LOGINI swallowed hard, my chest tightening.“I don't want to be like him. I hate him so much that even thinking about him hurts. Sometimes it feels like he's still inside my head, poisoning my thoughts. Just the thought of everything he did makes me want to kill him, even though he's already gone.”“Teddy, please stop,” Payton pleaded urgently, cupping my face with both hands. “Hey... hey, look at me.”I forced my eyes to meet hers.Her gaze was overflowing with compassion, so gentle it made my chest ache.“It’s okay,” she whispered. “He can't hurt you anymore. He’s gone. And you are nothing like him. You’re the sweetest man I know, Teddy. You're kind, caring, and gentle. You're not dangerous.” I searched her watering eyes, my chest tightening with every word.“How do you know I’m not dangerous?” I asked quietly.If only she knew the darkness buried inside me... How dangerous I could be. She wouldn't be sitting here, looking at me like I was someone worth loving. She wouldn't be so certa
Teddy POV“Payton, is there something you want to tell me?” I asked, curious about the way she kept stealing glances at me, her cheeks faintly flushed.She looked at me and smiled softly. “Well, I would like to ask you a few questions—”Just then, my phone rang, cutting Payton off mid-sentence. I held up a finger with an apologetic smile. “Hold on one minute.”I blew her a quick kiss, and she returned it with a shy, playful smile. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I saw Eric’s name on the screen.“Hello?” I answered, still gazing at Payton with a grin.“Boss, I’ve brought your new clothes,” Eric said.“Where are you?” I asked, winking at her. Payton let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth.“I’m right outside the villa.”“Alright, I’ll be right there.”I hung up and slipped the phone back into my pocket. Payton tilted her head, still smiling.“Who was that?”“That was Eric—my most trusted guy. He brought some fresh clothes for me.”“Oh, really?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.“Yeah,
Grandma took a deep breath. "It's alright, Payton." She reached over and gently wiped the tears from my cheeks with her wrinkled fingers. "I understand your reasons."She paused, studying my face with the quiet wisdom only decades could bring. The morning light filtering through the kitchen window softened the lines around her eyes, but it couldn't hide the concern etched there."But that brings me to one important question," she said, her expression softening. "What do you truly feel for this man… Teddy?"I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly tight as I dry my tears properly. "I…" The word came out as a whisper. I met her eyes. "I think I'm in love with him."A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips."Really?" she asked gently. "Are you certain?""Why do you ask?" I countered, my pulse quickening.She sighed, a sound heavy with experience. "He knew you were married, didn't he?""Grandma, it wasn't like that," I said quickly. "I was the one who—"She lifted a hand, sile
Payton's POVI woke up the next morning feeling a flutter of excitement I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Knowing Teddy was here — under the same roof — made my heart race. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Yesterday had been something else entirely. The way he touched me, the way his thick cock felt in my mouth… I had really missed him. I couldn’t wait to see his face this morning.I quickly tidied up my room, brushed my teeth, took a refreshing shower, and slipped into a light, floral sundress that made me feel pretty and confident. Ready for the day, I headed downstairs. The house was still quiet, sunlight gently streaming through the windows. I glanced at the clock on the wall — it was already after six.Everyone must still be sleeping after that heavy rain last night, I thought.I walked into the kitchen for a glass of water, but as I drank, I heard faint voices and movement coming from the backyard. Curious, I set the glass down and quietly made my way outside.There they w
“What are you doing, smoking on my property?!” the old woman continued yelling, her voice surprisingly strong for her age.I immediately dropped the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under my shoe. “I’m so sorry, Grandma,” I said quickly, raising my hands in surrender.“Who are you calling Grandma?” she snapped, eyes narrowing.Just then, Peter came rushing over, gently but firmly holding her arm. “Ma, stop it. He’s a friend of Payton’s.”“A friend of Payton’s?” she repeated, still eyeing me suspiciously.“Yes, Ma.”“Oh… my bad. I’m sorry,” she said, though her tone remained sharp.“It’s okay. It was entirely my fault,” I replied, trying to sound as respectful as possible.“Yeah, well, you don’t smoke here. I don’t allow smoking on my property,” she added firmly.Just then, Bianca stepped outside, looking concerned as she walked toward us. “Is everything okay?” she asked.“Yes, dear,” Peter answered. “Ma, let’s all go sit in the backyard. He can introduce himself properly there.”
Teddy's POV“Oh Payton… you didn’t have to,” I said, genuinely surprised as she swallowed every drop, her throat working around me.“I wanted to,” she replied softly, cleaning her lips with the back of her hands. Those beautiful eyes staring up at me with so much emotion it stole my breath. My God, I love this woman. I wanted her to be mine forever. I wanted her to always look at me like this — with desire, trust, and that soft vulnerability that made my chest ache. I wanted to wake up beside her every morning, to build a life with her.I quickly pulled up my sweatpants, then reached down and gently took her arms, helping her rise to her feet. The moment she was standing, I pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss. My tongue tangled with hers, tasting myself on her lips, but she didn’t pull away. When I finally broke the kiss, I rested my forehead against hers, breathing her in.“I love you, Payton,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “And I promise I’m going to do right by you.
We sat in silence in the tub, her back pressed against my chest, my left hand resting on her waist. Too many thoughts crashed through my mind. Why would Peyton train in the rain? Even if she was hurting, I was hurting more. I had to do everything to make sure she was okay—and she didn’t even seem t
I stepped out of the bedroom into the living room. The house was pitch dark except for the moonlight pouring through the glass windows, bright and silver, falling straight across the sofa where Payton lay curled up.I smiled softly and walked over, then crouched in front of her. My fingers brushed
Months had passed, and it felt like Payton was finally beginning to heal. I was relieved, yet every time I thought of Mia—our baby—the guilt still clawed at me. I had to stay strong for both of us.That Monday morning, I was in the living room on a business call with investors.“Mr. Pascal, I’m tru
Three years agoRichard’s POVAfter the incident.I’d just brought Payton home from the hospital. She was shattered—completely broken—when the doctor told her our baby hadn’t made it. So was I. But one of us had to stay strong, so I buried my grief deep and focused on her.I guided her gently into







