SOPHIA’S POV
Before Samantha and I parted ways in the mall parking lot, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small wrapped box.
"I almost forgot," she said, giving it to me. "Happy early birthday."
I stared at the box, confused. "My birthday isn’t until-" I stopped, counting backwards in my head. "Oh my god. It’s next week."
"The fifteenth," Samantha confirmed. "You forgot your own birthday?"
"I’ve had a lot on my mind," I said weakly.
The truth was, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d properly celebrated my birthday. Last year, Damien had been out of town on business or so he’d said. The year before that, Ashley had been sick and I’d spent the day at the hospital with her. The year before that...
I couldn’t even remember.
"Open it," Samantha urged.
I unwrapped the box carefully to find a beautiful leather journal inside. It had thick cream-colored pages and a ribbon bookmark. On the first page, Samantha had written in her elegant handwriting: For the next Chapter of your life. Write it well. - Sam
Tears burned in my eyes. "Sam, this is beautiful."
"I figured you’d need somewhere to organize your thoughts. Study notes, research ideas, or just venting about your terrible husband." She smiled. "Whatever you need."
I hugged her tight. "Thank you. For this, for everything."
"That’s what friends are for." She pulled back. "Promise me you’ll actually celebrate this year, even if it’s just buying yourself a cupcake and lighting a candle. You deserve to feel special on your birthday."
I promised, though I wasn’t sure I’d keep it.
That night, I drove to Stone Villa around ten p.m. I’d spent the rest of the day at the hospital. Now, I just wanted to check on Ashley before going back to Sky Manor to sleep.
The house was dark except for a few lights on the first floor. I let myself in quietly and went upstairs to Ashley’s room.
The bed was empty.
My heart immediately started racing. I checked the bathroom - empty. Her closet - her overnight bag was gone.
"Franca!" I called out, trying not to panic.
She appeared from downstairs, looking tired. "Mrs. Stone, I didn’t hear you come in."
"Where’s Ashley? Her bed is empty."
"Oh, Alpha arranged for Will to pick her up around seven. He said he wanted to spend the evening with her since he has his business trip this weekend."
I was shocked. "Will picked her up? Not Damien?"
"Yes, ma’am. Alpha was already at the... location. Will just collected Miss Ashley and brought her there."
"What location?" But even as I asked, I already knew.
Franca looked uncomfortable. "I’m not sure, ma’am. He didn’t say."
I pulled out my phone and dialed Damien’s number. It rang four times before he answered.
"Sophia? What’s wrong?"
In the background, I could hear it clearly - Ashley’s laughter, followed by Tiffany’s voice saying something I couldn’t quite make out, then Ashley giggling again.
"Where are you?" I asked.
"I’m having dinner with Ashley. I told you, I wanted to spend time with her before my trip-"
"With Ashley. Just Ashley?"
There was a pause. "Sophia-"
"Is Tiffany there?"
Another pause "Yes. She got back from her hometown today, and Ashley wanted to see her. It-"


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