Mag-log inMELANIE I kissed him like this was our first time, and I couldn't get enough. His hands tightened on my waist as I deepened the kiss, pouring everything I had been holding back into the moment. I would have kept going without thinking about anything else if Gavin hadn’t suddenly remembered we weren’t alone.He pulled back first, breaking the kiss with a ragged breath. His chest heaved against mine, his hazel eyes dark and heavy with a lust that made my knees weak. I could only imagine what he would have done if my mother hadn’t been standing five feet away. God, part of me wished she wasn't.“Melanie, what on earth is going on?” My mother’s voice came from behind me, quiet and stunned, like she was still processing the fact that her daughter had just kissed a man old enough to be her father.I closed my eyes for a few seconds, then turned to face her. “Can we talk about this after we leave?”She shook her head, her forehead wrinkling. “Is your father aware of this?”“Of course not.”
MELANIE “No!” The word came out sharp and angry from my mouth. “We are not involved.”Gavin snapped his head towards me, narrowing his eyes at me. “But…” My mother walked further into the room, shaking her head. “I didn’t really hear what the shouting was about, but the way you two were looking at each other—”I didn't wait for her to finish. I spun around, grabbed my bag from the couch, and turned back to her without glancing at Gavin. “You have shown your appreciation, right? Can we go now?”“Melanie.” She sounded shocked. “When did you become this rude? This is a man who selflessly—”“Selflessly.” I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s a new one.”“Mel!” Her voice rose.“Mrs. Wealth,” Gavin stepped in to calm the situation. “It’s fine.”“No, it's not.” She looked angrily at me, but I ignored her, looking away, with my arms folded across my chest. “I know I haven’t been in your life for a very long time,” she continued, softer now, “but I didn’t expect you to turn out this way.”I rais
MELANIE I didn't know how or what to feel hearing that Gavin singlehandedly saved my mother and brought her back to me. She was still sniffing and wiping her eyes beside me.How was I supposed to stay angry at a man who had done something so selfless?“Can you do me a favour?” Gavin suddenly said, his expression turning serious.“Of course. Name it,” my mother answered without hesitation.“Keep this between us.” His brows pulled together. “I don’t want Dalton knowing I was involved in your release.”“Oh, of course.” She nodded firmly. “He will never hear your name from me.”He nodded, looking satisfied, then his eyes shifted to me and held my gaze as we stared at each other for several long seconds until my mother stood up and the moment broke.“Can you show me to the restroom?” she asked with a small smile.“Sure. Follow me.”He led her down the hall. I remained seated, biting my lips nervously, knowing that he would come back alone any second.A moment later, he returned and stoppe
MELANIE We pulled up in front of Gavin’s house, and I noticed his jeep was already parked outside.“Is that his car?” my mother asked, her hand already on the door handle.“Yeah.”“Alright, let’s go in.” She opened her door and glanced back when she noticed I hadn’t moved. My hands were still glued to the steering wheel. “Aren’t you coming?”“Hmm.”We got out together. She walked ahead, looking excited and pressed the bell. I stood behind, using her body as a shield, like I could actually hide behind her.The door opened, and Gavin stood there, looking casual, wearing a plain red t-shirt and jeans.“Hello, Mrs. Wealth.” He smiled warmly at her. “Please come in.”“Oh my! Thank you.” I saw my mom give Gavin a subtle once-over, and she looked impressed with what she saw. Well, who wouldn't? Gavin was hot.I followed behind her without making a sound or raising my head to look him in the face. “Please have a seat.” He gestured toward the living room. “Can I get you anything? Water, juic
MELANIE I hadn’t heard a single word my mom said since that call ended.Has Gavin already moved on? Had he found someone older, more experienced, someone whose life wasn’t a complete mess? Or had he decided I was too complicated and just… replaced me?My thoughts kept spinning, faster and louder, and I couldn’t shut them off. I hadn’t answered any of his calls since. I hadn’t even listened to the voicemail he’d left. I was too scared of what I might hear.Why was I this in love with him? Why did it still hurt this much?“Melanie, are you alright?” My mother’s voice finally cut through. “You haven’t been yourself since that phone call.”I forced a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “I’m fine, Mom. I just… need to use the bathroom.”She looked worried but nodded. I stood up and walked to the restroom, my legs feeling a little unsteady. Inside, I locked the door and stared at myself in the mirror. My face looked pale and confused.How was I supposed to handle this? A woman had answered h
GAVINWe drove back to the office in complete silence as Sarah sat stiffly in the passenger seat without saying anything more while staring out the window. She looked like she still wanted to argue, but whatever she saw on my face must have stopped her.I knew for a fact she wouldn't snitch on me to anyone. Sarah had always been like that—discreet.But one question kept running through my mind… Was Evelyn really alive? And if she was, why stay hidden all this time?It didn't make any sense, and I refused to get my hopes up. I wasn't going to. Someone was clearly trying to mess with us, leaving her ring on Mary’s porch and the locket on mine. But how did they even get those things?My God! Nothing made sense any longer.Back at the office, I sat at my desk and opened Mary’s statement again, reading every line carefully when a knock sounded on my door.“Come in,” I said without looking up.The door opened and then closed, but I still didn't look up until I heard his voice.“Gavin, can w
MELANIEMy legs went weak, and I almost fell to the ground. I quickly grabbed the edge of the couch to steady myself. Gavin had a fiancée? Like an actual woman, he planned to marry?And last night... last night I had begged him to fuck me. I came so hard on his cock while he filled me up, stupidly
MELANIE“Fuck!” Gavin swore under his breath. I sat up fast, the sheet slipping down to my waist, exposing my bare breasts. My heart pounded against my ribs as he put a finger to his lips, mouthing “Shh,” and answered the call on speaker.“Dalton,” Gavin said, voice still rough from fucking me.“H
MELANIEThe kiss wasn’t gentle or sweet. It was desperate. I grabbed the front of his shirt with both hands and pressed my lips hard against his, pouring everything I had been hiding for years into it.Gavin froze. His hands came up to my shoulders like he wanted to push me away.“Melanie, shit… st
MELANIEMy hands shook so badly I could barely hold my bag as I tore it open and gripped my phone, blood staining everything I touched. I dialed my father first, tears running down my face, blurring my vision. It rang twice before he picked up.“Dad,” I sobbed the second he answered. “Some… some







