Alessia’s embarrassment turned into exasperation as she groaned, ‘Don’t even start.’Veronica grinned. ‘All right, I’ll stop. But remember, I’ve got eagle eyes.’Alessia shrugged off her coat, which invited another amused giggle from her sister.‘Veronica!’‘Okay, okay, I’ll stop now, for real.’ Veronica shifted to a more serious tone. ‘Did you tell him about Milo?’Alessia paused. ‘No, I didn’t get the chance.’‘I bet.’ Veronica winked.Alessia changed the topic. ‘Is Milo asleep?’‘Out like a light.’ Veronica nodded.‘Great. I’m going to shower,’ Alessia said, pointing to the take-out box. ‘There’s food there if you are hungry.’Veronica shook her head, her hands patting her satisfied tummy. ‘I’m still full from dinner. I won’t be needing that.’She added with a smirk, ‘But I bet you do. You know what they say about post-s*x munchies.’Alessia just shook her head and stepped into the bathroom.After a quick shower, she collapsed onto the bed, fatigue hitting her like a ton of bricks.
Logan glanced at Alessia, his eyes searching hers. ‘Perhaps it’s a bit of both.’‘Either way, it’s your fault,’ she insisted.Logan grew defensive. ‘If you’d gone home with me last night, you wouldn’t be in this state now.’Alessia rolled her eyes at him.She was starting to regret leaving the comfort of her home early in the morning to bicker with him.Staying in bed after taking her medicine seemed like a much better idea now.‘Are we just going to sit here and talk?’Logan chuckled. ‘You didn’t want to come. Now look who’s in a hurry all of a sudden.’He started the car. ‘Terence called ahead. There’ll be a doctor waiting. And I’ve arranged for you to stay at a VIP ward till you recover.’Alessia blinked in surprise. ‘Staying in the hospital for a cold?’‘If it turns out you’ve caught some dangerous virus, quarantine might be necessary,’ Logan reasoned.‘But I don’t want to stay in the hospital.’‘That’s for the doctor to decide, not you.’‘You are being a tyrant.’‘And you are bei
Alessia tried to stifle a laugh and ended up coughing violently.She shook her head, amused.Typical Logan.Even when he was defending her, he would not miss the chance to blow his own trumpet.Connie refused to give up so easily.She lost a multimillion-dollar project with Wilde Enterprises and was now fighting with Brayden on a daily basis.If her life was miserable, why should Alessia get to enjoy the attention of such a handsome, powerful man?Connie stood in Logan’s way. ‘Mr Wilde, there’s something you should know about my sister. She’s not one to fall in love easily, but when she does, it’s for a lifetime. Brayden hasn’t gotten over her, and I think the same goes for her feelings for him.’Logan turned to Alessia with an arched eyebrow, as if seeking the truth of Connie’s statement.Alessia scoffed. ‘Do you think she knows me better than I know myself?’When she sneezed again, an idea struck her. ‘Connie, I have a cold. Or could be a viral flu. If you are not concerned about yo
This place must cost more than a night at a five-star hotel.‘What if I am?’ Logan said, his tone low and his face devoid of expression.There was no trace of jest in his eyes.Alessia reached out a hand. ‘Hand me my bag.’Logan held onto her purse. ‘What’s the matter? Are you leaving?’‘Yeah.’ Alessia nodded. ‘I can’t afford to stay in such an expensive place. They probably charge by the minute.’‘Are you implying you want me to cover the bill?’ Logan looked intently at her.‘I’m implying that when you asked your assistant to book this place, you probably didn’t think it all the way through.’ Alessia stared right back at him. ‘Not everyone’s loaded like you, Mr Wilde.’Logan pursed his lips.Alessia shrugged. ‘I can’t afford such a ward. Even if I could, it feels like such a waste for a mere cold.She yawned and felt her eyes water again.Alessia pulled her bag from his grip. ‘I’m going to head back and grab some meds from a pharmacy on the way.’But Logan refused to yield.He held o
Logan’s lips curled into a chilly smile as he uttered, ‘I’ve got plenty of time, but none to spare for you.’Connie’s surprise was evident, but she didn’t let it rattle her.With composure, she responded, ‘Mr Wilde, no matter what, I’m still Alessia’s sister.’‘Really?’ Logan’s voice dripped with sarcasm. ‘Could’ve fooled me that you’re related to Alessia. Did she even acknowledge you?’‘Mr Wilde, whether she acknowledges me or not, blood ties are unbreakable.’ Connie’s lips curved into a serene smile. ‘That’s a fact.’Logan’s gaze turned steely. ‘What’s that got to do with me?’And with that, he pivoted and began to walk away.Unhurried, Connie called out, ‘Mr Wilde, I’ve got an old photo album of my sister. I’ve been meaning to return it to her. Maybe it’ll remind her of the sweet memories from the past—the beautiful moments she shared with Brayden.’She clutched a slightly worn photo album, its pages filled with nostalgia.Logan was on the verge of leaving but her words stopped him
Logan tossed a bag onto the bed, and it landed with a thud.Alessia blinked. ‘What’s this?’‘Take a look.’Alessia picked up the bag and peeked inside. ‘Hey, isn’t this mine?’She took out the album. ‘If I remember right, this one dates back quite a bit. It used to be tucked away in my family home. Where did you get this?’Flipping through the pages, she glimpsed images from her past with Brayden.Those were the days, the memories of youth, snapshots of her bygone life.‘Why do you have this?’ Alessia looked up at Logan.Logan snorted. ‘Aren’t you glad to see it again?’Alessia’s confused gaze met his furious one.There was a sombreness to his expression, like a raw nerve had been struck.It all clicked suddenly.The album, she realised, was the source of his anger.But how did he even come across it?‘Did Connie give this to you?’ Alessia asked.With a chilling tone, Logan responded, ‘And if she did?’Anxiety bubbled within Alessia as her suspicion was confirmed. ‘What’s her game her
Alessia found herself caught in a moment of hesitation, her thoughts drifting to the child she never had the chance to hold in her arms.The longing was accompanied by a heaviness that killed her appetite.‘Yeah, it’s more personal. Connie played me, a real low blow,’ she said, her voice tinged with bitterness.She blinked back a tear and swiftly moved on from the painful topic. ‘Anyway, she mistreated my younger sister too. Veronica and I cut ties with her when she basically kicked us out onto the street.’Logan’s expression grew contemplative, absorbing the weight of her words.Alessia met his gaze head-on, a fire in her eyes. ‘I’m being honest here. There’s nothing between me and Brayden—no sparks, not for six years. Believe it or not, it’s up to you. But I’m done dwelling on this topic.’She needed Logan to understand—it wasn’t about Brayden.The emotions in those old photos, they were real, yes.But her smiles weren’t solely for Brayden; they reflected happier times.Logan observ
Logan’s confidence shone through, his tone sure. ‘I’m one of Veridian’s most influential men. Being with me amplifies your shine, making you stand out even more. Hence your sister’s jealousy.’Alessia found herself laughing. ‘You sure think a lot of yourself.’Logan raised an eyebrow playfully. ‘Think about it. There might be a grain of truth in my theory.’Alessia chuckled, amusement dancing in her eyes. ‘As wild as it sounds, it does make a strange kind of sense.’Logan picked up her spoon and handed it to her. ‘Let’s eat. Your soup’s getting cold.’Alessia nodded, a smile gracing her lips. ‘Sure.’They shared a quiet dinner, a comfortable atmosphere enveloping them, until the meal was finished.Alessia sighed contentedly as she leaned back. ‘I feel so much better since taking that injection and napping.’Logan dealt with the remnants of the meal. ‘Of course, you needed some rest.’‘And,’ Alessia added hesitantly, ‘my fever seems to have vanished?’Logan leaned in close and touched