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VII
Last Updated:
2024-12-17 16:14:28
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His Son, Her Secret VIII
I arrived at the office precisely fifteen minutes before the meeting with Lantum Mining. My heart pounded like a war drum in my chest. I piled all the files on my desk, trying to focus on the presentation slides that I had prepared overnight"Focus, Belva. Don't mess it up," I whisper to myself, wiping my damp palms on the sides of my work skirt.A knock on the door startled me. Jess, Mr. Grant's assistant, stood up with a faint smile. "Mr. Grant asks you to get ready. Ten minutes."I nodded, my mouth too dry to reply. While she left, my eyes stared at my reflection on the dead computer screen. My face was tense, and the tired lines under my eyes couldn't lie.I straightened my blazer, grabbed the presentation file, and walked briskly to the meeting room. My heels press against the marble floor with a tick-tock sound that sneaks up to my heart.The main meeting room with glass walls that almost wholly overlooked the city of San Francisco was already partially filled with participants.
Last Updated : 2024-12-20His Son, Her Secret IX
“Miss Moguel?” The voice of the man who had been asking about technical constraints broke the ice that was choking me. “Can you explain more about risk mitigation in this implementation?”I tried to concentrate. My lips trembled slightly when I opened my mouth, but no sound came at first. It felt like this whole room was shrinking, the sound of Pascha's faint laughter echoing in my mind, even though he hadn't said anything.Mr. Grant turned to me, his eyebrows raised in slight concern. “Belva, please.”"I’m sorry." I nodded quickly, forcing myself to stand up straight again.I stared blankly at the screen for a few seconds, taking a deep breath before pressing the remote to display the next slide.“As I explained earlier,” I began, but the scratchy feeling in my throat made the voice hoarse. I closed my mouth for a moment and took another breath. “Our team has considered various risks in implementing this technology. In the event of operational disruptions, such as data inaccuracies or
Last Updated : 2024-12-20His Son, Her Secret X
“But isn't it...” He continued, folding his arms across his chest, “A team like that needs a leader who is not only smart but also... strong under pressure?”The whole room was silent, and I knew he wasn't just asking. He wanted to test me, to see if I was still the girl who had left him at the altar five years ago and whether I could still stand up under his pressure.I knew how Pascha always played with the people around him. Testing and testing. It was like he was the master of every game, while everything around him was just a pawn.And this time, I was the pawn.“Of course,” I replied, forcing a slight smile that didn't fully reach my eyes. “Pressure is part of the job, and I'm used to dealing with it.” I let the words hang, gauging his reaction.Pascha didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair. His cold eyes looked at me, then slowly toward the documents on the table before him. He held up one piece of paper, twirling the end between his fingers.“Interesting
Last Updated : 2024-12-22His Son, Her Secret XI
“Belva!”I turned my head sharply, my hand raised on its own.A hard slap landed on his face before I could think.Pascha stood still for a moment, his hand still gripping my arm. He touched his cheek with his free hand, then, instead of anger, he chuckled—low, deep, provoking. But his gaze was piercing, like he was trying to strip away every wall I'd built over the past five years.I held my breath, trying to break free from his grasp.“So many things have changed, Bee?” he said, a lopsided smile gracing his face. “Five years ago, you were just running. On the night three days ago you were still moaning my name. Now? You slapped me. I like this new version.”My blood boiled. I jerked at his hand, forcing myself to stand straight even though my body shook angrily. “You don't know anything about me, Pascha.”“Oh, I know a lot,” he retorted casually, but his eyes blazed with provocation. “I know the girl who stood at the altar five years ago didn't dare to say what she thought. But now..
Last Updated : 2024-12-22His Son, Her Secret XII
I sat on a cane chair on the balcony, looking at the coastline. The midday sun reflected golden sparkles on the waves rolling gently towards the sand. The cool coastal breeze blew through my hair, but I still felt like I was burning—not by the sun's heat, but by the thoughts that hadn't stopped tearing at my composure since this morning's meeting.In front of me, Max sat in his little chair, a spoon in his tiny hands, busily digging into the lasagna on his plate. His round cheeks moved as he chewed enthusiastically, his little legs dangling over the edge of the chair. Every time he looked at me, he smiled widely, like there was no sinner in the world."Mommy, the lasagna is so good!" he said happily, jolting me out of the dark vortex of thoughts shackling me.I forced myself to smile. "Really? Mommy made it, especially for you, Max. If you like it, I will be so happy."He nodded vigorously, his spoon back in action. I watched him eat, trying to hold on to the fact that he was the reaso
Last Updated : 2024-12-24His Son, Her Secret XIII
Max chuckled as Clara lifted him high, making a rattling sound like a robot. The little boy giggled loudly, his hands flapping like a bird learning to fly.I sat on the sofa, laptop on my lap, typing up the report due this week. Their laughter filled the house, forming an atmosphere that made me feel all was well."Mommy, look, I'm a robot Superman!" Max shouts, striking a strange pose: one arm stretched out like he's flying while the other grips his robot toy tightly.“You'd make a great superhero, Maxie.” I laughed, looking at him. I glanced over at them, seeing Clara teasing Max under the pretense of going after him.Clara was an irreplaceable presence in this house. She knew how to make Max happy and fill the void I couldn't constantly fill, especially when I was drowning at work or caught up in messy feelings like now."You really saved my life, Cece." I said, half-joking while typing the last line of my report."Ah, you know I'm glad to be here. Max is a wonderful boy. How could
Last Updated : 2024-12-24His Son, Her Secret XIV
This guy wasn't an asshole in the same way as Pascha. That was one thing I could admit without hesitation.Julian might be too conscious of his image but doesn't hide his weapons. Everything he did was open and obvious, unlike the other guy who still haunted me with that cold smile and game that always made me feel trapped.Inside, the atmosphere was luxurious. The Roles family had truly mastered the art of impressing their guests. A large crystal chandelier hung in the hall's center, and the scent of expensive wine and classical music's soft sounds filled the air.We didn't have to search for our hosts for long. The Roles—husband and wife, who looked more like living porcelain figurines, immediately greeted us with broad, overly friendly smiles."Belva Moguel!" exclaimed Mrs. Roles enthusiastically, grabbing both my hands. "It's been a long time. You were just a little girl the last time I saw you."I smiled slightly, trying to remain polite. "Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Roles. Yo
Last Updated : 2024-12-26His Son, Her Secret XV
"Julian Warren." The voice sliced through the air, heavy and cold.Standing before us was Pascha Romanov, his towering frame exuding an aura of dominance. His thin, calculated smile shifted between us, lingering on me for an excruciating few seconds that seemed to stretch into eternity.Julian, who had been so at ease just moments ago, stiffened. Straightening his posture, he greeted Pascha."Pascha Romanov. It’s been a long time."I did not join the conversation. I couldn't because I immediately focused on Mikaela Morris, the woman beside Pascha—the woman I used to call my best friend.She stood there nervously, her hand clutching Pascha's arm like an anchor. Her eyes glanced at me several times, only to look away immediately. Her once confident face now looked doubtful, even a little flushed.How dare she stand here. How dare these two traitors approach me."Are you here on business?" Julian asked Pascha."Partly," Pascha answered casually. "And partly for personal matters."I swirl
Last Updated : 2024-12-30
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His Son, Her Secret LXXXIX : Feet Touch the Water
After a hearty lunch, Max couldn't keep still. He ran outside onto the wooden terrace that overlooked the vast and breathtaking view of the Alps."Daddy, look at that!" Max pointed to a small lake glistening in the afternoon sun. "Can we go down there? I want to touch the water!"Pascha, who stood beside him with his hands in his pants pockets, just smiled. "You know the water must be really cold, right?""But I can wear gloves!" Max insisted.I sat on a patio chair, enjoying the cool breeze that carried the scent of the pine forest. From here, the view was perfect. Mountains with snowy peaks looming in the distance, green valleys sprawling across the landscape, and small cabins scattered across the foothills. The clear blue sky was cloudless, making everything feel like a living painting.Max runs around the terrace, jumping between the wooden chairs and occasionally climbing onto the guardrail to peer further. Pascha stayed nearby, his eyes alert whenever Max got too excited.I let
His Son, Her Secret LXXXVIII : Road to the Alps
I was still in between consciousness and sleep when faint voices began to piercing my mind."Daddy, Daddy, look at Mommy. She's sleeping so peacefully," I heard Max whisper. "She's like a Sleeping Beauty."Pascha chuckled lowly. "That's true. But, you know what's more interesting?" he also whispered.Max was silent for a moment. "What?"I could feel them both looking at me."When she wakes up, she turns into a dragon."Max let out a small laugh. "You mean, Mommy's grumpy, daddy?""No," Pascha sighed dramatically, "it's worse. Mommy is a perfectionist. She can nag longer than you can talk about Transformers."Max snorted. "I never stop talking about Transformers.""Exactly."I wanted to glare and say that I could hear them, but my eyes felt too comfortable to open."Daddy, have you ever seen Mommy get really mad?""Hmm... a lot." He replied.Max chuckled, his voice getting farther away. "I think I know. Mommy will get mad if we don't wake her up.""Oh no, Maximus," Pascha whispered, hi
His Son, Her Secret LXXXVII : Spilled Milk, Bridges Burned
Max tiptoed on my lap when the car stopped before the hangar, almost making me lose my balance."Daddy, come on! I want to see the plane!" he exclaimed, his hands gripping my shoulders firmly. “UP!"Pascha turned off the car engine and turned to Max. "You can get off by yourself, right?"Max glared like Pascha had just said the most absurd thing in the world. "No! I want to be carried!"Before I could say anything, Pascha exited the car, walked to our side, and opened the passenger door. Max immediately raised both hands without hesitation towards his father, urging him like a spoiled child."Come on, carry me now!"Pascha easily lifted Max's tiny body into his arms. "All right, Little Master. What else do you want?"Max looked up at Pascha with sparkling eyes, resting his chin on his father's shoulder. "I want you to be my tour guide. I want a tour on your plane.""Max, that's not a tour plane." I said.Max ignored me, still staring enthusiastically at Pascha. "Come on, I want to see
His Son, Her Secret LXXXVI : Daddy, Buy Me an Airplane!
I sat on the sofa, staring at the suitcases that were already arranged near the door. I've finished packing all my things, Max's clothes, everything we need for this trip. But somehow, I still couldn't believe I had agreed to go.In front of me, Max was still in Pascha's arms, busy babbling endlessly about everything he wanted to do in the Alps. "I want to see cows with bells! And I want to ride the cable car! And then... and then I want to try the cheese with the holes! Daddy, did you know that cheese really has holes? I saw it in a cartoon, but I'm not sure it's real!"Pascha chuckled, stroking Max's hair. "It's real, Max. You can see and try it for yourself later."Max immediately gave a small cheer, his hands waving in excitement. "YES! I want to eat cheese on a mountain!"I sighed, leaning back against the sofa. I still felt weird about this decision. It was because this trip was never in my plans, and it was the fact that I would be spending time in the same place as Pascha for
His Son, Her Secret LXXXV : Switzerland or Surrender
Max was still busy playing with his expensive robots on the dining room. I started tidying up the dirty dishes.I tied my hair up carelessly, then picked up the empty glass in front of Pascha, who was still sitting on the dining table chair, busy with his phone."Mommy, I want to stay here again!" he said, like he’s afraid I would force him to go home."Oh? Not going home?"Max shook his head vigorously, holding up his Transformers robot excitedly. "I still want to play with my robots!"I narrowed my eyes. "And you don’t want playing with Mommy?"Max bit his lip, seeming to consider something, then finally said, "But you have to work. I want to play!""Okay, then." I snorted, crossing my arms over my chest. "But if you don't shower by afternoon, I'll drag you home, Maxime."He immediately wrinkled his nose. "Don't call me Maxime! You know I like Maximus better!"I chuckled, then ruffled his hair before turning to leave.My house was next door, so leaving him here all day was no big de
His Son, Her Secret LXXXIV : Secrets & Sandwiches.
The exhaustion struck so hard that I felt like my body no longer belonged to me. Every muscle in my body was so relaxed that every inch of my skin could still feel the residual warmth that had just filled the space between us.I drowned in the sensation, letting sleepiness pull me deeper and deeper into a formless world where the only thing that existed was the warmth surrounding me.There was a big, solid body behind me, his burly arms curled around my waist, locking me in an embrace that felt more secure than it should. His chest rose and fell in a deep rhythm, his breath warm against my nape.Pascha.I squirmed slightly, not to move away, but to better acclimatize myself to his body. Unconsciously, I leaned closer, letting my back rest tightly against his chest, letting his arms tighten their embrace around me.I don't know how long I slept so soundly. There was only warm darkness, and I could only realize that my body was drowning in contentment and exhaustion, letting time pass w
His Son, Her Secret LXXXIII : Between Ruin [21+]
His hands crept to my waist, and then, swiftly, he lifted me. My feet slipped off the floor, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.My breath catches, but he doesn't allow me to pull away. His kiss deepened, his tongue exploring my mouth. I can feel every muscle in his body tense, holding my weight easily as if I were nothing more than a feather. My dangling legs were now held by him, his large hands wrapped around my thighs, pulling me even closer. My body is pressed against his, and I can feel every curve, every heat radiating from him. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. There is only him. There is only this. My fingers slipping into his still slightly wet hair. The world around me seemed to disappear. The rain was still pouring outside, the cold night air, and even the sound of my little heart screaming to stop vanished. All that was left was him and the heat that continued to burn between us. I'm falling deeper into something I shouldn't feel, into someone I shouldn't touch.
His Son, Her Secret LXXXII : One Call Too Late
I stood by my bedroom window, arms crossed over my chest, staring out with furrowed brows. It was raining heavily outside.Pascha's house stood firmly next to mine, its bright lights indicating its owner were inside.But still...This feeling didn't go away.I bit my lip, looking at the phone screen for the umpteenth time. There was no reply. No incoming calls. I've sent more than one message all day.I waited, hoping he would answer one with a short sentence like 'Max is fine' or 'You worry too much'.But so far?Just silence.And I hated it.Clara appeared in the doorway, running a hand through her hair, which was still damp from her shower."Are you sure you won't just call him?" she said, leaning against the door frame.I grunted, tapped my fingertips against my phone, and finally pressed the call button reluctantly.The dial tone sounded.Once.Twice.Three times.I tapped my nails on the table, waiting for Pascha's distinctive voice to answer from the other side. But...There wa
His Son, Her Secret LXXXI : Watching. Waiting. Why?
I walked out of the meeting room. The glass doors automatically closed behind me, letting the faint sounds of my team's conversation fade away as I moved away.The meeting had just finished, and for the first time since this project began, I felt that the big wheels we were pushing were slowly starting to move. Romanov Corporation and Lantum Mining have finally agreed on the specifications for the artificial intelligence-based automation system we will implement at their main mine. Next week, the first phase of testing will begin.I let out a long breath. With all the complex technology, predictive systems, and real-time analytics my team and I had built, this project was the result of months of hard work. And now, everything was finally coming together.My fingers automatically opened my phone. When the screen lights up, my first reflex is to open the messaging app.Me: How's Max? Have you found the Autobot he wants?I sent the message to Pascha and stared at the screen, waiting. The
