It was too late. I had passed my phone to Edward.Sally leaned in, curiosity etched on her face.Edward's expression darkened.Sally's shock deepened, and she turned to her daughter, stammering, "You… What did you… What have both of you—""Explain this right now, Edith Kennedy!" Edward bellowed at his sister. "What the hell happened last night?!""I-I…" Edith stammered, tears streaming down her face.Edward had lost it. He stormed toward her, shoving the screen in her face. "Don't look away! You were the one who drugged her! You lied! You fucking lied to everyone!""I didn't! I didn't lie!" Edith wailed. "I didn't say it was her! You're the one who thought so! Don't blame me!"She turned to me, her fury intensifying. "What the hell is wrong with you, bitch?! I've already been punished in the most painful way possible, so why are you doing this?! You want me to kill myself, don't you?!"I frowned and replied innocently, "Your brother was the one who forced me to make a statemen
"Who told you that?" I replied calmly, grinning. "I didn't know! I just saw how much you liked the drink and let you have mine too. That was me being nice!""Y-You're evil!" Edith stuttered.She turned to Edward and howled, "Is this the kind of woman you like? An evil, heartless bitch?!""Shut up! You started all of this, and now I'm dragged into it because of you! You're a moron!" Edward shot back."I was doing it for you! If it weren't for how obsessed you are with her, would I even have come up with a plan like this?!" Edith shrieked, tears and snot streaming down her face.Edward laughed scornfully. "You stooped so low and committed a crime, and that was somehow for my sake?!""Yes! It was all for you!" Edith snarled."I just wanted her to be with you! Then maybe she wouldn't leave you so easily! Or, better yet, if you got her pregnant, she couldn't leave you because of the baby!"At the very least… the two of you have been together for six years and even registered as civi
Sally demanded, "Divorce that witch this instant, or don't ever call yourself my son!""You can't abandon your own sister over a woman who doesn't even care about you anymore! At least I did all of that for you! How could you treat me like I mean nothing?!" Edith cried.A barrage of anger rained down on Edward. Even I winced at the relentless noise.At that moment, my phone rang. It was Soren.I turned and headed toward the door."You're not going anywhere, Taylor! Delete the video, or don't even think about leaving!" Sally roared.I couldn't help but feel amused. "You really think I didn't make multiple backup copies? Your son could smash my phone to pieces, and it wouldn't change a thing!"Edward had smashed my phone the other day, hadn't he? Thanks to him, I'd had to buy a new one.Sally was stunned.Before I left, I heard her shout, "If you spread that video, the Kennedys will never let you go! I swear it!"I retorted, "If your son agrees to end this, no one else has to k
Soren had tossed the ball at me!I should have been mad at him for deflecting the question back at me, but instead, I breathed a sigh of relief and laughed."Ha! I was joking! Did you take it seriously? I know you're the kind of upstanding guy who repays kindness with even more kindness. And let's not forget—I saved your life. Twice!"He chuckled softly before stating plainly, "It's more than just repaying your kindness, Taylor."My mind went blank. Oh God, why did I bring this up?* Regret? I had plenty of it.After a moment of panic, I blurted out, "Er, what did you say? I was in an elevator, and the signal cut out for a second!"He chuckled quietly—as if he could see right through my evasion. But he didn't call me out on it."Nothing urgent, don't worry. Good luck later, alright?" he said.Relieved that he'd chosen to play along, I felt my heart settle. "Thanks! I'll take all the luck I can get!"The call ended as I stepped out of the hospital.I pressed a hand to my chest
When it was time for debates, Edward's lawyer focused solely on refuting every point Ash made. There was no sign of cooperation whatsoever."I thought the defendant would be more cooperative," Ash muttered under his breath to me. "But right now, their strategy seems to hinge on emphasizing how happy your relationship was. The judge might be swayed to their side this time. If that happens, we might need a second trial…"A second trial? That would mean at least three more months! No—I couldn't bear to wait even one more day.I raised my hand, interrupting Edward's lawyer. "Sir, I'm not feeling well. May I request a short break?""The court approves a ten-minute recess.""Thank you."As I passed by the defendant's seat, I leaned in and whispered, "We need to talk."Edward scowled but followed me out.Once outside, I showed him the video again. "Are you really willing to risk me showing this to the police? Do you want your sister to go to prison?"Edward stared at my phone, his li
Sally grabbed Edward's wrist and wailed, "What more do you want from me, Edward? Do I have to beg you on my knees to get you to leave her right now? Do it, or I disown you!"The women were still trying to pry any information they could. Even those who seemed to comfort her were secretly hoping for more clues.Edward still looked like he was debating with himself.I shook my phone and warned, "I'm calling 911 unless you cooperate!"I pressed 9 on my phone.Sally fell to her knees in front of Edward so suddenly that even I jumped.The women lived for moments like these."Mr. Kennedy, how low can you go? What kind of son makes his mother beg him?!""What did Taylor do to make you hate her so much, Mrs. Kennedy? Why do you insist on their divorce?!""I seriously don't get the Kennedys. Are you folks, I don't know, maybe a little blind? A daughter-in-law like Taylor is the biggest blessing my son could ever get!""I know, right? You folks should hav—"Edward erupted in rage. "Shu
The court's verdict was clear: our partnership had been annulled. Edward would also bear the cost of the court proceedings.The official verdict would be sent to us within ten business days.I listened to the sound of the gavel and knew that this was it. Tears almost burst from my eyes.I was free! I was finally free!Unlike me, Edward sank into his seat at the defendant's side. Dark clouds loomed over him.I didn't feel like comforting him at all. Instead, I left the courtroom with Ash, a big smile on my face."Thank you, thank you all! Thanks to all of you, we are now divorced!" I proclaimed to the cheering crowd."Congratulations on your freedom, Miss Jones! My nephew is a 28-year-old up-and-comer who graduated from an Ivy League school and currently works as an executive at a publicly traded company! Here's his picture...""28 is too old for you, Miss Jones! It's better when they are young, don't you think? My son is 23, currently doing his PhD! He's handsome, cheerful, and
I returned to my car after bidding Ash goodbye.I was stewing in a swirl of emotions—happy, but also uneasy. I felt both relieved and worried.I decided to call my grandmother to share the news. But as the call connected, I noticed an ambulance hurrying toward the building."Yeah. The court case… Edward at least knew when to let go. We're divorced," I muttered.My grandmother let out a sigh of relief and launched into a long-winded speech that I barely registered. My attention had drifted outside the window.Paramedics were carrying Edward on a stretcher.Sally trailed behind them, but as she descended the stairs, she lost her footing and stumbled forward. A paramedic quickly helped her up.I recoiled, startled by the sight of her fall."I got it, Granny. Anyway, I gotta go. I have some things to work on, but I promise I'll tell you more over the weekend when I visit," I said quickly.I hung up and returned my focus to the window.Edward was hooked to an oxygen tank. As soon
"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...