Novels by Jids Pen

As I stepped out of the small cottage I had been sharing with Aiden for the past three days, I made sure to check the clearing ahead of me. I couldn't risk another run-in with Ethan, not after what had happened the first night here. He had insisted on leaving the cottage with me a few times since then, suggesting we could "have some fun" together. But I knew better. I needed to keep things simple for Aiden's sake. I scanned the area once more, ensuring the beach was deserted. I kept Aiden close as we snuck out and made our way to the rented car. The whole time, he was smiling, his little face glowing with excitement, and my heart swelled with affection. He was the exact image of his father, down to the mischievous gleam in his blue eyes. We drove to a park not far from the cottage, where I had planned a picnic just for us. I wanted Aiden to enjoy every moment of this vacation, like I promised him. I had prepared a feast: sandwiches, apple slices, grapes, watermelon, baby carrot

Ethan’s POV I found myself lying in bed, caught in a relentless cycle of tossing and turning. Sleep had eluded me for several nights, my body unable to relax, my mind too full of thoughts that I stubbornly refused to confront. For days, I hadn't managed more than two hours of rest in a full twenty-four hours, and frustration gnawed at my nerves like a dull ache that wouldn't quit. I knew exactly why sleep was so hard to come by, but admitting it felt like surrender. After what felt like hours of staring at the ceiling, I finally gave up. I pushed myself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and headed out to the private beach that had drawn me to this secluded cottage in the first place. Earlier today, I had signed a business deal worth millions, the kind of deal that should’ve made me feel like I was on top of the world. But instead, I felt… nothing. Just empty. The ocean stretched out before me, endless and vast, but tonight, even its beauty couldn’t stir the excitement or peac

Dahlia’s POV As I settled everything into place, I extended my arms wide, letting myself be wrapped up in the sun's warmth. I hadn’t taken a vacation since I began my business journey all those years ago, but here I was, finally giving in to Aiden's relentless begging for a trip to Bali. I reclined on the secluded shore of the cottage I’d booked for the week, wearing a tasteful two-piece bikini. I’d made a firm decision: no phones, no work, nothing but time for Aiden. This week was just for us, a chance to be fully present, something I’d denied myself for far too long. Aiden maneuvered his way over to me, his head coming to rest gently against my chest. A soft smile tugged at my lips. I stroked my fingers through his dark brow hair—he had inherited that from his father—then kissed his forehead. Ethan had burned away any chance of romantic notions in me, leaving my heart scarred. My capacity for affection was nearly extinguished for everyone but my son. With Aiden, it was eff

Ethan’s POV I rake a hand through my hair, pacing the length of my office with an intensity that sends my employees scattering. They know better than to cross my path when I'm like this, when I'm barely keeping the fury in check. My nostrils flare as I wrestle with the questions spinning in my mind. Finally, I drop into my chair, the leather creaking under my weight as I replay the events of the morning. I can still see her, the woman from the elevator, the one who walked into that boardroom and fought for that contract until she won. That sickly sweet smile, those bland eyes, the negotiation skills that had me rooted in place. Dahlia. She would’ve been easy to defeat if I hadn’t wanted to watch her in action, if I hadn’t been so damn curious about how far she’s come, how she operates. I was turned on, completely fucking captivated. But that wasn’t the worst part. No, the worst part was realizing that the woman I’d been watching was my ex-wife. The woman who vanished five years

Dahlia’s POV Mr. Crowe looks completely bewildered, clearly unsure how to handle the situation unfolding before him. What does one say when two powerful forces collide over the future of your company? He takes a moment to regain his composure, then stands up and adjusts his suit with a nervous smile, clearly aware of the tension filling the room. I watch him closely, noting the slight quiver in his hand as he licks his lips. He's just realized he's holding a golden opportunity. I see it in his eyes: the gleam of a man who smells money and senses a rivalry he can exploit. Ethan and I have a history, and Crowe is clever enough to see it. He’s going to use it against us. Classic businessman… seize the advantage. “I’ve heard all your proposals,” Crowe begins, his voice settling into a more confident tone, “and they’re both compelling. I wouldn’t mind selling to either of you—your strategies are impressive.” He pauses, his eyes darting between us as the board members nod in agreeme

Dahlia’s POV "Yeah, make sure things are done properly. I’ve got the jewelry's backup on my other Mac," I say into the phone, my voice cool and commanding, cutting through any room for error. My assistant, who I've left back at the office, listens attentively as I lay out instructions, every word crisp and decisive. I'm aware of my chauffeur standing by the open door, waiting for me to step out, but I take my time. Two cars are stalled behind us, their drivers likely impatient, but I don't care. I won't be rushed by anyone, not even by the ticking clock of this meeting. I finish my call, my tone sharp, not even waiting for a reply before hanging up. A quick glance in the mirror, and I swipe on a fresh coat of red lipstick. It's time to get this over with. Today, I’m finally going to meet Ethan Caine after years of deliberately keeping my distance. I don’t know what to feel about it—anger, indifference, or maybe a hint of satisfaction. Whatever it is, I'll bury it deep. Nothin