LOGINMaya's POVBuzz. Buzz. Buzz.I frowned as my phone vibrated for what felt like the tenth time.I looked down at the screen while mindlessly eating from a bag of popcorn and watching Gabby run circles around the living room, waving the ribbon she'd gotten from her goodie bag earlier that afternoon.My eyebrows furrowed as I read the message.What in the entire fuck?So Stanley had been approaching Shane's ex-wife, trying to recruit her to dig up dirt on us and break us up.The man was a complete shithead.I quickly texted Shane back.'Did she give him any information? Did she actually help him with anything?'His response came almost immediately.'I don't think so. Sounds like he just kept approaching her from different angles trying to get information.'I sighed and dropped onto the couch.As I sat there chewing popcorn, my thoughts started piecing things together.Then something clicked.Isla had never been invited to my art opening.Yet she showed up. So did Stanley. So did Stanley'
Isla's POVAs I pulled the last batch of cookies from the oven and transferred them onto a serving plate, I glanced over at Lily and Sophia. Both girls were happily dipping oatmeal raisin cookies into glasses of milk, smiling like they hadn't a care in the world.For a moment, I simply watched them.God, I loved my children.The doorbell rang.I heard Shane groan from down the hall before he emerged from his room and headed for the front door. He looked through the glass, nodded, and opened it."Thank you so much."A moment later, he came back carrying two large pizza boxes from Giordano's.One was a deep-dish pizza.The other was a thin crust loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and other toppings I actually liked.I smiled despite myself.Shane set the boxes on the table and checked the time."It's 5:45. Shane Jr. should be here soon. He texted me and said he's on his way."I grabbed drinks from the refrigerator and placed them on the table along with plates, napkins, and cups."Girls, a
Shane's POVAs I watched my children eat their box lunches, I had to admit they looked really good.The lunches had come from a specialty sandwich shop who donated the food, and the kids had been able to choose whatever they wanted. Even the children who didn't eat meat had options. There were wraps, vegetarian sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, and cookies.Honestly?I was impressed.I grabbed my own lunch box and sat down while Maya grabbed hers and took a seat beside Gabby.The room buzzed with laughter and conversation as kids proudly showed off their artwork."Dad! Did you see what I painted?" Sophia asked excitedly.I looked over at her canvas."Yeah, Soph. This is gorgeous."Her entire face lit up."Really?""Really."She grinned."I love painting. I want to come back next time."I smiled."I'm glad."Then I looked over at Lily."What about you, Lil?""I want to come back too," she said immediately. "I think I did an awesome job."She pointed toward her painting."And the teacher
Isla's POVAfter Shane and the kids left, I sat down at the kitchen table and took a deep breath. The house felt quiet.A little too quiet.I rubbed my hands over my face and sighed. What the fuck am I supposed to do now? My kids had always gravitated more toward Shane.That wasn't new.It had been that way for years. He was the fun parent. The dependable parent. The parent who showed up every single time.And now?Now it felt like they were slipping farther and farther away from me. The truth was, I never thought Shane would actually leave me.Not really.I thought he'd be angry. I thought he'd yell. I thought we'd fight.But leave?No.I never thought he would walk away from me. Not after all these years. Not after we'd been together since we were sixteen. Physically, I had always been there.Mentally?That was a different story.I looked around the house and felt something settle heavily in my chest. What am I doing?Did I want my children to be happy?Or did I want myself to be
Maya's POVAs I walked around the studio, making sure everything was ready, I couldn't help but feel proud.The donated smocks were neatly stacked. The goodie bags were lined up and ready to go. The food looked amazing. Everything looked beyond perfect.This was the first day of our art program, and we were scheduled to run it for four consecutive weekends. The goal was simple to teach the kids something new, give them a creative outlet, and hopefully inspire them to keep coming back.If things went well, maybe we'd gain enough traction to offer classes throughout the summer.A lot of parents were already excited about it. Some probably just wanted a couple hours of peace and quiet on a Saturday morning, but honestly, that was fine too.We had chosen the perfect time, not too early, not too late.Just enough structure and fun to make everyone happy.One of the volunteers, Myla, hurried over carrying several large containers of paint."Do you think this is enough paint?" she asked.I s
Shane's POVI woke up early Saturday morning around seven because I needed to get my family ready for the art class Maya was hosting.Rolling out of bed, I made a beeline for the bathroom. Nature wasn't waiting on anybody this morning.After taking care of business, I flushed, washed my hands, and headed back into my room. My eyes immediately drifted to my phone.Maya never called me back last night.That wasn't like her.Something had to have happened really big with her brother. For him to show up that late, it had to be serious. Maybe it was about her mom. Maybe something else entirely.I checked my phone.No missed calls.No messages.I quickly sent her a text.Good morning, love. Contact me when you wake up. I want to know what happened with your brother. Can't wait to see you later.Your love.Satisfied, I set my phone down and headed back into the bathroom for a shower.After brushing my teeth, trimming my beard, and combing my hair, I got dressed in a pair of joggers, a T-shir
Isla’s POVBy the time I pull up to the school, my stomach is already tight.It’s not because of traffic. Or work. Or the kids.It’s the feeling.That low, nagging certainty sitting in my gut, whispering that Shane is not working late. Again.I sigh as I shift the van into park. I could follow him.
Shane’s POVBeep. Beep. Beep. Beep.My hand reaches for my phone on instinct, but I can’t move.There’s a soft, warm weight pressed against my chest.I crack one eye open and look down.Maya.Still sprawled on top of me, naked, peaceful, completely out of it. Soft snores slipping from her lips like
Maya’s POVMy best friend in the whole entire world pulls me away from that fine specimen of a man like she’s saving me from myself.Shane.Lord.I sigh as Sienna drags me a few steps to the side, her grip firm but familiar. “What’s going on, girl?” I ask, already knowing the answer.She gives me t
Shane’s POVMan… I can’t believe they’re actually finally married.I stand there for a second, drink in hand, letting the reality of it settle in while the reception buzzes around me with the music thumping, people laughing too loud, somebody already drunk and it’s not even late yet. I glance over







