Se connecterChristinaBefore I could react, he leaned down and pressed a kiss against my temple.My breath hitched."You... you’re insane," I choked out, still fruitlessly tugging at the diamond. "This is madness, Hunter.""Madness?" He laughed softly, though the sound didn't reach his eyes. "What was it you said out there? That you were planning for a second baby? Tell me, Christina... have you even tried for a first?"I froze.My head snapped up instantly.“What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”He didn't answer. He just looked deep into my eyes. His expression unreadable and sharp.Like he already knew something.Like he was waiting for me to break.My heartbeat started pounding harder.In that silence, I felt exposed. It was as if he could see right through my skin."The nonsense you make me do," he growled.Before I could breathe, he lunged. His hand caught the back of my neck, and he crushed his lips against mine.It wasn't a gentle kiss; it was a punishment. It was hard, desperate.
ChristinaHunter disappeared into the crowd and Lisa hurried after him.“How was that performance?” Douglas smirked quietly once they were gone.I gave him a look before slipping my hand out of his arm.“Too much,” I muttered.He laughed under his breath.A little while later Jude Hayes left the party surrounded by assistants and security. After that I decided there was no reason for me to stay either.Mom had already gone back to the mansion because she was tired.Uncle Carter was busy drinking and laughing with his business friends across the ballroom.The music felt louder now.The room heavier.I grabbed my clutch and started walking toward the exit.Then suddenly—Someone slammed into me.A tray tilted.Cold liquid splashed all over my face and chest.Red wine.“Fuck—”I gasped as the drink soaked straight through my dress. My face. My hair. Everything.The sharp scent of alcohol filled my nose instantly.“I’m so sorry!” the waitress panicked.Wine dripped into my eyes, burning b
ChristinaThe special guest listed at the bottom of the invitation made my heart stop.Jude Hayes.My fingers tightened around the card instantly.Jude Hayes.The woman who built Hayes into one of the biggest fashion empires in the world.Meeting her, showing her my vision—it was the dream that had kept me going through the darkest years of my life.“Tell me you’re going now,” Douglas said with a grin.“Yes.”The answer came out immediately.Because there was no way I was missing this opportunity.I didn’t know if I’d ever get another chance like this again.And honestly… With all the attention Hunter and Lisa were receiving lately, I doubted Hunter would even have time to notice me tonight.By evening, I stood in front of the mirror adjusting the black off-shoulder gown hugging my body.One of my best creations.My hair was twisted into a sleek high bun and my heels added enough height to make me feel powerful again.For the first time in days… I almost recognized myself.I gave the
Christina"Yeah..." I forced the word out. The word tasted bitter in my mouth.My phone vibrated again beneath the table.A text message.Hunter: Where are you? Why aren't you in the office? We have the fashion parade this weekend. You need to be here.The audacity of his demand, especially after everything Lisa had just told me, made my blood boil.Me: I’m with your fiancée. Shopping for your wedding.I sent it before I could overthink it.Hunter: Where? Wait... I’m coming to pick you up. Send me the address.A small smirk tugged at my lips despite myself.As if I’d actually tell him where I was.No chance.But my small sense of victory lasted exactly three seconds—until Lisa’s phone began to chime with a cheerful ringtone.She smiled brightly while answering it. “Hey baby.”Baby.God.“Yeah, I’m at Le Carte Café,” she continued casually. "I thought I’d pick up a few gifts for you... oh, you're nearby? Okay, see you soon!"I nearly choked on my coffee.That bastard.He called her bec
ChristinaThe next morning, I wasted no time. I called Hunter’s manager and informed her that I wouldn't be coming into the office for at least a week.I had already finished my work anyway. I checked everything at the warehouse yesterday before the power outage happened.Everything was perfect.Except me.I barely slept last night. Tossing and turning for a long time.I rubbed my forehead and walked across the suite just as the doorbell rang.I assumed it was Douglas.But the second I opened the door my entire body stiffened.Lisa stood there smiling brightly.“Lisa…” My brows lifted in surprise.Before I could react she threw her arms around me excitedly.“Chris! I hope I’m not disturbing you.” She pulled back. “What were you doing?”I glanced behind me automatically.Kai had already left for his aerobics class with the nanny.“Nothing,” I said quickly.Lisa beamed and grabbed my hand before I could say anything else.“Perfect. Then you’re coming with me.”“What?”“It’s Hunter’s bir
ChristinaI slumped against the back of the taxi seat. My head thumped against the headrest as the city lights blurred past the window.I had almost spilled it.The truth had been right there at the back of my throat like a confession.Kai is yours.He’s your son.The words had been right there.Ready to fall out.Just because for one weak moment I felt safe in his arms again.The moment he touched me in that darkness, the trauma of the harassment—the fear of the man in the alley—it all just… vanished.I felt so protected in his embrace that I let my guard down.For one delusional second, I let myself imagine a life that didn't exist. I saw a family.I saw Hunter as a father shielding my son against all the bullies of the world.Stupid.So stupid.But the moment that shutter groaned open, the illusion shattered.Lisa running into Hunter’s arms.And Hunter stood there helplessly. As if he was mocking me that he was already hers.Of course he was.And me?I was nothing.Just the stepsis
ChristinaHis hand rested on the buttons of his coat as he stepped out of the car.Calm. Controlled.Powerful as ever.Then his eyes landed on me.He froze.Pure disbelief spread across his face. He stared at me like I was a ghost dragged out of his past. Like he wasn’t sure I was real.Seconds pas
ChristinaIt had only been a week since Hunter vanished from my life, and yet his ghost still clung to me like a second skin.“Chris…” Shasha’s voice broke through the fog. The door smacked open. I quickly wiped my mouth and rushed out.She and Lena were standing with grocery bags in their arms. T
I barely made it to the bathroom before the nausea hit me again.My stomach heaved. Violent. Relentless. I clutched the sink like it was the only thing keeping me upright.Cold water. That’s all I needed. I rinsed my mouth. Splashed my face. Whispered to myself to get it together.But the moment I s
ChristinaThe admission process was finally done. Papers signed, forms filled, reality sealed. Now came the real part—finding a place to live.“Asher, I’ll manage on my own. Don’t worry,” I said, clutching my bag tighter than I needed to.He gave me that easy smile, the kind that always made him lo







