Chapter 22
It was just past six in the morning, and Washington was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, the air cool and slightly damp. []
I turned over in bed, my slender ankles tangled in the soft quilt. My arms hugged it tightly as my brows furrowed in a restless dream. [
In the tranquil darkness, the sound of a man’s ragged breathing seemed to echo near my ears–low and hoarse. [
I tilted my head back, forced to endure. All I could see was an unyielding blackness, deep and oppressive, like thick ink that refused to dissolve.
A sharp sensation struck me somewhere unknown, and my hands instinctively gripped his shoulders tighter, nails digging into his skin. []
The next moment, I was flipped over. [
My vision spun as the world turned upside down. []
The man leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss to my damp forehead. His voice, rich with restrained desire, murmured, “Adeline?”
“Mm….” Exhausted, I managed a faint response, my words slurring as sleep tugged heavily at my eyelids. []
Tm
flying overseas the day after tomorrow to handle some issues with the branch office,” he said, his voice still carrying a lingering heat. After a brief pause, he added, “If you need anything, contact Kason–or call me directly.” []
His tone softened, though the restraint in it was unmistakable. As he finished speaking, his thin lips pressed into a firm line, and the sharp angles of his jaw tightened.
“You’re leaving the country?” Suddenly wide awake, I loosened my grip on his back. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” [
“Does it make a difference now?” he asked. One hand reached to adjust the necklace hanging around my neck, and his other arm slid around my waist. He looked at me intently and said, “Give me a child.”
“Ring–ring–ring-” (
The alarm jolted me awake, and the vivid dream shattered like glass.
Sitting up abruptly, I clutched the blanket as beads of cold sweat rolled down my face. A faint throbbing pulsed in my temples.
Reaching under my pillow, I fumbled for my phone and unlocked the screen. [
6:58 a.m.
0
Two months had passed since Matthew was arrested and sent to prison. After our divorce, I had a heated argument with my father, who then cut me off financially.
Determined to start over, I took Jasper and moved to Washington. I started my own company and began a new chapter of my life. I
As the morning breeze cooled my sweat, I ran my fingers through my long, wavy hair and slipped my feet into the slippers that had fallen under the bed. After washing up and tidying the room, I headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. []
Hearing the bedroom door creak open, I glanced back and smiled as I sliced toast. “Jasper, put on your slippers.” []
Still drowsy, Jasper leaned against the doorway, his small body almost slumping onto the frame.
“If you don’t wear your slippers,” I teased gently, “you’ll lose a pudding for today,” []
Reluctantly, Jasper shuffled into his slippers, his sleepy eyes barely open as he stumbled toward the kitchen. [
After breakfast, I got ready to head to work. Before leaving, I handed Jasper two puddings, turned on an educational cartoon, and settled him on the sofa. []
“Be good while I’m gone,” I reminded him softly. “Don’t open the door for anyone, and don’t go outside.” []
Since the incident two months ago, when Jasper was bullied by Emmeline’s son at his old preschool, I hadn’t sent him back to Oak Lane Academy. I was still searching for a new school, but in the meantime, he had to stay home.
Jasper lowered his gaze and nodded. His tiny fingers clutched mine as he whispered, “Goodbye, Mommy” []
“Goodbye, my love.” Unable to resist his clingy expression, I kissed his cheek before leaving.
I arrived at AuraBlend Designs just in time, greeting the staff as I headed to my office. []
Chapter 22
Barely seated, my secretary, Astrid, came in looking troubled. The client rejected the twelfth version of the design,” she reported. “And now, Celestia Tech’s CEO has requested a personal meeting with you.” [
I offered her a reassuring smile, taking the file from her hands. The rejected drafts represented hours of hard work from my team. “Don’t worry,” I said. “It’s not your fault. If the client’s demands don’t align with our vision, we don’t have to continue this partnership.” [
CelestiaTech was a new company this year. While they initially appeared generous, over the past month they’d repeatedly rejected designs, pushing the limits of
reason.
I strode confidently into the meeting room, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The futuristic design of the walls only heightened the tension.
Knocking lightly, I waited as the door opened from inside. A polite assistant gestured for me to enter.
“Ms. Montgomery, this way, please.”
Once inside, the assistant quietly closed the door behind me.
I approached the sleek desk, leaning slightly against it with my arms crossed. With a calm but pointed tone, I said, “Considering your incredible high standards and less–than–impressive eyesight, I see no need to continue. Our company’s capabilities are clearly inadequate for your expectations.”
Before I could finish my sentence, the man who had been standing by the window turned around.
His tailored black suit fit perfectly, his tie crisp and sharp. My gaze traveled upward–past the strong jawline and the unmistakable Adam’s apple–to a face so familiar it left me breathless.
It was Jasper’s face, as If carved from the same mold.
“Adrian?” I exclaimed, murmuring somewhat incredulously, “How could it be you?“]
How could my ex–boyfriend, Adrian’s real father, be here?
