Something I had once read flashed in my mind: "Man Rejected by a Woman: Returns with Sulfuric Acid!""Watch out!" I shouted to the crowd, shoving Soleil aside and raising my arm to shield my face.In that instant, a towering figure shot out from the crowd like a bolt of lightning. Within seconds, his presence engulfed me."Aaah!""It burns!""Wash the area where it hit you now! It's acid!"The entire hall erupted into chaos. What had been a night of celebration turned into a frenzy of screams and the pounding feet of terrified people. My ears rang with a high-pitched whine. I could hardly process what had just happened.Edith had lost her mind. She was completely mad. "Are you okay?!" Soren asked urgently.I looked up and, for the first time, truly saw his face. That moment snapped me out of my shock. He had shielded me with his back."Take off your clothes, Soren! Now!" I pushed him away and grabbed at his coat."I'll destroy you, bitch!" Edith screamed. "You ruined my
Edith wasn't going to listen easily. She scanned the room and suddenly shouted, "Martin!"A young man stepped out from the crowd, his hand over his face as if trying to remain unnoticed.He yelled, "What the hell did you do this for, Edith?! You're killing me! If I'd known you were just here to pull this shit on Taylor, I never would've brought you! Your sentence is only being deferred, for God's sake!"I recognized him immediately. He was Martin Brown, Edith's cousin and Sally's nephew.Soren turned to him, his gaze icy. "You brought her here, Mr. Brown?"Martin waved his hands defensively. "I didn't know she'd do this! She'd been recovering at home, complaining about boredom. My aunt suggested I take her out on an excursion, and I—"Soren cut him off, turning suddenly to me. "How do you want this settled?"I had been staring at Soren's back for a while, worried that the acid might have damaged his shirt, maybe even hurt him. His abrupt attention pulled me from my thoughts."T
I followed Soren's gaze to the heroic piece of clothing, now as charred as charcoal. A wave of fear rushed over me again. If that thing hit my face—or worse, Soren's head..."Sol? Where is she?""S-She was here!" I stammered, shaking. "Oh no, did she get any on her?!"The bathroom was crowded, and several people were injured. I started running toward it.As I had feared, some of the acid had splashed onto the back of Soleil's hand. She was holding it under running water.I stared at the red spots and guilt crashed over me. "Are you okay? We need to get you to a doctor!""It's fine. I checked online. For something this small, you just need to flush the affected area with running water for 15 to 30 minutes," she said calmly.I wasn't reassured. All of this had happened because of me. I could apologize and make it up to everyone else, but if anything happened to Soleil... How could I face Soren and the Kenways?"Let's go to the hospital together. Your brother is coming as well."
I was notified that my friend request had been approved, and I immediately wired her 3,900 dollars. I was sure I had paid more than enough."She just bought a coat for your boyfriend right in front of you, Taylor. How come you're not jealous?" Soleil asked.I smiled. "Now's not the time for that. I wanted to buy him a coat too, but she beat me to it. That's actually good for me. I don't have to waste my time and effort."Soren smiled. "I wish you'd show a little more jealousy. But you're just too big-hearted."His gaze made my guilt resurface. "You're only in danger because you were trying to protect me! I'm just… glad you're okay. I don't know what I'd do otherwise!"Soren squeezed my hand. "I'm fine. Don't worry."Soleil sighed. "Oh no. Am I ruining the moment?"I let go of his hand, embarrassed.-Soren stripped off his clothes once we were at the hospital. To my relief, there were no signs of burns on his back.The nurse ran water over it and applied neutralizing soap, cl
Soren's voice turned cold and severe, authoritative, as though addressing a plebeian.I had no idea what Edward said in response, but Soren cut him off, "Save your breath for my lawyer."My request is simple: do not harass my girlfriend again. We work in the same industries and run in the same circles. Respect my wishes, and I'll respect your livelihood."If you want to burn this last bridge of goodwill, though… I'm happy to grant your wish."My heart raced. I looked up at him, startled. This was the first time I had ever heard him openly threaten someone.Edith's antics had clearly angered him.I was still reeling from the shock when he returned the phone to me. His eyes were fixed on me, calm but intense. "You want me to stay out of this, but I'm sure you can tell… that's impossible now."I nodded. "Yeah, I thought things would finally settle down after the case was closed. I didn't expect Edith to become so… extreme."Soleil sensed the tension and tried to ease it. "Well, Re
The police had formed a welcome suite to greet the future scions of the Kenways and the Kennedys.Soren and I made our statements first.When we finished and exited the interrogation room, Soren's lawyer stepped forward. "Mr. Kenway, the Kennedys hope to resolve this matter financially, without involving the law—"He frowned. "Do I look like someone who can be bought?"The lawyer hesitated, awkward. "U-Understood. I'll handle it."The chief invited Soren to his office, but Soren declined, citing the late hour.We were about to leave when we heard a commotion in the distance."I did nothing wrong! I wanted to expose how ugly she really is! I want her life ruined! You cowards are afraid of the Kenways?! Well, I'm not!" Edith was hysterical again. Despite Sally's efforts to comfort her, she wouldn't calm down.I glanced at Soren. I couldn't even describe how it felt to be here, hearing this. He didn't seem affected at all. He simply wrapped his arm around my waist. "Let's go."
We were only a few feet apart, but it felt like an uncrossable chasm between us.That was when I realized Edith had made the right move. She hadn't inflicted any physical harm on me—she'd damaged the Kenways' opinion of me.Maybe Lisbeth now saw me as more trouble than I was worth.Soren waved and beckoned me to the car after his call.I stayed put. "Go home soon, Soren. I'll take an Uber."Sending me home and then back to the Kenway residence would take two hours, but Lisbeth might still be waiting for him at home.Soren's expression darkened slightly. "I'm not in a hurry. I'll send you home.""I'm really fine," I insisted again, nudging him toward the car. "Go."His displeasure deepened. This time, he simply picked me up and put me in the car, whether I wanted it or not.Halfway into our journey, his phone rang.I glanced at the screen—it was his grandfather.Shit. Even his grandfather knew now."Hello? Yes. I'm on my way. Half an hour, minimum. Yeah, I'll do my best to b
I smiled. "Alright. See you tomorrow."Soren's expression softened slightly."Okay, you should get into the car. You're dressed too lightly," I added.The wind was biting, the temperature nearing freezing, and he was wearing only a shirt and the coat Candy had bought for him.I nudged him toward the car. As I did, I spotted a cab and waved it over."Get in the car. I'm leaving," I said, shoving him toward the door before heading toward the cab."Let me know when you're home," he called."Will do! Now get inside!"I watched his car drive past us and let out a long breath, sinking low into my seat. It had been quite a ride.My phone beeped, and I saw a message from him.Soren: [Don't overthink this. I'm here with you. I'll always have your back.]A lump formed in my throat, and my eyes stung with unshed tears.-Jean called once I got home, asking about what had happened. She'd heard the news from the group chat she was in. We talked for a bit, and I felt a lot better afterw
"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...