Alex finally came out, giving me a nod to indicate we were leaving. I hurried behind him, and we boarded our boat. I stole sidelong glances at him, trying to read his inscrutable expression, but he refused to meet my inquisitive looks - no doubt aware of the questions burning in my mind that he didn't want to address.We hadn't gone far when the skies opened up in a furious downpour, the waters becoming dangerously choppy as powerful gusts of wind lashed the small boat. I thought I was going to die, so I began saying silent prayers, making my peace in case the worst happened. When I managed to lift my eyes, I saw Alex looking remarkably composed. How could he not feel any fear? Did he have such little regard for his own life?"We're gonna have to pull in somewhere and wait this one out!" the boat captain yelled over the roar of the tempest. "There's a little village up ahead - best chance we've got!"Sure enough, we soon arrived at a rundown, isolated village miles away from any city.
THE PAST Alex arranged a little date for just the two of us in his car; we were sharing a kiss and spending time with each other. The music was simply in my soul, and his spontaneity had just caught me off guard. "I have a surprise for you, something exciting," he uttered.What is it this time, babe?" I asked, teasing him a little."It’s a surprise, and I can only show, not tell," he replied playfully."Don't you ever run out of surprises?" I asked with a laugh."Nope, never," he said, reaching back to grab a blindfold."What's this for?" I asked."Cover your eyes, sunshine," he said smiling."I can't, I'm too curious! I'll go crazy not knowing!" I protested."Do you trust me though?" He asked in a softer voice."Of course I do," I told him, looking right into his eyes."Then please," he said, offering me the blindfold.So I turned around and let him gently put it on. "Too tight?" he checked."No, it's just right," I said, getting excited and curious.I swear I must have asked a mil
That steamy dream started fading away as a voice pulled me back to reality, shattering those vivid memories of me and Alex. My eyelids felt heavy as I gradually surfaced from that deep, peaceful sleep“You hear me?” The voice prodded again more urgently this time I blinked rapidly, trying to hold onto the mental images of Alex's chiseled features and solid chest under my hand. But those sensual visions dissipated like smoke as my actual surroundings slowly came into view. Instead of being wrapped in Alex's strong arms, I found myself nestled in this dingy little bed, the lingering smell of that potent home brew still hanging in the air.As much as I didn't want to leave that intimate moment of us behind, I turned to see the elderly woman hunched over me. Sunlight peeked through the curtain - a new day dawning in this village."The storm has cleared up. Your...employer is waiting for you outside," She said I managed to sit up, shielding my eyes from the bright light and feeling abso
Those four words just hung there in the air, leaving me totally stunned. Move in? Here? With him? A million thoughts and questions flooded my brain all at once."Move in?" I managed to ask, trying to wrap my head around it. "I can't do that.""Sophie, we'll be working super long hours on this project, day and night. If you move in here, it eliminates all that wasted time going back and forth, and ensures we're working side-by-side the whole way through," Alex explained.I understood where he was coming from, but staying under the same roof as him would make it extremely hard for me to control my feelings. What if his parents saw me there? Oh goodness, that would be so awkward and uncomfortable."You'll be paid extra for the time you stay here working on it," he added, noticing I was deep in thought, considering it carefully.The extra money would be nice, but could I find a way to avoid getting caught up in past feelings? Hmm, Sophie. If I insist on not moving in, what would happen? A
"Oh, your assistant is quite lovely, Alex. Wow.""Let go of her hand, and you'd better behave yourself," Alex warned as he took a seat."I really look forward to getting to know you better, Sophie," Ryan said, releasing my hand before sitting next to Alex.I dragged my things to the room I usually used, but soon felt thirsty, so I made my way to the kitchen. However, I stopped short when I overheard their conversation."Bro, I have to say, I have found my wife and I thank you for playing a role in that," Ryan remarked"And who might that be?" Alex asked, sounding amused."Your assistant Sophie, of course," Ryan replied.Alex let out a wicked laugh that seemed uncontrollable, throwing his head back in apparent glee at Ryan's statement."Are you alright?" Ryan questioned, his brows furrowing as he was caught off guard by Alex's reaction."I'm fine," Alex said, regaining his composure but with a hint of derision in his tone. "But I doubt you are."Ryan's expression turned quizzical. "Wha
I went to my room, sat on the bed, and placed my hand on my head a bit to figure out what had transpired that evening.My thoughts were then disturbed by a soft knock on the door. "Come in," I said, without looking up. The door opened and closed quietly. "Hey, it's just me," Ryan's voice came before he entered the room. "I, uh, wanted to check on you after that unpleasant situation earlier." I finally looked up to find him standing uncertainly by the door. I managed a tight smile. "I am alright.”Ryan let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair "Sophie, I'm sorry you had to deal with that uncalled-for hostility," he said, looking apologetic. "Alex is usually so calm and composed, not...whatever that was." I waved off his apology, trying to act casual. "Don't worry about it. I have dealt with far worse than a few harsh words in my time." Ryan's brows furrowed with concern. "That is no excuse for his behavior, though. You should be treated with decency at the very least.”
I was at my workstation, repeatedly checking the time. It was well past closing time, but Alex hadn't emerged from his office for us to leave. Concern started creeping in. I decided to check on him, worried that something might be wrong. God forbid he was already dead or struggling, and I was just sitting there oblivious, thinking he was still working.I gently knocked on the door before entering. "Mr. Hernandez?" I called out but got no response.He was seated at his desk, eyes closed, motionless. Panic gripped me as I doubted he was even breathing. I hurried to his side and shook him firmly. "Alex???"His eyes flew open, and he glared at me coldly, his voice low and stern. "Get your hands off me."I stepped back, flustered. "I'm sorry, sir. I thought something was wrong.""Something was obviously wrong," he snapped, his jaw clenched tightly.A knot formed in my stomach as dread washed over me. "What's wrong with you, sir?" I asked tentatively.With a dismissive wave of his finger, h
I froze when I heard that. Melissa was planning to move in."What do you mean?" Alex asked, his eyes widening in surprise."I'm moving in. I would like to monitor things more closely.” Melissa said with a resolute look on her face."You can not do that!" Alex exclaimed, shaking his head."Why not? If she can live here, then I should be able to as well. Besides, we'll be getting married soon," Melissa argued, her hands on her hips."Thank goodness you said 'soon.' Why don't you wait till we get married before you consider moving in?I hastened and dashed to the room before any of them reached the stairs.The following morning, I went downstairs but no one was in the living room. Deciding to enjoy some fresh air, I stepped outside and encountered Ryan jogging."Hey, good morning, Sophie!" he greeted, jogging over to where I stood."Good morning! Keeping fit, I see," I replied with a smile."What else would a man who wants to stay in shape for the ladies do?" he joked, and we both chuckl
My gut twisted as Alex and I entered the hospital. I couldn’t believe I was here to visit Herbert. The antiseptic smell hit me as we stepped inside making me wrinkle my nose."You okay?" Alex asked softly, squeezing my hand.I simply nodded my head. It was at this time that I saw my mother in the lobby looking so worried yet relieved to see me.“Sophie, honey,” she called out and ran to us. "I am happy you are here."Alex greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Mrs McDermott. How are you holding up?""As well as can be expected, Alex. Thank you for bringing Sophie."I frowned, crossing my arms. "Mom, why are you even here? I still don't understand."My mother sighed, her eyes pleading. "Sophie, I'm human before anything else. He has nobody to look after him. I'm just doing what's right.""He has money, Mom," I argued, feeling my frustration rise. "That can get him all the care he needs. What makes a man who didn't support you so important to you?""Sophie, I didn't raise you to hav
We just settled into a more comfortable conversation and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. They kept asking several questions about Dawson and couldn’t help smiling at his antics "He sounds like quite the character," Mrs. Hernandez said, her eyes twinkling. "Just like his father at that age."Alex chuckled. "I wasn't so mischievous, was I?"Mr. Hernandez lifted an eyebrow. "Son, you once convinced the gardener's boy to help you 'redecorate' my study with finger paint. It took weeks to get the walls clean.""Oh, I remember that!" Mrs. Hernandez laughed. "You were so proud of your 'artwork'. We couldn't stay mad at you for long."As laughter filled the room, I felt myself relax. Alex's parents were so different from the harsh, condemning individuals I remembered from years before.There was a faint knock on the door. Duncan entered, his face serious."Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, I apologize for disturbing but there is urgent news," he said.Mr. Hernandez's smile vanished. "What
The day had finally arrived. Alex had informed his parents we were coming, and my nerves were in shambles. I put on a brave face for Alex, assuring him everything was fine, but inside I was a mess. When he went to get Dawson ready, I seized the moment to steady myself.My fingers shook as I dialed my mother's number."Mom, it's happening," I muttered. Today."On the other end, there was an unexpected rapid intake of air. "Oh, sweetheart. Are you ready for this?"I closed my eyes. "I have to be. For Dawson. For Alex.""And for yourself," Mom added gently. "You've carried this weight for so long. It's time to put an end to it all.""But what if history repeats itself? What if they-""Stop right there," Mom interrupted. "You're not that young girl anymore. You're a strong woman and an incredible mother. Stand tall, Sophie. Her words gave me strength, but I still doubted myself and I knew I needed one more boost. I quickly called Celine."Sophie! What's up? Everything okay?" Celine's voi
I walked into Alex’s house feeling weary but relieved after talking to my mom. The living room was lit with the faint sound of a cartoon playing in the background. Rounding the corner, I was immediately struck by the cutest sight.Alex was lying flat on the couch with Dawson dozing on his chest. I had to bite back a smile at how cute they looked in their matching superhero pajamas. Alex noticed me, his eyes brightening and a lovely smile spreading across his face."Well, well, look who decided to join us," he teased softly, careful not to wake Dawson.I rolled my eyes playfully. "Miss me that much, huh?""Always," Alex replied, his voice husky. He carefully shifted Dawson and stood up, crossing the room in a few long strides. Before I could react, he had me in his arms, spinning me around."Alex!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Put me down, you goof!"He set me down but kept his arms around my waist. "You’re not getting away that easily," he whispered, his lips inches f
The ride up to our suite seemed to take a lifetime. My heart was like a drum as I tried to come up with something to say to her but as soon as the lift doors opened, everything I had planned to say vanished. I lightly knocked on the door, a slight trembling in my palm. I felt a rush of emotions when the door opened with my mom at the other end "Mommy.” I choked out, giving her a tight hug. “I’m sorry.”“Sophie, my baby,” she whispered and embraced me closely. We both dissolved into tears.After a moment, Mom gently pulled back. "Let's go inside, sweetie," she murmured, her voice filled with emotions. When I entered the room, I turned to face her and really took her in. She appeared exhausted, her eyes red and swollen. "How are you?" I asked softly She gave a watery smile. "I am happy you are here. I have missed you so much.""You didn't call," I said, unable to keep the hurt from my voice.Mom reached out, taking my hand in hers. "I know you needed time and space to process ever
“Hey, toss it here!" Alex called out, waving his arms.Dawson laughed and aimed the ball toward Alex. With a slightly unsteady flight, he caught it by a dramatic leap."Nice throw, buddy!" he cheered, making Dawson beam with pride.I couldn't help but smile from my spot. Watching them play, hearing their laughter...it was a dream come true."You got this, Dawson," Alex encouraged as he rolled the ball back. "Just take your time."Dawson stuck his tongue out slightly, focusing hard on the ball. This time, his kick sent it flying straight and true."Goal!" Alex shouted, throwing his hands up in celebration. "We've got a little Messi on our hands!"Their game went on, there was clapping, laughing, and a little bit of ‘oh no’ when the ball went astray. Finally, it rolled to a halt right in front of me.“Okay, you two,” I said, as I grabbed it. “I believe that is enough for today”‘Mommy,’ Dawson complained, then his face twisted into a smile. "Did you see? I won!"Alex came over, ruffling
I woke up with a start, having Alex’s arm around my waist. I was confused for a second about what had woken me up. Then I heard it… raised voices from downstairs."Mrs. Hernandez, please," a stressed female voice pleaded. "I'm only following Mr. Alex's instructions. You can't just barge in like this!""I am his mother," came a sharp reply. "I have every right to see my son!"My heart raced. Alex's mom was here? I turned to face Alex, who was still sound asleep beside me. "Alex," I muttered, softly shaking his shoulder. "Alex, wake up. Your mom's here."Alex groaned, his arm tightening around my waist. "Mmm, five more minutes," he mumbled, nuzzling into my neck."Alex, I'm serious," I insisted, though I couldn't help but smile at his sleepy affection. "Your mother is downstairs, and it sounds like she's about to break down the door."Alex cracked open one eye, a mischievous glint visible. "I don't hear anything," he said, his lips curving into a grin as he started planting soft kisses
I tried to reply, but the words would not come out. Rather, I pressed my face against his shoulder and sucked in a quivering breath."It's fine. I'm here now," Alex murmured soothingly, his arms strong and secure around me.After a moment, he gently pulled away and scooped up Dawson, securing him in the back seat, and guided me into the seat next to the driver. "I do not want to go home," I murmured Alex's eyes met mine, filled with understanding. "I didn't have any intention of leaving either of you. “We're going to my house."As we drove, Alex glanced at me like he just remembered something. “What about your mom?”"She's okay, but I'd prefer not to discuss her at this time." Alex took out his phone and made a call to one of his housekeepers. "Sarah I need you to get some new clothes and toiletries for a child. Yes, as quickly as feasible.”The rest of the drive passed in silence. When we arrived at Alex's house, he turned to me. "Why don't you go freshen up? I'll take care of Daw
My mother's eyes softened as she looked at me. "James was a good man, Sophie. He raised you as his own because he adored both of us.” "That is the father I have known my whole life and will know for the rest of my days. This man here can never be my father," I sobbed, my voice trembling with wrath. "Sophie, I know you are upset but please try to understand,” my mother begged. "We made this decision out of love.""Love?" I scoffed. "You call lying to me for decades love?""I wanted to give you a stable family, a father who would be there for you-"I cut her off. "By erasing my real father from my life? By pretending Dad was my biological father?""It wasn't that simple, sweetheart. I was young, afraid, and alone when I found out I was pregnant-""So you just decided to trap Dad into raising another man's child?"I spat, regretting my words instantly but being too hurt to take them back. "Sophie!" My mom let out a gasp, her eyes filling with tears. "That wasn't the case. Your father..