REX.

Five years later, at Oceanview City airport.

I stepped out of the arrival hall, moving through the crowd. My black shirt and dark suit made me stand out, and the sunglasses covered most of my face. People stared, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get home.

Before I reached the exit, Cain rushed over and grabbed my suitcase. “Mr. Dhark, little master hasn’t eaten anything since yesterday. Should we head straight back?”

I stopped walking and turned to him, my jaw tightening. “And you’re just telling me now?”

Everyone in the Dhark family knew how much my son meant to me. He was the only person I cared about in this world.

Cain lowered his head. “You were in Chicago for an important contract. I didn’t want to bother you… I thought he’d eat after a while, but he didn’t.”

I pulled off my sunglasses and stared at him hard. Cain’s face turned pale, and his hands trembled.

“So now you think you get to decide what I should hear about?” I asked sharply.

“I… I messed up… I’m sorry, sir,” Cain mumbled, bracing himself.

Before I could say more, something rolled to my feet. I looked down and saw a piece of chocolate beside my shoe.

I bent over and picked it up. A small voice called out, “That’s my chocolate!”

I turned my head and saw a little girl running over. She was four or five years old, cute and small, and before I could react, she bumped into me. Even with me crouched, she had to tilt her head to look at me.

I stared at her. Her big eyes blinked up at me, and for a second, my chest felt tight. I had never seen her before… but she felt familiar in a way I couldn’t explain.

The little girl put out her hand and pouted. “Sir, you shouldn’t take other people’s chocolates. I only have three left, and I can’t give you one.”

My cold face eased a little. I handed it back and asked, “You really like this brand?”

From behind me, I heard Cain hold his breath. He probably thought it was strange. I rarely spoke nicely to any kid except my son.

The little girl smiled wide, showing off two front teeth like little bunny teeth. “Yes! It’s my favorite! Do you like it too?”

I let out a low chuckle. “Not me… but my son can’t get enough of it.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a whole box of the same chocolate.

Wearing a bright smile, I handed the box of candy to the little girl. “And since I bought a lot for my son. You can have this box.”

Her eyes sparkled, but she stepped back and pressed her lips together. “Mommy says I shouldn’t take things from strangers.”

She stood there for a moment, tapping her finger against her chin. Then she stepped forward and gave my cheek a quick peck. Grabbing the box with both hands, she giggled. “Mommy says strangers are scary, but you gave candy and now you’re my friend.”

I blinked in shock before letting out a soft chuckle. This kid really had guts.

Cain checked his watch and cleared his throat. “Boss, it’s time.”

I stood up and gave a small nod. “Alright, little one. See you around.”

“See you, cool uncle!” she waved with both hands, her eyes shining. As I walked away, I heard her whisper, “If Mommy met him, I bet she’d smile more. They’d look cute together…”

***

LYNN

“Tiara!” I snapped, making her jump. I rushed over and grabbed her small hand. I gave it a quick smack and frowned hard. “How many times have I told you to stay close to me?”

She rubbed her hand and gave me a guilty look. “I just dropped my chocolate, Mommy… I only wanted to pick it up.”

My eyes narrowed when I noticed the big box she hugged to her chest. “Where did you get that?”

Her smile came back quick. “A really nice and very handsome uncle gave it to me!”

I let out a long sigh and rubbed my forehead. “What have I told you about taking things from strangers?”

Tiara looked up at me with big eyes and gave her cutest smile. “I’m really sorry, Mommy… I’ll be good. I can even sit in time-out. Just three minutes, okay?”

I crossed my arms. “Ten.”

Her smile dropped fast. “Mommy… how about five?”

I raised my eyebrow. “Keep talking, and it’ll be fifteen.”

Tiara let out a small groan but stayed quiet. She followed me while holding the candy tight like it was treasure.

Five years ago, I paid off every nurse and doctor who helped when I gave birth to Tiara and her brother.

Two hundred thousand dollars made sure they stayed quiet. After that, no one spoke about the twins. I left this city and built a simple life far away.

Oceanview City looked completely different. All I saw now were glass buildings and tall skyscrapers.

The next morning, I left early. I made sure Tiara had everything she needed before I grabbed a taxi straight to Umbran Group. Their recruitment event had the whole city buzzing, and I needed this job.

“Wait—hold the elevator!” I shouted, running inside just before the doors closed.

I stumbled on my heels and crashed into a tall figure. Before I knew it, my hand latched onto something firm and hard—definitely muscle.

“Hiss…” The man’s sharp breath made me freeze.

I looked up too fast and smacked my nose against his stomach. My head spun a little, filled with his clean scent mixed with mint.

“Who are you? This elevator is for VIPs!” someone snapped.

“I… I’m sorry! I’m here for an interview,” I said quickly and tried to step back. That’s when I felt the sharp pull on my scalp. My heart dropped. My hair had gotten caught in his zipper.

Great. Just great.

I tugged gently, but it only made things worse. The pain forced me to crouch down, and I could feel my face way too close to his… no, I wasn’t going to think about that.

The elevator went completely quiet.

I heard someone laugh a little, but they stopped right away when the man frowned.

I wished the ground would swallow me up. “I’m really sorry… let me just…” I tried to fix it, but my hand kept touching his waist, his hard chest, and even lower… this was a disaster.

I felt his body tense under my hands.

Wait… is he… getting turned on?

Then his big hand pressed lightly on my head, keeping me still. His deep voice sounded close to my ear. “Don’t move… I’ll fix it.”

My heart jumped. That voice… it sounded too familiar.

I looked up, my eyes landing on his jaw and lips… then I remembered that hotel room. Those same lips had told me to relax… right before everything happened…

The memory of that crazy night five years ago rushed back. My face got hot as I remembered us in bed together.

What’s wrong with me? Why was I thinking about that night now?