Chapter 1

I always thought my sister was right when she said I was just being a nerd and naive because my ideal type is someone who loves reading novels, enjoys talking about them, and is also respectful, as if my sister understands what I mean by respect.

I mean someone who wouldn't rush things with me; once we start dating, he shouldn't be in a hurry to get under my pantie. That's what I want in a man, but my sister thinks that kind of man only exists in the 21st century. I think that's why I haven't lost my V-card yet, and it's also why I've never had a boyfriend or truly loved someone. My sister and anyone who hears about my ideal type always find it amusing.

But I'm living in my fantasy right now because I have found my ideal type. He showed up in my life just when I needed him. Jaxon and I have been dating for more than two months now, and I can honestly say it's one of the best things that has ever happened to me. We love each other deeply, and he's so handsome—just like I always imagined my Prince Charming would be.

Ugh! My sister will definitely laugh at me when I tell her I met Jaxon online, so I decided not to mention it. That's why I know Jaxon loves novels just like I do. It's frustrating that my sister doesn't believe in online relationships, so I have to keep all of this to myself.

Apart from being a good listener, my boyfriend is also thoughtful. As a psychologist, I can often read people's behavior just by observing them, and I know that Jaxon is genuine, just as I had hoped.

It was early in the morning when Jaxon and I decided to grab a coffee at our usual spot before I headed to work. We always come here in the mornings—well, I should say Jaxon loves it here. I’ve asked him why he prefers this place, but I never get a valid answer. We’ve never missed coming here in the morning, not even for a day.

We walked into the coffee shop and sat down at our usual spot, but I noticed a man behind us whose style of dress resembled that of a bodyguard. Everything about him gave off that impression.

"Who's that behind us? He looks like he’s guarding you," I asked. Jaxon turned around just as I said that, and then sighed before turning back to me.

He shrugged as if contemplating whether to answer or not, but the curious look on my face prompted him to speak up.

“Ummm... he’s nobody, don’t worry about him,” Jaxon replied.

“I shouldn’t worry?” I mumbled, looking confused.

“Daniel, he’s right behind you and staring straight at—” Jaxon cut me off before I could finish.

“I mean, he’s Gabriel... he’s like my bodyguard,” Jaxon said as if he didn’t want to discuss it. But I had the right to ask because I didn’t understand why he was acting so weird today.

"He's like your bodyguard or your bodyguard?" I asked, feeling confused by Jaxon's response.

"My... my bodyguard," Jaxon said with an apologetic smile. My mouth formed an awkward "o," but my gaze quickly shifted to his diamond watch and the diamond necklace around his neck.

I couldn't help but wonder if Jaxon was actually rich. Could I have been deceiving myself by thinking he wasn't wealthy, just as I had always believed?

Just looking at his watch and necklace, it was clear he was wealthy. I bit my lip; I didn’t usually associate with rich people, and I certainly hadn’t expected him to be one, so it was a surprise.

"What would you two like to order?" We heard a voice behind us and turned simultaneously to see Jane, who wore an apron and had a handsome smile on his face.

"It's coffee as usual," Jaxon replied.

"Okay, I gotta go. I'll be right back," Jane replied in his unique accent, and he was about to take off when I spoke up.

"I don't think I'll be able to wait for coffee today because I'm already late for work," I said urgently.

"Then you can take it with you, and I'll go with Jane to get it from him," Jaxon said, smiling at Jane while talking to me. I didn't think much of it since I knew they were best friends.

"That sounds good. Let's go," Jane said, and Jaxon stood up from his chair.

"I'll be right back," Jaxon told me, and I nodded as he left with Jane.

However, after a few minutes, Jaxon still hadn't returned with the coffee, and I was starting to get impatient because I was about to be late for work.

"Why isn't he here yet?" I mumbled, frustration evident on my face. I stood up from the chair, knowing I had to leave without telling Jaxon. I packed my bag, ready to go, when Jaxon's phone suddenly started ringing.

I reached for it on the table, but the call ended just as I was about to grab it. I sighed, and a family picture appeared on Jaxon's home screen. It showed Jaxon standing next to a tall man, clearly his father.

As I continued to stare at his phone, it started ringing again. I thought I should go and give it to Jaxon before I leave, and I would also have the chance to say goodbye to him.

I picked up the phone and started walking to the counter, wondering why Jaxon was taking so long to return.

When I reached the counter, I found neither Jane nor Jaxon there. I began to worry about what was happening. Did Jaxon leave without telling me?

I decided to check on them behind the counter and slipped into the storeroom. I hesitated, wondering if I should go in—after all, Jaxon wouldn’t be there since there was nothing for him to do here.

Still, I felt compelled to explore the store room, though I couldn’t quite explain why. So, I peeked inside.

My eyes widened in shock at what I saw—I could hardly believe it. Inside the room were my boyfriend, Jaxon, and Jane, locked in a passionate kiss.

Jane's hand was caressing Jaxon’s chest, and his belt was already loose; it was clear they were about to take things further.

Tears streamed down my face as the phone I was holding slipped from my grasp, falling to the ground. That’s when they finally noticed me.

“Molly!” Jaxon called out frighteningly as he hurriedly fixed his clothes. But I didn’t wait; I rushed out of the storeroom and out of the coffee shop, tears streaming down my face. I could feel Jaxon chasing after me.

“Wait, Molly! Let me explain!” he shouted, but I had nothing to say to him. So he’s gay and was still dating me? What a betrayal. He had just shattered my dreams in an instant.

"You don't understand," Jaxon said as he finally reached me, grabbing my hand and pulling me to face him; my face had already flushed red due to my tears and anger.

"Look, I like you, and you're amazing, but I had to pretend to date you because of my family. They won't accept me for being gay. I'm so sorry, please," Jaxon blurted out.

"So what?!" I yelled, my anger boiling over. "You want me to keep pretending to be your girlfriend?" Anyone could see the pain on my face.

"I'm sorry, but please, you should do this for me," Jaxon said, but I yanked my hand away from him.

"Fuck you! I'm not doing that! You bloody gay!" I yelled, my anger boiling over.

"I'm sorry, Molly, but please, even if it's for money, just continue being my girlfriend," Jaxon pleaded, desperation etched on his face. I could see how much he wanted me to continue pretending.

"I don't want your damn money, so I won't help you pretend," I said, my voice a mix of mockery and fury as I turned to walk away. "I'll keep your secret because I have no use for it, so give the money to your gay boyfriend," I added, my anger boiling before I continued down the street.

Jaxon stood there, dumbfounded, but I didn’t care. Just like that, my fantasy love story with my prince charming came to an end.

I stepped out of sight, angry tears streaming down my face, my heart burning with rage.

Three hours later, I found myself sitting in a hallway of the cell, my tear-streaked face now dry and my hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, just like a professional psychologist would dress.

I felt sad and heartbroken, and perhaps that was why my legs were shaking slightly—I never expected Jaxon to betray me like this.

But I straightened up in my seat, reminding myself to forget about it and focus on my job. Still, I couldn't shake the nervousness about my new assignment.

Until now, I had only been assigned to work with criminals in this local prison, but that had changed. I was now tasked with assessing Ferraro Mendoza, the ruthless mafia king of the city. The thought of it sent a shiver down my spine.

I was still sitting and waiting for him when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see two police officers leading a tall man down the hallway.

My eyes widened as I recognized him. He wasn't just any man; he was Jaxon's father. Aside from seeing him in Jaxon's phone earlier, I was struck by how much he resembled Jaxon—he was undeniably his younger counterpart.

So Ferraro Mendoza was Jaxon's father. No wonder Jaxon wanted to keep his sexuality a secret. It all made sense now. Ferraro looked every bit as dangerous as I had heard, and his notoriety in our city was well-known.

This was the first time I felt this nervous since starting my job. I couldn't help but admire his undeniably handsome face as his shoulders shifted beneath his uniform. When our eyes met, I quickly looked away, with a gasp.

I stood up from my chair as the police unlocked the cuffs on his wrists. My mouth went dry at the memory of our eyes meeting earlier. A lock of his dark hair fell over his forehead, framing his square jaw and the deep frown lines etched across his blue, ocean-like eyes. Damn it, that was the only thing that set him apart from Jaxon—he looked more mature, more weathered than his son.

As I pondered, it hit me that Jaxon wasn't just wealthy; he was the son of a mafia lord. I lifted my head again, and my eyes locked with Ferraro's, who wore a smirk on his face.

Oh my God! My ex's dad is incredibly handsome.