Mag-log inAlexander’s POVStanding outside my car, I hold my tablet, swiping through the documents my lawyer has just emailed to me. My phone is placed on the seat, still on a call with him. “We offered ten billion after signing the NDA… That was more than enough to cover their debts, acquire major shares, and absorb their assets.”“On paper? Yes, it would have been.” Mark responds.I pause, taking a deep breath as I scratch my forehead. “On paper? What is that?”“The valuation works if everything is exactly as disclosed during due diligence. But not anymore.”My jaw tightens. I pick up my phone, turn off the loudspeaker, and put it against my ear. “Explain.”He takes a deep breath and says, “Look at page five.”I swipe on the Thorne Tab, staring at figures.“Rose Manufacturing… their liabilities are… layered.” He utters carefully. “What they disclosed initially and what we uncovered this week are not the same… Off-book obligations, pending litigation, and maybe two regulatory flags–”“Regulat
Lewis’ POVShe lifts her eyes and stops. With a soft gasp, she quickly grips her jacket, clutching it close. That’s where my eyes fall to. And a memory hits me—the last and most daring time she made her feelings known to me.“L– Lewis?” She mutters in shock.My heart stirs as I drag in her dangerously sweet scent. I let out a deep breath and take one more step toward her, raising my eyes to hers. “Sophia, I, um…”Words bail on me as I hold her gaze. Sparkly eyes that have always had me wondering if she’s wearing contact lenses stare back at me. But the smokiness around them renders me breathless. Her eyes dart slightly. I pause on the mole below the left one. Her cheeks are flushed and shiny. Her lips–so glossy and beautifully parted. I imagine my lips on them. Insanely tempting.“Hello,” she says and drops her eyes. “Um, bye-bye–”Instantly, she turns leftward, going past me.My senses flare.“Sophia?” I grab her wrist fast and turn.She gasps again, tripping over her legs. Her left
Lewis’ POVHe’s fu–ed her? Already? And she rates it 110? Didn’t she want to wait until marriage? A hard and painful lump forms in my throat, stealing air from my lungs. Regret haunts me in this moment, mocking and laughing in my face as I watch Alex stroke Soph Soph’s back. My mouth dries. I can’t deny that I’ve been curious ever since she arrived to know what she wore underneath that fur. But now, I can just imagine.Her skin looks creamy and smooth from here. Her rhinestone top is luxuriously stunning and… sexy. He’s encased her in his arms, and she’s just so beautifully small in his lap, pressed against him willingly, holding onto him, putting those two softies on him, and fitting him in a way that causes my heart to ache.She slowly moves, hugging him tighter before pressing a kiss on his cheek.“Get that ****, girl!” Stassie screeches.More screams and cheers of support boom over my head. Even Kylie is smiling now, reveling in the fact that Sophia is undeniably unavailable
Sophia’s POVMy fingers tremble despite Alexander’s hands covering them. My heart pounds in my ears, threatening to break my borrowed courage, yet I feel light and floaty, almost untouchable. It’s all thanks to the cocktails.Kylie opens her mouth again, “I wasn’t bullying–”“Just apologize.” Barbara cuts her off.“What for? I wasn’t–”“Kylie?” Lewis holds her, gritting my teeth.“Um…” Candace begins. I shift my eyes to her, and she’s unable to hold my gaze. “I didn’t mean to–”“No need to apologize,” I utter and turn to Scott. “Let’s keep playing. You’ve not asked us.”Alexander holds me so close against his body; it’s incredibly warm and has me feeling all sorts of wonderful things, especially butterflies. It’s pointless to let sad people ruin my night for me. Nothing is my fault; I didn’t ask to be ‘fat’ prone.“Don’t let them bother you.” He whispers and slowly presses a kiss to my shoulder. A smile is pushed to my lips before I nod in response. After all, thanks to this game, and
Lewis’ POVSophia shakes her head in response, unaware that Alex is looking at her, almost like he’s studying her.“No one.” She answers with confidence. “Neither of us would cheat.”“Alex, what about you?”He slowly lifts his eyes from her, holding Scott’s gaze.My brows twitch in curiosity.Why was he looking at her like that? Does he think she’ll cheat on him? With who?“No one.” He says plainly and meets Sophia’s gaze. She blinks, folding her lips.What’s going on?His lips spread in a slow smile, arms curving around her as he pulls her against him. She scrunches up her nose and breaks into a smile, too. She puts her arms around his, relaxing against his body.My hand shakes. I grab a snack and chew hard. But when I sit back, Kylie’s unsettled gaze is on me. She exhales, looking away in annoyance.“Those two are getting flirty,” Nicole remarks.“I’m speechless.” Barbara laughs. “Is this really Alex?!”Everyone chuckles.“All right! Let’s keep going. Lyra, draw a card.” Scott says
Lewis’ POVBarbara and Sean are expecting.They dropped the news on us some minutes ago, giving everyone more reasons to celebrate. I’m still in awe. But while we wait for Sophia and Barbara to return from wherever they went before we start the couples game, the rest of us have been discussing sports and all that’s been happening in the country. “I saw a bit of that one. Manchester United won.” Alex says to Luke as he sips champagne.My brows flick up while Luke and Aaron’s jaws drop.“You watch soccer now?” Scott asks.He smiles as he nods. “Once in a while. Soph’s a huge fan of the European Premier League.”“Noooo!” The guys chorus in excitement.I glance at him. They watch soccer together?“What’s her team?” Sean asks.“Chelsea.”“Ouuu! She’s smart.” Sean sits up, joining the conversation.“Is that yours, too?”He nods. “Her favorite player?”“James,” Alex answers in a breath.“Ouuuu! Where is she?!” He claps with enthusiasm, stamping his feet. “She went to college in London. Sh
Alexander’s POVMother: {We’ll be home just for your engagement. I can’t wait to meet that angel who won your heart. I love her already, and I’ll always love you. God bless both of you.}Mother: {Your father is so proud of you.}Jaw twitching, my eyes stay glued to the screen. After that post, sho
Sophia’s POV“Congratulations once again, my Love,” My Dad says as he kisses my forehead.“Thank you, Dad,” I murmur, smiling at him as he tucks me into bed. He insisted.My mom is standing close, smiling happily, and waiting for her husband. They threw a small party for me to celebrate my official
Sophia’s POVCold air washes over me, confirming that he’s opened the door.I keep my eyes closed, staying still as my chest pounds.Heat from his body engulfs me, his scent drowns me, and in a second, strong arms go around my waist. He picks me up effortlessly. My breath catches.“Don’t open your
Sophia’s POVMy head pounds like it’s been struck by lightning. My eyes are ablaze from too much screen time on my iPad. It’s 08:00 A.M., and I’m still in bed, adding endlessly to my cart; I’ve already gone through half of the money he gave me.Over eleven years of history and friendship. Nicole







