MasukHey there, wonderful readers! First off, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for taking the time to dive into my work. Your support means the world to me! If you enjoyed what you read, please consider leaving a comment or a review—your feedback helps me grow as a writer and inspires me to create even more. Additionally, if you're feeling generous, a vote or a share with friends would be amazing! I love interacting with you, so don't hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or suggestions. Let's build a community together! Happy reading! 💖
Madison"Come on, sweetheart." I took Ethan's hand, steering him toward the elevator. "Say goodbye to the cloud bed." "Bye, cloud bed!" Ethan waved enthusiastically at the guest room. "I'll miss you!" Alexander followed us, his presence filling the space behind me. The elevator ride down felt endless, Ethan chattering about dinosaurs and tall buildings while I focused on breathing normally. The Bentley waited in the underground garage, all sleek black curves and leather interior that probably cost more than I made in six months. "Can I ride in the front?" Ethan bounced on his toes. "Please, please, please?" "Backseat," I said automatically. "But Mom!" "Backseat, Ethan." Alexander opened the back door, helping Ethan climb in and buckling his seatbelt with surprising competence. "Next time, you can sit in front. When you're taller." "How much taller?" "At least this much." Alexander held his hand several inches above Ethan's head. "I'll grow really fast! I drink milk every da
Madison"Your step-siblings drugged you?" The words felt surreal. "Why would they do that?" Alexander's expression went cold. "You already know the answer." I processed the implication, pieces falling into place. "They wanted to make you look like a drug addict. Destroy your reputation." "Exactly." "But their plan failed." "Thanks to you." His eyes found mine. "You called Dr. Peterson. Got help before things got worse. If you hadn't..." He trailed off, not finishing the thought. The memory surfaced, still vivid after all these years. Alexander, in his penthouse, completely out of it, calling me Katherine. The panic I'd felt, the desperate phone call to Dr. Peterson. That night had changed everything. "How did you find out it was your step-siblings who drugged you?" I asked, needing to understand. Alexander's jaw tightened. "After the engagement, they sent me a gift. Expensive whiskey, a congratulations card, and the whole performance. I thought it was a peace offering. Their w
MadisonSilence settled between us like snow. Neither hostile nor comfortable, just there. I finished my tea, setting the empty mug on the counter with a soft clink. Alexander did the same. The clock on the wall ticked. Eight forty. Ethan would sleep for hours yet, his little body exhausted from the amusement park and sugar crash. I moved away from him, needing movement, needing air, needing something other than this kitchen where Alexander's presence filled every available space. "I'm going to check on him," I said. The guest room was dark except for a sliver of light from the hallway. Ethan lay sprawled across the king-sized bed, one arm flung over his head, the other clutching the edge of his blanket. His mouth hung open slightly, his breathing deep and even. He looked so small in that massive bed. So vulnerable. So completely unaware that his world was about to shift in ways I couldn't predict or control. I smoothed his hair back from his forehead. He didn't stir. "Sweet
Madison"When are you going back to Connecticut?" Alexander's voice cut through the quiet. I set the mug down carefully on the marble counter. "Maybe tomorrow. Why?" "Nothing." He moved closer, close enough that I caught his scent. Expensive cologne mixed with something else, something that was just him. "I want to have a relationship with you, Madison. Not just be Ethan's father. I want us to try again." My breath caught. The words hung between us, heavy and impossible. "I'm asking you on a date," he continued when I didn't respond. "A real one. Just you and me." I stared at him, searching his face for any sign this was manipulation or strategy. But his eyes held something raw, something that looked dangerously close to hope. "Alexander." I picked up my mug again, needing something to hold. "You're still engaged." "I'll end it tomorrow." Tomorrow. Like breaking a five-year engagement was something you could just schedule between morning coffee and lunch meetings. I set down
MadisonI woke up slowly, my neck protesting the angle I'd fallen asleep at on Alexander's couch. Blinking against the dim light filtering through the massive windows, I fumbled for my phone.8:17 PM.I sat up, running my hands through my hair and trying to shake off the grogginess. The throw blanket Alexander had given me pooled around my waist, soft and expensive. Of course, it was expensive. Everything in this place screamed money.Ethan.I stood quickly, my heart jumping. Where was Ethan?The guest room door stood open. I rushed over, peering inside. My son was still asleep, curled on his side with one hand tucked under his cheek. The rise and fall of his small chest settled my panic immediately.I backed out quietly, pulling the door mostly closed.The penthouse stretched around me, silent except for the muted sounds of the city far below. I wandered toward the living area, my feet silent on the plush carpet. No pictures of Katherine anywhere. I'd half expected to see her face s
AlexanderWe reached the Bentley. I shifted Ethan carefully, managing to open the back door without waking him. Madison climbed in first, arranging herself on the seat. "Hand him to me." I passed Ethan over, watching as Madison settled him against her lap. His head found her shoulder automatically, that same comfortable position from earlier. I closed the door quietly and slid behind the wheel. The drive to my penthouse took fifteen minutes. Madison stayed silent, one hand stroking Ethan's hair while he slept. I pulled into my private garage, the Bentley purring to a stop. "We're here." Madison looked around the underground space, taking in the security cameras and pristine concrete. "Nice garage." "It's functional." I climbed out, opening her door. "Elevator's this way." She gathered Ethan carefully. I reached for him again. "I can carry him." "I know. But let me help." She studied me for a beat, then nodded. Ethan transferred to my arms without complaint, his small body
MadisonI leaned back against the plush leather seat, watching the city blur past through the tinted windows. Alexander's hand rested casually on my thigh, his thumb tracing idle circles that sent little sparks through my body. "Nervous about flying?" he asked, noticing my fidgeting. "No, just wo
MadisonThe car pulled up to The Savoy, where uniformed doormen sprang into action. Alexander didn't wait for the driver, opening his door and circling around to my side. The night air carried a slight chill, and I pulled my light jacket closer as we approached the entrance. The lobby took my brea
Alexander"Currently single." She adjusted a diamond bracelet on her wrist. "London's dating scene is... let's call it 'quaint' compared to New York. Besides, I'm married to my career at the moment." "I'm surprised," I said, not meaning it. "Successful, intelligent woman like yourself." She laugh
MadisonSomething flashed in his eyes—surprise, maybe even a hint of guilt—before his expression smoothed. "If that were true, I wouldn't have brought you here." He gestured to the lake house, the carefully prepared meal. "I would have bent you over my desk at the office." I couldn't argue with th







