Paige's POV
"Alex, time for breakfast or mummy is going to be late for work," I yelled out to my son from the kitchen as I tried to make something for breakfast, "I can't find my other shoe," he whined in response, not again, "Are you sure you dropped it properly?" I asked as I hurriedly put the few pancakes on the plates and prepared tea for Alex, It was no news to both of us that he didn't know how to keep his stuff properly and even if he did, he wouldn't remember where he put them, “Found it, Mum” he yelled back after a few minutes, earning a little chuckle from me, “Okay then, come down for breakfast” I replied, "I'm here, mum," he said from the door, making me look up from what I was doing with a small smile on my face, "Come sit and have your breakfast," I cooed, pulling out a chair for him; I was so going to be late for work; it's not something new anyway. "Mum," Alex called out lowly, making me turn to him, "Is there a problem, love?"I asked concerned, "No...it's just that... I was...wondering why .. you know... you are not...eating .., are you okay, Mum?" he asked in a whisper, "Don't bother yourself; Mummy is fine; eat up so we can go," I replied, trying my very best to hide the tears forming in my eyes; he stared at me a little before going back to his meal, not saying any more words which I was extremely grateful for. **** "You are late, Miss Moretti," Grayson started as I walked into his office to take note of all that needed to be done for the day, "I am so sorry, I had to attend to something very urgent," I said, trying my best to keep the most apologetic face I could muster, "This is the second time this has happened this week; whatever is making you late, you better stop or you know what," he said with anger written all over his face, but it is the only expression he is always spotting; I have learned to adjust to it. He tossed a pile of files to me, asking me to sort them all before lunch, "But sir.."I wanted to protest, but he glared at me, and I quickly left the office without saying any more words, “how I hate my life”, I screamed internally as I walked into my little cabin, throwing the files on my table with a groan. I guess this is my punishment, and then, So here's the thing,after I left my home,I got a little job so I could gather money to pay for the little apartment Alex and I are living in currently and buy a little baby stuffs for Alex before I became too heavy to work, Mum tried several ways to reach me so I had to change my number and change all my social media accounts that could possibly leak my whereabouts to my mum,I cried for the whole 9 months and even when I gave birth to Alex the tears became worse no one was there to help me look after him or even witness his birth,there was a time we were both sick and we had to be admitted but I couldn't even stay in the hospital cause if I did I wouldn't have been able to pay his hospital bills luckily I got better with the help of the drugs I took ,I was all alone and I am still alone,Alex is 6 now and he is really growing into a loving,smart and awesome boy,he looks a lot like his father which sometimes bring back memories I am still struggling to put aside even after six years but I try my best to make him happy and comfortable,sometimes he asks about his father but I just shrug it off,what am I supposed to tell him,that his dad didn't want him? Of course not. After his birth, I applied to work at this company; since I wasn't able to go to college, I was only pitied and given a side assistant to the secretary, who, FYI, treats me horribly, just as everyone else, but I need the job to take care of Alex so I have to endure. No one knows Alex is my son though, for those who asked I just made them believe he is my sister's son who she abandoned and ran away since I do not have a sister I really don't care the kind of things they say, it doesn't really matter, it's not like I am not proud of him I just can't face the people and the treatment given to single mothers in the society, I have enough on my plate already I don't need more, they will find out one day but till then. "I can see your little pathetic life is starting to show on you, don't you think so, Paige" I heard Vanessa say from the door but I easily ignored her arranging the documents on my table as I began to sort them 'the earlier the better right' I said to myself, "What's wrong, Paige, cats got your tongue?" she tried again, moving further into the cabin, making me roll my eyes, "What do you want, Vanessa?" I blankly asked, hoping it would be over soon "I was asked to check on you and it's obvious that Grayson was right, you are really useless here, it's about time we got rid of you," she said smirking waiting for my reaction, probably hoping that I would kneel and beg or cry for my job in front of her, not this time Missy. "Okay,"I said simply,still focused on my work, "That's all you have to say huh,trust me you will be begging soon" she yelled before leaving banging the door behind her loudly causing me to flinch a little,why are people so bitter in life? I finally looked up staring at the door as tears slowly fell from my eyes,all of is starting to choke me,why me,why did it have to be me,what wrong did I do wrong?, “It was one fucking mistake you know” I screamed mentally as I pinched the bridge of my nose fighting the tears, “No time for tears,Paige” I reprimanded,putting myself together, I focused back on my work pushing all my pains down, determined to get through the day. **** "Mum, there is this girl in my class" Alex started as we walked down the streets heading home,I would have to go pick up my car from the mechanic today, "What about her?" I asked trying to not to sound as tired as I feel, "She said, I don't have a Dad,that he couldn't stay with such a wretch like me,is that true Mum?" He said making me stop right in my tracks,I crouched in front of him till I was eye-level with him,staring into his shining blue eyes that looked exactly like his Dad's,one thing that gets to me everytime,using my index finger to raise his chin so he could look into my eyes too,I spoke up, "That is not true, don't ever allow such words get to you,Okay, Mummy loves you and that's what matters" placing a kiss on his forehead I pulled him in for a hug,making him smile,what do parents say to their kids this days? " And I love mummy too"he replied, kissing my cheek before I stood holding his hands as we walked home in a comfortable silence.Paige's POV I tucked Alex into bed, kissing his cheeks and forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the door open, just in case he woke up later on. As I walked out, I sighed tiredly, running my hand through my hair. Today was really hectic, and I am very grateful to have actually made it through if the pounding of my head doesn't count as anything. After a quick shower, I put on a comfortable black shirt and loose shorts, the perfect fit for bed. I reviewed the work I had left unfinished since I had to pick Alex up from school, reminding me that I needed to hire a nanny to help me both physically and emotionally, it would reduce the eyes on me a little, I just hope she doesn't charge much. I don't think I can handle that right now, but at the same time, I can't keep enduring the harsh comments from people who were growing suspicious of my denial about my son. I woke up really late, realizing I was running behind schedule. I quickly showered and dressed in a professional p
Paige's POVGood news is I finally found a nanny, turns out the lady from the cafe actually took the job and she seems nice enough so I think Alex will love herNow that's off my list I have to find a way to finish the extra work I was given because Vanessa practically ditched work today I have to do everything all alone, it's already past 9, and I still have a lot to do, why on earth can't he just assign someone to help me, he is definitely doing this on purpose and it isn't fair.The office phone rang bringing me back to reality with a sigh I picked the call,"Can you bring me a cup of coffee, Miss Moretti" Grayson said through the phone, sounding just as tired as I am?"On my way" I said simply, as much as Grayson doesn't treat me so well I still tend to pity him or should I say care for him as an employee, he works his ass off day and night just to make sure his family is comfortable and happy, I found out few months ago that his wife is a cancer patient and is somewhere off in It
Jace's POV "Sir your meeting starts in 30 minutes" I heard someone say from the door, making me sit up from my seat as the bimbo on my laps fell to the ground due to her lack of warning,"Ok then, inform Jay and Brandon we will be leaving in 10 minutes" I said in a gruff voice, and she nodded before hurrying out, and now she just killed my mood,"Get up and get out" I told the bimbo that I don't know her name, no surprise there it's difficult remembering any of their names,"Wait, what?" She asked looking all confused and by the way, still on the ground, is she waiting for me to help her up or something because if she is, then she should get ready to clean the floors then,"You heard me" I said, facing the files in my table that needed my attention,"We haven't completed what we started" she said trying to sound sexy, but it just pissed me off the more,"Don't let me repeat myself, Janet" I said trying to keep my cool, though I was getting really impatient with her,"My name is Britt
Jace’s POV"You guys go ahead I am right behind you" I said to Brandon and Jay as we got to our destination,"Are you good?" Brandon asked noticing my new profound foul mood,"Yea" I shrugged him off, I sat in the car for a few minutes talking deep breaths while trying to clear my head before walking into the company,"Time to get this over with" I muttered as I got to the receptionist, she quickly directed to where the elevator was saying someone will be there to take me to the conference room, but I didn't miss the once over she gave me, well, most females look at me like walking sex god so nothing new there,"I'm Vanessa Sir, nice to meet you" an overly excited woman said as soon as the elevator door opened, I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her and just nodded saying she should lead the way,"Mr. Grayson will be with you shortly" I heard someone say from where I guess is the conference room, but that voice, it sounds.... familiar, the door opened before I could ask the lady in
Paige's POV"Paige, my office now" Grayson said over the phone, making me sigh, what's the problem now,"You called?" I said as I got to Grayson's office,"Take a seat" he said with a gloomy look that confirmed my suspicions, something was definitely wrong,I stared at the ground waiting for Grayson to say something, anything but instead the tension in the air just increased and so did my curiosity,"Uhm... Is something wrong?" I asked when I realized Grayson wasn't going to say anything,"You're fired" he finally whispered, not looking at me, but I didn't need him to speak any louder I heard him very loud and clear, I couldn't say anything, so I just stared, this can't be happening to me......not now just when I thought things were starting to get better,"I am sorry Paige, I really am, but my hands are tied" he said, making me scoff angrily,"Last I checked, the company was yours, your hands can't be tied you just want me out so badly" I said with so much bitterness in my tone, but
Paige's POV"What's the time?" I asked no one in particular as I stretched on my bed, but then I was hit with a large pounding in my head, making me groan as I laid back down,"This is worse than any headache I have ever had, note to self never drink again" I said holding my head as the throbbing increased,I glanced at my bedside clock trying to read the time,"Shit it's noon ....... where's my baby" I panicked, ignoring the pain in my head as I managed to get up and walk to Alex's room, when I walked in I couldn't find him there,"well of course it's noon, I'm sure he tried waking me up" I muttered heading downstairs with my head still in my hands, I feel so heavy I could literally drop at any time,"Alex ... Alex" I called out as I got to the last stairs,"Mummy" I heard him shout from the kitchen before he came in sight running to me,"Oh my baby, I am so sorry" I said, bending to his level so he could hug me,"Why are you apologizing, Mrs. Rivers said you got home so late from wo
Jace's POV"Any updates?"I asked over the phone,"This seems to be harder than I thought but I was able to get a little information I hope it can help tho"Bryan replied from the other side of the line,"I am listening"I said calmly,"She was arrested this morning"he said making shoot up from my seat,"Wait....... what,why?"I asked as panick set in,"She had a fight with the wife of Theodore Henz, CEO of the Henz industries""When did this happen?"I asked,"The fight happened yesterday evening at the Fair that was organized at the park but she was arrested this morning "he said ,"Thank you,I will contact you again soon"I said ending the call swiftly,I don't care what she did but they must pay for even putting her in handcuffs,"Jamie clear my schedule for the day"I said to my secretary as I walked out of my office,"But Sir you have a very important meeting in 20 minutes "she said lowly probably scared I will lash out on her or something,"Brandon will handle whatever it is"I said di
Jace's POV"Ugh"I groaned for the umpteenth time today but I couldn't help it, everything seems to either frustrate me,irritate me or annoy me, although it's a usual occurrence but today's own is just at its peak. I haven't heard anything from or about you know who since the day at the police station and I am not finding it funny at all, Grayson assured me that he had sacked Paige as I had requested him to but not without expressing the regret he had after doing it, he was confused as to why I would ask for such an outrageous thing but I don't know I never do sane things this days, but what frustrates me the most is the fact that she isn't even trying to look for a job when she clearly needs one, incase your wondering how I know that I have someone watching her,not as a stalker just some sort of protection but definitely not stalking, right? I don't even know but don't judge me it's the only way I can keep tabs on her and be assured she's safe cause she didn't even want to seat in the
Paige's POV"Paige" Jace whispered once I got to the last stair where he stood waiting for me,"Jace" I replied smiling, I couldn't get the smile off my face at this point, I was already having such a good night and we weren't out of the house yet,"You look..." he stuttered giving me another once over but his eyes lingered on my exposed cleavage,"Ravishing" he completed pulling me into his arms without warning making me release a loud welp,"And your scent, fuck Paige" he cursed sinking his face into my neck and taking deep breaths,"You are so going to be the death of me" he mumbled his grip on my waist tightening,"I wanted you to dress up but not to the extent where I can't think of anything but fucking you till you can't walk" he groaned placing a soft kiss on my collarbone making me shudder,"Come on, don't exaggerate it now" I chuckled trying to pull away,"Exaggerate really" he snapped pulling his face away from my neck so he could stare at my face but his grip didn't waver,
Paige's POV'Be ready by 7, I will come to pick you up' Jace's text read, this was the fifteenth time he was texting me since he left with the boys in the morning,"Your husband must really love you" the lady who was dressing my hair spoke up a kind smile on her face, from how she sounded she seemed to be in her late thirties but she looked nothing over twenty-three,"Oh no, he is not my husband" I blushed,"I'm so sorry, I just thought he was your husband with the number of times your phone has pinged since you got here, plus the permanent smile on your face gave you away,"I'm not smiling" I quickly denied,"Ahh, young love" she chuckled shaking her head,"You are smiling brightly, there is no point denying it" she continued,"I am not denying anything" I tried to defend but I knew she was telling the truth after all there was a large mirror in front of me,"I am guessing all of these are for a date," she said making me stare at her through the mirror trying to hide my shock,"I wa
Paige's POV"Jace?" I mumbled in shock, it was past midnight and he was standing right in front of my room with nothing but shorts on,"I know this looks creepy but I just couldn't sleep" he quickly said,"And why is that?" I asked trying to hide the concern in my voice,"I want to ask you something" he replied,"Really, that's why you can't sleep?" I asked in shock,"I know it sounds absurd, but I really want to do this right" he replied,"What's wrong?" I asked,"Will you go on a date with me tonight?" he asked in a low voice making me burst out in fits of laughter,"Are you being serious?" I asked trying to control my laughter,"Yes I am, I promise it will be fun " he replied staring at me with so much hope in his eyes,"Yes Jace, I will go on a date with you" I answered smiling how nervous he looked,"Thank you," he said excitedly pulling me in for a hug,"Anytime" I muttered shocked at his reaction,"You will love every bit of it," he said so certain as he pulled away,"Hopefully
Paige's POV"Fucking Jace Russo" I cursed trying to control the anger in my veins,"Calm down little fella, talk to me what did he do now, do I need to castrate him earlier than I expected?" Lisa beckoned from the phone, I just had to call her because I was starting to lose it,"That asshole is messing with me and he knows it, he freaking enjoys it even" I shot tugging at my hair,"Woah, messing with you how?" Lisa asked sounding utterly confused,"He keeps riling me up, he would come so close like he just wants to whisper something and then when he is sure he is close enough to do whatever he wants he would pull away and act like nothing happened, he fucking knows how he affects me and he is using it to his advantage" I snapped rage brewing in my system as I remembered everything, he has been at it since we got here, sneaking up in my space, getting me all riled up and wanting and then he would disappear, the one that has decided to stick the most is the last one, I was making d
Jace’s POV“Welcome to Miami” I yelled excitedly,“It’s beautiful” Paige muttered a bright smile and a glow in her eyes as she took in her environment,“Very beautiful” I mumbled in reply my gaze fixed on Paige,“I mean the city, Jace,” Paige said rolling her eyes, but I didn't miss the hidden smile on her face,“I know” I answered cheekily turning to face the kids who stared in awe,“Come on, we need to get going, I have to show you guys a little something” I hollered leading them over to the car I hired for the trip,“Don't worry, our luggage will be taken to the cabin” I assured Paige noticing the way her gaze occasionally moved to our luggage,“You sure?” she asked a skeptical look on her face,“Hundred percent, you seem not to understand what I mean by I have everything planned out” I replied,“Okay then,” she said walking over to where the kids stood beside the car,“We still have somewhere to before heading to the cabin,” I said in a sing-song voice helping the kids get in
Paige's POV"A weekend getaway sounds really nice if you ask me, especially for the kids" Lisa spoke up, luckily since we were ok house arrest Brandon and Jace hired masseuses for the day and it's been wonderful,"Yeah but I don't trust Jace around me, we might do something we are not ready for" I muttered,"Or you don't trust yourself around him" she joked wiggling her eyebrows,"Whatever, it's still the same thing" I shot back,"Look Paige, I know you and you wouldn't do anything you don't want to do, I know you are fighting it now but deep down we both know you want this. He hurt you, yes but maybe this is the time for change" she said softly,"What if this isn't that time, what if things don't work out, I don't think I can handle it, Lisa" I admitted, trying to bury the fear that had been trying to resurface since the talk I had with Jace,"It's okay to feel the way you are feeling but it shouldn't stop you from trying, you deserve the best, Paige, and even though Jace may not be
Paige's POV"What do you think will be wrong with Catherine?" I asked Lisa, we were currently preparing dinner,"I don't know but her Dad is now a suspect on my list" she replied,"I agree, she always seemed like a spoilt daddy's girl, this is just shocking" I voiced out my thought,"I knew something was wrong somewhere when you told me she came to apologize," she said"This just makes everything so much more complicated" I muttered with a small sigh,"Hopefully everything will unfold soon," Lisa said in quiet empathy,"Have you checked it?"I asked changing the topic,"No not yet, I'm scared" she admitted,"Trust me when I say I can relate, do you want me to check it with you?" I asked softly,She smiled before replying, "I would love that""Okay let's quickly finish up and we will go check it out," I said cheerily. ~~~~"You would have to pee on it and wait for at least fifteen minutes, since they are two different strips we would wait
Paige's POV"Hmm, did anything happen recently?"Brandon asked breaking the sudden silence that fell between us, Grace and Mum had joined us leaving the kids with Claire,"None that I know of, she never complained of anything" Jay answered lost in thoughts, I was about to speak up when he shot up,"Wait..." he snapped a look of realization on his face,"I overheard her conversation with Mrs. Smith over the weekend, something about her dad threatening her" he blurted,"Threatening her? Why will her dad threaten her?""Brandon asked,"It can't be, that Man adores his daughter, he always has," Jace said,"That's what he wanted you all to think, that man is nothing but a monster" Jay sneered anger filling his voice as he spoke about a man I didn't know about until now,"Why am I not surprised?" Grace muttered rolling her eyes,"What do you mean?"Jace asked looking utterly confused,"Her father wasn't always like that" Jay started, he didn't look like someone who wanted to say what he had to
Paige's POV"We have to be quiet, it is the only way we can get you girls out of here without drawing his attention, there was another man with him when we walked in and we don't know if they are together now so we can't risk it," One of the guys said, I think I heard Jace call him Arthur once,"How are we going to pass through without being noticed? He was standing really close to the door when we entered here like he wanted to be sure we didn't leave" Lisa voiced out the same question I wanted to ask,"There is a back door in a room behind the counter, I would cause a distraction while Arthur here will lead you both out and drive you home" the other guy answered this time, he seemed to be the stricter one,"That seems like a better option" Lisa muttered and I nodded in agreement,"Remember to be extra quiet" he reminded and we nodded simultaneously before he turned to leave,"We would give him five minutes to cause a distraction and then we would make a run for it, follow my lead, a