**************CHAPTER 28~Kaia’s POV~The world tilted as I felt myself lose balance, the slick patch of water catching me off guard. A gasp escaped my lips, and my hands flailed in a desperate attempt to grab onto something—anything—to steady myself. But before I hit the ground, strong arms encircled me, halting my fall midair.Blaze.Instantly, he spun me upright and held me close to his chest. My heart was pounding, both from the fall and the overwhelming realization that I was cradled in his arms, his scent wrapping around me like a second skin.I stared up at him, my breath hitching as our faces hovered mere inches apart. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, intensely, and I couldn’t look away even if I tried.“You okay?” His voice was low and concerned, yet there was something else in it that made my stomach knot up.I gulped, nodding slowly. “Y-yeah. Thanks to you.”Blaze didn’t respond right away. Instead, his gaze flicked to my lips, lingering there for a moment too lo
***************CHAPTER 29~Kaia’s POV~The office was quiet, the city lights twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows as I stared at my screen. My presentation was due first thing in the morning, and while most of the data was in place, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.“Late night?” Blaze’s voice startled me, and I looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up.“What gave it away?” I said dryly, gesturing to the empty office.He walked in, setting a steaming cup of coffee on my desk. “You’re always here late. Thought you could use a pick-me-up.”“Thanks,” I murmured, taking a sip. The warmth spread through me, but it did little to ease the tension knotting my shoulders.Blaze pulled up a chair and sat across from me, his sharp eyes scanning my face. “You’ve been tense all day. What’s going on?”I hesitated, unsure how much to share. “It’s nothing. Just the usual pressure of making sure everything’s perfect.”“
***************CHAPTER 29~Kaia’s POV~The boardroom looked very professional with a long glass table, shiny metal details, and walls decorated with Apex Global’s recent successes. There was a bit of tension in the air as executives from various departments took their seats, ready with their laptops and notepads.Blaze sat at the head of the table and I sat to his right, my laptop open and ready. My heart raced, but outwardly, I maintained a calm, confident demeanour.This presentation was critical—not just for the company, but for me.As I rose to begin, the conversation died down, and all eyes turned toward me. The projector screen lit up with the first slide of my carefully prepared presentation.“Good morning, everyone,” I began, despite the nerves swirling in my chest. “Today, I’ll be walking you through the financial strategy and projections for our upcoming expansion into the European market.”The room was silent as I delved into the details, my words accompanied by crisp, pr
***************CHAPTER 31~Summer’s POV~The room was empty now, save for Blaze and me. His icy gaze bore into me, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of unease in his presence.Thanks to that bitch Kaia, I was in this deep shit. I thought I had messed up her work to allow Blaze see her incompetence and question the motive for her joining his company but all that backfired.“Summer,” he began, his voice cold, “do you think I’m a fool?”I forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow even to my own ears. “Blaze, I was…”“Mr. Black to you,” he corrected fiercely as he interjected. I swallowed, nodding and correcting myself. “Mr. Black, I was only trying to help. That data was obviously incorrect—”“Incorrect because you tampered with it,” Blaze cut in, his tone sharp enough to slice through steel.I blinked, feigning shock. “Me? That’s ridiculous! Why would I—”“Stop,” Blaze snapped, his hand lifting to silence me. “I have no patience for lies, Summer.”I bit my inner cheek, trying to
***************CHAPTER 32~Kaia’s POV~The parking lot was quieter than usual. I scanned around searching for Blaze’s car when I spotted him at a corner. As I approached the sleek black car waiting for me, the door swung open, and Blaze’s familiar, confident smile greeted me from inside.“You’re late,” he teased lightly.I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Not everyone can summon cars instantly."Sliding into the seat, I smoothed my skirt and glanced at him. “So, where exactly are we going, Mr. Black? And what’s this about a surprise?”Blaze’s smile deepened a hint of mischief in his eyes. “You’ll see,” he said cryptically. “Just wait.”The drive to City Hall was uneventful, but my mind raced with curiosity. By the time we arrived, I was more anxious than I cared to admit. Blaze led the way into the impressive marble-floored building; his stride was confident.We were ushered into a conference room where several top executives, both men and women
***************CHAPTER 32~Kaia’s POV~The ride back to the office had been relatively quiet, Blaze’s confident smirk barely leaving his face as I sat beside him, my mind racing with thoughts about the day.When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, expecting the usual hum of activity at Apex Global. Instead, the lobby was filled with whispers, and the reason became clear the moment I heard her voice.“Kaia Gold,” Summer’s shrill tone rang out, amplified by the megaphone she held. “I owe you an apology.”I froze, my stomach dropping. A crowd had gathered in the open atrium, employees pausing their tasks to watch the spectacle unfold.“I deeply regret my actions,” Summer continued, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “I was wrong to tamper with your work, and I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”She paused, and for a moment, I thought she might end it there. But then she added with an exaggerated pout, “Though I suppose not everyone has the grace to accept an apolo
***************CHAPTER 33~Blaze’s POV~The murmurs and whispers in the lobby faded as I strode to my car, my jaw clenched and my mind preoccupied. Kaia’s reaction to Summer’s apology—if it could even be called that—lingered in my thoughts.She was strong and resilient, but I could see the cracks in her armour. Summer’s antics weren’t just irritating; they were dangerous distractions.As I settled into the driver’s seat, my phone buzzed in the cup holder. The screen lit up with my father’s name.I sighed, tempted to let it ring out, but I knew better. With a resigned breath, I answered.“Blaze,” his deep, commanding voice came through the line. “Come home. We need to talk.”“Now?” I asked, irritation lacing my tone.“Yes,” he said firmly. “It’s important.”Reluctantly, I hung up and started the engine, sparing no time to inform Kaia. She would manage without me for the evening. She could handle herself just fine but now, I had some important things to do.***********The Black famil
**************CHAPTER 34~Shawn’s POV~The dimly lit bar reeked of cheap whiskey and regret, the kind of place where people came to drown their failures. For me, it was the perfect setting to plot my comeback.Sipping the amber liquid in my glass, I leaned back in my seat, my mind spinning with plans. The image of Kaia standing tall during her presentation today still burned in my mind, mocking me. She had always been strong, but now, with Blaze Black at her side, she was untouchable.For now.Beside me, Derek, my longtime friend and occasional enabler, swirled his drink lazily. He had the kind of face that could charm most people, but tonight his expression mirrored my simmering frustration.“Still thinking about her?” Derek asked, his tone dripping with disapproval.I scowled. “She humiliated me, Derek. After everything I gave her. And now she’s prancing around like she’s better than me.”Derek raised an eyebrow. “She is married to Blaze Black. That’s a pretty big step up.”I glare
**************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
**************CHAPTER 88~Kaia’s POV~My blood boiled as I stared at Blaze, his jaw clenched, his blue eyes watching me with a mix of guilt and defiance.“You were spying on me?” My voice was sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. I was furious.Blaze exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Kaia, I wasn’t spying. I was looking out for you. I was informed about Shawn and went to check the security footage to be sure.”I scoffed. “Oh? So, barging into my office, nearly ripping Shawn’s head off, and watching security footage of me is your idea of ‘looking out’?”His lips pressed into a tight line. “I was concerned about you. I was worried, alright.”I blinked, taken aback. Blaze never admitted things like that.For a moment, neither of us spoke. The tension between us was suffocating, but this time, it wasn’t just anger.It was something else, dangerous, and I refused to acknowledge. I didn’t want my feelings whacked around during tehse remaining few months. I exhaled sharply, sha
**************CHAPTER 86~Kaia’s POV~I arrived at the company as usual and decided to put in some work at the HOF office before going to Blaze’s. What I wasn’t expecting was the stupid surprise that awaited me. The moment my assistant buzzed in, I could tell something was wrong.“Ma’am, I, uh…” she hesitated. “Shawn Caldwell is here to see you. He says it’s important.”I froze.The name alone sent a shiver of irritation through me.Shawn? Here? Why?I had blocked him, ignored him, and made it crystal clear that I wanted nothing to do with him. And yet, here he was, bold as ever, daring to show up at my workplace.I exhaled sharply. My first instinct was to have security throw him out, but then…No.If Shawn wanted to play games, then fine. I needed to put an end to things with him anyway and finish whatever shenanigans he has had with me.“Send him in,” I said coolly.Moments later, the office door swung open, and Shawn Caldwell walked in looking as smug as ever.He raised his shoul