I met Soren's gaze with a faint, knowing smile. "You're right—they're incredibly friendly toward you! Who would dare go against you, Mr. Kenway?""That sounds a bit off," Soren commented.I stifled an inward sigh. How could I promise Soren anything when I didn't even know what the future held for us?As we walked toward his car, I couldn't help but say, "Thank you for rushing over here so quickly and for arranging bodyguards around this place."Soren's expression turned serious at my words. Once inside the car, he glanced at me. "Why are you acting so strange? It's unsettling…"I smiled faintly. "I'm just thanking you, that's all.""Alright then," he said, hooking a finger at me. "What are you doing?"Before I could react, he reached out, cupped the back of my neck, and pulled me into a kiss. "What the— What if someone sees us?!" I jerked back, scanning our surroundings nervously.Soren closed the door and rolled down the window. "Come back soon, okay? I'll be waiting for
I frowned slightly as I approached Soren. "What are you doing here? Didn't I ask you to head home?"His clingy demeanor was such a stark contrast to his usual persona…Soren smiled and pinched my cheek affectionately, mimicking my tone. "What are you doing here? Didn't I ask you to head back to the villa?"That jerk…"Why do I have to come all the way here to fetch you, you cheeky little girl?" he teased, tightening his pinch."Ow! That hurts!" I swatted his hand away.I was already home, and there was no way I was going back to the villa with him.The cold outside made me eager to hurry inside for a hot shower, so I turned toward the door. Meanwhile, Soren walked back to his car.My heart sank. Was he really going to leave just like that? Could he be mad at me, planning to drive off without a word?"Hey!" I called out, stopping in my tracks. "Are you—"Before I could finish, I saw him pull a sports bag from the trunk. I recognized it instantly—the one he used to carry spare
Soren answered his phone, and even from my bedroom, I could hear his conversation clearly—a testament to how small the place was.It sounded like someone from the Kenway residence was calling to ask when he had returned home.I leaned against my door and sighed, realizing he was indeed preparing to leave.Just as I had gathered my clothes and was about to step into the shower, my phone rang. It was Jean."What's up? It's pretty late, you know," I said, adjusting the shower temperature.Jean's voice was tinged with mystery. "Has Soren told you what happened? The Kennedys are finished this time."Not only have they filed for bankruptcy, but they're also drowning in debt. They've been completely wiped out as one of Metropolis' wealthiest families."I turned off the shower immediately. "What have you heard?""My father and brother mentioned that the project they were involved in was highly suspicious. They've also been bribing several officers. Those people have been arrested and c
I glanced at the sports bag on my sofa and urged, "Don't forget your clothes.""Leave them. I'll be back to spend the night sooner or later," Soren replied nonchalantly."This place isn't suitable for you. Stop forcing yourself to live like a poor miser," I said, echoing his own words from moments ago."Any place is heaven as long as you're in it," he retorted, slipping on his shoes.It sounded unbearably corny. Still, I responded with a faint, vague smile.When I saw he was truly about to leave, I stepped forward to hug him. "Drive safe, okay?""Okay." He cupped my chin and leaned in for a warm, soft kiss. "Get some rest.""I will. Bye."After one more kiss, he released me and walked away. I closed the door behind him.Bullet stood beside me, his head tilted in confusion, as if asking why Soren had left.I looked at him helplessly. "You don't like that he's gone either, do you? But there's nothing I can do. Plus… he might not come back for a while.""Ah-woo…" Bullet's mourn
Me: [Mr. Rockefeller, is Soren really away on a business trip? Or is he unable to see me temporarily because something's happened with his family?]Richard replied almost instantly.Richard: [He told me he's on a business trip.]His response suggested he wasn't privy to the details either. I thanked him again and left it at that.After putting my phone aside, I freshened up, completed my chores, and made breakfast.It wasn't until I sat down to eat that I noticed another unread message—this one from an unknown number.[Nothing will ever come out of your relationship with Soren, Taylor. I swear this on my life.]My heart skipped a beat. Panic surged through me as I read the vicious ultimatum.Who could have sent such a thing? Judging by the tone, it was likely Edward.I chose not to reply, but my mind flooded with unsettling images.How could he be so certain? Did he have something planned? Was Soren in danger? Could he be involved in an accident during his business trip?The
Jean raised an eyebrow and gave me a fond look. "Sounds like we've got a wedding incoming.""Of course not!" I denied it immediately.No one knew better than me that marriage was a distant dream."Go ahead and order whatever you like, Sol. I'm buying." I slid the menu toward her, trying to change the topic.Jean had other things to do, but she said she'd join us for lunch later.After she left, Soleil looked at me with concern. "Are you mad that my brother didn't tell you about his business trip?""No, I'm not." I smiled because that wasn't what was really bothering me. "I'm sure he had something important to take care of to stay up so late last night. I can't imagine how tough it must've been for him."Once I finished speaking, I hesitated before asking, "Did your father put pressure on him, Sol?"Soleil's expression stiffened. She stared at the menu for a while before meeting my eyes. "Honestly, I don't know what they talked about. They were behind closed doors in the study u
Soleil continued her rant, doing her best to console me. "Oh, by the way! You and Edward were together for six years, even in a civil partnership, but you're still a virgin! That just proves how much you respect and love yourself, doesn't it?"Honestly, I doubt Ren could find someone like you even if he tried."Take Candy, for example. I heard she's been in three relationships overseas—both with locals and foreigners."So what if you've been in a civil partnership before? She's nowhere near as great as you. The only thing she has going for her is her wealthy family."Her words piqued my interest.I remembered Candy having two boyfriends back in the academy, but those were the only ones publicly known.Given how much she enjoyed herself back then, she probably had plenty of one-night stands as well.Still, I chose not to mention that to Soleil.-Jean soon joined us for lunch, and our conversation eventually turned to the investigation against the Kennedys.Soren wasn't around
"What do you think, Taylor?" Soleil called out to me.I smiled immediately and walked toward her, but Candy cut in before I could respond, "Sol? What are you doing here?"Hmm… That dress looks great on you. It highlights your prestigious demeanor while still making you look cute. I think it suits you."I rolled my eyes again at the interruption. "She was asking me, or are you called Taylor too?"Candy straightened Soleil's collar before looking at me. "Are you really going to argue over something this petty? I'm a shareholder of this store, so of course, I must ensure Sol is well taken care of."What?! She was a shareholder in this store?"If that's the case, let's go somewhere else, Sol. I don't think this place suits your style," I said.Candy's expression shifted instantly. "You're just jealous, Taylor! You're jealous that I have a better career than you and that the Kenways like me more than you.""So what if they like you more than me?" I retorted. "Soren's the one who lov
"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...