Chapter 1

Georgina West

As I served breakfast to my 6-year-old twins, Ace and Luna, my mind was still preoccupied with work-related thoughts. While I adore my kids more than anything, I can't help but feel that they have become increasingly challenging to handle each day. Fortunately, my mother-in-law, Sienna, continues to support me in looking after them, even though I am no longer with her son.

My husband, Archer, and I were childhood sweethearts who married at a young age and later became parents. Although we had a strong bond and deep love, complications arose after having kids, causing us to grow apart. We separated five years ago, yet we haven't finalized the divorce despite my numerous discussions about it, especially now that I have a boyfriend.

As Toby, my boyfriend, affectionately hugged me from behind before joining us at the breakfast table, I noticed Sienna's disapproval, making me to glare at her. The children enjoyed having breakfast with their father and appreciated his daily school drop-offs. So on weekdays, we often had breakfast together at the Lancaster house, with Toby occasionally accompanying me.

Toby wasn't fully accepted, particularly by Sienna, who openly expressed her wish for me to be back with her son. I thought Toby might be offended and stop attending these breakfasts, but strangely, he was weirdly fascinated by the Lancasters for some unknown reason.

As I catch sight of a shirtless Archer descending the stairs with a towel around his neck, memories from the past flood my mind, but I quickly shake them off. "No, Georgina," I silently scold myself.

I inhale deeply, unable to resist glancing over his muscular biceps, chiseled chest, and abs. Toby stands to greet Archer, who only gives a brief nod of acknowledgment. It's evident that Archer isn't the biggest fan of Toby, despite Toby's admiration for him.

"Mom, I can't find any of my formal shirts," Archer says, playfully ruffling Ace's hair and kissing Luna's head. I can't help but acknowledge that Archer is a wonderful father, and I admire him for that.

“Georgina, can you help Archer out? I am busy in the kitchen," Sienna shouts from the kitchen, making me let out an exasperated sigh.

Even after five years, Sienna continues to root for Archer and me, always finding ways to get us alone together. I do love Sienna deeply, and I know she loves me too, but our strong personalities often lead to disagreements, especially as she tends to be overbearing.

Feeling torn, I look to Toby for some reaction, but he seems preoccupied discussing his latest business investments with Archer.

"Please, dear, help me out. I am an old lady now. I can't..." Sienna starts with her dramatics, making me laugh a little as I finally give up and head upstairs to Archer's room, which used to be our bedroom.

As I hear Archer following me from behind, my heartbeat increases, and I try to keep my composure. "You can wait downstairs, I'll bring your shirt," I tell him as we enter the room. Hurriedly, I head straight for the walk-in closet, not wanting to be alone with Archer for more than a few minutes. Though I believe I've moved on from him, I don't want to risk stirring up old feelings.

The tension in the closet intensifies as Archer expresses his disdain for Toby. "For the hundredth time, stop calling my boyfriend an idiot," I retort, trying to control my own frustration. "And as I told you before, he isn't around our children that often."

Archer's anger doesn't seem to subside as he continues, "Also, what is this program you're enrolling our daughter in? Maybe you should consult me before making decisions on behalf of both of us." His taunts hit a nerve, and I shoot him a sharp glare as I hand him his shirt.

"I am their mother, and I have their best interests at heart," I reply firmly, my emotions rising. "I don't need your permission for every decision I make regarding our children. I know deep down you don’t really care, and you would support Luna with any activity she wants to join. You are just trying to pick a fight with me because you like giving me a hard time, and I don’t understand why."

Archer's jaw tenses as I finally look at his gorgeous face, my heart thumps loudly against my ribcage, and I feel an energy coursing through my veins. I always avoid looking at his face because it makes me go back to the past when I was the shy, nerdy girl, and he was, of course, the high school quarterback. I become all shy and find it difficult to formulate simple sentences. It doesn't help that he just had that kind of personality that makes you fall head over heels in love but also intimidates you.

He is an exceptionally attractive man, gifted with a mesmerizing pair of emerald green eyes that hold a captivating allure. Standing tall at 6'3", he always commands attention with his confident and imposing presence. Obviously, his well-built muscular body and broad shoulders just add to his overall magnetic appeal. His face has always been undeniably handsome, blessed with striking features that left people in awe. His jawline was strong and well-defined, accentuating his rugged masculinity.

He is known to have an aura of confidence and charm, Archer exudes an air of mystery that draws people in, making them unable to resist his allure. His presence alone can light up a room, and his alluring green eyes are often something as a teen, my friends and I used to fangirl over.

Fifteen years later, things are sadly still the same.

“Why would I try to give you a hard time? I just prefer knowing things through you than finding it out through Luna,” he reasons with me as I rub my head in frustration.

“You are right. I am just frustrated with work stuff, and I might be taking it out on you,” I tell him as he starts to wear the shirt right in front of me.

“You are frustrated because you need some action,” he says as I hold in my breath, looking at the ground. Not wanting to get caught up in this argument again.

“You know I have a boyfriend right?” I remind him as I try to leave the closet, but he steps in front of me, blocking my way as he continues to button up his shirt.

“Sweetheart, don’t make me laugh,” he says in a condescending way, making anger fuel in my body, but sadly I couldn’t deny it. Toby was selfish in bed and also somehow had a delusional notion about himself that he was really good at it. He once even said ‘you are welcome’ to me after we were done. One of the most disappointing nights of my life. Of course, he was a good boyfriend other than that and was nice to my children.

“I am leaving,” I say as I push past him, the familiar masculine scent filling my nose, making me swallow hard, hating the amount of effect he still had on me.

I rush downstairs, seeking the comfort of being around Toby and my children to distract myself from thoughts of my ex-husband, Archer.

“Mom, Luna is taking my food. This is my pancake,” Ace complains as he sees me coming down the stairs.

“Luna, stop troubling your brother,” I tell her nonchalantly as I quickly make a plate for myself, knowing I have to leave for work soon.

“Archer, you need to leave with the kids in the next ten minutes. It's already 8 am,” I call out as I hear footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Yeah yeah, I am here,” Archer appears fully as he picks up a piece of toast and starts eating it.

“Are you skipping breakfast again?” I ask Archer as I dig into my pancakes.

“No, I had breakfast right after the gym,” he replies, and I nod my head.

“It's great that you go to the gym. I do too. Georgina was going to go too but stopped; she is apparently too busy to work out because she can't manage her kids, work, and her health,” Toby comments, expecting Archer to join in on his complaints.

“You don't have kids, Toby, do you?” Archer asks him.

“No, I don't. Also, Georgina always complains about her weight, but look at her now, she is eating pancakes,” Toby says, and I get annoyed with his comments, deciding to leave my half-eaten pancakes.

“Georgie, finish your food,” Archer orders me, and though I want to disobey him, I know I need to set a good example for my kids. If I waste my food, they will too.

I finish my food in silence while Luna and Ace joke around with their dad. Toby isn't a bad guy, but for some reason, he changes around other people, trying to impress them with this alpha male character. It's genuinely the most annoying thing about him.

“So Archer, have you given it any thought? I'll make you even richer if you invest in my company,” Toby asks as Archer helps the kids put on their backpacks.

I finally get up, showing an empty plate to Archer sarcastically, making him smile.

Ugh, that smile just melts my heart. I hate this man and the effect he has on me.

“I don't know, Toby. Tell me more about it,” Archer says as he walks up to me while I'm clearing the table. He stands really close, behind me, while I'm bending over a little to reach for a dish.

I try to move, but Archer places his hands on either side of me, making it impossible to escape. I look at Toby for help, but he seems completely unaffected as he continues to talk about numbers.

“Excuse me,” I say, trying to push Archer's arm a little, but it's as strong as a steel rod.

Toby searches for something in his bag, taking his eyes off Archer completely. I seize the opportunity to push against Archer's hand on the table, but he doesn't budge. Instead, his body moves closer to mine, making me feel trapped and I feel a growing beating between my legs.

I felt completely enveloped by this

As Archer's body presses against mine, I can feel my heart pounding loudly in my chest. His proximity ignites a whirlwind of conflicting emotions inside me. I hate how easily he can affect me, how my body responds to his presence despite all the reasons I should stay away.

"Archer, please, what’s wrong with you?" I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping he would understand that this isn't the right time or place for such intimate gestures.

But instead of relenting, he leans in closer, his warm breath brushing against my ear. "Georgie, you remember what I used to do to you when I used to find you bent down like this," he murmurs, his voice low and seductive, sending shivers down my spine.

My gasp inaudibly as I feel his ground his hardness into my ass, Archer's hands closed in around me, his touch sending a jolt of conflicting emotions through my body, instinct kicked in, and I found myself pushing his chest, finally escaping his overpowering hold. My heart was racing, and a mix of fear and confusion clouded my mind.

In a hurried escape, I spotted Sienna emerging from the kitchen, her concerned eyes meeting mine. With a quick, almost whispered exchange, I informed her that I was leaving for work and bolted out, feeling a desperate need for fresh air.

My heartbeat pounded in my ears, drowning out all other sounds as I made my way outside. Archer's actions had caught me off guard, and I couldn't deny the surge of attraction I still felt for him. Despite his past flirtations and inappropriate comments, today was different. He had crossed a line, and it left me grappling with my emotions.

I was torn between the memories of our past and the reality of our present lives. Archer had been a significant part of my history, and his presence still held a certain power over me. The chemistry between us was undeniable, but I couldn't ignore the reasons we had parted ways.

As I drove away, my thoughts were consumed by the complexity of my feelings. The attraction I had for him was both a burden and a temptation, and I needed to find a way to navigate through these emotions.