[Vivienne]My head throbs, trying to process everything Anna just told me.I don’t think I can handle any more shocks or surprises. I just want to sit down, close my eyes, and stop thinking about the disaster this day has become.But I can’t. Not yet. Not when Anna is still here, crying, with that unconscious man snoring on my couch.Thankfully, the guards arrive just then with the building caretaker, Mr. Johnson, a lithe man with a half-bald head and sleepy eyes.“We’re here, Ms. Sinclair. I personally want to apologize for the oversight by the guards, who clearly didn’t do their job.”“Hey, we did our job just fine,” one of the guards rolls his eyes, clearly not agreeing. “He had the pass. That’s why we let him through.”The other guard checks the old man’s pockets and grunts when he finds something. “Here it is,” he says, turning around to show the pass. “See? Not our mistake. The guy had the pass, like Max said.”I glance over my shoulder and see Anna looking terrified. She meets
[Vivienne]My eyes hurt like hell, but I keep them open, not wanting to fall asleep in front of the police officer.“So, let me get this clear,” the man says, not looking even remotely interested. “You’re here to report a missing person—someone I’ve already told you isn’t worth reporting?” he looks at Anna, frowning. “Listen. I get that you’re worried, but this is just a waste of time. I know your neighborhood like the back of my hand. No boy ever goes missing there. They just leave home because they don’t give a crap anymore.”“You’re wrong,” Anna’s voice cracks as she fights to hold back the tears. “Javier isn’t like that. He’s a good boy. He keeps his head down, never causes trouble.”“Well, that’s what every family thinks,” the officer grunts, shifting his bulging belly, which is spilling out from between the gaping buttons of his shirt. “That their kid’s the best. That they do nothing wrong. Then, boom—they’re thieves, or worse. Stealing, messing around for kicks.”“How can you s
[Vivienne]“What the hell just happened?”Anna says, once we leave the police station and wait for Marcus to bring out the car.I chuckle. This girl is so damn innocent and adorable. I can’t believe she has been going through so much for so long and I didn’t even have a clue.I stuff my hands into the pockets of my jacket. “Someone got a good smack in the back, that’s what happened.”She nods, as if she understands, but the confused look stuck on her face tells me she doesn’t get it all.“Who was on the phone, though? Was it someone powerful? Wait,” her eyes widen. “Was it the president? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was. I know Mr. Richardson has played golf with him a few times. There are pictures in his office. I even asked once about it and he confirmed that they were real.”I shake my head, still smiling. “No, Anna. It was not the president of the U.S. Though it surely helped to speed up the process.”She smiles, her cheeks growing red. “Sorry. I don’t know how any of this works.
[Vivienne]The next day, when I wake up, I wake up with a good feeling.I don’t know how to explain it, I just do. Even after one hell of a day yesterday—from going viral to almost being physically hurt—it all feels distant, like it happened eons ago, and therefore, doesn’t matter anymore.I shake myself out of my thoughts and get out of bed.An hour later, I’m ready to leave, planning to have breakfast at a nearby café. I grab my purse, lock the apartment, and take the elevator as soon as it arrives.It’s a five-minute walk, so I don’t bother calling Marcus. I take a slow stroll through the market, enjoying the morning rush. When I enter the café, the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee hits me in a way that makes my whole body vibrate.I smile to myself and slide into one of the empty booths. I’ll be having breakfast alone, but that’s fine. I need this calm and quiet after everything that’s been going on. I deserve some me-time.I grab a menu and skim through it, though I already kno
[Vivienne]I stare at him for a long moment, unable to decide if it’s a joke or if he’s being serious.Although considering my luck these past few days, I don’t have the slightest doubt that when it comes to me, things can go from good to worse faster than the speed of light.I try not to laugh at my fate. “And why exactly do you think my life’s in danger? Is it because of my recent fifteen minutes of fame, or am I just that irresistible?”I don’t mean to be sarcastic, but I can’t help it. My life seriously feels like a joke right now. The more I try to take control, the more out of control it gets.He tilts his head slightly. “By fifteen minutes of fame, are you referring to…?”It would be a miracle if he hadn’t seen those fake pictures. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”He nods, lips pressed together. “I suppose I misjudged what would be appropriate to bring up around you. My mistake. Please, accept my sincere apologies.”“Are you for real?” I let out a dry laugh.“Well, I
[Vivienne]“Lawrence & Sons?” I know I’m just repeating what he said, but I can’t help it.Out of all the places I could’ve imagined, Caden’s office building was the last one I’d expect.“Are you saying my fake nude pictures were uploaded from my ex-husband’s office?”“Well, if you put it like that…”I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Was Caden behind this? I mean, it’s his office we’re talking about here. How could something like this happen under his nose, and he wouldn’t even know about it? Is he involved? Is he…So many questions. Too many. But not a single answer. I’m just getting more and more confused.“Hey.” Alexander’s deep voice pulls me gently from my tangled thoughts. “You’re overthinking. It might not be your husband.”“Ex-husband,” I correct him, and he instantly lifts both hands in surrender.“That. Of course. My mistake.” He sets his coffee aside and takes my hand in his. “All I’m saying is, let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s find out the whole truth first and then de
[Vivienne]The moment those words come out of his mouth, I turn around and walk away.“Ms Sinclair?” He yells behind me. “Come on, just listen to me once.”I don’t. How dare he suggest something like that? Sure, he helped me, and I’ll be eternally grateful, but this… this is crossing a line. His solution to my problem doesn’t feel like a solution—it feels like a whole new problem.I keep walking, muttering under my breath.When I reach my building, I tell the guard that if anyone comes to see me, send them away. He nods, and I head for the elevator.Stupid, stupid Alexander. I thought he was different. I should’ve known better. All men are the same. Assholes. Selfish. Well, except for Elijah, my dad, and my brother, of course. They’re good people. But the rest? Exactly what I said. Self-absorbed creatures with only one thing on their minds—how to make others miserable.I enter my apartment and lock the door. But I’ve barely made it halfway through the first room when the doorbell ring
[Vivienne]Now, what am I supposed to say to that?I swallow instead, thinking hard about how not to sound rude or, well, like an ass.“What happened?” I ask, wondering what might have happened in the short while. The last time I saw his mother, she looked fit as a fiddle.He stands from the couch and walks towards the window, peeking through the shut curtains. “Another episode. But this time it was worse than any of them before. She was out of control.”I nod, trying to understand. I still don’t know what kind of episode she must be having, but I suppose, that’s not important right now.“Why did you say she’s dying? It can’t be that bad,” Or could it be? Why would he say something so serious if it wasn’t true?“Except, it is,” he says, facing me, looking more defeated than I’ve ever seen him. “Her doctor says the next attack could be lethal. It might just kill her.”I can’t help but feel sorry for him. It must be devastating to know his mother could die at any moment. If it were my p
[Vivienne]The nurse leads me to the operating theater first but asks me to wait outside.My hands shake as I stare at the door, wondering how Harvey must be doing.How the hell did he get into an accident? Who was the woman with him? Why did he skip work? And what the hell was he doing on the west side of the city? We don’t even have any offices there.That area is basically filled with schools, colleges, and other educational institutes."If you need anything else, I’ll be at the reception," the nurse says, ready to leave and get back to her work.I don’t let her, though.I speak before she can even turn. "How long is it going to take?"She understands what I mean by it—she must face situations like this every day. "Nothing can be said for sure right now. And I understand that waiting feels difficult, especially when your brother is in there. But trust me, the best thing you can do right now is let the doctors do their job. They will tell you everything once they’re done treating yo
I decide to pick up my things from Harvey’s place and head back to our grandparents’ house.It’s the only place where I can think clearly and have some peace to myself.God knows I need a moment to just breathe.So much has happened in a single day—my body and brain both need a well-earned break.When I arrive at his place, Mimi still hasn’t returned from school.Good. Because if she had tried to stop me one more time with those big, adorable eyes, I probably would have changed my mind. That girl has some serious charm. No wonder Harvey can’t resist any of her demands—same goes for my parents.Dad once told me that when he took her to his office—back before he retired—she demanded to play loud pony-themed music and made everyone dance, as if the entire company had thrown a party just for her.Easy to say, the employees couldn’t have asked for a better break—or a better boss.Anyway, I grab my stuff and get back into the car, making sure to leave a text for Harvey so he knows my unexpec
[Vivienne]Once I’m far enough that Avery’s screaming fades into the background, I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.God knows what’s up with these Lawrences lately. Have they all sworn to make my life hell? To never let me have a moment of peace?I shake my head and push some loose dark curls out of my face.When I return to the table, I find Theo sitting alone.And my anger flares all over again.How could he do this to me? Out of all the women he could have dated, he chose her—the sister of my ex-husband? Did he have no respect for me? Did I not tell him what that family did to me?How could he ignore all of that and fall for a girl who is neither right for him nor anything like him?She’s just like her mother. Like Sasha. Evil. Pure evil.I still remember the day she threw that scorching coffee in my face at the café…Anyway, I take a deep breath and make my way to the table.Theo sees me approaching, and before I can say a word, he stands up, hands braced against the tab
I stare at her, unsure whether to laugh in her face or take her seriously.“End me?” I tip my head to the side, pushing her off me at the same time. “Do you hear yourself? You sound unhinged.”“You think I’m joking?”“Nah, more like you’re trying to be something you’re not.”“You think I can’t hurt you?”I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. You? Hurt me? Avery, you’re a spoiled little brat from a family of professional liars and melodramatic wannabe royals. The only thing you’ve ever ‘ended’ is a shopping spree when Daddy cut you off. So, forgive me if I find it absolutely hilarious that you think you’re some kind of threat.”Avery’s mouth drops open.She probably didn’t expect me to say something like that.I’m not surprised. I was never this sassy in front of Caden’s family. I was good, loyal, and completely dedicated. But instead of appreciating any of it, they always assumed the worst of me.And—shockingly—they still do.Anyway, now that she has nothing to say, I turn to finally get the h
[Vivienne]Avery looks just as surprised to see me.Her eyes widen, and she jolts to her feet, her face slowly turning pale.Theo probably notices her odd reaction, but before he can say anything, Avery quickly grabs my arm and giggles over her shoulder.“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for someone to arrive. I desperately need a lady’s help. Be right back!”And with that bizarre excuse, she drags me to the bathroom, shuts the door, and spins to face me—a crown of sweat already glistening on her forehead.“What the fuck are you doing here?” she snaps, glaring at me with those little brown eyes of hers.I raise a brow. “I could ask you the same question, couldn’t I?”“Oh, shut up!”“If that’s what you want.” I turn to leave. If she wants me to shut up, then I’d rather spend my time elsewhere.But of course, she doesn’t let me.She grabs my arm and yanks me back around—hard this time.I hiss and wrench myself free. “Are you crazy? You’re hurting me.”Instead of looking guilt
[Vivienne]When I reach the office building—invited by none other than Theo—I take the elevator to his office.His assistant meets me halfway and leads me inside.Surprisingly, the room is empty.“Sir is stuck in a meeting, but he assured me he’ll be joining you soon. Can I get you anything in the meantime? Juice, coffee, or something to eat?” the assistant asks courteously, a gentle smile on her pretty face.“Just water. Thanks.”She nods and steps out, leaving me alone.I take a deep breath and sink onto the sofa across the room—the only spot where my aching back might find some relief.Just then, I feel a small kick against the side of my swollen belly—a gentle reminder that my little one has started to move.I smile.It’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.The baby kicks started a few days ago, and God knows I’ve been dying to talk to someone about it. Maybe that’s why I wanted to invite Rosita over or visit Mom—just to share this beautiful news with her.But then Caden showe
[Rosita]I don’t like surprises.Not when they keep me this on edge.Ever since we left my office, Harvey has been as silent as ever. He insisted on driving himself, and when I asked where he was taking me, he told me to have some patience.Well, it seems I don’t have the energy for patience either.“Are you sure you’re not about to push me off a cliff or something?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and gazing at the scenery passing by outside the window.I hear him scoff out a small chuckle, the corner of his lips curving ever so slightly. “You have a bizarre sense of humor, you know that?”“You say that like it’s news to you,” I steal a glance at him—his hands gripping the wheel, his gaze steady on the road ahead. He’s always so composed, so frustratingly unreadable.I huff and lean back in my seat. “Are you planning to keep me in suspense forever, or are you actually going to tell me where the hell we’re going?”“Relax, Rosita. We’re almost there.”I don’t like that answer. I
[Caden]I walk out of the mansion and reach my car, already parked in the driveway.But I don’t get inside and move on with my day.No. I stop just before getting in and slam my fist against the roof of the car.Damn it! So close. I was so damn close to telling her everything. If only she had given me a chance.But can I really blame her? Is it really her fault for not giving me a chance now?The answer is no. I can’t blame her, and she isn’t at fault. I’ve wronged her in too many ways for her to believe that this time, when I speak to her, it comes straight from my heart. My words. My effort. My care.But does that mean I should just… give up?Absolutely not.I turn to face the mansion I just walked out of and mumble to myself,“You think I don’t want the child. But you couldn’t be more wrong. I have never wanted anything more in my life. But I have my reasons for holding back. I have a reason for not wanting to pass on my disabilities to our child—to keep them from suffering the sam
[Vivienne]For the next five minutes, neither of us says anything.Caden keeps his gaze locked on me while I continue to pretend that nothing he said has affected me in any way.But I’d be lying if I said his version of that night doesn’t make sense.It does. I just don’t know if it changes anything.Even if I admit that Sasha might have played me—made a fool out of me—that doesn’t explain his indifference toward me during our entire marriage. It doesn’t explain why he chose to stay away not just for days but for weeks, sometimes even months. Or why he spent the majority of his time with his family and assistant but not a single meaningful moment with his own damn wife.And it certainly doesn’t explain all the media buzz about him and Sasha—rumors of them being secretly engaged, enjoying vacations on exotic islands, and so on.“You should leave,” I tell him after a while, unsure if there’s anything left between us to discuss.No matter how innocent he claims to be, it doesn’t change t