"That's not it!" I replied quickly."You keep saying you're too busy," Soren grumbled. "I was worried you'd decided to retreat back into your shell again."What? Why did he always think I would regret agreeing to spend time with him?"No, I really am busy these days. I thought I told you that," I said, feeling a twinge of guilt."You still need to eat. How about no overtime tonight and dinner with me instead?"I felt a bit cornered. I hadn't finished as much work as I'd planned."Can you wait at least an hour? Let me finish some of these things!" I said, giving him my best puppy-dog eyes.He smiled and leaned toward me. "First, how about a little fanservice for your boyfriend?"He was tall enough that his whole body cast a shadow over my desk.I blushed and glanced around my office."No one's here. It's just your office," he said.I pointed at the surveillance camera. "There's that.""It's just a—"Before he could finish, I quickly pressed my lips to his, pulling away almo
To be honest, there was nothing wrong with what he said. You could even call it bootlicking in front of your boss.But that wasn't how Soren saw it. Once we entered the elevator, he turned to me with one eyebrow raised. "Oh, you treated him really well, didn't you? How exactly?"I shot him a look. "Well! I pay him generously! I'm a very, very generous boss.""That's it?""That's it!"He narrowed his eyes. "Why did you swing my hand away from you?"I smiled helplessly at him."Are you jealous?" I asked pointedly.Soren was just as blunt. "A little, yes. You admire him. And he doesn't seem to see you as just his superior."I laughed and raised my hand. "I solemnly swear that I admire him only for his competence. As for what he thinks of me in return? That's pretty much out of my control," I said."Besides, Lord Soren, aren't you supposed to be at the pinnacle of power and prestige? How is it that you're showing such low confidence? That's just insane.""I'm confident in myself
I smiled. "Why are you surprised? You've visited my place before.""It's different now."Soren was right. This was the first time I had invited him over since we started dating. It felt like a subtle acknowledgment, a quiet form of approval.My voice was barely a whisper. "Are you coming or not?"He followed me, smiling. We didn't speak during the elevator ride. When our hands brushed, we both quickly pulled them back.As I fumbled to open the door to my unit, I felt his warm breath on the crown of my head, sending goosebumps skittering across my scalp.I stepped inside and set my bag down.Soren grabbed my shoulders, turned me toward him, and kissed me.I knew he'd been holding back all night. That was why I'd invited him.It felt as if we instinctively knew how to respond to each other. I slid my arms around his neck. He lifted me into his arms and set me on the shoe rack.We kissed our way from the entryway to the dining table, then to the couch. When his hands moved to my
I didn't see Soren off. I only called out from my room, "Okay!"After he left, I stepped into the now-empty living room. In my mind, I watched the scene unfold from a third-person perspective. I could see how hard it had been for us to part.Oh God, that was so embarrassing!I had never felt that passionate with Edward, not even once. Never!With Soren, though… He usually appeared so gentlemanly, controlled, and mild when we were together. He looked like a straight-laced, polite young man. Who would have thought he had a different, hungrier side to him?This should teach me never to judge a book by its cover.-The next morning, while I was in a meeting, my phone beeped. The message I received surprised me.Soren: [I'm on a business trip, Tay.]Huh?! Since when did he suddenly have a business trip to take?!I remembered how close we had come to being intimate the night before, and it hit me. Something felt off.Almost sleeping with me and then vanishing the next day? That
I had to tilt my chin up because Soren was hugging me so tightly."Alright! Michael's watching you," I teased.Soren finally released me, pinching my cheek before getting into the car.I watched him drive off, smiling to myself. I couldn't wait to see him later.I turned to head toward my car but then saw someone I least wanted to encounter—Edward Kennedy. He sat in his wheelchair, his assistant pushing him toward me.My expression darkened, and my mind raced, trying to predict his motive.Edith's case was going to trial the day after tomorrow, so he had to be here for that.The evening air grew colder as dusk settled. The winter wind bit through the streets, but nothing felt as dark or cold as Edward's expression.He sneered from a couple of paces away. "Have you no shame, Taylor? The Internet's already against you, yet here you are, acting all sweet and sappy in public."I had heard far worse on the Internet than that. Hell, I was already known for fighting back against my o
I was stunned. This news was hard for me to even comprehend.After recovering from the shock, I asked, "Do you know… who the father is?"Edward's expression could have reduced a child to tears. It made me realize how insensitive my question had been. "I… I didn't mean to—"The words had just slipped out!More than one person could have abused Edith. She wouldn't know who the father was—unless the child was old enough for a paternity test.But who would want to keep a baby born of such brutality?That child would be a permanent reminder of her nightmare, a symbol of pain that would haunt her for the rest of her life.Edith had really trapped herself in this situation. Even if she had an abortion, the trauma would remain, now embodied in a pregnancy that would linger for months. It would hurt more than any punishment the law or the prisons could impose.She must have regretted what she did that night. And she must truly hate me now.Edward glared at me. He blamed me for it all.
I was reminded of Edward's presence from earlier and turned to her. "Girl, you just reminded me.""What?""Edith's pregnant.""Whaaat?!"I expected her to have the same reaction I did."She got pregnant from that… And there were two of them! Then… who?""There's no way she'd keep the child, so it doesn't matter. Edward hoped I'd let the case go, but I've already asked my lawyer about this. There's no point in settling outside of court.""And why should you?" Jean croaked angrily. "She brought this on herself. It was either you or her!""Do you think I might be too… cold-hearted?" I asked hesitantly."Being kind to them is like casting pearls before swine!" she pointed out. "So why bother?"Jean was right. Even if I agreed to settle outside of court, the Kennedys wouldn't stop. They might even twist my generosity into an admission of guilt.With my best friend's support, I felt better and more confident in my decision.Situations like this made me grateful for Jean. I couldn
"No!" I screamed, covering my mouth as I dodged his kiss."What's wrong?""I haven't brushed my teeth—and I look like a slob!"I bolted back inside to the bathroom to freshen up.Soren set the breakfast on the table and leaned against the doorframe, watching me.I stared at him, my mouth full of foam.He smiled."Canf youf notf lookf atf mfe?!" I protested.He didn't budge.Growing more self-conscious, I shoved him out of my room.By the time I finished, he had unpacked the tiffin carrier, laying out an inviting spread of continental breakfast."This is quite the feast. Please tell me you're eating with me," I said, smiling as I took my seat.I could get used to having such a boyfriend. In over six years of dating Edward, I'd never experienced anything like this."I already ate, thanks. You should enjoy it while it's hot.""This is too much for one person!" I said, grabbing an extra set of utensils. "Join me, at least!"I sat down and started eating. "So, how's your gran
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