Vanessa’s POV

The penthouse looked almost cinematic under the dim evening light.

Everything looked perfect, and controlled.

Exactly how she wanted it.

Vanessa had changed into a soft cream coloured nightgown that draped elegantly over her curves. She unpinned her hair so that it fell naturally over her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal, just enough to look fragile, flushed, and human.

She sat on the couch, one arm wrapped protectively around her belly, the other clutching a glass of ...