FAITH
“You and I have to talk.”
I couldn’t hold back my frustration. “Ha! I have nothing to talk to somebody like you.”
Reagan’s voice was calm, smooth, as though she was in complete control. “It’s about Austin.”
“I don’t want to hear about it,” I shot back, my patience wearing thin.
“You have to,” Reagan replied, her tone insistent.
I let out a sigh, already feeling my temper flare. “No, I don’t.”
“Over the call. Austin moved away because of you,” she said, her voice colder no
BLAZEJared’s eyes widened as he let out a sharp breath. "You did what?"I glanced up at him from the stack of papers in front of me, not even bothering to break my casual demeanor. "Why are you overreacting?" I asked, the words sliding off my tongue with ease. "So I took advantage of Austin's weakness when he was crying after losing his job. So what? That’s what I do. That’s what a businessman does."I turned back to the papers in front of me, the slight rustle of the documents filling the silence between us. Business was business. I didn’t make apologies for what was necessary.Jared crossed his arms, his face twisted in a mixture of disbelief and judgment. "But you do know how Faith will react if she finds out
BLAZEThe door clicked shut, and a few seconds later, Faith walked into my office.For a moment, I pretended to be casual, leaning back in my chair with a small, feigned grin. “Hey! What brings you here? Missed me?” I asked, trying to make light of the situation, but her face immediately told me that wasn’t the case.She stood there, her eyes hard as she shot me a look that said it all: You’re so dead."Yeah, missed you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but there was an edge of something else in her eyes. Anger. Betrayal. All the things I didn’t want to deal with.Trying to keep things calm, I cleared my throat and gestured to the chair in front of my desk. “So, um, can I offer you a drink? I’ll have my secretary bring it for you.”She shook her head, not bothering to sit. “No. Let’s talk first.”Her words hit harder than I expected. I leaned forward in my chair, trying to maintain some semblance of control, but inside, I was anything but calm.Faith came around to the othe
FAITHI walked briskly across the parking lot, my heart pounding in my chest. The anger I felt towards Blaze burned through me like a raging fire, but the tears I was trying so hard to suppress threatened to spill over. I wouldn’t let myself cry. Not now. Not after everything. Not after he—he—had done this to me.I hated that he could make me feel like this. I hated that I was vulnerable enough to feel this weak, but I couldn’t let him see me break. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.My steps quickened as I approached my car, my mind racing, my thoughts consumed by the hurt and betrayal.Then, suddenly, a hand caught my wrist.I gasped, my heart leaping into my throat. I turned quickly, expecting trouble, my body tensing. Was someone else going to make my life worse today? Was someone else going to hurt me, just like they always seemed to?But when I looked up, my eyes met his—Blaze.He was panting, his face tense with a mixture of desperation and guilt. His hand was still aroun
BLAZEI stared at Faith, my heart pounding in my chest, unsure of how to put everything into words. There were so many things I needed to say, but for the first time in a long time, I didn’t know where to start. I knew I had hurt her. I knew I had been selfish and reckless, but in this moment, all I wanted was for her to understand.“Faith,” I began, my voice shaky but resolute, “I have never been good at this. At expressing myself. At being open. But I can’t stand here any longer pretending that nothing matters when you’re in front of me. I... I need you to hear me out. You deserve that much.”Her gaze didn’t shift, and I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever reaction I might get. “I know I have made a mess of things. I know I have done things that hurt you—things I can’t take back. But let me start by saying this: I’ve been so lucky to have met you. I didn’t expect to feel this way about anyone, and yet, here I am.”She said nothing, but her silence made the air feel th
BLAZEWe were standing on the rooftop of the mansion, the world below us bustling away, but up here, it was just us. No one could see us, no one could hear us. It felt like the only place left in the world where I could be... honest.The wind brushed against my face, but my mind felt like it was standing still, heavy with everything I needed to say. I had never wanted to remember this part of my life, but Faith needed to know. I wanted her to understand me, even if no one else ever could. Maybe she’d be the one person who could see past all the mistakes and see me for who I really was.She stood in front of me, her eyes waiting for me to speak. And, damn, the silence was so loud. I could feel the fear in my chest, threatening to choke me, but I couldn't back out now. I had to tell her the truth, no matter how much it hurt.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to find the right words. The breeze caught my breath, and for a moment, I hesitated. I wasn’t sure how to say it, or if I s
BLAZEFaith froze. Her face went pale, and she was silent for a moment. I watched her closely, waiting for her to say something, anything. I didn’t want to see pity in her eyes, but I had to know how she was processing this.I chuckled slightly at her expression, the disbelief written across her face. I couldn’t help it; in that moment, she looked so innocent, so caught off guard. I found her reaction a little cute, even though the situation was anything but.But then, Faith spoke, her voice trembling. “So, your mom killed your dad, and everybody knows it, and they’re fine with it? They’re happily staying under the same roof?”Her words were raw, and I could feel her judgment, but I also understood her confusion. I wanted to reach out, to explain, but part of me was too afraid to admit how deeply the events of that night still haunted me.I smiled ironically, my eyes narrowing slightly, the bitterness creeping in. “Patience, my love,” I said, my voice dropping a little lower. “There’
FAITHBlaze’s story was a heavy one, and it was impossible to ignore the way it had affected him. I could see it in his eyes—how he tried to play it cool, but his emotions were still raw, still haunted by the memories of that day.I looked at him now, standing there on the rooftop, his face trying to keep the mask of control, but there were cracks in it. I could see the trauma, the years of pain, in the way he clenched his jaw, in the tension in his shoulders. His words about his parents, about the fight, about the gun, they stuck with me, but it was the silence after that got to me. Blaze wasn't a man who showed his emotions easily, but there was no denying the way his past had shaped him.I wanted to reach out, to offer some kind of comfort, but I wasn’t sure how. I couldn’t change what had happened to him, I couldn’t erase his past, but I wanted him to know he didn’t have to carry all that weight alone. Not anymore.So, I did the only thing I could think of.I placed my hand gent
FAITHThe rooftop was quiet, and the cool night air wrapped around us, giving me the clarity I needed. Blaze stood in front of me, waiting, his eyes full of uncertainty. He had just shared so much of his past with me—things I never imagined would be so hard to hear. But I wasn’t going to let the weight of his burdens pull us apart.I took a deep breath, stepping closer to him, my heart pounding in my chest. His pain was real, his fears were valid, but that didn't change how I felt.“I love you,” I whispered, the words feeling both freeing and heavy at the same time. His expression softened, but I could still see the tension in his eyes. “And you don’t have to worry about the future. About marriage or any of that. We can take it slow, untangle that web when you're ready.”His eyes flickered, searching mine as if trying to gauge my sincerity. I smiled, trying to ease his concerns. “For now, I would just be happy if you let me be your girlfriend.”Blaze's lips curled into a grin, a small
BLAZEOne moment, I was watching Faith fade before my eyes, blood pooling beneath her, and the next, I was being forced out of the operating room, my hands still stained with her blood. The cold, sterile hallway was too bright, too silent, and yet it felt like the walls were closing in on me.My shoulder throbbed with every frantic breath I took, but I barely noticed. The only thing I could hear was the sound of my own pulse roaring in my ears, the memory of Faith’s weakened voice haunting me."Blaze, I—I can’t—"My hands curled into fists as I swallowed back the suffocating terror clawing at my throat.And then I heard hurried footsteps.“Blaze!” My mother’s voice rang out before I even saw her. She rushed toward me, her expensive heels clicking sharply against the floor, her face filled with a rare look of concern. My grandfather followed close behind, his ever-imposing presence looming as he took me in. “Are the babies alright?”I nodded stiffly, my voice hoarse. “Yeah. They’re… th
BLAZEFaith was smiling as she walked toward me, her soft white dress flowing gently with the breeze, her hands cradling the small curve of her belly. The golden glow of the fairy lights strung up in the trees cast a warm halo around her, making her look almost ethereal. God, she was beautiful.I leaned against the tree, arms crossed over my chest, the corners of my lips lifting at her fond exasperation. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to stay away from her baby shower, even if I wasn’t supposed to be here. She shook her head, her eyes glimmering with amusement as she approached. “Blaze, you are so silly,” she murmured, her voice holding a teasing lilt. “You just couldn’t sit still, could you?”I opened my mouth to respond, but then—I saw it.A shadow in the distance, shifting just slightly behind the decorated hedges. The glint of metal, barely catching the light. My stomach dropped.A gun.And it was pointed directly at Faith.Everything inside me went cold.Move. Now.Instinct kick
FAITHI stood there, watching Blaze’s pouting face, his eyes narrowing in exaggerated disappointment. His lips, usually so firm, curled into a playful frown, and I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the sight. He was always so dramatic when things didn’t go his way, like a child who didn’t get their favorite toy."You really aren’t going to include me in any part of today’s occasion, are you?" Blaze said, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe of my bedroom. His voice was mockingly hurt, but there was a glint of humor in his eyes that softened the playful accusation.I smiled at him, shaking my head. "No, that's not the intention, Blaze. But, you know, it's just... a day where I kind of wish my mom was here."The words slipped out before I could stop them, and as soon as I said them, I felt a sudden lump in my throat. The weight of missing my mom, the one person who would’ve been here, who should’ve been here, hit me harder than I’d expected.Bla
BLAZEI was pouting.Not just pouting—full-on sulking.Elbows propped on my desk, fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood, I let out an exasperated sigh and leaned back against my chair, glaring at the laptop screen like it had personally offended me.The numbers on the project proposal meant nothing to me right now. The reports waiting for my review? Useless. The dozens of unread emails? Ignored.Because all I could think about was her.Faith.And the baby shower.And the absurd, utterly ridiculous fact that I wasn’t allowed to be there.It was my children. My girlfriend. And yet, I was supposed to just sit back and let everyone else celebrate without me? Where was the fairness in that?!I scowled and ran a hand through my hair in frustration, just as the door to my office swung open.Jared walked in, as casual as ever, holding a file under one arm and a cup of coffee in the other. His sharp eyes flicked toward me, immediately narrowing in suspicion. He knew me too wel
FAITHAs I lay back on my bed, still on the call with Mia and Reagan, a gentle knock came from my door."Come in," I called out and sat up, expecting one of the housemaids.Instead, it was Blaze.He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him, his sharp, assessing eyes landing on me before softening just slightly. Without a word, he walked over, slipping his arms around my waist from behind. His chin rested against my shoulder as he buried his face in my neck, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.I tried to focus on the call, clearing my throat. "Listen, you guys can't come," I said, my voice firm. "They won’t allow it."Blaze hummed, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss against my neck. "What are you talking about?" he murmured against my skin.I bit my lip, trying to ignore the way his lips were brushing dangerously close to a sensitive spot. "My friends… they want to come over to plan my baby shower.""So invite them," he said casually.I scoffed. "Are you kidding? Your mom,
FAITHFour months had passed, and yet, it still felt surreal—the life growing inside me, the late-night whispers, the stolen moments behind closed doors. But here we were, sitting at the long dining table, surrounded by family, acting like nothing had changed.The clinking of utensils and the occasional rustle of newspapers were the only sounds filling the silence. Breakfasts at the Weston estate were always like this—structured, quiet, disciplined. No unnecessary chatter. Everyone ate with precision, absorbed in their own thoughts.I sipped my juice, eyes darting toward Blaze, who sat across from me, seemingly unbothered, but I knew better. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his coffee cup, a habit I had come to recognize whenever he was deep in thought.Then, Grandfather cleared his throat. A simple gesture, yet it was enough to command everyone’s attention.“I’ve heard something about you two,” he started, his deep voice measured. He placed his utensils down with a quiet clink
FAITHThe city at night was different. The same streets I walked every day, the same buildings, the same sky—but they all looked softer now, bathed in golden lamplight and the occasional neon glow. I never realized how beautiful our city was, never took the time to simply breathe it in. Life had always been a rush, a never-ending list of tasks. But tonight? Tonight, I was finally just here.Blaze walked beside me, his hands tucked into the pocket of his hoodie, his expression thoughtful as he took in our surroundings. "Strange," he murmured."What is?" I asked, glancing up at him."I’ve only ever seen these streets from my car window. Never like this." He exhaled, almost amused. "It felt like a different world. A distant one."I smiled. "Isn’t it weird? We’ve lived here our whole lives, yet we’re seeing it properly for the first time. It’s funny how different we are... and yet, still the same."Blaze hummed in agreement before sighing dramatically. "Even so, I stand by the fact that s
FAITHThe sun was setting as we pulled up to the DIY Jewelry Making shop. I could already feel the excitement bubbling up inside me. I’d always wanted to try my hand at making jewelry, and now that I was finally here, I was practically bouncing in my seat. Blaze, on the other hand, looked calm as ever, but I could see the slight curiosity in his eyes.“So,” I said, turning to him with a grin, “we’re really doing this. Jewelry making. How do you feel about getting creative with some shiny things?”He glanced at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I’m just here to keep you company, Faith. But I have to admit, I’m curious to see how this goes.”I beamed at him, feeling giddy. "I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted to do this. Imagine, I could make us matching necklaces, or better yet, something with a personal touch. It’ll be fun, I promise."We got out of the car and made our way inside. The moment we entered the store, I was greeted by the sweet scent of lavender and van
FAITHThe lunch was nothing short of delightful—surprisingly so, considering I had dragged Blaze out of his busy schedule for an impromptu date. But there we were, sitting across from each other at a cozy little bistro, the dim lighting setting the perfect mood for some easy conversation.Blaze leaned back in his chair, watching me with an amused glint in his eyes. “You know, you look incredibly beautiful when you’re eating.”I raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at my lips. “Is that so?” I teased. “Do you always compliment people while they’re stuffing their faces?”He shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting in that way that made me melt. “Only when I’m looking at someone as stunning as you.”I felt a warm flush creep up my neck, but I wasn’t about to let him have the upper hand. “Well, I guess I’m just lucky, huh? Getting compliments while eating? That must be some kind of record.”Blaze’s grin widened, and I swear I saw a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Oh, trust me, you’ve