MasukThird person povI had planned my birthday staycation for weeks—a solo escape at the Grand Crest Hotel, famous for its skyline views and champagne service. Turning thirty felt like a milestone worth spoiling myself for. My suite had a private balcony, a hot tub bubbling by the glass railing, and enough space to make me forget I was still in the same city I lived in.By the time I checked in, I was already glowing with excitement. The receptionist, a cheerful young woman, handed me my key card with a smile. “Room 1407, Ms. Claire Morgan. Happy birthday.”When I entered the suite, it was perfect—rose petals on the bed, a fruit basket, and a bottle of chilled champagne. I slipped off my shoes, threw my purse on the armchair, and exhaled. For once, everything was about me. No deadlines. No phone calls. Just a night of peace.Or so I thought.A knock interrupted my serenity. I frowned. “Room service already?” I muttered, crossing the marble floor. But when I opened the door, it wasn’t a wa
THIRD PERSON POVThe vodka burned a path through the cold numbness inside Imogen. The world had taken on a fuzzy, pulsating edge, the music thudding in time with her aching heart. She scanned the crowded club, her gaze blurring until it snagged on a man leaning against the far end of the bar. He was tall, with a sharp, defined jawline and dark eyes that were watching the crowd with a detached amusement. He looked nothing like the fabricated 'Wilder'. He looked real, solid, and dangerously appealing.A fresh wave of bitter defiance washed over her. Fine. If reality was going to be ugly, she would grab it by the throat.Stumbling slightly on her heels, she closed the distance between them, planting her hands on the bar on either side of him, caging him in. The scent of his cologne, something dark and smoky, cut through the smell of stale beer.He raised an eyebrow, looking down at her with a mix of surprise and curiosity.Imogen leaned in, her words slurring slightly, but her intent cle
THIRD PERSON POVImogen’s phone felt like a live thing in her hand, buzzing not with a notification, but with her own nervous energy. On the screen was the profile of ‘Wilder_87’. His pictures showed a man with sun-kissed, tousled hair, a smile that crinkled the corners of his sea-blue eyes, and a penchant for hiking mountains she’d only ever seen on screensavers. For five months, he had been her highlight reel. His voice, a warm baritone through the phone, had talked her through a stressful project at work. His texts, witty and thoughtful, were the first thing she read in the morning and the last thing she saw at night.Today, after a flurry of excited messages, they were finally meeting.Can’t wait to see you in person, Immy. The real thing has to be better than the digital version, right? he’d messaged.Nothing could be better than your messages, she’d typed back, a flush of giddy anticipation warming her cheeks.She’d chosen the meeting spot with care: a chic, airy café near the S
Third person pov. The tension in the manor shifted. The arguments didn't cease, but they became debates. The silence was no longer cold, but contemplative. Elara found herself seeking Cassian’s opinion, and he, in turn, began to listen to her intuition. They fell into a rhythm, their contrasting styles creating a surprisingly effective synergy. The Foundation’s projects began to flourish, blending her compassionate vision with his strategic acumen.Late one night, they found themselves in the library again, not arguing, but talking. The fire cast dancing shadows across his face, softening its sharp lines.“You never said how you knew my grandfather,” Elara ventured, sipping a glass of wine.Cassian swirled the amber liquid in his own glass. “He found me. I was a seventeen-year-old kid with a knack for coding, living in a group home. He funded my education, became my mentor. He was… the closest thing I had to a father.”The confession was quiet, stark. It explained his loyalty, his fi
Third person pov The letter arrived on a Tuesday, sealed with crimson wax and embossed with a crest she hadn't seen in ten years. Elara Vance, now a curator at a small, prestigious Boston museum, felt the past rush back with the force of a tidal wave. It was from Alistair Croft, the lawyer for the Croft family—her family. The family that had disowned her mother, and by extension, her, for the sin of marrying for love instead of money.With a steadying breath, she broke the seal.Ms. Vance, You are requested to attend a reading of the late Arthur Croft's last will and testament at the Croft Manor, Cornwall, on the 24th of this month. Your presence is not optional, as you are a named beneficiary. - Alistair Croft, Esq.Beneficiary? The word was a laughable absurdity. Her grandfather, the formidable Arthur Croft, had never so much as sent a birthday card. He had been a monument to cold ambition, and she was the embarrassing footnote his legacy didn't need.Yet, a week later, she found h
THIRD PERSON POVWhen we reached my apartment building, the chauffeur got out to open my door again.“Mr. Valez asked me to remind you that you don’t owe him anything,” he said, his voice low but steady. “He just wants you to be comfortable.”That last word made me smile for some reason. Comfortable. I didn’t know if that was what I felt.I thanked him and carried the bags upstairs, one by one. My roommate wasn’t home, thank God. I spread everything out on my bed—perfume bottles, dresses, shoes I’d never have picked for myself.The phone buzzed again.Did you enjoy yourself?I typed, Yes. It was too much.Then deleted it. Wrote, Thank you.Deleted that too.Finally I just sent, Yes.Three dots appeared, then disappeared. He was typing, then stopped. My chest felt heavy.After a minute another message came through.Good. You’ll need something to wear tonight.I stared at the screen. Tonight?Before I could ask, another message popped up.A car will come for you at eight.Evening came f







