Adamo’s POV Mr. Rossi took another deep breath before he knocked on Sade’s door. The sound echoed in the quiet hallway, and for a moment, he almost considered turning back. But it was too late.The door creaked open, and Sade stood before him, looking breathtaking. Her radiant caramel skin seemed to glow in the soft light, and her outfit, an elegant blouse and a form-fitting pencil skirt that hugged her curves in all the right places. She was effortlessly beautiful.He had to pause for a moment, taking her in. “Wow, you look absolutely beautiful,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.Sade’s smile was warm and genuine as she greeted him. “Thanks, Mr. Rossi. How’s everything going?” she asked, adjusting the tablet in her hand while balancing her briefcase and handbag.“I can’t complain,” he said, trying to keep his composure. “How’s the family? Everyone good?”“Yeah, everyone’s great. Thank you for asking. The kids are keeping me busy, as always,” she replied, her tone light and easy.
Sade and Cheryl's conversation flowed easily as the car hummed down the highway toward St. Louis. They’d been gossiping about everything under the sun, from Sade’s relationship with Marco to their kids, and Sade was already making plans for their upcoming celebration.“So, Marco and I are finally back to where we used to be,” Sade said, her voice light. “We’re having fun again, joking around. He's not so hot and cold anymore. The kids are doing great, too.”Cheryl nodded, a grin tugging at her lips. “That’s good to hear. I know it was rough there for a while, but looks like you’re in a good place now.”“I think so. Actually, I’m planning a birthday party for the babies. They’re turning two in March. I want to do something special, but not the usual Chuck E. Cheese thing,” Sade continued, her tone thoughtful. “I was thinking somewhere different. You know, like a kid friendly play place, but something outside of the norm. Maybe a trampoline park, or one of those big indoor playgrounds.”
Marco’s POV AfternoonThe drive down the block to Isla’s house was the usual mix of chatter and noise, but Marco barely heard any of it. His mind was too occupied with what was coming later that night.Kamari sat in the back, swinging her legs, humming some cartoon theme song, while Marco Jr. scrolled through his phone. The twins, Justice and Trinity, babbled in their car seats, occasionally kicking their feet at the rhythm of the moving car.Marco pulled up to Isla’s house, letting out a slow breath.Shane’s car wasn’t there. Good. He already knew Shane was in Indiana handling his business.“Alright, we’re here,” he announced, parking the truck. He hopped out and opened the back door, unbuckling the twins. Justice reached for him immediately, while Trinity fought him a little, wanting to get out on her own terms.“Come on, girl. Stop playing,” he muttered, finally lifting her onto his hip while holding Justice’s tiny hand.Kamari and Marco Jr. grabbed their backpacks and ran up to t
Isla’s POVChristmas had come and gone, leaving behind the remnants of joy and celebration. But for Isla, there was nothing but an empty feeling in its wake. She moved through her days, fulfilling her obligations as a mother, as a partner to Shane, but inside, she felt like a shell of herself.She told herself she made the right choice, clean break, no more lingering feelings, no more complications. But if that were true, why did she feel this constant ache in her chest? Why did she crave something that was no longer hers?The truth was, no one had ever touched her the way Marco had, not physically, not emotionally. Even with Shane, it was different. He was good to her, loving, stable. But that fire, that all-consuming connection? It had never been there, not like it had been with Marco.She sighed as she stared at the text from Sade.Sade: Adult game night at our place. Bring Shane. We got Star and her man in town, so you know it’s about to be good vibes. Tell Shane to get ready to l
Marco’s POV Christmas MorningMarco woke up to the quiet hum of Christmas morning, the soft light of the sun peeking through the blinds. Sade was still asleep beside him, her chest rising and falling in the peaceful rhythm of deep sleep. He looked at her, her face relaxed and serene, and he felt a tug of something in his chest. It had been a long time since things felt this good between them. The night before had been better than he’d expected more real, more connected. Like they’d finally found their way back to each other.But even in the glow of this moment, there was something weighing on Marco.Last night, the holiday magic had covered up the mess he’d created, but he couldn’t keep running from the truth. What he had with Isla, what he had done with her, needed to end. He had to fix things, and not just for Sade, but for himself.He slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Sade. The kids were still asleep, and this rare moment of calm was all he had. He walked across t
Anonymous POV The house was alive with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the clinking of dishes as the family gathered for Christmas Eve dinner. The scent of pot roast and pork chops filled the air, blending with the rich aromas of Puerto Rican rice, sweet potatoes, greens, samosas, and empanadas, both chicken and beef. It was a true smorgasbord, a mix of flavors representing their blended family.Sade moved through the dining area, checking on the final touches before dinner. The Christmas tree glowed in the corner, its lights reflecting off the neatly wrapped gifts underneath. The children were buzzing with excitement, especially the one year olds, who were finally old enough to understand the magic of Christmas.She and Marco had gone all out for their kids this year. Their son was getting a brand-new PlayStation, and their daughter would be unwrapping a vanity set. The toddlers were getting their own little motorized vehicles, something they had both pointed at excitedly