The door opened. My smile turned into a frown.Goddamn it. It was Edward Kennedy!"Why the hell did you invite this eyesore?!" I grumbled at Jean.She grinned. "Why else, other than to show him how much better your life has been since he's gone!"Jean walked toward him, completely ignoring the scowl on his face. "Welcome, Mr. Kennedy! As you can see, Taylor's having a blast after she booted you out of her life."Do you get it yet? Y'all are never, ever, ever getting back together!"Oh yeah. Now this pleased me. This was exactly the kind of lesson Edward needed.His expression was so stormy that I could almost hear thunder rumbling in the distance.He glared at me. "Is this what you're doing to yourself now, Taylor? Who even are you anymore?"I beamed groggily and lifted the sash off my lap, revealing the sparkling letters. "I'm the Queen of the Night!"Edward's expression became unreadable.The room fell silent. Everyone, including the young men, turned to stare at him.But
I was the only one who didn't have anyone to drive me home. I flashed her an embarrassed smile. "Oops. I'll… hail a cab myself…""If you say so…" she replied."But what… about you? It's late. It's dangerous… to be alone…" I asked, despite struggling to keep my eyes open."My brother's coming for me!" she answered. "No worries.""Nice."And that was the last thing I remembered saying before I collapsed onto the couch, my eyes shut.I could vaguely sense my friends leaving.Jean fell asleep in the bathroom after vomiting. With help from club employees, her sister-in-law had her carried to the car.Then, I felt someone shaking my shoulder. I stirred."Tay-Tay, my brother's on the way. I'm gonna leave soon," Soleil said. "You should come with us, I think."The nap hadn't made me feel any more awake, but I managed to decline. "Nah. My house is nearby."Her phone rang. I heard a voice that sounded familiar coming from the other side. "Soleil, where are you? Don't tell me you're dr
I tilted my head and giggled. "His name is Soren Kenway! It sounds… like the coolest name ever, right? You don't know him… Don't know him… He's… very low-key… Very mysterious...""Interesting. I happen to know that guy." The man smiled and rose to his feet, lifting me by the arm. "Come on. I'll get you home.""Who? You? Why? Did Jean send you? Man, how much money did she spend hiring you boys? You're late, though. Very… late… Party's over, pal!""I wasn't hired by Miss Valentine.""Then… who?"His phone rang. With his free hand, he answered it. "Hello, are you sure you're not drunk? Sure? Who are you leaving with?"Alright. Understood. Yes. I found her."My brain was too foggy from the alcohol to piece anything together. I didn't notice anything odd in his conversation…My knees buckled, and I couldn't lift my feet. I could only lean against his body for support as he tried to help me walk.We hardly made it more than a few steps before he stopped.Here's what happened: I dra
I felt as though the dream had returned—the one where I kissed Soren…Now, a man who looked just like him had me in his arms. How was I supposed to resist the urge to kiss him?I gulped and stretched my neck toward him, feeling his chin brush against my lips. His barely visible stubble pricked me, and it tickled.I wanted to go further—toward his lips—but he pulled away as though I were repulsive."Oh, are you shy?" I mumbled. "I thought things like this were part of the job…"I smacked my lips and added, "Don't worry. I'm not a playgirl or anything. I was with my ex for six years… And I've never even slept with him… ever…"Wanna know why? Because men… Men are disappointing creatures. They're rarely worth it… But you… I can play with you…"I shoved him aside and leaned against the door, fast asleep.I had no idea how long that took. All I knew was that the door opened. Losing my support, I stumbled forward before a strong chest caught me. I was jolted awake, groggy."Taylor, y
"W-Why do you keep trying to get close to me? What's your ulterior motive? Are you… Are you aiming for my organs?! My heart or lungs, or even… my super rare blood?!"My vision blurred, but I could feel Soren freeze, an amused grimace on his face.After a long pause, he finally spoke in a tone of disbelief. "What did you take me for? An organ dealer on the black market?""M-Maybe! How am I… supposed to know for real? You're… not normal! Your mom's not normal! You guys are just… so overtly nice to me for no reason. How’s a girl supposed to feel safe with some strangers' unconditional niceness?"I shook my head and waved my hand. "Man, I'm scared!""So you think we're nice to you because we somehow want your organs and blood? Is that why you suddenly put distance between us?"I collapsed onto the couch. "N-Not… Not just that… It's you… You're too good at hypnotizing people… You're dangerous!"Soren smiled lovingly. "What did I do to earn that label? You're the one who tried to forc
I threw up so violently that the world started spinning. Then, once I was done, I collapsed into sleep, feeling like a deflated balloon.I had no idea what happened after that. Honestly, I thought I threw up two more times. More importantly, I had no idea when the man left me. I'd been losing sleep lately, and sleeping pills hadn't helped.But this time? God, I slept as soundly as the dead. Thanks, alcohol.I didn't fully return to the living until late morning when I rolled off the couch and kissed the cold, hard floor.I sat up and scanned my surroundings, confused.I tried to remember what had happened the night before. Jean had thrown me a birthday party and even hired some hosts. We had drunk a lot and had fun…And then what?I vaguely remembered seeing Soren. I had even cuddled and kissed him. Eh, that had to be a dream. This was probably what it felt like to have fragmented memories due to alcohol. My brain felt like it had just been rebooted.A splitting headache hi
I could not believe it. The handwriting… The signature… I had seen them on the agreement he signed!How did he find me yesterday? Why did he drive me home? When did he leave?And what about the cuddles? The hugs? The kisses?Did those really happen?How could a man of the highest status—who had been served all his life—lower himself to cook in a small rented unit, making chicken soup?I was utterly baffled. I rushed to the pot and opened it. The soup was still warm. In another pot, the shredded chicken and vegetables remained warm as well.I held my forehead with my hand and stared at the soup in disbelief. What happened last night?!After finally recovering from my shock, I called Jean to ask her what had happened.Jean sounded exhausted, obviously still nursing a hangover. "How should I know? I heard that I was basically carried into a car by two people… Did you forget what happened?""Yeah.""Who cares? As long as you're home safe, what's the worry?" she mumbled, before su
But if he wanted nothing from me, why else would he be so nice to me?What? Was I supposed to believe that he had somehow ignored every beautiful, exceptional, wealthy, elite socialite—and fallen in love with a publicly abandoned young woman, practically disowned by her own elite family?No way.I had no idea what to do with Patel Phillippe, and I couldn't bring myself to call him.He would call me about it one day, right? After all, it was an expensive watch!I waited and waited, but his call never came.-In the afternoon, Harry called to yell at me for skipping the meeting.I told him I was too drunk to get up, but he didn't care. All he wanted to know was whether I would show up at the board meeting.Of course! I had taken what was rightfully mine—from my mother, and therefore from me! That was the whole point of my fight with the Joneses!How could I possibly miss my own "coronation" ceremony, so to speak?-I showed up at Harry's company and announced myself as the se
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.