The continued beeping of my alarm clock jolted me from my reverie, wincing at the cacophony of noise assaulting my senses. It felt like someone was jackhammering inside my skull."Ugh," I groaned, rubbing my throbbing temples. Maybe talking about all that heavy stuff with Jason last night had dredged up those repressed night terrors from the depths of my mind.I couldn't remember the last time I'd had a nightmare that messed up. The last one was probably over a year ago, at least.Back in my darkest days, I used to deliberately run myself ragged with work just to avoid falling into the kind of deep sleep where the demons could creep in and torment me. Anything to escape reliving those traumatic memories in high-definition detail.I dragged my sorry ass to the bathroom and splashed some ice-cold water on my face, studying my haggard reflection in the mirror. Yeesh, I looked like total crap – pale as a ghost with dark circles under my eyes that made me look like a raccoon trapped in a c
MAISIEThe front door opened before I got there and my breath caught in my throat. It was him – the man who occupied my thoughts more than he should.Jason stepped out looking impossibly handsome in an impeccably tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders and accentuated the lean strength of his form. The crisp white dress shirt strained ever-so-slightly against the swell of his muscular chest and arms in a way that made my mouth go dry.He really did cut an intimidatingly sexy figure – like some modern-day mythological titan given human form. His sheer masculine presence and the easy confidence with which he carried himself was almost overwhelming.I knew my thoughts were bordering on inappropriate territory, but the contrast between our physical builds stirred up an unmistakable familiar spark of attraction I couldn't quite smother.Jason paused on the front step with one foot already angled toward his car when his gaze landed on me across the street.I tensed instinctively
MAISIE"Oh! Uh, hi Karina," I stammered, feeling oddly caught out even though I hadn't actually done anything overtly untoward – at least in a physical sense. "I was just...umm, coming over to say good morning!"Her brows rose a fraction, but she didn't question my flimsy excuse before snorting derisively. "Well, that's very unnecessary of you. Unless you were actually loitering around, hoping to catch a glimpse of something that doesn't belong to you?"I blinked at her, stunned by the venom in her words. "What? I don't understand. I wasn't—"Karina held up a hand, the bright red nail polish glinting in the morning sunlight as she cut me off abruptly. "Let's not play dumb here, Maisie. I'm not blind. I've seen the way you look at something that belongs to me with those hungry eyes of yours. Are you hoping to try to steal it when I'm not around? Is that your little pathetic plan?" Her lip curled in a sneer. "Because that would be really freaking stupid of you."Her accusation hit me lik
KARINAI slammed the door shut behind me with a resounding bang that shook the walls. My entire body was trembling with rage, hands shaking as adrenaline coursed through my veins. That insufferable Maisie! That self-righteous little nobody!I'd tried to take the high road by giving her a polite warning, a chance to back off and remember her place. But instead of heeding my words, she'd dared to actually put her filthy hands on me like I was the one in the wrong.“The audacity! Did she actually think she could win against me in a physical altercation?” If so, then I had gravely underestimated just how delusional the pathetic woman was.As much as her actions infuriated me, I had to begrudgingly admit that my attempt to intimidate her had failed spectacularly. Maisie didn't seem the least bit scared or deterred by my threats.A harsh slap of reality washed over me - she wasn't going to simply back away from Jason just because I demanded it of her.If I truly wanted to get rid of her and
MaisieKarina was out of earshot when I quickly pulled out my phone and hit the speed dial for Miriam, my best friend and voice of blunt reason.My hands were trembling and my heart still pounded from the confrontation. When she answered, I didn’t even wait for her to speak.“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” I blurted out.“Maisie?” Miriam’s voice was groggy and annoyed. I could hear the sound of her shuffling in bed. “Do you know what time it is? Why are you calling me so early on a Saturday?”“I need to talk to someone,” I said. “It’s about Karina.”At her name, Miriam groaned loudly. “That snarky fiancée of Jason’s that was dissing you at the dinner? What happened? Did her oversized ego finally suffocate her, or is she still walking around terrorizing everyone with her fake charm?”I sighed. “She’s worse than ever. She came up to me out of nowhere and told me to stay away from Jason.”Miriam snorted. “Okay, predictable. She’s insecure and sees you as competition. Wha
MAISIEI decided to make breakfast before our day out, and Donovan dug into his food like a starving wolf, shoveling forkfuls into his mouth at a rapid pace. Kid must've been really hungry.As I watched him eat, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I've learned about the different stages of life and the inevitable stumbles that come with getting older. About the heavy sighs we let out at each new turning point after resigning ourselves to the fact that we're growing older, even if we're not necessarily growing any wiser.But what even is true wisdom, really? The way I see it, it's not about racking up years on this planet. It's about gaining an abundance of hard-won experience and learning from your mistakes along the way. Wisdom comes from living, not just existing.My own youth definitely wasn't a joyride or anything. It was marred by a lot of difficulties and hardships that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But at least I was able to give my son the idyllic, carefree childhood
MAISIEA tiny thrill raced through me at the undisguised threat in Jason's tone. My heart kicked up a beat against my ribs, thundering so loudly I could practically hear the rush of blood pounding in my ears.He wouldn't actually barge in here uninvited...would he? The thought was equal parts alarming and tantalizing – setting my nerves alight with a heady mixture of trepidation and arousal."You can't be serious," I hedged, though I could hear the tremulous layer of uncertainty in my own voice betraying the fluttering excitement uncurling low in my belly."Thirty seconds.”His words held a stern edge that had me instinctively straightening my spine."I'd start moving if I were you, baby."Sweet Jesus! The way the petname rolled off his tongue in that deep, rough rasp...I actually felt a dizzying swirl of want unfurl between my thighs.My core clenched with a pulse of need, responding wildly to the dominance inherent in his tone.I wavered for only a moment longer before cursing under
MAISIEI was cocooned in the strength of his embrace in that moment so the rest of the world simply fell away into insignificance.There was only the all-consuming tidal wave of emotion that threatened to sweep me under every time our bodies reunited after even the briefest separation.I was home with the man who saw me and seemed to want me even after knowing the real me.Most people only want the happy, obedient, beautiful version of us, while the darkness within is ours alone to grapple with. No one loves that shadowed side with the flaws and imperfections we try so desperately to conceal.But here before me stands a man who accepts me completely, darkness and all without asking me to change or morph into someone I’m not.I wanted to confess my feelings for him in that moment of vulnerability.But I feared I would come to regret the admission. I could only feel a profound sense of certainty settling over me like a warm blanket. These emotions are real and undeniable. I cared for hi
MAISIEHis words sank into me like a weight pressing down on my chest.Jason’s eyes darkened as his frustration spilled over. “I don’t even know how to explain what I feel without sounding ridiculous.”I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. “Every aspect of me has changed since Jason’s return to my life. I wasn’t the same woman he met all those years ago.Love has a way of ruining you and making it seem beautiful. It turns pain into poetry.But I wasn’t poetic. I wasn’t romantic. I was just… broken.I’d always heard people talk about “sadness in the heart,” but I never truly understood what they meant. To me, sadness was in tears, in screams, in the physical ache of the body.However, I understand now.Sadness could live in the heart, buried deep beneath a smile. It could hide behind laughter and linger in silences. And Jason… he was the one who made me realize that.He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. His touch was tender, almost reverent.“No doubt
MAISIEKlay burst out laughing. However, Felix looked completely dumbfounded with his expression frozen in disbelief.Harsh. That was harsh.I glanced at Jason, irritation bubbling under my skin. He didn’t even seem to care about how Felix had taken the comment.Poor guy looked like someone had just slapped him with a reality check.I turned my gaze to the glass wall beside me, letting the conversation fade into the background.The server arrived a few minutes later and everyone began ordering breakfast. Everyone except me.My appetite had vanished completely.Felix noticed. “You’re not eating?”I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts. “I’m not really hungry.”His expression softened, and for once, he wasn’t joking or teasing. “You should eat something,” he said quietly. “It’s not good to skip meals.”Then he reached out and placed his hand gently over mine. “You know, I’d love to meet your son. If he’s one of my fans, I think we’ll get along great.”He smiled at me, bright and genuine
MAISIEThe undeterred Felix turned his attention back to me. “So, Brit, how are you finding the trip so far?”There it was again—“Brit.” Why does he keep calling me that? Doesn’t he know my name?“It’s good so far.” My voice was soft, almost hesitant, as I tried to keep the conversation as neutral as possible.I turned to face the elevator door like the rest of them, hoping to escape the growing tension.But Felix wasn’t done. “Do you know volleyball?” he asked suddenly with excitement.I tilted my head slightly, trying to recall the familiar name of the game. I knew it, but at the moment, my mind felt a little scrambled.Felix’s brows creased when he noticed my hesitation, obviously considering a way to describe it. “You know, the game where they hit the ball with their hands over a net in the middle between two teams.”Ah, now I remembered. I’d seen it played on the beach before.“Yeah, I remember it now!” I exclaimed, smiling. “It’s a fun game, and I like it a lot.”Felix’s face li
MAISIEI woke up early the next morning, feeling energized and ready for the day. The weather was beautiful, with a light breeze carrying the scent of the ocean.The sun was warm but not overbearing, casting a golden glow over everything. It was the kind of morning that made you feel alive.I decided to sit by the pool, enjoying the calm and peaceful atmosphere. The water sparkled under the sunlight, clear and inviting. I donned a light blue, sleeveless summer shirt adorned with white checks, complemented by long, white linen pants. To complete the look, I had borrowed—or rather, stolen—a beach hat from Miriam. It was oversized and slightly ridiculous, but it suited the vibe of the day perfectly.I sipped from the coffee in my hands, letting the warmth of the drink and the beauty of the morning fill me with a sense of calm.My mind, however, was anything but calm. I kept running through the details of the surprise I had planned for Don. Felix could arrive at any moment, and I needed
MAISIEJason laughed softly, straightening up and helping me to my feet. “I’m saying it depends on trust. Our destiny is written, so let’s live quietly, baby.”I sighed, reluctantly nodding. “I understand.”“I arranged for your room to be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite. This way, both you and Don can enjoy your privacy," Jason informed me.I was taken aback, my mouth opening and closing in disbelief, unable to find the words.Jason gave me a smile that seemed to melt the tension between us. Then, he took my hand and walked me toward the hotel.Do I deserve this man?Later that night, I knocked on Don’s door to check on him. He opened it for me with a toothbrush in hand before disappearing back into the bathroom to finish brushing his teeth.“Did you have dinner with them?” I asked, sitting on the edge of his bed as I waited for him.“No,” Don replied from the bathroom. “But your boss sent me room service.”Klay? Why would he do that? “Anyway, you should go to bed early. Tomorrow’s g
MAISIEI could hear the raw emotion behind his words. The weight of regret, the pain of misplaced blame, the sorrow of a goodbye that never came. It clung to his voice.My chest tightened as I watched his usually composed demeanor crack under the weight of his own memories. It wasn’t just guilt he was carrying—it was grief, and it was deep.“I later regained my memories and discovered it was all my brother’s doing. When I refused to divorce you after the one-year arrangement with your father, he erased everything I’d ever done for him. Every sacrifice, every moment of kindness—it all meant nothing to him. He only saw my refusal as betrayal. I was so angry, so frustrated that I drowned myself in alcohol. And in my drunken state, I made a mistake I’ll regret for the rest of my life,” his words trailed off.My mind couldn’t process everything he’d just revealed. I was too broken and too busy takin in my father’s betrayal.Was I really nothing more than a business deal to my father? He tr
MAISIE My heart skipped a beat and my eyes sparkled with anticipation.Was I really about to learn something that no one else in the world knew about him?For a fleeting moment, I felt special—like I was the only person he trusted enough to reveal this part of himself.“What I’ve spent my life doing,” Jason began low and contemplative, “Is hating the success of others and taking pleasure in their failures. That’s who I was… until someone came into my life and turned it upside down.”He paused, staring out at the waves as if searching for the right words.“Before that someone, another person wreaked havoc in my life, tearing it apart piece by piece. They pushed me to the brink and left me with nothing but a sliver of myself. Yet… their hatred… their coercion never fully destroyed me.”I blinked, trying to make sense of his cryptic words. “Who is this other person?”Jason’s hand resting lightly on my thigh stilled.The sudden halt made my breath catch in my throat.“My brother!” His vo
MAISIEI quickly sat up, my fingers moving instinctively to type a reply.I wrote that I had only just seen his message and apologized for the delay. But before pressing send, I hesitated.My pride stepped in, whispering that I didn’t owe him an explanation.My thumb hovered over the screen for a moment longer before I pressed delete. I erased every word as though they had never existed.The hardest thing is when you write something, pouring your thoughts and emotions into it, only to let your pride force you to erase it.I lay back down, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the unsent message settle over me.What was I going to do with him? With myself? With my son?I just wanted to sleep—to escape the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind, even if only for a little while."I'm sorry, my soul," I whispered into the quiet room. "I made mistakes against you. I pressured you so much to be who they wanted you to be, thinking their approval would complete my journey."The words f
MAISIEMy heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder and faster than the last. It felt like I’d just run a marathon, but the only thing I’d been running from was Jason.I believe that when a person falls in love with the right person, they can forgive them for all their mistakes.When you love, you don’t care about what’s been said or done.What do I need in this world when my world is him?I went back to where Miriam and Don were sitting, watching something on my computer. I think it was probably a movie then proceeded to my seat.I couldn’t bring myself to care enough to check. Their laughter, soft and unbothered, filled the space, but it only made me feel more out of place.Karina had pushed her seat back a little, reclining to sleep. It was better this way. I didn’t have the strength—or the patience—to bear her closeness to him. Jason.I hated how aware I was of every little thing about her, about him. The way she’d leaned her head against the seat, the way he didn’t seem to noti