•Edward POV•The music in the bar was solemn for once as I walked in and took a seat on the chair close to the marble-tiled counter, resting my hand on it."Give me a cocktail, something with enough alcohol, and also, I need a bottle of Gordon’s," I muttered, rubbing my hand over my forehead as I stared at Jacob. At first, he didn’t notice it was me, and I was almost grateful for that, until he flicked open the cocktail shaker and poured the drink into a cup already filled with ice.“Woah... is it who I think it is?” he asked, glancing my way before grabbing a straw and dunking it into the cup. “Your order is ready, Jefferson,” he called out to the man sitting next to me as he handed him the drink.Turning back to me, he smiled warmly. “Now back to you, Mr. Miles. It’s been ages since you came here. Things must've be going the way you want them to.”I rolled my eyes. “I’m not in the mood for small talk, Jacob. Can I have my order now?”“You mean the weird combo you just asked for?” Ja
•Juliet POV•After Vera handed Jace the gift she brought for him, she leaned down and ruffled his soft curls, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek before rising with a satisfied smile. Jace, wide-eyed and buzzing with excitement, clutched the box like it held treasure and dashed toward the table where Mrs. Carl stood ready to help him unwrap it."Let me help you, birthday boy," Mrs. Carl said warmly, pulling at the tape while Jace jumped in place.Vera’s eyes followed him, her expression softening. But then her gaze flicked back to me. Though I wore a smile, I could feel the way it didn’t quite reach my eyes, and so could she."Can we talk about what's bothering you now?" she asked gently, her voice quiet and filled with concern.I inhaled deeply, nodding. "Yeah... let’s talk."We walked into the living room together, the clatter of wrapping paper and Jace’s happy squeals fading into the background. The plush couch welcomed us as we both sank into it, and for a second I let myself enjo
•Juliet's POV•The party continued with the cake-cutting and the much-anticipated fashion show. I sat near the stage, trying to keep my focus on the models gliding across the runway, each one elegantly holding a bottle of the newly launched perfume. The colors of their outfits matched the scent themes, bold reds, soft lilacs, deep blues, a beautiful blend of fashion and fragrance. But no matter how mesmerizing the scene was, my thoughts were elsewhere.My chest felt heavy with guilt, clinging to me like glue. I took a deep breath, trying to remind myself that Edward wasn't worth it. He had always chosen Raya. Just like everyone else did four years ago. They all made their choice, and it was never me.On my right sat James, silent and observant, and to my left was Eric. Jace, Lana, and Theo were seated a few feet ahead, giggling and munching on candies. The innocent laughter of my son should have brought me comfort, but it only intensified the ache in my heart.I inhaled slowly, trying
•Edward POV•I grunted, shoving my hand through my hair as I walked hastily toward the car, barely feeling my feet beneath me as they threatened to buckle. The entire scene that had just unfolded kept replaying in my mind. Every word Juliet had said struck me like a dagger to the chest. The way she looked at me, with hatred in her eyes, left me breathless.And then the DNA result… God. How could I have been so foolish to believe that Jace was my son?My knees felt weak, and my blood boiled with a mix of anger and sorrow. I had made a complete fool of myself.I opened the door of my car and dropped into the driver’s seat, resting my head back against the chair. I closed my eyes, desperately trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my head.“Bro, are you okay?”Josh’s calm voice broke through the silence, pulling me back to reality. I opened my eyes and turned toward him, to see him standing close to me. He must've followed me immediately I left the hall.“You knew, didn’t you?”
•Juliet POV•My heart hammered against my chest as my lips grazed against James's. I closed my eyes, trying to calm the whirlwind inside me, but it only got worse."Are you okay?" James whispered in my ear the moment I pulled away from the kiss. His voice was warm, filled with concern. "Is he giving you trouble?""No," I muttered softly, my voice barely audible, my lips trembling.I turned to face Edward fully, swallowing down the unease creeping up my spine like a slow, icy wave. His eyes locked with mine, filled with unshed tears, clouded by pain and a kind of regret I wasn’t ready to name."I don't think I need to explain to anyone who my husband and the father of my child is," I said loudly, my voice rising above the hush in the hall. It echoed slightly, then settled into silence. Whispers followed, low, scattered murmurs, like wind rustling dry leaves.Edward looked away, his jaw tense. The paper in his hand slipped from his fingers, floating to the ground. He still didn’t speak.
•Edward POV•The look on her face was exactly how I had imagined it, shock. She blinked rapidly, her eyes never leaving mine, but she didn’t utter a word.“So, you have to decide which one you're agreeing to,” I leaned in, whispering softly into her ear, letting my breath graze her skin.“You’re insane, Mr. Miles, if you think I’ll be shaken by a DNA result or your little threat,” she muttered, her voice tight as though she’d just snapped back to her senses. She twisted her hand from my grasp, but I held on, tightening my grip just enough to make her wince.“Let... go of me, Edward,” she groaned, her glare sharp as a dagger, but I didn’t move.“Not until I get the response I want,” I said, my voice low and firm as I locked eyes with her. She looked away quickly, her jaw tightening. “Or should I tell the crowd instead?”Her body stiffened. She darted a glance around the room, scanning faces. I followed her gaze. People had noticed. The murmurs started softly, building with each second.
•Juliet's POV•My heart skipped a beat. The moment Edward’s words pierced through the applause, it felt like the floor shifted beneath me. I stood frozen, clutching Jace’s hand a little tighter. My smile wavered, lips parting in shock as my eyes darted toward him. Did he really just ask that?Heat rushed to my face, not from the stage lights, but from the sudden weight of a hundred eyes staring at me. I could feel it, the questions, the curiosity, the judgment. My breath caught in my throat, the air suddenly too thick to swallow.I had planned every detail of this evening... except this.I took in a slight breath and lifted my chin, pretending not to feel the weight of his question."That’s my private life, Mr. Miles. I believe I have a choice to share it or not.""Why would you want to keep your husband’s identity secret?" Edward asked, staring at me. I could almost see a smirk tugging at his lips. "Is he that terrible? Or... you don’t have one?"Eric rushed forward toward Edward. "M
•Juliet POV•"You're indeed a role model to many generations of women," Mrs. Yung, an elderly woman, said as I took her hand in a firm handshake."Thank you for attending my party, Mrs. Yung, and also for being one of our top customers," I said with a warm smile."Miss Ryder!" someone called from behind, distracting me from Mrs. Yung. I turned briefly to see another top customer approaching."If you'll excuse me," I said to Mrs. Yung with a polite smile before walking over to meet them.The setting of the party was exactly how I had imagined it, elegantly decorated, filled with influential people and top-tier customers. I could only thank Eric and the rest of the staffs for their hard work.I moved through the crowd, exchanging a few handshakes and greetings, all the while looking around for Eric. He should've been here by now. I had specifically told him not to take too long because I needed Jace on stage with me during my speech."You must be Jace's mother," a redheaded woman said w
•Edward's POV•I stared at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the tie that fit perfectly with my brown suit. This was my moment, the day I would appear before everyone attending Juliet’s party, and before my son, to claim what’s rightfully mine.The look on Juliet’s face would be my golden ticket. And that little boy, his hand wrapped around mine as he called me father, that alone would light up my mood. With one final look in the mirror and a quick glance at the watch around my wrist, I stepped out of the room.The Jace Perfume March party, according to the theme, was set for the evening at the Jace Perfume Company, an evening of second chance. As I stepped into the living room, Josh walked in, dressed in a brown suit similar to mine. His tie wasn’t the same color, but that wasn’t my concern. My eyes drifted to his hand and locked onto the white envelope he was holding.“Did you get the DNA result?” I asked, just to be sure.He nodded with a bright smile. “Yes, bro. The ticket to