as he sleeps across my lap. He’s completely knocked out after Aunt Ava gave him some medicine for a stomach ache.He refused to sleep anywhere else and insisted he’d be most comfortable on my lap even after I told him my bump would get in the
The pain is consuming watching her now while knowing I’m the reason she once looked hollow… it’s unbearable.“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, gripping the glass so tightly it digs into my palm.I used to think it was her loss... That hurting me and losing me was her punishment... And I clung to tha
When I pulled back, I scanned the bleachers smug and proud and that’s when I saw Sierra sitting there, frozen.Lilly’s hand wrapped tightly around hers as tears slid down her cheeks silently as she watched me celebrate with someone else.I remember that look. The look of someone who had been broken,
NOAH.I stand at the far end of the backyard, a glass hanging loosely from my fingers as my eyes lock onto Sierra.The garden is strung with warm lights, laughter floating through the air as family and close friends mingle.This is a little celebration her mother arranged to celebrate Sierra winning
Jocelyn’s attorney stands. “Objection. There is no proof that this dinner had anything to do with proprietary information.”Kerry turns slightly toward him. “You’re correct, counsel. A dinner alone proves nothing.”She clicks again and the screen changes.“Which is why we obtained the corresponding
Adrian and I linger at the café longer than I expect. After I tell him about the accident at work, the heaviness hanging between us slowly dissolves when he shifts the conversation to safer ground.It’s comforting. Maybe a bit too comforting. The tight coil in my shoulders loosens, and I catch mysel
The words burn as they leave me, because I know the truth: I’m the one to blame. Brook might have given me the match, but I’m the one that lit it and set things ablazeThe image of the angry red marks staining Sierra’s skin sears through me. Those are my marks, made by hand. Those thoughts, that rea
Sierra.The screen glare feels like it’s burning holes into my eyes, but I can’t look away. My thumb keeps scrolling, each headline more ridiculous than the last.“Did you see the way he grabbed her? That girl, poor girl.”“Exactly what I was thinking; the cameramancaptured it so clearly, she must h
NoahThe bar feels empty the moment they step out, leaving the stale hum of conversation and the clink of glasses behind.Gunner leans against the bar. “What was that, Noah? You were an asshole.”“I wasn’t,” I reply coolly. “I was being honest.”“That wasn’t honesty… that was a tactical aim to cause







