All Chapters of Traded For His First Love : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Elliot POVThe next morning, I woke up early, more energized than usual. I prepared a hearty breakfast, something I hadn’t done in ages: golden pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh juice. The sweet smell of the batter frying filled the kitchen, bringing a sense of normalcy I hadn’t felt since leaving London behind. It was as if, somehow, I was trying to make up for all the lost mornings, all the moments I let slip away with my family. As I set the table, my mind danced between hope and guilt, a whirlwind that had been my constant companion since I found Reese at Josh Carter’s engagement party.I climbed the stairs, my heart beating faster with each step, and entered Sammy’s room. "Hey, champ, time to wake up," I called, gently shaking his shoulder.He mumbled something unintelligible and turned to the other side, burying his face in the pillow. I chuckled softly, a sound almost foreign, and sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of the moment. This was more than just a breakfa

Reese POVThe rest of the morning passed slowly.It was then that I realized the best thing I could do that day was to occupy my mind with something else. Something that really mattered. Like work. I had been drifting too far from the things that truly helped me maintain balance. And, if I were honest with myself, work made me feel alive, helped me stay grounded.I took Avie’s hand, with a lightness that helped me momentarily divert from the mental chaos overwhelming me. She was as excited as ever. It was always like this: when I made a decision and put it into action, she got thrilled and seemed to forget any troubles. She had an energy that made me forget everything around me. I felt that, if she could be like this, maybe I could too."Mom, will there be lots of food today?" Avie asked, swinging her arm alongside mine. "I hope so, because Uncle Spence makes the best stuff!"I smiled at her, gently patting her head. "There won’t be pancakes today, but there’ll be a delicious lunch, d

Elliot POVAs soon as the door to the meeting room closed behind me, I let out a heavy sigh. My head was throbbing, and the weight of the conversation that had just happened still pressed on my chest. My talk with Josh had been a clear warning. He didn’t even need to say it outright.I needed to go to the legal department. Urgently.I was screwed.It wasn’t even a matter of speculation or exaggeration. I was genuinely screwed.I walked down the hallway without hesitation, my mind racing. A few employees greeted me as I passed, but I just nodded back, not stopping."Good morning, Mr. Goodwin.""Mr. Goodwin."I didn’t have time for small talk. Or patience.I ran a hand over my face as I strode down the corridor, feeling a cold knot in my stomach that worsened with each step. I knew, sooner or later, I’d end up at this point. After what happened at Josh’s engagement party, after what I said to Reese, it was obvious things would unravel. At least, that’s the only reason I could see for D

Jennifer POVThe day began with golden sunlight streaming through the curtains of my bedroom, the sun caressing my magnificent skin as I stretched, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee rising from the kitchen. Today was a pivotal day. A day I’d been anticipating for weeks—a moment that could redefine my future. A day that would change everything.I couldn’t be late. I called a taxi, unwilling to risk any delays. The driver was chatty, rattling on about traffic, but my mind was elsewhere, sharp as a blade, focused on my grand plan. I merely nodded occasionally, my fingers gripping my purse strap with an intensity that mirrored the impatience growing inside me. I hated this. Hated having to pretend, having to chase what should already be mine by right. But patience, Jennifer. It’s all part of the game—a game I mastered.Inside the car, my mood soured further. I tapped my fingers lightly on the dashboard, stifling a sigh of irritation. Having to deal with that annoyi

Elliot POVI wanted so badly for that day to have been perfect. The plan was simple: buy a big bouquet of red roses for Reese, something that would show her how much I loved her, and a blank album, so Sammy could put all his drawings in it and give it to his mom as a gift. It was a small gesture, but meaningful. A reminder that he could still show affection, even though everything between Jennifer and me had crumbled long ago.I walked into the florist and went straight to the arrangements section. The scent of flowers enveloped me instantly, a sweet and earthy mix that evoked memories of both good and bad times. I wanted something striking, something eye-catching that would say everything without me needing words. When the florist showed me a massive bouquet of fully bloomed roses, with an intense aroma of love and nostalgia, I knew it was the one. Reese deserved something like that. I paid and headed to the stationery store, where I spent some time picking out a hardcover album wi