However, what could he do? The thought of Julia, the thought of his true love Evangeline trapped by that witch, sapped all his will to care about his appearance.Walter slowly lifted his hand, brushing his chin.Overnight, his face had sprouted a rough stubble, making him look worn and nothing like the dashing Mr. Walter Gordon of the Gordon family.Was Walter the kind of guy Julia would be happy with?He was not sure, but just putting on a clean shirt to see Julia who made his skin prickle was pushing it for him.Walter kept his calm and did not bother calling the police. After all, when he was part of the mighty Gordon family, he did not need the police to handle a lady.Once he had set up the rescue team for Evangeline, Walter hit the road solo, heading to the spot they had picked out.Warehouse 226, just outside the city, was like a blast from the past.Taking over the company from Alex had not been a walk in the park. The old guard did not take kindly to change, and Alex's
Just thinking about it infuriated Julia, so she was determined to get even with Walter. She was determined to relive every moment she had dreamed of sharing with Walter.Julia snuggled into Walter's embrace, a little bird seeking comfort, as the smooth melody of a waltz filled the air.They danced to the rhythm of the music, Julia pouring her heart into every move, her grace in stark contrast to Walter's more relaxed approach.Lost in the dance, Julia's mind drifted back to the time when she had first stepped into Evangeline's shoes to save Walter. He had been so tender and careful with her, his voice so soft as if he feared she might break into tears.Walter's gentle murmur tickled her ear, sending her into a sweet daze."Julia, do you like how I look today?"As Walter spoke, his gaze was not on her but scanned the surroundings. He knew Evangeline was supposed to be watching, hidden somewhere close by.He knew that abandoned warehouse like the back of his hand, but with its maz
"Do I... even have the right to say I'm not satisfied?"Walter had not forgotten why he was there, not for a second.He arched an eyebrow, his smile a mix of mischief and warmth, but his hand was firm, keeping a careful distance between him and Julia.Julia stroked his cheek with a tenderness that belied the cruelty of her words, her fingers tracing the rough stubble on his chin."Of course... not," she said, her voice dripping with malice.With a sudden flourish, she lifted her head and with a flick of her wrist, the crimson drapes tumbled to the floor.Behind a pane of glass, Evangeline was tied up, her eyes wide with fear, her mouth sealed shut. Her belly was still round, a sign that the baby was safe—for the time being. Walter's heart eased, if only just a bit."Mm mmh mmph!"The glass was thin, so Walter could hear every muffled sob from Evangeline.Her hair was a mess, and a dark bruise marred her forehead—a clear sign of Julia's rough handling.The thought of what migh
Julia noticed that spark in his gaze and knew exactly what he was hinting at—the kind of excitement she was hoping for. Her cheeks turned a rosy pink, and she covered them with her hand, her curiosity piqued. "What do you have in mind?""Just wait and see..." Walter said with a teasing smile, smoothly slipping off his tie. He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "This is our wedding suite, right? I owe you an unforgettable first night as a married couple."His voice was deep and smooth, like velvet, and it sent shivers down Julia's spine. She was already head over heels for Walter, and she was ready to dive into the thrill he promised.She had no idea Walter could be so bold and adventurous.In an instant, she felt herself being gently turned over, then lying on her stomach on the bed. Julia thought it was just one of Walter's playful moves and offered no resistance.Even as her hands were gently secured behind her back with the silky tie, she did not worry. She playf
"I nearly lost my life saving you back then, and this is how you treat me in return. You repay kindness with betrayal. Even the stars are laughing at you, Walter!"As tears of mirth welled in her eyes, any last hope that Walter truly loved her vanished. When he had pinned her hands and tossed her onto the bed with such coldness, the truth hit her hard. She was nothing to him.Why keep dreaming?Walter's eyes were red with fury, and Julia's illusions shattered completely. She knew then that she had never been the one he wanted. His heart belonged to Evangeline, that snake.However, Julia would not stand for it. She would not let Evangeline win, and she certainly would not let Walter have his way.Unbeknownst to her, Walter's patience had snapped. He lifted her with a fierce grip and slammed her back onto the bed, his voice like ice."I'm done with the past, Julia. All I care about now is where you've hidden Evangeline."Walter was convinced Julia knew Evangeline's whereabouts, an
Julia was the one tied up with a necktie, but Walter was the one who felt like he was in knots."You're lying! She can't be dead!"Walter's eyes were fiery with rage, itching to rip apart the vile woman before him, but he held back, knowing she had the information on Evangeline's whereabouts."Spill it! Where is Evangeline?"Evangeline could not be dead, nor could their child. They had not even started their happy life together. How could Evangeline be gone?If he could just get Julia to talk, there would still be time to save them!"Where is that witch? How should I know? I just sent her off to meet her maker..."Julia's words were casual, but inside, she was already filled with remorse.She was so caught up in having a perfect night with Walter that she did not make sure Evangeline was dealt with for good.If Walter had found Evangeline and the kid gone for good, it would have haunted him forever. Her, the one behind it all, she would have been a ghost in his memory, always
Motorcycles—the ultimate icons of speed and passion.Evangeline clung to the biker's waist, the wind howling in her ears, her head resting against his back without a second thought.Under normal circumstances, she would be the one embracing the rush, arms outstretched, savoring the thrill. However, not this time. This was different. She had a new life growing inside her.After she became a mother, Evangeline was not the fearless Foster family princess anymore. She was just a mother who wanted nothing more than to see her child grow up safe and sound.Out of nowhere, the howling wind around her ears came to a halt, and the motorcycle stopped in front of a sleek white BMW.Then came a teasing voice."Time to hop off, my Cuddly Cutie."That nickname!Evangeline's eyes widened in shock. "You are..."The man glanced back at her with a playful spark in his eyes. He put a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet, and then suggested, "Maybe we should get off first?"Evangeline t
Evangeline overheard Julia and Walter's phone call, every word sharp and clear.However, she knew Walter too well.Would he really come to that forsaken warehouse for her? If he did, it was probably just for the baby she carried, to clear the air with Trey.The warmth between him and Julia, though, was real.Tears caught her off guard, blurring her vision until the world was a watery haze.One tear hung in her sight, and suddenly, she was back in that autumn she loved, by the water's edge.The golden glow of the harvest season wrapped around everything, painting the water with a picture of plenty.She never noticed the solitude of autumn or its decline, believing it was beautiful to freeze in her prime if fading was inevitable."Take me to Amberstream Riverbank."The name was as lovely as a masterpiece. The first time Evangeline heard it, she was captivated. She promised herself she would visit.So one day, she slipped away from her grandfather and uncles, dodged the watchful