ALINA'S POVMy throat clogged as air struggled to pass to my lungs. I froze in my position as I recognized the same midnight black hair, the striking jaw line. There, standing before me, was my ex-husband, the man I had been hiding from for years, hoping to escape the pain of our past. My heart pounded fiercely against my chest, its rhythm erratic and deafening in my ears.I was enveloped in shock, the air around me thick with disbelief. How could fate be so cruel as to bring him back into my life at this moment? I prayed fervently, desperately, that he wouldn't recognize me, not with my altered hair color and eye shade. I couldn't risk the memories, the hurt, resurfacing, tearing open wounds I had painstakingly tried to heal.I stood there, lost for words, my mind a whirlwind of emotions and memories crashing against the barriers I had erected to shield myself from the pain of our failed marriage. His eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, I held my breath, willing myself to become
THEODORE'S POV“Tell Fabio to postpone my meetings until tomorrow. I need to do some site visits today,” I told Anders while leaving the house. “Yes Mr. Maxwell,” I had not gone to the office today. I didn't feel like it. Again, a first for me, but then, a lot of things have been a first after her. I had to take care of the site visit Mr. Summers had placed on my shoulders. I need to wrap it as soon as possible before going to the office today. The location he had sent me for the next project seemed a little off. I mean it was very far from the city area. But then, he explained it had potential in the future. And who was I to say anything when the client wants it. The client gets what he wants. Therefore, I was off with Anders in the driving seat. As I sat back in the car, she crossed my mind. Again. Everytime my thoughts are empty, she seeps into them. Where would she be right now? Had she eaten? Was she in some kind of problem? Did she have enough financial resources? My mood dimm
THEODORE'S POVI sat until the cafe was about to close. If she works in a cafe so far away from the main city side, then she needs to be living somewhere around here. My phone rang. It was Fabio, my assistant, so I answered it. “Yes?”“Mr Maxwell, I wanted to remind you that you have a meeting with the directors in an hour.”“Yes, I remember. I'll be there,” I didn't wait for him to answer before hanging up. After everyone had left and I was the only one in the cafe, I decided it was time to leave and surprise my little mouse. Let her rejoice in the fact that she hasn't been caught. Yet. Getting out of the cafe, I texted Anders to take the car away in the next lane and wait for me there. I didn't want her to suspect anything about me still being around because obviously she would recognize my usual car and Anders. Today, it was the same one we used to go to Mr. Summers house.My shoes clicked against the pavement as I walked away from the cafe, seeing her coming in my direction. Taki
ALINA'S POVThe silence in the car was so deafening, I could hear it screaming in my ears. “I would need your address, Miss Alina,” Anders finally broke the ice. Maybe it was my imagination, but I felt Theodore go a little stiff at the mention of that. Why? Nonetheless, he didn't stop digging holes into my head with his gaze. Dear God, I had only ever asked for one thing. To not let me ever be discovered by Theodore Maxwell again. Yet you did it. Why? What did I even do to deserve this? “I'll show you the way. Take the upcoming left from here,” Anders nodded. Yes, obviously I wasn't going to tell them my real address. I can't take the chance of him finding out about Asher. But where the hell was I going to go? I was guiding them in the opposite direction of Thea's house. Maybe I should just stop by a nearby building. And step out of his car. Soon. My eyes were on the road in search of a building I could make my temporary house for the show. I was so concentrated on the road, I almost
ALINA'S POVI frowned when Elliot killed the engine of his Porsche in front of the restaurant. By now there were some stains of tears left behind on my cheek, but apart from that, I had recovered from the surprising event that just took place. Or maybe, I thought I had recovered.“I know you haven't eaten and you are hungry. We can first fill your tummy and then talk about whatever happened, ok?” He squeezed my hand in assurance. “Yeah. But Asher?” He had again volunteered to spend the day with Asher today. “Don't worry. I called Annie. She came over.” Annie was Asher's babysitter and the last option whenever there couldn't be anyone to stay back with him. I didn't want my boy to be brought up by nannies or babysitters, so I spent as much time as I could with him. But in cases where everyone was packed, like now, we had Annie to take care of the situation. “Thanks,” we walked into the restaurant and I told him to order whatever he wanted because I had lost all appetite. He ordered
ALINA'S POVTrue to my words, I did take the day off. Because I desperately needed some quality time with my baby. So we decided to make some pancakes. Since my boy loves it. And he wanted to help. So who was I to deny that. Thea was already off to work and Elliot was busy with some shoot. Which left the two of us alone. “What else should I do mommy?” He asked after opening a the container of sugar. He was just sitting on the kitchen slab as I mixed the battar, feeling left out, he scolded me that I wasn't giving him work to help me out. Which is why I handed him a few bottle containers to open up.“That's it buddy. You've been a very good chef. I'm so proud of you,” I encouraged my boy. “But you did not even let me cook, Mama,” he complained with a pout on his lips and I immediately kissed it away. “You don't have to worry about cooking honey when mama is here with you.” “Oki,” he smiled, showing me his pearl teeth. Once the pancakes were ready, I piled them up on a plate and dri
Alina's Pov As I stepped into the club, the bass thumped through the air, pulsating against my skin with every beat. The dim lights swirled around the dance floor, casting shadows that danced in rhythm to the music. I could feel the atmosphere charged with energy, tingling with anticipation.As I made my way through the crowd, I couldn't help but notice the eyes on me. It wasn't just the casual glances; it was the way they lingered, filled with hunger and desire. It sent a thrill down my spine, a rush of exhilaration mixed with a hint of danger.Approaching the bar, I caught the bartender's eye and leaned in, raising my voice slightly over the music. "Four shots of tequila, please," I requested, a smirk playing on my lips as I glanced around the crowded room.The bartender nodded, a knowing smile flickering across his face as he poured the amber liquid into the shot glasses. "Here you go," he said, sliding them across the counter towards me."Thanks," I replied, my voice low and husk
THEODORE'S POV I kept calling her. Since last night I had been trying to reach her but she didn't answer. Everytime it went to voicemail. So the first thing I decided to do int he morning was visit her cafe. But unfortunately she wasn't there. “She didn't come in today,” her manager said, which had me churning in worry. “Why? Is everything alright?” I asked, squinting my eyes in worry. Obviously the poor old lady was intimidated and felt obligated to answer me. Do I take advantage of my hard exterior and intimidating looks? All the time. Would I do it again to get answers from the old lady to find the love of my life? A hundred percent yes. “I'm not sure Mister. She might be sick or something.” That ignited a whole new level of concern in me. Fuck, she could be sick and in pain. And there might be no one to help her out. What if she needs anything? Medicine? Food? Or worse, what if she has to go to the doctor and doesn't have enough money for it. Not giving it a second thought, I
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,