TheodoreThat bastard did it again. He will never learn, will he? The very next morning, I kicked open his office door and entered like I owned it. I did l, in fact, own it. There was no doubt about it. He stood up from his desk after acknowledging my presence. “Ah, Theodore. What a surp-”“-It’s Mr. Maxwell for you!” My voice laced with venom, made him gulp at my words. “Haha, come on now. There should be no formalities now that you are my son-in-law. You didn't have to come all the way here. You should have called me instead.” He said awkwardly, filling in the silence. He moved out of his desk and approached me. “Come, have a seat. We can talk about whatever you want,” he pointed at the couch in his office. “Your friend is also welcome, don't worry,” he offered Daniel, who was standing in the doorway, looking bored at the whole scene. I smirked at him. He really wasn't doing that, was he? “Sure, let's talk.” I brushed past him, bumping into his shoulder purposely before taking lo
Theodore “Already got the news of your daddy dearest, I assume?” My voice came out harsher than intended. But I didn't care. Her father had already cost me a lot of time. And now, she'll be the one to carry out his plans. But I'll ruin her before she can even think about it. Alina abruptly jerked up from her position and met my eyes. “Excuse me ?” She quickly wiped the remaining tears on her face as she continued to look at me in confusion. So she didn't know about her father? Why was she crying? Oh cut it. It was just an act. But what if it's not? What if there is something that is worrying her? My heart fought. “Why are you crying?” “Why do you care?” Oh, so she's back to being her bratty self. She broke eye contact and looked back at the sky. I've had enough of this ignoring. I cannot be ignored! Bending down to her level, I held her chin and aggressively jerked her face to make her look at me. “Listen you-” I forgot what I was saying when I felt my heart pang at the sight bef
TheodoreI walked into the living room after a long day of work, hoping to get one glance at Alina. Fuck, I had gone crazy. I was hoping to steal a glance of the woman who was the daughter of the person I hated immensely. My heart calmed in satisfaction after spotting her situated on the sofa, comfortably with her legs tucked under her hips, as she continued punching some keys on the laptop. She was so engrossed in her work, she only realized my presence when I went to take a seat opposite her. “Oh, you are back,” she said with a straight face.“I am. Not happy to see me, are you?” “Who said that? I was just surprised you are early today,” She looked at her worst watch. “Hm. You talk like you haven't been ignoring me for the past two days.”“Why would I be ignoring you?” She frowned. Because I was a bitch to you? “I don't know. You tell me.” She sighed at my response. “I really don't know what you are talking about.” My gaze fell on the emerald pendant, gently resting on her co
Alina's PovI gave myself a final overview in the mirror. The blue dress did well to enhance the curves on my body. It was a full sleeve silk body-con dress, reaching my ankles. Not too bad, I think. I looked at the clock which stated 7:30. Shit, I am late. I heard a knock on the door, making me glance at it as I put on my earrings. Must be Martha coming to inform me that her dearest Mr. Maxwell is probably going crazy downstairs waiting for me. “Come in,” I announce, hurriedly working on my earrings. I heard the door open before shutting back. “Sorry Martha. I know Theodore might probably be eating your ear out for me being late,” I didn't hear anything back from which made me turn around and face her. “Just let him know I'll be down in two min-” my words died in my throat as my eyes fell on the person who was in my room. “Theodore?” To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I was flabbergasted. Did he come all the way here to give me an earful for being late? He remained si
Alina's Pov The dinner was finally over, and I couldn't wait to get home when Mr. Summers decided to spend some quality time over wine. Only if the time was of quality, I thought. “So Alina, when am I expecting little Theodore and Alina running around? I'm sure they are going to be so beautiful, just like you two,” I coughed, choking on my wine, and Nathan came to my rescue. “Are you alright?” He asked, lightly tapping on my back. Theodore was sitting across from me, whereas Nathan sat on the couch next to me, which made him closer to me in this situation. Mr. And Mrs. Summers were sitting adjacent to Nathan at a little distance. “Fine,” I inhaled a sharp breath before pushing Nathan's hand off myself. He was really doing this on purpose just to get on Theodore’s skin. I knew it was working with the glare Theodore was pinning Nathan with currently. That man could hardly contain his anger. “Be careful there,” Nathan commented once before taking his place back. “Anyway, so when am
Alina's Pov I didn't know what happened last night, but I couldn't deny it left me wanting for more. Wanting more of Theodore Maxwell. It was getting hard to look past his charms. There was no lie that he could easily get anyone on knees for him, and I too experienced it last night. The weirdest part was, he didn't even have to kiss me to have me panting for him. He didn't. All he did was give me a hickey. Yep he did that, but that was all. And I also know it only happened because he was drunk. He didn't know what he was doing. I convinced myself. Then why did I feel the need to go through it all again? Why did my heart wish he was actually in his senses when he told me all of those things? Shaking my head, I came out of my fantasies, and concentrated on the work at hand. I had to complete the book by next month at all costs. But it was just so hard to find the motivation to get your protagonists the happy ending when you are having a miserable married life youself. Slapping the lap
Alina's Pov“Alina?” “Nathan?” I was shocked to see him here. “Surprised, aren't you?” He gave a cheeky smile. “Can't blame me, can you? I mean, a man like yourself doesn't suit in a girly aesthetic shop like this. Which makes me think, what are you doing here?” “Oh, I just came to get mom some stuff. She has a thing for-” he examined the shop shortly before continuing, “-aesthetic things like these. Just wanted to surprise her with some cute stuff. Would you mind suggesting anything?”“I'm sure you'd know your mother better than me, if you already know she likes aesthetic stuff like such,” I scoffed. “Touchè,” he smirked as I continued with checking out my things. “A man can only try getting the attention of a beautiful woman like you.” I felt his presence close as I entered the pin for Theodore's credit card.“Married,” I corrected him, immediately turning around with a sting eye. “Married woman like me Nathan, won't suit a bachelor like you. So it would be in your benefit to ke
Theodore's Pov Was it worth it? Giving Alina a chance, knowing that she is the daughter of that rat? I think so. I couldn't help but change the way I think of her recently. She had proved me wrong in a number of things, and the curiosity to know her better got the best of me. I couldn't erase the protective urge that swirled in me on the day she cried. The day of her birthday and her mother's death anniversary. It pained my heart to see her tear-stained cheeks that day. For a moment, I was scared and didn't want to be the reason behind her tears. Why? I still don't know.But there was just something about her that had entranced me. There was no doubt she was so far the prettiest, most beautiful woman I had ever witnessed in my life. And none of it was plastic. It was all natural. But her aura, her elegance could really make anyone her fan. Mr. And Mrs. Summers were a good example of it. At the dinner at their house, I felt rage consume me seeing Nathan's advances on her. I knew he
Alina's Pov 2 years later “Are you crazy?” Thea yells barging into my office. “I can't believe you are doing this today out of all days!” I ignored her, continuing to type furiously on my laptop. I got used to her barging into the publishing house every second day and complaining about something or the other. It's what made her Thea. Yes I had taken over the publishing house and now became a successful Author and owner of this business. Theodore was utterly proud of all the hard work and my achievements and finally after a year, I got my reward of becoming the bestseller. I had only ever imagined it in my dreams, so living it felt surreal. “Bruh! We are going to be late for the signing!” Thea shut my laptop, making me sigh. Why did I hire her as my manager once again? Yeah, to keep me on track. And she was just doing her job, I reminded myself and killed the urge to slap her. She loved her job by the way. She said it was thrilling. “I was in the middle of a very important sc
Alina's Pov I did it. I signed the last contract. Was it selfish of me to do that? Maybe. So I regret it? No. Because I wasn't going to take another chance in my life because at first, it was just me. But now, my son is also involved. No one in the world would I allow anyone to be unjust to him. So I did it for his sake. Call me a gold digger or whatever, but I had to protect my son's future before anything. As I stood in the kitchen, absently stirring my coffee, the events of last night replayed in my mind with startling clarity. Theodore and I had been lying on the cool garden grass, the stars glittering like diamonds above us. It was one of those rare, serene moments where the world seemed to pause just for us.I remember the hesitation in Theodore's voice as he turned to me, his eyes reflecting the night sky. "Alina," he began slowly, "I don't want you to feel pressured into answering this, but I've been wondering... If I hadn't done the things I did in the past, do you think yo
Theodore's PovI was buried in paperwork, the soft hum of my office providing a soothing backdrop as I reviewed a critical document. The numbers were lining up, and for once, it seemed like the day might end without any surprises. Just as I was about to finish, my phone rang, jolting me from my concentration.I glanced at the screen. It was Daniel. Strange, I thought, answering the call. "Hey, Daniel. What's up?""Where are you!?" Daniel’s voice was urgent, almost frantic."I'm at the office. Why?" I responded, my confusion growing."And Alina? Where is she? And Asher?" "They're supposed to be at home. Why? What's wrong?" "Nathan has gotten bail! Last according to my sources, he's going towards your penthouse!" Daniel's words sent a chill down my spine. I didn't waste a second. Slamming the phone down, I bolted from my office, my heart pounding in my chest. The drive to the penthouse was a blur. All I could think about was getting to Alina and Asher before Nathan did.As I neared t
Alina’s PovThe sun was shining brilliantly, casting a golden hue over the park as I spread out the picnic blanket. Asher was already dashing off to join the other kids, his laughter filling the air. It was one of those perfect days that made you forget all your troubles, even if just for a moment.I unpacked the picnic basket, laying out sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. I watched Asher play, a smile tugging at my lips. Life had changed so much in the span of a few days. From grappling with the loss of my estranged father to deciding to take over the publishing house, it felt like I was finally stepping into my own.Theodore had been my rock through it all. His support, his unwavering belief in me, had given me the strength to face everything. And now, here I was, planning to start a new chapter, determined to make the most of the opportunities before me."Mommy, look!" Asher called out, holding up a flower he'd picked."It's beautiful, sweetie," I called back, waving at him.As the af
Alina's Pov As I opened the letter, I watched carefully as my heart was pounding in my chest. I unfold the paper with trembling hands and began to read. The silence in the car feeling heavy, each second stretching out as my eyes take in what was written. My Dearest Alina,If you are reading this, then my time has come, and I have departed from this world. There are no words that can truly express the remorse I feel for the pain and suffering I caused you. I know I was never the father you deserved. I was selfish, cruel, and neglectful, and I let my ambitions and grudges take precedence over my duties to you as a parent.Signing you away to Theodore was the most disgraceful thing I ever did. I justified it as a business decision, but deep down, I knew it was wrong. It was not until I was imprisoned that I began to see the full extent of my failures and the hurt I had inflicted on you. I asked you to visit, hoping to have the chance to make amends, to explain myself, and to beg for
Alina's Pov "How... when?"Theodore takes a step closer, his expression softening as he reaches for my hand again. "Earlier today," he says gently. "I'm so sorry, Alina."I feel a strange numbness wash over me, a mix of shock and disbelief. "I... I don't know what to say," I stammer, my voice breaking."It's okay," Theodore murmurs, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "Take your time."I cling to him, the weight of the news pressing down on me. The room fades into the background as I try to process the reality of my father's death, feeling Theodore's steady presence grounding me in the midst of my turmoil.I stand there, wrapped in Theodore's embrace, but all I feel is a strange, unsettling numbness. No sadness, no remorse, just a void where my emotions should be. The news echoes in my mind, but it feels distant, as if it's happening to someone else.I pull back slightly, looking up at Theodore. "I don't... I don't feel anything," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "I tho
Alina's PovAs I opened the door to the penthouse, Thea stood there with a huge grin, her arms loaded with bags of snacks and a couple of DVDs. It had been way too long since we'd had one of our legendary sleepovers."Thea! You made it!" I exclaimed, giving her a tight hug."Of course I did! Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, squeezing me back. "Where's my little man?""Asher! Aunt Thea's here!" I called out.Within seconds, a blur of curly hair and infectious energy came barreling towards us. Asher threw himself into Thea's arms, giggling wildly as she lifted him off the ground."I've missed you so much, buddy!" Thea said, spinning him around. Asher squealed with delight, his laughter filling the room."We've missed you too," I said softly, watching them with a smile.After settling in and catching up a bit, we gathered on the couch with a mountain of popcorn between us. Asher sat between Thea and me, his eyes wide with excitement as he looked at the stack of movies on the
Alina's Pov Cooking with Asher was always a delightful, messy adventure. This morning, he had insisted on helping me make pasta. At just four years old, he had a fiery determination and an eagerness to be involved in whatever I was doing. How could I say no to his bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm?“Okay, sweetheart, you can help Mommy,” I said, lifting him up to sit on the kitchen counter. His eyes sparkled with joy, and he clapped his tiny hands in excitement."Yay! I help Mama," he declared proudly.I set the ingredients out on the counter: a packet of pasta, a variety of spices, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Asher leaned forward, eyes wide, surveying the array of items before him. He reached for the spice jars, his small hands struggling a bit with the lids.“Let me help you with that, love,” I said, gently twisting off the cap of the oregano for him. “This is oregano. Smell it. Isn’t it wonderful?”Asher took a big whiff and scrunched up his nose, making a face that m
Alina's Pov Without breaking the kiss and having his hand wrapped around me, he effortlessly walked to the other side of the decoration and it was only then I noticed a beautiful pastel tent decorated with fairy lights waiting for us. “What are you—” my words were silenced as his lips captured mine in a fervent kiss. The world around us disappeared. His hands slid up my sides, pulling me closer as I deepened the kiss, our tongues tangling in a dance of raw need. My soft lips yielded to his, and I clutched his shoulders, pulling him even closer. The intensity of the moment consumed us, our breaths mingling, my gasps fueling his desire. He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek as I tilted my head, exploring his mouth with a hunger I couldn’t contain. My fingers threaded through his hair, tugging gently. Every touch, every caress was electric, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing second. I could feel my heart pounding against his chest,