Chapter 1

My name is Noah Mendes, and I’m eighteen years old.

After graduating high school, my parents divorced. I didn’t have the motivation to go to college, so I took a job at a factory, working on assembly lines.

At least, before they split, they left me a three-bedroom apartment, so I wasn’t out on the streets.

One day, after a long shift at work, my classmate Liam Knowles called me.

His mom and dad had a fight and were talking about divorce. He asked me to persuade her.

Having experienced the aftermath of my own parents’ divorce, I knew how devastating it could be for a family. I didn’t hesitate.

Liam lived in the apartment right above mine. So while we were practically neighbors, I’d never actually met his mom before.

When I walked into their home, I froze. The first sight of Liam’s mom completely stunned me.

I hadn’t expected her to be so striking.

She was a beautiful woman with an air of elegance and maturity that drew me in immediately.

She wore a figure-hugging, low-cut dress that accentuated her curves, and her long legs were sheathed in sheer, flesh-colored stockings.

On her feet were black high-heeled sandals, and her toes, painted a tempting shade of red, peeked out.

I’ve never been into girls my age. They were always too immature, both in mind and body.

However, women like Liam’s mom? They were my weakness.

Standing there, looking at her, it was as if I was going to melt into the floor.

Liam’s voice snapped me out of it. “Noah, my mom’s still upset. Can you talk to her for me?”

“Where’s your dad?” I asked.

“He’s out drinking again.”

“Alright, step out for a bit, Liam. There are some things I’d like to say to her, but it’ll be easier if it’s just the two of us.”

Once Liam had left, I gathered my courage and walked over to Claire River—Liam’s mom.

“Mrs. Claire, please don’t be too upset.

“Not long ago, my parents went through a divorce, too. I know how much it can affect a family, especially the kids. I don’t want Liam to go through what I did. It’s not easy growing up in a broken home.”

Claire turned to face me, studying me intently.

“I didn’t expect someone your age to be so thoughtful and understanding.

“If only Liam’s dad could be more like you. Maybe we wouldn’t have ended up like this.”

Then, to my shock, Claire started crying.

“He’s never cared about Liam’s tuition. All the money he earns, he spends on other women. Tell me, Noah, why should I stay with a man like that?”

“Mrs. Claire, I had no idea things were so hard for you…”

“Noah… What should I do?”

Before I could respond, she collapsed into my arms, tears streaming down her face.

“My life has been so hard.”

“Mrs. Claire, please don’t cry…”

I dabbed at her tears the way I’d seen people do on TV. To my surprise, she clung to me even tighter.

It pained me to see someone so strong and beautiful reduced to this state. How could Liam’s dad treat her so horribly?

In Claire’s embrace, I could feel Claire's soft mass pressing against my chest. Her delicate fragrance captivated my senses.

My fingers unconsciously grabbed her perky behind. A shiver ran through her, mirrored by the pounding of my heart.

"Noah, do you like me?"

I froze at her sudden question.

"I… I..." I didn’t know what to say.

"Even if it's a lie, please.”

"Claire, I really really like you."

My heart was pounding, and my emotions heightened. I held Claire tight in my arms, unwilling to let go.

As her hands moved over my skin, my hands wandered down to Claire’s waist.

"Ah," she moaned.

Her body, soft and yielding, ignited a flame within me. I was in paradise.

Closing my eyes, I surrendered to the moment.

This was my first taste of a woman, and it was pure bliss.