[Vivienne]I’m pacing in the room, unsure of what to do next when there’s a knock on the door.For a second, I just stare at it, wondering who it could be. Everything that’s happened tonight has left a deep impression on me—I don’t feel safe anymore.But when the knock comes again, I have no choice but to answer.Thankfully, it’s Mrs. Sullivan standing on the other side, holding a pair of folded clothes.“Change of clothes for you,” she says, handing them to me with her usual bored expression.I consider asking her if I can make a call, but before I can, she shoves the clothes into my arms and turns to leave.I don’t understand why everyone here acts so strangely, looking at me like I’m either insignificant or beneath them, but I know one thing—I don’t like it. Why the hell did I get into this situation in the first place? I didn’t ask for any of this, did I?I close the door, lock it from the inside, and drop the clothes on the bed. I start pacing the room again, deciding I need to f
[Vivienne]I don’t remember being so clumsy, but apparently, that’s who I am now.The maid and I stare at each other with wide eyes, neither of us daring to move. I open my mouth to apologize, but before I can say anything, Alexander and his father appear in the hallway.“What the hell is going on here?” the older man snaps, his eyes drilling into the maid and me. “Why are you standing there like idiots? Clean this mess up.”I glance at the maid, but she’s already scurrying away to get a broom. I kneel down and start picking up the shards, but just as I do, Alexander quickly appears behind me.“You don’t have to do that,” he says, grabbing my arm.I look up at him, frowning. “It’s okay. I’ll help.”“No, you won’t. The maids can take care of it. You’re my guest. Just let them do their job.”I want to protest, but then I notice his father and the guards who’ve gathered after the commotion, and I realize this isn’t the time to argue. So, I stand up and let Alexander lead me away.We walk
[Vivienne]I don’t have to hear anything anymore.For some reason, I thought he was different—still, a criminal, but a better man who knew how to treat a woman right—but maybe such men are almost impossible to find.“Well, that settles it then,” I grumble under my breath and get out of the car, not waiting for him to say anything anymore.But before I head inside whatever this place is, his deeply exhausted voice comes from behind.“If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re really mad at me.”I whirl around to face him, feeling so damn frustrated.“I am mad, but maybe not at you exactly. I just…I just hate the way men treat their women. I mean, if you’re not ready for a commitment, just say so, you know? Don’t lead her on and make her believe that you’re in love with her and that you’re going to be there for her when you clearly don’t want to. It’s just not fair. And I get that you have responsibilities and that you don’t want to be tied down, but you should at least give her a
[Vivienne]To say I’m speechless is an understatement.I know I should say something, but I can’t.He smiles at me and then steps a little closer.“You might not believe me—you have no reason to—but still, I hope you do. I know I come off as a real asshole sometimes, I’m not the easiest person to work for, and I’ve made some questionable decisions. But I’m not a monster. I’d never do that to a woman. I can’t.”There’s something in his eyes that I can’t quite decipher, but it’s so raw and so intense that it makes me feel like I can trust him.But then again, if the baby isn’t his, then…“Who is she to you?”This time, he takes a step back, his hands smoothly gliding into his pockets.The corner of his mouth quirks up. “You’re quite curious about me, aren’t you, Ms. Sinclair?”I roll my eyes, once again trying to stifle the heat rising to my face. “I just want to know what kind of man I’m dealing with here.”“I see,” he hums. “Well, if you must know, then I would like to take you somewh
[Vivienne]I stand there, watching her lose her mind, part of me wanting to laugh in her face.She’s throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child.I mean, she doesn’t even know me, yet she’s so quick to accuse me of something I have nothing to do with.“You done?” I finally ask, already over this conversation. I feel bad for her, I really do. But she should know better than to act so crazy in the first place.She glares at me, eyes wild. “You think this is funny? You think you can just waltz in and take what’s mine? You’re nothing but a pathetic wannabe, playing dress-up in a world you don’t belong in.”I cross my arms over my chest. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself, go ahead. But here’s the thing, Tanya—if you really mattered to him, you wouldn’t be out here screaming at me. You’d be with him.”Her face twists with rage, and for a second, I think she might actually try to lunge at me again, but the guards tighten their grip, keeping her in check.“You bitch!” she screeches, her v
[Vivienne]I hesitate for a moment but then step inside, my curiosity getting the better of me.The interior of the house is just as impressive as the exterior, with high ceilings and ornate furniture.It has a distinctly old-fashioned feel, with antique paintings and rugs, but it also feels warm and lived-in, with fresh flowers on the coffee table and family photos on the mantel.I take a closer look at the photos and realize they all feature the same family—Alexander’s family.Except I didn’t know Alexander had a brother. The two men in the portrait appear to be of the same height, like twins, but they don’t look alike.“Who’s that?” I ask, pointing to the picture of the dark-haired man.“You seem to be aware of the young master, Xander,” the man who greeted us at the door says, pointing to the painting of a young man. “And that’s Aiden Bane,” he continues, pointing at another young man. “Master Xander’s older brother.”I can’t contain my curiosity. The painting is so…lifelike. “Are
[Vivienne]Madam Bane gestures for me to take a seat. I do so, feeling a little nervous. I’m not sure what to expect, but I have a feeling it’s going to be something unexpected.“I’m glad you came,” she says, taking a seat across from me. “I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time now.”I blink, surprised. “You have?”She nods. “Yes. I’ve heard a lot about you. And I must say, I’m impressed. You’re a very talented young woman, and you have a bright future ahead of you.”I can’t help but blush at the compliment.“Thank you, but I’m not sure I deserve that. I mean, we might not be talking about the same things.”She laughs, her voice rich and melodious. “Oh, but I am. I know a lot about you. I know, for example, how you saved my son from being poisoned a few years ago. And I know that you have a very strong will, one that could change the world if you wanted it to.”I shift in my seat, uncomfortable with the praise. “I… I didn’t do anything. It was just a coincidence that I was there.
[Vivienne]I wake up to an eerie silence.My eyelids feel heavy, but I force them open anyway. The first thing I notice is the ceiling—high and vaulted, with intricate designs carved into the wood.I blink a few times, trying to clear my head.“You’re awake,” a voice says from beside me. I turn my head to see Alexander sitting in a chair next to the bed. He smiles, his eyes sparkling with the same dark amusement they always do. “How are you feeling?”“Like I just got hit by a truck,” I groan, rubbing my temples. “What happened?”“You fainted. Mother said you panicked after seeing her work. And now she’s worried if it’s that bad.”I wince, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset her.”Xander smiles. “Don’t worry about it. She’s just worried about you. She was concerned about your health. And so am I. So, let me ask you once again,” he leans forward, elbows on his knees, “how are you feeling?”“I’m fine,” I insist, trying to sit up. The room starts spinning again, but I manag
[Sasha]I can’t believe I’m back here.After everything this family has done to ignore me, to ensure I never received a single penny from them, I’m still here, hoping for some help.Never in my life did I think I’d be in a position where I’d have to beg for my next meal. But here I am, and it’s the only option I have left. After selling the company and using half of the money to pay off the loan shark, and the other half to cover Dad’s hospital bills and pay the overdue salaries of employees we’d kept waiting for years, it wasn’t surprising that I was left with absolutely nothing.It doesn’t help that my idiot brother, Arthur, is nowhere to be found. Ever since he was released from the hospital and learned what I had to do to get rid of the jerk he borrowed from, he’s completely disappeared.Damn it. If I see him next time, I swear to God, I’m going to kill him.“How long is this going to take?” I ask, standing up from the couch as I spot one of the maids of the Lawrence residence pas
[Vivienne]“Where are you? You were supposed to be here hours ago,” I say over the phone, carefully walking down the stairs per the doctor’s instructions during my last visit.“On my way, I swear. Just got caught up in a call and couldn’t put it off,” Rosita says huffing, and not at all sounding as if she’s in a car.I reach the end of the stairs, frowning. “Have you even left? Please be honest with me.”“Of course,” she says as a matter of fact, but then right after a moment, she blurts out. “Actually, no.”Before I even respond to that, she rushes to explain. “Before you get mad, just hear me out. I swear I was leaving, I was almost ready to leave the house, get into my car, and reach you, but then…then someone came over and it seemed like urgent. And I could have told you all about that but…but…but…”“Hey, hey, hey,” I laugh. “Calm down, Ro. You’re making me sound like some tyrannical friend or something. It’s fine, really. The only reason I asked you to come over is because you sa
[Caden]Since our last meeting at the courthouse, I decided to keep my distance from Vivienne.A few weeks have passed now, and I think it’s enough time and space she might have needed to get used to the new reality of our lives—the kind of reality where she sees me around more often. The kind of reality where she allows me to be there for her and our child.“Excuse me, sir,” Betty Adams—my assistant—pulls me out of my thoughts.I look up to find her standing at the door. “The meeting starts in five.”The meeting. Of course. My last task of the day. After this, I’ll be free to visit Vivienne.Speaking of which—I get up from my chair, reaching for my suit jacket. “Did you find Vivienne’s new address?”I hear footsteps behind me. “About that…”When it feels like she’s going to leave it at that, I turn around, frowning. “What’s that supposed to mean?”“I mean, I tried, sir.”She must be out of her mind. “Well, clearly, you haven’t tried hard enough.”“But, sir—”“Leave it.”I walk past
[Vivienne]I can’t believe he’s here.But why?“Hey,” I manage, even though his unexpected appearance has completely thrown me off. “Long time no see.”“You don’t say,” he replies, placing the glass of water on the table in front of me when I make no move to take it. I might have zoned out for a second there. “So, how have you been? And may I just add—you’re a very hard person to find.”I smile faintly. That’s exactly what I’ve been aiming for since moving to my grandparents’ home in the hills. “Maybe that’s the point. I like my life quieter these days, away from all the chaos.”“I get it,” he says with a soft chuckle, his expression neither offended nor prying. “For a while, I thought it was me who chased you away, you know—with all those talks about faking an engagement and everything.”Oh. Right. I almost forgot about that. The proposal he made—the arrangement he thought would make his mother happy.Too bad I had far more pressing problems to deal with at the time.“Trust me, it wa
[Vivienne]“Are you sure you want to attend this event?” Harvey asks as I walk into my walk-in wardrobe, trying to pick an appropriate evening gown for the night.“Of course, I’m sure. I wouldn’t have asked you to accompany me if I wasn’t,” I shrug, leaning towards a stunning black dress but quickly getting distracted by a shimmery white gown with a sexy slit.“That, I understand. But considering your health…”“I’m fine, Harvey,” I roll my eyes. It’s been two months since that night when I rushed myself to the hospital after spotting blood on my sheets. “According to my doctor, I’m well past the risk phase, and I can start getting back to my daily routine.”“But still,” he says, sounding as if he still has doubts.Look, I know he cares. He’s my big brother, after all. I’ve known about his possessiveness for a very long time. But the reason I don’t want to spend my days sitting like a duck at home is that I’ve started to get terribly bored.Besides, tonight’s event is kind of special.
[Sasha]“What the hell is this place?” Dad fumes, glancing around the cramped, one-room apartment I brought him to straight from the hospital.“It’s…” I glance around myself, wrinkling my nose at the awful smell wafting in from the nearby window. “…something.”“Sasha,” Mom calls out, drawing my attention. Her voice holds a mix of confusion and concern. “What is this? Why aren’t we home?”“Mom, there’s something you should know,” I begin, feeling beads of sweat forming on my forehead and trickling down my back. I turn to Dad, bracing myself. “Remember the loan Arthur took from that loan shark?”“Of course, I do. How could I forget the biggest disappointment of my life?” he huffs, walking over to the old, sagging couch in the corner. He pauses before sitting down, noticing the thick layer of dust covering it, and chooses to stand instead. “What I don’t understand is—what are we doing here? Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? I need rest. I need to be home. And this place is far from i
[Caden]“Congratulations, Mr. Lawrence. You got what you wanted.” My advocate—Atlas Norman—extends his hand for a handshake. “Despite my better judgment, of course.”I return the handshake, albeit a little reluctantly. “You say that as if I ruined your fun.”“Well, you did. Especially since I enjoy a good challenge. But either way, my client’s satisfaction is what matters most. So, I’m glad I could be of service.”I have a strong urge to roll my eyes but manage to keep my composure. “Thanks for your efforts.”“All my pleasure. Now that the restraining order has been lifted, you need to be very careful with how you conduct yourself, Mr. Lawrence. As the judge mentioned, all eyes will be on you, and if you mistreat your ex-wife or the unborn child in any way, the order could be reinstated. From this point on, it’s about walking on eggshells. I hope you’ll remember that.”Of course, I do. That’s all I can think about—how not to screw this up.I might not have been the best husband a woma
[Vivienne]I answer the call—it’s Elijah.“Hey,” I say, watching Theo get up and resume pacing back and forth across the room.“Hey. How are you now?”“Much better. In fact, I’m just waiting for my discharge papers.”“That’s good to hear, Vivienne. I’ll come by to visit as soon as I can.”“Sure.” But something about his tone feels off. “Is everything okay? You sound… serious.”Elijah exhales, his tone growing heavier. “I won’t lie to you. I just got word from your ex-husband’s attorney.”The mention of Caden makes my throat go dry. Why is he suddenly everywhere today? Why can’t he just leave me alone?I shake my head, trying to dispel the rising anxiety. “What the hell is he up to now?”“Nothing good, if I’m being honest.”“Just tell me already.”“They’re preparing to file a motion to contest the restraining order.”“He’s doing what?” Did I just hear that right? Is Caden out of his mind? Why would he fight something he never cared about in the first place? What’s his goal here? A sudde
[Vivienne]“Ms. Sinclair?”I snap back into focus, realizing I’ve zoned out again.Damn it. Why am I thinking about him again? What is there to even think about? He broke my heart, shattered my life, and yet, here I am—wondering what else I could’ve said, what more I could’ve done, just to get some reaction out of him.I shake my head, trying to pull myself out of this vicious spiral. It’s the same toxic loop I always fell into when we were married—constantly questioning myself. What could I have done differently? What could I have said better? Anything that might’ve made him stay a little longer, look at me with more than passing interest, spend more than just a fleeting part of his day with me. Anything that might’ve made him care for me like a real husband, like someone who actually loved his wife.But no. I can’t let myself fall back into that labyrinth of false hope and endless what-ifs. Not again.Taking a steadying breath, I force a smile for the doctor, doing my best to seem c