FAZER LOGINCHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY: THE SHADOW IN THE DAWNSerena’s POVThe storm arrived without warning. Heavy, rain-slicked winds whipped through the blooming gardens of the Laurent estate, rattling the high glass panes of the master suite.I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, my breath fogging the glass as I leaned forward, resting one hand heavily against the wooden frame. My other hand cupped the weight of my stomach.At nine full months, the pregnancy had transformed from a gentle, quiet presence into a constant, heavy reality. The baby was low so low that every step I had taken over the last two days felt like an exercise in calculated endurance."Serena?"Caspian’s low, gravelly voice cut through the quiet rustle of the rain outside.I turned my head slowly. Caspian had just stepped out of the adjoining dressing room, adjusting the cuffs of his da shirt. Even in the dim light of dawn, .Yet, the moment his dark, magnetic eyes locked onto me standing by the window, every ounc
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINE: BEYOND THE WIREBIANCA’S POVThe security protocol at the federal correction facility had become a familiar, ritual over the last six months.I didn't flinch when the heavy iron magnetic doors slammed shut behind me with a loud, metallic clatter. I didn't tense up when the scanner hummed around my frame, nor when the guard on duty checked my identification badge against the pre-cleared Laurent estate security protocol. Everything about this place was designed to strip a person down to their smallest, most isolated form. Yet, as I walked down the narrow corridor toward the private visitation booths, my chest didn't feel constricted. For the first time in ten years, the heavy weight of paranoia wasn't crushing my lungs.I adjusted the collar of my dark silk blouse, smoothing down the front of my tailored trousers. Walking through these doors used to feel like stepping onto a battlefield, a place where I came to trade sharp retorts and check on the o
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT : WHISPERS AND BLUSHESERENA’S POVThe early summer sun poured through the glass walls of the sunroom, bathing the space in warm, golden light and the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. Outside, the estate gardens were a vibrant tapestry of lush greens and pastel petals, a far cry from the snow-covered grounds where we had celebrated the New Year months ago.I sat comfortably on the plush linen sofa, propping my feet up on a soft ottoman. My hands rested lazily over my bump, which was now impossible to hide under my sleeveless yellow sundress. At six months pregnant, the baby was active, occasionally offering a gentle kick that never failed to bring a silly, radiant smile to my face.Sitting across from me at the wrought-iron table was Bianca. She had a manicured nail file in one hand, but her attention was entirely absorbed by her phone screen. A small, almost imperceptible smile played at the edges of her lips, a look I had come to recognize with
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN: THE DAWN OF TOMORROWSERENA’S POVInside the living room, the air was rich with the scent of pine, warm vanilla, spiced cider. It was New Year’s Eve.Only a year ago, the turning of the calendar had felt like an ominous march toward an uncertain, painful future. I had been living in a modest apartment, nursing and working to care for surrounded by quiet ghosts and unresolved secrets, while Caspian had been in a lonely fortress of his own making, consumed by bitterness and corporate warfare. My twin sister had been a phantom running from the law, and my brother had been fighting his own silent, agonizing battles.Now, standing on the elevated balcony overlooking the sprawling main drawing room, I rested my hand gently over the noticeable curve of my stomach beneath my gown. A soft, breathless sigh of pure contentment escaped my lips."You're standing near a draft, sweetheart."A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Ca
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIX: A NEW DAWNSERENA’S POVThe early morning sun poured through the high archways of the master bathroom, painting the marble floors in long, brilliant streaks of amber and gold. Outside, the heavy winter snows had melted, making way for the gentle, crisp breeze of early spring.I stood in front of the vanity, my hands trembling slightly as I stared down at the small plastic stick resting beside the sink.Two solid pink lines burned clearly against the white plastic.My breath caught sharply in my chest, a sudden wave of sweet, dizzying emotion washing over me from head to toe. I lifted my gaze to meet my own eyes in the mirror, my heart hammering a chaotic, joyful rhythm against my ribs.Pregnant.A new life was growing inside me. A child created out of the unbroken, fierce love Caspian and I had fought so hard to reclaim.A gentle knock echoed through the heavy door, shattering the quiet stillness of the room."Serena?" Caspian’s deep, raspy voice ca
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN: FIREPLACE AND FAMILY SERENA’S POVThe lights of the conservatory reception had faded into a cozy glow as the evening settled deep into Christmas Eve. Outside, the steady snowfall had transformed the estate grounds into a winter kingdom, but inside the main drawing room, the air was thick with warmth, laughter, and the crackle of fire in the massive stone hearth.We had abandoned our formal wedding attire an hour earlier. I was now dressed in a soft, oversized cashmere sweater and comfortable lounge trousers, my hair tied back in a loose, casual braid.Sitting cross legged on the Persian rug right in front of the fireplace was Lucas, aggressively shaking a small, wrapped box as if trying to decode its contents by sound alone. Across from him, leaning back comfortably against the velvet sofa with her legs draped lazily over the cushion, sat Bianca. A crystal glass of sparkling cider rested in her hand, her dark eyes darting between Lucas and the f







