AUTHOR'S POV“I still think this wasn't necessary,” Alina sighed, looking out of the car window. “Shut up. You know I wasn't going to waste the only day I get off early from work. Besides, I have heard so many good things about this restaurant,” Thea counter replied, while steering her car to the left , taking a sharp turn. “You know I'm not too fond of fine dining anyways. Burgers work fine for me.” “Yes, but you can't complain if I'm the one who's spoiling you. You just sit back and enjoy it.” Thea stopped the car in front of a lavish restaurant before stepping out and handing her keys to the valet. Alina joined her before they entered. “What did Elliot say?” “He'll be joining us in a few,” Thea hooked her arm with Alina's. “Hi, do you have a reservation?” The receptionist asked the girls. “Yes, under Thea Jones.” “Right this way,” the woman replied after searching through the list and finding Thea’s name. All the while, Alina just rolled her eyes on how extra these restaur
Theodore's PovI tried to focus on the conversation with my client and Rebecca. But every fiber of my being was drawn to the adjacent table where Alina sat with Thea, along with a stranger who seemed to be monopolizing her attention. And I fucking hated it.Alina's laughter, so familiar and sweet, grated against my nerves as it mingled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation in the restaurant. I couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy as I watched her smile and engage with the intruder. He was good looking, I had to give it to him on that. But I still bagged more points than him in this department. It should have been me eliciting those melodious giggles, sharing those intimate moments with her.My grip on the wine glass tightened as I struggled to maintain composure, pretending to be engrossed in the discussion at our table. But my mind was elsewhere, fixated on the scene unfolding just a few feet away. Each laugh, each exchange between them, fueled the flames of
ALINA'S POVI was back at work. And obviously I didn't say bye to my wig just yet. It would be a hassle explaining to everyone the change of hair. And I was in no mood to talk, let alone mingle and explain myself to anyone. I went behind the counter to take my place for work while one of the chefs waved his hand at me before wishing a good morning and busying himself in the kitchen. I returned the pleasantries before starting my system. Asher had the day out with Elliot so I was relieved of that at least. Because I was really not in my mind since the little incident from last night. Sighing, I proceeded with working when all of a sudden, Olivia, the cafe’s manager, who is also the owner stepped out from her little office in the corner. The cafe was not open yet for the customers yet. The staff always has to be early of course and prepare some stock before the customers can come in. “Wait a minute,” Olivia announced, making her way to us. “We won't be working from today.” “What? Wh
ALINA'S POV“What do you mean?” Of course there had to be something else I was unaware of in the contract my so called father signed. “The terms of the contract clearly stated that if any party breaks the rules, will be obligated to pay a penalty of 70 million dollars. Since Roosevelt obviously stole from me, breaking the condition of the contract, he is obligated to pay the penalty. Considering if any party is unable to, their first family members will be held accountable and will have to clear the penalty, otherwise may result in imprisonment,” Theodore explained with his straight business face. Of-fucking-course I didn't see this coming. Even after four years, these cockroaches weren't ready to leave me alone. The were everywhere, following me like shadow. My father and his sins, and of course my ex husband. I sighed, clutching the fabric of my jeans tightly. How the hell was I supposed to pay him 70 millions dollars? As if hearing my thoughts, he continued. “Since I know you can
Alina's Pov “Did you enjoy your day then?” I looked at my baby, all bundled up in my lap. “I did mommy,” Asher responded. “I saw the big dangerous fish also!” He chirped in excitement. “You mean the shark?” Apparently Elliot took Asher to the aquarium since he was very persistent about going from the day he had watched Aquaman. “Ahan, And then uncle Elli bought me icecream,” Asher looked at Elliot sitting across from us, his eyes widened as he slammed his hands over his mouth, realizing he said too much. A little conversation passed between them silently as Asher shook his head furiously. “How many did you have exactly?” I scowled, faking anger. “Um…one,” he gave me his best convincing look. Of course I didn't buy it. I knew him better than he thought. I was his mother after all. “Two,” he changed his answer, looking at my serious look. “Ok, only three. I promise,” he hid his face behind his hands, looking at me from in-between the gaps his fingers. I sighed, glaring at Ellio
ALINA'S POV“You did what?” Thea screeched in my ear, and I winced at her high pitched voice. “Please tell me I heard wrong!” “Geez, woman. Calm down. My ears will bleed if you continue doing that.” “What the hell were you thinking, Alina?” My mind pondered back to the day I found out I was pregnant with Asher. FlashbackSitting on the edge of the toilet seat, my hands shook uncontrollably as tears cascaded down my cheeks. The pregnancy test in my grasp felt like a damning verdict, confirming the truth I had been desperately trying to deny: I was carrying Theodore's baby. No matter how hard I tried to distance myself from him, he had managed to leave his mark on me in the most irreversible way possible.Lost in a whirlwind of fear and despair, a knock on the bathroom door startled me out of my reverie. Thea's concerned voice pierced through the silence, pulling me back to reality."Alina? It's been some time now. Are you alright? What are you even doing?" Thea's voice held a hint
THEODORE'S POV“I think you gotta pull up your socks and level up your game if you wanna win.” I looked up from my laptop screen as Rebecca barged into my office like it was her own. Fronwing, I didn't understand what she was talking about. She placed a takeout bag on my desk before taking her seat across from me. “Your ex-wife seems to be enjoying the company of others. What I'm seeing is that it will only take a few days before someone else flies away with her. And you'll be left gawking.” “What the hell do you mean?” I hissed as my hold on the pen tightened. No one can take Alina away from me. No one. “I saw Alina out today with Elliot. Alone.” “What?” I snapped, standing up from my position. “Take a chill pill and sit down first.” I did as she said before glaring at her. “Now can you elaborate?” “You know Elliot, the guy from the restaurant who your were itching to kill, my friend, a fellow model, handsome, rich—” “I remember who he is,” I cut her off not wanting to hear mo
Theodore's POV“I..what do you mean, Mr Maxwell?” Thea looked taken aback by the sudden query. Her finger fidgeted with the material of her pants as she grew nervous. “I mean, you two looked pretty close back at the restaurant. I'm guessing she is good friend of yours,” I gave her time to collect herself and start giving me insights that I was looking for. “Um, yeah. We are.” She finally said after much thinking. “We..we were actually together in school. And then we crossed paths after years at work. So we decided to catch up on a few things. She's a good friend. Could I possibly know why you are asking about her?” “And the guy that was accompanying you two?” I ignored her question. Since I'm the boss, only I get to interrogate. “Well, erm.. he's my brother. Is everything alright Mr Maxwell? Did he do something?” Yes, he actually did Thea. He fucking touched what's mine. He dared to get close to the person who didn't belong to him. And for that he will have to pay. Unless, he decid
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,