She stiftened in my arms, her body rigid, but she didn’t pull away,
“All you had to do,” she said finally, her voice trembling with frustration, “was shut up and get through the meal. But no. You just had to bring it up.
“I can’t help it,” Ladmitted, my arms still around her. “I have so much to say, so much I need to make right.”
She let out a shaky breath, and for a moment, I thought she might push me away. But instead, she stood there, silent and tense, as it weighing her next move.
D
Comments
ப
Support
Share
”
JAINA
The
we, pulling noe oot of toy theghts. When opened the dam, I was greeted by a delivery man holdi
“Missinalaam?” he asked.
“Nes,” I replied cautiously, taking the box from him.
He nodded and lett, and closed the dont, alerady deading whatever was slide. When peeled away the packaging, I wasn’t the least bit surprised to find an uryening gown. Tommald green, font leveth, withodelicate lace details at the bodice – It was stunning, I’ll give him that. But seulsonly? A dress!
Alexhad actually sent me adhiess he expected me to west. Did he think this was omantic? Did he think this would see, win me over? What exactly was de especting from this date? –
I sighed and shook my head, stiİL |
gesime be probably thought in about to turn Histole a bigger deal tlam ti needed to be. It wasadioss, not an apology, and certainly not the grand
The house was usually quiet. Everyone seemed to have crowded aromal Falthand the baby, pitching in wherever they could. Even Dominic had been surprisingly domestic, doing on his wife and son like the perfect budund wil taller.
I was grateful for the peace.
Chutmc voare vipstates to get dressed, Adelaide, the housekeeper, stopped the..
“Miss Rama,” she said, a little too sweetly, “do you need help getting ready?
At first, I wanted to brash her off. After everything that bad happened between us, I didn’t trust her intentions, but something stopped me. Maybe it was my exhaustion, or unbe it was the desire to let het prove she could change. Fiber way, I found myself nodding
Adelaide tollowed me upstains, and to my surprise, she was actually helpful. She worked quickly and efficiently, curling my but to soft waves and applying makeup with a precision I hadn’t expected
When she stepped back, I stared at the was in the minut, didn’t feel Hr me. The hair, the makeup, the dress–it was a transformation.
“Do you like in?” Adelaide asked, clearly proud of her work.
Inodded proctantly. “You did a good job
As I was putting on my jewrity, Adelaide tilted her head, a mischievous glint in ber
,” she said casually, “should we be expecting wedding bells soon?”
I choked out a laugh, shaking my head “Absolutely not,” I said finnly. “And definitely not with the man I’m going eat with tonight”
Adelaide laughed too, but the question lingered in the air. It wasn’t something I wanted to think about, not now, not ever..
Afterwe exchanged a few more jokes, Imade my way to Faitli’s room, the sound of muffled laughter and soft conversation guliding me. I paused at the door, Meaning against the lame for amusent, just watching
Tar sight inside brought a tant sonite to my lips. Faith was sitting up in bed, cradling her newbosh, bertare allant despite the exhaustion I knew she must feel. Dominichovered nearby, loulang every bit the doting husband and father, He held a bapeloth in one hand and was gently teasing the baby with his finger, elicting tiny costhat melted the tension in the wit
“Dominic,” Faithcluded playfully, her voice soft but
soft bui firm.
“You’r going to wake him up again.”
“I’m just making sure he knows his dad,” Dominic replied, gilming, “Gottabond early,”
Fucked gently on the doorframe, drawing their attention Falth looked up first, herited eyes lighting up when she saw me.
“Raima,” she said, bet smile widening “Come in You look incredible!”
Dominic turned to me, his bosis lifting in playful surprise. “Wow,” he said, leaning against the bedpost. “Are you sure you hate Alex? Because you don’t put this machettoni into looking good for someone you don’t like ”
I rolled my eyes, stepping turo the room. “This isn’t about Alex,” I said flatly, polating tomand my curled halt and flawless makeup. “Adelaide worked her magic. If you’re impered, she deserves the credit
fith chuckled softly, adjusting the baby in her arms. “Well, it worked. You look stunning.”
“Thanks,” I said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I stepped closer, leaning down to kiss Falth on the cheek and then looking down at the tiny bundle in her arms. “And how’s this little guy doing?”
“Hir’s pratect,” Faith said with a smile, her voice tinged with awe. “Absolutely perfect.”
Domanic reached out, resting a hand on Faith’s shoulder as he gazed down at his son. It was a quiet, intimate moment, one that reminded me of how much they’d been through to get here. I felt a pane of emy, but i quickly pushed it aside..
“I just wanted to say goodbye before I left,” I said softly, stepping back to give them spare.
*Handle,” I shot back, nanosive my eyes at blus
That almost sounds like you’re excited to go “
,” he travel, crossing his anos, “mont post second box, it Alex pulls are stoots tenight, you have full promission to call or
Talih laughed at that, the sound wann mal privine: “Dominic, stop trying to be a superhero. Haha canlondie bevelt. ”
Lumiked, shaking my beal “Thinkron, taithi. At least someone here believes L’incapable.”
powk bell up his hails in Bock, vivendes, but the twinkle in his eye told me he wasich vollicly joking.
“Alight,” Esaid, backing toward the dooi. “Namboo get some test, I’ll let you launchine li pres. If it’s with talking about “
Earthyworced me off, bec sole settering “Have ton, Hama Vendeseivel.
Thesitatedjon a moment, her words stoking in. Two it had been so long since Lallowed meselt ilsat lusty. Could Leven temember what it felt like!
With a soyall nod, Huned and made my way downstates, my head feeling heavier than it should have. The evening losda’t even stated, and I was already rsluwied | bajrly made it to the dont belvar Mes andwehetne
He was standing there, waiting, looking far too pleased with belt
“What are you doing here? Lasked, invitation laring my tome.
benell to the best porant.
He stopped, catching himself. I could see the woul be almost said: wife, tot instead, be corrected himuselt, “Mydate drive
1 speed with to augue, but he cut me off. “I’m already bete,” he said, gestusing toward his cat. “Why don’t we just go together?”
1 butted, now annuvaise bubbling wet, but i knew arguing would be poluatless. Without another wood, unslied past him anul climbed leto his car
And now, seated across from hom in the disby lit restaurant, I found vrywelt coming the seconds mill this so–called date was over. The private dining room was elegant, with a staing, view of the city skoline, but it did nothing to ease the tensionpressly doen.oisine, I couldn’t shake the awkwanless that lung in the air, thick and sadlocating
Ales, of course, couldn’t help himself. He just bad to open his big mouth and say the exact things I didn’t want to hear.
The convenutian had started neutral mangli–snull talk about work anul how good the food sanclled –but then be bumight up Aya
“I want to get to know her,” Ales said softly, his gaze steady and sincere. “De missed so much, Raina. Her first words, her first steps…my heart breaks knowing. Tve benapa tomber all these wats
My chest tightened, anger bubbling beneath the surface. He had no right to say that, not after everything. Before I knew it, my palua landed on his face, Leaming
left us. You abandoord het. Don’t sit here and act like you’r
“You chose this. You left un
you’re the viction, Alex.” Usaid sharply. He was silent for a second before be continued.
*I was wrong.” he admitted, has voler calm but heavy with emotion “I was angry, and I let that anget cloud my julgusent. I thought I was doing the tight thing. but I see now how much 1 hit you. How much I but both of you.”
It wasn’t enough His wonds weren’t enough to undo the years of painted caused
I stood abruptly, the chuit scraping against the floor as I glated down at him. “Ava is wine,” I said coldly, my valve shalling with fury. “She’s mine, Alex. You don’t get to swoop in paw and act like you cair. You gave up that right the moment you walked away.”
His expusson didu’s waver. If anything, he looked even more determined
“I know I can’t undo what i did,” be said, rising slowly. “And I know an apology isn’t enough to heal the wounds I’ve caused, but saybe maybe my actions.cam make a difference. Hease, Kalna. Let metry”
Before I could respond, the waiter appeated, pushing a food trolley and catetully plating out meals. The interuption forced one to regain some semblance of composar, though my hands trembled as Lebatched une panse in my lap.
We air never getting back together,” i said, iny vo
As soon as the waller lett, Ales with a gate, angry tears gathering in my eyes. “We dir never
my voice low and tim
I didn’t wait for his response. Grabbing my purse, I stood and walked out of the room without looking back.
The hallway was quiet, the soft buat conversation to the main dining area asdistant. My heels clicked against the polished floor as I headed for the exit, myaninad racing with memories I’d tried so hard to bury
I thought about the past.
I thought about how much I had loved him, how desperately I had wanted to make out manage work I thought about the years I spent trying to prove we love to him, only to be met with his indütlenmey
It he had said all of this year aga — When Ava and Liam wer will toddlers–I might have forgivenchion nackthen, I had paayed every night for him to come back to
use him to fight for our family.
-25 Bonus
But now. now it was too late. The wound he’d left in my heart had tumed into a scar–ugly, permanent, and impossible to ignore.
If only he had fought for me too.
I reached the lobby and pulled out my phone, quickly booking a ride My hands still trembled, and my breathing was uneven, but i refused to let myself cry. Not
here. Not now.
“Raina?”
I froze at the sound of my name, my heart skipping a beat as I turned toward the voter
It was Nathan
He was seated at a nearby table with two other men, a surprised but concemed look on his face.
“Great, 1 muttered under my breath. Another coincidence
Tina Bash, he was by my side, his hand gently grabbing my arm
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with concem, “Why are you crying?”
“I’m fine,” lied, my voice shaky.
But Nathan wasn’t buying it. He glanced over my shoulder, his jaw tightening as his gaze landed on Alex.
sit him?” Nathan asked, his voice low and dangerous,
I panicked, grabbing his arm. “Nathan, please.” I whispered. “Just take me home,”
Nathan’s expression softened as he turned back to me, “You don’t even have to ask,” he said
He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb before wrapping an arm around my shoulders Together, we tumed to leave. 1
But before we could talor a step, Nathan was yanked backward.
Alex’s List connected with Nathan’s law, the sound of the punch echning in the room.
“Stay away from my wife,” Alex growled, his voice low and threatening
I stood there, Imogen in shock
“Wite” i managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alextumed to me, his eyes tilled with something I couldn’t name, Possession? Desperation?
Whatever it was, it terrified m
COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus
P
Comments
ப
مي
Support
Shore
GET IT
+25 Benut
RAINA
Walking through the front door, I barely had time to drop my purse beton Dominic’s voice rang out.
“Back so soon?” he asked, histone carrying more curiosity than judgine.
Behind me, Nathan followed, his bruised face immediately catching the attention of everyone in the living room. Grandma gasped, her hands flying to herchest as she stared at him in shock
Dominic’s tone was sharp and unyielding as his gaze moved from Natham to me and back again. “What the hell happened?” he demanded, his brows fummwing deeply. His suspicion practically radiated off him, making the room feel tenser than it already was.
“Alex happened,” I said curtly, brushing past him without missing a beat. My handsted lightly on Nathan’s arm as a guided him toward the couch in the living
Dominic stepped into our path, narrowing his eyes and crossing
org his amus like an overprotective watchulog. “And who’s this guy?” he asked, his words laced with
obvious mistrust
I let out an exasperated sigh and turned to face him, gesturing toward Nathan with a quick flick of my hand. “He’s a friend,” I said pointedly, emphasizing the word in a way that I hoped would disarm Dominic’s overprotective streak
Dominic didn’t move. If anything, his stance became even more rigid, his eyes narrowing further as it sizing Nathan up. “A friend?” he repeated skeptically, clearly
not buying it
“yes, a friend,” I snapped, my patience thinning. “I left the restaurant because Alex wouldn’t stop bringing up the past–exactly what I told him not to do. I needed to cool off, and then 1 bumped into Nathan. And because Alexis Alex, he decided to jump him for no reason‘
Dominic’s frown deepened, and he shifted his gaze back to Nathan, his tone colder now. “And you just happened to run into him?”
Nathan, who had been silent up to this point, cleared his throat and offered a small, strained smile. “I was having dinner with some colleagues nearby,” he said, his voice calm but fimm. “Rain looked upset, so 1 offered to help. Alex, uh, didn’t seem to appreciate that.”
Dominic’s glare didn’t soften, but he stepped aside begrudgingly, letting us pass. “You’re bleeding,” he muttered, his tone still suspicious.
Nathan gave a slight sod. “It’s just a scratch,” he said dismissively.
I shot Dominica waming look before leading Nathan to the couch, where Adelaide, our housekeeper, was already waiting with the first aid kit. Herexpression mimored Dominic’s worry, though he came without the edge of hostility.
“Sit,” Tinstructed Nathan fidy as 1 kelt beside the coffee table.
Adelaide opened the first aid kit with practiced efficiency, pulling out antiseptic and bandages. “This looks nasty,” she mumtured, frowning at the cat on Nathan’s
check
“It’s fine,” Nathan said, but the wince he tried to suppress told me otherwise.
I said, reaching for his chin. He hesitated for a moment before leaning slightly forward, letting me get a better look at the injury.
“This might sting, I warned belote dabbing at the cut with antiseptic.
Nathan barely flinched, his paze steady on mine as I worked. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
I didn’t respond, focusing instead on cleaning the wound. My movements were brisk but careful, the tension in the room palpable.
Dominic hovered nearby, his arms crossed as he watched us with an unreadable expression. I could feel his eyes on me, disapproval practically radiating across
the room.
When Adelaide handed me a bandage, I gently applied it to Nathan’s cheek, nothing it down with a light touch. There,” I said, leaning back and exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding
“Thank you,” Natlun said again, his tone sincere.
I nodded,
, rising to my feet. “I’ll go wash up.” I muttered, needing a moment to collect mysell.
As I left the rooin, Theard Dominic’s voice, low and serious. “We’re not done here,” he said, presumably to Nathan
I washed my hands quiddy, my thoughts racing. When I returned to the living room, the tension seemed to have eased slightly. To my surprise, Dominic was no longer glaring at Nathan. Instead, be extended a hand toward him, a small, grudging smile tugging at the comer of his lips.
Mathan slood and shook his hand firmly, the exchange so cordial it almost felt surreal and I caught the tail end of their conversation.
“See you soon,” Dominic said, his tone unusually wan
“Looking forward to it,” Nathan replied with a polite nod
“What’s going on here?” I asked, my curiosity piqued as I stepped closer
Dorganic named to me, bis smile still in place. “Turns out Nattus here is the director of Everine Solutions, one of our partner companies. We’re probably going in
1/3
be working together a lot more.”
Before I could respond, Grandpa entered the mom, clearly having tverheard the exchange.
“well, that settles it,” Grandpa said with a grin. “Raina, you need to go on a date with this man. It’s good for business.
“Grandpal” 1 exclaimed, my cheeks instantly burning with
hembarrassment.
Before I could protest further, Nathan spoke up, his tone light but sincere, “I’d be delighted to, but only if Haina agrees!
His eyes met mine, and for a moment, the room felt too small, everyone’s eyes on me. I cleared my throat, looking away to break the tension.
“1” think about it,” I said finally, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks again.
Nathan nodded, his expression patient. That’s all lask”
Trying to change the subject, I offered, “I’ll askthe driver to take you home.”
Nathan stood, thanking everyone for their hospitality. As he headed for the door, Falth called out from the nusery.
“Don’t be a stranger, Nathan!”
He chuckled and waved before disappearing through the front door
The moment he was gone, Faith rushed into the room, dramatically handing the baby off to Dominic before throwing herself onto the couch beside me.
“Raina, that man is handsome,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’d better not waste time. Go out with him!”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I don’t want a relationship right now,” I said firmly. “Not when everything is such a mess.
Falth softened, her tone shifting from playful to understanding. “It’s okay to be scared,” she said gently. “But you don’t have to jump into anything serious. Take it slow, see how it goes.”
I nodded, though her words only added to the jumble of thoughts in my mind. “I need to get out of this dress,” I mumbled, standing up-
Once I was in my room, I immediately stripped off the emerald–green dress and tossed it onto the bed. The fabric still smelled faintly of the restaurant, a subtle reminder of the evening I wanted to forget.
1 told myself I needed another shower, hoping the warm water would help me clear my head.
it me as it
As the spray cascaded over me, I found my thoughts drifting to Nathan. His calm demeanor, the way be stepped in when I needed help, the way he looked at me I were the only person in the coom
And then, unbidden, I started comparing him to ex
Not once had Alex ever protected me the way Nathan had tonight. He’d been too consumed with his own anger, his own ego, to see what I needed.
Kathun, on the other hand… he was thoughtful Gentle
But would be accept my children as his own?
The question caught me off guard, and I felt my chest tighten. I didn’t have an answer, and that scaled me.
Shalang off the thought, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. I couldn’t think about this now–not when everything was still so complicated.
Later that night, as I climbed into bed, my phone buzzed with a new message.
Nathan: “Goodnight, Raina, I hope you sleep well. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Π
A small smile tugged at my lips despite my better judgment.
The next morning, I threw myself into work, determined to avoid any more emotional estanglements.
But, of course, Alex made that impossible.
He’d been tearing me nonstop–apologies, explanations, and vague mentions of “something limportant” be needed to tell me.
by the time noon rolled around, I was ready to block his number for good
“I’m done,” I muttered, setting my phone down on Dominic’s desk
We were in his office, going over approved documents for an upcoming project.
Doise with what? Domine asked, glancing up.
“Alex,” I said flatly. “I’m blocking him.”
Dominic undrked, nodding in agreement. “Good. If he has something to say, he can direct it to me pistead.“”
2/3
1 Laughed softly, grateful for his support
“And honestly,” Dominic added, leaning back in his chair, “he could take a lesson from Nathan. That guy’s got his head ori straight,‘
I nearly choked on my water.
“What?”
Dominic shipped, his smile knowing, “Just saying. Nathan’s a solid guy,”
1 rolled my eyes, but his words stayed with me long after I left his office.
Toward my break, my phone buzzed again. This time, the name on the screen made my heart skip a brat
“Hello?” Lanswered, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Hi, Raina,” he said warmly. “I was wondering–are you on your lunch break yet?”
“Yes, actually,” I said, glancing at the clock.
“Perfect. How about lunch? My treat”
I hesitated, bus the idea of spending time with Nathan didn’t seem so daunting. “Okay,” I said finally
-25 Bonus
The café Nathan chose was tucked away in a quiet alley, its cozy interiora stark contrast to the bustling city outside.
“This place is amazing.” I said as we took our seats.
“I thought you’d like it,” he replied with a smile.
We ordered, and when the food arrived, 1 couldn’t help but let out a small, involuntary moan as I tasted the first bite.
Nathancleared his throat, coughing softly.
“Sorry,” I said, embarrassed.
“Don’t apologize,” he said, calling the waiter over. “Can we get another order of this? To go, for the lady,”
His thoughtfulness caught me off guard, and I found myself smiling despite the chaos of the past few days.
As we ate, he asked casually, “What are the chances of seeing you more often?”
Ifrowned, setting my fork down
» xatluan, you’re a great guy,” began, and he interrupted with a joking “Uli–ols”
“But everything in my life is such a mess right now. My ex won’t leave me alone, I’m still dealing with a sick child, and I have another one at home who needs me
Nathan nodded, his expression serious. “I get it. And I’m willing to walt,” he said gently. “Or even help, if you’ll let me. Especially with your ex.”
Hi words theme ott. Was this it? Had I finally found someone good?
Comments
Support
Shore
-25 Bonus
35
ALEXANDER
It was always the same man. Wherever Raina went, he seemed to hover near her like a shadow–watchful, protective, and far too familiar. I’d first tried to rationalize it, telling myself maybe Dominic had hired him as some sort of bodyguard. But no, it wasn’t that simple. A bodyguard wouldn’t look at her like that, with affection in blatant it was impossible to miss.
Nathan
Just the thought of his name made my jaw tighten. He wasn’t just around her, he was everywhere. Calling, texting, showing op at the hospital. My stomach chumed every time her phone buzzed and I’d see his name flash across the screen. Twice wasn’t obsessive, sume, but it was enough to make me question how much of her time and attention he was stealing. Enough to make me wonder if this guy had already planted himself in her life in a way I no longer could.
It Nathan wanted her for himself, then I needed to act fast. I couldn’t lose her–not again
That thought kept looping in my head when a sharp knock out through my brooding. Before I could even tell my assistant to get lost, the door swing open. Vanessa barged in, het stiletto heels clicking against the floor like gunfire.
“What now?” I mattered, my imitation bubblin
the surface.
But she wasn’t alone. My mother followed close behind, her familier air of superiority filling the room before she even said a word.
are you two here?” I demanded, leaning back in my chair. “I don’t recall inviting either of you
“why are
Vanessa flopped into one of the chairs, looking like she had nowhere else to be. My mother, on the other hand, carried herself with purpose as she took the seat
“We’re family, Alex,”
lex,” she said smoothly, folding her bands in her lap. “We don’t need an invitation to be concerned.”
Iarched an eyebrow. “Concerned about what?”
Her expression sharpened, her tone as pointed as a dagger. “You and Raina,”
That threw me off. My mother had never been particularly fond of Raina, even before the fallour. She’d tolerated her, sure, but “concerned” wasn’t a wond I’d ever associated with their dynamic.
“Why the sudden interest?” asked cautiously
“The Grahamn family is influential, Alex,” she said, as if she were explaining something to a child. “You’ve always known that Reconciling with Raina could strengthen our ties with them, and that benefits everyone.”
Ah. There it was
Vanessa, ever the opportunist leaned forward in her seat, her perfectly manicured nails drumming lightly on the amnest as she spoke, “What about Eliza?” she sold, her voice laced with disdain and smugness. “She’s been by your side ever since you and Raina divorced. She’d make a perfect partner. Loyal. Supportive Everything Raina wasn’t.”
1 scoffed audibly, shaking my head at her sheer audacity. The laugh that escaped me was bitter, humorless. “We’re not divorced,” I said, my tone clipped.
The effect of my words was immediate
Vanessa froze, her hand pausing mid–drum as her mouth tell open. She sat up straight in the chair, her back rigid, her disbelief almost comical. “What?”
Even my mother, who prided herself on never losing her composure, blinked in shock. For a moment, she looked like someone had slapped her, her polished facade cracking just enough to reveal her surprise. “Excuse me?”
1 sighed, leaning back in my duir as I ran a hand through my hair. I wasn’t sure why I was admitting this now, but the weight of carrying this secret for so long was suddenly unbearable. “Raina and | we’re still married. I never linalized the divorce.”
The silence that followed was deafening
Vanessa’s mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before she finally managed to speak. “You’re kidding, right? Tell me you’re kidding.”
I said nothing, my silence only contiming the trucli.
My mother’s shock melted away, replaced by something that made me uneasy a slow, creeping smile that grew wider by the second. “Well,” she said, her voter tinged with an almost unnatural excitement, “that’s unexpected… but wonderful.”
“Wonderful?” I repeated, my frown deepening.
“You’re still legally tied to the Graham Lamily,” she explained, her eyes practically gleaming with triumph. “This is good, Alex. Very good. If you play your cards right, this could secure everything for us. The connections, the influence, the legacy. The entire fortune could be yours..”
cut her off, my imitation bubbling to the surface. “It’s not about the money,” I snapped, my voice hatsher than I intended.
tu
She waved a hand dismissively, as if my reasoning was irrelevant. “Still, it’s fortunate. And it Raina loved you even a little, she’ll understand that the past was just a misunderstanding. You didn’t know Dominic was her brother. She’s not unuırasanable.
1 thought this would be the end of the conversation, and as I leaned back in my chair, added firmly, “Don’t say a word to Rain about any of this 11 tell her when
the time is right. I’m still trying to figure out how to ram ber forgivene
My mother raised an eyebrow but gave me a playful smirk as she made a zipping motion across her lips. “Fine,‘ muid lightly, though the glint in her eyes told me it wouldn’t take much to pry this secret out of her.
Vanessa, of course, didn’t know how is stay quiet. She nudged our mother back into her seat and leaned forward, practically glowing with some half–baked idea. You know,” she started, her tone dripping with that manipulative charm she thought was so convincing. “Trould be part of the Golums too—with your help.”
I narrowed my eyes at her, already regretting letting her through the door. “Vanessa, don’t even start.”
“Oh, come on,” she said, ignoring me completely. She sat back, twirling a strand of hair like she had the perfect plan. “All you have to do is find me a job at Graham Corporation. 11 handle the rest from there. You get Raina back, and I’ll secure my spet in the family.”
Her self–satisfied smile disappeared in an instant. “Why not?
I stared her down, my patience already hanging by a thread. “Because you’d main everything,” I snapped. “Do you think Raina would ever trust me again if I let pota anywhere near her? She’s already barely tolerating me.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked genuinely offended. “I’m trying to help you!” she snapped, her voice rising in pitch.
I leaned forward, letting my frustration seep into every word “No, Vanessa. You’re trying to help yourself, like you always do. And I’m not about to let you use me or Raina for one of your little power plays.”
Her face flushed with anger as she stood abruptly, the legs of her chair scraping against the floor. “Eine!” she spat, throwing up her hands like a spoiled kid denied dessert. “Figure it out on your own!”
I didn’t even flinch as she stomped out of my office, slamming the door behind her.
A heavy sigh escaped my mother as she smoothed out her skirt, her calm composure never faltering. “You could be a little nicer to her, Alex,” she said, her voice soft but pointed
to team to stay out of things that don’t concem her. She doesn’t care about me or faina; she just
I rolled my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Vanessa needs to lean wants to climb her way into power”
My mother gave me a long, assessing look, the kind that made me feel like a child who’d just disappointed her. “She’s still your sister,” she said simply. “Try to
remember that.”
She gave me one last glance, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Have you heard anything about Ava?”
The
mention of my daughter hit me like a punch to the gut. My chest tightened, and I shook my head, my voice barely audible. “No.”
“She’ll come around,” my mother said gently, her tone uncharacteristically kind. “If Raina loved you even a liule, she’ll understand. But you’ll have to eam her trust back first. Don’t waste this opportunity”
And with that, she left, closing the door behind her and leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sat there for a long moment, staring at nothing in particular as her words replayed in my mind. My gaze eventually drifted to my phone, and my chest ached when I saw the picture of Haina on fny lock screen.
He smile was vibrant, her eyes full of life and warmth–so different from the guarded, wary look she gave me now, I wanted to see that smile again. Not in a photograph, but in teal life.
The knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts, and my
sy assistant walked in, holding a stack of documents. “These need Ms. Graham’s signa
- s. Graham’s signature,” she said, placing them on my desk.
*I’ll take them,” I said quiddy, grabbing the papers before she could protest. I was already halfway out the door before she could finish saying, “But-
I didn’t care
This was my chance to see her again, to remind her that I wasn’t giving up. But as I stepped into her office, whatever anticipation I’d felt vanished instantly.
Nathan was ther
Standing close to her, too close. And she she was loolding at him like he hung the moon.
Tell my blood boll.
Before I even ralized what I was doing, I marched over to them, holding up the documents like a shield. “I have business to discuss with Ms. Graham,” I said
harply, my too harsher than intended,
Nathan ralied an eyebrow, but he stepped back without a word. Hala, however, looked furious
Slu didn’t bother to hide it, either.
Without waiting for permission, I grabbed her ann–net roughi,
Hi, but fun enough to make my point–and pulled her aside.
“What the hell, Alex?” she snapped, yanking her ams free the moment we were out of earshot.
“Who is he?” I demanded, my votre low but seething with Inistration.
ih anger.
“That’s none of your business,” she shot back, her eyes blazing with
“It is when he’s hovering around you like that,” I retorted.
She crossed her arms, her glace sharp enoughto nit. “Last I checked, I’m your boss. Maybe you should learn some respect.”
Even angry, she was breathtaking.
The gentleness i used to know was gone, replaced by a fierceness that both frustrated and captivated in
Clearing my throat, 1 held out the documents. “These need your signature,” I sald, my voice softer this tim
She snatched the papers from my hand without a word and walked away, leaving me standing there, watching her go.
Que thought consumed me: Scion Soon, she’d be mine again,
