Haley's POV:
I eventually let go of Logan’s hand and turned away from the warmth of his presence, forcing my steps toward the far end of the conference room where his father waited. My heels clicked against the polished floor, echoing loudly in the sudden quiet after the press storm had passed. The air was cooler in this part of the room, like even the sunlight hesitated to filter through the tall glass windows behind him.
He stood like a statue—imposing, proud, and perfectly composed. His hands were folded neatly in front of him, his tailored suit crisp and immaculate. For a second, I thought he might walk away. But then he turned his head slowly, eyes settling on me with unsettling calm.
“You resemble your mother.”
The words landed like a slap. Cold. Blunt.
I inhaled through my nose and met his gaze. “If you brought me here to talk about the past, I can leave right now.”
A flash of something—amusem
Haley's POV:The soft morning light slipped between the sheer curtains, casting pale gold shadows on our tangled sheets. Logan’s arm was draped lazily over my waist, and I could feel his steady breathing against the back of my neck.I didn’t want to move.His body was warm, firm, familiar. Everything I didn’t know I needed. I nestled closer, feeling his lips brush the top of my shoulder. He was awake."You're clingier than Lily this morning," he murmured, voice still thick with sleep.I smiled into the pillow. "You love it."He chuckled and pulled me tighter, burying his face in my hair. “I do.”I rolled over to face him, his messy hair and sleep-rumpled features making him look boyish. “What time is it?”He said while brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Let’s stay here. Just a little longer.”“You have meetings, CEO.”“And you&rsqu
Haley's POV:Back home, I kicked off my heels and poured myself a large glass of champagne. I didn’t even bother waiting for Logan to join me in the kitchen. My hands were slightly shaking.Logan stepped in, loosening his tie. I took a long sip. The bubbles burned my throat. “Neither do I.”He leaned against the counter, watching me. His jacket was already tossed over a chair. His hair slightly messy from running his hand through it one too many times. “Are you okay?”I laughed. A short, bitter sound. “Do I look okay to you?”He didn’t answer. Instead, he walked closer and gently took the glass from my hand, setting it aside. “You’re in shock.”“I’m not in shock,” I snapped, then immediately regretted my tone. I let out a breath and turned away. “I’m… confused.”Logan was silent for a moment. “It’s a lot.”
The moment Logan spotted the man in the corner of the ballroom, he stiffened. “That’s him,” he murmured, squinting slightly. “That’s the doctor.”I followed his gaze. The man was surprisingly young—late twenties at most. Tall, with dark hair brushed neatly to the side, wearing a sleek black tuxedo. He stood alone, browsing the gallery of photos near the event’s entrance.“That’s the great Dr. Leo Aldrin?” I whispered, incredulous.Logan nodded slowly. “Yeah. He was always media-shy. Most of the published articles used old or obscured photos. I never realized he was this young.”As if sensing our attention, the doctor turned. His eyes swept the room—then locked on mine.He froze.For a long moment, he didn’t move. Then he took a slow step forward. His eyes remained locked on my face, his expression stunned, almost... haunted.He reached us in seco
Haley's POV:Logan stepped down from the stage after his speech, making his way through the clusters of guests. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. A soft smile formed on his face as he quickened his steps.“There you are,” he said, wrapping one arm around my waist as he pulled me close. “What were you all talking about?”Susan glanced between us and smiled, but there was something playful—almost smug—in her tone. “Oh, I was just warning Haley that with a man like you, she’ll probably have to deal with more jealous women like that Vivian.”Logan’s smile faded a little as he looked at her. “Susan,” he said calmly, but there was steel in his voice. “If the people around me can’t control their insecurities, that’s on them—not on Haley. She doesn't owe anyone an explanation just because I’m standing beside her.”Susan blinked, clea
Haley's POV:She dramatically raised her hand to strike me across the face, her manicured fingers trembling with forced rage. But before she could land the blow, a large, firm hand seized her wrist mid-air.“Enough,” a familiar voice snapped.My heart jolted.Sebastian.And right behind him was Susan.Vivian’s eyes widened as she looked between them, her mouth twitching into a vindictive little smirk. “Well, isn’t this interesting,” she said sweetly. “Susan, are you seeing this? He’s still protecting her. The way he’s always been—he just can’t seem to let go, can he?”Susan arched an elegant brow, folding her arms calmly. “Excuse me?”Vivian turned fully toward her now, dropping her hand from Sebastian’s grip with an exaggerated pout. “I’m just saying—you should be careful, darling. There’s clearly still something g
Haley’s POV:I accompanied Logan toward the signing area of the gala, my hand looped loosely through his arm. His body was solid and warm beside me, and I could feel how tense he was—though not because he was nervous. He was focused, scanning the crowd with the sharpness of someone who knew how to hold power.The media, surprisingly, weren’t as aggressive as they’d been the last time I faced flashing cameras. Their tone was quieter. Measured, even. It felt like we were walking through a different world—one where the air didn’t sting with judgment.A woman with glossy curls stepped forward, holding out a mic. “Miss Reeds, any update on your comic? Is it getting published soon?”I offered a composed smile. “That’s confidential for now.”Another voice piped up, more curious than confrontational, “Mr. Hartwell, how is your mother doing these days?”Logan’s arm ti