No wonder he looked so exhausted and pale!Cameron suddenly lunged and grabbed my hand. Even Bullet jumped."Taylor, just help Maddie once, okay? I admit it, alright? All those things in the past were our fault! I'll even apologize to you! Please, just get to the hospital and help her…"I frowned and smirked to myself."Well, well! Who would have thought we'd ever see you apologize to me over anything?" I snarked."I'll do anything you ask! I'll apologize too! I'll do anything, as long as you save Maddie, please! She's your sister! She's a human being, with a life…" she wept.She was, ultimately, a mother. I supposed she genuinely cherished her daughter—and Maddison was lucky to have that.Unfortunately, none of these sentimentalities would work on me."She's already halfway gone. You can only extend her life, even if you forcibly inject blood into her veins," I argued. "So why make the living go through that pain for nothing?"I was only telling the truth.My mother had acce
I twirled before the mirror, pleased with my reflection.My phone rang. It was Soren!"Hi, Mr. Kenway!""Hi, Taylor. The driver will arrive in ten minutes, okay?""Got it. I've just finished getting ready," I replied cheerfully. "Sorry to trouble you with arranging transportation.""It's no trouble at all. The winding, mountainous roads of Beaumont aren't safe to drive at night. Since I invited you to this party, your safety is my responsibility too."As always, he was considerate and exceptionally mindful.After the call, I applied a touch of lipstick and powdered my face before heading out.-During the ride, my heart raced with excitement.Nerves and anticipation blended together, and I forgot all about my earlier fears and anxieties—about showing up at their residence, or whatever motives they might have.I just wanted to see what life was like for these super-elites and to expand my horizons.I wanted to see Soren.Fine, maybe I could also bag a potential VIP client o
"No! That's not it!" I exclaimed, waving my hands wildly before marching forward.I turned around only to shoot Soren a series of pointed looks.Please, God, let Richard not be the one driving that car that evening!Soren hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "You've seen Ritchie lately, haven't you?"I wanted to disappear right then and there.Know what? Let's just get straight to the point. "D-Did Mr. Rockefeller tell you anything?"Soren pressed his lips into a thin line, a look of awkwardness flickering across his face. "You mean… uh, you telling Edward we've had sex—many times—that night?"I felt the ground tilt beneath me and nearly toppled over.Soren grabbed my arm just in time to steady me.My entire body burned with humiliation, and I immediately pulled my hand away as soon as I found my footing."Okay, okay! I can explain! I… I was so mad at Edward that I made things up on the spot that evening!" I babbled. "I didn't know your friend would be there! I didn'
"How will you go about it?" Soren asked."Well, I'll just tell him we didn't have sex," I replied."You mean you'd make him think I asked a young lady to explain these things on my behalf? That makes me look like a coward…""Oh." I buried my face in my hands, consumed by shame. "What are we gonna do?!"Just as the two of us were trying to figure it out, a voice called out, "They told me you went out to personally greet one of the guests, Soren. I was curious to see who the lucky woman might be!"A grimace crept across Soren's face."Oh, great. Speak of the devil," he muttered under his breath.I stiffened. Richard?!I didn't know him before this moment. For one, the Rockefellers were on par with the Kenways in terms of status, which placed them far above the Jones family. Our paths rarely crossed.Secondly, most of my friends were women.Soren turned and gestured politely toward him. "This is the owner of RF 6688, Richard Rockefeller. Ritchie, this is…"Richard studied me, a
I couldn't do that with Richard there, though, could I?Soren noticed my embarrassment. "Come on, almost all of our guests are here. The event is about to begin."He led me into the reception hall.It was situated a short distance from the estate's residential area, offering better privacy for the Kenways. The hall was housed in a three-story building. In addition to the reception area, there was a multifunctional conference room and an entertainment venue.The decor was subtle yet classy as if everything had been taken from a world-renowned art gallery.The hall was packed with guests, laughing and socializing. A quick glance revealed several high-ranking politicians I frequently saw on the news.As soon as we arrived, Charles quickly whispered something in Soren's ear.I knew he was busy, so I said, "You should welcome the other guests too, Mr. Kenway. I'll be fine.""In that case, excuse me. Enjoy yourself, alright? I'm sure there are some friends you know among the crowd."
I really didn't want to talk to Edward's family, but out of civility, I smiled and greeted, "Hi, Mrs. Kennedy.""Have you really hooked up with Mr. Kenway, as they say? Does he know you've been divorced? It's so unbecoming and unfit for him!" Sally questioned."Divorced? She's not even there yet! She's legally still Edward's civil partner! That makes all of this an affair!" Edith snapped, pouting angrily."Why does Mr. Kenway even have eyes for her? External beauty is all she has, anyway!" she growled.Me, committing a "marital affair?" God, they sure made things up on the fly."Have you heard of this thing called 'the brain?' You're not supposed to just own it—you're supposed to use it too," I retorted. "For example, you can easily ask anyone in this hall who had the affair first. Go on, I'll wait."Edith wasn't the wittiest. She stammered.Sally, however, was more experienced and clear-headed. "I know Ed has made mistakes, but you shouldn't be making an even more ridiculous on
Edith hesitated. "I'm planning to do one...""My daughter is the principal violinist in an international orchestra, but I wouldn't think of talking about that to most of my friends," Lisbeth said."But—"Sally tugged on Edith's elbow, a clear signal."You're too humble, Madame Kenway. Everyone knows that every Kenway is the best in their field. All of you inspire admiration. And I agree with you—Taylor is an exceptionally skilled woman. I've always thought highly of her," Sally added.She certainly knew how to switch gears.After flattering Lisbeth, she turned to me. "Madame Kenway thinks so highly of you! You should appreciate this honor.""Of course, Mrs. Kennedy," I replied with a noncommittal smile.Sally waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't call me that! We're family, after all."I froze. What nonsense was that?!"No, you're family with my sister, Maddison. Please don't mix us up, Mrs. Kennedy," I said sharply.Sally looked as though I had slapped her in front of eve
"Watch who you're talking to, because I think you're the stupid one!""I'm not. In fact, to prove it, I can tell that your dress is a knockoff," I claimed.Lisbeth finished her speech at just the right moment, and the crowd erupted into applause. I joined in.The woman, however, was pouting. She looked down at her dress and muttered, "How could this be a knockoff? I spent a lot of money and pulled a lot of strings to get it!"Her friends were just as stunned. "Did someone scam you?""No way! I've always bought from this seller. She knows a lot of top designers and tailors—she can always get her hands on high fashion and branded wear!" the woman insisted.Then she turned back to me with a glare. "How dare you accuse me of wearing bootlegs? You're projecting, aren't you? In fact, yours aren't even branded!"I smirked and pulled up an image on my phone. "This is the real dress. This photo was taken live at the fashion show where it debuted."Look at it, girl. The color and pattern
"Oh, you're changing jobs?" I asked."Aye. I think I've done all that's worthwhile in my current position. I want a change of environment and platform," Amanda replied."I get it. Honestly, it's impressive that you've worked at the same company for years."We went to have dinner at the Oriole. There, I told her everything I'd been through.There was never a dull moment on Amanda's face. The expressions she made in quick succession were a show of their own."I did not imagine Ed to be this kind of asshole at all! You two were like a perfect match back then! You were the academy's most famous couple!"Her words pulled me into old memories for a moment."So, what's next?" she asked. "I bet you already have suitors, right? That coat is proof!"She pointed at the trench coat on the chair next to me with her chin.Since the parking lot of the Oriole was a short distance away, I had put it on again to brace against the cold."Yeah. You could say that. But I'm not interested for now.
"How long till your friend is here?" Soren asked.I checked my phone. "About half an hour from now."Without warning, he slipped off his trench coat and draped it over me, pulling it down over my head."The temperature is below zero, and you're still wearing so little. Ladies really do endure the cold for the sake of fashion," he remarked."Ah, I'm fine!" I quickly protested, startled. "I'm not even cold! And if I take this, you'll freeze once you step outside.""The car is right outside—I'll be fine. But you'll be here for another thirty minutes. I don't want you freezing," he insisted.Worried that I might take it off, he grabbed the sleeves and tied them securely around my arms."Now you're warm," he said with satisfaction."Dude, I look like a prisoner tied up."He patted my head. "Never seen a prisoner this beautiful."My cheeks burned. My heart swelled with joy."I'll be off now. See you tomorrow.""Right. Bye-bye."I watched his tall, gallant figure disappear throug
The centennial was happening soon. I had sent the dresses I designed to the faculty a day before the event and was now heading to the airport—Amanda was arriving today.What I didn't expect was seeing Soren at the airport!He was wearing a large black trench coat, making him look even more refined. As he strode gallantly through the arrival gate, several young women stopped in their tracks, staring at him like a pack of fangirls.Unfortunately, I was one of them too.I even blinked a few times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.Soren seemed surprised to see me as well. His solemn, serious expression melted away into gentleness as soon as he noticed me.Michael—who was pushing the luggage trolley beside him—spoke up in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here, Miss Jones! Did you come because you knew Mr. Kenway was returning to the city today?"I opened my mouth—then immediately realized I had no idea how to answer.If I said no, it would be embarrassing for Soren. But if I
Jean asked, "So, how did he take it? It must have been pretty embarrassing to be rejected."I shook my head. "I had lunch at the estate. Uh, they invited your head chef just for that."Jean tsked. "Dude, he goes above and beyond for you, and yet you rejected him. Amazing."I ignored her and continued. "Madame Kenway kept dropping hints during lunch, and I told her… I'm not in the mood to be in a relationship. I just wanna focus on my career.""Right. If you start dating so soon after your annulment, everyone will start thinking you've been planning this from the start."God, it really took a best friend to understand you."I know, right?! That's what I told Soren too! I don't want people to think he got in the middle of my relationship with Edward!"And I already have a bad reputation—I destroyed my own family and all that! If they start making up rumors about him having an affair with me, and that somehow being the reason I got divorce… A stain like that could ruin his family's
"No way!" I retorted reflexively.Jean had known me for years, though. She smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Spill the beans, girl. Seeing someone new, haven't you?"I bit my lip. My cheeks were warming up again. Was it the bonfire or…"Come on, just say it! It's just the two of us here! Oh, I know… Is it 'Mr. Kenway'? I've seen both of you together twice, and honestly, the way y'all look at each other? I smell a situation."Honestly? The real reason I wanted to be here was so I could talk about my drama to my best friend instead of bottling it up. Naturally, I was easily coaxed into opening up.A smug grin appeared on my face before I knew it. "Girl, he confessed to me! But I—""He what?!" Jean cried out in shock, staring at me. "The hell is with this speed?! You've just ended things with Edward, and now he's already confessed? Could it be that he had been…"She lowered her voice and finished, "Thirsting for you?"I was speechless."Can you not? I haven't even received the legal d
Was it just me, or did he sound a little jealous? Something felt off, but luckily, it was still easy to feign ignorance.I coughed quietly. "Well, it's getting late. I should drive home. Please tell Mr. Rockefeller my thanks."I was about to hang up when Soren suddenly called out, "Taylor."I froze and brought the phone closer. "Yes?""I get jealous when you praise other guys in front of me. Please remember that I'm the first one to tell you how I feel, so you better be fair and just in the process. Otherwise…"His gentlemanly voice had taken on a new, mesmerizing quality. It was low, soft, yet brimming with assertiveness and authority.It felt as though my soul had been petrified by some kind of charming magic."Otherwise… what?" I whispered, my heart racing."You'll know when it happens," he replied cryptically. "Though I'd rather you never find out."I couldn't understand what he meant at first."The roads will be slippery because of the snow, so please drive safely," he s
"Good evening, Taylor." Soren's voice was low and soft.The way he enunciated his words made him sound so proper and gentlemanly. It was so refreshing that I felt as if the cold had left me.My mind started to blank. I suddenly realized I could not speak. In the end, I could only squeeze out lamely, "So… had your dinner?"He chuckled. "Yes. You?""Me?" I suddenly felt like my soul had snapped back into my body. "You really don't know?""Huh? Is that something I should know?" Soren asked, confused.Wait. So Richard didn't report anything to Soren after all! I had been fooled!"Oh… damn it," I muttered, smacking my forehead. "Mr. Rockefeller played me like a fiddle…""Huh? You mean Ritchie? What did he do?"I sat up straight and forced myself to calm down. Well, I started the conversation, so I had to finish it myself."I had dinner with that colleague after we finished discussing work. We were eating at a seafood hotpot place. Then, when we were about to finish, we saw Mr. Roc
When we were almost finished, I heard someone call out, "Miss Jones! Fancy seeing you here!"I looked up, stunned. It was Soren's best friend, Richard!"Mr. Rockefeller, hello!" I said, rising to greet him.He nodded. "Hello to you too."Richard then glanced at the man sitting opposite me."This is my newly hired General Manager, Jamie Young," I quickly introduced. "Mr. Young, this is Richard Rockefeller of Rockefeller Media. He's one of the city's elites. Who knows, we might work with him one day."Jamie stood and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rockefeller!"Richard shook his hand. "Likewise!"He turned back to me. "It's the weekend today, so why aren't you hanging out with Soren? It's the first snow of the year. People are in a pretty festive mood."I knew exactly what he meant. The snow had blanketed the city in white, and people were out enjoying it, taking pictures, playing, and simply reveling in the change of season."We met earlier today, but I have thin
When someone cared about another person, they were mindful of everything that person possessed. Even the smallest pain was worthy of concern.Real life wasn't like fiction. Most people didn't experience cataclysmic events or life-threatening situations. Thus, where else could we show our care and love, if not through the mundane sufferings of daily life?The more I thought about it, the more I regretted how I'd spoken to Soren. I really needed to apologize."Miss Jones? Miss Jones!"I snapped out of my thoughts. "Oh! Yes?"Jamie fixed me with a questioning look. "Are you alright? We can always talk about this on Monday.""No, let's do it today. I'm free today." I forced myself to sit up, holding the ice pack to my forehead while flipping through the documents with my free hand. "What are your questions? I'll answer them."This company was the culmination of my blood, sweat, and tears. And now, I had found someone just as invested in making it better as I was! How could I be a de