NatalieOne Year LaterTiming is everything. After I declared that Noah and I were done and over, Noah found out the truth. His mother, Cynthia, had bribed the doctor into giving him a false paternity test answer.Emma is one-hundred percent his daughter.But are we together? No. I decided that Noah and I together would lead to a toxic relationship. I expected too much from him, and it felt like he was forcing himself to like me for Emma's sake.Today I'm happily engaged to Alaric Caspen, the lawyer I dated before Noah whisked me away. I'm happy with him, content. He makes me feel safe. I'm pregnant again, and we are soon getting married.But he isn't Noah.I will never admit it to anyone other than myself, but Noah isn't someone I will forget. Noah is the father of my child, of whom we have shared custody over. He is a hurricane that swept into my life and changed me for the better. He is also the person I sometimes look at and think, "What if he never was in that accident?"But it

NatalieI'm sitting inside Noah's car with a blanket wrapped around me as we drive past the city light. My heart feels heavy, like it's been replaced with a rock that's now weighing me down. "I will probably still marry Alaric, but... He better apologize for not being here, or do you think I'm silly for being angry over this?" I sigh while looking out through the window. "I can't tell anymore..."Noah glances at me briefly, then focuses on the road again. His hand is on the stick, veiny and tanned with a watch on it. I sometimes suspect I have a hand fetish when it comes to Noah. "No, I don't think you're being silly. You went through something traumatic and lost the baby that you wanted. I also don't think anything that awakens emotions should just be brushed aside. You're hurting, and your husband should be here for you, Natalie."I'm fighting tears again. Noah is so gentle when he speaks, and somehow, it starts to feel okay to cry in his presence. It removes the lead from my stom

Natalie "Yes, I love Alaric." But I'm not in love with him, or I am, but it's nothing compared to how I feel about Noah. Noah studies my face. It might be my imagination, but his eyes grow sad and disappointed for a minute. A wave of longing and wanting to wrap my arms around me crashes over me. I want to kiss the hurt away from his lips. But his expression quickly changes into a smile. It throws me off and leaves my heart thumping in pain. "Of course you love Alaric. What was I thinking?" Noah laughs at himself and smiles at me again. Those eyes suck me in and chew me up. "Or else you wouldn't be planning on marrying him. Right?" My heart thumps. "Right." Noah keeps the smile, and we turn back to watching Rick and Morty, but my heart feels heavy with guilt. I gave Noah the correct answer. So why does it seem like I've made a grave mistake? I can barely focus on the TV. Every part of me is on fire, and it's not the sexy kind, but the ones capable of destroying your soul. I'

NoahLet my gaze slide toward Natalie, watching intently as she smiles and takes a seat behind the wheel of the red Ferrari. She doesn't expect me to buy this one for her, but the truth is that I would gladly give her anything she pointed at. "I'm so excited to drive this car," Natalie beams at me, and I return her smile. My heart squeezes seeing her so happy."Remember to go easy on the gas pedal," I tell her. "It would be a tragedy if Emma lost both of her parents."Natalie chuckles and drives us onto the road. I take great satisfaction in observing her lips curl into a smile. Those wide, beautiful eyes take in our surroundings. Natalie doesn't know this car will soon belong to her."I love this car!"My skin tightens as I imagine Natalie saying those words to me, that she loves me. God knows I love her, and love never changes. Even when I had no memories, I loved her. That feeling will never go away, or it wouldn't be love. Yet I'm hesitant about flirting with her. Natalie is ge

NatalieThings have been going great with Alaric. We have spent the entire week joking and having fun. We are getting married next week, and... I might not be the happiest I could ever be, but I'm satisfied."You seem lost in thought."Alaric's deep voice washes me, and I realize I must have spaced out. How rude of me.We are eating dinner at some fancy restaurant. I'm talking to my dad again, and he gave us money; Noah's money, to pay for this dinner I'm having with Alaric right now."Are you alright, Natalie?"Alaric's brows are furrowed, and his mouth is turned down. For once, there is actual concern written on his face."I'm excellent," I smile, lifting my class to share a cheer with my soon-to-be husband. When I see the worry disappear over Alaric's handsome features, hope for the future ignites within me. Tonight is about us. I'm trying to fall back in love with Alaric because he is a good guy. When we first met, he was a total gentleman. He held up doors and threatened me to