Rima's POVAs I stirred from sleep, a profound sense of restfulness overwhelmed me. It was as if I'd been sleep-deprived for days, and I'd just woken up from an uninterrupted, twenty-four-hour-long slumber.My eyes fluttered open, bleary and unfocused. Yet, my other senses seemed to awaken faster. The warmth of another body radiated against my skin, an arm thrown around me in a protective embrace. I realized my own hand was clutching at the fabric of this person's shirt, pulling them closer to me. My heart, uncharacteristically calm, acknowledged the sense of safety this embrace provided. My mind, surprisingly quiet, confirmed that it hadn't been subjected to the haunting glimpses of my past while it was at rest.It took me a moment to piece together who the person beside me was. But when the realization hit, I bolted upright, a wave of dread washing over me.My gaze fell on the man I'd evidently spent the entire night cuddled up against. It was morning,

Jacob’s POVEver since her performance granted them the winning position in today's activities, Rima had retreated to a corner with a small group of girls from the team. She wasn't very active in the conversation, but the soft smile playing on her lips and the relaxed way she leaned back in her chair told me she was comfortable in their company. Her gradient smile, shifting from subtle to radiant within moments, was a sight that always managed to catch my attention.In those moments, I found myself stealing glances at her, my gaze inexplicably drawn to her. It wasn't just the magnetic pull of her energy, but also a need within me to ensure she was okay. An unspoken promise I had made to myself to always be there for her, to protect her from any harm. Her request for space earlier in the day had taken me by surprise, instilling in me a newfound fear of losing her. That she might just disappear, leaving me to search for her without being able to find her again.

Rima’s POVTwo Months AgoIt had been six days since Dominic's demise, and my brutal punishment for daring to escape the clutches of my husband, Goerge.My body ached with the agony of my wounds, the deep scars he had left on me. I was sleeping on my stomach, the pain on my back still raw and throbbing. Sleep had become a luxury ever since George’s sudden arrest in the midst of a drug trade. Despite his goons keeping a watchful eye on me, ensuring I couldn't seize his imprisonment as an opportunity to flee, his absence brought a sense of relief. I found myself praying fervently, hoping he would never taste freedom again. Even if it meant being caged in this gilded prison myself, it was a price I was willing to pay, as long as I was spared from his terrifying presence.My slumber was ruptured by a series of loud gunshots reverberating through the mansion. Initially, I was petrified, frozen in fear. But the sound of shattering windows and stray

Jacob’s POVThe restaurant was a study in subdued elegance, its dim lighting casting an intimate glow over the tastefully arranged tables. The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the soothing strains of a jazz melody playing in the background. This was the stage upon which tonight’s performance would be played.Rima arrived on Tony’s arm, radiant in a dress of midnight blue that clung to her in all the right places. It was the perfect blend of elegance and allure, just like her. Tony’s hand at the small of her back was a possessive touch that ignited a spark of jealousy within me. He pulled out a chair for her, a gentlemanly gesture that seemed designed to provoke me.Rising from my chair, I extended my hand, my voice steady despite the tension "Jacob Snow"He responded with a smile that seemed almost chiseled onto his face, his grip firm in our handshake "Tony Azar. Thank you for this lovely invitation"

Rima’s POVThankfully, there were no more disputes between us and I was determined to keep things that way.At the end of the work day he called my office phone, most likely to tell me to be ready to head back home, but I had another reply for him this time and wouldn't let him hang up on me right away."Yes Mr. Snow" I said brusquely.He replied abruptly "We're leaving in two minutes"I quickly responded so that he didn't have time to move the phone away from his ear yet "I'm not going with you today. I have an errand to run"There was a brief silence and I thought he'd hung up on me, but then he said in an annoyed tone "Delay them; we have work to continue in my home office"I raced to reply before he could end the call and felt like I was engaged in a ping pong match where I was fighting hard not to let the ball escape from me -or in this case- allow him to close the call before I finished talking "I can't - unless you want m