Alina’s PovI was given no choice. Like every time. Theodore explained in detail the consequences if I wouldn't move in with him since practically, I was his employee who signed her own death certificate in the name of a contract. Plus, the very employee was also the mother of his undeniable son. I mean, I knew no one would believe he wasn't his. But it was worth a try. Plus, the pressure of the conversation that had to unfold between me and my son about who his dad was nailing down on my head for the last few hours. I sighed, gazing out of the window from the guest room of his mansion I was currently in when a knock was heard on the door. “Come in.”Asher came barreling in through the door, jumping on the bed instantly, taking a spot beside me as Theodore entered behind him, pushing a trolly full of food. “Look mummy, we made dinner for you. Uncle Theodore said you need healthy food since you are sick. I did most of the job cooking. He only helped a little,” Asher spoke proudly, cro
Alina's Pov “Oh,” was all Asher said. “That's all you have to say baby?” My forehead creased, not knowing what he was thinking. He was in very deep thought. “So…” Asher dragged on, “he hurt you?” I didn't say anything and kept looking at his face. “And you cry at night because of him?” I gave a very subtle nod. “What are you thinking so hard about?” I asked him. “I don't understand. He gave me everything I liked; ice-cream, superman suit, action figure. But why didn't he give you ice-cream? Did he not have money at that time? Yeah I think that's it. Mummy, he might not have enough money to buy you ice cream. I'm sure he didn't want to hurt you,” I looked at him appalled. My boy really thought this was about ice cream? I mean what did I even expect of a child who doesn't even go to school yet. “I can talk to him. And he can apologize to you. I know he will listen to me.” I knew he would obviously listen to his own child too. “And then I can make him buy you ice cream also. Then y
Alina's Pov I saw Theodore's eyes go wide as his jaw dropped, probably caught off guard by Asher's question. He truly looked amazed but also in a haze of awe where he couldn't believe his world that this was actually happening. Like Asher was finally acknowledging him as his dad. Something that his eyes said, he had wished for a very long time and was looking forward to. “You..you really mean that?” Maybe I was mistaken, but I heard Theodore choked on his breath a little bit as he asked Asher. Asher nodded rather enthusiastically in return since Theodore had pretty much won him over using his favorite superhero, which I couldn't deny was a very good strategy on his part. “Yes! Mommy told me you are my daddy!” Asher smiled with his teeth on display. Theodore looked baffled as his head whipped towards me as if to confirm what Asher had said was really true. I decided to say nothing in reply, but nonetheless it gave him the answer he wanted. He looked grateful. But I didn't want to
Alina's Pov “Please, please tell me you said no! Please?” I sighed as Thea screeched out her concern, making me slightly wince at how loud she was. But I couldn't really blame her. The reaction was expected with the sudden news I broke. “I signed the contract. He used it against me,” I sighed, explaining my hands were pretty much tied up. “This bastard! He thinks he can just separate the two of us just like that? Well he is mistaken. No way in hell are you moving out!” Thea stood to her feet, her hands finding her hips angrily as she stomped her foot thinking of possible ways to get me out of the situation. “I've already thought about it, Thea. I don't have a choice. Once again.” I honestly hated that everytime I promised myself I would stay away from these problems, the more I found myself getting caught up in them. It was ridiculously annoying. “Wait, so you and Asher….you guys are just going to leave me? Just like that?” Thea sulked, dropping the bed and I could hear her voic
Alina's Pov “Don't cause much trouble for Annie ok? Just watch some movies and play with your superman until I'm back,” I kissed Asher on the forehead before he smiled at me. “Ok mummy.” Theodore had thankfully let me continue having Annie as Asher's nanny, despite having doubts if she was good enough. I convinced him that she was the only one who was good enough for my boy. That finally made him agree otherwise he wanted Martha to take care of him, not trusting anyone from outside. Yes, Martha and Anders had now moved into the penthouse since we started living here. And I took peace knowing Martha would also be there to keep Asher company. Two was always better than one. A knock interrupted us as I got up to open the door of the bedroom Asher and I were living in. I had made sure it was a little further away from Theodore's. “Yes?” I asked my baby’s daddy, seeing him standing behind the door. “Um..can I see Asher before leaving for work?” I glanced back over my should
Theodore's Pov I dialed Alina’s extension but she didn't answer. Strange. The surprise I planned for her was finally complete and I couldn't wait a second longer for her to see it. Deep down, I was dying with anxiousness and curiosity as to what she would think about it. Would she think I am crazy? Well, I couldn't deny that. Maybe I should go and get her myself. I walked out of my office and made my way to Alina’s, only to not find her sitting in her chair. That made me scowl. I saw her laptop switched on which means it wasn't long before she left. Otherwise she would have closed it. She must have gone to the restroom. Now I could just wait patiently for her in my office or I could go and search for her. Being the impatient ass I am, I chose the second option. Walking out of her office, I made a beeline to Jenna, the only receptionist and a sweet lady of not more than forty years on my floor. “Where's Ali— I mean where's Stacy?” “She left for the 12th floor urgently. I don't know
THEODORE'S POV Alina didn't argue once when I dragged her to me office room. Infact, she stayed silent the whole time. Now that was something I was worried about. She seemed number, almost lost in her own thoughts that she didn't respond to anything. Like anything at all. Not when I made her sit on my chair in the office, not when I poured her a glass of water. Sure she took it from my hand, but made no move of drinking it. Observing her silently, I took the glass from her hand and kneeled down before her to get to her height. Tilting her chin towards me, I raised the glass to her lips before she finally parted them and I made her drink some of the water. She took a deep breath before moving back. “See, what happened. I told you it was fine if I could just come to the office on my own,” she spoke, lost in a trance. “Alina, I'm not afraid of telling them what you mean to me. I'm not afraid to own you in front of anyone, to claim that yes you are the love of my life and yes I'll
Alina's Pov “I still don't get it,” I responded even though I knew where this was going. But my mind really wanted to believe it was not what I was thinking it was. Theodore sighed before stepping closer to take the file away from my hands and keeping it on the desk before taking my hands in his. Honestly I was blown away when I stepped into the building because it really was perfect. The interior, the furniture, the plan, everything about it screamed perfection. One would die to have an office place like this but then again, I didn't want to disappoint myself after getting my hopes high. “Alina,” Theodore started and got my attention back. “I can't go back in time and reverse everything that I did. No matter how much I wish I could, I can't. But this is another way I came up with to make things right between us. I know what I did was probably the biggest regret of my life. But I need to make things right. And I can start that by giving you something that you have always wished fo
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,