Taylor

I woke up to silk sheets and city lights pouring in from a glass wall.

This wasn't my apartment. It wasn't even close.

I sat up quickly, heart pounding, clutching my chest. But then I realized... my clothes were still on. Nothing was out of place.

Wiping my dry eyes, I released a sigh and tried to piece together what had happened after Devon came. But my memories were in disarray. I couldn't remember anything.

What had really happened to me?

Then I saw it.

A note on the bedside table, placed next to a white envelope and a gold-trimmed business card.

"You passed out before I could explain. I didn't touch you. I never would. Where the hell have you been for the past four years?"

Beside it was a check for $100,000 and a number scribbled on the back.

Collateral damage, huh? Rage boiled over me. What did he think I was again? Was he too stupid to see I was satisfied with my life? For years I had lived peacefully without seeing his face, and now that he had come back, my peace had been disrupted in just a day.

I grabbed my phone and dialed the number.

He picked up on the second ring.

"You arrogant piece of trash," I spat before he could say a word. "What gives you the right to walk back into my life, throw money around like you're buying forgiveness? You're not my savior... you're the reason I had to be saved in the first place."

"Try this again with me and I will fucking kill you, piece of shit!"

He was silent. Not even a breath.

I didn't care. I hung up.

I would make him realize that coming back into my life was a dreadful mistake.

--

Work felt like walking through fire. I avoided Henry like he was contagious. I could still see the bruise Devon had left on his jaw. I wanted to scream it to the world, but instead, I kept my head down and pretended nothing had happened.

I stood outside the office, the cool air doing little to calm the storm inside me. Henry's voice called me in.

"Taylor, a word."

I followed him into the corridor. His black eye was still swollen, proof of what had happened.

"You've been avoiding me," he said, his voice low, accusing. "And now you're making noise in the office?"

I clenched my fists. "You tried to take advantage of me."

He chuckled darkly. "Is that what you're telling people now? You begged me to stay after the dinner, Taylor. You were drunk and all over me. If anything, I was the one trying to walk away."

My heart slammed. "That's a lie."

He stepped closer, his voice cold. "You think they'll believe you over me? One word, and your little promotion's gone. In fact... consider it suspended. Indefinitely. You're clearly not ready for the responsibility."

A few murmurs rippled from the hallway. People were listening and watching.

"You know I worked hard for this. Why are you taking it away from me? I deserve this!" I yelled at the top of my voice.

"Raise your tone at me again and I will throw you out of here!" he replied coldly.

I wanted to speak out more, degrade him, and make him regret ever trying to assault me, but I couldn't. I needed this money to pay him back. He had given me the ultimatum of two weeks to repay him. I needed to protect my family.

So, I stared at him, the rage in my chest bubbling up. "You coward."

The rest of the day was a blur. Everyone's eyes were on me, asking about what had happened yesterday between me, Henry, and Devon. I prayed that the day would move faster so I could get out of this shithole to my daughter, the only person giving my life purpose.

I was back to running around to get coffee for my boss.

Until I heard the tiny voice behind me.

"Mommy?"

I turned. My daughter stood by the door, clutching Lara's hand. Her hair was still wet from the rushed bath. Her shoes were mismatched. But she smiled like nothing else mattered.

Lara was my friend who worked in the same restaurant as me but during the daytime. Because of what had happened to me, she had decided to watch over her. She is a friend to die for. After the divorce, she had helped me rebuild my life. I loved her.

I knelt down. "What are you doing here?"

"I got worried," she whispered. "You didn't come home."

Lara apologized. "I'm sorry. She wouldn't listen to change her shoes or dry her hair. She wanted to see you so bad!"

A smile played on my lips, and I said, "I'm sorry, Ashley. I promise I'll get home early to read you more bedtime stories!"

"Yay!"

"My coffee, intern!" one of my bosses commanded.

I stood up, facing Lara. "Thank you for bringing her, but I'm quite busy..."

Then the screen in the lounge lit up.

It was the midday news, a segment on powerful CEOs returning to America.

My breath caught when I saw his name flash across the screen.

"Devon West!"

The man they called 'The Shark in the Philippines' was back in the U.S.

And my daughter... she stared at the screen in awe.

"Mommy," she said, tugging at my sleeve, "why can't I have a daddy like him?"

My heart cracked clean in two.

Then the final blow hit: the host announced a major collaboration between our company and Devon's.

And right on cue... he walked in.

Sleek suit. Dark gaze. And a smirk that saw right through me.

I could barely breathe.

People stood, whispering, clapping.

Suddenly, Ashleyran towards the screen again, smiling. " That's the man! He is the man! "

I turned to Lara. "Take her. Take her home. Now."

"But Tay..."

"Now."

She saw my face and didn't argue.

As the doors closed behind them, Devon looked at me like he already knew.

Hell had only just begun.

Devon's POV

I walked into the building like I owned it, because, technically, I could. The cold air, the glinting glass, the hush of money being made... it should've felt impressive.

But all I felt was her.

Taylor.

There she stood near the reception, arms crossed, every inch of her professional and poised. Her black suit hugged her frame like armor, and her hair was pulled back so tightly I couldn't tell if she was angry, anxious, or simply surviving.

I stopped for just a second. One second too long.

It hit me in the chest, how little she'd changed, and how much it still messed with me. I felt the lingering gaze of her blue eyes send shivers down my spine.

I replayed what had happened last night over and over in my mind, the way her hand jerked away the moment I reached for it. That cold, sharp recoil, like I'd touched a live wire.

It wasn't just a refusal. It was a message.

She didn't want me. Not anymore.

And no matter how much I tried to convince myself I'd get back on track, it just kept reopening old wounds. The truth hit me harder than I wanted to admit.

I'd broken something between us. Maybe more than once.

I remembered the way her eyes flickered, not surprise, not anger, but something colder, like disappointment. Like she was seeing the man I'd become and not liking the view.

It stung. God, it fucking stung.

Because beneath all this bravado, all the games and smirks, I felt a gnawing emptiness-a crack in the armor I'd spent years building.

I wasn't just facing the woman I loved and lost. I was facing myself and the wreckage I'd left behind.

And I didn't know how to fix any of it.

Then our gaze met. Immediately, she averted her gaze and looked back at me.

No reaction, no gasp. Just a brief flicker in her eyes like a shutter opening and slamming closed again. She was numb of emotions, and I could see her dead eyes trying to kill me right on the spot.

"Mr. West," one of the executives said, breaking the tension. "Welcome. We're so excited to have you on board."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Looking forward to seeing how this place runs."

Taylor hadn't moved.

"As discussed," another executive said, "our PR team will handle your onboarding."

PR?

I glanced toward her again. Would I be working with her? What could go wrong?

I smiled anyway and walked toward her. Cameras clicked in the background. They were eating this up.

"Ms. Taylor," I said smoothly, offering my hand. "Congratulations. Looks like we'll be working together again."

She blinked. Just once.

Then her hand touched mine,brief, reluctant, cold.

Before she could respond, one of the bosses chuckled nervously. "Actually, uh, she's not the one assigned..."

I didn't look away from her. "I'm sure that'll change."

She stared up at me, her mouth opening like she wanted to say something real... but didn't.

Everyone muttered under their breath. What connection do we have together? Who is she? But let them wonder-she'd be known as mine soon.

–

Later - Conference Room

I walked into the room with everyone seated. I'd barely sat down when my phone buzzed.

It was Ivy.

I stepped out and answered. "What is it?"

Her voice shook. "I couldn't come today."

"Figured."

"I just... Devon, I don't know what this is. What are you doing?"

"Business," I shot back, emotionless.

"Don't give me that. Is this about her?"

My stomach turned.

"Did you plan this?" she asked, her voice rising. "All of this? Just to get close to Taylor again?"

"Mind your business," I snapped. "You're not even supposed to be part of this."

She laughed bitterly. "Right. Because you cut me out. The moment she came back into your world..."

"Enough." I hung up.

Back in the room, all eyes turned to me.

Taylor stood up as one of the seniors gestured to her. What the hell? Is she a damn puppet?

I spoke before she could. "Sit."

She hesitated. The room froze.

I said it again, firmer. "Sit down, Taylor."

She obeyed. Her boss looked like he'd swallowed something sharp.

"I'd like to say you guys got lucky. I could have been busy, but since..." I paused when I felt someone watching me. I took a glance at Taylor and continued, "...since the former collaborator dropped out at the last minute and I was scheduled to come next week, but look at where we are!"

I smiled, and everyone burst into laughter. Fake. They were all fake.

I looked directly at her. Let the moment drag.

"Unfortunate timing."

A few eyes darted between us. The tension was delicious...I would surely need a bin.

"Um... Mr. West, I'm Henry, the PR head, and I..."

"My father's West, not me. Try again," I said, adjusting my suit.

The PR head, Henry, cleared his throat. "We've assigned Ms. Rivera, one of our best employees, to assist..."

"No," I said flatly.

"What?"

"I want Taylor to be in charge," I replied, and her eyes widened.

"Who? Who's Taylor?" he asked nervously.

Creasing my brows, I glared. "The name you'll remember if you like keeping your job."

Our eyes locked again. She knew what I was doing. She also knew she couldn't stop it.

One of the executives exhaled like he'd been holding it in for minutes, like he'd had enough of my shit. "Actually... your mother... She asked us to give this project full support."

My jaw clenched. "Did she?"

"You're testing her company, right?" another exec said carefully. "And next week... your father's hotel."

I didn't respond.

They thought I was just choosing between companies. But this was never about business. It was about getting revenge.

My mother always said I had her instincts, cold, strategic, forward-thinking. She built her empire with glass smiles and sealed doors. Growing up, I watched her control entire rooms with a single look... and silence me with even less.

My father, on the other hand, ruled with charm. Hotels, hospitality, handshakes that smelled like cologne and old money. He smiled too much, talked too loud, and loved too little. But he knew how to win people..how to make them need him.

They both thought they'd raised a successor. What they didn't realize was they'd raised a revengeful son.

So now, I tested them, company by company. And the company I chose would win over the stock market. My billionaire friends and collaborators would be rampaging over the winning company.

My mother thought she'd already won. And my father... he was waiting, watching. Ready to welcome me with open arms when I rejected her. As if he hadn't walked out on everything years ago. As if love was something you could rebrand.

"I just want to confirm," the man continued. "Whoever you choose between them will get your backing, your network, your investors."

"Yes," I said. "That's correct." You could hear the scramble starting behind everyone's eyes.

Taylor glanced at me, something flickering across her face. Fear? Anger?

I didn't care. Not now.

Henry forced a smile. "Well then, Taylor, would you mind getting Mr. Devon some coffee?"

I didn't miss the insult hidden in that.

So I shot back, "No. I'd like you to get it for me."

Everyone gasped in the room.

Taylor blinked like she'd been slapped.

I looked around, mocking. "What? Did I stutter?"

"Everyone, get out! Henry, get my coffee, and you..." I stopped, and she also stopped in her tracks like she knew I'd called her.

After everyone had left, she turned around and forced a smile.

"Shall we start?" I said, standing up.

She didn't speak. Just turned to the window, arms crossed.

But I've had enough silence for one day.

"Are you going to pretend that never happened?" I said.

She didn't look at me. "You're a child."

"No," I said, stepping closer. "I'm a man who remembers exactly how this ended."

She turned sharply. "You mean how you ended it."

"You signed the divorce papers. You left. What's left?" she continued.

"Do you know what I hate? When you jump to conclusions so quickly! You didn't give me a chance to explain!"

She scoffed and replied, "A chance? When I left, what stopped you from coming to explain? Not one year, not two, but three years, Devon."

"I had no... choice!" I stuttered, trying to touch her shoulders, but she flinched.

"You had a choice. You always had a choice. And you chose silence."

"But you're getting revenge on me by staying away?"

Her eyes were wet, but her voice was steel. "You think this is revenge?"

I smiled. "Not yet."

"You walk in here with your camera-ready charm and your billionaire family name, and what? You think you can just shake everything, and I'll collapse?"

"No," I said. "I think you're already crumbling."

She stared at me like she hated me. Like she wanted to run. But then she'd had enough of my shit and started to walk away.

"Six months!" I said, my voice cracking.

I pulled a folder from my bag and dropped it on the table.

"You have to sign this. Just six months."

Slowly, she turned around and walked to the table, looking at the papers like they were poison.

"Why are you showing me this?" she asked.

I stepped closer. My voice dropped.

"I want you back. I need you in my life. Agree to this marriage contract, Taylor."

Biting her lip, she glared at me. "And why the fuck would you think I would accept this stupid agreement?"

"Because I know you're pregnant. And I know exactly why you will accept this? But first, who's the father? "

The blood drained from her face.

And for the first time that day-she didn't have a comeback.

Taylor

"Who's the father?"

For a second, I thought I'd misheard him.

My brain froze, my heart stuttered.

"What?" My voice cracked, thin as glass. "What are you talking about?"

A smirk curved his lips,lazy, dangerous. Those green eyes, the ones I used to drown in, looked at me like they were dissecting every secret I had ever tried to bury.

"Don't act like you didn't hear me, Tay." His tone was sharp, quiet, and lethal. "Who's the father of the baby you're carrying?"

My breath caught. The air turned heavier, thicker. His gaze darkened with every heartbeat I refused to answer. That darkness, it was the same one I saw the night he smashed a mirror and whispered, "You made me this way".

I forced out a nervous laugh, my voice trembling. "What are you even saying? Do I look pregnant to you? Even if I was, I'd never tell your corpse!"

He reached for my hair, fingertips grazing a strand, and I flinched as if burned.

"Devon, it's none of your business. If you're that stuck in the past, go buy a time machine and relive your glory days!"

His steps were unhurried as he closed the distance between us, his presence swallowing the room. "It is my business," he said, his voice low, dark, dangerous, "because you became my employee."

My pulse roared in my ears. His nearness was suffocating. I wanted him far away from me as soon as possible. I couldn't stand being next to him.

I forced a smirk. "Seeing you this desperate about my life choices is hilarious. Stop playing detective and sit your perfect billionaire ass down, Mr. CEO."

A flash of irritation crossed his face. "Who is he? Is he a billionaire like me?"

"Even if he was, he'd still be twice the man you'll ever be."

His jaw flexed. "Who is he, Taylor?"

"You don't get to ask me that," I shot back, voice shaking despite myself.

"Then who does?" he pressed, closing in until his breath brushed my skin. "The man who replaced me?"

"This isn't about you."

"It's always about me," he snapped, then lowered his voice again, voice dripping with that familiar arrogance. "Because you and I never ended. We just... paused."

Paused? What does he take me for? For a minute, I thought he had lost his memory. He cheated on me and now he's acting like I threw the divorce papers on his face for nothing.

"That's delusional."

"Maybe." His eyes searched mine, softer now. "But you're shaking. Why?"

I pressed a hand to my stomach, trying to steady my voice. "Because every time you open your mouth, I remember why I left."

He smiled faintly, the kind that hurt to look at. "Is that why you went for a man who..."

"Shut up!" My voice cracked. "He keeps his dick in his pants, for one! He's not an alcoholic, and definitely not an obsessive loser!"

He clutched his chest, feigning offense. "Wow. I just realized something..you must have really thought of me when you had sex with him."

That did it.

"God, you're pathetic!" My rage boiled over.

That's when I shoved him hard. My palms hit his chest, the thud echoing. He stumbled half a step and looked more surprised than hurt. I expected it.

"Stay out of my life, Devon."

"Tell me whose child it is and I will."

"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."

"Try me."

"Like I said..it's none of your concern."

He exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "You always did know how to drive me insane."

"Then maybe you should've let me go when you had the chance."

He stepped closer again. "Does he know you still cry in your sleep?"

I froze, fingers trembling on the edge of the desk. "Don't."

He kept going, softer now, crueler because of it. "Does he know you still hate thunderstorms? That you twist your ring finger when you're lying?"

My throat burned. "You don't get to remember me like that. So, shut the fuck up!"

"Then stop giving me reasons to."

When I turned, he was suddenly right there..so close our breaths mingled. His eyes weren't just angry anymore. They were aching.

What does he think? That I'd fall in love with eyes and kiss him. Of course not! He cheated on me and now he won't let go. It's not my fault he couldn't keep it in his pants.

"Was any of it real?" he asked quietly. "Or were you already planning your exit while I was planning forever?"

"Don't do this," I whispered.

"I just need to know."

"You want the truth?" My voice broke. "You were everything I wanted. And you ruined it."

The words shattered something between us. His eyes flickered, pain, guilt, longing, all hidden behind that stubborn pride. I knew Devon, he was once a sweet and nice person that a woman would fall high over heels for. How did he change? It was a mystery.

"Then congratulations, Taylor," he said, voice low. "You finally learned how to hurt first."

"Better than waiting to be destroyed."

He leaned in, breath hot against my ear. "And I bet you'll name him Devon."

My hand moved before my mind could stop it, I slapped him. The sound cracked through the room.

"I don't have time for your bullshit," I hissed. "Mess with me here and I'll bury your reputation so deep, not even your billions will dig it up."

My palm throbbed, but he didn't flinch and looked unfazed. He only smiled, a slow, dangerous smile that sent shivers down my spine.

"Call me whatever you want, Tay," he murmured. "Obsessive, foolish, broken. But in two months..." He tilted his head, voice dropping to a whisper. "You'll be begging to remember what my name feels like on your tongue."

My breath hitched. "You're pitifully disgusting."

He laughed softly, like the devil amused. Then his gaze sharpened, voice dipping to something almost tender but laced with threat.

When I turn, he's closer again, too close. His expression softens just a fraction, enough to make breathing harder.

"I'm going to get you, Taylor," he said. " Even if it means burning the whole world."

I steadied myself, masking the shake in my voice with a smile. "Good luck with that. He will sue the hell out of you for digging into my records." I stepped closer, eyes daring him. "And no one will ever know who the father is... or who I'm with."

His smirk faltered for a moment, then returned, lazy, confident, dangerous.

"Keep your secrets," he murmured. "But remember, secrets don't stay buried forever. Especially not with me."

" And finally, why invite you for a marriage contract that'd end when I can finally have you for myself in the next two months! "

Irritation burned in me as I stood one more second. His words were deafening and I couldn't listen any longer.

Then he added stopping me in my tracks, " You know..if you tell me now. I'll spare him but once I find him myself, I'll bring his head to you..with his torso dickless"

He brushed past me as he left, his cologne burning itself into my memory, and for the first time in years... I couldn't tell if my heart was breaking or catching fire all over again.