로그인Riley’s POVI was going through the fifth draft of the plan I mapped out for one of my clients, the one who seems determined to drain the very life out of me. I have never handled a client who demanded this much. Every time I thought the project was perfect, he found a new detail to complain about. The only reason I had not blocked him everywhere was because the pay was heavy enough to make me tolerate his endless corrections. So I kept scrolling through each section again, trying to spot anything that might spark another round of back and forth.The untouched snacks beside me reminded me that I had been at this for hours. Normally I would have finished them by now, but I wanted to complete this draft and get it out of my way. My head was starting to ache a little, but I kept going.My phone vibrated on the table. I almost ignored it, but when I saw Michael’s name along with the video call icon, my heart did a little flip inside my chest. Without thinking twice, I swiped it up.H
Riley’s POVI told Michael’s driver to stop me at the mall because I needed to pick up some fresh vegetables, fruits, and a few things for dinner. He pulled over, and I stepped out with a light bounce in my steps. I felt an actual rush of energy moving through me. Maybe it was the peace I finally admitted to myself. Inside the mall, I moved from aisle to aisle with a small smile on my face, filling my basket while planning the evening in my head. I even picked up a few baby items I didn't need, but the soft pastel colors pulled me in before I could resist. I already had plenty at home, yet something about choosing more felt comforting. When I was done, I returned to the car, and the driver helped me load everything into the trunk. I sat back in my seat and watched the road stretch ahead while mentally listing everything I needed to do before dinner. I brought out my phone and opened my client’s profile, then completed a few task and updates. I made sure not to click on my person
Riley’s POVOur lips brushed lightly by mistake, which sent a warmth jolt through me. Before I could even pull away or pretend it did not happen, he leaned in, brushing my mouth again like he was checking if I would stop him. I did not stop him or even think of doing so. When his lips finally settled on mine in a slow, deep kiss, something inside me loosened. I leaned in without hesitation, responding like this was something I had been denying myself for too long.I did not know how my hands ended up behind his neck, holding him closer as if I owned every second of the moment, but I knew one thing with absolute certainty. I did not want the kiss to end. Not when it felt like all the feelings I had been trying to bury were clawing their way back.I pulled back a little just to catch my breath, but the moment air touched my lips, I leaned in again. This time I kissed him first. The heat in my chest grew and spread through me. It felt like a dam breaking, and I had no strength to h
Michael’s POVI rushed down the stairs while fastening my cufflinks, barely paying attention to the fact that I almost missed a step. I was not surprised to find everyone still seated exactly where I left them. It looked like time seemed to freeze as though no one had even taken a breath since I went upstairs. I did not have the strength or patience to deal with any more questions, so I kept moving.Getting ready had been faster than I expected. My closet was arranged so neatly that I did not need to think twice about what to wear, which worked perfectly since my mind was already cluttered with thoughts about Riley. I grabbed the first outfit in the section marked for casual meetings and hoped I looked decent enough for a man whose life currently felt like it was on fire.I noticed Grandma struggling to stand, trying to prepare herself as if she planned to follow me. Unfortunately for her, her doctors arrived right at that moment for her daily check and medications, and she could no
Michael’s POVI woke up feeling drained, and I knew the late night meeting was the reason. The video call dragged longer than planned, and it pushed straight into the early hours of the morning. No wonder I ended up waking later than I usually do. My head felt so heavy.When I reached for my phone, the screen lit up with a long list of missed calls and messages from Riley. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat. She never called me that many times unless something was wrong. My mind jumped straight to the worst possibilities before I even opened a single text.I quickly called her back, praying I had not missed something important.The phone rang several times, and each unanswered ring heightened the tension further. She still did not pick up, and the anxiousness crawled all over me. I stood up immediately and started dressing, thinking of the faster route to follow and reach her place. I kept calling her repeatedly, wondering why she was not picking when she clearly tried to reach me
Sienna’s POV I woke up feeling drained, the kind of exhaustion that settles deep in the bones. I must have fallen asleep right in the middle of imagining myself beside Michael again. It felt pathetic, but it was the only place where my mind felt a little lighter. In my dreams, he always chose me, while in reality, I was confined like a criminal.I pushed myself out of bed, went to the bathroom, washed my face, and brushed my teeth slowly, trying to shake off the heaviness inside me.Another day of the same routine was waiting for me, and the officers would knock any moment to confirm I was awake and compliant. I did not want their voices to be the reason I started my day, so I hurried through everything.When I finally sat on the small stool near the sink, I reached behind the cabinet again and pulled out the tablet my father secretly smuggled to me. The screen lit up immediately, and I went straight to the trending headlines. It was the only thing I looked forward to. A little win







