Alessia, however, lacked the courage to undertake such an examination.Her blush deepened, and she kept her head bowed, fixing her eyes on his chin instead.Logan, noting her reaction, couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.He felt that his performance should be convincing enough.He genuinely had no qualms about baring himself for her scrutiny.It was, in his view, the most straightforward and honest method of proving his innocence.Logan held Alessia’s hand and put it on his bare chest. ‘See? No lipstick mark, no hickeys.’Alessia pulled her hand away as if scalded. ‘You are being ridiculous.’‘And you are being prejudiced,’ Logan retorted. ‘You made an unfair accusation. I’m offering you proof. Yet you refuse to change your verdict.’Alessia rolled her eyes. ‘I didn’t make up that lipstick stain on your shirt.’‘But there’s no stain on the rest of me.’Alessia fell silent.‘You can’t accuse me of something I didn’t do,’ Logan stated firmly as he placed his hand on her shoulder and hel
Logan turned to Alessia, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘Fancy sticking around for dinner?’Alessia flashed him a warm smile. ‘Sorry, I’ve got work on my plate.’Logan leaned in closer, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. ‘What about tomorrow? Any time for me?’Alessia shook her head, her eyes sparkling. ‘Tomorrow’s a family thing. I’m spending time with my sister.’‘So when can I steal you away?’Alessia’s laughter bubbled up. ‘I promise, I’ll let you in on my free time soon.’Logan, not one to give up easily, persisted, ‘Come on, Alessia. I want an answer right now. Who holds the top spot, your sister or yours truly?’Alessia raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness. ‘Mr Wilde, my sister’s the reigning champ.’Logan’s jaw clenched, his irritation evident. ‘Excuse me?’Alessia couldn’t help but tease him, ‘Oh, Logan, don’t be so jealous. Sisters are forever, you know. Couples come and go.’Logan’s frustration simmered, but he couldn’t hide a hint of amusement. ‘Are you trying to ril
Caught in a dilemma, Alessia sighed. ‘Alright, let’s go.’As they settled into the car, Logan’s phone chimed.He checked the caller ID and answered, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’Arlie’s voice crackled through the phone, ‘Dad, can I hang out at my friend’s place today?’‘Where’s that?’‘At a classmate’s house. Uncle Penshaw knows the address.’Logan paused, considering the request. ‘Is it safe?’‘Dad, seriously, it’s all good,’ Arlie reassured him.Logan, basking in the glow of his reconciliation with Alessia, relented, ‘Alright, go for it. Have fun.’As he ended the call, Alessia couldn’t contain her curiosity. ‘That sounded like a kid on the phone. Who was it?’Logan hesitated, wrestling with how to break the news.Finally, he admitted, ‘It’s a boy—a good one.’Alessia’s expression shifted, and she cut to the chase. ‘Logan, is he your son?’He gripped the steering wheel. ‘What if I said yes?’‘Then I’d have to bow out. I don’t do married men.’‘I’m not married.’Alessia pointed out the ob
Alessia spoke gently, ‘Arlie, did you know this is the first time Milo’s brought a friend over? I’m thrilled that you two are such good pals.’‘Oh, really?’ Arlie seemed a bit shy.Then he admitted, ‘This is actually my first time visiting a friend’s house, too. Kindergarten was pretty lonely before this.’‘Really?’ Alessia was taken aback.Milo glanced at his mother and shrugged. ‘Mom, I’d be lonely too without Arlie. I’m really glad he’s my friend.’Alessia’s heart warmed at his words. ‘I’m happy for both of you, becoming such great buddies.’Arlie nodded and added, ‘Yeah, it feels like we’ve known each other forever.’‘Absolutely,’ Milo chimed in.Alessia watched them with a mixture of joy and sadness.They resembled each other so much.She silently wished their happiness would last forever.‘Alright, boys. Carry on playing with your toys. I’ll go get dinner ready,’ Alessia said.‘Thank you,’ Arlie replied politely.Alessia shook her head with a smile. ‘No need to thank me. Arlie,
Alessia and Veronica exchanged smiles.‘Why do you say that, Milo?’ Alessia asked.‘Both of us wouldn’t be lonely anymore if we had each other,’ Milo explained, then pushed the plate of beef toward Arlie, saying, ‘Arlie, please have more. Look around the table; there are no vegetables. We’re meat lovers.’Veronica burst into laughter, adding, ‘That’s true. Sis, did you notice? It’s all meat.’The table was indeed filled with ribs, shredded pork, sirloin steak, and diced chicken – not a plate of vegetables in sight.Alessia joined in the laughter. ‘You’re right. It’s a good thing Arlie shares our taste in food; otherwise, he’d go home hungry.’They all laughed together.Veronica raised her yoghurt-filled cup and proposed, ‘Let’s toast to Arlie, welcoming him into our home.’‘Cheers!’ Milo raised his cup of orange juice.Arlie raised his glass of milk, stood up, and politely said, ‘Thank you for having me today. I’m really happy. It’s an honour to be your guest, and I appreciate your ho
Heath, with a mischievous grin, gestured to the waiter to take their order.Then, he leaned in and raised an eyebrow at Logan. ‘Don’t you see it?’Logan narrowed his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette. ‘See what?’‘Alessia’s got a tight bond with her younger sister, Veronica, but not so much with her elder sister, Connie,’ Heath pointed out.‘Yeah, I’m not blind. It’s pretty obvious,’ Logan responded, a bit irked.Heath nodded knowingly. ‘Both of them got the boot from Redwood Group, which is Connie’s domain. So, Alessia and Veronica had to rely on each other.’‘And?’ Logan questioned.‘They’ve been through thick and thin together, that’s why their relationship is rock solid.’Logan waved his hand dismissively. ‘I get it. No need for the lecture.’Heath continued, ‘Don’t let jealousy get the best of you just because she cares more about her sister. Her sister means the world to her.’Logan’s brows furrowed, irritation creeping in.He tried to stay calm.Heath advised, ‘If you want
Alessia stood there, her eyes wide with surprise.She nodded and whispered, ‘But what’s your angle in all of this?’Logan was left dumbfounded.He felt unjustly accused.Did Alessia genuinely think so little of him?He’d only been trying to win her over by treating her loved ones with kindness.This was a misunderstanding, and he couldn’t let it stand.Alessia noticed Logan’s silence and smiled knowingly, convinced of her own correctness.Logan’s frustration grew with each passing moment.‘Alessia,’ he finally spoke, ‘I want you. If you’re game, I won’t hold back.’Alessia blushed and hissed, ‘Logan, we’re in the office. Keep it professional.’Logan chuckled, his frustration evident. ‘Never mind. I’ve clearly made a poor impression on you. Why should I bother?’Alessia looked at him, perplexed. ‘What are you trying to say?’Suddenly, a voice interrupted them from outside.Both Alessia and Logan turned towards the door, where they saw Lee entering.Lee greeted Alessia with a friendly s
‘Distracting?’ Logan arched an eyebrow and mockingly repeated her words.Then, with a sneer, he added, ‘Well, perhaps you need to work on your multitasking skills. Seems like it’s lacking.’Alessia rolled her eyes.This guy was downright intimidating.She locked eyes with him and retorted, ‘It’s clear you can’t control your desires. It’s quite annoying.’Logan shot back, ‘You’re right. I’m your boyfriend. It’s only natural that I’d want to sleep with you. And your constant rejections are getting on my nerves.’Alessia was left dumbfounded by his bluntness.Logan was unapologetic. ‘I want you. I want to spend time with you, go for walks with you, have dinner with you, sleep with you. It’s that simple.’Alessia sighed, clearly uninterested in discussing this topic.She was about to say something when, luckily, a knock interrupted their conversation.‘Come in,’ Logan said in a commanding tone that matched his domineering demeanour.Alessia couldn’t help but roll her eyes.‘He’s such an a