Chapter 1

Angelica trailed behind me and said, "I've already looked into it. No other woman has come to this cottage in the past four years, so where did the son of yours come from? I know you're angry, but I'll take you home right now.

"Even though your family is poor and only makes a living by raising chickens, I've already convinced my parents to accept you. They won't look down on you anymore."

I turned my head and frowned at her. "I told you my family has chicken farms all over the hills."

Angelica scoffed. "That still makes you a chicken farmer. Whatever you do, don't mention that in front of my parents. It's simply too unsophisticated."

Ugh, I might as well forget it. There was no reasoning with a city girl like her.

She had no idea how valuable those free-range, organic chickens roaming all over the hills were. My family had long since climbed out of poverty and made a fortune from them.

I quickened my pace. Otherwise, I'd be late picking up my son, Tommy Fuller, from school.

Angelica followed behind, saying, "I can take you back to my place right now. The villa is spacious, so even though Jeffrey hasn't moved out yet, there's still room for you. But you'll need to be nice to him. He's quite sensitive, so be considerate and don't provoke him."

"What the heck?" I stared at Angelica in disbelief. "You're coming after me before your divorce is even finalized, and now you expect me to live under the same roof as your husband? Do you take me for a homewrecker or a kept man? Have you lost your mind?"

I yanked the car door open and slid inside, desperate to put some distance between us.

With practiced ease, she opened the passenger door and settled in beside me, chiding, "How many times have I told you to lock the doors as soon as you get in? It's basic safety. Why do you still forget?"

Her tone was as familiar as it had been four years ago, as if nothing had ever changed.

Having Angelica stuck to me like a shadow sent a wave of fury surging through me.

"Get out of the car, now!"

Angelica buckled her seatbelt, wearing a smug expression that seemed determined to expose my bluff.

"Aren't you picking up your son from school? You'd better start the car now, or we'll be late."

I checked the time. We really were cutting it close. Once all his classmates leave, Tommy would be the only one left, and he'd be upset.

I stepped on the accelerator, and we pulled out of the garage.

"When you see my son later, please keep your mouth shut," I said with a frown.

"Fine, I won't say a word," Angelic replied nonchalantly. "Devon, you're really selling this act. I'm curious to see how you're going to pull a son out of thin air."

As I drove, I forced myself to stay calm.

We stopped at a red light, and as we sat staring at the congested traffic ahead, I asked in a low voice, "Angelica, what makes you think I'd still be waiting for you after four years?"

My tone caught her off guard, and a flicker of unease crossed her mind. But it was quickly replaced by her usual confidence.

"Having met me, how could you ever settle for anyone else? Who of any real substance do you even meet besides me? If you're not waiting for me, who else could you possibly end up with?"