Caroline’s Point of ViewWinning the competition should have been the hardest part.I pour everything into my designs, fighting against sabotage, betrayal, and every possible obstacle thrown my way. Yet, standing in my boutique weeks later, watching the steady stream of customers come and go, I realize something.The real battle has just begun.Success has turned into an exhausting whirlwind. My inbox is constantly flooded with custom orders, my phone never stops buzzing with inquiries, and every time I sit down, another customer walks in needing assistance.At first, the rush of it all is exhilarating. Now? It’s just exhausting.Penelope leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching me struggle to balance three jewelry boxes while answering a customer's question. "You need help," she says, unimpressed."I’ve got it," I insist, shifting my grip.I do not have it.One box slips, and in my panic to catch it, the others follow.With a loud clatter, all three hit the floor.Penelope s
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe moment he speaks, I know I’m in trouble."I saw your job posting," he says, his deep, smooth voice laced with something effortlessly charming. "I’d like to apply."Penelope grips my wrist hard under the counter, and I barely suppress a wince.This man—this Italian god—is exactly the type of employee that would drive my customers crazy. And I don’t mean bad crazy. I mean good crazy. The buy-everything-in-the-store-just-to-see-him-smile kind of crazy.He's got a boyish charm, younger but still undeniably handsome. Tall and lean, he carries himself with effortless confidence, the kind that turns heads without trying. His dark brown hair is tousled in that perfect mix of careless and intentional, and his sharp, well-defined features make it impossible to look away.But it's his eyes that truly draw you in.A deep, warm hazel—alive with mischief, edged with something both playful and a little dangerous.He tilts his head, and I realize I’ve been quiet for too l
Dolly’s Point of ViewThe moment Knoxx mentions that our stay in Italy is only temporary, a sharp pang slices through my chest. I have always known this wasn’t permanent, but hearing it so plainly from his lips makes my stomach churn. It isn’t just about me anymore. My daughter loves it here.And I can’t say no to her.“Mommy, please,” she whines, tugging on the hem of my designer dress with her tiny hands. Her big, pleading eyes glisten as she looks up at me, her bottom lip jutting out in an almost perfect pout. “I don’t want to go back. I love it here. Italy is so much prettier than home! The people talk funny, but I like it!”I stroke her soft curls, my heart squeezing. She is my world, my perfect little angel. How can I deny her anything?I kneel in front of her, smoothing out the frills of her dress as I speak softly. “I know, sweetheart. Mommy loves it here too. But Daddy—” I hesitate, my lips pressing together. The words feel heavy, like they don’t belong in my mouth. “Daddy th
Caroline’s Point of ViewAs expected, Adrian’s entire demeanor shifts the moment his gaze lands on Alessandro. His usual cool confidence falters just enough for me to notice—the sharp furrow of his brows, the slight clench of his jaw, the way his shoulders stiffen like he’s bracing himself for something.Jealousy.It hums in the air between us, subtle but unmistakable.He steps forward, his movements controlled but laced with something tense, something taut and restrained. “Who’s this?” His voice is steady, but there’s a bite to it, a careful edge that makes my stomach flutter for reasons I don’t want to analyze too deeply.Alessandro, ever the charming one, doesn’t seem the least bit fazed. He offers a small smile, tilting his head as he introduces himself. “Alessandro Luca Romano,” he says smoothly, his Italian accent thick and effortless. “Caroline’s newest employee.”I can practically feel the heat of Adrian’s gaze as he shifts his attention to me, questioning, searching for somet
Caroline’s Point of ViewI hesitate for a moment before knocking on Liam’s bedroom door, the soft sound barely audible in the quiet hallway. My fingers tighten slightly against the wood as I wait for a response. When none comes, I push the door open gently, peeking inside.Liam is curled up on his bed, his small frame illuminated by the glow of his nightlight. The soft, star-shaped light casts a faint pattern against the walls, a comforting presence in an otherwise heavy atmosphere.He doesn’t look at me when I enter.Instead, he stares at the ceiling, his brows furrowed in deep thought, his little hands gripping the blanket tightly. The sight makes my chest ache. I know that look—I’ve worn it too many times myself.Something is eating at him.I take a slow step forward, keeping my voice gentle. “Hey, buddy,” I say, sitting on the edge of his bed. “Uncle Adrian said you came home upset today. Want to talk about it?”Liam’s reaction is immediate. His small shoulders tense, and he shake
Caroline's Point of ViewI sit on the couch, my fingers touch the edge of my glass creating a soft clink that breaks the quiet between Adrian and me. My brain can't stop, ideas colliding as I look at Adrian, who sits across from me. His face gives nothing away, his body seems at ease, but I know better. I understand him more deeply. Something always hides under the surface with him.The impact of this revelation hits me hard making breathing tough. For years, I clung to that memory—gripped it like a lifeline during my marriage's worst times, as if it proved Knoxx could do something good, something unselfish. But it wasn't him. It was Adrian.I let out a slow breath before I break the quiet. "Adrian," I begin, my voice gentler than I meant it to be. "The watch... that day... you saved me, didn't you?"Adrian looks at me, his dark eyes calm hard to read. He doesn't answer right away, which makes my heart race with suspense.After what seems like forever, he sits back on the couch drummi
Caroline's Point of ViewThe next morning, I enter the store taking a deep breath. I brace myself for any chaos the day might bring. The bell above the door rings as I walk in. The familiar smell of polished wood, velvet displays, and faint perfume welcomes me. Warm lights cast a soft glow on the arranged jewelry making everything glitter.It's early, but some customers already look at the displays. This is a good sign. Sales have gone up , and I know why."Ah, la mia bella donna finalmente arriva."I have time to turn before I hear Alessandro's smooth, teasing voice. I look over and see him standing by the counter leaning on it with the kind of easy confidence he can pull off. His dark brown hair looks a bit messy—on purpose, I bet—and his sharp features show a relaxed amused expression."Alessandro," I sigh putting my bag down behind the counter. "You're here .""For you? Always." He puts a hand on his chest like he's touched. "Plus, my dear Caroline how could I skip any chance to s
Dolly’s Point of ViewThe moment my daughter, Evelyn, walks into the living room, I can tell something is off. She’s hesitating, shifting from foot to foot, her little fingers clenching the hem of her dress. My eyes narrow immediately.“What is it?” I ask, my voice sharper than I intend.She bites her lip, avoiding my gaze. “Mommy… Liam found out something.”My heart stops for a split second before it slams hard against my ribs.No.I set down my phone, straightening. “What do you mean Liam found out something?” My tone is controlled, but the sharp edge in my voice makes her flinch.Evelyn’s eyes dart to the side, her small hands twisting together. “He… he found out I can’t see colors right.”A sickening dread coils in my stomach.I stand up so fast that my chair scrapes against the marble floor with a sharp screech. “How?” My voice is cold now, demanding.She fidgets under my gaze. “We were coloring in class. He saw that I used the wrong colors and asked me about it. I—I told him to
Knoxx's Point of View"She promised it to me, Daddy! You said promises should be kept!"My daughter's voice breaks as she clutches my arm, big teary eyes staring up at me like I'm the bad guy. Again.I crouch down, trying to stay calm. “I know, sweetheart. But Mommy can’t get it for you right now.”“She said she would before she left!” Her lip trembles. “I want it!”Dolly’s name hangs unspoken between us.Before she left—before she was arrested and locked up for what she did to Caroline.The little girl doesn’t understand any of it. To her, Dolly’s still “Mommy,” and promises still matter.I exhale slowly. I don’t want to argue with a child. Not tonight. I rub a hand down my face and force a steady voice. “Which necklace did she say she’d get you?”She sniffs and pulls out the tablet from her tiny pink backpack. With a few swipes, she opens a photo. A jewelry website. One I recognize immediately.Caroline’s shop.My throat tightens. The necklace is delicate—simple, silver, with a soft
Knoxx’s Point of ViewI know something’s off.It starts small—barely noticeable, really. But over the past few days, I’ve seen it again and again.The little girl who once clung to me so tightly now barely reacts when I come home. She used to run into my arms, squeal, call me “Daddy” like it was the most natural thing in the world. Now, there’s a pause. A flicker of hesitation before she says it, like she’s trying to remember that she’s supposed to.And I pretend not to notice.I tell myself it’s just a phase. That maybe she’s tired. That maybe she’s distracted. That maybe… she still misses Dolly.Yesterday, I brought home her favorite cookies. Or what Dolly claimed were her favorite. The girl blinked at the box like she didn’t recognize it.“Don’t you love these?” I asked, crouching down to her eye level.
Caroline's Point of View We’re already an hour into shopping and both of us are starting to slow down. The mall is busy—kids screaming, couples holding hands, older people sitting on benches by the fountains—but somehow, Penelope and I walk through the noise like we’re somewhere else entirely.She’s holding a small paper bag, something she picked up at a local boutique we passed earlier. I’m pushing the shopping cart, even though we’re not even in the grocery section. Just walking. Browsing. Letting time pass.It’s peaceful. In a way I haven’t felt in a long time.Penelope nudges me with her elbow as we pass by a home decor display. “So… are you gonna talk about it or should I keep pretending I didn’t notice?”I raise an eyebrow. “Talk about what?”She smirks. “You know what.”I blink. “Pen, I reall
Caroline's Point of View I don’t usually turn on the television during breakfast. The apartment is quiet, and I like it that way. But this morning, I let the noise fill the silence.The news is on. Business segment. I don’t think twice about it until I hear his name.“Knoxx Wayne, CEO of Wayne Holdings, has once again made headlines with the launch of his latest renewable tech venture—”I freeze.My fork hovers midair. My appetite disappears.And then, there he is.Knoxx.The screen shows him standing in front of a line of men in suits. Flashing cameras, microphones shoved in his face, reporters circling like vultures. The same stage, the same performance I’ve seen him give a hundred times.But this time, it’s different.He doesn’t look like Knoxx.He looks thinner. Pale. The tailored suit hangs looser than usual. His smile is weak—hollow. Like it’s something he’s forgotten how to do but remembers he’s supposed to.His eyes don’t shine the way they used to when he talked about his wo
Caroline's Point of ViewThe hospital smells like antiseptic and something sharp underneath—like old metal and fear.I clutch Liam’s small hand tighter as we walk through the clinic’s wide glass doors. His sneakers squeak on the polished floor, and he keeps tugging at me, eager to run ahead.“Easy, buddy,” I murmur, smiling tightly.Today isn’t just a visit. It’s Adrian’s follow-up check-up.He insisted he was fine—brushed it off with that stubborn tilt of his mouth that used to drive me crazy. But I wasn’t about to let him come here alone, not after everything.“Mom, can I go see daddy now?” Liam bounces on his toes.I glance down the hallway toward the private exam rooms.“Let’s wait until the doctor finishes checking him, okay?” I say.The receptionist recognizes me, smiles warmly. “You can go right in, Miss Hill. Dr. Moreno just finished his evaluation.”I nod my thanks, squeezing Liam’s hand as we move through the hallways.I can hear Adrian’s voice before we even reach the room.
Caroline's Point of ViewThe bell above the door jingles when it swings open, but I don’t look up right away.I'm at the counter, polishing a silver chain with slow, careful motions, pretending not to notice who just walked in. I don’t need to look. I know that heavy, dragging sound of his boots across the marble floor. I know the way the air changes when he’s near — heavier, familiar in a way that still manages to unsettle me.I keep my head down.Maybe he’ll leave.Maybe he’ll realize there's nothing left to say.But he doesn’t. He moves closer, the floor creaking under his weight."Caroline," Knoxx says, voice low.I finish buffing the chain and set it down neatly on the velvet mat before I lift my gaze.He looks terrible.Unshaven. Hollow-eyed. His jacket hangs loose on his frame like he forgot how to take care of himself. He doesn’t even try to pretend he’s fine. For once, Knoxx Wayne is stripped bare in front of me.And somehow, seeing him like this doesn’t bring me satisfaction
Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit on the floor of my bedroom with my phone in my hand and a heavy ache in my chest. The house is quiet. The twins are with Adrian in the kitchen, drawing on the table with their markers. I told him I needed a few minutes alone. He didn’t ask why—just kissed my cheek and said he’d keep them busy.I stare down at my screen, at the endless thread of messages.Knoxx: I’ll be late tonight. Again.Knoxx: She’s just here for the baby, Caroline. Don’t make a big deal out of it.Knoxx: I’m tired. Can we not do this tonight?Knoxx: I didn’t mean it like that.Knoxx: You’re overthinking. Like always.Each one feels like a scratch on glass. Small, sharp, building toward something that eventually shattered me.I scroll up, past the excuses, past the cold replies, past the silence.Until I reach the older ones.Knoxx: Can’t sto
Caroline's Point of ViewI don’t want to care.But I do.Even after everything. Even after the lies, the betrayal, the manipulation—I still feel that tightening in my chest, that flicker of something I wish I could suffocate. It's not love. It’s not hope. It’s not even hate. It’s a stubborn wound that hasn’t closed properly.The front door creaks. I know the rhythm of those steps. Penelope.I stay where I am, on the couch, a notebook open on my lap. I haven’t written anything meaningful in it all day. Just scribbles. Doodles. Adrian’s name in cursive, printed, tiny in the margins like some foolish girl trying to anchor herself in something good.“You’re not watching the news?” Penelope’s voice is soft, but it cuts through the silence anyway.I look up. Her face says everything before her words do—tense, unreadable.“No,” I say, sharper tha
Knoxx’s Point of ViewIt’s too quiet in the house.I’m sitting on the edge of the bed in my daughter’s room—our daughter’s room—watching her sleep. Eight years old, but still small in ways that remind me how fragile everything is. She clutches the worn-out stuffed bear Dolly gave her on her third birthday. The same one she wouldn't let go of even when she had the flu and cried through the night.I’ve been checking on her more often. Staying longer than I need to. Not because she asks—she rarely does—but because I don’t know what else to do with myself anymore.“Hey, sweetheart,” I whisper, brushing a loose curl from her forehead. “It’s just you and me now.”She doesn’t stir. Just turns her face toward the wall.I lean back against the bedpost, hands tangled together, eyes fixed on the soft glow of the nightlight in the corner. I should feel