LOGINWhen we step into the theater, it’s dim but not crowded, that perfect in-between where it feels like the world has stepped aside just for us. Adrian gestures toward the center.“I picked the best seats,” he says quietly. “Middle row, dead center. You get the perfect view with no neck strain.”“Look
He smiles, eyes on the road. “You’ll see.”I narrow my eyes. “I don’t really like surprises.”“That’s unfortunate,” he chuckles. “Because I like giving them.”“I don’t have that kind of patience,” I warn.He laughs, the sound warm and easy. “I’ve noticed and I find that so cute.”I look down, using
Adrian arrives exactly on time.I know this because I’ve checked the clock three times already, pacing from the living room to the hallway and back again like I’m waiting for an exam result instead of a date. When his car finally pulls up outside, headlights briefly washing over the front of my hous
A soft chuckle escapes me. “Well… technically, we’ve only been on one date, but we talk every day, and he told me he wants to build something more with me.”The sadness and despair on her face vanish, replaced by a huge smile that lights her up.“Please tell me you’re not lying, just so I can finall
The picture shows my back, with Noah’s hand resting on my lower spine. It was probably taken while I was admiring the necklace, but what I don’t remember is his hand being there at all.Was I so absorbed that I didn’t even notice where he’d placed it?“So,” Mom says sharply, her eyes burning with an
“I don’t think I heard you right,” Mom says, staring at me like I should be booking a psychiatry appointment. “There must be a mistake.”I get her. I really do. Noah is the last person anyone would ever imagine I’d have a child with, yet here we are and the proof is the very obvious baby bump stretc
“What about me?”“Tell me something not stressful or sad.”He laughs, running a hand through his hair. “Well… I like cooking, but I’m terrible at following recipes, so everything either turns out amazing or inedible.”I grin. “That’s adorable.”“I’ll let you try the edible ones someday.”Heat blooms
Adrian asked if four o’clock worked, and since I had nothing planned. I agreed.Now I’m standing in front of my mirror, trying to decide if I look like a woman going for casual coffee with a friend, or a woman who is trying too hard not to look like she’s going on an actual coffee date.The twins ar
No wonder there were maids I’d never seen before. I thought they worked in rotation, but maybe new ones were hired after the others were fired.I stand there speechless, still reeling from what I’d just learned. It just didn’t make any sense to me. Why would he fire them over gossip?I open my mouth
She laughs, and for a few minutes, the sound fills the room, But then, out of nowhere, her tone shifts.“I’m glad you’re here. I love that you are here,” she says quietly. “I miss Mommy, but when you’re around, it’s not so sad.”The words pierce something deep in me. My throat tightens, and I blink







