LONDON'S POVLater that night, I couldn't sleep. I was still feeling a little funky I hadn't said a word to George since the night before, and I needed to breathe some fresh air, so I stepped out into the garden. My mind was runnin' a hundred miles a minute, thinking about my sick momma and feeling all kinds of upset with George. I didn't know what I was gonna say to him, but I knew I had to sort out my thoughts before we talked.As I stepped into the garden, my breath caught in my chest. There, sitting on the bench and staring up at the sky, was Cassandra. The sight of her made me smile. I didn't even know she was up so early, but I was glad she was there. I tried to keep my voice light as I greeted her, saying a simple "Hi" with a small smile. But my sudden appearance caught her off guard. Her eyes flew open, and she gasped, her hand flying to her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart. I'd surprised her."Oh, hey!" Cassandra replied with a little smile. She hadn't been expe
GEORGE'S POV"James," I said, interrupting the comfortable silence that had settled between us in the car. "Do you think there's something I'm doing? Some way I'm behaving towards Paris, that's not good? I can't help but wonder if there's something I'm doing that's contributing to the problems we're having." My voice was filled with concern as I confronted the possibility that I could be part of the problem."Huh!" James' jaw dropped in shock, like I had just said something completely out of the ordinary. I could see the surprise etched on his face as he replied instantly, his eyes still fixed on mine through the rearview mirror. My own brows knit together in irritation as I stared back at him, frustration boiling up inside me. How could he be so shocked when I was only trying to do the right thing?James quickly realized the seriousness of my inquiry, and with a jolt, he pulled himself together, his eyes back on the road."Sir, I don't think you're doing anything wrong at all," he
OLIVER'S POVI had barely had time to catch my breath after settling into my office when the door flew open, and Charlotte stormed in, fury etched across her face. But my concern was far greater than her furious expression.I was more worried about the issue that had sparked such a reaction.“What do you think you're doing here?” I snapped angrily, watching her approach my desk with an unstoppable zeal. She seemed to ignore my question completely, and I pressed on, my voice rising with each word. “I asked you a question!”“I told you to stay away from my office,” I said, my voice laced with authority. “I also asked you to keep a low profile. So, why are you barging in here like you own the place and can do whatever you want?” I interrogated her, aiming to remind her of the hierarchy between us."Oliver, I'm sorry for barging in, but I had to tell you the latest development. It's urgent," Charlotte said breathlessly, the words tumbling out of her mouth in a rush.“What could possibly
CHARLOTTE'S POVAs I strolled out of the office, a lady caught my eye. She was walking towards me, and while I knew most of the employees at the company from my weekly visits, I was certain I’d never seen her before. Her refined demeanor suggested she was no ordinary employee.As she glided past, I noticed she was carrying a flask, and my curiosity was piqued. She didn’t seem like the type to be sipping from a thermos in the middle of a workday. I couldn’t help but wonder about the mystery lady as she disappeared into Oliver’s office. My mind was swirling with questions, but before I could think further, my eyes met with those of Paris, startling me out of my thoughts.I was so engrossed in observing the woman, I didn’t even notice Paris walking towards me. I wanted nothing more than to avoid Paris. Ever since her wedding to George, our paths had remained purposefully uncrossed, and I preferred it that way. I had no desire to be reminded of her, and certainly not when she was marrie
LONDON'S POVAs I drew closer to Charlotte, her eyes widened, revealing the anxiety she felt at my approach. I was content with the discomfort I caused her, and I maintained our locked gaze as the space separating us became smaller.Charlotte’s mind seemed to race, searching for an escape route in a matter of mere seconds. As quickly as the panic and indecision had set in, she broke free from our standoff and fled toward the shelter of the nearest restroom. My lips curved into a knowing smirk as I watched Charlotte run away, the false air of nonchalance that accompanied my response only served to emphasize the fact that I was fully aware of her attempts to avoid me. Although Charlotte was at the top of my suspect list in the case of my sister’s murder, I had decided against confronting her directly, instead choosing to keep my investigation under wraps for the time being. Turning my back on the direction she'd fled, I headed towards my office, determined to bide my time and conti
LONDON'S POV"I'm sorry." The words came from behind, making me turn immediately from the door, Lost in my own thoughts, I entered the room without realizing that George was present. My mind was occupied with my mother's request and her condition, causing me to be unaware of my surroundings. Although I knew George was at home, my distraction made me oblivious to his presence on our bed as I walked in.My heart leaped into my throat at the unexpected sight of my husband, “George!” I exclaimed, the shock of his sudden presence nearly causing me to lose my composure. “You startled me,” I said, my voice a mixture of relief and surprise. As my eyes adjusted to the scene before me, I noticed a romantic display of rose petals and cards decorating the bed and a beautifully wrapped present perched atop the dresser. A warmth began to spread through my body, slowly dispelling the anxious thoughts that had dominated my mind just moments ago.I repeated his name, my voice betraying the wonder an
OLIVER'S POVThe unsettling announcement from my mom got my mind racing with a lot of questions, strongly intertwined, making it difficult for me to comprehend, the more I dwelled on it, the more I realized it was totally against the standing agreement between I and my mom,With that in mind, I rushed to my mom's room to get a clarity of what she was up to, and found her standing by the window, uninterested in whatever she was doing, I called her attention,"Mom!" As I barged into her room, which made her jolt out from her thoughts, gasping as she turned immediately to face me,"What have I told you about entering my room without permission?" She asked angrily, obviously startled by my unannounced entry,Even though she had always warned me against it, it was a habit I was used to, coupled with my agitation, which had gotten the best of me, I couldn't wait for a permission,"Mom, I'm sorry, I just couldn't wait." I responded calmly, in an attempt to pacify her,"Same impatience that m
MRS ROSA'S POVImmediately Oliver left, the thought of seeing through my plans crossed my mind, prior to the announcement I had prepared everything I needed, since I knew George would do anything possible to attain that position, I called Margaret who was our chief chef, "it was going to be fun and I wish them happy trying" I said to myself with a light chuckle."I need you in my room now." I instructed her immediately she received the call,"Okay madam, I'll be right there in a moment." she replied,As I waited for her to arrive, Bruce came in with a glass of my favorite juice, giving me a peck on the cheek before settling on the couch beside me. Just as I took a sip, the door rumbled with the sound of her arrival. Bruce immediately stood up, moving to stand beside the door,"Come in," I answered from inside, making sure our position does not arouse suspicion,As the door swung open, a familiar figure appeared - Margaret, a woman in her early forties who had been working for me since