NATHAN'S POVThe morning sun filtered through the tall windows of our apartment, casting soft golden streaks across the hardwood floors. I stood by the counter, grinding coffee beans by hand. There was something meditative about it, something grounding. As the scent filled the kitchen, I glanced over my shoulder.Isla was still asleep. Her arm draped across the pillow, her hair a dark halo against the white sheets. Seeing her like that, peaceful and unguarded, made me want to freeze time. These quiet moments—this stillness—was a rare luxury for both of us lately.Things had been moving fast. Between finalizing our restaurant’s second location and Isla’s new position at Titan Holdings, our lives were like two trains running on parallel tracks, always in motion. But last night, we promised to take it slow, at least for a weekend.I poured the coffee into two mugs and walked toward the bed. I leaned down and kissed her forehead."Morning, love. I made coffee."She stirred and blinked up
ISLA'S POV The sky was painted in shades of grey that morning, the kind of calm before a storm that made the air feel heavier than usual. I stood by the window of our apartment, one hand wrapped around a mug of coffee, the other resting gently over my belly. It was still early in the pregnancy, but every day felt like I was carrying something magical—something tender and fragile that reminded me how much life had changed.Nathan was still asleep, his steady breaths floating through the silence of the room. We’d had a long night—a mix of laughter, stories, plans, and spontaneous dancing in the kitchen. Sometimes I wondered if our happiness was too much for the world to bear. Was it tempting fate to feel this complete?I took a deep breath and stepped onto the balcony, welcoming the cool breeze that brushed across my skin. From where I stood, the city stretched out below in rhythmic motion. People hurrying to work, cars honking, food vendors already setting up. New York never slept, bu
ISLA'S POVThe morning after the meeting with Mr. Garza felt heavier than most. I stood by the large windows of our penthouse, watching the city stir beneath a blush of dawn. The golden light bathed the skyline in calm, but inside me, everything was restless. Nathan was still asleep in our room. I had quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. He'd had a long night at the restaurant, and I didn’t want my pacing thoughts to rob him of much-needed rest.I poured myself a cup of coffee, black, just the way I liked it when I needed clarity. The bitter strength of it grounded me as I replayed Garza’s words again and again. He’d seen something. Or someone. And if Lucas had connections to Moreno Industries, then the threat looming over Titan Holdings—and maybe even our personal lives—was bigger than we ever imagined.I had to get ahead of this.The board meeting was scheduled for ten. But before that, I needed answers. I took a quick shower, pulled my hair into a clean bun, and wor
NATHAN'S POVNATHAN'S POVThe sun had barely touched the horizon when I stepped out onto the balcony, coffee in hand, the cool breeze wrapping around my bare skin like a whisper. The city looked still from up here, like it hadn’t quite woken up yet—the only proof of movement was the flickering taillights in the far distance and the soft chirp of morning birds. Isla was still asleep inside, curled up in our duvet like a dream I didn’t want to wake from.I took a slow sip and leaned against the railing, watching the clouds shift. Lately, I’d been carrying an unease in my chest I couldn’t quite name. Everything in our lives was going so well it almost felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The restaurant had been booked for weeks ahead. The wedding plans were progressing beautifully. Isla and I were finally finding a rhythm that felt like home.And yet, beneath all of that, something felt off.Later that morning, I headed to the restaurant to meet with Samir, our newest supp
ISLA'S POV The morning sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains of our bedroom, casting golden patterns over the soft cream sheets tangled around my legs. My eyes fluttered open slowly, the weight of sleep still lingering, but it was the warmth at my side that truly stirred me. Nathan's arm draped across my waist, his chest rising and falling in a rhythmic lull behind me. For a moment, I didn’t move. I simply let myself feel it—the safety, the comfort, the wonder of waking up next to someone who made the world feel a little less sharp.I tilted my head back slightly, just enough to glance up at him. His lips were slightly parted, the shadows under his eyes softer in sleep. How strange that this man, whose life had been carved out of fire and ambition, now looked so peaceful here with me. I reached out and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, smiling to myself. He stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, then pulled me closer.But my peace didn’t last. Beneath the
ISLA'S POV The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, painting gentle stripes of gold across the bedroom floor. I lay awake, tangled in silk sheets, my heart pacing a quiet rhythm against my chest. Nathan's side of the bed was already empty, the sheets slightly warm from his early departure. There was something oddly comforting about that subtle warmth—a lingering echo of his presence, even in absence.I sat up slowly, brushing my hair back as I reached for my robe. The day had barely begun, yet my mind was already racing through the endless checklists: wedding details, charity events, upcoming meetings, and something else—something I couldn't quite put my finger on.It wasn’t just wedding jitters. I knew that. Beneath the excitement and joy of planning our lives together, there was a lingering ripple of unease. Nathan had been... distracted lately. His smile still reached his eyes, his laughter still warmed my heart, but there was a weight behind it all. A tension he coul