Vienna’s POV“He was totally out of line,” Bella said, her voice low and tense as we sat in the waiting area of the police station. “I know, right?” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “I’m pretty sure he’s drunk. I’ve never seen him like this before. Not even close.”Bella nodded, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Heartbreak makes people unravel in the worst ways. Still… it doesn’t excuse this.”I sighed and leaned back against the cold plastic chair. My whole body felt heavy—from exhaustion, from stress, from everything. “It’s just so surreal. He used to be the person I felt safest with. And now I have to file a police report to keep him away from me.”Bella glanced over, her expression softening. “I know, V. But you’re doing the right thing. You’re protecting yourself. And your baby.”Before I could respond, a police officer stepped into the room, holding a clipboard.“Mrs. Hale?” he called out.I stood automatically, but the name caught in my ears like a rock in a shoe. Mrs.
Vienna’s POV"None of this is your business, Warren," I snapped, my voice sharp as a knife. "Now answer my question: how did you find me?!"Warren leaned against the doorframe, looking smug and far too comfortable in a place he had no right to be. "I have my ways," he said, with that same condescending tilt of the head he always used when he wanted to sound superior.My blood boiled. "Your ways? Did you threaten someone? Hack hotel records?""Who cares? I just came to talk," he said, waving a dismissive hand. "Vienna, I gave you everything. The bakery, the car, your damn cat enclosure—"That stopped me cold. "Don’t you dare bring up Milo.""I gave you everything," Warren went on coldly, his voice rising with each word. "And you betrayed me. You cheated on me with that son of a—"I stopped listening. His accusations blurred into noise.Instead, I turned to Bella, my eyebrows lifting in silent question. "Did you…?" I whispered.Her eyes widened, and she shook her head at once, her voice
Vienna’s POVMy phone buzzed, and my heart tensed automatically. "Not again," I murmured, bracing myself to see Warren’s name flash across the screen. But instead, it was Bella.I sighed in relief and answered. "Hey, Bell!" I said. "What’s up? Everything okay at the bakery?""All good… except for Warren’s ceaseless visits," Bella said, frustration evident in her voice. “I think we need a new game plan for the handover. We can’t do it here."I rubbed my temple. “Damn it. He’s relentless.”"A different location could work," Bella offered. "Somewhere neutral. Somewhere off his radar."I paused, then nodded to myself. "Why don’t you come to my hotel room tonight? Should be off his radar—I made sure to book a place with no ties to Luxe Hotels."Bella laughed softly. "Now that’s a comforting thought. Alright, I’ll come by after work.""Perfect. Room 173, Crown Hotel. See you tonight, Bell."****That evening, Bella arrived at my hotel room. Her arms were full—folders, notebooks, and a half
Warren’s POV"God damn it!" I roared, my voice tearing through the quiet office. The divorce papers crumpled in my clenched fist. In my rage, I started tearing them apart. "This. Is. Not. Happening," I spoke with every rip. "Over. My. Dead. Body." The shredded pieces fluttered down like confetti at a funeral—mocking, merciless."Fuck, Vienna!" I slammed my fist down onto the desk.She had crossed a line. She had betrayed the vows we made, cheated on me, and now dared to ask for a divorce.The anger was suffocating and raw. Without thinking, I stormed out of the office. Lewis glanced up from his desk with concern as I passed him. "Be safe out there, sir," he said quietly, eyes sharp but gentle.I didn’t respond. I couldn’tOutside, the cold evening air hit me like a slap. I pulled out my phone and typed quickly, fingers trembling:"Whiskey tonight? I’m on my way."I hit send, then climbed into my sedan, slammed the door shut, and pushed the accelerator. Hard. The engine roared beneat
Warren’s POVI sat in my office after yet another endless meeting. I hadn’t heard a single word, just nodded and hummed at regular intervals.Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Kingsford was shimmering under the afternoon sun. But all I could see was… her. A thick stack of documents sat untouched on my desk. Contracts, reports, figures—none of it mattered. Not when my mind had been hijacked for days by a single image: Vienna at our café. Her voice, warm and unguarded as she praised… him."At least Fred listens. At least he treats me with respect."Her words echoed relentlessly.How could she say that? After everything I’d done for her—the bakery, the car, the countless gifts. All the memories we’d built, all the firsts we’d shared. Did none of it mean anything to her?I shook my head, trying to force the image away—but it only grew sharper. The way she had touched Fred’s arm. The soft smile she gave him, one I hadn’t seen directed at me in weeks.It confirmed everything I’d been
Third Person POVVienna looked over at Fred as they walked through the cobbled streets of Kingsford. Fred’s expression was somber, his eyes fixed ahead.“I don’t usually talk about this,” he said after a long pause. His voice was thick with restraint. “But after what you witnessed today, I guess I owe you the truth.”“You don’t owe me anything,” Vienna said softly. “But I’m here if you want to share.”“It started three years ago,” Fred began, his words measured and heavy. “Jason—my younger brother—was in his final year at Crestford University. He was sharp. Driven. Kind-hearted in a way that made people believe in things again. He wanted to become a human rights lawyer.”Vienna listened intently, already sensing the shift in tone. The weight of what was coming.“But then,” Fred continued, his jaw clenching, “he caught Desiree cheating on a final exam. She had bribed a TA for the answer key. Jason reported her. He thought it was the right thing to do. He believed in accountability.”
Vienna’s POVI rolled my eyes, letting out a slow sigh. “Not this again, Warren.”His eyes burned into me, sharp and cold. “So you’re telling me this guy just happened to show up here? Just like he conveniently turned up at the restaurant the other night?”I narrowed my eyes. His accusations were as exhausting as they were ridiculous. “I told you already—I met Fred for the first time at the restaurant. We talked about work. He offered me a position. This is a work meeting,” I said, my tone flat and measured.“Yeah, right. The ‘work’ excuse again.” He leaned in slightly, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Tell me, how long have you been secretly seeing him?”I fought to keep my voice level. “This is strictly professional, Warren. Fred tasted my pastries. He liked them. He offered me a role as head pastry chef at Taste Royalty.”Just for a second, I allowed myself a flicker of pride. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. But Warren scoffed, cutting it down without a second thought.“Right.
Vienna’s POVI rushed after Fred, my heart pounding with panic. "Fred, wait!" I whispered harshly, trying to catch up to him. I reached for his arm, but he was too fast.He cut through the cafe like a blade, not even glancing back at me. He was heading straight for Warren and Desiree, seated in the back corner. I picked up my pace, anxiety clawing at my throat.The last thing I wanted was for my work life to become tangled with the emotional disaster that was Warren and Desiree. Fred was about to become my boss—I couldn’t let him get involved in my divorce.But I only caught up with Fred as he reached their table."Please—don’t," I whispered.Warren looked up. His eyes met mine first—guilt flaring instantly in his expression. "Vienna…" he breathed. "What are you—"Then his gaze shifted. He spotted Fred beside me. The guilt evaporated, replaced by something harder—jealousy, suspicion, and unmistakable anger."Oh," Warren said, his jaw tightening. "I see what this is."But before I cou
Vienna’s POV2 a.m… 3 a.m… 4 a.m… I watched the hours crawl by on the bedside clock.I lay curled up on the unfamiliar hotel bed, wrapped in too many layers of blankets. I had never felt more lonely. Sleepless. Scared.I pressed my hand gently against my belly. The new life beneath my palm was grounding and terrifying all at once. "I’m so sorry, little one," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I’m sorry I chose the wrong man. I’m sorry it’s all so messed up. But I have to protect you now. I have to protect us."My tears seeped into the pillow beneath me as the darkness outside began to give way to gray light.There was no point in trying to sleep now. I hadn't slept all night anyway—just lay there, playing scenes over in my mind like a movie reel that wouldn't end. The image of Milo in my arms. Warren's face when I walked out. The sound of Desiree’s voice behind me, smug and victorious.I rolled out of bed slowly and forced myself upright. I took a quick shower, then pulled on a fitted