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
I found it. Despite its austere exterior, it was imposing. Its only design was a line of words engraved on its wall: Serve and protect.Someone was waiting. I had seen him before—the man who had reminded Soren that he had to leave while we were talking at the gate of the Kenway residence.I parked my car and grabbed my bag.The man introduced himself politely, "Good morning, Miss Taylor Jones. I'm Michael Kidd, Mr. Kenway's personal assistant.""Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kidd."He led me into the building, past the security check, and into the lobby."Mr. Kenway is still busy. You'll need to wait for a while," Michael said.I smiled. "That's fine. I'm sorry to have scheduled this meeting on such short notice. It must have disrupted his plans."We reached the top floor, which appeared to be a wide, clean office space.Employees greeted Michael with deference as we passed by.I supposed this came with being their director's personal assistant. He essentially answered to no one b
Had I not seen him just minutes earlier, I would have never guessed this man was some sort of king of the battlefield."No, Mr. Kenway. The pleasure is all mine. Sorry to disturb your work," I replied.I had instinctively addressed him as "Mr. Kenway" again—how could I not when I was reminded of the difference in status between us?Michael swiftly tidied up the table and tucked the documents under his arm before leaving.I feigned ignorance."Have you finished designing my shirt?" he asked, snapping me out of my daze.The words I wanted to say caught in my throat.Soren could tell I was hesitant and asked patiently, "Is my mother giving you trouble?""No!" I replied quickly.I hadn't brought any drafts with me, and I had nothing to discuss regarding his clothes!I had brought only the truth, and that was all I could offer."I… I'm sorry. I didn't come here to talk about your commissions," I admitted regretfully.He didn't seem angry. He beckoned toward the couch. "Take a se
They said marriage was the tomb of love. I thought it was great. I'd rather have a comfortable resting place than die without a grave, exposed to the elements.After two months of meticulous sewing, I finally finished my bridal gown.It dazzled brightly under the light. I imagined myself in it—a few days from now, walking down the aisle with the man I loved—and smiled.I had been waiting for this day since I was 19. After six years, I was finally going to rest in this tomb of love at the age of 25.My dream shattered overnight.Cherry Birkin, my assistant, called and asked, "Tay-Tay! Mr. Kennedy came this morning and took the bridal gown. He's bringing it home, right?"Still groggy, I replied, "He took my gown?""Yeah. Um, do you know anything about that?""I'll ask him about it now."My mind cleared slightly, but I still couldn't figure out his reason.Our house was already filled with things for the event. There was no space for the gown, so I had planned to take it home th
I expected him to blow up in my face. Instead, after a pause, he replied, "Alright. See you tonight."Three years ago, Edward and I had created a haute couture fashion house, The Edwardian Taylor. By this point, it had become a massive success.Edward financed the operation while I was the principal designer. Honestly, he was the one winning without lifting a finger—especially considering its net worth now.It could easily be traded publicly, making even more money, and yet he would give The Edwardian Taylor away for his beloved Maddie.Talk about true love…After getting up, I scanned the wedding preparations in my room, and the sight stung my eyes. I would have loved to burn them all.I called a packing company to handle everything related to him.God, I felt lucky that I had insisted he could only have me after we were married. I would never want anything of his inside me.Once the house was cleaned up, I changed into my clothes and applied my best makeup. It was then that I
I threw the agreement in his face, leaped to my feet, and started showing them the door. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a beauty nap to take. Get out of here and remember to take your trash with you."I couldn't believe it took me eight years to realize who Edward really was. I had liked him since I was 16!I guess I had Maddison to thank for that. I was this close to marrying a snake!Sally was upset. "This is what I don't like about you, Taylor. You have the temper of a tyrant!"Look at Maddie—she's gentle, docile, soft-spoken, and reasonable. She's so considerate of me, too!"I forced the disgust in my heart down and commanded my pet dog, "Bullet, get them!"Bullet barked at them incessantly.Sally's face turned pale. "You! How dare you!"Edward had to hold her hand as they backed away.He shot me a cold glance. "This is too much, Taylor! How could I have been so wrong about you?!"I smirked as I could say the same about him!Edward and Sally left in a hurry. They even
Edward remained silent, so Cameron intervened, raising her voice, "You got that right! Your sister deserves to inherit your things because she's your family. Just think of it as a wedding gift from you to her."I smiled sweetly and replied, "Wait! There's one more thing to add to this gift!""Oh yeah?""That's right. A nice, expensive coffin in the middle of the altar too!" I chirped.Her face turned blue. "You bitch!""Come on, it's a pragmatic gift. She's going to need it pretty soon anyway! I'm just giving it to her in advance so you guys don't have to spend money on it someday."They scowled at me but couldn't say anything. It was just like how I had gotten away with the sparkler candle incident before. They couldn't do anything to me.None of these people had stood up for me when I was bullied all these years, so it was high time I made them suffer my worst!Cameron pointed at the door in a rage. "Get the hell out of here!"She pointed at my dipshit father too. "Are you g
It was so infuriatingly ridiculous that I had to scoff and look at the traffic to calm myself down."I'm not a recycling station, Edward. No matter how much I've loved you or sacrificed for you, you lost your place in my heart the moment you decided to betray me."I took a few steps away from him and turned back just to add, "Even if every man in the world went extinct, I wouldn't even give you a second glance, let alone be with you. You disgust me, Edward Kennedy."Maybe my steely resolution hurt him, because he suddenly stepped forward and grabbed me. "I love you, Taylor! These six years of love haven't been for nothing—it's carved in my bones!"It's just that... Maddie is dying, Tay-Tay. She's been through so much, and I couldn't ignore that small wish she wants to fulfill before she—""Let go, damn it!""Wait for me, Tay-Tay. I swear, once Maddie—"I swung my hand and slapped him on the other cheek as hard as I could.Now the handprints on his face were symmetrical!"If yo
Had I not seen him just minutes earlier, I would have never guessed this man was some sort of king of the battlefield."No, Mr. Kenway. The pleasure is all mine. Sorry to disturb your work," I replied.I had instinctively addressed him as "Mr. Kenway" again—how could I not when I was reminded of the difference in status between us?Michael swiftly tidied up the table and tucked the documents under his arm before leaving.I feigned ignorance."Have you finished designing my shirt?" he asked, snapping me out of my daze.The words I wanted to say caught in my throat.Soren could tell I was hesitant and asked patiently, "Is my mother giving you trouble?""No!" I replied quickly.I hadn't brought any drafts with me, and I had nothing to discuss regarding his clothes!I had brought only the truth, and that was all I could offer."I… I'm sorry. I didn't come here to talk about your commissions," I admitted regretfully.He didn't seem angry. He beckoned toward the couch. "Take a se
I found it. Despite its austere exterior, it was imposing. Its only design was a line of words engraved on its wall: Serve and protect.Someone was waiting. I had seen him before—the man who had reminded Soren that he had to leave while we were talking at the gate of the Kenway residence.I parked my car and grabbed my bag.The man introduced himself politely, "Good morning, Miss Taylor Jones. I'm Michael Kidd, Mr. Kenway's personal assistant.""Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kidd."He led me into the building, past the security check, and into the lobby."Mr. Kenway is still busy. You'll need to wait for a while," Michael said.I smiled. "That's fine. I'm sorry to have scheduled this meeting on such short notice. It must have disrupted his plans."We reached the top floor, which appeared to be a wide, clean office space.Employees greeted Michael with deference as we passed by.I supposed this came with being their director's personal assistant. He essentially answered to no one b
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
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
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
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 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
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.
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