~ SIERRA ~- - - - - THREE MONTHS LATER - - - - -Summer was coming to an end and the weather was getting cooler in New York City. Sierra walked out of the Columbia campus library with her two friends, Anna and Jess, from the American Lit class. They had books piled up in their hands, making it hard for them to walk down the steps.“Thank God it’s finally Friday! I’m so done with writing for now,” Anna said.“I know. I can’t wait to put these down and go to McSorley's for drinks,” Jess replied.“Are you coming with us, Sierra?” Anna asked.“Oh, I’d love to, but I gotta go check on my baby,” Sierra flashed them a sorry smile. “Dang,” Jess muttered. “She’s the best writer in our class and she’s a mom. What can’t she do?”Sierra let out a laugh and shook her head.“I’ll join the next one. Enjoy your night, you guys,”Sierra waved one hand goodbye while using the other hand to keep all her books together. The school session was in full swing and work was starting to pile up. Luckily for
~ SIERRA ~The wedding was one crazy blur of a moment. It was something like a movie. Or a dream. Sierra felt like she was being whisked away from one place to the next. There was no time to stop, the momentum just kept going. Right after the ceremony was over, Colton had a helicopter prepared on the rooftop of the Plaza Hotel. Still wearing her wedding dress, Sierra got into the helicopter and they flew to the bright, blue sky.“It’s only for the weekend,” Colton said to her. “Just you and me,”Sierra had no idea where they were going, and she didn’t bother asking. Maybe it was the champagne in her veins or just the complete reckless abandon she felt whenever she was with Colton, but she was down for any kind of surprise with him.The next thing she remembered, Sierra woke up, unclear at first about where she was. But then she remembered...the huge bed, the smart room, it felt like a holiday resort, and it must be... The Hamptons. Yes. She was the brand new Mrs. Rhodes on her honeym
~ COLTON ~Colton had already decided that one of the best things about being married to Sierra was watching her walk around in just her underwear.It was early evening on the last day of their honeymoon. They had spent most of the day at the beach and, after they had both showered, they had set about starting to pack their suitcases ready for the journey home. Colton was lying on the bed, having sorted and packed most of his clothes. Sierra had showered after him but had only partially dressed. She was padding around their bedroom ferrying clothes back and forth to the suitcase wearing only a rather cute set of matching light pink bra and panties.With that job done, Sierra went to put on a dress ready for dinner."Damn,” Colton muttered.“What?” she asked.“You’re just so gorgeous, princess," Colton said, shaking his head from side to side. “Oh, stop,” Sierra blushed and rolled her eyes."I’m telling you, all the guys in the restaurant -- when you wore that dress the other day, the
~ SIERRA ~- - - - - THREE YEARS LATER - - - - -The grand hall of Columbia University buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the graduating class of 2020 gathered in a sea of caps and gowns. Sierra found herself among them, surrounded by the familiar faces of friends and classmates. The air was charged with a mix of emotions, and Sierra can't help but feel a surge of sentimentality as she reflected on the journey that brought her to this moment.Wow. I can’t believe I’m really here, she thinks to herself.The journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Sierra thought back to the late-night study sessions, the sacrifices made to balance parenthood and academia, and the unwavering support of her amazing husband. As she sat, waiting for the commencement ceremony to begin, her mind replayed the moments that defined the past few years.It’s nothing short of a miracle, really. From the first time she met Colton at her birthday party, to the time he took her on “magic carpet ride
~ SIERRA's POV ~It was a warm summer day in New York City and Sierra was spending the afternoon reading her favorite book with her trustee sidekick, Winnie the Poodle. Although she had been living here all her life, the city with millions of people outside her doorstep, Sierra was always homeschooled and she never had many friends. She never went partying or even had dates with guys. She didn’t mind it, though. Winnie and Rosie were all she needs.“Come on, Si, this is your eighteenth birthday we’re talking about. Aren’t we supposed to do something fun?” Rosie chirped and batted her eyes playfully.“Something fun?” Sierra asked back.This weekend was Sierra’s eighteenth birthday, and much like her previous birthdays, she preferred spending it at home with a simple dinner with her family. She had her dad, Rosie, and her uncle and aunt. Sierra had an older brother, Sebastian, but he passed away in a car accident ten years ago, along with their dear mother. Ever since that accident, Si
~ COLTON's POV ~* BANG! BANG! BANG! *The sound of the bullets flying filled the air and Colton couldn’t help but smile. A single tear of sweat trickled down his face and down to his toned and tanned chest. In front of him, several hundred yards away was the practice target, a cutout in a shape of a man. Colton lowered the gun in his hand and saw that he had hit the target right in the heart with those three shots. “Nice shot,” Jackson clapped in approval.“Practicing for the D-Day, are we?” Levi chimed in.Jackson and Levi Rhodes were Colton’s cousins from his dad’s side. Ever since they were born, the three of them were inseparable. They grew up together and attended St. Jude’s Prep School all the way until they graduated. They were a mischievous bunch, always looking for trouble, and Colton was the leader. Now at 21 years old, just one year shy of graduating college, Colton decided to drop out to continue his father’s legacy while his cousins continued school.At just twenty-one
~ SIERRA's POV ~“Oh my God! I’m not seriously walking out there in front of all those people, am I?”Sierra was freaking out behind the curtains as she watched the hundreds and thousands of people standing at her party. Everyone who was anyone was in attendance. There were politicians, celebrities, and prominent families from all over the state. Everyone was so beautifully and impeccably dressed, holding glasses of champagne, and talking about their last trip to the south of France. Sierra was definitely overwhelmed by all of this. Her cousin Rose’s coming out party wasn’t even half this extravagant. Her dad went completely extra with this one. Crystal chandeliers were hanging on the ceiling, beautiful flowers and linen adorned the room, and a full orchestra band was playing music on stage.“Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’s gonna be fine,” Sierra’s dad smiled reassuringly, holding onto her hand. “I’ll be walking right with you,”“But—““Smile, sweetie. It’s time,”Before Sierra could p
~ COLTON's POV ~Large and lavish parties were not an unfamiliar thing for Colton Rhodes. From the moment he was born, he was thrust into the spotlight of a luxurious lifestyle. Not only that he was blessed with such wealth, but he was also sharp, intelligent, and good-looking. This proved to be a deadly combo. He became the epitome of New York’s high society, the poster boy for the young one percent. At just twenty-one years of age, Colton had become a celebrity in his own right. He hung out with Hollywood starlets and rock stars and flew in private jets to have trips in private islands and yachts. He was always surrounded by friends and followers, and girls were always lining up at the door. Colton, of course, didn’t let this go to waste. For the past five years, he dedicated his time to a life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He did whatever he wanted, wherever he wanted, and with whoever he wanted.Unfortunately, all that came crashing down last year with the news of his father