로그인Emily’s POVI woke up much later than I usually did, sunlight already spilling thick and golden across my bed. I’d barely slept at all—dozing in short, restless bursts, waking up every hour to check my phone, my chest tight with a quiet, constant worry that wouldn’t lift. Every time the screen stayed dark, a little more of my hope faded. I dragged myself out of bed, splashed cold water on my face, threw on the first clean clothes I found, and grabbed a half‑eaten loaf of bread from the kitchen counter, barely managing to tear off a piece before heading for the door.Right outside my apartment door sat a large, neatly wrapped parcel, bound with dark ribbon and addressed clearly to me. There was no return name, no note—only the building’s courier sticker. I stared at it for a heartbeat, my stomach twisting sharply. I knew exactly who it was from. But I was already late, and I didn’t have the strength to deal with whatever Will had sent me right now. I told myself I’d handle it l
Emily’s POV The second day bled slowly into the third, and still there was nothing from Alex. Every time my phone buzzed against the table, my heart would jolt hard against my ribs, only to sink right back down when I saw it was just a gallery update, a message from Kara, or nothing at all. I kept telling myself he had every reason to be silent—that he was surrounded by doctors, by family, by the kind of fear that swallows words whole. I told myself I wouldn’t add to his weight; I wouldn’t flood him with messages or calls, I would just wait, and hope, and carry my worry quietly so he wouldn’t have to carry mine too. But as the hours stretched on, that quiet resolve started to fray. Kara had to fly home that afternoon. It felt like she’d only just stepped off the plane, like we’d only just sat up late laughing over old memories and talking about everything that had changed. We walked slowly through the airport terminal, neither of us in any hurry to reach the gate. “Hey,” she
Emily’s POVKara sat down beside me on the sofa, her voice soft and steady, trying to cut through the fog of worry that had wrapped around my head ever since Alex had rushed out the door.“Em… you need to breathe. Calm down,” she said gently. “You don’t have to carry all this like it’s your burden alone. Alex and his stepfather—they have all the resources, all the best doctors, everything they could possibly need. They can do everything humanly possible for his mother. She’s in the best hands they can find.”I stared blankly at the canvas propped up in front of me, my hands smudged with streaks of blue and crimson paint that I hadn’t even noticed I’d dragged across my skin. Hours had passed since Alex had left, and every minute felt heavier than the last. My mind kept replaying that moment over and over—the look on his face, pale and terrified, reaching for me like I was the only solid thing in his whole world.“I know you’re right,” I whispered, picking up a brush and setting it dow
Alex’s POVSteam curled thick around us, blurring the glass shower doors and turning the air warm and heavy. The hot water sluiced over our skin, washing away the day’s stress, fear, and uncertainty—leaving only us, pressed close enough that there was no space left between us. My hands supported her thigh, lifting it high against my hip, while her arms locked tight around my neck, her fingers tangling deep in my wet hair. Every shift, every thrust, drew sounds from her that settled deep in my chest—part plea, part praise, like I was the only thing that mattered in the whole world.“Aahhhh… mmmphhh Alex… slowly… aahhh fuckkk…”I groaned low in my throat, resting my forehead against hers, my breath mingling with hers. “Why do you still feel so perfect, Em? Like you were made exactly for me—like every part of you fits every part of me.”“Ohhhh shit… yes right there Lex… aahhh don’t stop… please don’t stop…”One hand cupped her breast, my thumb brushing over her sensitive peak, teasin
Emily’s POV Pierre glanced between us, swirling his wine glass slowly, his tone casual but curious. “You two live in the same apartment building, right? I’d imagine you run into each other quite often—at the lobby, the elevators, maybe even the little café downstairs.” Will cut a piece of steak slowly, his knife making a soft click against the plate. He glanced up at me for a split second—eyes sharp, knowing—before looking back at Pierre with an easy smile. “Not nearly as often as you’d think. We both keep very busy schedules. I’m usually in meetings or traveling, and she’s always painting or at the gallery. Though… when our paths do cross, it’s always memorable.” I gripped my napkin tighter under the table, saying nothing. Mrs. Anderson leaned forward, her face bright with genuine delight. “Pierre told me all about this wonderful collaboration you’ve agreed to, Emily! Will is offering you such an incredible opportunity—exclusive patronage, all your work supported, shown in spa
Emily’s POV Alex pulled the car over to the curb, killing the engine but not moving to get out right away. He turned to me, his face still showing faint bruises around his jaw and eye, but his gaze soft and steady. “Thank you for driving me,” I said quietly, reaching out to trace the line of his knuckles gently. “Now please go home and rest. Don’t even think about going to practice or doing anything strenuous until that swelling goes down properly.” He covered my hand with his own, holding it tight against his leg. “Don’t worry about me. I’m tougher than I look. But Em… I really am sorry. I hate that my life keeps spilling over into yours, that my past keeps causing problems for everyone around us. I never wanted you to have to deal with this kind of mess.” “Alex,” I said firmly, leaning closer so he’d really hear me, “I know you. I know exactly who you are—better than Karen ever could, and better than anyone else who’s only seeing bits and pieces from the outside. And ho
Emily’s POVMy legs felt loose and heavy at the same time as I stumbled back toward the bar. The music pulsed louder in my ears, each beat slamming against my skull. Kara’s warning from moments ago still rang in my head, but I pushed it away. “Another one,” I told the bartender, slapping my hand
Emily’s POVMy body moved on its own, hips swaying harder than I ever had before, arms raised like I could push the pain out through my fingertips. The bass thumped inside my chest, matching the angry beat of my pulse. Sweat clung to my skin. The black dress rode up my thighs with every sharp turn
Emily’s POVI stared at myself in the mirror and barely recognized the girl looking back.The tight black dress Kara lent me hugged every curve, short enough to make me tug at the hem nervously. My eyes were still puffy from crying, but I’d managed to cover most of the redness with makeup. Lip glo
Emily’s POVMy laughter died the second I pushed open the café door.There he was, Lucas, my boyfriend of thirteen months with another girl on his lap, kissing her like he was starving.His hands gripped her waist exactly the way they used to grip mine. Her long chestnut hair spilled over his shoul







