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
"So what? It's always couples' intimacy hour everywhere," Soren replied with a grin, leaning in for a kiss.I turned away. "You reek of alcohol!"He sniffed himself, clearly thinking he smelled bad, too. I expected him to ignore it and keep going, but instead, he pulled me upright. "Let's go. To the showers!"I guessed he was worried that our first time after two years would be ruined by bad breath and stench.He tried to lift me into his arms, but I was concerned he might be too tipsy. We had a playful struggle before he finally scooped me up in a bridal carry."I told you. I'm not drunk!" he insisted.I realized there was no escaping him today, so I reminded him, "Our son is still at the hospital, Soren. With Aunt Sarah.""Mm-hmm. Once his mommy and daddy love each other very much, he'll see us.""Soren! Be serious!""Loving my wife is the most serious thing there is."-Two months later, my grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep. Soren and I had only just woken u
I got up and shot Soren a glance. "You guys must have been worried about him over these two years. Thank you for taking care of him.""Why, you're welcome," Richard replied with exaggerated pomp. "He didn't torment us, actually. He took it out on his subordinates. He worked like a machine, and everyone under him had to do the same. You should really thank his employees the most!"A pang shot through me as I looked at Soren. I'd heard about this from Jean, but hearing it again from his close friends only deepened that painful regret.I thought I'd been kind, but it was likely the cruelest thing I'd ever done to him. And yet, he held no blame against me and still loved me.It moved me. I filled both our glasses to the brim.Soren looked baffled. "What are you doing? They didn't specifically want to make you drink—""A toast to our relationship, my love," I said, passing him his glass.Soren froze, clearly not expecting this from me.The crowd, though, had already erupted into che
Being with Soren felt like a walk in the sunniest, coolest spring. He told me he loved me, and that made me his equal.Know what? It made me feel confident all of a sudden.We locked eyes for a long time before I pulled away."I… I'm basically unemployed right now," I muttered.I was about to launch a new business, but my grandmother's illness and my son's age forced me to set everything aside again."It wasn't easy raising a child alone, Tay, so don't put so much pressure on yourself. Besides, with your skills, it's only a matter of time before your career takes off again."I beamed. "You really think so? That's a lot of confidence, dude.""Of course I do." He held my hands. "Starting a business takes time and energy, so how about you move in with me? I'll raise our son while you focus on what you want to do."I laughed. "Oh God, was that the whole point of this talk from the start?"Soren laughed as well, his handsome face relaxing. "Well, now that we're getting married, whe
Soren smiled. "No need to doubt. That was one of my ulterior motives."So he wanted me to agree to our marriage because he wanted sex?!I stared at him, unmoving."Come on, I'm sending you both up," he said, his driver's presence making things awkward.Soren took the baby from my arms and strode inside.In the elevator, he stared at me without blinking.I grew self-conscious. "What?""Nothing. I just wanted to look at you, not missing a single detail," Soren replied matter-of-factly. "I hadn't dared do that before we started talking again because I was afraid you might be upset."I felt even more embarrassed.He set Silas in the cot, then turned to me and walked away.It was too late. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his chest. I saw his face loom over mine and cried out, "Don't do this, Soren! This is Amanda's place!"His reason and restraint were still functioning, turning his kiss into a brief peck."When will you move to my villa?" he breathed."N
I knew what had happened to me. I knew what two years had done to my face. A woman aged much faster when she had a child, after all.Celebrities looked the way they did because they didn't bear the weight of child-rearing. They had the money to pamper their faces and dedicate themselves to rigorous exercise routines.I had raised my son on my own. I had help when I needed it most, but most of the time, it was just me."So, you don't think I've grown older and uglier?" I muttered.Soren laughed."Oh, I do!" he teased. "But you're the mother of my son.""What does that mean?! And you said you weren't pitying me!"He laughed again—this time, affectionately. "I was joking. I don't think you're any less than who you were back then. I actually wish you'd grow older, too. That way, only I remain by your side."I couldn't come up with a response to something so ridiculous."Do you need me to throw a grand, elaborate proposal to finally convince you I'm serious about wanting to spend t
"It's the way he looks at you. His eyes look suspicious!"Suspicious, my ass. Jamie was so far away from him by now that there was no way Soren could see anything in Jamie's "eyes."I sneered. "Don't be daft. He's got a girlfriend now." "Oh, really?""Yes, really. Can we go now?"My old colleagues had been staring at us, and I really didn't want to become the subject of their gossip. I just wanted to leave.Soren finally told the driver to go.Silas had probably exhausted himself from crying. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep in my arms.Soren stretched his arms out. "Let me.""I'm fine. It's okay for him to sleep like this. My arms are fine," I replied.I didn't want to give him an excuse to enter Amanda's residence with me again. I was only here temporarily, and I certainly didn't want things to get... steamy and intimate at her place. Besides, I didn't want to be steamy with him, period.Soren withdrew his arms sheepishly and snickered to himself.Annoyed, and
"Hello?""When are you coming back?" Soren asked in a low voice.I stood and left the lively private room. "I'm having lunch with some old colleagues. What's up?""Wow. So while I was trying to handle our son, you went out to have fun," he whined.Please. He wanted Silas with him—he was just being dramatic.The wine gave me enough courage to respond, "Weren't you the one complaining about missing out on your son's childhood? I'm just being considerate.""Fine. Where are you? I'll bring Silas to you. He wants his mom now—no one here can calm him down," he replied.Just as I had expected.I figured lunch was nearing its end anyway, so I gave him the address. "Call me when you arrive. I'll meet you at the entrance.""Got it."I returned to the room and quietly told Amanda, "I have to leave soon. You guys go ahead."She checked her phone. "Nah, we should all start packing up. We still have to work this afternoon!""Oh, right."I paid for our meal while the others chatted.Whe
The company had seen some new hires, but many were familiar faces.Case in point: Cherry Birkin. Now Amanda's assistant and principal secretary, she was ecstatic to see me."Tay-Tay! You're back!" she cried, rushing over to grab my arms. "It really is you! I'm so glad you came to see us. After disappearing for two years, I honestly thought you'd never come back!"Amanda, who had been the one to welcome me, stood beside me, smiling. "See? Your old colleagues have been complaining about you being heartless.""Aww, I'm sorry for being gone so long! How about this? Lunch is on me! Cherry, gather the old crew and invite them over!""You got it!" she replied eagerly.I stepped into Amanda's office—the same one where I used to work.A lot had changed in the interior, but everything felt warm and welcoming. The company was thriving under her and Jamie's leadership.There was a knock at the door. I turned to see the man himself."So, you really are back, Taylor," he said with a grin. "
I was irritated. If I were being generous, I'd say Soren was being proactive. If I were being honest, though, I'd call it disrespectful—he was undermining my agency!"I haven't even agreed to this yet!" I snapped, straightening my back and glaring at him as the seniors watched. "Who gave you the right to make decisions for me?!"Soren barely reacted. "You overthink everything. You hesitate more than you need to, so I thought... why not just ask your grandmother and aunt?"Turning to Sarah, he added, "What do you think, Aunt Sarah? Do you approve of us being together?"Sarah blinked, stunned, then shot a quick glance at my grandmother. My grandmother raised her hand, as though she had something to say. I leaned in immediately. "I'm listening, Grandma..."She took a deep breath, grasped my hand, and said, her voice raspy, "I can tell… Ren really loves you… You have a child now… It's good for you two to just get married."She paused, then added, "That way, I… can finally let go...