Chapter 40 Keith’s POV The evening had taken an unexpected turn. What should have been a celebration of generosity had turned into a tense confrontation. I stood frozen, watching as Emily stepped in to defend the little girl, her voice calm yet firm, an authority that demanded attention. Rebecca’s dress, stained by an innocent spill, … Read more
Chapter 39 Keith’s POV The lights dimmed slightly as Emily stepped up to the podium, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. I watched. her closely, captivated by the confidence in her posture and the quiet strength in her eyes. As she began to speak, the room fell silent, all ears tuned … Read more
Chapter 38 Keith’s POV The invitation to the city’s largest children’s fund banquet had arrived a week ago. It wasn’t the kind of event I typically attended, but I felt an obligation to show up, especially since Lily insisted on going. The founder was supposed to express gratitude to all the donors, and there was … Read more
Chapter 37 Emily’s POV The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently waking me from sleep. I blinked, disoriented, my head throbbing with the dull ache of a lingering hangover. The events of the previous night were hazy, like a dream that was slowly coming into focus. I turned my head, feeling the slight pang … Read more
Chapter 36 Emily’s POV Present Day After the conversation with Frank, I felt a strange mix of relief and lingering sadness. For so long, I had carried the weight of my family’s judgment, the shame they had cast upon me for what happened with Keith. But here was Frank, sitting across from me, telling me … Read more
Chapter 35 18–year–old Emily’s POV Nine years ago Two months later, I found out I was pregnant, and the weight of that secret crushed me from the inside out. The last two months had been nothing short of hell. Everyone believed that I was the one who had seduced Keith, that I was some kind … Read more
hapter 34 18–year–old Emily’s POV Nine years ago I was jolted awake by the soft chime of a notification on my phone. My heart raced as I grabbed it from the nightstand, the glow of the screen cutting through the darkness of my room. It was a ping from the tracking app I’d secretly installed … Read more
Chapter 33 Emily’s POV I kept drinking at the bar, feeling the sting of Keith’s words replaying in my mind like a broken record. He had said that sleeping with me was just like making me a substitute for Lily, and that thought gnawed at me, each sip of alcohol only dulling the pain slightly. … Read more
Chapter 32 Emily’s POV After the date at Frank’s place, I couldn’t stop smiling. The evening had been everything I needed and more. Frank had gone out of his way to make me feel special, cooking a meal that was not only delicious but also comforting in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long … Read more
Chapter 31 Keith’s POV As I slumped into the leather chair in my office, the weight of the day pressing down on me, I couldn’t shake the deep sense of guilt gnawing at my insides. I had let Zane down. Again. He was angry, and rightly so. He wouldn’t even answer my calls, and each … Read more