Flowe

t three years ago. We poured our hearts into it. Every brick, every blueprint, every client meeting-it was all

m using my venture capital funds." The words echoed in my head, cold and precise. I wa

making. If Kimberly had been planning since col

e shared everything. I logged in. My heart hammered against my ribs. I navigated to

ones I hadn't shared with anyone yet. They were meticulously organized, dated, a

ll my designs," I typed to future Jadon,

venture capital to acquire a controlling stake in Evolve Designs. She'll force you out

tless hours, sleepless nights, boundless passion. Jadon had been my biggest supporter when I started Evolve Designs. He enc

y financing its theft. He was handing over my life's work to the woman who wanted to d

the studio. She carried two coffees. Her u

"You look tired. Long night? All that wed

with a false concern, met mine. I forced a smile

e coffee was bitter. "Just a lot on my min

urse! I'm so happy for you two. You de

ated on my nerves. I watched her go, my hand clenching around the c

b hovering over the send button. "Did

e said you were too trusting. Too naive. That you needed to be protected f

low. Empty. They o

r. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled our apartment. He made my favorit

his voice full of warmth. "Y

"Just a lot of

Let's talk about the wedding. Have

atever you want, Jado

a. The thought was a col

nt felt heavy. I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. The hot water cascad

ng. She lost her footing. I grabbed her. The metal beam gave way. I pulled her to safety, but a jagged piece of rebar sliced my sho

water couldn't wash away the bitterness. I picke

ed to future Jadon. "No mor

ragmented messages. He started

then," he wrote. "He could have been saved. The day he died... you were away

. My heart pounded. My father. My sweet, kind fat

, my hands shaking. "Jadon!

nto hours. My phone remained silent. The fe