Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In a nicely decorated bungalow, Addison Fae lay upside down on her bed with her iPad in her hand.

"It's still early, so do you want to meet at the library?" Jackson asked from the other side of the video call.

Addison bit her lip, contemplating the idea. "Okay, but I'll have to be back by the afternoon."

"Why?"

Addison stood up. "Mum's boyfriend is coming this evening, and I have to help her prep." She placed the iPad in front of her dressing mirror.

"Aren't you working on a project, Addison?"

She began to apply face cream. "Yeah, but ever since my dad left, I've always wanted Mum to find someone special."

Jackson stared as she brushed back her brownish-red hair that cascaded over her shoulders. "I'll wait for you at the library at our favorite spot, okay?"

Addison nodded at him.

"Love you," Jackson said, about to end the call.

Addison smiled, her brown eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "Love you too."

She ended the call.

She applied light makeup—just lip gloss—and put on an orange and brown set consisting of a polo and cargo pants, paired with black boots. As she went to the kitchen, her mom was nowhere to be seen. That was normal; although her mom was a real estate agent, she often had to conduct site surveys and other errands. Addison grabbed her phone, a cap, and her bag, and left.

As Addison calmly walked across the street, a powerful motorcycle blocked her path. The rider removed his helmet, revealing a boy with dark black hair and gray eyes, making her jump in excitement.

"Jackson?!" She ran toward him and hugged him.

He smirked, giving her a light kiss.

"I thought you were going to wait at the library."

"I was, but I thought about you..." He squeezed her hand affectionately. "...and the condition you have with your foot."

"Jackson, I'm really okay. Next time, don't burden yourself."

Without......giving any reply, he lifted her up and placed her on the motorcycle.

"Now that I'm here, let's go."

Addison sighed at his words and wrapped her arms around his waist as he revved the engine, driving smoothly along the road. The cool morning breeze gently brushing against her skin felt reassuring.

When they finally arrived at the library, Addison noticed he signed in as "Jackson R."

"What's the 'R' for?"

"My surname," he stated, stating the obvious as they went to a lower section of the library that was quiet and secluded.

"It's obvious, but you've never told me your surname." They sat opposite each other

"Is it really that important... But it's Rudues.. Jackson Rudues ?" he teased her with a smirk.

" now that you know.. Let's get to it "

Addison placed her things down "of course.."

Jackson's phone rang, cutting her off. The caller ID read "MR." Addison noticed the way his brows furrowed.

"Hello," Jackson said, his deep voice hinting that he was displeased.

The caller on the other end spoke in an even deeper, intimidating, yet calm voice. "Where are you?"

"At the library with Addison."

The receiver went silent for a few seconds. "The girl you've never once shown to the family?"

"I..."

"Don't bother explaining. Arrive at the house before noon."

"Sure," Jackson said. Just as he was about to end the call...

"Addison..." The voice sounded less intimidating when addressing her.

"Yes?" her calm, quiet voice stuttered.

"Make sure he leaves before noon. I've heard you like taking your time to study, so take care."

"Thanks."

Jackson switched his phone off completely and set it aside. He noticed the smile on Addison's face.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked, shifting closer to her.

She ignored him as she arranged her study materials. Feeling his intense gaze lingering on her, she sighed.

"You've been staring at me for almost..." she paused staring at the loving Jackson gave her

" what.. I really love seeing you smile.. and I don't want to share that with my family"

Her gaze landed on the wall clock behind him. "Damn it!" She quickly packed her things and pulled Jackson up. "It's almost twelve, and my mum is coming home!"

Jackson drew her in and captured her lips with his. "I know. Your mum's date is this evening. I'll drive you back home," he stated.

As they signed out, Addison felt guilty. "But your brother..."

Jackson placed a helmet on her head. "It's okay. Just remember, I'll always put you first."

His words reassured her. Just as she was about to climb onto the motorcycle, her foot gave out and she stumbled, but Jackson caught her.

"My leg... ahh... I guess I strained it a little," she spoke, pain evident in her voice.

Jackson helped her up onto the seat and began to drive. Confused by his silence, Addison noticed he wasn't driving toward her house. Instead, he pulled up to a pharmacy.

"Hey, Jack..."

He walked inside and returned a few moments later. "Your leg." His eyes were focused on her right leg.

"Sure." She slowly stretched her leg out and watched as he unpacked a heat pad and wrapped it around her leg.

"This should reduce the pain."

"I'm sorry about today," he said, his words leaving her feeling a bit confused.

"Look at me," she said, staring into his eyes. "Don't be sorry. Besides..."she gave a weak smile.

"...we would both be late to our various things anyway." Jackson chuckled at her words. "Addison Fae, you leave me lost for words."

Jackson dropped her off at home. As he walked her to the front porch, they said their goodbyes, and Addison went inside. She was greeted by a sweet aroma filling the house.

"Mum, I'm back! I'm so sorry I'm..." Her words trailed off as she stood mesmerized by .the new setup. The small dining table was beautifully decorated with flowers and scented candles.

Rachael Fae walked in. "Oh, Addison, you're back!"

Addison blinked before speaking. "Yes. I'm sorry I came home late, my..."

Before she could complete her sentence, her mum hugged her. "I know. I saw Jackson dropping you off, and I noticed your limp." She smiled at Addison. "So, when is this boyfriend of yours coming?"Addison teased

"He's a busy man, so around nine."

"Nine! Mum, by that time these candles will have burned out," Addison said, blowing them out. "Let's just wait till eight-thirty."

She turned to walk her mum toward Rachael's room, but a sharp pain shot through her leg, making her groan.

Rachael looked at her with pity. "Let's get you to your room first."

Rachael helped her to her room, sat her down, and began massaging her leg. The sudden pressure caused Addison intense pain, making her toss and kick around.

"Mum, I swear, if I kick your face, Vincent won't even recognize you!" she cried out, accidentally kicking her.

An hour later, Addison was fast asleep, though discomfort was still evident on her face. Rachael placed a hand on her forehead when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Rachael..."

Hearing the voice, Rachael felt a wave of disgust. "I don't want to talk to you until I wire you the money."

"Uhm, could you send three million instead?"

"Three million?! You gambled away all the money I sent you?!" She raised her voice, which startled Addison awake.

"Mum, stop... it hurts," Addison whimpered.

"I'm sorry, dear," Rachael whispered.

"It's fine," Addison muttered, drifting back to sleep.

"Pain? What happened to her?" the caller asked.

"Trevor, I'll wire the money but even I don't have that amount to give away but—just don't call Addison again. Besides, you're the one who caused her pain in the first place." She cut the call fist clenching on her phone with a sigh she let it go gently brushing Addison hair.

She thought about her upcoming date and smiled to herself. "We will have a good life soon, with a complete family."