เข้าสู่ระบบBriar’s POVA long breath escaped my nostrils as I stepped into the building. It seems my fate is tied to the Sterlings, no matter how hard I try to break free from them. “There she is.” Rissa’s cheerful voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she wrapped her arm around mine. “Good morning. I was hoping you didn’t suddenly change your mind.” I laughed lightly, “I realized I didn’t have much insurance or savings to stay back home for too long. So I am here to get the check.” I winked. “That's right. Let’s get the bag.” We both laughed entering the elevator. The door had barely closed when my phone rang out noisily. I searched my bag for it and cursed inwardly at the caller. Seeing as it's unknown it is probably my mother. “Is something bothering you?” Rissa inquired I silenced the phone, tucking it in my bag while shaking my head. “It’s nothing to be bothered about.” “Alright.”“How was your weekend?” I asked to ease the sudden awkwardness. A sneaky grin crossed her face. “Splend
Adrian’s POV“What are you doing here so early?” Briar inquired with a frown on her face while holding onto the door. “Daddy!” Knox's excited voice came from behind, squeezing past his mother to reach me. I lifted him off the ground happily. “There is my champ. How are you?” He wrapped his arm around my neck, grinning. “Fine, daddy. Are you here for me?” I bobbed my head, “Yes, my boy. I am here to take you to school.” I held his mother’s gaze this time. Briar made a face. “I don’t remember discussing that with you.” “I did mention that I would like to.”“And I don’t remember saying yes.” “Nothing changes now, does it? You need to get to work and our champ here needs to get to school. How about I drop him off together and I get you to work?” I beamed hopefully at her. She scoffed, pulling me down on my high horse. “In your dreams. Gina will go with you to drop him off at school. I can find my way.” “Knox, you need to get ready,” Gina called out. “You should go to Gina, son.
Author’s POV“Is there anything you think I can use to pacify him? I didn’t mean to sideline him.” Briar said on the other end of the phone. Rissa looked over at Liam’s hunched back as he gulped down his beer. “Don’t bother, Briar. He will be fine. Just ensure you are good. I will talk to you later. Send my kisses to Knox.” “Thank you.” She muttered. Rissa tucked the phone in her pocket when the line went dead and continued cutting up the watermelon she intended to serve Liam. Seeing how troubled he looked made her heavy-hearted. And it hurts badly that he refuses to see anything other than what he has fixated his eyes on. For a long time, she had hoped things would move forward between them. One of the reasons she made attempts to also be better in her craft. Not leaving his side wasn’t a lack of option. She was just fine being there. When she knew her feelings weren’t shallow was the moment his heart chose the one she now considers a sister and she was willing to remain on the s
Briar’s POV“Why do you seem so nervous? It’s not you he is coming to see.” Gina noted, handing me a cup of tea. I took a quick sip of it, seeking calm in its soothing taste. This visit from Adrian wasn’t like his mother’s. I didn’t announce anything to Knox and there was no Rissa to hold my hand. I didn’t tell her. Just myself, Gina, and Knox in the house while awaiting his arrival. I still don’t know how Knox will react. It might not be easy for him to soak this in, as he did with his grandmother. “I don’t know. What if Knox is not pleased? What if he gets annoyed that I didn’t care to let him know earlier?” “He is a child, Briar. He doesn’t have such complex thinking just yet.” “I really hope not,” I muttered, biting down on my lip. The doorbell soon rang, startling me. “I will get it,” I said to Gina. Almost dropping the teacup. Standing in front of the door, I took a deep breath. Cautioning myself to remain calm. Only to open the door to a bigger surprise that I wasn’t expec
Adrian’s POVI hesitated by the door, having a run-through of the things that I should say. But none seemed to be sticking at the moment. The DNA test result came in, it only affirmed what was already known. As for the news that had been spread, when we got to find the perpetrator, he seemed to have escaped. It feels suspicious which is why I intend to pursue the case. But Briar doesn’t need to know that, I don’t want her already failing trust in me to go deep down the drain again. Taking a deep breath, I raised my hand to press on the doorbell, but it opened up before I could. Briar cursed loudly when our eyes met. Without saying a word, she turned her back to me and pulled the door closed. “Briar?” I called out as she walked past me. “Briar, can we talk please?” “What do you want?” She snapped while standing in front of the elevator. “Didn’t you already get the result? Why are you here? To claim custody?” I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. “I will never do such a thi
Briar’s POVA few hours after Melissa left, I wasn’t so certain about my decision anymore. How I intend to present the subject to Knox got me all worked up. I fought the urge to reach out to Melissa and tell her not to bother to return. But I do not even have her contact or any other means to reach her. “It can't be that bad, you know? I am sure it will be smooth sailing.” Rissa said as if reading my thoughts. “I am not certain about that,” I admitted. “How do I tell him Melissa is his grandmother without telling him about his father too? I am still really pissed at Adrian, so I can’t have him meeting my boy now. Yet, I don’t want him confused.” “He won’t be.” She reassured, “I am sure you will handle it just fine.”The door soon clicked open, ushering in Gina and Knox. I swallowed hard, holding up a wide smile. “Mummy!” He squealed in excitement, running towards me. “My baby.” I scooped him off the floor, ruffling his hair and pressing kisses to his soft face. Goodness, I love h
Briar’s POVI finally made up my mind. Atlanta to Inglewood by road will take me two days to reach. But it is the best option for me. I cannot afford to have my movement tracked by Adrian. So taking a plane is off the table. I need to disappear as quietly as possible. This would be my first long
Briar’s POVAs the rain thundered against the window, my chest tightened and tears flowed nonstop. It’s been two months of darkness in my life. My little one grows inside me healthily, but I worry that my sadness might deprive the child of a full life. How can I be happy when everything around me i
Briar’s POV“Why can’t I visit?” Mum yelled from the other end of the phone. I held the phone away from my ear, cursing inwardly. “Mum, please. I am stressed.”“That is not the response I seek.” She snapped. Inhaling sharply, I rubbed at my growing belly gently with my free hand. It’s been over
Briar’s POV“Congratulations, Mrs. Sterling, you are six weeks pregnant.” The doctor’s words played repeatedly in my head making my toes curl in excitement. A little burst of giggles kept escaping my lips at each reminder. I knew it was only a matter of time before all that I wanted came to me. No







