Emily’s POVI couldn’t help but smile at the dresses on display. The dreamscape-themed fashion show was finally taking shape, and it felt like magic. Each mannequin inside my studio wore a piece I had lovingly crafted, some of them transforming Sophia’s intricate designs into reality. I took a step back, adjusting a delicate lace overlay on one of the dresses, my heart brimming with joy and pride. “It’s perfect,” I whispered to myself, tracing my fingers along the hem of a gown that glimmered like starlight. I glanced over at Reese’s dress, a whimsical creation adorned with colorful butterflies that seemed to flutter with life. This had incorporated the little girl’s idea herself, but it was Sophia who had designed it from scratch. I was so proud of them both. Everything turned out so beautifully; the fabrics danced in the gentle breeze from the open window, as if celebrating with me.Just then, my phone rang, waking me up from my reverie. I saw Elijah’s name flashing on the screen
Emily’s POV“Emily, can you describe your relationship with Antoine?” The lawyer’s voice sliced through the tension in the courtroom like a knife.I swallowed hard, my heart pounding fast. I never imagined I would come back to France for a situation like this. I glanced at Antoine, seated a few feet away. He looked pale, both apprehension and resignation evident on his face. I felt a pang of sympathy, even as dread chewed at my insides. Tearing my eyes from Antoine, I scanned the audience. My sister Phoebe sat there in the center, her reassuring nod and warm smile giving me a sliver of comfort.“Um, we were... married for a time,” I said in almost a whisper. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, judging, waiting. “We had our ups and downs, like any couple.”“Ups and downs?” The lawyer pressed, leaning forward. “Can you elaborate on that? For instance, how often do you fight? Remember, you’re under oath.”I hesitated, my thoughts swirling. “Uh, almost everyday. Just about little things
Emily’s POVThe judge cleared his throat, and the courtroom fell into a heavy silence, every heartbeat reverberating like a drum in my ears. I leaned in closer, my breath catching as I waited for the final verdict. My heart raced, pounding in my chest like a caged bird desperate to escape.“After careful consideration of the evidence presented and the testimonies heard throughout this trial,” the judge began, his voice steady but resonating with gravity, “I find that the prosecution has not met the burden of proof required to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”My heart felt as if it was being squeezed hard. I could feel the tears filling my eyes. “Therefore,” the judge continued, his tone shifting to a powerful crescendo, “I hereby declare Antoine Dupont not guilty of the charges against him. He is free to go.”A wave of disbelief swept over the courtroom, and for a moment, everything was still. Antoine’s face transformed, shock woven into every line of his f
Emily’s POVThe doorbell rang, startling me from my thoughts. Antoine’s guilty verdict had hit hard, but deep down, I knew it was what had to happen. His crimes—his choices—were things he had to answer for, no matter how much he had changed recently. Taking a deep breath, I crossed the room and opened the door.Chris stood there, his familiar face filled with concern. I gasped in surprise. “Chris! You’re here,” I said in awe, wondering for a while if my mind was just playing tricks on me. Before I could say anything more, he stepped forward, wrapping me in his arms. The warmth of his embrace was immediate, and the tension in my body began to melt. I hadn’t realized just how much I needed this—needed him—until now.“Hey,” he murmured softly into my hair. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”I clung to him, my head resting against his chest as I tried to steady my breathing. “I’m just glad you’re here now,” I whispered. Chris pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes.
Emily’s POVIsabelle's smirk made my skin crawl, and the courtroom seemed to freeze at that moment. After a few minutes of questioning, she leaned forward calmly as she spoke. “Yes,” she said, her tone almost too casual for the weight of her confession. “I set the fire. I killed them.”The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. A gasp escaped from somewhere behind me, but I couldn’t move. My body felt like stone, my breath frozen in my chest. I turned slowly toward Phoebe, who was staring straight ahead, her eyes wide with disbelief.The prosecutor didn’t flinch. “You admit to the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence. You deliberately set that fire.”Isabelle’s lips curved into a small, twisted smile. “I admit it. I had my reasons.”The prosecutor stepped closer, his voice tightening with intensity. “And what about your ties to Les Ombres Écarlates? The criminal organization that’s been linked to attacks just like this one? Are you saying they had no hand in this?”“Les Ombres Écar
Sophia’s POV“Did you just say Roxy’s finally sleeping through the night?!” Elijah exclaimed from the living room, his voice filled with disbelief. I chuckled softly as I adjusted Jared on my hip, his chubby arms wrapping around me for support.“Yes! Can you believe it? We might actually get some rest!” I replied, feeling a wave of exhaustion sweep over me. Roxy was nestled in her crib, her tiny fingers twitching as she dreamt.Reese, our lively five-year-old, burst into the nursery with a toy in her hand. “I can help, Mommy! I can be the best big sister, even to Jared!” she announced proudly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.I smiled at her enthusiasm. “You already are the best big sister, sweetheart. Can you show Roxy her teddy bear?”Just as Reese started to wiggle into action, the door swung open, and Kayla burst in, her presence instantly brightening the room. “Sorry! The househelp let me in. I couldn’t wait any longer to see you!”I blinked, momentarily taken aback by how rad
Chris’s POVI sprinted down the hallway, my heart pounding in sync with my footsteps. Reaching Phoebe's door, I pounded on it with urgency. “Phoebe! Open up!” Panic laced my voice, and I could hear her rustling around inside.“Hold on!” she called, her voice shaking. The wait felt like an eternity, but finally, the door creaked open. Phoebe stood there, her hair tousled and eyes wide with fear.“What happened?” I asked, my heart racing, but I was really glad to see her looking unharmed. “I... I was having a nightmare,” she stammered, and my worry began to ease.“Just a nightmare?” I repeated, needing to hear it again.“Yes,” she nodded vigorously, color slowly returning to her cheeks. “I thought something was coming for me!”I felt relieved, but I still held her shoulders firmly. “You’re okay now,” I reassured her, my grip softening.Just then, Emily rushed toward us, looking quite anxious. She swept Phoebe into her arms, hugging her tightly. “Oh, thank God you’re okay!” Emily exclai
Chris’s POVFor a split second, I stood frozen, trying to make sense of it. She had just been there, smiling at me, waving, the candlelight dancing in her eyes. But now… nothing.A cold chill ran down my spine as I quickly scanned the surrounding area. People were walking by, casually enjoying their evening. No one seemed alarmed, no one seemed to have noticed anything unusual.“Emily?” I called out, taking a few steps toward the table while scanning the area. I tried to stay calm, telling myself she’d maybe gone inside the café or taken a quick bathroom break. But something in the air felt wrong. Off.I hurried toward the entrance of the café, peeking inside. “Emily?” I called again, louder this time. Heads turned in my direction, but none of them were hers.I moved quickly through the café, checking each corner, each table, hoping to see her, but Emily was nowhere in sight. The soft murmur of conversations around me felt muffled as panic crept in. Where could she have gone?“Emily?
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
Elijah’s POV“This is good news, Sophia,” I said, turning to my wife who was sitting up in bed next to me. Outside our bedroom window, the full moon shone brightly.“If Henry’s arm is in a cast and he’s limping, that means they’re weakened. They can’t move easily, and if they’re in Mexico, it’s only a matter of time before they’re found.”Sophia nodded, but her eyes were filled with caution. “So, you think they’re lying low because they’re injured?”“Exactly. They’ll need time to recover. Connor already contacted the local police here and also down there. They’re keeping an eye out, and I just got off the phone with Julian—he’s got people on the ground in Mexico, ready to track them as soon as they get a solid lead.”She placed a reassuring hand on my arm, but I could feel her worry. “So they’re closing in?”“Yes,” I replied, nodding. “But…” My voice trailed off, the frustration clawing at me.Sophia’s eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. She knew me too well; she
Sophia’s POVMy heart pounded as I looked at Kayla, her words sending a shiver down my spine. “Julia?” I repeated. “What about her?”From the corner of my eye, I could see my husband fidgeting in his seat, eager to know the details too. Kayla exchanged a glance with Connor, who gave her a subtle nod, encouraging her to continue. She shifted Asha in her arms, then took a deep breath. “I ran into Lila in the office earlier today. She’d just returned from Mexico, and she… she swore she saw Julia there.”I felt my breath catch in my throat. “Mexico?” I repeated, trying to process the shock, the disbelief that followed it. Elijah sat forward, his brows knitted in fierce concentration.“Did Lila say where exactly she saw her?” he asked, his voice low, intense. I could see the fire sparking back in his eyes, the urgency building.Kayla shook her head. “She didn’t give me the details. She was in a hurry, and I had to get back to Asha, so we couldn’t talk more. But she was adamant it was Jul