My mind was on red alert, and I stared at Edward in disbelief.Who would have thought Edward would turn out to be such a huge psycho?"This is against the law, and you know it, Edward! Get away this instant, or I'll— Ack!"Before I could finish, Edward shoved me toward my own house, cutting off my warning.Thankfully, my survival instincts kicked in. I grabbed onto the doorframe like a maniac, refusing to go inside.I knew the moment that door closed, I was done for."Help! Help!" I tried calling out, but the bastard suddenly kissed me!Still refusing to give him what he wanted, I turned my head away and fought back with everything I had.During the struggle, my hand landed on something from my shoe rack, and without thinking, I hurled it at him. I had no idea what it was, but I didn't care.Bullet came charging out, barking furiously before lunging at Edward's leg.Thanks to him, I managed to break free from Edward's grasp and reach for my phone. "Hello, police? I'm—""You
The police asked me about everything that had happened, and I cooperated fully. I even told them about Edward's wedding and all the other nonsense he'd pulled during our time together.Suddenly, one of the officers asked, "Are you two the ones who were on the news recently? The couple with the swapped brides?"I nodded without hesitation—I wasn't the one who should be ashamed."Yes, and now he's trying to avoid getting our civil partnership annulled. When I refused to do as he wanted, he resorted to domestic violence. He even tried to rape me."At that moment, a lightbulb flicked on in my head.Because of Edward's violent outburst, the police now had a record of his behavior—evidence that could prove to the court he had violent tendencies.That would work to my advantage.The officer nodded. "Alright, I've got everything written down. It's pretty late. Why don't you head home and get some rest?""Okay. Thank you, officer."As I stood up, I couldn't contain my curiosity. "What'
Soren had a powerful presence that made it impossible for others to deny him, and it was that very intensity that caused me to reveal the hand I had been hiding under the table."It's nothing, really. I just injured myself when I was closing the door last night," I muttered, still trying to cover up the truth.Without a word, Soren stood up, walked past the table, and sat down next to me, stunning me. I quickly scooted over to give him space.He didn't say anything further. Instead, he reached for my hand and tugged my sleeve up. His gaze darkened, a frown forming on his face."What about your other hand?" he asked.I hesitated for a moment before extending my other hand.When he took it, the warmth of his skin against mine sent my heart racing."How did you manage to injure both hands while closing the door?" Soren asked, his voice curious, unaware of the thoughts racing through my head.I figured there was no point in hiding anymore, so I decided to tell him the truth. "Edw
After a moment of awkward silence, Soren's expression changed slightly as he said, "Alright then, let's eat."He got up and returned to his seat.I lowered my head, secretly sighing in relief. But almost immediately, a pang of regret crept in, leaving me a little saddened…I didn't have the courage to look at him, but after a brief silence, I mumbled, "I'm sorry. I know you're doing this for my own good, but right now, I just can't…"I couldn't bring myself to accept his kindness—nor did I feel worthy of it.Yet, I had no idea how to put that into words.Fortunately, he seemed to understand.With a gentle tone, he said, "I'm the one who should be apologizing. I acted rashly just now."Hang on… Did Soren just apologize to me?!In shock, I quickly looked up. "No, not at all! You haven't done anything wrong! You're a really nice guy, and you've helped me so much!"Just like that, we became more formal with each other again, a subtle distance settling between us.Even so, I felt
"You've got so many mannequins around—it's like I've stepped into another dimension," Soren remarked, his voice tinged with curiosity and amazement.I smiled. "I know, right? It gets even more interesting at night."Edward and I had chosen this location for our company building years ago, and now I rented four floors of the building.The three floors below my studio housed the office, including employee workstations, a gym, and the logistics department."It is a pretty decent working environment, if I do say so myself."The fourth floor, a spacious flat area of about 2,100 square feet, served as my private workspace.Certain aspects of Edwardian Taylor were confidential, and the studio contained a closet filled with a large number of expensive haute couture pieces and accessories.Because of this, only Cherry and I were permitted access to the studio. No other staff members could enter without my explicit permission, nor could they access the floor even if they managed to reach
"Got it." Soren took the suit from my hand and stepped into the changing room.I returned to my workstation, but my mind wouldn't stop racing.I couldn't shake the memory of him pulling me into his embrace as we crossed the road. It had lasted only a few seconds, but my heart still pounded long after.A small commotion came from the changing room, pulling me from my thoughts.I looked up. And then, I was mesmerized.His bespoke suit highlighted his tall, regal figure, giving him an air of effortless cool and nobility. He looked like someone who commanded admiration without even trying.Soren smiled, clearly pleased with himself. "I think it's perfect as it is. Nothing seems out of place."I forced myself to steady my racing heart, adopting my most professional expression."Well, even the best fashion designers need a trial or two, and adjustments. We're talking about bespoke suits, after all," I replied.I moved closer to him, adjusting his collar with a practiced touch."Thi
My cheeks were burning even more now. Thankfully, he couldn't see my face because I was looking down.Unfortunately, that also meant I was staring directly at his… bulge.A memory suddenly barged into my mind.As usual, we had a company chat group. Someone had once shared a video of an experienced tailor who worked primarily with men's clothing.The tailor had asked his client if he usually "set it to the left or right."The client had been confused, but the tailor's female assistant had quickly understood, blushed, and left.We designers had launched a discussion. Was it really that important?Apparently, only men with… certain dimensions needed to consider it. And now, I was wondering if Soren… had this particularity as well.Not that I was about to ask him, of course. That would make me sound like a perv!"The pants fit pretty well. The waist just needs to be a little tighter, and the crotch, seam length, and cuffs are fine," I announced.Soren was looking down. As I stood
To my surprise, he nodded. "Sounds great."What?! Why was he so distant if he still wanted me around to have tea with him? He was so confusing!Soren drank his tea while relaxing on the couch.I tried to change the subject. "When exactly will Sol be going abroad?""Not sure. She's been a bit busy lately.""Alright. Well, I've finished making her dress, so she's welcome to come try it on any time. If there's no issue with it, she can take it right before she leaves for Lundyn."Soren flashed me a gentleman's smile. "Thank you. You've been working hard on our family's commissions lately, huh?""Nah. I should be thanking you and your family. These commissions pay well, both in money and reputation. The Kenways are my greatest windfall."Soren's smile widened as he checked his watch.I glanced at my phone. It was 2:00 p.m.—he had to be needed at work."Hmm. It's getting late," he said, rising to his feet. "I shouldn't keep you from working.""Oh, not at all! Serving my esteemed
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