As a consolation, they had told me I'd make a perfect lingerie model. They had suggested I consider it.Consider my ass! I loved money, but that was a line I would never cross!Besides, I'd already been harassed several times by creeps while working as a model. When Edward heard about it, he insisted I quit the job.Reflecting on it now, I had to admit—those days were truly wonderful. I stayed busy, yes, but I was full of energy, and each day felt like a fresh adventure. I never felt tired .I couldn't say the same these days, though. As the head of a company, I was constantly overwhelmed. Even spending time with my closest friends over good food and wine had become a rare indulgence.A single, innocent remark sent my mind spiraling down memory lane.In the real world, however, Soren was still trying to understand what I meant. "Your figure is somehow not qualified?""No. If I were, I'd be a supermodel by now," I replied.He fell into stunned silence, but I was too self-conscio
I let my arm fall in silence, and the coat unfurled on its own.I wondered if the previous conversation had influenced my thoughts. It seemed that the safety belt made them appear stronger and firmer.I really wanted to cover them with the coat, but I didn't want Soren to think I saw him as some kind of perv.In silence, I studied his face. He was leaning against the door, his elbow propped on the window, supporting his chin. I could see his Adam's apple sliding up and down.For some reason, I found it hot. It was manly. It even made me wonder if he was trying to suppress something.I gulped and quickly searched for a new topic. Before I could speak, his phone rang.Soren's arm—the one closest to me—moved as he reached for his phone. I made sure to give him as much space and privacy as I could."Hello? Yes, Mom. On the way home. She's with me. Right. We'll be sending Taylor home first, so we'll be a little late. Yes, you should sleep first. Goodnight."It had to be Lisbeth. Kno
I nodded. "That sounds about right. An alumnus with sterling achievements like yours definitely deserves the academy's top brass to stand with you."He smiled humbly. "Those people are more trouble than they're worth. I wish I could be free of that.""Sounds like a problem only the very successful ever need to worry about. We normies will just watch y'all like the audience we are."Soren lowered his head and chuckled in embarrassment. Then, quite suddenly, he said, "We can go to the National Academy together.""Oh! I was going to take the metro. Are you too?" I asked.The academy would surely be packed that day. One didn't get to see an institution celebrate its 100th birthday every day, after all.To ensure student safety, the academy would likely restrict the number of cars entering. So, I thought—why not just use public transport?"You're going to take the train after putting on your best look?" Soren raised an eyebrow. "I think I'll come for you in a car. We can enter the ac
After a brief pause, Lola slowly asked, "Would you be able to lower the price just a little more? I honestly don't have that much money on me."Yeap, just as I had expected…I kept driving as I responded, as I always did with people like her. "I'm going through a lot myself these days, Aunt Lola. I haven't been getting any sleep lately because of the 40,000,000 dollars I still owe, and my anxiety has been so bad that I've lost a lot of hair."I'm under so much stress that I'm working overtime on both Saturdays and Sundays. I can't afford to rest at all."I had already witnessed just how vicious and disgusting people could be, especially The Jones family.I knew being soft with them was pointless. They'd likely mock me for how stupid and easily manipulated they thought I was, even if I played along with their demands.That's why I wasn't going to back down anymore.As expected, Lola was rendered speechless after hearing my pity rant.She sighed. "I know you're going through a lo
Cameron stormed into the room, her anger flaring with the same bitchy intensity. "Who said you could transfer your shares, Taylor?"And you, Lola! This company is Harry's life's work, and you've torn it apart? This is fucking outrageous! Over my dead body will you take ownership of this company!"Everyone, including Lola, was flabbergasted.Lola stepped forward and explained, "How is Harry going to run this company when he's in jail, Cameron? I've been in this company for over a decade. There's no one here more qualified to take this position than I am.""No one more qualified, my foot! You think I don't know what you're planning? You're stealing your own brother's wealth right in front of us!" Cameron shrieked."That's not what's happening, Cameron. I bought these shares with my own money. I didn't steal them.""Your brother's being fined close to 13,000,000 dollars by the IRS because of this company, and now he's drowning in debt. And here you are, taking his company from him.
"Huh?!" I was so shocked that my face turned completely red from embarrassment.Did I just make him stop whatever he was doing in the toilet to take my call? Oh my god, what had I done?I slapped my forehead, trying to shake the image of what he might have been doing out of my mind."Did you need me for something?" Soren asked, likely sensing how embarrassed I was."Oh! Yes!" I quickly composed myself and put my hand down. "I just wanted to ask for your bank details. I'd like to return 9,500,000 dollars to help pay off some of my debt."Soren was surprised. "Where did you get that much money?""I sold all my shares in my father's company for 8,000,000 dollars, and I have some savings left," I replied."I wasn't expecting you to gather that much money so quickly, to be honest."I giggled. "That company's a ticking time bomb, so holding onto its shares was too risky. I figured I might as well get rid of them before anything happens," I explained."Smart," he remarked. "However,
"Sounds good." I was about to hang up the phone when I suddenly remembered something. "How about we have lunch tomorrow?""Sure."My emotions were running high, but I forced myself to remain calm as I said, "See you tomorrow then.""See you tomorrow."I couldn't help but giggle like a complete idiot as I hung up.Just then, my phone rang again.I checked the screen and saw that Soren had already sent over his bank details.After quickly texting him I received the message, I logged into my bank account and transferred the money.-I was in such a good mood that day that it was obvious to anyone who saw me. That was, until I was nearly done with my work.I was rushing to finish Soleil's dress, planning to work overtime, when I heard my phone ring.I got up to take a quick break before checking it. It was Edward.It had been a few days since I had heard from him, so I assumed he was calling to discuss our annulment."Hello?""Are you done for the day, Taylor?" Edward's voice
The reason I said "again" was that Edward had been drinking the last time he barged into my studio.During the scuffle that followed, he ended up with a few bloody holes in his knees from being stabbed with scissors, and I got a gash on my arm.It seemed he'd forgotten all about that incident now that his scars had healed and he was drunk again."Yes, I have," Edward admitted, his tone heavy with dejection. "I've been really down, and booze is the only thing that can keep me calm."Feeling no sympathy, I merely replied, "You've just gotten out of the hospital, and God knows if you're fully recovered. So, don't you dare die near me."I had already opened my door and was about to head inside when he suddenly charged forward and slammed it shut."Taylor!" He gazed at me, his eyes brimming with emotion. "You still care about me, don't you? I refuse to believe you've forgotten everything from our six-year relationship."He continued. "I know you're only temporarily infatuated with So
I stiffened.Soren had changed. He was different from how I remembered him, and that was why he felt so unpredictable to me now.I composed myself and looked back. Silas was still asleep.I straightened my clothes and stepped outside.Soren stood on the balcony, maybe hoping the cool breeze would calm him. Bullet circled his legs, tail wagging.I approached him hesitantly. He didn't turn around. Instead, he said, "Let's get married, Taylor."I was stunned. My mind went blank.What the hell?! Just like that? He decided to throw this at me, all of a sudden?Soren turned to face my bewilderment with calmness. "This is the best arrangement moving forward.""Because of Hale?""Why else?" He smiled. "I wouldn't mind if it were for love too.""You… still love me after all these years?""Don't you?"This wasn't how we used to talk. I was struggling to adjust.Soren had once been mild-mannered, gentle, and patient. Now, every conversation felt like a quiet battle of wits, where he
I was amused. "What do you want for compensation? It's not like we didn't have a good time back then."It took Soren raising his eyebrows for me to realize I might have sounded more suggestive than I intended."Wait, hold on. I didn't mean—""I want those good times again," Soren interrupted, his voice firm.I couldn't believe my ears. "You what?!"Did he have no sense of decency or control? It was still broad daylight! Silas was sleeping right nearby!"I said," Soren suddenly loomed closer, his gaze turning lascivious, "I want those good times again, mm."My hair stood on end. I tensed and shrank into the wall. "Soren, we are st— Mmm."I knew exactly what he meant, but before I could even finish warning him, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips against mine. He pulled my wrists forward, circling them around his waist.It felt like we were cuddling. I couldn't fight him—I was trapped between him and the wall.Soren's kiss started soft and curious, as though h
"W-What are you doing?" I stammered, my voice trembling.He stayed silent, his tall, imposing figure advancing and forcing me into a corner.I couldn't retreat any further. His grip on my arm held me in place."What are you doing? Can you not grab me like that?" I tried to sound firm, though my voice betrayed me.Soren didn't respond, merely looking down at me with a near-indifferent expression. Beneath his calm demeanor, though, I sensed a flicker of anger—something unsettling in his eyes.We moved like this—me backing away, him pressing forward—until I was cornered, my back against the wall.I frowned, my heart pounding in my chest."Why did you stop? Aren't you going to back off anymore?" he finally asked, his voice dripping with an almost smug satisfaction, like a cat that had finally cornered its prey.Humiliation burned my cheeks, the sting of his teasing cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.Even a mouse would bite when cornered, and I was no meek, helpless creature.
The atmosphere in the car grew unbearably tense. Neither of us said a word.The only sound was Silas' steady, rhythmic breathing. He looked especially peaceful, fast asleep in his father's arms.Over half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of Amanda's building.I stepped out and reached for Silas, but Soren refused. "He's really heavy. I'll carry him up for you."I instinctively pushed back. "Huh? It's alright, I can do it myself."It was still daytime, meaning Amanda was definitely at work. If Soren went upstairs, it would be just the two of us. After all, Silas was already asleep.I recalled the ambiguous moment in the car and had a gut feeling he might try something.I wasn't trying to be dramatic. I simply hadn't figured out what the future held for us yet. I didn't want my hormones to push me into a weak moment, leading to something I wasn't ready for.Unfortunately, Soren didn't care. He just walked off with Silas and headed straight for the entrance.I stared aft
I just smiled, unsure how to respond."But it's all good now. The house feels a lot livelier." Soleil grabbed my arm and pleaded, "Please don't leave. Ren's been waiting for you all this time and won't consider anyone else."I blushed, unprepared for the conversation to take such a sharp turn.I stole a glance at Soren, who sat across from me.To my surprise, he was looking at me as well.My heart raced as our gazes met, and I quickly looked down, focusing on my food.-We had woken up early that morning, and Silas had enjoyed himself thoroughly. After lunch, he began rubbing his eyes, ready for a nap.I whispered to Soren, "He's a little tired. I think I should get him home."Soren checked his watch—it was 1:00 p.m."Alright. I'll drive you two back." With that, he rose from his seat and informed his parents.Lisbeth looked reluctant. "We've got plenty of rooms here. Why don't you two stay?"I could tell how much they wanted us to remain. In fact, they probably would've do
Soleil dragged me along without giving me a chance to refuse.Soren stood at the door and waved when he saw me. "Grandpa's asking for you."Before I could respond, Soleil asked, "Where's my little nephew?""He's with Grandpa," Soren replied.Soleil darted inside immediately, while Soren and I followed side by side."What does he want to tell me? Did he seem angry?" I whispered."Don't worry, he's not. He loves Hale. He was thrilled when Hale called him Great-grandpa just now!"Soren's eyes sparkled as he looked at me, like something bright had fallen into them. It was a familiar expression that reminded me of how nervous I'd felt when we were madly in love.By the time we entered the room, Soleil already had Silas in her arms.Once again, the little fellow managed to charm his aunt, playing along despite not even knowing who she was. It proved once more that blood truly is thicker than water.Seeing William leaning against his bed, I walked over and greeted him respectfully.
"Your brother's taken him to meet your grandfather," I replied."I see. Why aren't you with them?" Soleil asked."I'm worried I might anger your grandfather by being there," I admitted with an embarrassed chuckle. "After all, I kept Hale's birth a secret from you all."I grabbed Soleil's hand and asked, "Do you know what your parents think about this? Honestly, I'm really worried, but your mother seemed so friendly with me, so...""Please! What else could they think?" Soleil patted my hand and led me to a bench. "Ren worked himself to the bone while you were gone. I'm serious! Days and nights of relentless focus."She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Candy chased after him like a madwoman, even confessing to him in public several times. But Ren ignored her completely."He got so fed up he told her grandfather he had no feelings for her whatsoever and never would, so she should find someone else."Candy was so furious she cried her eyes out. That was the l
I finally managed to ease all the tension that had built up.Soren walked over and asked gently, "I'm going to take Hale to meet Grandpa, so… Do you want to come along?"I looked at him, already knowing it probably wasn't a good idea.William had made it clear he didn't approve of Soren and me being together. He had someone else in mind—someone he considered more suitable to be Soren's wife. That was why I had agreed to step aside.Yet here I was, not only bringing a child into their home out of the blue but also about to present him to his great-grandfather.What would William think? He'd probably see me as manipulative, a woman who had schemed her way into their family."I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to upset your grandfather by accident," I replied softly, my thoughts clear."Alright then. I'll leave you to it.""Okay."After informing his parents, Soren carried Silas off to meet William, leaving me behind.An awkward silence settled over the room.Lis
They teared up from the excitement of meeting their grandson, unable to stop playing with him."Look, dear! He looks exactly like Soren when he was little! Oh my God, they look so much alike!" Lisbeth's voice trembled with excitement, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.Even Marlon, typically stern and commanding, had the same reaction. He stared at Silas, who was nestled in Soren's arms, for a while before nodding and saying, "You're right, but Soren seems smarter."Soren sounded displeased. "Come on, don't be so harsh on him."Lisbeth laughed, dismissing her husband's remark as she gently coaxed, "Hello, my little precious. I'm your grandmother. Would you let me hold you, please?"Silas had been meeting too many strangers since we returned to the country, so he seemed a little caught off guard.He looked at me and said, "Mama…"Lisbeth followed his gaze, her eyes landing on me. Her initial joy subtly faded.Soren seized the moment. "Mom, why don't you play with Hale