Mag-log inMy heart doesn't just drop.It crashes.Ashley.Of course it's her.One of his sister's little friends. Leather pants, a halter top that shows just how desperate she is, and the kind of smug smile that makes me want to rip out her hair strand by strand.Heat climbs up my neck.Rage. Embarrassment. S
"Final boarding call for Flight 238..."I finish the last sip of my mimosa, sling my Gucci diaper bag over one shoulder, smooth the fabric of my dress with a flick of my wrist, and reach for Cameron with the kind of ease that only comes from knowing no one else is going to carry the weight for you.
Christine(August 2025 — 9 months after I left)"I have to ask," Evelina says, her voice soft but unwavering as she shifts Cameron in her arms, rocking him like she's done it a million times. "Are you sure about this? Going back to him?"I lift my mimosa and take a measured sip, letting the citrus b
"You wouldn't love me if I wasn't.""I assure you I would."Carol turns back to me, her voice softening. "Honey, anytime you need help with the babies, you call us. Day or night. Nothing's more important than family."Relief settles heavy in my chest, dragging the rest of me down with it."Thank you
As I ruffle Niko's hair while he sits beside me, a soft knock echoes through the room, followed by the quiet creak of the door swinging open."Mind if we come in?" Carol's voice floats gently through the doorway.Niko lifts his head, quickly wiping away the evidence that he'd been crying."Hey, Mom.
AlyssaAt the hospital, the nurses whisk my babies away for the routine tests that should've been done as soon as they were born.Still, my chest tightens when they're rolled out of the room.I know it's standard. Necessary—especially considering the way they made their grand entrance on the floor o
Alyssa"Nina, can I get another drink over here?" Ashley shouts from across the table like we're at a rowdy dive bar instead of my impromptu baby shower.I groan, bracing one hand on the table while the other rubs over the tight dome of my belly, trying—and failing—to ride out the contraction rippin
I really need them to get out of me.The pressure deepens—low, primal, unstoppable.And then I push.Hard.With everything I've got.My whole body seizes, a guttural sound tearing from my throat as pain shreds through me—white-hot, blinding, the worst I've ever felt."Eight... nine... ten. And breat
Somehow, I didn't notice I'm still wearing specks of cake mix. And I blame Niko—the one whisking it like a madman. Without another word, King turns and saunters off to the bathroom, every step of that cocky walk radiating heat and amusement."Try thinkin' about her throwin' up again," he calls ove
God, that thing felt unreal inside me the first time. Not that I had enough brain space to appreciate it back then—what with the whole trying-not-to-die situation. He steps toward the bed with that same deliberate energy that's so uniquely him—measured, steady, like every step is part of a calcula







