Everyone's teasing had my face burning, and I shot Soren a half-hearted glare.Without a trace of embarrassment, Soren casually slipped an arm around my shoulders and announced, "I'll cover everyone's return tickets. First class for everyone.""Whoa! Thank you, Mr. Kenway!""Thank you, Mr. Kenway! Thank you, Miss Jones!"Amid the cheers, my coworkers elbowed each other, laughing as they dispersed. "Come on, let's head to immigration. We'll just be in the way of the lovebirds here."Too embarrassed to continue acting all lovey-dovey in front of them, I glanced sheepishly at Soren and turned to leave. "Right, I should go now.""Wait!" He immediately grabbed my hand, panic creeping into his voice.I raised an eyebrow playfully. "What now?" "You're just going to leave like that?" he asked.He looked down at me with eyes full of longing, like a lost puppy.I glanced around, realizing Sean had already disappeared too.Since there was no audience, I could afford to be shameless ju
I never imagined I'd land in Medhelanon, only to bump into an acquaintance the moment I stepped into the hotel."Talk about running into the last person I wanted to see," I muttered.As we dragged our suitcases through the lobby, we nearly collided with Candy, who was heading out while chatting cheerfully with a group of foreigners.I was stunned.We had seen each other at the Kenway residence just the day before, so how on earth had she reached Berrada before me?Then I discovered there had been a midnight direct flight to Medhelanon the previous night. She must have taken it, arriving ahead of us, likely after a restful nap, and already adjusted to the local time.The Brigidlia Festival was approaching, and in families like hers, traditional reunions were a significant affair, especially this year, with her grandfather having just retired.Yet, here she was.I couldn't help but begrudgingly admire how hard she was working, despite being born into wealth. It was something I ha
We were in a foreign country, and Candy's raised voice drew the attention of every foreigner around us.Still, I ignored her and headed toward the elevator, Sean following closely behind with my luggage."Sean…" I hesitated, glancing at him. "Let's keep this little incident between us and not tell Soren, okay?"Sean nodded in understanding.After a brief silence, I couldn't shake off the worry that Candy had planted in my mind. "You've been with Soren for years. Has he ever faced any real danger?"Candy's irritation had struck a nerve, and I couldn't shake the unease about Soren's safety."No," Sean replied calmly. Seeing through my anxiety, he added quickly, "Miss Jones, there's no need to worry. Mr. Kenway's safety has never been compromised. Even if I'm not with him, there are always others looking out for him.""I see. Thank you."-Once in my room, I sent Soren a text to let him know I'd arrived before freshening up and lying down in bed. Despite my exhaustion, my ins
"Mm-hmm."I had assumed Sorne wouldn't know about what happened and that I wouldn't have to worry about it if Sean hadn't told him.Yet, he still found out eventually."Taylor, you know you can ignore her if you don't want to deal with her, right?" Soren asked, probably concerned that I might end up hearing something I shouldn't from Candy or get hurt by her.But I didn't care. "Don't worry. I'm not that much of a pushover. Besides, I've got Sean with me, don't I?""Okay, I'll leave it up to you to decide. But I don't think Candy will be around much longer. She'll probably return to the country in a few days."That was what I thought as well. Even if she was genuinely dedicated to her work, I doubted her family would let someone as precious as her stay overseas during the festival.As such, I wasn't that worried."By the way, has Edith been released from prison? Do you have any updates on your investigation?" I asked.Even though I was overseas, Edith's case had always lingere
Candy shrieked and leaped up as if shocked by electricity, grabbing her phone in a hurry."Taylor! That does it!" she snapped, her voice seething with anger.I simply smiled and apologized, "Sorry, it was an accident. I'll buy you another cup of coffee and pay for your phone if the coffee got into it and caused any damage."Naturally, I knew perfectly well that neither a coffee nor a new phone would matter to her. I just enjoyed getting under her skin.Everyone in the meeting room stared at Candy, both surprised and irritated by the disruption she caused.Candy had definitely embarrassed herself.Gritting her teeth, she spat, "I'll remember this, Taylor!"She snatched up her cell phone and stormed out, creating another scene.I turned back and calmly resumed the meeting.I expected Candy to be gone by the time the meeting ended. Instead, she'd changed her clothes and was waiting outside.The moment she saw me, she yelled, "Taylor!""What's the matter? Still haven't learned y
Sean was definitely going to do his job if Candy didn't back off.In the end, Candy didn't want to embarrass herself. She quickly pulled her hand back when she noticed bystanders approaching."You're going to regret being so stubborn one of these days, Taylor!" she snapped, then stormed off in anger.Sean turned to me. "Are you alright, Miss Jones?""I'm fine, don't worry," I said, reassuring him before returning to my work, unfazed by Candy's threat.-Families were gathering, and fireworks echoed through the skies back home, while we celebrated joyfully in Medhelanon.There were many fellow citizens around the globe, so it was easy to feel the festive spirit, even abroad.In fact, I had a bit to drink during lunch and felt slightly dizzy.On the way back to the hotel, I saw a couple kissing openly on the street—a sight that made me miss Soren more than ever.I couldn't help but try calling him. The phone rang for a while, and I was just about to hang up when he finally answ
As I held my phone tightly to my ear, Soren's deep, soothing voice filled my heart like a warm current, intensifying the longing that had been building inside me.As I gazed out the window, I recalled the couple I'd just seen passionately kissing and blurted, "I just saw a couple kissing openly in the streets, and it made me miss you so, so much..."I couldn't see his face, but I sensed his breathing quicken, and my own heart began to race.I couldn't believe I'd actually said something so mushy out loud. But I couldn't help it… The words had just slipped out."Taylor… Taylor..." he kept softly repeating my name.I could feel his excitement, imagining how desperately he wished he could grow wings and fly to me that very moment.I wanted to see him just as much, but Candy's words echoed in my mind, and reason slowly tempered my impulse."Soren, listen," I said. "You shouldn't come here. I'm going to be swamped over the next few days. Even if you came, I wouldn't have time for you
The alcohol in my system continued to take effect, making me feel woozy until I finally drifted into a deep sleep.I was out cold—I didn't even hear my phone ring twice. It wasn't until someone started banging on my door that I finally woke up.Still groggy, I checked the time. It was already midnight.I couldn't understand why someone would be banging on my door when we had the afternoon off and no need to wake up early.When I opened the door, Cherry and Sean were standing there. Both of them let out a breath of relief the moment they saw me."Thank goodness you're alright, Tay-Tay. Mr. Kenway thought something had happened to you. When you didn't answer his calls, he immediately asked Sean and me to come check on you," Cherry said.They looked visibly relieved.Cherry gave me a quick once-over before adding, "We were both really worried."My mind was still foggy, but it was beginning to clear. "I'm okay. I just had a little alcohol at lunch and didn't expect it to hit me so
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
Soren left. So did my sleep.I woke up very late the next morning.When the doctor came for a check-up, I asked about my condition. All I needed was some bedrest, so I decided to discharge myself.I had to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of another encounter with Soren.-Our new apartment was larger and brighter than the last place I'd rented.Bullet was especially pleased. Still, I couldn't take him for a walk anymore."Get some rest, Tay. I'll take Bullet out!" Cherry said kindly as she grabbed the leash and fastened it around his neck. She left shortly after.I sat on the couch, absentmindedly caressing my abdomen. I was home, yet a tight knot of anxiety still lingered.I had asked the doctor about the pneumonia medication I'd taken. I'd swallowed those pills long before I knew I was pregnant, and I worried they might have adverse effects.The doctor had asked for more details but still couldn't offer a clear answer. He had simply said, "There's a risk."I had already
I would recognize that voice anywhere. This figure was real.This figure was him. The man who had pretended to be a stranger when we met earlier today.My heart raced after he helped me. I remembered how he had treated me earlier, and a wave of grief swept over me.I shrugged off his touch. "What kind of kink is this? Why are you watching someone sleep in the middle of the night like a ghost? You scared me!""Sorry," he murmured, his voice as gentle as it had always been when he spoke to me. It was hard to believe he was the same man I had seen earlier. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright."My throat tightened. What if he already knew?But maybe he didn't. His response suggested he didn't."Nothing. Just fatigue. It hit me harder than expected. The doctor said all I need is rest," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.He seemed to smile. "I was sick a few days ago, too. Just got better.""I heard from Candy.""Guess we're in the same boat."My chest tightened.
"You have to keep this secret, Cherry, okay?" I said suddenly.Cherry frowned. "But why? Don't you want Mr. Kenway to know? This is huge—""Shh!" I interrupted.She fell silent."The doctors said my health isn't exactly the best, right?" I asked.I had already started thinking of myself as a mother. I wanted this child to grow up healthy, so I needed to be healthy.I had missed most of what the doctor had said because I was too shocked, but I planned to ask again."Well, the doctors said you've been overexerting yourself lately. You've got high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia…""Got it. I need some good sleep. Order me something big and filling, Cherry. I'll eat it after I wake up." I rolled to my side and closed my eyes.Cherry might have thought this was strange, but I couldn't care less. I just wanted to enjoy the experience of becoming a mother.I gently caressed my abdomen as I daydreamed about life with my child.-Later that day, the doctor came again.By t
"What is it? Can I go home now?" I asked immediately."Er, no," Cherry replied, shaking her head. "The doctors are here."I turned to see two white-coated figures enter. "Hello, Miss Jones. Here's your report."Before I could even glance at the paper, the doctor delivered the most unexpected news I could have imagined. "You're pregnant. You fainted because your body was experiencing the early discomforts of your pregnancy."What the hell?! "W-What did you just say? I… I'm pregnant?!""Yes," the doctor confirmed. "Only a few weeks along. But your overall health isn't great. Your blood pressure is high, you're anemic, and your cholesterol is a little elevated. Have you been overworking yourself lately? This isn't good for a mother, ma'am.""If you're expecting this child, you need to start taking better care of yourself. If not, now might be the right time for a safe abortion."The doctors bombarded me with information, not giving me a moment to process any of it.Thankfully, Che
Jamie and Cherry managed to get me into a large, expensive ward."I should stay with you tonight, Tay!" Cherry offered, her gaze lingering on the small bed next to mine meant for a caretaker.I frowned. "No, that's not necessary. I'm not that sick. I might even be discharged by the afternoon."I still didn't want to stay here. The feeling only grew stronger when I saw Soren in the corridor. If I stayed, I might run into him again. My heart couldn't bear another encounter with his distant indifference.More than that, I feared I might—out of weakness—use my current illness as an excuse to talk to him and ask him to come back. It would only cause more chaos.I silently prayed that the report would show I was fine and that I could leave immediately.After settling into bed, I said, "Mr. Young, the company will probably need you to give the others some direction. I'm fine with just Cherry here."Jamie gave me a meaningful look but nodded. "Understood. If you need anything, have Cher
I could feel the acid reflux building up. I was probably just hungry, right? I should definitely eat something after the meeting.Things turned out to be more than I had imagined.After the meeting ended, I stood up, taking two steps before feeling faint. My head throbbed, and my legs felt weak.I collapsed. As darkness slowly consumed me, I heard Jamie and Cherry rushing toward me at the same time.I had no idea what happened next.-When the world came back into focus, I found myself lying on a hospital bed."Tay-Tay! You're awake!" Cherry exclaimed, her face lighting up with a smile. "You really scared us! You just... collapsed like that! If it weren't for Mr. Young, you could have knocked yourself out on the window!"I still felt faint—hell, I was pretty nauseous."What happened? What did the doctor say?" I asked, trying to steady myself."No idea yet. They just took your blood sample. We're waiting for the results," she replied.As a figure approached, Cherry stood up.