LOGIN* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * We were all gathered in the living room, the late afternoon sun casting long, golden shadows across the open space. Abbie and Cale had been the first to arrive. After dropping us off at the estate, Aaron had stepped out for a quick errand — but now he was back. “Your bags have been delivered to the bedroom,” Aaron noted, nodding to Slade and me. “Thank you, Aaron,” Slade replied. Aaron headed toward the back of the house. I knew exactly where he was going—the estate had a home cinema, and he was likely retreating there to catch a football match and give us some space. “This place is absolutely breathtaking, Rachel. Thank you so much for inviting us,” Abbie said, leaning back into the sofa. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, looking more relaxed than I had seen her in months — especially with Cale’s arm draped protectively around her shoulders. “It’s our pleasure. We all needed this,” I replied, smiling at the sight of them. “Any idea
* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * The place was a magnificent estate, sprawling and grand enough to accommodate every guest we had invited. That was my first thought when we stumbled upon the listing while searching for the perfect vacation rental. I had practically begged Slade to host this getaway; after everything that had happened, there was simply too much to celebrate. Abbie and Cale were finally breathing the clean air of a life without Tate’s shadows. They had found the peace they so desperately needed, and seeing them happy made my own heart feel lighter. When I asked Slade if we could do this, he didn't hesitate. “Whatever you want, Rachel,” he’d said. So here we are. The estate is a masterpiece of modern architecture blended with old-world charm, surrounded by manicured gardens that seem to glow in the afternoon sun. As we stepped through the massive front doors, we were met by twin grand staircases that curved elegantly toward the second floor, framing a recessed living roo
* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * By the time Slade finally returned, the house had fallen into a heavy, expectant silence. Abbie and Cale had headed home, and Luca had departed for the night, promising to return in two days. He had declined my offer of a guest room, likely wanting to give Aunt Rose the space she clearly needed to breathe. The children were long since tucked away in their dreams, and even Heidi and Emilia had turned in for the night. Slade and I sat alone in the dim glow of the living room, sharing our share of Aunt Rose’s cake. “So, he’s gone for now?” Slade asked, his voice low and raspy from a long day at the site. “I offered him a room, but he turned it down. I think he knows his presence is a weight his mother isn’t ready to carry yet,” I said, leaning back against the plush sofa. Slade nodded, taking another slow bite of the rich sponge. “And Abbie? How did she hold up after the call?” “I think she’ll be fine. Seeing him like that... it closed a door she’s been
* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * I walked into the living room, where Luca, Abbie, and Cale were already gathered. I handed each of them a small dessert plate with a slice of the cake Aunt Rose had just finished. As they thanked me, Luca reached out to take his, but his hand hovered over the plate for a long beat. His expression softened with a bittersweet longing; I could tell he was thinking about his mother’s kitchen — the one place that ever felt like home — and the crushing weight of being disowned by the woman who made it so.Finally, he took the plate with a tight nod.“Where’s Slade?” I asked, holding the two remaining slices for us.“He told me to tell you he had to head out to the site with Aaron,” Cale said, shifting in his seat.“Why didn’t he wait for me?” I muttered, a small sting of disappointment hitting me. “Heidi!” I called out.She appeared at the doorway. “Can you keep these in the fridge for Slade and me, please?” I asked, handing her the plates. She nodded and slippe
* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * “I do know he has a daughter — the one whose boyfriend he almost killed. Doesn't she want him rotting in prison just as much as I do?” Luca asked, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. I nodded slowly, glancing at Slade, who gave me a subtle, encouraging nod. This was thin ice, and we both knew it. “What’s going on, Rach? Why that look?” “You have to promise me something first,” I said, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. “Promise you what?” “You just have to promise me,” I insisted. He didn't answer. Instead, he locked his gaze onto mine, his jaw working as he chewed his lip, trying to use that old childhood intimidation tactic. He was trying to out-stare me, waiting for me to crack under the pressure of his silence, but I held my ground, showing him I wasn't that little girl anymore. “Okay… fine!” I snapped, breaking the tension. “I know his daughter. I know exactly where she is. But you have to promise you won't hurt her. She’s
* RACHEL’S POINT OF VIEW * Slade, Luca, and I sat in the living room, the tension so thick it felt like a noose tightening around us. Luca reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a silver cigarette case, tapping a filtered tip against his thumb. He went to reach for a lighter, his movements practiced and restless, but he didn't even get the flame struck. “I would appreciate it if you put that back. Smoking isn’t allowed in this house,” Slade said, his voice dropping into that low, commanding tone. Luca paused, the unlit cigarette dangling from his lips as he locked eyes with Slade. It was a clash of two different kinds of power — Slade’s polished, corporate authority versus Luca’s untamed, lethal energy from the underworld. They stared each other down for a heartbeat too long, neither willing to blink, until I broke the silence. “There are children in the house, Luca,” I said softly but firmly. Luca sighed, the defiance leaving his shoulders as he tucked the cigarette back
|| Rachel ||I rushed into the restaurant; I was late for work again. I’d had to wait for our neighbor’s daughter, Gabrielle, to get home from school so she could look after Fiona and Finn. Gabrielle was in her final year of high school and had asked me for the babysitting job herself. I’d agreed,
|| Cale || I walked into my apartment and hung the keys on the hook. I moved toward the living room, and there was Flora, sitting on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn. I walked past her and saw she was watching one of her graphic adult films. I stood watching her for a second, but she ignored me c
|| Abbie ||Nana was buried next to her favorite son, and I finally said my final goodbye, releasing a handful of earth that felt like the heaviest weight I had ever carried. Cale was with me every step of the way—a silent, steady shadow in my grief.After the service, he took me to a quiet restaur
|| Rachel ||I had started cooking and was clearing the kitchen when Finn walked in."Mum, can you tell Fiona to give me back my colors? I was coloring in my book when she took them from me."I sighed, placing a hand on my waist as I leaned against the counter. "Isn't she supposed to use her own?"







