His Only Heir Is Mine

I let out a quiet sigh.So much for slipping out unnoticed.I walked over anyway. "Hi, Ms. Connell."Talia stepped closer, eyes dragging over my cheap uniform. A smile spread—fake and smug. "It really is you. Working as a server now? And not even inside?" She clicked her tongue. "Must be rough."She grabbed my hand, already pulling me toward the inner hall, all sweet like she cared."Come on, I'll get you inside. Way easier. You might even run into Dad and Mom!"After two steps, she paused—like she'd just remembered Vivian and the others.Her face flipped cold."You're all fired. Get out. Now." A sharp look. "Filthy trash."Their legs almost gave out. No one dared speak, let alone beg.They couldn't touch Talia, so their glares stabbed into my back instead.Typical Talia.The second we stepped into the inner hall, she put on that fake 'oops' face. "Joanna, I just remembered—we don't need extra staff in here." A small smile. "Restrooms and trash still need cleaning, though.

Bryson didn't believe me.Of course he didn't.The lead officer stepped forward, voice firm. "Ma'am, you're suspected of theft involving a high-value item. You'll need to come with us for further investigation."Click.Cold cuffs snapped around my wrists.I looked at Bryson.Nothing came out.Old wounds ripped open, that dull ache spreading through my chest, heavy enough to take me down.We grew up together.He once said he'd protect me. Forever.Yeah. Right.Then why does he keep being the one who breaks me?As they led me away, Talia stepped in close. Just enough so only I could hear."Bitch," she whispered, smug as hell. "Did you really think you could beat me?"Just like that, they shoved me into the police car and drove off.***Third-Person POVIn the staff lounge, Vivian and the others shoved their stuff into bags, faces totally wrecked."This is all Joanna's fault. She did it on purpose. She saw people coming and didn't even warn us."The intern scoffed. "Rig

Bryson stared at me, voice rough. "All these years... why didn't you tell me?"I held his gaze. Didn't flinch.The past hit fast—his eyes going cold, the way he lit up around Talia, that smile at the engagement banquet with someone else in his arms. Me, crouched in a hospital hallway, test results in hand, numb.I tugged at a smile. It didn't land. My chest still ached."Tell you what? That while you were calling me boring, I was already pregnant with Kyle? That while you chased your 'exciting' life with Talia, I was throwing up day and night, alone?"The words kept coming, and the tears beat them out. "You didn't like me back then. Thought I was dull, holding you back."I figured if I told you, you'd just get annoyed—think I was trapping you. And I was scared... that before he was even born, his own dad would hate him."So I didn't tell you. I just planned to raise him myself."When I finished, Bryson looked pale.He opened his mouth like he had something to say. Nothing came

"There are only a few days left. Let him finish the semester. When he starts elementary school... we'll transfer him."Bryson nodded, voice low. "Okay. Your call. I'll set up security. Don't worry."After graduation, Kyle and I moved into the place Bryson arranged.He got the message.Not huge, but more than enough. Simple, warm. A kid's room already set up, furniture sized just for Kyle.Kyle looked around, curious—but a little unsure.I held him close. "New adventure. I'm right here."He didn't totally get it, but he leaned in and whispered, "As long as you're here, I'm not scared."On the surface, life stayed calm.I went back to work—and felt the shift instantly.The supervisor who used to boss me around now smiled like she was auditioning, talking careful, even offering me an easier role.Coworkers who used to gossip with Vivian suddenly all smiles, laying it on thick.Bryson Harding—who couldn't have kids—now had a five-year-old son with his ex.And me?Mother of th

Kyle breezed through kindergarten. When the new semester hit, he transferred to a top private elementary school the Hardings set up. He adjusted faster than I expected. Smart, steady—he started thriving.With him on a solid routine, I finally had time again.I quit my old job and picked my sketchbook back up, going back to what I actually loved—jewelry design.I started small. Commission sketches. Studied the craft in my free time. Little by little, my designs turned into real pieces.It wasn't easy, but I was getting better.Two years—long enough.I built a name for myself as an independent jewelry designer.Over those two years, I met Xander—a calm, polished doctor. No Bryson-level money or power. No messy past.He was steady. Focused. Kind in that quiet, healer way, with a sharp, clear mind.We got married.Small wedding. Just a few close friends.Kyle was the ring bearer. Little suit, tossing petals like it mattered, face bright and easy.He held my hand, walking me dow