I took a spot under the shade of a tree, glanced at my watch, and called out, "Five minutes left."Cameron crouched near Harry. "What are we gonna do? I don't have the money for your treatment. This bitch is the only—""We should have never raised her!" Harry snarled, punching the grass.Cameron's sad eyes briefly turned red as she glanced at my mother and grandfather's graves. "Then what? Are we really going to kneel in front of… them?!" Harry said nothing. His fist trembled."One minute," I reminded them, shifting my stance.Cameron turned to me, thinking I was about to leave. "Wait!"She tugged on Harry's arm. "Just… just agree to it, okay? We're the living. They're dead. There's nothing embarrassing about kneeling to two slabs of stone!"Harry glared at her, his eyes bloodshot. "This is all your fault! If you hadn't agreed to Maddison's demand to marry Edward, we wouldn't be here!"He really thought this was revenge for that? He had no idea how much I hated them.This wa
"What did you say?" I asked loudly, despite having heard him the first time.Harry shot me a look that could kill. "Don't you dare!""We're leaving, then.""We agree! We agree to this proposal! I'll even do it with him!" Cameron cried out. Any trace of her arrogance had vanished.I sighed. "If you'd just agreed to it sooner, we'd be on our way back to the city by now."I pulled out my phone. "Well, let's get this started.""Mom? Grandpa?" I called out to their graves. "Harry and Cameron are here to repent and apologize for what they did. I'm sorry it took me so long to make this happen… but it's happening now. I hope this brings both of you some peace."I started recording.Cameron hesitated for a moment before kneeling before the graves. She helped Harry to his knees.Harry refused to look at what lay before him."Repent! Apologize, now!" I urged coldly, hate swelling in my chest.Harry hung his head so low his back nearly buckled under the weight."I said, repent. Or none
Good. Cameron actually had some self-awareness.They both knelt again.When the time was up, Harry's legs were shaky.Cameron couldn't support him alone and had to shout at her son, "Get over here and carry your father back down!"Miles extended his hand. "How much are you paying?"I burst out laughing. Jesus Christ, with a son like this, who needed enemies?!"You little shit! He's your father! How dare you ask for money to carry your own old man, you heartless scumbag—"I'd had enough of this circus and turned away, heading downhill. Meanwhile, I sent my grandmother and aunt the video I had recorded.By the time I got back to my car, my aunt called. "Harry's out of prison already?!""He's really sick, so they granted him compassionate release. Cameron wants me to pay for his treatment, so I made them go to Grandpa and Mom's resting place to repent.""Ha! Serves that scumbag right! Sandra and Dad wouldn't have died so soon if it weren't for him! Honestly, I think he got off e
The waiters arrived, bringing food almost as soon as I entered. I was surprised to see them.Soren observed my reaction and explained, "I assumed you'd be hungry. It's already afternoon, and you still haven't had lunch. So, right after we finished our call, I had the restaurant start preparing the meal."I was touched. He was just as considerate and perfect as I remembered. "Thank you."This was the Soren Kenway I knew. I guessed yesterday's incident had been a simple misunderstanding after all."Mr. Kenway, ma'am? We hope you have a lovely afternoon. Bon appétit," the manager said."Thank you. Please, only come in if we call for you," Soren replied, dismissing them with a wave.They left, closing the door behind them. Suddenly, it was just the two of us in the quiet, private space.The silence felt a bit awkward—this was the first time we'd seen each other since our first "conflict."I glanced at him, unsure of what to say.Before I could speak, he picked up his fork and knif
"And yet, things haven't changed, even after we've been together. You won't move into my place. You wouldn't accept a car until I forced you into it. You won't let me help with anything concerning the Joneses or the Kennedys. You don't even tell me what you're up to, where you're going."Soren's gaze locked onto mine. "What do you think all of this makes me feel?"If I had thought I hadn't done anything wrong, that belief evaporated as I listened to him list his grievances.Guilt began to settle over me. I even wanted to explain myself. "Listen, Soren, I—"He raised his hand. "I know, I know. You don't want to trouble me. You don't want me to be bogged down by it all. But I knew about your problems before we were officially together. If any of this bothered me, why would I have still wanted to be your boyfriend?"You push me away and refuse to accept any help or goodwill from me. You refuse to let me into your world, your life. It makes me feel like you're trying to keep things at
Soren stared at me in stunned silence. "Wait, you don't actually get what I've been alluding to this whole time?"A thought leaped into my head, and I reeled. He wanted me to stop keeping my distance. He wanted to be a part of my life—to help and support me.But… I just…Soren lowered his gaze. "I see. I'm still not good enough for you.""No, that's not it!" I blurted, guilt rising in my chest.Soren had been so kind to me—I should be more open to him!But I just couldn't. There were so many problems on my end that I couldn't do it!In the end, I made a concession."Okay, I'll always tell you what I'm facing. But there are some things you really shouldn't intervene in," I said. "I'll ask for help if I can't handle it. Is that okay?"Soren chuckled darkly. "I guess a little tantrum works in my favor.""It's weird hearing you say that.""Why?""Because you have all the power and influence. It's just strange to hear you say that!""Those things didn't help me get a girl to li
What was I going to do? I was the one at fault here!After a few seconds, I teased him, "Lord Soren? His most illustrious Lord Soren?"Soren shot me a cold look. "This isn't gonna work.""What can I do to make it work?" I asked sincerely.He didn't respond. His chiseled lips remained pressed together. I shook his hand, but he swiftly jerked it away from my grip.I sighed. "You're so juvenile."Suddenly, I aimed my camera at his face.Alert, he demanded, "What are you doing?""Recording Lord Soren's tantrum for posterity. It's a rare phenomenon, you know?" I said, pressing the record button.I always knew how to get under someone's skin.Soren panicked. He lunged to snatch my phone, but I ducked, retorting, "Hey, a gentleman doesn't try to steal a lady's property!"He sprang from his seat. Using his height advantage, he easily grabbed my phone.I stood up, circled the table, and cried, "Wait! Don't delete it! Can't I at least keep it for myself?"He dodged every move I made
As soon as I opened my mouth, I realized my throat felt dry. It was even more embarrassing now.Soren laughed, the anger from earlier gone. "Don't look at me like that, please. You look so innocent and helpless, and I don't know if I can control myself after seeing you like this."I burned with embarrassment and glared at him. He laughed even harder."Are you finally not mad?" I grumbled from his lap."I'm still a little mad. But if you kiss me, I'm sure it'll go away."I sneered. "Looks like you'll have to seethe a little longer."He locked his arms around my waist and refused to let me go.The room was the perfect temperature, so we had removed our coats as soon as we entered. That meant my figure—accentuated by my form-fitting sweater—was on full display.He measured my waist with his palm. "I can hold your waist with just one hand.""Come on. You make me sound like a super hot succubus," I replied."You are, though. How else can we explain my falling for you and wanting t
"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
My aunt frowned. "What does this mean? Do you think they'll accept you into their family?"I shook my head, instinctively feeling that wasn't going to happen. "That's impossible."What was the point of breaking up with Soren if all I had to do to be with him was bear them a son?I didn't understand the Kenways' intentions, but Soren wasn't giving me any room to escape.He arrived half an hour later, finding Silas and me.Since they'd played together just the day before, our son still remembered the man before him. Soren reached out, and Silas naturally threw his arms around his father.Honestly, I felt a twinge of jealousy. Blood was thicker than water, after all.Although they'd never lived together before, Silas had quickly adapted to Soren, welcoming him into his life with such a friendly demeanor.With our son in one arm, Soren opened the car door. "Get in."I resisted. "Do I really have to go? Can't you just take Hale with you instead?"Soren's direct stare was unwaverin
I held Silas' hand as I coaxed him, doing my best to calm him down.Fortunately, he was a cheerful little bunny with the courage of a lion. He stopped resisting the moment my aunt promised to buy him plenty of toys and food.My grandmother was awake when we entered the ward. Despite her frailty, her face lit up with a smile when she saw her great-grandson.My aunt led Silas to her bedside, and my grandmother reached out to clasp his tiny hand with her scrawny one.The scene struck me deeply, as if my grandmother was passing down her legacy.My nose stung with emotion at the sight.We stayed with her for a while, but her stamina waned after less than an hour.Seeing how she struggled to stay awake, I coaxed her gently, like soothing a child, "Why don't you get some rest, Grandma? We'll play again when you wake up. We've got nothing but time."My grandmother nodded reluctantly before drifting off to sleep.True to her word, my aunt bought Silas a generous haul of toys and snacks
Soren hesitated to leave. He spoke softly to Silas for a while, kissed him, and only let go when Amanda and Jean returned."What happened? How did your talk go?" Jean asked curiously, setting down my dinner.I smiled and answered calmly, "It went alright. I don't think he's planning to take my son away from me. He did ask if he could bring Hale home to meet his grandfather after we visit Grandma."Amanda nodded. "It's a reasonable request. Both your grandparents would be happy to see that you two have a family together."Jean raised an eyebrow. "What about you? Didn't he say anything to you?""What about?""What do you think?! You've already had his son. Shouldn't he be doing something about it? When are you two going to get back together, or get married? You should give Hale the perfect family, don't you think?"Jean looked at me, waiting for an answer.I simply shook my head. "I've never thought about that."The truth was, I still loved Soren, but I didn't want him for mysel
I had finished with the milk powder and was starting to shake the milk bottle when I glanced at him and said, "That's all I can offer to answer your questions."If you're trying to blame me for not telling you earlier, I'm sorry, but I don't have an explanation. I didn't know how to bring it up in that situation."Besides… I knew I wasn't in perfect health when I got pregnant. I had been on medication, and the doctor said there was no guarantee Hale would be healthy."At the time, I decided to do my best to take care of myself and wait for a second test. If it turned out I couldn't continue the pregnancy and had to either abort or even induce labor…"Anyway, there were too many factors to consider, so I didn't tell you."I handed the milk bottle to Silas and added, "You should sit down. He won't be able to drink his milk if you keep moving around."Soren took Silas back to the living room and sat down, while I unpacked my luggage to avoid facing his glares any longer.Once Silas
Silas kept crying, clinging to my neck like a koala.Soren looked both helpless and nervous. "Why is he crying? Is he unwell?"Seeing his anxious expression, my anger melted away. I even pitied him a little… He was nothing more than a father meeting his son for the first time.My tone softened as I explained, "He just woke up. He'll be fine in a minute."Soren nodded, his eyes fixed on Silas.As expected, the little fellow calmed down before long and started looking around… only to realize he was in an unfamiliar place surrounded by strangers.His gaze eventually settled on Soren.Silas was still teary-eyed, his mouth slightly pouted. When he spotted Soren, he grew calm, his eyes locked on the man before him.Father and son stared at each other for a while…I had no idea what Silas was thinking, but the way he looked at Soren was telling. It was as if he instinctively recognized the man as family.Silas probably didn't understand bloodlines or genetics, but he seemed certain
"What else do you think? Or do you think there's no need to explain because it has nothing to do with me at all?" Soren's voice was gentle, still soft out of consideration for our sleeping child.But I could tell he was angry, and that made me nervous.I avoided his gaze and replied softly, "It was an accident, and we were already separated for some time when I found out.""That's your reason for not telling me all this?" Soren clearly didn't believe a word I said.I pursed my lips and frowned.The truth was, there was nothing for me to explain. My pregnancy was an accident, and I decided to keep the child because I couldn't bring myself to end a life.Besides, I didn't have much time to think it over at the time.Cornered, I raised my voice, fighting back. "What do you want me to say? The fact is, he's here now. You're free to be part of his life if you want. Otherwise, you can forget he even exists.""Taylor!" My words only made Soren angrier. "How could you say something so