"You know what? Cancel the plan. You should go and calm your little princess," I said, jumping to my feet.Unfortunately, Maddison had no intention of letting me go."Where the hell do you think you're going, Taylor Jones?! How dare you run away after being caught with my husband!" she shrieked, causing the entire hall to jolt in surprise.People began looking around in confusion.I waved at Maddison from a distance, smiling provocatively. "Oooh, can you even reach me, though?""You bitch!" she screamed, her voice rising as though she were ready to lunge.Edward hurriedly stepped in, pulling Maddie into a tight hug before she completely lost control."Stop it, Maddie! We're here to transfer ownership of the villa. You want me to sever all ties with her, right? Well, we still need to divide the properties in the divorce!"I snickered to myself. Just a few moments ago, he'd been the sweetest guy on the planet, sipping his hot chocolate, and now he couldn't wait to cut ties with m
Shocked, I pushed open the door and hurriedly exited the car. "Oh God, I'm sorry, Charles! The ride was so comfy I accidentally fell asleep! You should have woken me up...""Not to worry, Miss Jones! Mr. Kenway was the one who told us not to wake you. He thinks you must be too exhausted from work lately," Charles replied cheerfully, motioning for me to enter.As I stepped into the pavilion with my bag, Charles' words replayed in my mind."Um… Mr. Kenway saw me asleep?""Of course. He was on his way out when you arrived. John told him you'd fallen asleep, so he glanced through the window and instructed us not to wake you."Holy shit! This was embarrassing! He even saw me! Aaah!I frantically touched the corner of my lip. I wasn't drooling, was I? Oh my God, I just wanted to disappear…Before I could offer an explanation for my tardiness, Lisbeth gently interrupted, "Now, now. I know how exhausting it can be for young professionals. I think a rest is well-deserved. Besides, I wish
As though worried Soren might doubt my skills, I added, "I'll plan my time well so her dress will be done before her birthday.""Don't worry. You can just make two sets for the event if you're short on time. Honestly, I'd put your health first. Working too hard is far more damaging to the body than it seems."His words reminded me that he had seen me asleep just this morning. I felt embarrassed again.Soren could tell I was nervous. He stepped forward. "Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer. You have a meal to catch. We'll talk some other time."I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded hurriedly. "Yeap! Goodbye, Mr. Kenway.""Bye."I got into the car. To my surprise, he closed the door for me and waved through the window.I was beginning to wonder if I saw the "really rich guys" through rose-colored glasses.For some reason, anything that should have been ordinary—a smile, a frown, a shrug, a wave, even the way the wind tousled his hair—seemed magical and unique when it was him.
The next day, I went to Harry's office.The man glared at me coldly. One glance, and he started to scoff. "What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough to ruin our family?"I sat across from his desk. "I'm desperately in need of money. If you're not going to return Mom's shares to me, then give me the equivalent amount in cash."Harry froze. His glare darkened even more. "Are you stupid? I gave you half of your mother's shares, and you're still asking for more?""It was my mom's, so you should have given me all of them. Besides, if you hadn't stolen my grandparents' business, do you really think you'd still be here?"Harry's eyes locked onto mine.The awkward silence stretched for a few seconds until he suddenly pulled me toward the door. "Get out. Don't make me call security.""I'll go if you pay me 1,500,000 dollars," I said."What the hell?!" His voice cracked. "You're kidding me. I'd rather burn it than hand you that much money!""Shut up, Harry. What happens if Maddis
I turned and watched the woman enter Harry's office.My gut instincts told me she had to be someone special.I got into my car and called Jean right away. "Jeannie, I need your help. Can you send someone to tail a person of interest?"If it weren't for the Kenways' commissions being my number one priority, I would have tailed them myself.-I thought it would take at least two or three more days for this to lead anywhere. But as it turned out, the prize showed up by evening.While I was working hard in the workshop, Jean texted me.Jean: [Yo, your deadbeat father just brought a woman to the Hilton Hotel. Room 8868. Wanna catch 'em in the act?]I set my needles aside and replied: [Nope. It shouldn't be us, Jeannie.]I called Cameron."What the hell do you want?!" Cameron yelled, her trademark impatience evident in her voice."Good evening, ma'am," I replied sweetly. "Is Dad home?""Of course not! I heard you went to his office to ask for money today. Have you no shame?! Madd
The woman stood naked, her voluptuous body on full display for anyone to admire.The elevator was bustling with guests, and news of the chaos had started to spread.People flooded the corridor, cameras trained on the unfolding drama.When the elevator doors opened, the first officer to step out barked, "Everybody, move aside! The police are here!"The crowd parted, creating a path to the central stage. Yet the police struggled to control the situation.Cameron was relentlessly beating Harry, who, despite wearing nothing but his birthday suit, seemed on the verge of fleeing.Ultimately, the officers had to forcibly restrain Cameron "War Goddess" Thompson to bring the fight to a halt.They arrested everyone involved under suspicion of public disturbance, assault, and prostitution.The accusation only fueled Cameron's fury. "What are you arresting me for? You should arrest these two for having an affair! What's wrong with a wife beating up a homewrecker, huh?""Pipe down and foll
Heh, a rape allegation. Divine retribution really was a bitch. Harry had finally gotten his comeuppance.My accidental laugh made Edward even angrier. "How could you?! Since when did you become so cruel?!""I learned from the best—you!" He suffered in silence, seething with anger."When you think about it objectively, can't you see I did nothing wrong? He was committing real crimes," I reasoned. "Even if you two are on the same side, I'd advise against being on the wrong side of the law, Ed. It won't end well for you either."He stayed quiet for a long time.I guessed he might have calmed down, realizing he didn't have much ground to stand on.Eventually, he changed the subject. "I heard you've been desperate for money. Why?""None of your business.""How much do you need? I'll give you the amount.""I want 13,000,000 dollars," I replied. "Got that much?""What do you need 13,000,000 dollars for?!" he exclaimed. "Is the company in financial trouble?""Nope."I suddenly ch
I snickered. "Did I ask? You should stop thinking so highly of yourself. You could shove that money into my hands, and I'd smack it back in your face."Why? Because I don't want to disgust myself or my mom with the money of a traitor.""How could you say something so heartless?" Edward demanded."Actions are stronger than words, boy. Heartless actions are way worse than heartless words."I ended the call right then and there. I was so mad.But once the anger faded, anxiety crept in.If Edward knew, what were the chances Maddie knew as well? And since that woman was crazy enough to take anything I held dear, she'd definitely try to bid on that bracelet, wouldn't she?No! I wouldn't let that happen!I needed to gather enough money.However, the auction was in just two days. Where could I possibly find the funds?I forced myself to calm down. My mother always said never to give in to panic. Only a calm mind could devise a plan.I stared at the evening suit before me as an idea
"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...