McKennaAfter our argument, I was fuming! How could Mom act this way? She had completely ignored my opinion and treated me like I was a child.My temper boiled over, and I couldn't take it anymore. I strode to my bedroom and slammed the door shut behind me, not wanting to be near her for another second while she acted as if she had total control over me!Grrr!!It was clear that I couldn't trust her to make the right decision for me anymore, so I decided to stick to my plan with or without her consent.In the morning, I didn't bother staying and having breakfast with her. Instead, I hopped in a cab and went straight to Hunter's house again.But this time, things didn't go according to plan. I knocked on the door, expecting the same old lady from last time to open it. But instead, the door flew open, and I found myself staring at a stranger.It was someone who looked much younger than Hunter. He had short, brown, messy hair and a mischievously confident look in his bright green eyes th
HunterI was planning on calling McKenna and doing another meeting with her, but she surprised me by showing up unannounced at the office like this. I looked at Dustin questioningly. "What's going on here?""Sorry, Boss. She showed up looking for you, so I brought her along." He spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "But hey, I had no idea you had a daughter!" Dustin exclaimed."It's not confirmed yet," I replied irritably. My social life wasn't anyone's business but my own, even Dustin. Dustin shrugged and went to his desk, leaving me shaking my head. I turned my attention back to McKenna. "So...this is a surprise," I commented."I am sorry for showing up like this, but I wanted to talk to you more about the situation. I know my mom denied everything, but that doesn't mean she means it. She just doesn't want you to be my father for some reason," McKenna said in one breath."Ah, yes. Your mother was quite angry at me last night. She chewed me over as if I was the one who came lookin
McKennaIt had been a few days since Hunter said he would call with the result of the paternity test, and he said it wouldn't take more than two days or so. But here I was, waiting for his phone call that never came.I couldn't help but feel like the walls were closing in on me with each passing hour. The suspense was killing me, and I couldn't focus on anything else but the thought of what the answer might be. Was he my father? Or was it someone else?"What's the matter with you?" Mom's voice snapped me out of my trance."Huh? What do you mean?" I asked."You just wiped that countertop for the third time. Not just that, you've been distracted a lot lately," Mom pointed out.I didn't tell Mom about the conversation I had with Hunter the other day and the decision we made together. She was already angry at me for seeking him out, and I didn't want to fight her until I got enough evidence. So I decided to keep it a secret."I am fine," I said."Is this about Hunter? Did you talk to him
McKennaRight up until now, I had been feeling so confident. But then...pow! Hunter turned out to be my father, so now I was a bundle of nerves.I finally found out who my dad really is. Oh, snap!The next day, I got up and rushed to get ready. I had to go see him. I wondered how he felt now. Did he feel bad for not believing me in the beginning?But before I left, I had to go see Mom. I knew she was still mad, but I didn't care.Her door flew open, and she stood in front of me. Her eyes were wet and puffy as if she had been crying. I felt guilty for upsetting her, but at the same time, I also knew I had to be strong.I moved closer to her. "Mom, I am going to see Hunter. He wanted to talk to me about the paternity test."She looked at me with a mixture of sadness and anger. "Why are you telling me this?" Her voice was strained, and I could sense the hurt behind her words.I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I wanted to see if you wanted to come with me.""Come with you? F
McKenna"He lives here all by himself?" I said as I looked around in amazement. Hunter's Townhouse seemed even bigger from the inside."Well, not exactly by himself anymore," Sierra said. "Mr. Kane lives here now. Although it's only a temporary situation, Sir says.""Mr. Kane?" I looked at her questioningly."Dustin Kane," Sierra clarified.Ah, the step-cousin."Why is he living with Hunter?" I asked.Sierra chuckled. "You are quite the curious one, aren't you, McKenna?"I blushed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry.""No, it's okay. As I said, it's only a temporary solution. Dustin had run into some problems, so Mr. Brooks is letting him stay here for a while and work with him as his intern," Sierra said and frowned.It seemed like Sierra didn't like Dustin staying here, and I wondered why, but I didn't want to ask her. "And you? Do you live here too?" I asked instead."Me? No. I have my own house and a family. I come in here to check on the house and to make sure everything is well with M
Dustin I unlocked the car doors, and McKenna slid into the passenger seat. She tossed her bag onto the back seat and flashed me a grateful smile. "Thanks for the ride again. I could've taken Uber home, though," she said, fastening her seatbelt. "Eh, it's no problem. I figured you'd appreciate the company," I replied casually, starting the engine. "Why would you assume that?" she asked, a curious expression on her face. I glanced at her and smirked. "Why would I assume what?" I quipped, playing innocent. "You know what I mean. Why assume I need company?" she asked. "Most girls do since I am...you know...ridiculously good looking," I said nonchalantly. McKenna rolled her eyes at my self-assured comment. "Ridiculously good looking, huh? Modesty is clearly your strong suit." I chuckled, pulling out onto the road. "Well, aside from my undeniable charm, I just thought it might be more enjoyable for you. Plus, who wouldn't want to ride in this fine vehicle? Her name is Suzy, by the w
Hunter"So, how do you feel about the whole thing?" Harry asked."I don't know," I said absentmindedly."What do you mean you don't know? This is a big deal. You just found out you have an eighteen year old daughter. She could be taking over your company one day!" Harry mused.I stared blankly at the coffee cup in my hands, the weight of Harry's words sinking in. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, but my mind was clouded with a whirlwind of emotions. An eighteen-year-old daughter? It felt surreal, like a plot twist in a novel I hadn't seen coming."I mean, it's not that I am not happy," I began, still grappling with the newfound information. "It's just... it's a lot to process, you know? I had no idea. How did this happen?"Harry leaned back in his chair. "Well, clearly, it seems like her mother kept her existence a secret. Probably wanted to keep her away from the drama."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Drama or not, I should have known. Been there
McKennaI was ecstatic when Hunter phoned me, asking me to dinner - until he added my mother to the invitation! I could practically feel my enthusiasm deflating and her scowl intensifying. I could already feel the heat of her anger radiating off me, knowing she would not be too pleased when I told her about it.But I had to be brave and do it. It was nice of Hunter to invite me to dinner at his house to celebrate our newfound relationship. This meant he was wholeheartedly accepting me as his daughter. I couldn't be happier!As the day of the dinner got closer, my excitement mingled with a growing sense of dread. I tried to shake off the unease, telling myself it was just a casual dinner, nothing to worry about. Yet, the prospect of facing my mother's disapproval loomed over me like a dark cloud.Finally, unable to stall the inevitable any longer, I mustered the courage to tell her."Mom," I began carefully, "there's something I need to talk to you about." Her gaze shifted from her boo
TatianaThe doubts lingered over the months. Despite Hunter's continuous affirmations of love and commitment, I couldn't shake the fear that it was all too good to be true. The fear of vulnerability and potential heartbreak haunted me.As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, my worries became a silent companion. Yet, Hunter didn't look worried at all. He doted on me, showering me with his love.Maybe I was being stupid. I shouldn't be so skeptical. Hunter loved me, and I loved him, so there was no problem!One year later, he invited me to his birthday party. It was at his parents' house. Oh, great. I was not looking forward to seeing his Mom again. But I had to be there for Hunter no matter what.But still...every time we saw each other, she made it clear that she didn't approve of my relationship with Hunter.On the night of the party, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit nervously. The dress, a creation he had once admired, was now complete. I took a deep
TatianaAs Hunter's fingers intertwined with mine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had never done this before, but with Hunter by my side, I felt completely at ease.He brushed my cheeks with his fingertips."I've wanted this for so long," he said softly. "But I didn't want to rush you or make you uncomfortable."I smiled at his words, feeling touched that he had been considerate of my feelings. "I trust you," I told him sincerely."I'm glad," Hunter replied, before leaning in to press his lips against mine.The kiss was gentle yet passionate, igniting a fire in me that I hadn't known existed. His lips moved expertly against mine, and I found myself responding eagerly.As our kisses deepened, Hunter's hands began to explore my body, sending shivers down my spine. We broke the kiss momentarily as he peppered light kisses along my jawline and down my neck."You're so beautiful," he whispered between kisses, making me blush yet again. His hands continue
TatianaIn the dimly lit dorm room, I stood nervously in front of my closet. I stared at the half-finished dress hanging on the door. The fabric was a rich red color, flowing and elegant, with intricate gold embroidery along the hem and sleeves.I haven't shown it to anyone yet, but I thought it was my best work. For some reason, I felt like showing it to Hunter. We have been dating for over a month now, and I figured it was time I shared my work with him. I wanted Hunter's opinion before I called it done.Hunter was waiting for me in the living room area. I hadn't told him why I had called him here yet, so I took a deep breath and went to meet him."Well? What's the big emergency?" Hunter asked.I looked at him, biting my lip as he stared at me. He was dressed casually in jeans and a plain white t-shirt, looking handsome as always."I wanted to show you something," I said."Oh, really? What would that be?" he asked."Close your eyes," I said softly.Hunter raised an eyebrow but obeye
TatianaAs we followed Evelyn to the dining room, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her disapproval lingering in the air.We took our seats, and Evelyn turned her attention to me once again, her gaze filled with scrutiny."So, Tatiana," she began, her voice dripping with condescension. "Hunter's father will join us briefly, but tell me more about yourself.""Um...I am an only child. My parents are from here in New York," I said.Evelyn raised an eyebrow, as if expecting more."That's...interesting," she responded, her tone not quite matching the word. "What do your parents do?""Both of my parents are teachers," I answered, hoping to add a bit more substance to my background.Evelyn's lips formed a tight line, and she leaned back in her chair. "Teachers, huh? They are quite underpaid, aren't they?" Evelyn said."Yes, but they love what they do," I said defensively.Hunter shot me a supportive look, but Evelyn continued, undeterred. "And what about your own ambitions, Tatiana? Wha
Tatiana"Why did you have to be so rude to Hunter?" I scolded Frederick when we met up at the coffee shop later."I don't like that guy, Tatiana. I don't think he is good for you," Frederick said."And how would you know that, Fred?" I asked, feeling annoyed. Frederick and I grew up together, and sometimes he acted like he knew everything about me and knew all my needs, but it was starting to get old. It felt like he was overstepping boundaries, thinking he had the authority to dictate who was good for me and who wasn't."He's just not the right fit for you, Tati. I can see it," Frederick replied, a hint of concern in his eyes.I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fred, you're not my guardian. I appreciate your concern, but I can make my own decisions. Hunter is my choice, and I'd appreciate it if you respected that."Frederick leaned back, crossing his arms. "I just don't want to see you get hurt.""I can take care of myself, Fred," I retorted. "You don't get to decide who's ri
HunterThe corners of my mouth twitched as I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the look on Tatiana's face. "I am sorry, Tati. I didn't mean to scare you," I said slyly, trying to hide my amusement.Tatiana's expression only grew more worried. "Well, you are scaring me, Hunter. We've only been dating for three weeks!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic.Feeling guilty now, I took her hand in mine. "I am sorry," I said sincerely, suddenly concerned that I had overstepped.She looked at me with wide doe eyes. "Why are you apologizing?""I just...I'm afraid I may be moving too fast." My words came out in a rush as I tried to explain myself. "I swear I'm not some kind of psycho. I just..."Interrupting me, Tatiana spoke up firmly. "Hunter, you don't have to explain anything to me. I'm not actually scared.""But you are," I insisted, knowing that my actions had caused her fear and uncertainty. "I know you may not even love me yet and here I am talking about marriage. God...
TatianaI yelped and pushed him off, then quickly lowered the heat on the stove. Hunter burst into laughter, and I joined him, the tension disappearing."Phew...you saved the soup. You are on a roll at saving lives today," he quipped, wiping a mock sweat off his forehead.I rolled my eyes. "You have a talent for turning any situation into a joke.""It's a gift," he replied with a wink."Go sit down on the couch and I will bring you a bowl," I ordered."Yes, Madam!" Hunter saluted and rushed back to the couch.I shook my head and searched for a bowl in the cabinets. Then with the bowl in hand, I returned to the living room, finding Hunter already seated on the couch, looking both amused and hungry."Here you go," I said, handing him the bowl."Ah, the heroine returns with the healing potion," he teased, taking the bowl with a grin.I rolled my eyes. "Just eat your soup before it gets cold."He nodded obediently, blowing on a spoonful of soup before taking a careful sip. "Mmm, deliciou
TatianaI don't know why I was kissing him after I resisted him so much, but I didn't feel any regret doing it. As I pulled away from the kiss, I couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation. Here we were, in a hospital room, surrounded by medical equipment, and we were sharing a tender moment that made the whole environment seem like a dream.But the reality of the situation was far from ideal. Hunter wasn't a hundred percent better, and his recovery was far from guaranteed. He was weak, and I could see the pain in his eyes, even when he wasn't in physical discomfort."I am already regretting kissing you," I whispered, my voice low and barely audible.Hunter smiled with his eyes. "You are lying," he managed to utter. And despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest as I looked at him.We sat in silence for a while, holding hands."Should I call your mom?" I suddenly realized his family may not know about this yet."Nah," Hunter said d
Hunter"Congratulations on getting engaged to the perfect woman, Hunter," Tatiana said, her voice full of bitterness."I am not getting engaged to Natasha," I said irritably. "My mom is always pushing random girls toward me, saying they are 'perfect' for me.""Well, she is. I don't know why you brought me down here, Hunter. I don't belong in your world," Tatiana said, looking around. "My world? What do you mean by that?" I furrowed my eyebrows."A world full of designer clothes and lavish parties. My family isn't like yours. They are simple and could barely afford to send me to the university," she said."Are you suggesting everything was handed to me? Should I feel ashamed of that?" I asked.Tatiana shook her head. "I am not saying that. I am just saying we are not a good match, so this was a mistake."I sighed, feeling frustrated and confused. Tatiana's words struck a nerve, and I realized that our worlds were vastly different."Tatiana, I didn't bring you here to show off or make