Genevieve’s povWhat a jerk.” Edward muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing in frustration.“Are you okay?” He rushed to my side, his face was full of concern.“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, my voice very unsteady. “I’m sorry you had to witness all that.”“You shouldn’t apologize. Are you sure you’re okay? That man seemed... dangerous.”“I’ll be fine,” I lied, forcing a weak smile. “Thank you for stepping in. He’s just, he mistook me for someone else.”Edward frowned, unconvinced. “Mistook you? That didn’t seem like a simple misunderstanding. You should think about filing a police report.”“I’ll consider it,” I replied.“Please do. You never know what people like him are capable of. Just promise me you’ll stay safe.”“I will. And I’m sorry again for all the trouble.”Edward gave me a small, reassuring nod. “Don’t apologize. I’ll be waiting for a response from your company.”“You’ll have it by tomorrow,” I assured him.We stepped out of the café together, and his driver was alre
Alex’s povI’ve never been one to show emotions or weakness. I always prided myself on staying calm, on keeping a clear head no matter what. But right now, I couldn’t breathe. My chest felt tight, as though my heart had shattered into a thousand pieces, and I didn’t even understand why. What is happening to me? Why did it hurt so much?I dropped onto the couch like my legs couldn’t hold me anymore, burying my face in my hands. What the hell was going on with me? Why did seeing her again... hearing about her life now... cut so deep? I tried to pull myself together, but the pain wouldn’t go away. It sat there, heavy and suffocating. After a few minutes, I forced myself to move. I picked up my phone and opened the email from Drew, the investigator I’d hired to track her down. His report was thorough. Too thorough.Her name stared back at me: Genevieve "Genevieve" Hart. Five years. That’s how old her son, Jasper, was. I’d read those details a dozen times already, but I kept going back to
Genevieve’s povSurprisingly, Jasper walked up to me again, his big, curious eyes scanning my face. “What’s wrong, Mommy? You look sad,” he asked softly. His words caught me off guard. Was it that obvious? Maybe he hadn’t seen me like this before, or perhaps he could sense something wasn’t right. Children had a way of picking up on emotions we thought we could hide. But I couldn’t let him worry. I needed to pretend everything was fine. I forced a small smile. I looked down at him, his big, innocent eyes watching me carefully. "I'm not sad, my love." I smiled, brushing his messy curls away from his forehead."It's not good to tell lies, Mommy," he said seriously, crossing his little arms and frowning like he was scolding me. His attempt at being stern almost made me laugh.I chuckled softly. "Why would I be sad, sweetheart? I have you. You're my sunshine."Jasper tilted his head to the side, his little shoulders shrugging. "I don't know. But someone made you sad. I just know it.""I'm
Genevieve’s povLittle Jasper stood still, his big brown eyes full of curiosity. "Mommy, who’s Alex?" he asked again. I stood and couldn’t move and my heart skipped a beat. How had he picked up on that name? Quickly, I forced a smile and knelt down to his level. “Honey, you shouldn’t interrupt when adults are talking.”“I’m sorry, Mama,” Jasper said softly, his lower lip trembling. “But I really want to know who Alex is.” His head tilted as he gave me a look of pure innocence, but his words sent a ripple of panic through me. Before I could find the right words, my sister Lara jumped in, her amused smile breaking the tension. “Why do you want to know, sweetie?”Jasper turned to Lara, his wide eyes full of honesty. “Because Mommy kept saying his name in the car. She sounded mad. And she said his name just now too.”Lara raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. Meanwhile, Jasper, oblivious to the weight of his words, added, “I think Alex made Mommy mad.”I let out a shaky laugh, hoping to brus
Genevieve’s POV“I’m here for tonight, which means I can watch over Jasper,” she said.“No,” I shook my head firmly. “I feel it’s a waste of time. Why start a friendship when it wouldn’t lead anywhere?”“Oh, sweetheart.” Lara reached for my hands, giving them a gentle squeeze.“I know you’re really avoiding falling in love again, but don’t deprive yourself of the good things life has to offer.”I bit my lip, but she continued, her voice soft yet insistent. “Not only do you deserve a good relationship, my dear. You also deserve good friendships too.”“You don’t understand me, Lara,” I replied, exhaling sharply. “I really don’t want to lead anyone on.”She shook her head. “You’re leading no one on. You obviously need a break from being a mom and work, so you’re going on the date.”“No…” I protested, shaking my head again, but she wasn’t letting up.“Why are you scared? What’s the worst thing that can happen?”I shrugged. “I just… I don’t want to do this.”“Let’s get you all dressed up,”
Genevieve’s povJamie was the first to notice the angry man, but he quickly looked away, as if it had nothing to do with him. I could tell he was trying to stay focused on tonight, our date, the most important thing for him right now. He had been waiting for this moment for months, and I knew how much effort he had put into making it happen.At first, I thought he had moved on from whatever had caught his attention, but then I noticed his expression change again. His eyes darted toward someone approaching our table. My heart skipped a beat when I realized the man was heading straight for us."Jamie?" I called, noticing how distracted he suddenly looked. "Is something wrong?"He blinked and turned to me, forcing a smile. "Nothing, I was just wondering…""Wondering what?" I asked, tilting my head slightly."How it would feel to have you as my woman."I felt warmth rush to my cheeks, but I quickly covered it with a smirk. "I wouldn’t keep my hopes up if I were you.""So, you’re pushing m
Alex’s povI clenched my fists as I watched the man with Genevieve rise to his feet. He ignored her attempt to hold him back and grabbed the stranger by the collar of his shirt, his jaw tight with anger. He looked like he wanted to strangle the guy right then and there, completely ignoring the people watching."Get the hell away from me!" he growled through gritted teeth. Clearly, he didn’t want to make a scene, but his anger was getting the best of him.The stranger didn’t back down. "You seem to have no manners, and I think you need to learn some. If the mother offended you, then go after her, not the innocent child."His words hit me harder than I expected."Let me burst your bubble. That little girl is nothing but amazing. Anyone who doesn’t know her is missing out.""We’ve had enough of you. Get out!" the man with Genevieve snapped.Before Genevieve could say anything, I saw two large men approaching. Even though I didn’t know them, I had a good idea of who they might be."We’ll
Alex’s povI clenched my fists as Greg's words rang in my ears."She's not the one at fault, Alex. Do you need me to remind you? You basically chased her out of your life with all the cruelty from you and your family."I swallowed hard, my jaw tightening. I hated being reminded of that."I'm well aware, and I'm sorry. You don’t have to throw it in my face," I muttered."Then you should know this is a bad strategy."I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "I'm still going to do what I want."Greg scoffed. "So you don’t actually want her back? I thought you did."I hesitated. The truth was, I didn’t know what I wanted anymore."But I know one thing," I said, leaning forward. "She won’t have a choice. She’ll have to deal with me again, whether she likes it or not. And then… I’ll decide if I even want her back."Greg’s eyes darkened. "You always do this, Alex. You make reckless decisions, thinking you’re in control. And in the end, you ruin everything—even when you mean well."I smirked, but
She did not plan for this. But the moment Alex dropped to his knees and buried his face between her thighs, everything else faded. Her hands clutched the edge of the kitchen counter, hips rolling on their own as his mouth drove her wild. The grip of his tongue against her body made her legs weak. A deep, aching need took over, and she could not help the way she pressed herself closer to his face.Alex knew exactly what he was doing. And he knew the moment she was close, he stopped. Before she could complain, he stood, his lips slick with her taste. His hands found her waist, and with one slow, teasing thrust, he filled her. She gasped, holding onto him tightly as he began to move inside her, slow and deep, like he wanted to feel every inch of her.“You like that?” he asked, breathing heavily against her neck.She let out a shaky breath, her fingers digging into his back.“Missed me?”No answer.He slowed down, almost pulling out.“Say it,” he demanded.She let out a soft cry. “Alex…”
Genevieve leaned back on the couch, her lips parting slightly as Alex’s fingers brushed her arm. Her mind slipped into a memory, hot, bold, and impossible to forget.She had been making coffee that day, humming softly, when Alex came up behind her. His hands had found her waist before moving up, teasing her in a way that made her knees weak. The kitchen had never felt that dangerous… or that exciting. With every touch, the thrill of someone possibly walking in only made her crave him more. Their bodies had moved quickly, his pants down, her dress pushed up, until the sound of footsteps ended it too soon.Genevieve blinked, pulled back to the present as Alex’s lips trailed along the curve of her ear. A soft gasp escaped her when he kissed the sensitive spot below it.“You remember that day, do you not?” she asked, her eyes still shut, her head tilting slightly to the side as if offering him more of her skin.Alex’s voice was close. “I remember everything. Especially that moment in the
Alex’s gaze flicked to Genevieve. Her plate was empty, and she sipped her drink with an air of indifference, as if nothing unusual had just taken place."Give me my phone," she said, placing the glass back on the tray."Why was Jamie calling you?""Why ask me? You were the one who answered," she replied coolly.His fingers tightened around the phone. "When will you stop treating me like this?""When you stop forcing yourself into my life.""That is not going to happen. You should start accepting that."She exhaled sharply. "Stay away from Jamie. Block him and never speak to him again.""He is my colleague.""Then keep your distance.""I will talk to someone about hiring more staff so you will not have to work closely with him."Genevieve let out a dry laugh. "That would be a waste of effort because if I want to see him, I will. If I want to sleep with him, I will. Your opinion does not control my life. I am not a child."Alex dragged a hand down his face, his shoulders sagging. He lea
Alex Woods clenched his jaw as he pulled out his phone, his grip tightening around the device when he saw the name flashing across the screen. "Jami." A slow burn of frustration settled in his chest. He did not need anyone to tell him who it was. He already knew.For a split second, he considered rejecting the call or smashing the phone against the nearest surface, but the nagging thought at the back of his mind stopped him. His son. He had to know where he was. That mattered more than his anger, more than his pride.Genevieve’s voice cut through his thoughts. "Give me my phone." She was calm, too calm. And he hated it.Alex turned to her, his dark eyes filled with an unspoken challenge. "You told me Jasper is not with him, so why is this bastard calling you?" He held the phone up, ensuring she saw the name on the screen.She sighed, reaching out. "Give it back."Instead of handing it over, Alex swiped to answer. He was not in the mood for her games. He needed answers. Now."Hey, babe
“Look!” She finally pulled her hand free from his grasp, relieved that he let go this time.“What happened earlier was a mistake. Do not overthink it because it meant nothing to me. I have had better moments than that, and if I have been lost in thought, I promise you, it is not because of you.”“You know I am not going to believe that, do you not?”“You never believe anything I say, so why should I be bothered?”“I am glad you made that clear. We both know you have not been with another man for a long time. And before you get angry, do not think I am saying this to insult you. The thought of it gives me the strength to keep fighting for you, and I am not going to stop.”“Do not ever claim that what happened between us was a mistake because I will prove you wrong if you do.”“How?” she challenged, folding her arms and watching him closely.Alex chuckled, his lips curling into a knowing smile. “I miss this. I miss the way you challenge me. It has been too long since someone put me in m
Alex felt the weight of Victoria’s words hit him like a punch to the chest. It was not just what she said, it was how she said it. Cold, sharp, and without hesitation. But what hurt him the most was the look in her eyes. Pure hatred."You are being unreasonable," he said under his breath, swallowing the lump in his throat.Victoria folded her arms. "How? You said you wanted my forgiveness, and I gave it to you.""Only so you could throw me out.""Exactly." Her voice was steady, firm. "I do not want you here, Alex. Do not make me repeat myself."Alex clenched his fists. "This is the problem with people like you. You think you can just throw someone away when you are done with them. Like they never mattered.""You did this to yourself," she snapped. "You are the one still stuck in the past, acting like I belong to you. I do not. I never will."Alex let out a bitter laugh. "What more do you want from me?"Victoria’s glare did not waver. "I want you gone.""I have apologized. I have admit
Genevieve’s breath came in sharp bursts as she gripped the bathroom counter, her damp skin still tingling from the heated moment they had just shared. The air was thick with tension, his presence behind her like a shadow she couldn’t escape.“Look, Gennie…”“Don’t touch me!” she snapped, spinning around before he could even lift a finger. Her glare, burning with anger, locked onto his eyes, making him shift uncomfortably.Alex exhaled, raking a frustrated hand through his hair. “Fine. I won’t, but please, calm down. I hate seeing you like this.”A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Oh, do you?” she mocked, folding her arms. “You hate seeing me like this? That’s funny coming from the man who tossed me aside like garbage in front of his entire staff. I begged for an explanation, some kind of mercy, but you…” Her voice cracked, but she quickly steadied herself. “…You treated me like I was nothing. And now you stand here, acting like you care? Spare me the hypocrisy.”His jaw tightened, but
The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of fabric and the faint sound of breathing. Alex’s eyes locked onto Gennie’s, his gaze intense, unwavering. He could feel the tension between them, thick and unspoken, like a storm waiting to break. She was trying to pull away, her hands pressing against his chest, but he wasn’t having it. Not tonight. Not after everything.He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a way that was both gentle and demanding. Gennie’s resistance faltered for a moment, and that was all the opening he needed. His hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss. She tasted sweet, like the wine they’d shared earlier, and he couldn’t get enough.For a moment, she stiffened, her body tense beneath his. But then, something shifted. Her hands, which had been pushing him away, now gripped his shoulders, pulling him closer. A soft sound escaped her lips, something between a sigh and a moan, and Alex felt a surg
"You won’t believe what happened!" Gennie exclaimed, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.Lara raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "What now? And what did Jamie say?""He was furious. I told him it’s over and I want nothing to do with him," Gennie replied, crossing her arms. "And before you start defending him, you know how much I hate office drama. I’m done with all of it."Lara sighed. "That’s so sad. I was really rooting for you two. He must be crushed."Gennie shrugged. "That’s not all. I also had a talk with Alex. I’m sure Darlington already told you about it.""Yes, he mentioned it. I’m so sorry, Gennie.""Don’t be. It’s fine. Love just isn’t for me," Gennie said, her tone resigned."Don’t say that," Lara protested. "I don’t want you to give up. I don’t know how, but I know you’ll get your happily ever after."Gennie chuckled. "You need to cut back on those romantic movies. I’m good, really. As long as I have Jasper, I’m fine."Lara hesitated, then asked, "So, what’s th