FAITHThe air was thick with tension as I stepped into the private jet, my feet feeling heavier with every step. Jared followed behind me quietly, guiding me through the sleek, polished cabin. His steps were measured, quick, but I couldn’t help but feel the weight of his presence pressing down on me. As much as I tried to focus on the luxurious surroundings, the throbbing ache in my head and the heavy reality of what I was about to do made it impossible to enjoy any of it.The interior of the jet was immaculate. Plush leather seats, a glossy wood paneling, and soft lighting that somehow made everything seem surreal. A far cry from the cramped locker rooms and dive diners I’d left behind.I let out a long, tired breath as Jared stepped aside to leave me alone. His parting words were as sterile as ever: “I will leave you two to talk. Let me know if you need anything.”I didn’t have the energy to acknowledge him. Instead, my eyes drifted to the figure waiting at the far end of the cabi
FAITHI looked up, meeting Blaze’s gaze. The softness was gone, replaced by the shrewd, calculating look.And in that moment, I was reminded of why I was here. This wasn’t a fairy tale, and Blaze wasn’t some knight in shining armor. He was a billionaire, a businessman who probably saw this child as nothing more than an investment—a future asset he’d already started to protect.Still, I steeled myself, sitting up straighter, meeting his gaze head-on. “Fine. Let’s talk.”He leaned forward, fingers laced together, studying me with that intense gaze that seemed to see straight through every defense I tried to put up.
FAITHThe car rolled to a slow stop, the hum of the engine fading as I stared out the window, my breath catching in my throat. The sprawling mansion before me looked like something out of a storybook—or maybe a gothic novel.A sprawling estate stretched before me, its towering structure made of dark stone, the kind that whispered secrets of old money and hidden skeletons. Ivy crept up the walls, clinging to the cold exterior like it was trying to reclaim the building. The windows were tall, framed in black, with sheer curtains billowing faintly behind the glass. Everything about it screamed wealth, but it didn’t feel welcoming. It felt… imposing.My stomach twisted.I stepped ou
FAITHThe mansion stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of wealth and grandeur that I should have been amazed by. At first, I had been, marveling at the towering ceilings, the glint of sunlight on marble floors, and the luxurious drapes that framed windows overlooking sprawling gardens. But as Jessica led me further through the maze of opulence, that sense of awe quickly faded.There was something about Jessica. Her warmth and effusive energy had seemed genuine at first, almost comforting in a world where I was a stranger. But now, there was a sharp edge beneath her smile, a calculation in the way she watched me as if I were some prized possession she’d won at an auction.“Isn’t it just divine?” Jessica exclaimed, gesturing to
FAITHI looked at Blaze, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Oh… I see,” I said, my voice soft but steady.He arched an eyebrow, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “Any more questions?”I hesitated. The truth was, I did have questions—ones that danced dangerously close to crossing professional boundaries. Questions about the tone in his voice earlier, the brief flicker of something in his eyes that seemed... personal. But I swallowed them down, biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from speaking.“I do,” I admitted after a pause, “but I don’t think they’d be appropriate to ask.” I tried to infuse a hint of lightness into my tone, hoping it would deflect attention from the awkwardness I suddenly felt.His lips twitched, the ghost of a smirk tugging at the corners. “I’m glad you have that common sense.”And just like that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing faintly as the distance between us grew.For a moment, I just stood there, staring after him, a mix of emotions
FAITHI walked into the dining room, the soft murmur of voices instantly drawing my attention. The table was grand and stretched far, with elegant place settings and an array of delicious-smelling dishes. My stomach churned, not from hunger, but from the nervousness bubbling inside me.As I stepped further into the room, I noticed faces I hadn’t seen before. Blaze, who had been seated at the head of the table, noticed me immediately. A warm, reassuring smile spread across his face as he rose from his chair and walked toward me. My heart, already unsteady from anxiety, skipped a beat.“Hey, Faith,” Blaze said softly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that calmed my frayed nerves. He reached for my hand, his touch firm yet gentle. “Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”I nodded, gripping his hand like a lifeline as he led me to the table. All eyes turned toward us, and I felt a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. Blaze’s presence beside me, though reassuring, didn’t entirely erase th
FAITHI blinked at Blaze, caught off guard by the mix of humor and sincerity in his tone.He continued, his voice gentle but firm. “Therefore, you don’t have to stay put and listen to everything my mom says. She can be a bit… overbearing sometimes. But, while I have to bear with her because I am her son, you have no such obligation. You are free to live as you want for these nine months.”I tilted my head, studying him for a moment before speaking. “Why are you so nice to me?” I asked, my voice softer than I intended. “I ghosted you for a month after we… you know, after I…” I trailed off, the memory of that night still an awkward weight between us.Blaze shrugged, a fain
FAITHKristin’s sharp poke to my side jolted me out of my daze. “Hey,” she said grumpily, her voice low but laced with irritation. “What’s with the deer-in-headlights look? You know those people or something?”I blinked rapidly, trying to regain my composure. “No,” I lied, my voice shaky. “I just… zoned out.”Kristin’s eyes narrowed as she studied me, clearly unconvinced. “Yeah, sure,” she muttered before grabbing my wrist. “Come on. Let’s go before you turn into a statue right here in the middle of the store.”She didn’t wait for my response, tugging me away from the display window and deeper into the boutique. My feet moved automatically, but my mind stayed firmly rooted outside, where Reagan and Austin stood.Seeing them together after a month felt like a punch to the gut. I’d convinced myself I was over it—or at least on my way to being over it—but clearly, I’d been lying to myself.The sight of Reagan laughing with Austin, her hand casually brushing his arm, brought back a flood
FAITHI lifted my chin, crossing my arms over my chest. “Lobster Thermidor. I want to eat Lobster Thermidor.”Blaze’s mouth fell open, his face twisting with shock. “I… I have no fucking clue how to make that.”I narrowed my eyes, my nose scrunching up. “Well, you better figure it out.”Blaze blinked, his body stiffening, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. “But… how? I don’t even know where to start.”I lifted an eyebrow, my arms tightening around my chest. “Google it. Look it up on YouTube. Call one of your fancy chefs and ask them how to make it. I don’t care. Just make it. I’m hungry.&r
FAITHI threw the door open, my face set in a deep frown, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. Blaze stood on the other side, his hand frozen mid-knock, his eyes widening slightly at my sudden appearance.He blinked, his gaze sweeping over my face, his expression softening. “Faith? What’s wrong?”I narrowed my eyes at him, my lips pressing into a pout. “I’m hungry.”Blaze’s eyebrows shot up, his mouth opening slightly. “Oh. Okay. What do you want to eat?”I didn’t answer. I simply shoved him to the side, pushing past him and marching down the hallway, my feet stomping against the floor.Blaze let out a surprised sound, his body turning as he watched me go. “Uh… Faith?”I didn’t look back, my shoulders squared, my head held high as I made my way to the kitchen. I could hear his footsteps behind me, his pace quickening as he hurried to catch up.I stormed into the kitchen, my eyes scanning the room before I walked straight to the counter, my hands gripping the edge as I tried to hoist
FAITHBlaze’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. “No. We will go to my study.”Savannah pouted, her lips forming a perfect, practiced pout. “Oh, am I not allowed to go into your bedroom anymore?” She stepped closer, her fingers brushing his arm. “Are we really that distant now?”Blaze’s face turned to stone, his eyes cold, unyielding. “Yes. Exactly. You are not my girlfriend anymore.”Savannah’s pout faded, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Yet,” she said, her voice light, playful. “You never know. The old spark might be rekindled.”I felt something sharp twist in my chest, my body freezing, my heart pounding. Was she… serious? Was that why she was here?Blaze’s eyes darkened, his jaw clenching. “No, it won’t. That’s not happening.” His voice was cold, firm, leaving no room for argument. “Let’s just hear what you have to say and get this over with.”Savannah’s smile wavered, her eyes flicking to his face, searching for something. But then, she let out a light laugh, her sh
FAITHI stood frozen, my body stiff, my heart sinking as I watched her throw her arms around him. Her red hair flowed like a waterfall over his shoulder, her slim figure pressing against him, her face lighting up with a bright, beautiful smile.Savannah.She looked exactly like the pictures I had seen—stunning, elegant, perfect. And she was here, in his arms, looking at him like he was the only man in the world.Blaze’s body was tense, his arms hovering awkwardly around her, his face blank with shock. I could see his shoulders stiffen, his jaw tighten, his eyes widening as he tried to process what was happening.“Blaze!” Savannah’s voice was bright, cheerful, bubbling with excitement. She pulle
FAITHBlaze’s eyes softened, his gaze locking onto mine, his face filled with something I couldn’t quite understand. “Because you deserve it.”My heart skipped a beat, my chest tightening. “Blaze…”He let out a slow breath, his shoulders relaxing. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. This place… it’s not good for you.”I nodded, my body feeling heavy, tired, worn out. “Yeah… let’s go.”He stood up first, his body solid and steady as he reached out his hand, his eyes gentle. I took his hand, his fingers warm around mine, his grip firm as he pulled me to my feet, keeping me steady when my knees wobbled.He didn’t let go. Not even when we walked down the narrow alley, not even when we passed by the same group of men who were now giving us wary glances, not even when we reached the car.He held my hand the whole time, his fingers laced with mine, his presence warm, solid, grounding.He opened the car door for me, his hand lingering on mine for a moment before he pulled away, his eyes soft,
FAITHWarm, strong, steady arms wrapping around me, pulling me close, holding me tight. Blaze’s chest was solid, his heart beating steady and strong against mine.I sank into him, my body going limp, my hands clutching at his shirt, my face buried in his shoulder as the sobs wracked through me, violent and raw.He didn’t say anything. Didn’t try to stop me. Didn’t tell me to calm down or pull myself together.He just held me. His arms firm, his body warm, his presence grounding me, anchoring me, holding me together when I felt like I was falling apart.His hand came up, his fingers brushing through my hair, gentle and soothing, his touch warm, soft, comforting.“It’s okay,” he whispered, his voice low and steady. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”I felt my chest tighten, my heart shattering. The tears came faster, my body shaking, my breaths coming out in broken gasps.I had been so alone. For so long.No one had been there for me. No one had held me like this. No one had told me it was okay
FAITHTime slowed down.The bottle came hurtling toward me, the jagged glass glinting in the dim light, my father’s face twisted with rage, his eyes wild, unfocused. I stood frozen, my body locked in place, my heart pounding, my breath caught in my throat.I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. All I could do was watch as the bottle swung toward me, the room spinning around me.And then, suddenly—A shadow moved in front of me, fast and strong, blocking the blow, shielding me from the attack. I heard the sickening crunch of glass shattering, the sharp sound echoing through the room.Blaze.His back was to me, his body solid and unyielding, his shoulders squared, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me into his chest. He held me close, his heart pounding against mine, his grip firm, protective.I felt his body tense, his muscles coiled like steel, his breathing hard and fast. His head turned slightly, his eyes blazing with fury as he looked at my father. “You touch her again,” he growl
FAITHMy heart skipped a beat, my body tensing. I opened my mouth to respond, but Blaze was already in front of me, his body blocking mine, his shoulders squared, his eyes blazing. “Back off,” he growled, his voice low, cold, and dangerous.The man’s smirk faltered, his eyes flicking to Blaze, taking in his rigid posture, his clenched fists, the fire burning in his gaze. He held up his hands in mock surrender, his lips curving into a taunting smile. “Easy, man. Just making conversation.”Blaze took a step forward, his body radiating anger. “She’s not interested. Get lost.”The man’s eyes narrowed, his shoulders tensing, but after a moment, he scoffed, turning away, his friends following. “Whatever, man. Not worth the trouble.”Blaze didn’t move until they were out of sight, his body rigid, his fists clenched at his sides. I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw was set, his eyes still blazing with anger.I touched his arm gently, my voice soft. “Blaze… it’s fine. I
FAITHThe alley was dark and narrow, shadows dancing along the cracked brick walls. Trash littered the ground—crumpled newspapers, empty bottles, and cigarette butts scattered like forgotten memories.A damp, musty scent hung in the air, mixed with the faint, nauseating stench of rotting garbage.The buildings on either side were old and crumbling, their facades smeared with graffiti, their windows shattered and boarded up. I could hear faint whispers echoing from somewhere, voices muffled by the thick walls, fading in and out like ghosts haunting the ruins.The air was cold, biting, swirling around me as I walked, my shoulders tensing involuntarily. It was dark, the kind of darkness that swallowed you whole, where shadows blurred into each other, hiding whatever lurked within. My heart raced, my pulse echoing in my ears, my feet moving quickly, carefully, over the cracked pavement.I could feel Blaze behind me, his presence solid and reassuring, his footsteps steady, his body close