I’ve gotten a few questions about the last chapters. Based on the seer’s new vision, Zavian and Emmeline are destined to lose their first child. On top of that, Emmeline risks losing her memories as consequence of Zavian meddling in her life more than he should. I’d love to share more spoilers with you all, but I don’t want to ruin the story. Hehe!
Emmeline’s heart clenched and fear flickered in her eyes.She turned to look at him. “Do you think Yuna will expose us in court?”Zavian slowed his movements. His gaze met hers, and there was a glint of reassurance in his eyes that made her heart skip. “Enough worrying about a court date that hasn’t even been set yet,” he said gently. “You’ll have plenty of time to stress about it later.”His breath cooled across her skin as he leaned in and lightly brushed her neck with his lips. “Right now, you’re on my lap.”His warmth enveloped her like a protective cocoon. The heat of his breath teased her skin before he began to trail soft, deliberate kisses along the curve of her throat.“Focus on me,” he whispered.Emmeline’s eyelids fluttered shut as her body surrendered to his touch. She felt a chill when his lips touched her neck lightly. She automatically cocked her head to the side, granting him more access.Her pulse quickened, each beat echoing the growing desire within her.“Let me have
Emmeline’s eyes widened. “It’s embarrassing to admit I like adult stories. People will think I’m repressed, and they’ll judge me. I didn’t want you to see me differently.”A sly smile crept on Zavian’s lips.Emmeline’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.“This is the enthusiasm I want from you. Now I know how much you want me and what you’re willing to give up for moments of pleasure.” He pulled his hand away, placing it on one of her breasts.Their eyes locked, the air between them thick with desire.“Hearing the desperation in your voice makes me think about changing my mind,” he teased, brushing his thumb over her nipple.Emmeline leaned her head against his chest, her strength fading as she surrendered to the sensation.“How can I deprive you of your ecstasy when you’re so desperate?” Zavian whispered.With that, the bum gun dipped between her legs and the stream of water hit her in just the right spot.Emmeline’s toes curled. Her lips parted as a low, shuddering sigh escaped her.“Z
Emmeline’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she looked away. “That’s enough, Mr. Blackthorn!”Zavian chuckled, turning her around to help her slip into her bathrobe. “I can’t believe you’re still shy around me after everything we’ve done. I’ve seen every inch of you, Emmeline. At first, I thought it was a confidence thing, but now I’m not so sure.”Emmeline slid her arms into the sleeves. “It’s not about confidence. You’ve already convinced me that you’d still like me even if I were… imperfect. But I’ll never get used to standing naked in front of you.”She turned to face him. “It’s just… nudity isn’t comfortable for me.”Zavian frowned slightly but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he tied the belt of her robe and wrapped a towel around her hair. “I hope you change your mind before we take things to the next level. I don’t want you to suffer because of me.”A playful smile tugged at her lips. “Looks like I’ll be suffering a lot in the future.”He narrowed his eyes in mock d
Emmeline’s cheeks flushed and quickly looked away. “You’re a dirty man,” she shook her head. “I don’t even know how I got involved with you.”Zavian cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I’ll let you keep my underwear too,” he said with a smirk. “That way, we’ll be even.”Emmeline was in disbeleif. “You’re insane!” She muttered, pulling away.The sound of Zavian’s phone buzzing broke the moment.He grabbed it from the bed, glancing at the screen.“The delivery guy’s here,” he announced.Emmeline clapped her hands together excitedly. “Finally!”Zavian tossed the phone back on the bed. He quickly pulled on a pair of gray pants and a loose black shirt. Then he left to grab the food while Emmeline lingered in front of the mirror, adjusting the oversized shirt and boxers.“Baby, come to the kitchen,” Zavian called out.“Coming, Papi!” Emmeline teased while hurrying over to him.Zavian’s gaze darkened. He turned sharply toward her from where he stood by the refrigerator with two ca
Zavian spread the mattress out, smoothing it with his hands before arranging the pillows at one end. “You know,” he said, glancing at her with a small smile, “I’ve never done anything like this. Not even as a teenager.”Emmeline lay down first, stretching out with her feet near the fireplace’s warmth. She looked up at him, her expression incredulous. “You’ve never been camping?”Zavian settled beside her before pulling the blanket over them both. “I went once in high school,” he admitted. “But we slept in tents, not out in the open like this.”Emmeline rested her head on his shoulder. “Let’s go on a camping trip next,” she said eagerly.Zavian turned his head to look at her. “Let’s do it,” he agreed without hesitation.She traced her fingers over the tattoos on his arm, her gaze lingering on his face. “We look like an old married couple,” she teased.He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “You’re the one with the old-fashioned ideas,” he mused. “The irony is, I’m the only
Emmeline’s heartbeat accelerated. “What?” She playfully smacked his chest with their joined hands. “Just tell me!”Zavian chuckled, pulling his hand free to wrap his arm around her. He shifted to his side, holding her close. His face was so near hers that their breaths mingled.“I filed for divorce two weeks ago,” he said finally. “But it’s going to take a while. The court’s trying to reconcile us first.”Emmeline’s eyes widened in shock and her body instinctively jerked upright, however Zavian’s arms tightened around her, keeping her close.“Did you really file for divorce?” Her voice trembled with disbelief.Zavian nodded. “We’ve been talking about divorce for a long time,” he sighed. “Do you remember the day we reconciled on the yacht? After the cruel things I said to you at home?”Emmeline gave a nod. “I remember it well.”Zavian’s arms relaxed slightly. “I told you then I wanted you in my life. And I meant every word.”Disbelief mingled with a strange sense of joy in Emmeline. “Bu
Zavian's fingers combed through his dark hair, tension evident in every movement. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily on him as he considered the complicated situation they faced.Zereth, his darker half, harbored hatred for humans that had resulted in bloodshed centuries ago.During that dark period, Zereth had slaughtered without discrimination, sparing neither adult nor child from his wrath. He didn't care if his victims were eighty or eight—all he needed was a glimpse in their future and they were dead meat.In his twisted perspective, humans represented everything despicable: creatures of deceit and greed that deserved extinction.And now, in some twisted joke, fate had picked a human as their mate. Not just any human either, but Emmeline. Sweet, sensitive Emmeline who jumped at her own shadow sometimes.What made Emmeline different, though, was her heart. The girl wore it on her sleeve, honest to a fault and without a greedy bone in her body.Zavian had spent countless nig
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting golden patterns across the empty space beside Emmeline the next morning.She blinked awake slowly and her hand reached out to touch the cool sheets where Zavian had been.The bed felt strangely empty without his presence.Emmeline stretched languidly. Her arms extended above her head as she arched her back like a contented cat. The silky fabric of her oversized shirt slid against her skin—a pleasant sensation that made her smile despite the momentary disappointment of waking alone.A tantalizing aroma drifted through the partially open door—something buttery and savory that made her stomach rumble in anticipation.Emmeline slipped from beneath the warm cocoon of blankets and her bare feet met the cool floor with a slight shiver.She padded toward the door, pausing only to run her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair.The staircase whispered softly beneath her feet as she descended, following the increasingly enticing scent. Morni
The group split up at the parking lot.Emmeline slid into her brother's car passenger seat while Minnie moved toward their own car.She caught Emmeline’s eye from across the lot, offering a small supportive smile before climbing into her husband's car.On the other hand, Brody's convertible roared to life with unnecessary force before peeling out of the parking space and disappearing down the street.The drive home stretched into an exercise in silence.Emile gripped the steering wheel with his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.Tension filled the car.Emmeline turned toward the window, watching the familiar streets of Riverwalk blur past. The town that had always been her home now felt like a place she was preparing to escape."Mother called while we were in court," Emile finally said.Emmeline traced a pattern on the condensation forming on the window. "What did you tell her?""What needs to be said.”Emmeline turned to face him, already knowing what he meant. "You shouldn't make
Minnie grabbed the chance to pull Emmeline back, making sure there was enough space between them and the men for a private conversation."What's this about going to France?" Worry shadowed her expressive face. "When were you planning to tell me? Or was I supposed to get a postcard from Paris?"Regret washed over Emmeline's face. The truth was, she'd been putting off this conversation, dreading how Minnie would react."I never found the right time to tell you," she admitted, avoiding her friend's sharp gaze by staring at the fancy ceiling molding.Minnie's fingers tightened around Emmeline's arm and her eyes narrowed. "This wasn't your idea," she stated with certainty. "You have too much to lose if you leave Riverwalk. Maybe you could handle being without me—though I doubt it—but what about Judge Blackthorn? What happens to you two?"Emmeline put her hand over Minnie's. "Don't ever say that. I couldn't stand losing either of you."Satisfaction softened Minnie's expression, encouraging E
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspic
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided Em
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon
Emmeline blinked rapidly as her mind refused to process the devastating news.The world around her seemed to slow, sounds becoming muffled as though she were underwater. Her chest constricted painfully, making each breath a conscious effort."What?" The single word escaped her lips as a strangled whisper.Yuna's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. With deliberate slowness, she placed her hand over her stomach in a protective, almost reverent gesture."I said I'm pregnant." Each syllable was delivered with precision. Her gaze remained fixed on Emmeline's face, drinking in every flicker of devastation with undisguised satisfaction.The room tilted precariously. Emmeline's hands fell limply to her sides, fingers suddenly numb and disconnected from her body. Blood drained from her face, leaving her skin ashen against the pristine white of her shirt. Her mind raced frantically, desperately searching for any explanation other than the one hammering at her consciousness."By