Chapter 129

My fingers curled into a fist, my nails digging into my palm hard enough to leave marks.I started remembering all the times Michael and Sara had told me I wasn't their mother. The way they'd slowly started calling Laura “mommy" instead. The final devastating moment when Jaime had made his choice clear, choosing their biological mother over me, the woman who had raised them for years.I didn't want to get angry. Not here, not now."Don't ever say that again," I warned Jaime, my voice was trembling. "You already decided who you wanted to choose. Their biological mother. You made that choice, Jaime. Not me. You."I turned and walked away before he could respond, before I could say something I would regret, before the tears burning behind my eyes could fall where he could see them.My body was shaking as I went back to check out my clothes. The saleswoman wrapped them carefully, chattering about something I couldn't focus on. I nodded mechanically, paid with my card, and took the bags w

Last Updated : 2026-01-05

Chapter 130

I cleared my throat, trying to regain some composure. "Stop being silly," I said, but I was smiling. "Why didn't you just use the front door like a normal person?"He grinned, that boyish, mischievous grin that made him look younger. "Because this is part of being a fake boyfriend. Sneaking in through windows, late-night visits, it's all very romantic and dramatic."We both laughed, and some of the tension in my shoulders eased.He held up the bag he had brought. "I brought reinforcements. Chocolate, chips, those cookies you like from that bakery downtown, and…" he pulled out a bottle, “… sparkling cider, because I figured you'd want to celebrate properly tomorrow after you nail your meeting."My heart swelled. "You remembered the cookies?""I remember everything," he said simply, echoing what he had told me before.We settled on my bed, sitting cross-legged facing each other with the snacks spread between us. I told him everything about the upcoming meeting with Primrose including m

Last Updated : 2026-01-05

Chapter 131

The heat between us shattered when Jason suddenly ripped himself away from me. His chest heaved, eyes wild with a storm I couldn't decipher, and before I could even catch my breath, words tumbled from his lips in a rush. “I'm sorry,' he muttered, his voice rough, laced with regret that hit me like a slap.I blinked, my body still buzzing from the way his hands had mapped my skin moments ago. “You have nothing to apologize for,” I said quickly, reaching out to touch him. My heart pounded in my ears, and it was so loud, I could barely hear anything. “Jason,” I started slowly. “I want to-“But he shook his head, dark hair falling across his forehead as he backed up a step. “No, Alessa. I have everything to apologize for. I shouldn't have done this or let it go that far.” He stood abruptly, towering over me for a second before turning away, his broad shoulders tense under his shirt. “I shouldn't have come here,' he added, quieter now.The room felt colder without his warmth pressed

Last Updated : 2026-01-06

Chapter 132

The kiss deepened, his tongue sweeping in to tangle with mine, and he tasted of mint. He trailed his mouth down my jaw, nipping at the sensitive skin, then lower to my neck, sucking lightly until I gasped, my hands clutching his shoulders.His kisses continued over my collarbone and down to the neckline of my shirt. With long fingers, he tugged at the hem, pulling it up and over my head in one motion. The cool air kissed my bare skin, but his warmth followed immediately, his lips pressing against the swell of my breasts above my bra. I felt like I was floating on cloud nine.He unclasped my bra next, letting it fall away, and I shivered as his mouth descended on one nipple, tongue flicking the peak before he sucked it into the wet heat of his mouth. A moan escaped me, my back arching to offer more. His hands roamed my sides, thumbs tracing the curve of my waist, dipping lower to the button of my jeans.When he popped it open and eased the denim down my hips, I felt a flush of shyne

Last Updated : 2026-01-06

Chapter 133

Jason's POVI woke to the sound of chirping birds, and sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains. For a moment, I was disoriented, trying to place where I was.Then I remembered everything.I looked around Alessa's room from the elegant furniture, to the soft colors, and the photos on her dresser. Then I looked down to see her curled beside me, her body pressed against mine, one hand resting on my chest. Her dark hair was spread across the pillow, her face peaceful in sleep. She looked younger like this, vulnerable.I couldn't help but admire the curve of her cheek, the way her eyelashes cast shadows on her skin and the slight part of her lips. Last night had been... God, last night had been everything and yet nothing. It took all of my restraint to stop because I wanted to make sure that she was certain before we crossed lines that we couldn't uncross.Yet… I didn't regret a single moment.A sharp knock on the door made me freeze."Alessa?" Naomi's voice came through. "Sweeth

Last Updated : 2026-01-08

Chapter 134

I stood in front of the tea shop, staring at the elegant glass doors and trying to steady my breathing. My hands were trembling slightly, and I pressed them against my skirt to still them.This was it. The meeting that could change everything. My chance to get ahead of Julien and secure my future with the company.I remembered Jason's words from last night. ‘Be confident. You know your stuff so own it.’I sucked in a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and walked inside.The tea shop was intimate, with soft lighting and quiet classical music playing in the background. A waiter approached me immediately with a blinding smile."Good morning, ma'am. How can I help you?"I pulled out my phone, reading from the screen. "I have a reservation under Primrose. Ten o'clock meeting.""Ah, yes. Right this way, please."He led me through the shop, walking between tables toward a private corner. As we approached, I caught a flash of red hair and saw a dark-skinned man seated at the table.But my fo