The sun, a molten gold spilling across the horizon, warmed my eyelids. I stirred, the soft weight of Laxus beside me a comforting pressure against my side. His breath, warm and even, ruffled the stray hairs on my cheek.
Gosh! The sheer intimacy of it stole my breath. The scent of his skin, a clean, musky fragrance, filled my senses, a potent elixir that stirred a longing deep within me. I couldn't deny the pull, the undeniable want that bloomed in my chest like a forbidden flower. I shook my head, a silent reprimand to my racing heart, and quickly gathered my hair into a messy bun, trying to tame the chaos that mirrored my inner turmoil.As I pushed myself up, intending to escape the intoxicating closeness, Laxus's hand shot out, his fingers closing around my arm with a strength that both startled and thrilled me. He pulled me back, his body a warm, solid haven against mine."Let's just… stay here a little longer," Laxus whispered, his breath warm agains"Security's already on its way to the house," Laxus said, his hand gentle in my hair. "I'm just going to file a report at the station." My heart hammered against my ribs. I shook my head, my gaze fixed on his. "Let me come with you." He cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. The tenderness was a stark contrast to the grim set of his jaw. "No. Stay here. I'll make sure both you and Marco are safe. That's my promise." His voice was low, laced with a steely resolve that both reassured and frightened me. The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air – a promise he would keep, no matter the cost. I nodded, the fear a cold knot in my stomach, trusting him implicitly, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my acceptance.The sound of the door closing echoed the hollowness in my chest. I turned to Marco, his small hand gripping mine. His eyes, wide with a child's innocent fear, mirrored my own unspoken anxieties. "Mom? What's happe
Another gunshot ripped through the air, the sound sharper, closer this time. It sent a fresh wave of icy terror through me. We waited, breath held, until the hesitant approach of uniformed figures broke the suffocating silence. Police officers, the ones who'd lagged behind, were finally making their way to the derelict house. My hands shook so violently I could barely grip them. The thought of Laxus alone, inside that decaying, sinister building, was a physical torment."No, no, no! What is going on?" I whispered, my voice barely audible above the frantic rhythm of my own footsteps as I paced back and forth. Tyler's attempts at reassurance felt hollow, his words lost in the maelstrom of my anxiety. "He'll be alright," he said, his hand resting lightly on my arm, but his eyes mirrored my own apprehension. The sight of the police officers filing out of the abandoned house – their shoulders slumped, their expressions etched with sorrow
The waiter placed a chilled bottle of white wine on our small, round table, the condensation clinging to the glass like tiny diamonds. Laxus, his gaze sharp and unwavering, poured himself a glass, the liquid catching the candlelight as it swirled. The silence stretched, thick and heavy with unspoken tension. My throat tightened; a nervous cough escaped my lips, a pathetic attempt to break the suffocating atmosphere. He didn't flinch, his eyes still locked on me, a faint smirk playing on his lips. I rolled my eyes, the gesture small but defiant, and heard his low, amused chuckle vibrate through the air."Why the hostility?" Laxus's voice was low, a rumble that vibrated through the air as he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His touch, despite its tenderness, felt invasive. "Don't play coy," he added, his eyes glinting with something I couldn't quite decipher. "Hostility? I'm not being hostile!" I retorted, my voice sharp, a forced smirk
1 year later…After a year of working together, Tyler decided to pursue his own entrepreneurial dreams and started his own company. Wedding planning in the final stages was incredibly stressful. Every decision felt monumental, from the smallest details of the table settings to the larger anxieties about the ceremony itself. But through it all, Laxus was my rock. His presence was a constant source of comfort and strength. He listened to my every worry, validated my feelings, and wholeheartedly supported every choice I made, no matter how impulsive or uncertain I felt."Is everything finalized?" Laxus asked, his voice low. I reread the crucial documents, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "I believe so," I replied hesitantly, offering him the papers. He shook his head gently. "No need. I have complete faith in your judgment," he said, his expression reassuring. Relief washed over me as I placed the papers on the table. His steady gaz
"We should move in together after you graduate," Laxus mentioned as we gazed at the starry sky."That's your idea of a proposal?" I teased, causing him to turn his gaze towards me intently. I averted my eyes, attempting to conceal my thoughts."You could interpret it that way," he responded, prompting me to meet his gaze. "Just kidding!" he quickly added, playfully patting my head.Having been together for four years, Laxus had already established himself at the company, while I was wrapping up my final year of undergraduate studies."Are you certain about that?" I inquired, masking any hint of apprehension."About what?" he probed, his glance lingering on me from the corner of his eye."About us living together," I replied, meeting his gaze."Yes! I'd love to share a home with you," he affirmed, to which I nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's do it!" I replied, eliciting a smile from him.Drawing closer, he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. After weeks of meticulous preparation,
One week ago…"I glanced at my reflection in the mirror while running my fingers over my face, noticing a significant weight loss. After washing my face, I left the bathroom and began tidying up my room. As I gazed at the luggage I had brought from the Villafuertes’ mansion, memories flooded back of the day I first moved in there. I was overjoyed to join their family. Why am I getting emotional all over again? As I was cleaning, the door suddenly swung open, revealing Tyler entering the room.He asked about what I was doing, and I demonstrated that I was in the process of unpacking.“What's up, Tyler?” I inquired as he made himself comfortable on my bed.“It's nice to have you back!” He greeted me with a smile, clearly teasing me about my recent visit to the Villafuertes’ mansion.It seemed like my lifestyle didn't quite align with theirs. While unpacking my clothes, I heard a faint clatter. Tyler immediately got up and searched for the source, chuckling as he held up my wedding ring
"Ugh!" I groaned, massaging my temples. Why do I always wake up with a splitting headache? I sat on my bed, replaying the events of last week. I had run into Laxus at his birthday party, and he had expressed a desire to get back together. While I still harbored feelings for him, I couldn't get past the betrayal of his infidelity.I had given him my all. I loved him to the best of my abilities, the way I believed he deserved. But what did I receive in return? Treachery?Thoughts of Laxus intensified my headache, so I attempted to calm myself. As I rose from my bed, a wave of nausea washed over me. I rushed to the bathroom and emptied my stomach, groaning at the unpleasant experience.After brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I returned to my bed, only to be interrupted by the opening of the door. Tyler walked in."Are you alright?" he inquired, prompting me to roll my eyes."Do I look alright to you?" I retorted, to which he simply smirked."You look terrible!" he remarke
"You think I'd let you get me pregnant?" I spat, the words laced with sarcasm. His eyes, cold and hard, locked on me."Why? We're still married—""Not anymore!" I cut him off, my voice sharp, and turned away.He reached out, his hand catching my arm as I reached the store door. I yanked it free, fury coursing through me."This is the last time we'll meet," I said, my voice shaking with barely contained emotion. I left him standing there and climbed into my car, my heart pounding like a drum solo. What a coincidence, what a freaking nightmare.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm the storm inside. Taking a deep breath, I started the engine and drove back to our house.
1 year later…After a year of working together, Tyler decided to pursue his own entrepreneurial dreams and started his own company. Wedding planning in the final stages was incredibly stressful. Every decision felt monumental, from the smallest details of the table settings to the larger anxieties about the ceremony itself. But through it all, Laxus was my rock. His presence was a constant source of comfort and strength. He listened to my every worry, validated my feelings, and wholeheartedly supported every choice I made, no matter how impulsive or uncertain I felt."Is everything finalized?" Laxus asked, his voice low. I reread the crucial documents, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "I believe so," I replied hesitantly, offering him the papers. He shook his head gently. "No need. I have complete faith in your judgment," he said, his expression reassuring. Relief washed over me as I placed the papers on the table. His steady gaz
The waiter placed a chilled bottle of white wine on our small, round table, the condensation clinging to the glass like tiny diamonds. Laxus, his gaze sharp and unwavering, poured himself a glass, the liquid catching the candlelight as it swirled. The silence stretched, thick and heavy with unspoken tension. My throat tightened; a nervous cough escaped my lips, a pathetic attempt to break the suffocating atmosphere. He didn't flinch, his eyes still locked on me, a faint smirk playing on his lips. I rolled my eyes, the gesture small but defiant, and heard his low, amused chuckle vibrate through the air."Why the hostility?" Laxus's voice was low, a rumble that vibrated through the air as he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His touch, despite its tenderness, felt invasive. "Don't play coy," he added, his eyes glinting with something I couldn't quite decipher. "Hostility? I'm not being hostile!" I retorted, my voice sharp, a forced smirk
Another gunshot ripped through the air, the sound sharper, closer this time. It sent a fresh wave of icy terror through me. We waited, breath held, until the hesitant approach of uniformed figures broke the suffocating silence. Police officers, the ones who'd lagged behind, were finally making their way to the derelict house. My hands shook so violently I could barely grip them. The thought of Laxus alone, inside that decaying, sinister building, was a physical torment."No, no, no! What is going on?" I whispered, my voice barely audible above the frantic rhythm of my own footsteps as I paced back and forth. Tyler's attempts at reassurance felt hollow, his words lost in the maelstrom of my anxiety. "He'll be alright," he said, his hand resting lightly on my arm, but his eyes mirrored my own apprehension. The sight of the police officers filing out of the abandoned house – their shoulders slumped, their expressions etched with sorrow
"Security's already on its way to the house," Laxus said, his hand gentle in my hair. "I'm just going to file a report at the station." My heart hammered against my ribs. I shook my head, my gaze fixed on his. "Let me come with you." He cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. The tenderness was a stark contrast to the grim set of his jaw. "No. Stay here. I'll make sure both you and Marco are safe. That's my promise." His voice was low, laced with a steely resolve that both reassured and frightened me. The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air – a promise he would keep, no matter the cost. I nodded, the fear a cold knot in my stomach, trusting him implicitly, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my acceptance.The sound of the door closing echoed the hollowness in my chest. I turned to Marco, his small hand gripping mine. His eyes, wide with a child's innocent fear, mirrored my own unspoken anxieties. "Mom? What's happe
The sun, a molten gold spilling across the horizon, warmed my eyelids. I stirred, the soft weight of Laxus beside me a comforting pressure against my side. His breath, warm and even, ruffled the stray hairs on my cheek. Gosh! The sheer intimacy of it stole my breath. The scent of his skin, a clean, musky fragrance, filled my senses, a potent elixir that stirred a longing deep within me. I couldn't deny the pull, the undeniable want that bloomed in my chest like a forbidden flower. I shook my head, a silent reprimand to my racing heart, and quickly gathered my hair into a messy bun, trying to tame the chaos that mirrored my inner turmoil. As I pushed myself up, intending to escape the intoxicating closeness, Laxus's hand shot out, his fingers closing around my arm with a strength that both startled and thrilled me. He pulled me back, his body a warm, solid haven against mine."Let's just… stay here a little longer," Laxus whispered, his breath warm agains
After we got engaged, Laxus wasted no time in hiring a wedding planner, Grace. She expertly handled the myriad details of planning our wedding, a huge relief given my work commitments and responsibilities as a mother. I was able to participate where I could, but Grace's organization allowed me to focus on other important aspects of our lives.Laxus settled onto the plush couch in my office, Marco perched beside him. "So, weekend plans?" he asked, his voice a low rumble. The scent of his cologne, a familiar comfort, filled the air. I glanced up from my computer, a mountain of paperwork still looming. Marco tugged on my sleeve. "Mom?" he said, his voice small. "Where should we go?" I smiled, trying to convey warmth despite the pressure of deadlines. "It's entirely up to you, sweetheart," I replied, my fingers already flying across the keyboard. "The beach!" Marco declared, his eyes shining with excitement. A wave of longing washed ove
The midday meal with Laxus had been pleasant enough, a polite exchange of pleasantries and business updates. The drive back to my office, however, was a welcome respite. Laxus dropped me off before speeding off to oversee operations at their headquarters. The quiet hum of the air conditioning in my car, the gentle sway of the vehicle as it navigated the city streets – it was all a balm to my senses. Alone at last, the weight of the day's events lifted slightly. The silence of my office was a sanctuary, allowing my thoughts to unfurl without interruption. I leaned back in my chair, the soft leather a comforting embrace, and let my mind wander.Sophia burst into my office, a whirlwind of energy and papers. A cheerful smile illuminating her face. "Lunch was great, wasn't it?" she chirped, her voice full of the unburdened optimism I envied. My own smile felt strained, a thin mask barely concealing the turmoil Laxus's words had stirred within me.
Following Laxus's declaration of wanting me back, his visits to my workplace became a regular occurrence. It was a welcome distraction, honestly! My return to work allowed me to tackle the mountain of pending paperwork that had accumulated during my absence. Sophia was a lifesaver, diligently proofreading every document to ensure accuracy. With Tyler engrossed in wedding planning, the workload fell squarely on my shoulders, but the support from my secretary and Laxus's consistent presence made the task manageable.The peace of mind that came with knowing Mom was diligently caring for Marco whenever he wasn't at the Villafuertes was immense. Their loving attention, their dedication to his well-being – it filled me with a profound sense of relief and gratitude. This was exactly the life I had always envisioned for my son: a life filled with love, security, and unwavering support. And for that, I was eternally thankful to Daryl; he had foreseen this idyllic scenario
The day of Daryl's departure arrived, a bittersweet symphony of farewells and promises. We gathered at the airport, a silent chorus of emotions swirling around us. My heart ached with a pang of loss, a space carved out by his absence. Tears welled in my eyes, reflecting the depth of my affection for him. He had touched my life in a way that left an indelible mark, a gentle reminder of the joy he brought. Marco, too, was overcome with emotion. His tears, however, were born of a different kind of love, a love for the good that lay ahead. I loved Daryl, deeply and truly, but my love for him was different, a love that held a special place in my heart, distinct from the profound love I held for Laxus.The airport buzzed around us, a symphony of farewells and hurried departures. Yet, in that moment, it was just us, Daryl and I, stealing a precious few minutes together before his flight. "Daryl," I said, my voice catching slightly, "Thank you. For everything. F