[Matilda] My fingers were tracing the smooth fabric of my dress as I stared out of the window. My heart was pounding hard in my chest as I bit down on my lower lip.I knew it was inevitable. Not seeing him at such an event with the kind of power and connections the Donovans had. It was nearly impossible I just wished today wouldn't come by but here we are on our way to the event Leo asked me to go with him"Tesoro, are you okay?" I bit my lip as Leo's deep voice echoed in my ear. I slowly shifted my gaze to the driver's seat"I'm fine!" I mumbled softly, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn't buying it."But you've been quiet since we left your house, if something is wrong, please let me know!" Leo asked softlyBut how could I explain to him why I was feeling this way? How could I tell him that it was because there was a possibility of meeting my ex-husband at this said event?"Tilda!" Leo called again, drawing me out of my thoughts."It's nothing, Leo, I'm fine!""Are you worri
[Kaden]My finger rested on the rim of my wine glass as I took a small sip of champagne, my eyes sweeping over the ballroom."Baby, I'll be right back, let me see a friend over there," Cherry said, leaning in to kiss my lips. I gave her a firm nod. My gaze followed her until she was almost out of sight. I took a deep breath and turned away. It's been six years of marriage to the woman I love, the woman who makes me happy.I married Cherry the same month I divorced Tilda, and that month was the hardest of my life. Cherry miscarried just a few weeks after our wedding, and we have been trying to conceive for six years. I have always made her understand several times that our baby will come at the right time, but I couldn't help but feel pain whenever I saw her shedding tears over and over for losing our childMy jaw clenched hard as I recalled the name that just crossed my mindTildaFor six years, I never heard from her or even got a glimpse of her in this city! Not that I cared, but
[Matilda]I felt a shiver run down my spine as those silver orbs locked into mine. God!! How? The next minute, I was on my feet, approaching a waiter who was making his way toward me."Please, how can I find the restroom?" I asked, and he pointed to the far-end corner. I gave him a firm nod. My heart was pounding hard in my chest as I weaved through the crowd. I took a deep breath as I walked into the hallway. I had no idea why I was fucking running away. My breath hitched as I increased my pace, only for my feet to freeze in place as I heard that voice. "Matilda!" Kaden's deep voice rang out, sending instant chills down my spine. I bit down on my lower lip hard enough to draw blood.Was he following me?I heard a chuckle behind me, his footsteps echoing behind."Why the hell are you panicking, Tilda? Calm down!" I inhaled deeply, slowly turning to face the man I hadn't seen for six years.Kaden was standing right in front of me, his two hands in his pocket. I watched as his eyes w
[Matilda]Leo and I walked out of the hallway, my heart thumping hard in my chest, as Leo's hand tightened on mine, he led me out of the ballroom. As we made our way out, my eyes snapped up to him, and I didn't miss how his eyes darkened, his jaw set in a way that sent chills down my spine.Leo walked up to the car and pulled the passenger door open for me, I stepped in and he banged it shut - too hard that I almost flinched. I watched as he circled the driver's side and stepped inside.I fastened my seatbelt, my gaze still fixed on Leo as he fastened his, he started the engine, and sped offMy eyes shifted to him, his eyes were intently fixed on the road, he hadn't said a word for over five minutes now. His hands kept tightening on the steering wheel, making my heart beat faster with each second that passedDid he hear what Kaden and I said? Did he overhear our conversation? Did he hear when I mentioned ex-wife? My mind was a complete mess as I stared at Leo, his jaw clenched hard a
[Kaden]"Tesoro?" My jaw clenched hard as the name that bastard called her rang in my ear. I walked to the other end of the hallway making my way into the restroom. My jaw clenched hard as I tried to recall where I had seen that dude. I fucking know I've met him somewhere but I just can't place my finger on itMy eyes darted to my watch and I checked the time, it was 9.30 pm. I pulled out my phone and placed a call to someone"Boss!" Spider's voice boomed out from the other end"Where are you?" I hissed as I stepped into the restroom banging the door shut"I'm around, Boss!""Good, I need you to pull the surveillance footage from the first hallway leading to the restroom, from 9 pm to 9:30, send it to me immidiately,""On it Boss!" Spider stated firmly. I hung up and shoved my phone back into my pocketI could swear that I'd seen his face somewhere, he looked oddly familiar! I stared at my reflection one more time before making my way out and heading back to the ballroomMy head sna
[Matilda]"Just fucking tell me you're kidding!" Julia snapped as I told her everything that happened a few days back at the eventIt's been five days since the event but it still feels surreal seeing that asshole who I still can't keep out of my headI shook my head as we walked over to one of the seats in my bakery space. We have been trying to put everything together for hours now, and looking at how far we've gone, we needed a rest and a cup of coffee."I wasn't joking!" I walked over to the coffee machine and quickly made two cups of coffee before walking over to Julia's seat and handing her a cup of coffee. She took a quick sip of her coffee before dropping it."He must be insane to lay his filthy hands on you and say those stupid words, what was he thinking, that you're the same Tilda he used to humiliate back then?""I just hope we don't cross paths again, he's just an asshole as he has always been," my teeth gritted as every name Kaden called me last night rang in my earJu
[Matilda]Aiden wasn't kidding when he said he wouldn't talk to any one. He has refused to even talk to me since he asked of his Daddy yesterday, always giving us one-word answer at a time. I had to plead with him to eat at least and once he's done he will tell me that he wants to go to his room. He's only five, so why does he act like an adult half the time?I took a deep breath, picking up the pancakes I made for them and two bottles of orange juice. It's one of their favorites, and I sincerely hope he will open up to me today I walked over to their room and slowly pushed the door open, only to find his face buried in his iPad as usual. Austin was on the bed with his eyes fixed on the painting board"Hey boys, can you guess what Mummy made?" My gaze shifted to Aiden, but he didn't even budge. Austin was already down from the bed, his lips curling into a smile as he looked up at me. "Mummy made pancakes!" I said and Aiden looked up from his iPad, his gaze shifting to the plate in m
[Kaden]"You're saying you've seen his face somewhere but you can't recall?" Ryan asked me from the driver's seat, I nodded shifting my gaze toward him"Spider sent his information and I couldn't place where exactly I've seen him, but I have this feeling that I've met him somewhere, and not just met, I feel like we've crossed more than just paths,"Spider had given me full information on the guy a few days back and I found out that his name is Leo Smith and the CEO of Atlas Solution here in NYC and Miami, that was it, but no matter how I tried to push it aside, his face kept trying to ring a bell in my ear.Or maybe he looked like someone I used to know?"So, how did you feel about seeing her after six years, your ex-wife?" Mason chuckled from behind, jolting me from my thoughts."What is that supposed to mean? How exactly am I supposed to feel?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the window as I paid deaf ears to two of my best friends who wouldn't stop laughing"I've always liked her though.
[Matilda]"I'm about to leave. You can give the cock a break and come look after the kids," The words echoed in my ear followed by the gentle beep of the phone. My jaw clenched hard, my hand tightening around my phone"What's the problem?" Leo asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I stared back at him and pulled the phone away from my ear, tucking it back into my pocket"Nothing," I gritted out, trying so hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to fallKnowing that Kaden still saw me as nothing but a whore makes my heart hurt and no matter how hard I try to pretend that it doesn't. It still does"Matilda, what's wrong? Who called you?" Leo was already on his feet, walking towards the bed where I was seatedI stared up at him and forced out a smile that I knew he saw through it"The kid's father. He said he's about to leave," I said and Leo took a step back, folding his hand across his chest as his eyes scanned all over my face and I couldn't help but notice how his jaw was c
[Kaden]The words slipped out before I could stop them."And what do you mean you’ll be upstairs with him?Tilda's head snapped in my direction, her brows creasing instantlyFuck!!"And how exactly is that supposed to be your business?" Tilda snapped, turning her eyes in the kid's direction. I glanced at them —then back at Leo who still had his damn eyes fixed on me like I’d stolen his kidney. Why the hell was he staring like that? I still hadn’t figured out where the hell I knew him from or why he called me a monster. But honestly? I didn’t give a shit."I wasn’t talking to you," I muttered, knowing I sounded like a complete idiot. They weren’t toddlers—they heard me.But what was my business?"You can call me when you’re ready to leave," Tilda’s voice rang out, loud and clear. The kids’ eyes immediately flicked to us. One of them—Austin or Aiden—raised a brow at me, then turned to Tilda."Is Daddy leaving?" he asked.Tilda looked at me, her brows pulled in."No, big boy. Daddy’s sti
[Kaden]My heart throbbed as my eyes shifted to Tilda, she was seated on the couch, her eyes glued to the television. I could see from her eyes that she was lost in thought and not paying attention to any movie. Was she worried? Scared?I tilted my neck, staring back at my kids. Why should I care if she was hurting? She did worse, she kept my children from me for nearly six years and she had no plans of even letting me know if I didn't find out myselfThe doorbell echoed through the house, followed by the kids' squeals, pulling me out of my deep thoughts"Daddy, I think the ice cream is here," one of my boys screamed. I stared at him, my lips curling into a smile, before turning to the other one. Right now, I had no idea who was who anymore. They looked very identical"Let's go check it out then," I said softly as I rose to my feet. My eyes shifted to Tilda before I looked away, walking toward the door with the kids bouncing at my sidesI couldn't contain the happiness in me, the way
[Matilda] "What the hell do you think you’re doing?" I snapped, my jaw tightening as I glared at the man in front of me. He tilted his head slightly, that damn smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don’t know what you’re talking about," Kaden murmured, the arrogance in his tone making my blood boil. I parted my lips to speak but closed them again. I inhaled deeply, swallowing the sudden lump forming in my throat. "Don’t play dumb, Kaden Donovan. What is all this? What exactly are you trying to pull?" I folded my arms tightly across my chest "Just playing the role of a father, sweetheart. What’s wrong with that?" His smirk deepened as his eyes leisurely swept over me before landing back on my face. Is he fucking serious right now? Does he think I’m stupid? "You think I’m blind? Do you think I don’t see right through your little show? But hear me clearly, Kaden—it’s not going to work. I know exactly who you are. A manipulative bastard with no conscience," I hissed, fighting
[Matilda]The moment I saw that stupid smirk on Kaden's face, something snapped inside me.He stood there, his eyes darting from me to the driver who was unloading the different kinds of toys he got. Did I fucking tell him I was about to open a kid's store, because what the hell was this man doing?I clenched my jaw hard, trying to swallow the sudden lump building in my throat. Not here, not in front of themBecause I wouldn't want my kids to see me snap the way my body was pushing me to"Kaden I asked a question, what is all this about?" My voice trembled and I hated that it did not because I was scared but because I was furious. He knew it and I saw it in the way his smile deepened, slow and smug like this was some game he was winningI looked at the twins. They were practically glowing, with wide eyes and jumping up and down like the world had just opened up and poured magic into their little handsMy jaw clenched, my heart thumping hard in my chest as different scenarios made thei
[Kaden]"Daddy! Daddy!"The sound hit me like a bullet straight to the chest. My heart did a goddamn flip, and before I even knew what I was doing, the shopping bag slipped from my fingers. I crouched instantly, arms wide open, catching my boys as they flung themselves at me.My boys.FuckI didn’t even know how to breathe.I wrapped them up in my arms like if I let go, they’d vanish. My chest tightened, and my jaw clenched so damn hard it hurt. The wave of emotion crashed over me with no warningTheir tiny arms clung to me like I was their whole world, making my heart tighten, my jaw clenching fucking hardAlmost six fucking yearsI squeezed my eyes shut as I felt one of them start to sob against my shoulder. My throat burned. My hands trembled slightly as I pulled back, holding them up to get a good look.Tears.One of them had tears rolling down his cheeks, and my heart cracked right down the middle. I couldn’t fucking speak. What was I supposed to say?"Daddy, we’ve been waiting f
[Matilda]It was almost 4 pm and the house looked like it had gone under a mini makeover. I had cleaned, rearranged, and double-checked everything—twice, or maybe three times.The kids were in their room, picking out what to wear like they were about to meet Santa and a superhero at once. They were excited, overjoyed that their Daddy would be meeting them in a few hoursMy nerves, on the other hand, were everywhere I stared at my body all over again. I was dressed in black fitted jeans and a blue top that hugged my body perfectly, with my hair tied up neatly in a ponytailMy palms were sweaty and for heaven's sake, I had no idea why I was sweatingI took a slow deep breath and glanced at the time. 3:50 pm. I made my way to the kitchen to check the cookies that I had placed in the ovenAt least courtesy demands that you make your visitor feel a bit at home, not like I love the idea of him coming here anyway but whatever"Mommy, do I look good?" Aiden's voice pierced through my ear jus
[Matilda]My eyes scanned the message in my phone as I yawned loudly, ignoring the growl in my stomach Last night I must have picked up and dropped my phone a dozen times before finally giving in and calling Kaden. I could tell that he was at least thrown off by how blunt I was and how I ended the callBut what I didn't expect was waking up to a message from him saying he'd be free this evening. So soon?"Well you wanted the kids to meet him and get it over with," I mumbled under my breath. It was still 6 am and I knew the twins were still asleep if not they could have stormed right into my bedroom"Let's get a few things done, it's Saturday," I mumbled under my breath, pushing myself off the bed, I slipped into my flip-flops, and made my way out heading to the kids' roomI chewed on my bottom lip trying to figure out where Kaden could meet the kidsHis house is a no for us, that would never be possible, and following that this is their first time meeting. I don't think a public plac
[Kaden] "What the hell was that, Kaden?" Cherry snapped as she stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. I exhaled, working my fingers around the knot of my tie, ignoring whatever nonsense she was spewing behind me. "I’m talking to you!" she barked. I closed my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath, before turning to stare back at her "Listen, Cherry, I'm tired and right now, all I need is some need peace," I muttered, sliding off my suit jacket. "I don’t give a damn about your peace right now!" she shouted. "I’m talking about that embarrassing stunt you pulled! How could you tell your accountant to block the money I requested?" "And why the hell shouldn’t I?" I snapped, my fist curling. "Don’t you think you’re pushing it? What in God’s name are you doing with that amount? It hasn’t even been two weeks since I gave you fifty million, and now you want a double of that amount?" My patience was hanging by a thread. Lately, it felt like I was staring at a stranger.