Sophia’s POVI frowned, my concern growing. “What happened? Why can't you go home?”He shook his head, his eyes avoiding mine. “I can't tell you right now, Sophia. Please, just let me stay for tonight.”I bit my lip, torn between my sympathy for him and my instinct to protect Reese, who was sleeping soundly in her bedroom. “Are you in some kind of trouble? I can't let you stay here if you won't tell me.”Adrian looked pained, his shoulders slumping. “It's nothing that will put you or Reese in danger, I promise. Nothing illegal, either. It's just a family problem, and I can't be home right now.”I sighed, stepping aside to let him in. “Fine, you can stay tonight. But tomorrow, you need to tell me what's really going on. I can't keep doing this, Adrian.”He nodded gratefully, stepping inside and sinking onto the couch. “Thank you, Sophia. I'll explain everything soon, I promise.”As I watched him settle in for the night, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Adrian had a habit of show
Sophia’s POVThe sun was shining brightly through the curtains, but inside my home, it seemed like a gigantic shadow was looming ahead. I stood there in shock, watching Adrian and the strange men talking in hushed tones, my mind spinning with confusion and unease. Adrian’s expression was tense, but his eyes softened when he glanced my way. I didn’t trust him, not entirely, not yet. Especially now that I’ve discovered this about him. The creak of a bedroom door made me whip around. Reese appeared, her small figure framed in the doorway. She was in her favorite pink pajamas, rubbing her eyes and looking adorably sleepy.“Uncle Adrian?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She looked up at me with wide, curious eyes. “Who are they, Mommy?”Panic surged through me. I rushed to Reese’s side, scooping her up in my arms. “It’s okay, sweetie,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice calm. “Go back to bed, alright?”Reese blinked at me, confused. “But it’s already morning!” she exclaimed.
Sophia’s POVMy heart was pounding wildly as I ran toward the building. Once inside, I made my way to Elijah's office, barely registering the greetings from my colleagues. I knocked on his door, my hand shaking, and pushed it open without waiting for a response.Elijah looked up from his desk, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern as he saw my face. “Sophia, what's wrong?”I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. “Elijah, I think someone was following me on my way here.”He stood up, his eyes narrowing. "Are you sure?"I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. A black sedan. It followed me for miles. I tried to lose it, but it didn't work. I'm scared it might be related to...to Reese's kidnapping."Elijah's jaw tightened, and he walked around his desk to stand in front of me. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. I'll send you home for now. I'll accompany you to make sure you're safe.”Elijah stayed beside me as we rode the elevator to the building lob
Sophia’s POVAs I followed Troy down the stark hospital corridor, I felt Elijah’s steady presence beside me. My mind whirled with a thousand thoughts, but the loudest was my concern for Brenda. She had never been the mother I needed, not like my foster father had been before he passed. Now, with Troy’s desperate plea and his claims that Brenda was at death’s door, I felt a gnawing sense of guilt and responsibility.“Sophia, you have to understand, Brenda’s condition has gotten so much worse,” Troy insisted, his voice tinged with urgency. “We’re buried in debt. The guys I owe money to, they’re the ones who I came with to your office. They’re waiting in the lobby right now. If we don’t pay them, they’ll hurt me and Brenda.”I stole a glance at Elijah. His jaw was set, eyes dark with concern. He hadn’t said much since we’d arrived, but his hand occasionally brushed mine, offering silent support.“Troy,” I began, my voice trembling, “this is a lot to take in. Why didn’t you tell me sooner
Sophia’s POVI leaned back in the comfortable pantry chair, savoring the rich aroma of my coffee. This moment of peace was rare, and I intended to enjoy every second.“Hey, Sophia,” I suddenly heard Elijah greet me as he stepped into the room. “How are you doing?”I returned his smile. “Hi, Elijah. I'm doing alright. Just taking a break from all the work.”He nodded, grabbing a cup for himself. “I'm glad to hear that. And it’s good that Troy hasn't bothered us again. I hope we never hear from him.”I shuddered slightly at the mention of Troy. “Yeah, me too. I don't think I could handle another one of his surprises.”Elijah's expression grew serious, his eyes locking onto mine. “You know I'll always be here to protect you, right?”The intensity of his words made my heart skip a beat. I nodded, unsure of how to respond. “Thank you, Elijah. That means a lot.”He took a deep breath, hesitating for a moment before speaking again. “I was thinking... maybe we could have dinner together after
Julia’s POVRushing into the hospital room with Elijah by my side, I put on my best concerned face. Inside, I was boiling with frustration. Oh, this Sophia is really something else, always able to avoid death. It would have been easier for me if the accident had gotten rid of her, so I don't have to plan for her "unfortunate demise" again. I couldn't help but think sarcastically, It's like she's a cat with nine lives. But those lives are going to be used up soon, and then she'll be gone.Elijah didn't say a word, but he was obviously beyond himself with worry. His knuckles were white from gripping the edge of the door frame as we approached the room. As soon as he saw Sophia lying in the bed, her arm in a cast, he rushed to her side, his voice soft and full of concern.“Sophia, are you okay?” he asked, his hand gently brushing her hair away from her face.I rolled my eyes when they weren't looking, but quickly masked it with a look of concern. “What happened? How are you feeling?” I
Julia’s POVI stood by Grandma Evelyn's bedside, the sight of her frail body lying motionless tugging at a mix of emotions within me. The door creaked open, and I turned to see Henry enter. His face showed curiosity, a slight smirk playing on his lips.“Hey, Jules,” he said softly, crossing the room to embrace me. I held onto him tightly, drawing comfort from his presence, though my eyes remained cold as they fixed on the frail old woman. “Henry,” I murmured, pulling back to look at him. “This is the only time I can talk to you alone. I'm staying at the Bakers' house these days. But tonight, I’ll be with Grandma Evelyn.”“Didn’t know you cared much about her…”I let out a short, bitter laugh. “No, I don’t. It’s just for show.”He glanced at Grandma Evelyn, his brow furrowing. “She's the one you can't stand, right? So what, you want us to pull the plug on her life support, finish this once and for all?”“No, that's not it,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I have a different plan, a new
Sophia’s POVTwo years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office until now.After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that they’re finally learning to accept me?Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from losing my baby lingered, even though it had been a long time since that accident. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came.I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own.Now, I was about to step into Elijah’s world — his beloved company.My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over som