AUDREYAfter settling some more of my things in our room, Gabriel and I joined Coulson and Maya on the beach.“After the game, I’ll take you to the town to fetch things you might need. We’re staying here until Sunday,” Gabriel said.“Yeah. It looks so beautiful here. It’s such a waste if I can’t even get to stroll.”Gabriel kissed my forehead. “Just what I’m thinking. Come on.”The game went on two versus two, and I teamed up with Coulson. Our team nearly got every pass and service. I was laughing so hard.Halfway through the game, we called for a water break, and Maya handed me a bottle of energy drink and another one for Coulson. Gabriel chugged on his bottle and breathed out. “We still have another half,” Maya said. “So don’t think that we already lost.” She laughed. “You’re on the losing side because you’re there, Maya,” Coulson joked.She pouted. “Gabriel is scoring!”“I pretty much own all the scores.” Gabriel messed up with his sister’s hair. “Maybe you picked the wrong game.

AUDREYI felt a little dizzy when I opened my eyes. I didn’t understand what was going on. I was lying in the middle of the rooftop floor. I almost screamed at the sight of Gabriel’s bodyguard unconscious on the ground, bleeding to death.Then I gasped in horror when I saw the figure in front of me. Edward Hopkins. Everything was back now. He punched me earlier, and I lost consciousness. So much for a man who called himself my father. I touched my forehead, and I was bleeding.I moaned as I remembered I was in pain.I pushed my legs to crawl over the corner, and he bent down in front of me. “I’m not going to hurt you, Audrey, only if you listen.”“I’m never going to listen to you anymore. You’re not my real father. You neglected me. You hurt me!”He touched my face. “Oh, but we are family, Audrey,” he whispered. There’s no more hint of a soul in his eyes. “Because even if I know you and that boy Liam messed up my life, turning Charles against me, I’m still willing to forgive you. Beca

AUDREYA few years later…Our four-year-old son, Liam, looks exactly like his father. He follows Gabriel everywhere at home, refuses to let anyone bathe him, and if he wakes up late, he’ll always slip into our bed and make sure his father won’t leave while he’s sleeping in the morning.He inherited my hair, but everything is Gabriel. His smile and his personality. He also loves eating ice cream.“Don’t you ever think of taking that in your bedroom, Liam?” I catch him holding a pint of ice cream. “You already had one this morning.”He pauses and looks at me for a moment, and pouts. “Daddy!” he cries and runs toward his father in the living room.Gabriel walks into the kitchen later with Liam in his arms. He opens the fridge and grabs the ice cream, handing it to him.“Yey!” he squeals as his daddy puts him down, and if he’s trying to ease her disloyalty, she will offer the cup to me. “I want to share with you, Mommy,” he says, twinkling his eyes. I resist pinching his nose. “Thank you

JULIAThe next day, I knocked on Henry’s door, holding the designs he requested.Now, I’ll see if my makeover was effective!“Come in.” A voice spoke, and as soon as I heard it, I stepped inside. I found Henry sitting at his desk; a phone pressed to his ear.“I love you too,” he said, then smiled as he ended the call. Henry shifted his gaze at me. “Hey, Julia.”I didn’t know how to begin. I cleared my throat. “Mr. Cavendish wanted me to give this to you. He will be late, and you need it this morning.” I gave him the binders.“I see. Thanks.” He put the folders on his desk.I watched him for a few more seconds. How was I supposed to get over his beautiful face? He oozed power and charisma. His aftershave and rosewood scent warmed my senses. Everything about Henry was manly.“Do you have something else to say?”Do you have a girlfriend? I shook my head. I shouldn’t ask him that. That might freak him out.“Something else you need?” he asked again.“Nothing,” I murmured.He raised an eyeb

It was well past midnight when I arrived at my boss’ penthouse. I’d been in his home a couple of times. I’d spent many sleepless nights with him finishing up paperwork.I stepped out of the car, then pressed the doorbell. The gate automatically unlocked. I took a deep breath before I entered. Then I found Adam at the front door in his casual sweatpants and black shirt. He was also barefoot.“Come in,” he invited.I followed him inside. “I am so sorry, Mr. Cavendish.”“Sit here,” he ordered as he sat on the couch and set his computer on his lap.I sat across him, trying to avoid his eyes. It was too embarrassing. He must hate me by now. I shouldn’t have come here at all.“It’s not even twenty-four hours since you pissed me off,” he started.“I’m so sorry.”“And what is this practice kissing thing? What the hell is this?” His sight was still on his laptop.“It’s a mistake. My sister sent you the wrong file.” I tried defending myself.He sighed. “It’s not the point. Why would you make a