The police officer was momentarily stunned before quickly moving to stop her.Sally, too, was visibly shocked. Holding her daughter in her arms, she cried, "I'm not being biased, Edith! Your brother's very sick... What are we supposed to do?"Sally suddenly glared at me, trying to pin the blame on me again."This is all your fault, Taylor! You told us you'd already deleted the video!" That's when it hit me.Edward had dared to appeal because he believed I no longer had the evidence against Edith.Did this mean… Patrick had deliberately planned to run into me in the hospital parking lot that day?A cold chill ran down my spine as a wave of fear washed over me.I had always thought Patrick was the only reasonable person in his family, the one with a sense of conscience.But now, it was clear that he wasn't as nice as he seemed. In fact, he was much better at concealing his true intentions—and far more cunning."It's true I deleted the video from my phone and my Cloud, Patrick wi
"I truly loved you once, Taylor, and I genuinely wanted to win you back," Edward claimed."But you've refused to give me that chance and continue to push me and my family over the edge."You think you can ditch me and be with Soren? Not a chance! If I can't have you, nobody can!" Edward's tone laid bare his true nature, revealing just how evil he was.I could even feel how twisted he was through the phone, leaving my mind in a haze as a chill crept over me."You're crazy… You're just like the devil.""You're the one who forced my hand!" Edward roared.My heart grew cold, and I let out a mocking laugh. "Even now, you still don't have the guts to admit you're wrong. Anyone can see who the ungrateful one is between us, but you're still trying to deny it and put the blame on me."Before he could say anything more, I said, "I'm happy to play along until the very end. After all, I get to watch Edith burn. I can't wait to see all of you get what you deserve."With that, I hung up.I
I had just poured Soren a glass of hot water, putting on a darkened expression to pretend I was angry. "Excuse me? Did you just compare me to a pig?"Soren burst into laughter, quickly adding, "It was a joke. I thought you needed it since you seemed to be in a bad mood."I pursed my lips and shot him a side-eye before turning away.I thought I had managed my emotions pretty well, but he could still tell I wasn't feeling good."I'm fine, it's under control. I'm not too worried. It'll take some time before this is all over, though," I said calmly, sitting down on the nearby sofa.Soren took a sip of his water, set his mug down, looked at me, and asked, "You told me you went to the police to file a report… Did you hand over the evidence against the Kennedys?""Yes. Edith tried to get me in trouble before, but I managed to gather evidence of her crimes. That's what I used to get Edward to agree to the annulment, but his entire family ended up helping him try to trick me.""Edward's
After a brief moment of silence, Soren said, "As much as I know you're capable of handling your own problems, I still want to emphasize that you can call me for help whenever you need it… I'll always be here for you."I looked at him with a gentle expression and nodded. "Okay."We then headed downstairs together. He got into his car and drove off while I walked my dog.-Surprisingly, there was progress in Edith's case before my second trial. I hadn't realized the police could be so efficient.After talking to Ace, I learned that the two suspects who had assaulted Edith had filmed the entire incident.The video showed Edith, drugged and out of her mind, offering herself to both of them—making it clear that she hadn't been raped.The police had believed all along that the suspects had drugged Edith before assaulting her, which would have made the case much more serious for them.Moreover, the Kennedys had hired an excellent lawyer who used his connections with higher-ups to en
"I've got a plan, but I need you to follow my instructions.""Oh… okay." Cherry still looked a little confused but got to work anyway.After work, she handed me a list of contacts for the debt collectors I'd asked for.I called each one, learning their terms until I found someone willing to do whatever it took to get their money.My request was simple—I wanted them to collect the 10,400 dollars Cameron owed me.I didn't care how they did it. I just wanted my money. To sweeten the deal, I even offered to double their fees if they got the job done.I knew Cameron couldn't possibly come up with that much cash, which meant she'd have no choice but to go back to work once the debt collectors backed her into a corner.If they failed, I'd only be on the hook for their usual service fees.And just like that, I had the worst kind of people hounding Cameron—for a bargain. It was a trick I'd picked up from Edward and his shameless family.-As expected, Cameron was back at work a few da
I thought it was hilarious!If a hexer that powerful really existed, I would've hired one to hex my damn sperm donor and have him die a long time ago!"I haven't done anything against my conscience, so let them say whatever they want," I stated.Jean looked concerned. "Are you sure you're not worried this might affect your reputation and ruin your future with Soren?"I froze. Soren?"He's from a prestigious background, so I'm sure he has very strict requirements for his future partner. If rumors like these keep spreading, it could…"Jean didn't need to finish her sentence—I knew exactly what she meant.But what was I supposed to do? Honestly, I wouldn't be good enough for Soren, even without those rumors.I laughed, trying to sound calm as I changed the subject. "You're overthinking it. He and I are from two different worlds, but he'd be a good friend to have around."But the moment I hung up, my mind raced, and a sense of disappointment crept in.When Soren texted me that ni
"Wait, wait! Let me sit for a moment, please…" I waved my hand and tried to sit down, my legs still numb.The pain in my knees was unbearable.The others began arriving behind us, their concern clear.I didn't want to spoil their fun, so I pushed through the pain, assuring them I was fine and that they should continue with their hike.Once they left, I winced, sucked in a breath of cold air, and attempted to roll up my pants.As expected, my knees were badly bruised.Although my pants had offered some protection, my knees were swollen, blood trickling from the center of each.Cherry began to tear up when she saw the extent of my pain, blaming herself. "I'm sorry, Tay-Tay… This is all my fault.""It's alright," I reassured her. "You didn't mean for this to happen. It was an accident."Hiking was definitely out of the question for me, so after resting for a bit, I used a stick as a crutch and slowly tried to get up."Let's head back down. Don't tell the others, okay?"Cherry n
Soleil sounded genuinely happy. "Taylor, I'm going to be back in Metropolis tomorrow. When would you be available? I'll bring my friend over to your place."My mind was consumed with thoughts of how severe my injuries were and whether they'd affect my work.After a moment's hesitation, I asked, "Does your friend need formalwear soon?""Not exactly. She just loves your style. What's the matter? Are you busy lately?""Um… I actually have time, but I injured my knees, and I probably won't be able to move around much for the next few days. I'm not sure I can meet your friend's deadline," I replied.Soleil sounded shocked. "You injured both knees? Is it serious?""I fell on them. I'm on my way back to the city now, but I'll only know how bad it is once I get to the hospital.""Are you alone?" she asked."My colleagues are with me.""Does Ren know about this?" she pressed.The question made me feel a pang of sadness.I had considered calling Soren when I couldn't find a ride back
"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...