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
I met Soren's gaze directly.The morning light streamed through the window and settled on his eyes. His pupils caught the light, reflecting it like pearls. His smile was warm and sunny, and his throat was irresistibly seductive.I felt both warm and fuzzy, moved and uneasy.Before I could stop myself, the words tumbled out. "What will you do if your grandfather is against us being together?"So many things had suggested that his grandfather might be the obstacle between us. I'd been thinking about it for days, but I still couldn't come up with a plan to change his mind.Soren laughed as if the thought didn't bother him at all. Instead, he asked, "What would you do? Are you going to break up with me immediately?"I couldn't bring myself to answer yes.He pinched my cheek with the hand he'd used to pat my head—almost like a warning. "Don't even think about it, Taylor! I won't agree to it!""But what will you do? Go against your family?" I countered.I knew the Kenways were a lov
"Good morning, Madame Kenway. I've had a lot on my plate by the end of the year, so I haven't found the time to visit. Sorry about that!"Lisbeth stiffened. "'Madame?' You're still calling me that?"Stunned, I shot a glance at Soren for help.He moved closer and interlaced his fingers with mine. "You should be calling her 'Ms. Lisbeth' by now."His actions made it clear that our relationship had changed.Lisbeth's lack of objection only reinforced that.I couldn't believe it. If she had accepted me as her son's girlfriend, why hadn't she even asked about me last night? Even out of simple courtesy?Was I overthinking this? Had I misunderstood her? Or was Lisbeth simply too skilled at concealing her true thoughts?This wasn't the time for speculation.I quickly greeted her, "Alright, Ms. Lisbeth."She smiled warmly. "Now that's more like it! Come, take a seat."Soren gave my arm a slight tug, as if urging me to relax."Last night must have scared you, didn't it? I can't belie
Lisbeth looked a little surprised. "Huh? If that's the case, then I guess there's no problem after all."I shot a knowing look at Soren. He understood and stood. "Mom, Taylor and I are going to visit Grandpa. We'll be back for lunch.""Sure thing."Soleil jumped up cheerfully, ready to follow, but Lisbeth stopped her. "You just saw him this morning! Come back, Sol. You really should learn to be more demure by now!"Soleil pouted and returned to the couch.Soren reached for my hand, but I frowned at him.It wasn't until we left the house that he took my hand and whispered, "Why are you embarrassed? It's just holding hands.""Not in front of your mom!""Why not?"I gave him a teasing look. "Do you know that moms have a special protective instinct toward their sons? They really don't like seeing their boy getting all handsy with his girlfriend."Mothers often fought with their daughters-in-law over this very thing—jealous of seeing their sons "taken away" by someone else. Sore
Before I could respond, Jean asked, "Don't you think this is a bit unfair to your son? His father's still alive, yet he'll never get to know him.""I didn't say he won't ever see his dad. I just… don't want it to happen now," I muttered.I was afraid Soren would fight for custody. I thought it might be better to wait until Silas was old enough to make his own informed decisions. Then, if I had to, I'd let them meet."But this is when a son needs his dad the most! A father missing out on his child's early years will be something both of them regret deeply," Jean said gently.Her words echoed in my head. Thoughts spun out of control. I just wanted the conversation to end."I… I'll think about it. You should get some rest, too. Tomorrow we're going on an excursion!"-Jean stayed for four days before flying off to her next destination. Her family had been pressuring her to find a boyfriend for the past two years, and she'd spent every major festival, including Brigidlia, abroad jus
Soren had no idea whether I was still single or how I was faring. Just in case he ever needed to escape the confines his family had imposed on him and rescue me from my misery, he had chosen to remain single himself.The thought of hearing about me after he married must fill him with dread. If I was still alone, he wanted to be my partner again. He longed to be with me, but his family had ensnared him.My son had finished his bath. I rocked him to sleep before returning to the living room.Jean was gazing at the night view from the balcony. She turned to me. "I'm surprised people here celebrate Brigidlia too.""There are people who share our ethnicity and culture everywhere. A festival helps them feel connected.""So, is my boy asleep?" she asked."Mm-hmm. I don't let him nap too much during the day so he can sleep early at night. Then I can get some time to myself."She stared at me for a few seconds. "You're a goddamn superwoman, aren't you? Raising a kid on your own and still
I had dreamed of Soren several times over the past two years.Each time, he would see how difficult it had been to raise the child alone and strangle me, shouting, "I told you, didn't I? If I hear any news about your life being anything less than perfect, I'll drag you back here, whether you want it or not!"I would wake up with a start, muttering bitterly, "Why is this just a dream?"I missed Soren.Sometimes, I daydreamed about his reaction to seeing his own son. Other times, I imagined us getting back together and living as a real, happy family.That would be so great.Jean nodded. "I think so too! Do you know he's still single? I don't think he's let go of you yet.""That's impossible. Maybe he doesn't want a romantic relationship at all."She shook her head. "I heard that his grandfather's condition has worsened. He probably doesn't have long. And yet Soren still ignores his command to marry.""His grandfather is sick again?""What do you mean again? He's old and sick. I
I watched the city shrink below me before it blurred into nothingness.A young girl sitting next to me noticed and silently passed me a packet of tissues.I thanked her and tried to bury the emotions stirring inside me, doing my best to stifle the pain.The long flight was exhausting.I finally fell asleep, leaving the pain behind as I drifted into the waking hours.-Two years later, Jean arrived in Loegria to see her godson.I picked her up at the airport with him in tow.I spotted her from a distance and waved excitedly.Silas Jones, in his pram, waved back, babbling, "Jea-Jea! Jea-Jea!"By then, Silas was 15 months old. He could walk well but still hadn't learned to speak much.Jean hurried toward us, dragging her suitcase. "I'm finally here! The plane was delayed! I hope you weren't too worried…"I wrapped her in a tight embrace. "I'm fine! I saw the delay on the FIDS board. I wasn't in a rush, so I decided to wait."Jean looked down at Silas, scanning him from head t
After calming myself, I finally drove home.When I arrived, Amanda was surprised. "Hey, I thought you left before I did! When I didn't see you, I thought you went out to eat with Jean."I shook my head. "Nah. There was a traffic jam."I'd packed my personal belongings from my office into a box.Amanda looked at me closely and asked, "Hey, are you okay? I know how much you invested in this brand. It took a lot to get here. It must hurt to sell it now.""I'm a little sad, but it is what it is. I don't feel too bad about it.""Well, you don't sound too upbeat."I sank onto the couch, suddenly feeling exhausted. "He called me while I was on my way back.""He? You mean Soren?""Yeah.""What did he say? Did he want you to get back together?" Her gaze fell to my abdomen. "Did he find out about the pregnancy?"I shook my head. "No. I sold the company and returned his money. He called to ask where the money came from.""He suspected something, didn't he?""Suspected? He knew. He st
Soren finally asked, hesitantly, "Is that really the reason?"Oh, he believed me."Of course. What else?" I retorted.I was grateful this conversation was happening over the phone. If it had been face-to-face, I would've fallen apart in panic."I thought you were doing this to avoid me," he said, his tone cold.My heart skipped a beat, but I feigned calmness. "Don't overthink it. We've been broken up for a while now. If I wanted to avoid you, I would've done so long ago."He fell silent again. I knew it was time to hang up. The longer I spoke, the more openings he would find.Just as I was about to say goodbye, he asked, "You've moved?"He'd been trying to find me recently!Panic surged through me, and I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. "Yeah. Just recently.""To avoid me?""No! My college friend Amanda is staying in Metropolis now. Do you remember her? She was there during the centennial too. She even sat in your car—""I know who she is," he interrupted. "I rememb
Jean was efficient. She convinced her family to buy the Edwardian Taylor in record time. When the news broke, my colleagues were alarmed, thinking something bad had happened.I sent out a notice telling everyone not to panic. No one would be fired after the change of ownership. I also told them to keep the news under wraps.I worried that Soren was still watching my business and me. Maybe he'd notice something was off.The acquisition process went smoothly. I lowballed my company's price as a quiet thank-you for all the help I'd received along the way.Jean's father signed the contract and paid me immediately.Seeing the sudden swell in my bank account was dizzying. This company represented years of effort, bearing witness to my first relationship and even my civil partnership.And now, it was sold. The man who had started this with me was in prison, while I was preparing to leave.Everything is impermanent.I took some time to collect myself before paying off the remaining deb
"Cause' I miss you?" I replied.We went to the Oriole. Amanda and I had been there once before—back when we met Candy and tricked her into paying for our food.This time, I swapped wine for a fruit punch and thanked Amanda for coming. While we waited for our food, I got straight to the point.Amanda looked stunned. "Is… today supposed to be April first?"I laughed. "Ha! No. This isn't a joke. I'm going to sell the company and make you my COO. If you agree, then Jeannie will be your boss, not me."Jamie's contract hadn't matured yet, so he was still the manager instead of the COO. That's why I had so much work—covering that empty position, too.Amanda stared at me, confused. "But… why? Why sell your company? Are you… in trouble?""No, it's because…" I trailed off, unsure if anyone might be listening.I leaned in and whispered in her ear instead.Amanda blinked, clearly bewildered. She looked at my abdomen. "Soren's?!"I nodded."Oh my god. Are you sure you're not the main cha
I had been pretty worried about what to eat for lunch, but Jean's question solved the problem. I was craving food from the Oriole!"My usual favorites. If you'd be so kind, hee hee.""I'll get the cook on it.""Aww, you're the best, Jeannie," I cooed.Unfortunately, Jean saw through me. "Hmph! Flattery won't get you anywhere, lady! You're still going to get an earful when I get there!"Cherry returned from walking Bullet and asked what I wanted for lunch. I told her Jean was on her way with a feast."Oh! Should I return to the office now?""Nah. Stay and enjoy lunch with me first, at least!"Jean arrived a little after 11:00 p.m. with the Oriole's finest.As I lunged at the food, Jean asked, "You're not showing morning sickness yet, huh?""Nah. My pregnancy is still early. I'm fine." I was planning to use my relatively good appetite now to indulge and store energy for my little one.It was this thought that made me realize I still wanted to keep the baby."Jeannie, I want t