LOGINEva’s POVThe moment I stepped through the side entrance — the one reserved for family during celebrations at Knight Mansion — I knew Damon had lied to me. He had promised a small gathering, something intimate, something manageable. But the sight before me told a different story. The hustle and bustle, the sheer number of people, the heightened security — it didn’t look like a family event. It looked like an extravagant party, carefully orchestrated, and I couldn’t shake the suspicion that this was Damon’s planning… or perhaps Damon and Ryan’s combined scheme. But why? I had no idea.Still, with my children present, and so many eyes around us, I couldn’t afford to create a scene. So I stood quietly, speaking with Jacob, grateful for his familiar presence. When Jacob left to return to his duties, I was left alone — well, not entirely. My little man, Eric, who had been standing beside Ryan and trying to play with Riva, immediately rushed toward me. His eyes pleaded as he asked me to
Eva's Pov:I was staring out at the busy streets of New York, my thoughts drifting back to my conversation with Kayden.Earlier today, Kayden had called me — one of the reasons for my good mood. He told me he had finished his upcoming book and had tried to send me a copy, but it had been returned. Of course, he had my California address — the one I no longer lived at, thanks to Caroline kicking me out. I shook my head, refusing to dwell on that pain, and tried to focus on the joy of hearing his voice.“Hey, Evie girl, how have you been?” Kayden’s voice had been full of life, like a breath of fresh air.“Hey, Kay… I’ve had good days, but I have a feeling today’s going to be amazing after hearing your voice,” I teased.We spoke about random things, catching up, until Kayden finally addressed the one topic I had been avoiding. He didn’t hesitate, his voice steady and full of conviction.“Eva, I’m happy you’ve been writing columns and children’s fiction for my friend’s publishing firm. I
Eva’s POVOur ride was unexpectedly beautiful. Ryan carefully placed Riva into her car seat, his hands steady as he made sure the belt was secured. Next, he turned to Eric, helping him climb in and fastening his seatbelt with the same care. What surprised me was the absence of resistance from Eric — no frown, no pulling away, no sharp words. He simply allowed his father to buckle him in, and for a fleeting moment, it felt… normal.Once Ryan was sure Eric was safe, he turned to me. He offered his hand, steadying me as I sat down. Earlier, the doctor had checked both me and Riva, ensuring there was no infection and that my stitches were healing well. Garcia had reminded Ryan that it was too early for us to be going out, especially to a party, but Ryan — perhaps out of caution, perhaps out of genuine concern — had called upon the doctor to confirm. The doctor gave us the green signal.It felt strangely warm, seeing this side of Ryan. A caring side. A protective side. It wasn’t force
Eva’s POVI didn’t even know when I dozed off. My body had been too exhausted, my mind too heavy with thoughts. When I woke, it was around seven, my phone buzzing insistently on the nightstand. For a moment, I felt disoriented, panicked even, because I couldn’t find Riva beside me. My heart raced until I realized the truth — my sweet boy was still there. Eric had sat through the night, my head resting on his little lap, his small body curled awkwardly against the pillows. He had fallen asleep like that, guarding me, protecting me.I felt guilty instantly. My sudden movement had disturbed his sleep. I had to pat him gently, coaxing him back into slumber. My poor boy would never complain, even if his legs hurt from sitting in that position all night. He was too mature, too selfless for his age. I made a mental note to ask Alice or Josephine to give him a good massage later. He deserved that comfort.It took me some time to freshen up, to gather myself, before I finally checked my phone
Ryan’s POVDisturbing and heartbreaking would be an understatement. My own son — my flesh and blood — kicked me out of the bedroom I was supposed to share with my wife. He believed I had hurt her. Believed it without hesitation, without question.When did I become such a villain in his life?Earlier, when Eric told me not to hurt Riva, I brushed it off as his concern for his baby sister. But now, after hearing Eva’s words, after seeing the certainty in Eric’s eyes, I don’t know anymore. Did he hear me when I said I never loved him? When I admitted I never wanted him? God, if he did… then I’ve destroyed him.I fucked up. Again. That wasn’t my intention. I wanted Eva to see how much I was trying to change, how different I was now compared to the man I had been when Eric was born. But the words came out wrong, twisted, cruel. And now all she sees is the monster I used to be.Forget the past — I can’t undo it. I can’t erase the years I spent detached, indifferent, chasing my career w
Eva’s POVWas I too blunt? The thought gnawed at me, but his pretence was suffocating. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to say it. The man who couldn’t care for his pregnant wife, who couldn’t stand beside her when she needed him most, now suddenly showing concern — it felt unreal, unbearable.Even if I tried to understand his side, even if I believed that seeing me bleeding, fighting for life was what shook his heart, then why didn’t he speak when his mother brought up divorce? Why didn’t he fight for me then? He just walked away. That silence told me everything. There was a hidden motive, something beyond my knowledge. Or maybe… maybe what I said was true.I didn’t have much time to dwell on it. Josephine brought Riva to me. My daughter’s tiny cries pierced through my thoughts. I tried to hold her, but my back screamed in pain, the stitches pulled, and I felt helpless. Josephine helped me position her, helped me feed. The first moments were agony — my breasts tender and swollen,
Eva's Pov:The first thing I felt was silence.The only sound that reached me was the steady, mechanical beeping of machines. My head throbbed, every inch of my body weighed down by a heaviness that felt more like chains than flesh, and beneath it all was a numbness that frightened me more than pai
Eva's Pov:I sat quietly, watching Ryan and Caroline argue, their voices rising and falling like waves crashing against each other. To anyone else, it might have looked like a mother and son locked in a heated disagreement. But to me, it was something far more dangerous.A deep part of me whispered
Eva's Pov:It was almost laughable — watching them all make decisions for my daughter. Yes, Ryan may be her father, but he had barely been present throughout my pregnancy. His projects, his production company, his endless pursuits kept him away. I tried not to blame him; after all, he was the bread
Eva's Pov:And just like that, the room fell silent again — cold, sterile, heavy with the weight of everything unsaid. I could feel it in my gut, a warning that something bad was about to unfold. But exhaustion pressed down on me, and I had no strength left to dwell on it. I let my eyes close, hopi







