Sophia’s POVI sat there, stunned by Mr. Roosevelt's audacity. His proposal still echoed in my mind like an unwelcome refrain. Marry Adrian? The thought was preposterous, yet here we were, discussing it over drinks in a quaint cafe.I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I’ve never received such a bizarre proposal in my entire life!He leaned back in his chair, a hint of irritation flickering across his face. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a checkbook and pen, his gesture casual yet loaded with implication.“And how much would it take as a signing bonus to make you consider this seriously?” His voice was cool, business-like, but beneath it simmered an undercurrent of arrogance.I couldn't believe his nerve, trying to buy my compliance. My jaw tightened as I struggled to maintain composure. “Mr. Roosevelt,” I began, my tone measured, “I appreciate the offer, but money isn't the issue here. Adrian and I are friends. Nothing more.”I paused, steeling my
Adrian’s POV“What’s going on?” I demanded, my voice harsher than I intended.My mother and I were sitting in the sunroom, the soft light filtering through the sheer curtains. She had called me over, saying she had something important to discuss. I thought it was another lecture about my responsibilities within the family business, but the grave expression on her face told me this was different.“Adrian, look carefully,” she said, sliding a photograph across the glass table toward me.I picked it up, my eyes narrowing as I recognized the two figures in the picture. My father, looking as stern as ever, was seated across from Sophia in a café. They seemed to be in the middle of an intense conversation.“Why is Dad with Sophia?” I asked with dread. My mother sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Adrian, your father has certain expectations of you. He believes that you should follow his lead, and if you don’t… well, let’s just say it might not turn out well for Sophia.”A chill ran down my
Elijah’s POVI woke up to the gentle touch of fingers stroking my hand and hair. The soft, rhythmic movement brought me out of my slumber, and I blinked my eyes open to see Julia lying in the hospital bed beside me. Her face lit up with a tired but warm smile as she saw me stir.“Good morning,” she said softly, her voice still carrying the weight of fatigue.“Morning,” I mumbled, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. My eyes wandered around the room, and I noticed a basket of fruits and a plastic container of food on the table by the door. “Where did that come from?”Julia's smile widened. "I had it delivered. Thought you might be hungry."My stomach growled in response, and I chuckled. “You were right. Thanks so much.”Julia beamed, looking pleased with herself. “You know I always think of everything.”I stood up and walked over to the basket, inspecting its contents. Fresh fruits! I began munching on an apple. “Mmmm… delicious.” And in the plastic container, there was salad tha
Elijah’s POVAs I stared out the window, lost in thought, a knock on the door pulled me back to reality. I assumed it was Dr. Matthews returning with more information, but to my surprise, Chris and Trevis walked in, grinning from ear to ear.“Hey, man,” Chris greeted, his tone light and cheerful. “How's the patient doing?”I managed a smile. “I've been better, but I'm hanging in there.”Trevis chuckled, giving me a playful nudge. “You better get well soon, Elijah. We’ve got plans. We need you out and about so we can hit the bars again. It’s been a long time, bro. We’ve been all work and no play.”“Yeah, that’s right,” Chris agreed. “Maybe this was a wake-up call for you to loosen up a bit and learn to have some fun again, huh?”I laughed, remembering the good times we all had growing up together. We had been friends since childhood. Trevis added, “Besides, we miss you at the office. No one’s there to bark orders, and the employees are practically throwing a party since the big boss i
Sophia’s POVReturning home, I couldn't shake the image of Morgana with that strange man. Does she really have a daughter and Elijah doesn’t know about it? I wonder who the father is, and if her husband Anderson knows. The question gnawed at my mind as I drove, but my thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sight of a crowd outside my apartment building.Dozens of people swarmed the entrance, cameras flashing, reporters jostling for position. What on earth is going on? My heart raced as I slowed the car, keeping a safe distance. My mind raced through possibilities. Who were they waiting for? I knew Reese was safe with Kayla, but still, the sight of the media frenzy made me uneasy.Should I push on or wait? The thought of facing that crowd was daunting. Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Kayla. I quickly glanced at it: a link. Curiosity piqued, I opened it. The video started playing, and I felt my stomach drop.Adrian. Standing at a podium, looking every bit the hands
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
Sophia’s POVThe divorce agreement was written after I accidentally lost my baby. During that time, I couldn’t even look at Elijah’s face without thinking about our baby. The pain was unbearable, so I believed divorce was my salvation. Looking back, preparing the divorce agreement was not a mistake, now that leaving was my only option.My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morgana’s voice outside. “Sophia!” she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. That’s when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full of disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. “Elijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,” she said with a scoff. “You can’t even be relied on for such a simple task.”
Sophia’s POVI could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard against my chest as we gazed at one another — strangers who’d been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. “I want a divorce,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady. “I’m serious.”Slowly he nodded. “Yes, sure,” he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My chest felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. I’m going to be free. And yet somehow, I didn’t feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I kn