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
"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
"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
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.
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 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
"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
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
I stiffened.Soren had changed. He was different from how I remembered him, and that was why he felt so unpredictable to me now.I composed myself and looked back. Silas was still asleep.I straightened my clothes and stepped outside.Soren stood on the balcony, maybe hoping the cool breeze would calm him. Bullet circled his legs, tail wagging.I approached him hesitantly. He didn't turn around. Instead, he said, "Let's get married, Taylor."I was stunned. My mind went blank.What the hell?! Just like that? He decided to throw this at me, all of a sudden?Soren turned to face my bewilderment with calmness. "This is the best arrangement moving forward.""Because of Hale?""Why else?" He smiled. "I wouldn't mind if it were for love too.""You… still love me after all these years?""Don't you?"This wasn't how we used to talk. I was struggling to adjust.Soren had once been mild-mannered, gentle, and patient. Now, every conversation felt like a quiet battle of wits, where he
I was amused. "What do you want for compensation? It's not like we didn't have a good time back then."It took Soren raising his eyebrows for me to realize I might have sounded more suggestive than I intended."Wait, hold on. I didn't mean—""I want those good times again," Soren interrupted, his voice firm.I couldn't believe my ears. "You what?!"Did he have no sense of decency or control? It was still broad daylight! Silas was sleeping right nearby!"I said," Soren suddenly loomed closer, his gaze turning lascivious, "I want those good times again, mm."My hair stood on end. I tensed and shrank into the wall. "Soren, we are st— Mmm."I knew exactly what he meant, but before I could even finish warning him, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips against mine. He pulled my wrists forward, circling them around his waist.It felt like we were cuddling. I couldn't fight him—I was trapped between him and the wall.Soren's kiss started soft and curious, as though h
"W-What are you doing?" I stammered, my voice trembling.He stayed silent, his tall, imposing figure advancing and forcing me into a corner.I couldn't retreat any further. His grip on my arm held me in place."What are you doing? Can you not grab me like that?" I tried to sound firm, though my voice betrayed me.Soren didn't respond, merely looking down at me with a near-indifferent expression. Beneath his calm demeanor, though, I sensed a flicker of anger—something unsettling in his eyes.We moved like this—me backing away, him pressing forward—until I was cornered, my back against the wall.I frowned, my heart pounding in my chest."Why did you stop? Aren't you going to back off anymore?" he finally asked, his voice dripping with an almost smug satisfaction, like a cat that had finally cornered its prey.Humiliation burned my cheeks, the sting of his teasing cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.Even a mouse would bite when cornered, and I was no meek, helpless creature.
The atmosphere in the car grew unbearably tense. Neither of us said a word.The only sound was Silas' steady, rhythmic breathing. He looked especially peaceful, fast asleep in his father's arms.Over half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of Amanda's building.I stepped out and reached for Silas, but Soren refused. "He's really heavy. I'll carry him up for you."I instinctively pushed back. "Huh? It's alright, I can do it myself."It was still daytime, meaning Amanda was definitely at work. If Soren went upstairs, it would be just the two of us. After all, Silas was already asleep.I recalled the ambiguous moment in the car and had a gut feeling he might try something.I wasn't trying to be dramatic. I simply hadn't figured out what the future held for us yet. I didn't want my hormones to push me into a weak moment, leading to something I wasn't ready for.Unfortunately, Soren didn't care. He just walked off with Silas and headed straight for the entrance.I stared aft
I just smiled, unsure how to respond."But it's all good now. The house feels a lot livelier." Soleil grabbed my arm and pleaded, "Please don't leave. Ren's been waiting for you all this time and won't consider anyone else."I blushed, unprepared for the conversation to take such a sharp turn.I stole a glance at Soren, who sat across from me.To my surprise, he was looking at me as well.My heart raced as our gazes met, and I quickly looked down, focusing on my food.-We had woken up early that morning, and Silas had enjoyed himself thoroughly. After lunch, he began rubbing his eyes, ready for a nap.I whispered to Soren, "He's a little tired. I think I should get him home."Soren checked his watch—it was 1:00 p.m."Alright. I'll drive you two back." With that, he rose from his seat and informed his parents.Lisbeth looked reluctant. "We've got plenty of rooms here. Why don't you two stay?"I could tell how much they wanted us to remain. In fact, they probably would've do
Soleil dragged me along without giving me a chance to refuse.Soren stood at the door and waved when he saw me. "Grandpa's asking for you."Before I could respond, Soleil asked, "Where's my little nephew?""He's with Grandpa," Soren replied.Soleil darted inside immediately, while Soren and I followed side by side."What does he want to tell me? Did he seem angry?" I whispered."Don't worry, he's not. He loves Hale. He was thrilled when Hale called him Great-grandpa just now!"Soren's eyes sparkled as he looked at me, like something bright had fallen into them. It was a familiar expression that reminded me of how nervous I'd felt when we were madly in love.By the time we entered the room, Soleil already had Silas in her arms.Once again, the little fellow managed to charm his aunt, playing along despite not even knowing who she was. It proved once more that blood truly is thicker than water.Seeing William leaning against his bed, I walked over and greeted him respectfully.
"Your brother's taken him to meet your grandfather," I replied."I see. Why aren't you with them?" Soleil asked."I'm worried I might anger your grandfather by being there," I admitted with an embarrassed chuckle. "After all, I kept Hale's birth a secret from you all."I grabbed Soleil's hand and asked, "Do you know what your parents think about this? Honestly, I'm really worried, but your mother seemed so friendly with me, so...""Please! What else could they think?" Soleil patted my hand and led me to a bench. "Ren worked himself to the bone while you were gone. I'm serious! Days and nights of relentless focus."She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Candy chased after him like a madwoman, even confessing to him in public several times. But Ren ignored her completely."He got so fed up he told her grandfather he had no feelings for her whatsoever and never would, so she should find someone else."Candy was so furious she cried her eyes out. That was the l
I finally managed to ease all the tension that had built up.Soren walked over and asked gently, "I'm going to take Hale to meet Grandpa, so… Do you want to come along?"I looked at him, already knowing it probably wasn't a good idea.William had made it clear he didn't approve of Soren and me being together. He had someone else in mind—someone he considered more suitable to be Soren's wife. That was why I had agreed to step aside.Yet here I was, not only bringing a child into their home out of the blue but also about to present him to his great-grandfather.What would William think? He'd probably see me as manipulative, a woman who had schemed her way into their family."I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to upset your grandfather by accident," I replied softly, my thoughts clear."Alright then. I'll leave you to it.""Okay."After informing his parents, Soren carried Silas off to meet William, leaving me behind.An awkward silence settled over the room.Lis
They teared up from the excitement of meeting their grandson, unable to stop playing with him."Look, dear! He looks exactly like Soren when he was little! Oh my God, they look so much alike!" Lisbeth's voice trembled with excitement, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.Even Marlon, typically stern and commanding, had the same reaction. He stared at Silas, who was nestled in Soren's arms, for a while before nodding and saying, "You're right, but Soren seems smarter."Soren sounded displeased. "Come on, don't be so harsh on him."Lisbeth laughed, dismissing her husband's remark as she gently coaxed, "Hello, my little precious. I'm your grandmother. Would you let me hold you, please?"Silas had been meeting too many strangers since we returned to the country, so he seemed a little caught off guard.He looked at me and said, "Mama…"Lisbeth followed his gaze, her eyes landing on me. Her initial joy subtly faded.Soren seized the moment. "Mom, why don't you play with Hale