"First, we have to measure out the ingredients," I said, taking a recipe book from the shelf. “Macarons revolve around accuracy.” Jason nodded seriously as if I had just revealed the secret of existence. As we started our task, the kitchen resonated with the clatter of bowls, the buzz of the mixer, and Jason’s constant flow of conversation. “Mommy, did you know that macarons are French?” he remarked while delicately sifting the almond flour. "I did," I responded, grinning at his excitement. "Did you know that Lucas mentioned he had some when he visited Paris once?" I paused for a brief moment before adopting a relaxed tone. "Did he really?" “Yeah,” Jason went on, unaware of my response. He mentioned they had a flavor reminiscent of clouds. “Do you believe ours will have a flavor similar to clouds?” "I believe ours will be even more delicious," I remarked assuredly, tousling his curls. Jason chuckled and returned to his work, his small hands steady as he adhered to my guidanc
Upon arriving at my office, Stella was already present, sorting a pile of papers on my desk. She glanced up upon our arrival, her eyebrow-raising in intrigue. "What is happening?" Stella inquired, putting the papers down. "This young lady," I remarked, pointing in her direction, "was let go earlier today." "I must understand the reason." Everyone took a seat, the girl shifting anxiously in her chair. “Begin at the start,” I encouraged her. "What took place?" She inhaled unsteadily. "I observed a few inconsistencies in the project documentation following our meeting yesterday." I believed it was important to notify them, so I approached my boss first thing this morning to inform her that the project may require suspension for additional evaluation. "And then?" I inquired, already anticipating where this was leading. “She… she didn’t handle it well,” the girl went on. “She became furious and stated that I was crossing my limits.” She charged me with incompetence and asserted that
"That's what we're attempting to understand," Stella remarked with a slight smile, giving his head a pat as he walked by her. Jason hopped up onto the couch, his little legs dangling as he gazed at us with big eyes. "You might be able to use Mrs. Pat’s car." "It’s quite old, yet it still functions." Stella laughed softly. "That's kind of you, Jason, but I doubt Mrs. Pat's car can reach Town B." I exhaled a breath, massaging my temples. “Stella, did Gregory mention anything regarding why this event couldn’t be delayed?” She nodded her head. "Not at all." Typical Gregory—pulls a trick like this and leaves you to handle the consequences. "Certainly," I whispered, pressing his number once more. On this occasion, he answered. “Natalie,” Gregory remarked, his tone frustratingly nonchalant. “Why didn’t I get notified about this event sooner?” I insisted, my tone strained. "Arrangements made at the last minute," he responded effortlessly. “You’re aware of how it works.” “At the last
The “discussion” continued. Jason leaped from one subject to another, from his beloved TV series to his ideas for a hidden treehouse (which seemingly wasn’t hidden anymore). I attempted multiple times to interrupt him. "Jason, allow Mr. Lucas some peace and quiet." "He's the one driving," I remarked, hoping to make him feel guilty enough to be quiet. “It’s okay,” Lucas replied calmly, keeping his gaze focused on the road. “I’m okay with it.” "It's pleasant to have companionship." I stifled a groan, realizing I was losing the struggle. At one moment, Jason pulled on my sleeve. "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom." "Why couldn't you have done that before our departure?" I whispered, even as I was searching for an appropriate stop. Lucas noticed a tiny rest stop in the distance and stopped. The moment the car halted, Jason rushed out, pulling me by the hand. As we stood in line for the bathroom, I squatted to meet his height. “Jason, dear, you need to stop talking so much.” Mr. Lu
Unwillingly, I turned and departed, the sound of Jason’s laughter diminishing as we moved away. The charitable gathering took place in an impressive community hall. When our car arrived, I quickly noticed the group of paparazzi assembled by the entrance. Their cameras blinked like strobe lights, and I could already hear the yelled inquiries from beyond the barriers. “Wonderful,” I whispered softly, exiting the vehicle. Lucas stepped out on the opposite side, straightening his tie as if the disorder didn’t affect him in the slightest. As we approached the entrance, I sensed the cameras shift toward us, their lenses focused on each step we made. The inquiries began right away. “Natasha! “Have you and Lucas reconciled?” “Mr. Knight, is this a fresh beginning for the two of you?” “How is this event connected to your relationship?” I balled my fists, trying to overlook them, yet the questions bothered me. Lucas looked at me, his face inscrutable, before moving closer and speaking to
I moved ahead, planning to intervene, but Jason replied easily, his tone distinct and assured. “I believe my mom is fantastic!” he exclaimed, grinning. “She puts in a lot of effort, yet she still allocates plenty of time for me.” “I also wish to assist others, just like she does!” The audience dissipated, their unified “aw” resonating throughout the space. I also couldn't resist smiling, even though I wished he didn't have to handle the attention. Once the excitement faded, I heard a deep, melodic voice coming from behind me. "You've brought up quite an impressive young man." Courteous, articulate, delightful. He didn't get that from you. I spun around, shocked, to see Ethan Sterling right in front of me. He was even more annoyingly attractive from a distance, his gray eyes sparkling with delight. "Beg your pardon?" I spoke, my tone cold. "You heard what I said," he responded with a grin. “He possesses flawless etiquette.” In contrast to his mother, who bumped into me at a snac
"I'm sorry," Rebecca whispered softly, remaining in place. "I didn't intend to make you upset." "I merely believed it was important for you to be aware." I compelled myself to inhale deeply, shutting the article. "That's okay, Rebecca." "I appreciate you highlighting this for me." Rebecca paused once more, then said, “For what it’s worth… I believe you conducted yourself admirably at the event. It's simply that... people enjoy drama, right? I nodded, although her words offered little solace. As Rebecca walked out, I reclined in my chair, gazing at the ceiling. The media was crafting a narrative I couldn't oversee. The stock was declining. And Gregory was likely enjoying the disorder. I tightened my fists, a blend of annoyance and fear flowing within me. Lucas's return to my life had been an unexpected upheaval, and now, it appeared that the repercussions were merely starting. The brightness of my office light seemed more intense as the seconds passed. I drummed my pen on the des
“I suppose that's true,” I murmured, collapsing onto the couch. "This is a catastrophe." Granny West struck her cane on the ground, her keen eyes squinting a bit. "I asked you to let me handle it." "And coincidentally, I've discovered an answer." I glanced at her, shocked. “What type of solution?” She smiled softly, yet it failed to illuminate her eyes. "You will discover it before long." Her words gave me a shiver down my spine. I was in my walk-in closet, with the gentle light from above bouncing off the lines of neatly arranged garments. Granny West stood by my side, her keen eyes assessing the choices like a commander getting ready for a fight. “This one,” she said, taking out a sleek emerald green dress. I paused, grasping the cloth with my fingers. “Grandma, are you certain this is the optimal decision?” She glanced at me, her demeanor steady yet resolute. “Believe me, Natalie." You aim to appear self-assured, collected, and perfectly enticing. “This gown accomplishes a
“I swear to God, these vultures never sleep,” Ethan muttered, peeking through the curtains. Outside, the front gates were swarming with reporters, their cameras flashing like tiny, desperate explosions in the dark. The murmur of frantic voices and shouting news anchors filled the air. A drone hovered overhead, circling like a mechanical hawk. I exhaled sharply, arms wrapped around myself. “It’s like I’m some kind of fugitive.” Lucas, standing beside Ethan, looked unimpressed. “Well, considering half the country thinks you bullied your assistant into attempted suicide and orchestrated corporate fraud, it tracks.” I shot him a death glare.Ethan snorted. “Jesus, Knight. You have the emotional intelligence of a brick.” Lucas didn’t even look up from his phone. “I’m just saying, walking out of here isn’t an option.” He wasn’t wrong. I clenched my fists, feeling my freedom slipping further away with each passing second. If we wanted to get out unnoticed— We needed a di
The house was silent. Until it wasn’t. I had been lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind too wired to even think about sleep when I heard it— A thud. Then the softest creak of a floorboard. My breath hitched.I sat up immediately, heart pounding, listening as the faintest sound of movement came from downstairs. Reporters? No. They wouldn’t be stupid enough to break in.Then who? A kidnapper?The very idea froze my blood. I grabbed the first solid object I could find— which, unfortunately, was a decorative metal candle holder—and crept toward the bedroom door. I pushed it open carefully, slowly, moving down the stairs on silent feet.My grip tightened around the candle holder.Then, just as I reached the living room, a dark figure moved. I swung. “What the hell—?” A strong grip caught my wrist mid-air, stopping my attack effortlessly. The familiar scent of woodsy cologne hit me a second before I recognized the voice. Lucas.“What the fuck, Natalie?” H
After days, the house was still for the first time. No arguing. No tension is dense enough to slice with a knife. No urgent gatherings regarding abductions, controversies, or corporate treachery. Lucas departed early to visit his mother, while Ethan answered a call and went upstairs. That resulted in me being isolated in the living room, sitting with my legs crossed on the floor, gazing at an unfinished chess match. I glared at the chessboard. "Bishop takes knight… but then the rook moves, and I’m trapped." Fitting. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It didn’t matter anyway. My mind wasn’t on the game—it was on everything else. The kidnapping. The threats. The scandal. My career—my entire life—falling apart. I exhaled sharply, leaning back against the couch. How the hell had it come to this? Footsteps echoed down the hallway. A moment later, Ethan strode in, stretching as he flopped onto the couch beside me. "God, I needed that call," he groaned, rubbin
The moment I hung up on Stella, my fingers were already dialing Granny West. She answered on the first ring. "Natalie." Her voice was as sharp as a blade, sending both relief and dread through me. I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Did you see the news?” "I did," she said, clipped, controlled. Too controlled. There was no outrage, no shock—just an eerie, calculating stillness. My fingers tightened around the phone. “The board,” I exhaled. “They voted me out, Granny. Suspended me.” A pause. Then—"I’ll get to the bottom of it." I closed my eyes, exhaling shakily. “And Jason?” "He’s safe," she assured. "And he will stay that way." A weight lifted—but only slightly. Because Jason might have been protected. But I wasn’t.The second I lowered my phone, I turned to face Lucas and Ethan. Both men stood like statues, unreadable, waiting for me to speak. “What do we do?” My voice was sharp and straight to the point. Lucas exhaled, crossing his arms. “First, we cont
The moment I hung up, I knew Ethan wouldn’t let this go.And I was right.Less than twenty minutes later, the sound of screeching tires echoed outside. I barely had time to brace myself before a familiar voice boomed through the house. “West!” Lucas and I both turned toward the front door at the same time. I barely had time to process before Ethan stormed in, looking like he was ready to murder someone. His eyes landed on me first, scanning me for injuries, like he still didn’t believe I was unharmed. Then, slowly, his gaze snapped to Lucas. And just like that, the temperature in the room dropped. Ethan’s jaw was tight, rigid with restrained fury. “You really stayed here,” he said, his voice lower now—but no less dangerous. I crossed my arms. “Yes, Ethan.” His gaze hardened. “You should’ve called me.” Lucas, standing casually beside the counter, smirked over his coffee cup. “She did,” he said smoothly. “Just… after me.” Ethan’s eyes darkened.“You think this is
I woke up peacefully for the first time in a long time. No threats. No masked figures whispering cryptic warnings. No paparazzi flashing cameras in my face. Just… silence.For a moment, I let myself pretend. That I wasn’t caught in a corporate war. That I wasn’t being hunted by shadows. That I wasn’t a woman who had lost everything. For a fleeting second, I was just Natalie.But then reality crept in.I exhaled, pushing the covers off. I didn’t belong here. Lucas’s house was too familiar, too foreign. Every corner of it whispered of a past I had tried to bury. In the past where I wasn’t Natalie West, CEO. The past where I was Natalie Knight—his wife. As I walked down the hallway, my fingers brushed against the walls. I used to live like this. In a house too big for two people. With floors too polished and rooms too pristine. But back then, I didn’t feel out of place. Back then, this was my home. I used to wake up before him, slipping out of bed quietly to m
The car slowed to a stop in front of my house, the quiet hum of the engine the only sound filling the tense space. For a moment, I didn’t move. I could still sense the heaviness of that voice, how it crept into my thoughts as if it had embedded something within me—something I couldn’t remove. I wet my lips, looking at the driver, my heart racing. He didn't even glance my way. Just reached across the console and unlocked the door.“You’re home,” he said, voice eerily neutral. I hesitated. Like nothing had happened. Like I hadn’t been kidnapped. Like I hadn’t been warned. Like I hadn’t just been pulled into a game I didn’t understand. My fingers trembled as I pushed open the door and stepped out. The night air felt too cold, too sharp against my skin. I turned back, my lips parting—to say what, I wasn’t sure. But before I could blink— The car was gone. No screeching tires. No roaring engine. Just… gone. Like it had never been there at all. I stood frozen in plac
The car took a sharp turn, veering off the familiar road to my home and into a secluded area of the city. I stiffened. “This isn’t my house,” I blurted. “No, it isn’t,” he said flatly. Another turn—we entered a covered parking lot. My stomach plummeted. Panic clawed at my throat as the car rolled to a stop. My last chance.I grabbed the door handle and yanked.Locked. I tried again, harder. Still locked. Oh, hell no.Before I could start screaming, the driver stepped out, rounded the car, and yanked my door open. "Out," he ordered. I stared at him. “What if I say no?” His jaw twitched. "Then I'll carry you." I gasped. “That’s rude! That’s—God, *do you even know who I am? There are rules about this kind of thing! This isn’t how kidnapping works—” He exhaled sharply, clearly running out of patience. Before I could talk my way into more trouble, he grabbed my wrist— firm, but not brutal— "Don't make this harder than it has to be," he muttered. My pulse po
The door swung open moments later, and Amanda strutted in—head held high, completely unaware she was walking into a trap.She barely spared me a glance before flipping her hair over her shoulder and plopping down in the chair across from me. “You called?” she said, her voice bored. I folded my hands on the desk, studying her. “Tell me, Amanda… do you like working here?” She blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Excuse me?” “It’s a simple question,” I said smoothly. “Do you enjoy your job?” Amanda scoffed. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” I hummed, tilting my head. “That’s interesting. Because lately, it seems like you’ve been more focused on certain extracurricular activities rather than your actual responsibilities.” Her smirk wavered. “What are you talking about?” I picked up my tablet and turned the screen toward her.The policy handbook glowed under the office lights. Specifically, the section on workplace relationships. Amanda’s face palmed instantly. I leane