Flora’s POVI sat in a secluded corner of the restaurant, my hands wrapped around a lukewarm cup of tea. Aurora was nestled in my arms, her tiny breaths warm against my chest. I prayed silently that she wouldn’t cry, that she wouldn’t cause a scene. The last thing I needed was attention.My eyes flickered to the entrance every few seconds, scanning the faces of strangers. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched.Then, I saw him.Michael walked into the restaurant, his gaze sweeping the room until he spotted me. A waitress approached him, saying something before motioning in my direction. He nodded and made his way over, his expression unreadable.As soon as he reached me, his eyes landed on Aurora. He stretched a hand forward, but I pulled my daughter closer, my arms tightening around her protectively.Michael let out a low chuckle and raised his hands in surrender. “Relax, Flora. I’m not here to snatch her from you.”I said nothing. I simply stared at him, waiting.
Flora’s POVThe moment I stepped into the house, I knew something was wrong. Chloe and her mother are standing in the middle of the living room, their arms crossed, their eyes filled with contempt."Where have you been?" Chloe snaps, her voice laced with irritation.I exhale sharply. "It’s none of your business. I need to rest." I shift Aurora in my arms and make a move toward the staircase.But of course, they won’t let me go that easily. Chloe's mother steps forward, her eyes blazing with anger. “Don’t think you can just waltz in here and ignore us, Flora,” she spits. 'We know all about your little escapade.'"I felt a chill run down my spine as Chloe's mocking gaze met mine. 'Yes, Flora, we know all about your meeting with your lover,' Chloe sneers, her voice dripping with malice.My heart sank, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. “How did they find out? And what do they plan to do with this information?”Chloe's steps forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "We know ev
Stanley’s POVChloe’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she stepped closer to me. “You did the right thing, big brother,” she said, her voice smug and victorious.I didn’t reply. I couldn’t. My throat felt tight, and my chest burned with something I couldn’t name. Instead of acknowledging her, I turned on my heel and walked toward the stairs. But before I could take a step up, my mother’s voice cut through the air.“Stanley,” she called, her tone firm and expectant.I stopped, my grip tightening on the railing. I turned slightly, meeting her scrutinizing gaze.“What made you change your mind?” she asked, her brows furrowed. “Yesterday, you were still tolerating that woman. What happened?”I exhaled slowly, masking the storm raging inside me. “What, Mother? You’re not happy about it?”Her lips curled into a pleased smirk, but something was calculating in her eyes. “Oh, I’m happy,” she admitted. “But it’s a little… sudden. A little suspicious.”“There’s nothing suspicious about it,
Flora’s POVThe morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow across my bedroom. I should get up, get dressed, maybe even go downstairs but I don’t. I can’t. The thought of facing anyone in this house makes my stomach turn.I pull my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around myself for comfort. My phone sits beside me on the bed, and I glance at the screen. Jessica should be here soon. I called her early this morning, needing someone to talk to.A soft knock at the door startles me.“Come in,” I call, my voice weaker than I’d like.Jessica steps inside, her expression unreadable. I don’t waste any time. “Stanley wants a divorce.”I watched her closely, searching for a reaction, but she didn't look shocked. She doesn’t gasp or even blink in surprise.I narrow my eyes. “You knew, didn’t you?”She sighs, shifting on her feet. “I didn’t know for sure,” she admits. “But I figured he would do something about the marriage sooner or later.” She hesitates. “Especially sin
Jessica's POV I step out of my car, inhaling deeply as I approach the house. My heart is pounding, but I keep my expression blank. I already know what’s waiting for me inside, and I refuse to let him see any fear.As I push the door open, I spot Michael sitting on the couch, a half-empty bottle of bourbon on the table in front of him. His fingers lazily swirl the amber liquid in his glass, his gaze dark and unreadable.But it’s not the alcohol that makes my stomach tighten—it’s the whip and the gun lying beside the bottle.I exhale through my nose. So this is how it’s going to be.Michael lifts his gaze to me, his lips curling into a slow, dangerous smile. “Jessica,” he drawls, his voice laced with amusement.I don’t return the greeting. Instead, I step forward and fold my arms across my chest. “Whatever you’re planning to do, don’t,” I say sharply. “You’ll regret it.”His smile doesn’t falter. In fact, it widens. “Regret?” He takes a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass d
Stanley's POV I sit on the edge of my bed, rubbing my temples as the dull throb of a hangover pounds in my skull. My mind is hazy, but one thing is clear, I spent the night in Flora’s room.I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair. What the hell was I thinking? How did I even end up there? I try to recall every detail, but the only thing I clearly remember is the warmth of her embrace, the softness of her voice, and the way she looked at me with tears in her eyes.Damn it.I push myself off the bed and head straight to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. I can’t let myself get caught up in emotions. I made a decision, and I need to follow through with it.After quickly freshening up, I grab an aspirin from the medicine cabinet and down it with a glass of water. The bitter taste lingers, but I don’t care. I need to focus.I pick up my phone and dial my secretary’s number. She picks up on the first ring."Mr. Hudson?""Make sure my meeting with the press today pu
Flora's POV I sit on the bed, cradling Aurora in my arms as I gently guide the bottle to her lips. She suckles eagerly, her tiny fingers curling against my chest. Watching her like this, so small and innocent, fills me with both warmth and sadness. No matter what happens, she’s all that matters now.The door creaks open, and before I can turn my head, I feel arms wrap around me from behind. A soft kiss lands on my cheek, then another on Aurora’s tiny chubby one."Look at my two favorite girls," Jessica coos, her voice light and cheerful.I glance at her and arch a brow. "You seem awfully happy today. What’s up?"Jessica grins, but there’s something mischievous in her eyes. "Can’t I just be in a good mood?"I narrow my gaze. "Jessica…"She throws up her hands playfully. "Okay, okay, maybe I do have a reason, but you’ll find out soon enough."I shake my head at her but let it go. If she wants to be cryptic, fine. Right now, my mind is too cluttered to dig into whatever she’s hiding.
Flora's POV I fold the last of my clothes into the suitcase, pressing down to make room for everything. It’s funny how a place can feel like home one minute and like a prison the next. I glance around the bedroom, the one I used to share with Stanley, the one where I once imagined building a future together. Now, I’m being kicked out like I was never here.A soft knock on the door makes me pause. I turn and see my mother, Mrs. Grace, standing at the doorway, a warm smile on her face."Mom," I whisper, and before I know it, I’m in her arms, hugging her tightly.She strokes my back. "My baby," she murmurs. "You’ve been through so much."I nod, my throat tight. I don’t trust myself to speak, afraid I’ll break down completely.Mom pulls away and walks over to the crib, where Aurora is sound asleep. She picks her up gently and kisses her chubby little cheeks. "Oh, my sweet grandbaby. You’re getting more beautiful by the day."For a brief moment, I allow myself to smile, watching my mot
Flora’s POVAs soon as I step through the door, the scent of lavender and fresh soup greets me,home. My mother’s already waiting in the living room, perched at the edge of the couch with Aurora’s favorite stuffed bunny in hand. She looks up as I drop my keys on the console."How did it go?" she asks gently, her voice laced with concern.I take a breath, forcing the calm that’s been threatening to snap. "It went well," I say, lowering myself onto the armrest of the sofa. "We both signed. It’s done now."She studies my face closely. “Are you okay?”I nod. “I have to be, Mom. For Aurora. For myself. Falling apart isn’t an option anymore.”Her hand reaches out and rests over mine, warm and grounding. “You’re stronger than you think, Flora. But even strong women are allowed to cry.”Not today, I want to say. Not now. Not until I’m alone.She straightens a bit and offers a small smile. “Aurora’s birthday is next week, don’t forget.”“I haven’t,” I say. “I’ll start planning soon. She dese
Stanley’s POVI sit on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on my knees, staring at nothing.The silence in this room feels heavier than usual.I keep replaying the scene over and over in my head,Flora sitting across from me earlier today, calmly picking up the pen, signing the divorce papers, and walking away like it meant nothing. No last words. No second glances. Not even a flicker of emotion.Just… gone.After everything we’ve been through,our history, our daughter, I paused on that. Aurora isn't my daughter yet she signed those papers like she was closing a business deal. Clinical. Unbothered.Cold.I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to suppress the ache growing behind my eyes. When did she become like that? That woman who used to light up when I walked into a room now looks at me like I’m a stranger. Worse,like I’m invisible.And the scary part?I can’t even blame her fully anymore. Not afte
Flora’s POVThe phone vibrates on the table beside me, and for a moment, I just stare at it. I’m not in the mood for more calls, more drama, more unexpected twists. But when I see the caller ID—Lawyer Peter—I sigh and pick it up.“Hello?”“Mrs. Davis—sorry, I mean Ms. Flora,” he corrects himself quickly. “Just calling to inform you the divorce papers have been finalized. Both your signatures are required now. Can we arrange a meeting today?”I glance at the clock. It’s only just past noon. My chest tightens. It feels so… final. Even though I’ve been expecting this.“Okay,” I say quietly. “Give me a moment.”I hang up and dial Stanley. He picks on the third ring.“We need to meet,” I say, skipping past the pleasantries. “Peter called. The papers are ready.”He’s silent for a beat. “Where?”“His office.”“I’ll be there.”He hangs up.No arguments. No hesitation. No emotion.I close my eyes and take a deep breath.Maybe it’s better this way.The meeting room is too quiet. Peter’s des
Jessica’s POVMy fingers tap rhythmically on the countertop, the screen of my phone lighting up with the time. 11:03 AM. The meeting should have started three minutes ago, but I’m still here, sipping a lukewarm espresso and pacing like a general before war.My phone rings, sharp and loud, dragging me out of my thoughts. I glance at the caller ID—Delilah, the event planner.I press answer, already annoyed.“Jessica,” she begins quickly, “the team’s been waiting. You’re the one who fixed the meeting time, and—”“Pause.” I cut her off, voice smooth but firm. “I have something important to take care of.”I don’t wait for a reply before ending the call.The moment I hang up, I snatch my purse, slip on my sunglasses, and head for the car. Screw the meeting. It can wait. Michael is more important right now. Much more.I slide behind the wheel, engine growling to life. The gates swing open, and I speed out of the compound without a second glance.Fifteen minutes later, I pull into the
Senator Jones’ POVThe soft hum of jazz floats through my study as I pour myself a glass of whiskey. It’s late, but I’ve never been much of a sleeper. Too many things always need watching, controlling. Especially now.My phone vibrates against the oak desk. I see the caller ID and smile faintly before answering.“Boss,” I say smoothly, settling into the leather armchair.“Jones,” he replies, his voice sharp and cold as ever. “How’s Flora coping at the company? Is she giving you trouble?”I swirl the amber liquid in my glass, taking a moment before responding. “She almost did,” I admit. “She had that fire in her eyes a few days back. Looked like she was ready to tear the whole place down.”The boss chuckles darkly. “I told you she’s a wild one.”“True,” I say. “But I brought her back to her senses. Just a little nudge to remind her of her place, and she snapped right back in line.”“Good. I don’t want her rebellious. I want her useful,” the boss says. There’s a pause, then he contin
Flora’s POVI sit in the car, watching the city lights blur past through the window, and for a moment,I can’t breathe.Did I just do that?Did I really sit through a dinner with Stanley and Jessica like it didn’t break every nerve in my body? Did I smile? Stay calm? Keep my voice even?I did.And I didn’t just survive it… I owned it.I blink, looking down at my hands, still slightly trembling, but steady enough to clench the edge of my dress. I feel raw inside, like I’ve been skinned emotionally, but on the outside,I looked untouched. That has to count for something.I glance to the other seat where the nanny holds Aurora gently. She’s fast asleep, cheeks flushed from the night, her tiny hand curled around the edge of her bunny plushie. So peaceful. So soft.I swallow the lump in my throat.The nanny offers me a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t even stir. Must’ve been a long day.”“Yeah,” I say, voice hoarse. “For both of us.”I lean forward, tapping the glass. “Let’s go. I just
Flora’s POVIt’s almost time to leave, but my heart won’t stop racing.I pace the living room twice, clutching my handbag like it might fly away if I let go. Aurora’s dressed already,hair done in a sweet puff, her tiny hands playing with the butterfly clips in her curls.I turn to Mama. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like this is a mistake.”She walks over and touches my shoulder gently. “It’s not a mistake, Flora. You’re just anxious. Breathe, alright? Maybe this dinner is a good thing.”I glance toward the window. It’s already getting dark.“Be positive,” she adds. “Whatever happens tonight, just stay calm. Don’t let anyone rattle you.”I nod slowly, then my phone rings, interrupting the moment.Unknown number.I hesitate, then swipe to answer. “Hello?”“Miss Flora,” a familiar voice says, low and firm. It’s the agent. “You’ll be accompanied to your meeting tonight. My men are waiting outside your house.”“What?” I blink. “How did you even—?”But the line goes dead.I
Flora's POVI stare at the file on my desk like it might reach out and bite me. My heart’s been beating too fast since I saw his name,Stanley Davis,boldly written under the “eliminate” column. It doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense anymore.I pace the floor of my office, my heels clicking too loudly against the tiles. I want to scream, throw something, demand answers,but I don’t even know who to direct my anger to. Senator Jones? Mr. Rivera? The agent who dropped this bombshell on my desk and vanished like smoke?God, I want to go to the senator’s house. I want to grab him by the collar and ask what twisted game he’s playing. But I can’t. I think of my mom. I think of Aurora—her little giggles, the way she wraps her tiny fingers around mine like I’m her entire world.If I make the wrong move, if I provoke the wrong man… they’ll pay the price.I sit down slowly, running my fingers through my braids, trying to breathe through the chaos. I keep glancing at the door, hoping the age
Jessica’s POVThe hospital smells like antiseptic and quiet desperation. I walk briskly through the corridor, not making eye contact with anyone. I’m not here for small talk or polite nods. I’m here to get things done. Ruthlessly.I reach the doctor’s office and knock once before stepping in without waiting for a response. Dr. Franklin looks up from his desk, startled.“Miss—” he starts, standing as if unsure whether to greet me or brace himself.I cut him off with a smile. “Sit down, doctor. I won’t take much of your time.”His nervous energy is almost amusing. I close the door behind me and walk to his desk slowly, deliberately, like I own this hospital. In many ways, I do,money talks, and mine never stutters.“I need a favor,” I say, placing my purse on the edge of his desk. “Stanley’s mother… I want her drug regimen changed.”His brows knit together. “Changed?”“Yes,” I reply smoothly. “Swap it with something… a little more effective at finishing the job. Something that will sl