- Oh, Logan, thank you... - she smiled sadly, more and more touched by all those kind gestures of his - But, even so, I don't want you to end up being harmed. - Missy sighed, feeling uncomfortable with just that possibility – The agency has an impeccable reputation, especially in HR matters. Or even worse: I know that they would also be able to even invent lies, just to try to affect you and the agency. - I wouldn't go out... - And it wouldn't be fair. - She interrupted him with a painful sigh - They were horrible, it's true, but none of that has to do with their work. – Trying to control the tears that were starting to fill her eyes, Missy leaned over the bench, hiding her face between her arms – And I… I don't want to be like them. – You would never be like them. – he assured her vehemently, and she was surprised to feel his gentle hand running through her hair, apparently trying to comfort her a little with those soft caresses. - Thanks. – she sniffed, raising her face a little
Mortified, Missy just remained silent, not daring to look at him again. - You're wrong. No, that big son of a bitch is wrong! You were just the victim who believed his lies. – Logan whispered, looking a little aggressive, but also resentful, before his finger gently touched her chin, bringing her gaze to him again – I don't know what he did to you… – Logan's teeth seemed clenched with so much ferocity they could grind diamonds – But intimacy, sex and pleasure... I can assure you that all these things are very different from what he showed you. -II… – Missy stammered anxiously, not knowing what she should answer – I don't think there's any reason for us to have this discussion, as I really don't think it would work. There's no way anyone can be jealous of me. – Missy gave a wry smile – Unless I got the most powerful, rich and handsome man in the world. Maybe only then would Suzan and Liam even bother to look at me again. - She shook her head, wondering in what world that could happen
Why had she suggested that? Sitting at one of her favorite coffee shop tables, Missy asked herself that same question for the hundredth time that late afternoon. Three days had passed since Mrs. Newton and, for exactly three days and three nights, she remained locked in her apartment, without even approaching the agency again. Long enough for her to confess to Megan her failed attempt at sex with her ex-boyfriend and how it had affected her even before that whole humiliation session. Her sister-after having cursed every existing, and yet to come, generation of the Newton family-had scheduled her to begin therapy as soon as possible. Which was perhaps just as well, since as every second of every day seemed to drag by, and every word of that video played over and over again in her mind, the agony of seeing her own pitiful reflection in the mirror never seemed to leave her. And even through it all, a big part of her couldn't stop thinking about Logan, too. About her proposal, about her
Logan wasn't a womanizer, as far as she knew. In two years of living together, she had never seen him with anyone or heard the Knights mention that he had a girlfriend. But he was a young man, extremely handsome and successful. The kind of male profile that generally didn't want serious commitments, but also did the opposite of refusing female company. She had a hard time imagining Logan, always so serious and intent, as one of the bon vivants or the many libertines that existed in the pages of her books. However, she certainly wasn't a good judge of character. If someone had accused Liam of not only having an affair with a co-worker, but also recording a video saying terrible things about her and then posting it among dozens of people, would she have believed it? - And now your mind is creating even more arguments to believe that nothing will work. – Logan sighed heavily, bringing his attention back to him – Please, Missy, explain to me: why are you so sure we shouldn't do this? - W
- Are you okay? - It was the first thing Logan asked when the restaurant door closed and they started walking along the sidewalk. -I… - Missy murmured, internally also trying to understand how she was. Conflicting emotions continued to rage inside her, and after much pondering, she could think of only one thing to say – I think it could have been worse. – she stated reluctantly – I mean, it was still a little uncomfortable seeing them again, but… At least they didn't have time to say anything that would make me feel even worse. – she concluded with a sigh. - Soon you will feel nothing but indifference when you see them, I promise. – Feeling melting, Missy enjoyed the warm sensation of his kiss against her hair, finally realizing that they were heading towards the beautiful and elegant silver car parked in the street – Did you come in your own car? - Logan wanted to know, hugging her even more against his chest. - No… – Missy answered, blushing, but still pressing herself against his
- So... Are you and Logan together now? Fidgeting uncomfortably, Missy went back to combing her hair, looking away from the analytical expression of her sister, who was sitting on the couch in her apartment, with Rey sleeping quietly in her lap. Despite countless moments of stuttering and indescribable embarrassment, she had at least managed to tell Megan all about her revenge plan with Logan as she prepared to have dinner with him that night. At first, she'd thought the plan would just boil down to Logan spreading the word around the agency that they were now together and going on their first date that night—with possibly more—until the gossip reached Liam and Suzan. So when Logan had suddenly said he'd pick her up at seven for real dinner – like on a date – she'd freaked out a little. I mean, lightly. Who was she kidding? She was still panicking at the thought of being in a fancy restaurant next to Logan. Her mother had already taken her and Megan to several, of course, but that ki
- Before he doesn't give me the credit I deserve, I was the one who tipped him off. -Her older sister smiled proudly, as she took the bouquet from her hands – I'll find a place for it. - Well... - Logan made a face in her direction, before turning back to Missy and extending the small black box, closed with a silver bow - This one I chose by myself. I know you like sweets, so I wanted to try to bring you something that suited you... - he explained while Missy untied the bow, extremely curious - I hope I got it right. Lifting the lid, Missy gasped in delight to find a long row of tiny spheres so bright and colorful they looked like tiny planets. And, as she noticed the inscriptions with names and flavors next to each candy, she realized that they were exactly that: tiny, perfect representations of the solar system in the shape of chocolate. - This is amazing! – She breathed, a huge happy smile spreading across her face as she looked closely at the adorable little chocolates – They ar
- This place is really cozy. Missy smiled at Logan's praise as the waiter served them two servings of their favorite dish at that restaurant: pasta Bolognese with steak Fiorentina. At first, as they made the drive to La Dolce Italia, she'd been afraid that this familiar, busy, non-exclusive place wouldn't appeal to a man as refined as Logan. After all, he and Victoria, despite having very different personalities, belonged to the same world of opulence. However, as she watched him enjoy the warm atmosphere and compliment the menu, Missy gradually felt more and more comfortable. - That's great! – Logan praised again, as soon as he swallowed the first fork of pasta – I really have to bring my parents here. They love Italian food. How did you discover this place? - I used to have lunch and dinner here a few times, when I left the office. – she said, feeling that, with each passing second, talking to him became easier and more natural – Their masses are just perfect. My dad would love th
Smiling a small contented smile, Hope visibly relaxed for a moment, but then the nervousness seemed to take over her small body again, as Missy led them to the large counter, where the old man greeted them warmly.-We… Hmmm… – Hope stammered nervously, hugging Missy with more and more desperation – We wanted an ice cream… Huh… – Her little daughter was getting more and more insecure, looking at her as if she was begging for help.- I would like a strawberry ice cream, please. – Missy asked softly, as she remembered saying when she was a little girl so terribly shy that she could barely ask anything from people she didn't know – And you, my love? she asked Hope, with a smile full of encouragement, for her to keep talking.- I want chocolate... Please. – Hope whispered, completely blushing, before burying her face in her mother's shoulder quickly.- Well, what a polite little girl... – the gentleman smiled, while picking up some glass bowls – You must be very proud to have such a kind d
Once in her arms, Hope lifted her tear-stained little face to look at her, initially looking surprised to see her mother there, but then her expression distorted into a sad sob and she buried her head against Missy's chest, panting.-Mommy... – her little baby wailed, making Missy's heart sink even more – Mommy... Mommy...- It's okay, my sweetheart. – Missy tried to console her, running her hands through her soft hair, while she continued to say, in a low and gentle voice, almost as if she were singing a lullaby to her, as she did every night – Mommy is here, don't worry. It's going to be okay... - she waited until Hope's cries went from copious to just a few sad sobs, before finally asking - Hope, what happened? – she caressed her cheek until she convinced her to look up – Why are you crying, little angel?Hope's little mouth quivered a few times before she finally sniffled, her little blue eyes filled with such sadness that Missy found herself kissing her little cheek over and over
Stealthily, Missy looked through the window.Inside, in the huge classroom, several children seemed to be copying something into their notebooks while chatting animatedly. And, of course, it wasn't hard for her to find her children, as usual, sitting in the chairs at the corner of the wall, not too close and also not far from the teacher, where she remembered also liking to be, when she was in the 4th grade. year, like them. Jonathan had his back turned in his chair, looking at his brother in the back seat, while Tristan was showing him something that looked very interesting on the portable video game he was holding. With an amused sigh, Missy tried to convince herself that at least they were doing that after they had finished their homework, as the open pages of their notebooks were visibly written all over the desks.In fact, she truly took pride in the fact that they were only ten years old and yet they were centered and obedient enough to keep up well in school, despite all the lo
Now, he was able to do so much more besides being afraid. He was capable of being brave. To face what he feared. Of fighting to live the joys that were to come, even in the midst of tragedies. And now, more than ever, he knew he was able to see his family's legacy for what it really was, not a curse. He would be able to spend the rest of his life talking about him in a hopeful and balanced way to his children, as he had that day, and as his parents and grandfather had done to him in his childhood.Even if there was still the fear of what could happen to their babies in the future.- Are you OK love?Surprised by that whisper, Logan turned to see Missy dressed in a long cotton Hello Kitty nightgown, already without makeup and with her long brown hair loose, approaching him and Hope, who began to babble softly and extend her little arms towards the mother. Smiling, Missy took her little girl and offered her the breast, leaving the baby immediately calmer as she watched Logan's face with
- And... - the desperation in Foster's voice was so deep that Logan almost felt sorry for her... Almost - How much exactly is this debt?- Come with me, Ms. Foster. - Mr. Ramzi sighed – Something tells me that your next fainting spell will not be false, when we finish talking.- H-hey, I'm sure we can work it out, right? - Logan thought she was trying to sound sensual, in the midst of dread - I mean, there are so many other better things in life than money... Why don't we go to a more private place and I...?- Oh, don't worry, Ms. Foster. - again, Mr. Ramzi interrupted her, perfectly calm and measured - The only person who will be where we are going is my wife, one of the main people responsible for the hotel's accounting.Still a little dazed by everything he had just heard, Logan remained staring at Missy's equally shocked face, until the voices of Foster and the hotel manager were lost in the night, leaving them alone again, hidden among the shadows .- Heavens, I had no idea that
- What? - Suzan repeated, seeming to be choking - No, that's impossible! His family has a lot of money! That's how we paid for the trip and the hotel!- Funny... - Stra. Kobayashi gave Suzan one more look from under his lashes - I could have sworn he told us he came to the hotel on account of a donation from one of his investors...- Investors? - Suzan gasped, irritated – But we came here so he could get investors and...! - Realizing that everyone was looking at her with interest, Foster suddenly stopped talking, getting up from the table with a sour expression - If you'll excuse me, I think the drink made me sick. I am a little confuse. I'm going to bed for the rest of the night. - and so, without saying goodbye, Foster stomped out of the hall, probably in search of the groom who apparently no one knew exactly who he was or where he came from, including Suzan herself.- What an interesting situation, isn't it? - was all that Mr. Montenegro commented, with a veiled smile, a second bef
- And, allow me to say, what a beautiful dress, Stra. Knight. - Suzan interrupted him with a mean smile - It looks so modern, with that rounded silhouette and that blunt skirt. Anyone with no aesthetic taste could even say that his seamstress deserved a scolding...- Suzan! - her companion gasped, looking suddenly possessed, before quickly recovering, putting that artificially sympathetic expression back on her face – Forgive me, Stra. Knight. My dear fiancée Suzan comes from a humble background and sometimes fumbles with the meaning of some words, causing some indiscretions. - solemnly ignoring the revolted look that Foster threw at him, the man made that criticism facing Missy directly, with a seductive smile that was making Logan increasingly enraged - Why don't we continue our conversation that afternoon about investments, Stra. Knight? It would be a pleasure to hear the advice of such a refined and thoughtful lady again. If I may say so, even a party as exquisite as this isn't en
- I perceived. - Missy laughed - But I'm relieved that you five are fine. I was worried when I got to the room and found no one. - taking Hope in her arms, she looked at him with curiosity - But, what made you so distracted?- A ghost of Christmas past. - several of them actually, but Logan didn't add that comment as he continued to explain, realizing that Missy had become even more confused – Newton and Foster are here at the hotel, too. – he added cautiously, with a sigh.- Liam and Suzan? - Missy choked, stunned.- Yes, unfortunately. He is one of the employees at the hotel and she is apparently here because she has become the mistress of a rich man. - Logan rolled his eyes full of contempt - A man who, by the way, was in the same meeting as you, apparently. - he shrugged, while Missy blinked a few times, still shocked.- Heavens... I confess that of all the things I thought could happen when we were invited to visit the United Arab Emirates, this was the last of them. - to his tot
He was selfish. It was malicious. It was a plan full of ulterior motives. Damn, it was even a new lie, as he wasn't being completely truthful with Missy that her main motivation was just to help her get revenge. Yet he had impulsively proposed it to her, letting himself think only with his heart for the first time in his life.And, as if his heart thought the situation wasn't already complicated enough, he had given in to the impulse to confess his physical desire for her and kiss her for the first time right there, in the middle of her kitchen, even though he knew perfectly well that that it was far from the right time for them to share that kind of intimacy. Still, none of those conflicting emotions had been able to erase the emotion of that moment, when he finally knew the sweet taste of her lips and the softness of the curves of her delicious body, feeling a powerful wave of emotion and contentment run through him as he realized that she wanted him too. Damn it, with his mind as c