**************CHAPTER 92~Blaze’s POV~With careful steps, I carried Kaia out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. She was still dripping wet, her skin flushed from the heat of the shower—or maybe from sheer mortification.The second I set her down, she yanked the covers over herself, wrapping the blanket around her like a damn cocoon. Her eyes burned with pure humiliation."Never," she muttered through gritted teeth, "do that again."I smirked, crossing my arms. "Then stop getting yourself into trouble."Her glare could have set me on fire.This was going to be fun.Kaia tried to shift under the blanket, but the moment she moved her injured ankle, a sharp hiss of pain escaped her lips.I immediately crouched beside the bed, my smirk fading. "Stop moving before you make it worse."Kaia let out a frustrated groan, throwing her head back against the pillow. "This is ridiculous. It’s just a small sprain."I arched a brow. "You sure about that?""Yes," she
**************CHAPTER 92~Blaze’s POV~By the time I returned with the ice pack, Kaia was already curled up in bed, her expression guarded as she scrolled through her phone."Here," I said, tossing the pack onto the bed beside her.She didn’t look up. "Thanks."I raised a brow. "What? No biting comment? No threat to murder me in my sleep?"She sighed, finally glancing up at me. "I’m too tired for your bullshit, Blaze."I smirked. "That’s a first."Kaia rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she shifted slightly, attempting to sit up, but the moment she moved her ankle, she hissed.I was beside her in an instant. Closer than I should have been.Her breath hitched as I reached forward, grabbing the ice pack and pressing it gently against her ankle.Kaia stiffened, her gaze flickering to mine.That tension was back—thick, stifling.I could feel the warmth radiating off her skin, and I could see how her chest rose and fell just a little too fast.Neither of us spoke.My hand was stil
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the empty space beside me. Blaze was gone.I frowned, shifting slightly in bed, my body still warm from where he had been. The sheets were slightly wrinkled, the faint scent of him lingering in the air. Damn him. Why did he have to smell so good?Sitting up, I ran a hand through my hair, preparing myself to start the day when something caught my eye—a small folded note on the pillow next to me.I blinked.Slowly, I reached for it, my heartbeat picking up."Good morning, wifey. Since I wasn’t there to see your face when you woke up, I figured I’d leave you with something almost as charming as me. Sleep well? Try not to miss me too much. I’ll be back soon. - Blaze"My lips parted.A warmth spread through my chest, and before I could stop myself, I was blushing.God, what was wrong with me?I tossed the note onto the bedside table, shaking my head. It was just Blaze being a smug jerk, playing his role. No
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~L’Étoile – An Hour LaterI stepped into the upscale restaurant, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors as I glanced around. L’Étoile was known for its exclusivity—the type of place where only the city’s elite dined.Fitting, considering Shyne was nothing if not a pretentious, spoiled brat.I spotted her immediately. She was seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sipping delicately on a glass of red wine, dressed in a sleek, overpriced designer outfit that screamed money.She looked up as I approached, a slow, calculating smile spreading across her face.“Kaia.” She gestured to the seat across from her. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come.”I slid into the seat, crossing my legs smoothly. “And miss this little performance of yours? Not a chance.”Her lips twitched in amusement. “Always so feisty.”I arched a brow. “Cut to the chase, Shyne. I have better things to do.”She took another slow sip of her wine, as if savoring t
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~L’Étoile – An Hour LaterI stepped into the upscale restaurant, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors as I glanced around. L’Étoile was known for its exclusivity—the type of place where only the city’s elite dined.Fitting, considering Shyne was nothing if not a pretentious, spoiled brat.I spotted her immediately. She was seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sipping delicately on a glass of red wine, dressed in a sleek, overpriced designer outfit that screamed money.She looked up as I approached, a slow, calculating smile spreading across her face.“Kaia.” She gestured to the seat across from her. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come.”I slid into the seat, crossing my legs smoothly. “And miss this little performance of yours? Not a chance.”Her lips twitched in amusement. “Always so feisty.”I arched a brow. “Cut to the chase, Shyne. I have better things to do.”She took another slow sip of her wine, as if savoring t
**************CHAPTER 96~Shyne's POV~I walked into the Elysian Foundation Gala, my heels clicking against the pristine marble floor as I gracefully made my way through the crowd.The event was nothing short of extravagant—gold chandeliers hung low, the sound of classical music drifted through the air, and the city’s most powerful figures mingled with champagne glasses in hand.And at the centre of it all was Blaze Black.I had used all my connections to ensure I was part of the foundation’s sponsor, anything to be close to Blaze. He stood near the stage, tall, commanding, and effortlessly captivating. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his presence alone commanded attention, and every conversation in his vicinity orbited around him.Soon, he’ll be orbiting around me again.I made my way toward him, past women who lingered too long in his presence, past businessmen trying too hard to impress him.Mine. My Blaze Black.Blaze noticed me before I even reached him. His sharp blue eyes flic
**************CHAPTER 1My head throbbed, each beat matching the slow, pulsing ache behind my eyes as I squinted against the morning light pouring into the hotel room. I reached for my phone, hoping to check the time, but froze at the sight of an unread message. Blinking, I rubbed my temples, half afraid of what awaited me."Congratulations on your marriage. Here's your wedding picture. Happy married life!"My heart skipped, and I bolted upright, instantly regretting the movement as nausea washed over me. With trembling fingers, I opened the attachment. There it was—a photo of me and a tall man, his face shadowed, holding a marriage certificate. I was laughing, eyes slightly glazed, looking deliriously happy, even if I could barely recognize myself."This has to be a mistake."Panic rushed through me as the events of last night trickled back—the music, the drinks, the stranger who seemed to understand my every unspoken word, the wild thrill of something forbidden, something I sho
**************CHAPTER 2I swear I did not understand him. What did he feel like? We were both doing this for our selfish gain. Why did it seem like I had just dug my grave?I shook my head, tossing the thought to the back of my mind as I drove home. My eyes flickered to the card on my dashboard before focusing on the road. I arrived at my parents' house, ready to tell them the news, when my father's cold voice made me stop. "She did what? Kaia broke the marriage?"I inhaled. I should have expected this. Shawn would make a fuss trying to use my parents to control me. Stepping into the living room, I met my parents, both dressed for the occasion. My dad had his phone pressed to his ear, clearly in a conversation with that cheat."Dad." He froze, ending the call and turning to look at me. My eyes glanced around, taking in the sight of my mother seated opposite him, watching with a worried expression on her face, "Mum, I can't marry a jerk. I know he is well to do, but he is a cheat."
**************CHAPTER 96~Shyne's POV~I walked into the Elysian Foundation Gala, my heels clicking against the pristine marble floor as I gracefully made my way through the crowd.The event was nothing short of extravagant—gold chandeliers hung low, the sound of classical music drifted through the air, and the city’s most powerful figures mingled with champagne glasses in hand.And at the centre of it all was Blaze Black.I had used all my connections to ensure I was part of the foundation’s sponsor, anything to be close to Blaze. He stood near the stage, tall, commanding, and effortlessly captivating. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his presence alone commanded attention, and every conversation in his vicinity orbited around him.Soon, he’ll be orbiting around me again.I made my way toward him, past women who lingered too long in his presence, past businessmen trying too hard to impress him.Mine. My Blaze Black.Blaze noticed me before I even reached him. His sharp blue eyes flic
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~L’Étoile – An Hour LaterI stepped into the upscale restaurant, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors as I glanced around. L’Étoile was known for its exclusivity—the type of place where only the city’s elite dined.Fitting, considering Shyne was nothing if not a pretentious, spoiled brat.I spotted her immediately. She was seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sipping delicately on a glass of red wine, dressed in a sleek, overpriced designer outfit that screamed money.She looked up as I approached, a slow, calculating smile spreading across her face.“Kaia.” She gestured to the seat across from her. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come.”I slid into the seat, crossing my legs smoothly. “And miss this little performance of yours? Not a chance.”Her lips twitched in amusement. “Always so feisty.”I arched a brow. “Cut to the chase, Shyne. I have better things to do.”She took another slow sip of her wine, as if savoring t
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~L’Étoile – An Hour LaterI stepped into the upscale restaurant, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors as I glanced around. L’Étoile was known for its exclusivity—the type of place where only the city’s elite dined.Fitting, considering Shyne was nothing if not a pretentious, spoiled brat.I spotted her immediately. She was seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sipping delicately on a glass of red wine, dressed in a sleek, overpriced designer outfit that screamed money.She looked up as I approached, a slow, calculating smile spreading across her face.“Kaia.” She gestured to the seat across from her. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come.”I slid into the seat, crossing my legs smoothly. “And miss this little performance of yours? Not a chance.”Her lips twitched in amusement. “Always so feisty.”I arched a brow. “Cut to the chase, Shyne. I have better things to do.”She took another slow sip of her wine, as if savoring t
**************CHAPTER 94~Kaia’s POV~The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the empty space beside me. Blaze was gone.I frowned, shifting slightly in bed, my body still warm from where he had been. The sheets were slightly wrinkled, the faint scent of him lingering in the air. Damn him. Why did he have to smell so good?Sitting up, I ran a hand through my hair, preparing myself to start the day when something caught my eye—a small folded note on the pillow next to me.I blinked.Slowly, I reached for it, my heartbeat picking up."Good morning, wifey. Since I wasn’t there to see your face when you woke up, I figured I’d leave you with something almost as charming as me. Sleep well? Try not to miss me too much. I’ll be back soon. - Blaze"My lips parted.A warmth spread through my chest, and before I could stop myself, I was blushing.God, what was wrong with me?I tossed the note onto the bedside table, shaking my head. It was just Blaze being a smug jerk, playing his role. No
**************CHAPTER 92~Blaze’s POV~By the time I returned with the ice pack, Kaia was already curled up in bed, her expression guarded as she scrolled through her phone."Here," I said, tossing the pack onto the bed beside her.She didn’t look up. "Thanks."I raised a brow. "What? No biting comment? No threat to murder me in my sleep?"She sighed, finally glancing up at me. "I’m too tired for your bullshit, Blaze."I smirked. "That’s a first."Kaia rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she shifted slightly, attempting to sit up, but the moment she moved her ankle, she hissed.I was beside her in an instant. Closer than I should have been.Her breath hitched as I reached forward, grabbing the ice pack and pressing it gently against her ankle.Kaia stiffened, her gaze flickering to mine.That tension was back—thick, stifling.I could feel the warmth radiating off her skin, and I could see how her chest rose and fell just a little too fast.Neither of us spoke.My hand was stil
**************CHAPTER 92~Blaze’s POV~With careful steps, I carried Kaia out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. She was still dripping wet, her skin flushed from the heat of the shower—or maybe from sheer mortification.The second I set her down, she yanked the covers over herself, wrapping the blanket around her like a damn cocoon. Her eyes burned with pure humiliation."Never," she muttered through gritted teeth, "do that again."I smirked, crossing my arms. "Then stop getting yourself into trouble."Her glare could have set me on fire.This was going to be fun.Kaia tried to shift under the blanket, but the moment she moved her injured ankle, a sharp hiss of pain escaped her lips.I immediately crouched beside the bed, my smirk fading. "Stop moving before you make it worse."Kaia let out a frustrated groan, throwing her head back against the pillow. "This is ridiculous. It’s just a small sprain."I arched a brow. "You sure about that?""Yes," she
**************CHAPTER 91~Blaze’s POV~The moment I stepped into the house, I was greeted by chaos.Kaia stood in the middle of the living room, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her jaw clenched as she glared at me. Beside her, Grandma looked absolutely thrilled, as if she had just witnessed the most romantic gesture of the century.And then—the tampons.Piles and piles of tampons stacked neatly by the entrance, looking like some kind of twisted shrine to female hygiene.I bit back a grin as I took off my jacket, strolling casually inside. "Ah, I see my surprise was delivered."Kaia’s eyes narrowed dangerously."What the actual hell, Blaze?" she hissed.Grandma, completely ignoring the tension, sighed dreamily, "Oh, Blaze, sweetheart, this is so thoughtful of you. A husband who cares about his wife’s cycle is a husband who cares for her heart."Kaia’s death glare intensified. "Blaze does not care about my—my cycle, Grandma!" she snapped. "He’s an idiot!"I smirked, stepping closer
**************CHAPTER 90~Blaze’s POV~I leaned back in my office chair, twirling my pen between my fingers, my mind still replaying last night’s conversation with Kaia.A whole month.A whole damn month of pretending we were happily trying for a child.I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple. If there was one thing I knew about Grandma, it was that she never backed down. She was relentless, which meant we had to be smarter.Which brought me to my brilliant plan.I pulled out my phone and dialed the nearest pharmacy.“Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?”“Yes,” I said smoothly. “I need to place an order for tampons.”There was a brief pause on the other end.“Uh, of course, sir. Do you have a specific brand or type in mind?”I frowned. “Uh… no. Just… give me all of them.”Another silence.“All… of them?”“Yes. Every single type of tampon you have.”The person on the other end coughed awkwardly. “Um, sir, are you sure?”I smirked. “Absolutely. My wife—Mrs. Kaia Black—wants to try
**************CHAPTER 89~Kaia’s POV~I shut the bedroom door behind me, exhaling sharply as I turned to face Blaze. “She’s lost her damn mind,” I muttered.Blaze sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You think?”I crossed my arms. “A whole month? Do you have any idea what that means?”His lips twitched. “That she’s giving us ample time to ‘bless her with a great-grandchild’? And yup, a lot of you know love making?”I glared at him. “Blaze.”His smirk faded, replaced by something more serious. “Look, I get it. But it’s better to act like we’re on board with whatever she has planned than to outrightly refuse her. At least until we figure out what she really wants.”I frowned, pacing slightly. This did not make sense. It was either she got the idea out of the blue or she simply had been planning this all along and it was also her reason, if not the major reason, for coming here. I heaved a sigh. I did not know how Blaze expected me to be on board with that. I mean we weren't seeing e