Sophia’s POVI sat at my desk, the blueprints of the latest project spread out before me. The lines and measurements blurred together, refusing to form a coherent design in my mind. I sighed, tapping my pen against the paper in frustration. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't focus. My thoughts kept drifting back to Elijah and Julia's upcoming wedding. The news had been a punch to the gut, and I couldn't shake the image of them together. Does it mean that Elijah had changed his mind? Perhaps because Julia has been staying at his house, he has developed real romantic feelings for her already“Focus, Sophia,” I muttered to myself, but it was no use.I glanced at the sketches for Daniel's project. Daniel was a good friend, and his enthusiasm for the project had been contagious. I wanted to do my best for him, but my mind was elsewhere. And then there was Henry, Julia's brother, who had also insisted that I be the head designer for his project. Working for Henry felt like a cruel tw
Sophia’s POVThe article was full of pictures of Adrian and Kayla together at various events, looking every bit the glamorous couple. They were both smiling, radiating happiness.It seemed they were officially in a relationship, and the news had taken the media by storm.I stared at the screen, a mix of emotions churning inside me. Kayla had always been there for me, a constant support through all the ups and downs.Seeing her with Adrian, who’d recently been pestering me to start a relationship with him and even to marry him, felt strange. Is this even real? I thought, knowing very well that celebrity news was usually exaggerated. Kayla hadn’t even mentioned anything to me. Or maybe she’s hesitant to share about it because Adrian had recently declared his love for me publicly? Well, she knows for certain that he’s just a friend to me. There was also a video interview embedded in the article. I hesitated for a moment before pressing play.The screen showed Adrian, looking dapper in
Sophia’s POVI nearly screamed into the phone, “You didn’t tell me about Connor, and I find out from the internet?! What kind of best friend are you?!”Kayla's laughter rang out on the other end. “Sorry, sorry!” she said between giggles. “I’m coming over. We have a lot to talk about.”“I’ll hold you to that,” I replied, a wide grin spreading across my face. I was eager to see her. She sounded happy, so I was happy for her and excited to hear the story of how it happened between her and Connor. Not long after, Kayla arrived, joining us for dinner. Reese, our nanny, and I were already at the table when she walked in, her usual energetic self lighting up the room.“Where’s Connor?” I asked, my grin widening.Kayla chuckled as she took a seat and helped herself to some salad. “He’s home. We were together earlier because he was helping me shop for some stuff for my office.”I raised an eyebrow and gave her a teasing look. “Sounds serious.”We both laughed, and even Reese joined in, her ey
Elijah’s POVTwo weeks had passed since I’d last seen Reese. I’d taken her to the park, but Sophia had not wanted to join us. And when I went to pick up Reese and drop her off at the apartment, Sophia had also not been there. It was only Reese’s nanny. Sophia is clearly avoiding me, I thought with worry and sadness. Even when I tried dropping by the Urban Next office, Trevis informed me that Sophia was doing mostly fieldwork now, something she had insisted on.At present, I stood in the spacious living room of our home as the couturier measured and adjusted the suit that would supposedly mark the happiest day of my life. So why do I feel so gloomy?My stepmother and Julia’s mom flitted around like excited hummingbirds, their chatter a fusion of wedding plans and exclamations over every minute detail. They were in their element, fussing over the wedding gown, debating lace patterns and veil lengths with great enthusiasm. “Make sure the lace detail is just perfect,” Julia said, her
Serena’s POVThe hospital corridor stretched into shadowed uncertainty as I hurried past closed doors and muted lights. It was late, well past visiting hours, but urgency propelled me forward.Julia Stanford. The name echoed in my mind, wrapped in layers of resentment and anger and even fear. I approached the nurse's station, my heart pounding against the facade of calm I tried to maintain.“Excuse me,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. The nurse behind the counter looked up, fatigue etched into her features.“Yes, how can I help you?” Her tone was polite but tinged with weariness.“I'm looking for Julia Stanford,” I began, my pulse quickening. “I'm her sister, and I just arrived from abroad. I tried reaching her but couldn't get through. I heard there was an accident like two months ago maybe…”The nurse consulted her computer screen, fingers tapping softly on the keyboard. “Julia Stanford... Yes, she was discharged a few weeks ago. But she recently came in for a c
Sophia’s POVThe lobby of Raven Media buzzed with energy as I stepped through the glass doors. I took a deep breath, savoring the sense of purpose and excitement that filled the air.Today was a welcome change of scenery, a chance to immerse myself in something different than my usual routine. I was here to help Kayla with a magazine shoot design for Adrian's new album, and I couldn't wait to dive in.Though I had done this for a time here, it felt like so long ago. And besides, we’re doing a different concept this time so I was very excited. “Sophia!” Kayla's voice rang out as she rushed over to greet me, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Even though she was the creative department director and Adrian's manager, she was still as hands-on as ever. Her parents owned Raven Media, but she had earned her place here through sheer talent and hard work.“Kayla, it's so good to see you again!” I hugged her tightly, feeling a surge of joy even though it’s only been a few days since she’d co
Julia’s POVAs I flexed my fingers, I marveled at the subtle yet distinct improvement in their movement. The tendons stretched and contracted smoothly, a testament to my dedication to physical therapy and, more importantly, to the meticulous execution of my plan. I couldn't help but smile, a wide, self-satisfied grin spreading across my face. Everything was falling into place perfectly.I sat in the living room, sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains. This house, this life, it’s everything I had ever wanted. And now, with Elijah agreeing to marry me, it was all within my grasp. I picked up the stress ball beside me, squeezing it firmly and then releasing. Each successful repetition was a victory, a reminder of how far I'd come.“Almost there,” I whispered to myself, my voice filled with a mixture of determination and elation. “Just a little more and everything will be perfect.”Henry had played his part brilliantly, altering my test results to show brain trauma. It was the fi
Sophia’s POVI paced back and forth in my living room, feeling like I wanted to throw up. Today was Elijah and Julia's wedding day. I still couldn't believe it was really happening. It felt like a cruel joke, a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.I remembered overhearing my colleagues gossiping about the wedding when they thought I wasn't around. They were passing around the invitation, chattering excitedly.“Can you believe it?” Lisa had said, her voice dripping with envy. “Julia's so lucky. She's marrying the owner of Sinclair Realty. And Elijah also has shares in Urban Next, so she might become our boss soon, too.”The idea had never occurred to me before, and it suddenly made me anxious. What if Julia did become our boss? What if she kicked me out? The thought sent a chill down my spine.A knock on the door jolted me back to the present moment. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and went to answer it. It was Trevis, standing there with a gentle smile.“Hey,” he said sof
Sophia’s POVThe following morning, as sunlight streamed through our bedroom window, I lay awake, staring up at the ceiling, the events of last night playing on an endless loop in my mind. I couldn’t shake the image of Lennon clutching that ominous envelope… or the strange woman and her little boy, who somehow felt so familiar.Lost in thought, I barely heard Elijah enter the room until he sat on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on my shoulder. “You’re up early,” he noted, studying me with a concerned expression.I managed a weak smile. “Couldn’t sleep. I keep thinking about last night. Lennon and that… envelope.” I hesitated, lowering my voice. He reached out, taking my hand in his. “Well, maybe we’ll have a chance to find out. Mom invited us for brunch at the cafe today. She said she’d love to see the kids again.”I sat up, my heart pounding at the prospect. “Maybe… maybe we could use it as a chance to ask her. About Lennon, I mean. If she’s hiding something, I think you’d be
Sophia’s POVI was trying to steady my racing heart, unable to get back to the festivities yet, when my husband Elijah approached me. “Sophia, where have you been? Everyone’s been asking about you,” he said, his tone gentle but laced with worry.I forced a small smile. “I just… needed a moment to think. But actually, I have to talk to you.” I reached out, grasping his arm, and pulled him aside into a quieter corner of the hallway, far from prying ears.“What’s going on?” he asked, his gaze intense.“Lennon,” I whispered, casting a glance down the hallway to make sure no one was listening. “I just ran into him by the restroom. He was carrying an envelope…” My voice trembled as I continued. “It had the Les Ombres Écarlates emblem on it.”Elijah’s eyes widened. “Wait—are you sure?”“Yes. I’m sure. He even hurried away when he saw me glancing at it.” I bit my lip, trying to calm the anxiety clawing at my insides. “What could he possibly want with them? And if Lennon’s involved… does that
Sophia’s POVJared squirmed in my arms, distracting me from my thoughts. I set him down, smiling as he took off again, this time circling around me in playful loops.As I watched him, my gaze drifted back to the table where Elijah was talking with Kayla, and I noticed his expression—serene but thoughtful, as if he, too, was carrying an invisible weight.Les Ombres Écarlates had fallen silent in the U.S. since Henry and Julia were locked away, but whispers remained that the syndicate still operated in France. No one knew who might be leading them now.Isabelle had remained in prison, and for all we knew, she’d been cut off from her network… or perhaps she was working wonders from the shadows, keeping her influence alive from a distance. No one could tell for sure.“Mommy?” Jared tugged on my hand, bringing me back to the present. “Can I go play with Roxy and Reese?”“Of course, sweetheart,” I said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “They’re right over there with Daddy.”Jared darted fo
Sophia’s POVThe restaurant, Bella Sera, stood glowing in soft, elegant lights as we approached. It was bustling with guests, laughter and conversations blending together to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. I could hardly believe a year had passed since its grand opening, during which my husband Elijah had reconciled with his stepmom.Tonight was Bella Sera’s first anniversary celebration, and for once, I felt a sense of calm and happiness surrounding us. I looked down, giving Reese’s hand a little squeeze as we stepped inside, with Roxy and Jared walking alongside us, their eyes wide with curiosity.As we entered, Morgana herself appeared, beaming as she saw us. She looked elegant, her face bright with pride, and there was something so genuine in her warmth that I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Behind her was her husband, Lennon Delmare, standing tall and grinning broadly.“Sophia, Elijah! And my little ones!” Morgana opened her arms, crouching down to embrace Reese, Roxy, and
Sophia’s POVOne year had passed. Just like that. One long, grueling year since they’d been captured in Mexico. Now, I sat in the trial court, my hand clasped tightly in Elijah’s as we waited for the final verdict.Anticipation hovered around us, every rustle and whispered breath amplifying the tension that had been simmering for so long.I glanced across the room at Henry and Julia, seated a few rows away, flanked by officers on either side. Henry’s once-sharp features were worn, his face gaunt, his hair graying and thinning.He looked hollowed out, as though the years of hiding, the trials in France and now here in the U.S., had sucked the life from him. His hands were bound, but I could still see the twitch of his fingers, the anger boiling beneath his carefully composed exterior.Beside him, Julia looked equally changed. She’d aged in ways that seemed impossible for just a year’s passing—her skin pale, her eyes shadowed and glassy, as if she’d been surviving on sleepless nights a
Elijah’s POV“Elijah,” Henry sneered, regaining a bit of his composure. “You think this is going to change anything?”I crossed my arms, blocking their only escape. “You’re right. It’s not going to change anything. But it’ll end everything.”Julia’s eyes darted to the side, searching for a way out. I could see the desperation rising in her, a trapped animal’s instinct kicking in. She looked to Henry, but he kept his gaze locked on me, his expression bitter.“You think you’ve won?” he spat, his voice laced with defiance. “You’re too late, Elijah. Everything’s already in place. You can’t stop us.”“We’ll see about that,” I said, taking a step forward. “You’re done running.”Behind them, Julian and Joe’s operatives moved in, sealing off any possible escape. Henry and Julia were completely surrounded, their backs against the wall. I could see the realization dawning in their eyes—that this was it. The end of the line.“Give it up,” Joe called out, his voice firm. “This is over. You’re not
Elijah’s POVThe bookstore in Guadalajara was hushed, with the quiet murmur of a few customers flipping through books or browsing the shelves. I sat in the far corner, half-hidden by a display of mystery novels, watching as the team casually took up positions around the room.Each one looked like they belonged there—disguised as staff, customers, a student reading by the window. I had to hand it to them; they blended in flawlessly.But under the calm, there was tension, and my heart thudded with the thrill and nerves that always came before a high-stakes operation. Today, we were either going to end this chase, or Henry and Julia would slip through our fingers once again.It made me stop and think all of a sudden. How did I come to be tangled up in such dangerous situations? A long time ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of being a part of something like this. I would have chosen not to be in the middle of the action but simply waiting for reports and updates. But I’ve changed already… And
Sophia’s POVI unfolded the note, my hands trembling as I absorbed each word. Chris’s handwriting was hurried, a bit messy, but very recognizable. I could almost hear his voice speaking the words as I read.Hi, Sabrina… We’re okay. Emily and I are safe, but for now, we can’t return to the States. There’s still too much risk, too many eyes watching. You and Elijah… I know I don’t have to ask, but please take care of Jared. He’s safer with you than he could ever be with us. Tell him, when he’s old enough, that his mother and Uncle Chris never stopped loving him and that we’ll be back for him when the time is right. Until then, he’s yours. We’ll keep fighting to get back. Trust that. And trust we’re always with you in spirit.Love, ChrisI clutched the note to my chest, my heart swelling with a bittersweet joy. They were alive. Somewhere out there, in the shadows they were forced to navigate, Chris and Emily were holding on, fighting to survive. And even if they couldn’t be here physi
Sophia’s POVI gently laid Roxy down, her tiny face peaceful as she drifted off into a deep sleep. Her soft breathing filled the quiet room, and I brushed a finger along her cheek, feeling a pang in my heart.My thoughts drifted immediately to Elijah—he was probably in Mexico by now, fully absorbed in their mission to track down Henry and Julia. It’s been two weeks since we found out that information from Lila. And just yesterday, Elijah had flown to Mexico to join Joe’s and Julian’s teams. The thought filled me with an equal mix of pride and worry.He’d been so determined, so resolved to see this through, but knowing he was out there in danger made me feel helpless.I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. Please let him be safe. Keep my husband safe and make this operation successful. Henry and Julia have to be brought to justice. A soft giggle pulled me back, and I looked over to see Jared, his chubby fingers reaching for the toy blocks I’d set up on the play mat. I joined h