Yvonne’s POV

The night couldn’t have been better. I had just been discharged after two days of giving birth to the most precious thing and she's beyond adorable. I get teary eyed each time I look at her , my own angel . We should name her that perhaps but I dismiss the thought. Christian should be able to have a say in what name we give our baby girl.

My husband Christian would have been here to pick me up himself but I know how demanding work is so I tell him to rest up, that my driver will get us home. He's the CEO of RIS-X, a luxury watch brand and as CEO, he works at his company from morning to late in the evening. Now I'd made him a father, everything in my life was finally coming together. I believe he will be taking some break to spend more time with our baby.

I was filled with so much excitement. I stood outside our home, holding a bottle of champagne, excited for us to celebrate. I wasn't fully cleared to take alcohol but I wasn't having too much tonight, just a bit to celebrate.

I had planned every detail of the night in my head. We would toast to our future, laugh about the struggles of the past few years, and maybe even talk about taking the new house we were planning to take for a while now. I had been dreaming of this moment for weeks, and now that it was finally here, I felt like nothing could ruin it.

But as I reached for the door, with my baby in her carrier, my excitement shifted. The door was unlocked.

Christian was always so careful about security. He’d warned me so many times about locking up and double–checking the door whenever I went out of the house. It was one of the things I teased him about, calling him “paranoid.” So why was the door wide open now?

“Christian?” I called out, stepping inside.

Silence.

Something felt wrong. The living room was tidy, as usual, but the air felt heavy, like the calm before a storm. My heart began to beat faster, but I told myself I was overreacting. Maybe he’d just forgotten to lock up in his rush to get ready for our celebration.

Still holding the champagne and my baby's carrier, I made my way down the hallway toward his bedroom. My studded sneakers clicked softly against the hardwood floor, the only sound in the quiet apartment. That’s when I heard it.

A woman’s soft moans.

At first, I thought I was imagining things, but then Christian’s voice followed. It was low and rough, almost unrecognizable.

“Do you like that, baby?”

I froze, my entire body going cold.

This couldn’t be happening.

For a moment, I just stood there, my mind racing to make sense of what I was hearing. Maybe it wasn’t what it sounded like. Maybe I was jumping to conclusions. I wanted to believe that more than anything.

But I had to know.

With shaky hands, I pushed the door open.

What I saw knocked the breath out of me.

Christian was on top of a woman, his body moving against hers in a way that left no doubt about what they were doing. Her bright red nails dug into his back as she moaned his name, her fiery red hair spread across the pillow. I couldn’t see her face, but it didn’t matter. The truth was right in front of me.

The bottle of champagne slipped from my hands, crashing to the floor. The sound was deafening in the silence that followed.

Christian’s head snapped up. “Yvonne!”

He scrambled off the bed, grabbing for something to cover himself, but I couldn’t bear to look at him. My chest felt like it was caving in, and my legs felt weak.

I ran. Yes I ran with my baby, I picked her up and ran leaving the carrier

I couldn’t stay there. I couldn’t face him or the woman he was with. Without saying a word, I turned and

“Yvonne, wait!” Christian’s voice was desperate, but I didn’t stop.

Tears blurred my vision as I stumbled down the stairs clutching my baby in my arms, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. I didn’t know where I was going. I just knew I had to get out.

When I finally stopped running, I found myself standing at my mom's door. My hands were shaking as I knocked, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

The door opened, and my mom’s face immediately filled with concern. “Yvonne? What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. The tears I had been holding back came flooding out as I stepped inside and tried to throw my arms around her but my baby wouldn't let me so she got my baby from me and gave me a hug from the side.

“Christian…” My voice cracked. “I caught him with someone else.”

My mom stiffened, her arms tightening around me. “What? That bastard!”

“He was in bed with another woman,” I sobbed. “I saw him… with her.”

She guided me to the couch and sat me down, holding me close as I cried. “I’m so sorry, my darling Yvonne,” she said softly, her voice full of anger and sadness. “You didn’t deserve this.”

“I thought he loved me,” I whispered. “I thought we were happy.”

My mom pulled back to look at me, her expression fierce. “Listen to me. This isn’t your fault. Christian is an idiot who doesn’t know what he’s losing. You’ve always been too good for him . And to think you just both had a baby?.”

“But I don’t know what to do now,” I said, my voice breaking again.

She wiped a tear from my cheek. “What you’re not going to do is sit here crying over him. He doesn’t deserve your tears.”

“I can’t help it,” I said. “I loved him. I built my whole world around him, hell I even have his baby.”

“Shh, your baby and now it’s time to build a new world–one without him,” she said firmly. “You’ve spent too much time putting him first, Yvonne. It’s time to put yourself first.”

Her words stirred something inside me. I didn’t want to feel this way–weak, broken, powerless. I wanted to feel strong again.

My mom stood up , placed the baby on the cushion in the sitting room and propped throw pillows by her so she wouldn't fall off and grabbed my hands, pulling me to my feet. “We’re going to take care of our baby . No regrets. But tonight we're attending a gala. Just you and me, having fun and forgetting about him.”

“I don’t know if I can, besides my baby should be my concern right now,” I admitted.

"Of course,” my mom reassured. “But you're not in the best state to look after her tonight,” she said with a determined look. “And you will. Trust me, Yvonne. This is what you need.”

I hesitated but then nodded. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

My mom's face lit up with a grin. “That’s my girl. And I know just the place–the private billionaire’s gala . Strictly on invitation only, It’s perfect. And as for that husband of yours? I have the right divorce lawyer for him."

Divorce? She could as well have read my mind, I do want a divorce and I'll get it.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “I really don't want to leave my baby alone mom.”

"It'll be okay sweetheart, I'll just call Maria right away. She took good care of you in those early years. I was busy with the company and you turned out right,” she said, laughing. “You need to attend this gala with me, Yvonne. Show the world–and Christian–that you’re not the kind of woman who stays down.”

I didn’t have the energy to argue. Within minutes, my mom had transformed me into someone I barely recognized. Yes my mom's always been the life of the party and she plays the part just well. A little too well for my liking..

The dress she picked was tight and black, with red velvet laces on the sides that clung to my body. It was shorter than most things I’d worn, stopping just above my thighs. My makeup was bold, with smoky eyes and bright red lips, and my hair hung in soft waves around my face.

When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. She looked confident, daring, and fearless–everything I didn’t feel but wanted to be.

The old me was gone. And for the first time, I wasn’t sure I wanted her back.

Yvonne’s POV

The gala was everything my mom had described and more–a hidden world of luxury, and desire. The dark lighted, dreamy atmosphere pulsed with gentle music and whispered conversations. It radiated exclusivity, the kind of place only the elites gathered.

The moment we walked in, I felt dozens of eyes on me. Instead of shying away, I embraced it. Tonight, I wanted to be seen. I needed to feel alive.

Apparently we were late, we came in when the dancing was going on.

I got a cocktail from the tray of one of the servers at the gala,I downed a few shots of it. The cocktail burned a bit as it slid down my throat, giving me the confidence I desperately needed.

I glanced around, absorbing everything in the room. Men and women exchanged partners as they danced softly to the music.

Then I saw him for a brief moment.

As my gaze swept over the crowd, I wondered what–or who–could make me feel that way. Then I saw an outstanding man, he looked different from all, like a knight in shining glamor.

Upstairs, he leaned casually against the railing. He looked like he belonged to another world entirely. His dark curls framed a sharp, chiseled face, and his navy–blue suit fit him perfectly, like it had been tailored just for him. He didn’t move much, but his presence filled the room.

He was watching the crowd, but he wasn’t like the other men here. He wasn’t chasing anyone or trying to impress. He didn’t need to. The way he stood, the way he carried himself–it was like he owned the place. Like he could own me if he wanted to.

My pulse quickened as my eyes locked onto him. He looked older, but I didn’t care. He was incredibly handsome, radiating power and control in a way I couldn’t resist.

“That’s Alex,” my mom whispered in my ear, her voice barely distracting from the cool music. “Yes child, I know what's going on in your head. Come, I'll introduce the both of you..He’s completely off limits but not to you," she grinned.

Alex. The name alone sent a shiver down my spine. I remember seeing him somewhere but couldn't place where.

Before I could protest I was whisked by my mother. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. His dark gaze swept over the crowd like a predator searching for prey, and for a fleeting moment, it landed on me.

My breath caught.

He held my gaze longer than necessary, as though he was assessing me, deciding if I was worth his time. Then, just as quickly, he looked away, dismissing me like everyone else.

But that single glance lit a fire in me. I felt it in my chest, my stomach–everywhere.

I wanted him to look at me again, to really see me this time.

“Hi Alex, nice to meet you again, remember Yvonne, my daughter? You've met her once I presume,” before I knew it I was being introduced.

I saw him at my mom's company's 15th anniversary party last year!! The "Alex" my mum so badly wanted me to get with."

"Any ways I'll leave you two together to say hello, oh and you must be wondering about her baby? She's all yours for now, someone else is looking after her at home." I rolled my eyes at my mom

“Say hello? Really?” I was already embarrassed by her outright attempt to make me hook up with this guy. "She's all yours for now. " Who says that?

The deed's already been done so I just look up at this man 'Alex' and he's smiling at me probably aware of how mortified I am.

"Wanna know something?" He says, I nod my head telling him yes..

"Well, I have a mom like yours. It's okay to feel the way you do but you've got to stop turning red. "

Omg I just needed to be swallowed up by mother nature.

"I'm not red first off," I choose the defensive route trying to defend my last strand of dignity but off course he sees right through me.

His loud chuckle makes me know that. He pulls his arm in an arc asking for me to take it

"Let's have a dance, Yvonne, it'll ease your nerves."

"Sure , thank you."

So far he's a gentleman and I love that he is because I'm slightly interested in him. We get down to the dance floor and we move in sync. Somehow I spot my mum from the corner of her eye and I see her smile. She got what she wanted alright but this was just all it was "a dance, nothing more".

Pulling me back to the present Alex asks a question or tries to make conversation rather.

"So, I know this is probably not the time to ask but if I may, what of your husband? I thought he'd be around somewhere or something."

My face twitched with fury as I remembered all too well what I'd seen earlier.

"Well, we're getting a divorce," I say , surprising even myself. It was the first time I'd said that out loud instead of just thinking about it. I stare at Alex and his features are relaxed. I can't tell if he's happy about that or not.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. I would ask the reason but I've already overstepped. I'm sorry about that though." I really didn't get anything he was saying I was lost in his eyes . Yeah, I know but even as cringy as that sounds I couldn't stop feeling the way I felt in this moment with him.

"Yvonne? Yvonne? You okay?" That snapped me back to reality.

"Of course I'm fine, sorry I spaced out." I laid out my pathetic excuse before him. But somehow I knew he felt whatever I felt right now.

His pulse was evidence, our eyes locked and we made a silent agreement to just dance. Dance and not talk , we would do the talking with our eyes.

But this beautiful moment was interrupted by my mom saying she had to snatch me for a moment. I was whisked once again only this time away from Alex.

"What is it this time mom?" I am impatient to get back with a stranger I just met in person. Technically not a stranger but a stranger to me nonetheless.

"Well, spill!" She looked like one of those teenage girls asking her friends for tea. I couldn't help but laugh loudly.

"What's funny Yvonne!"

"What's funny? Mom, you interrupted my peaceful moment just to ask me for tea like a thirteen year old. Tea? I would have given you after the gala tonight"

She rolled her eyes at me, obviously annoyed at my retort.

"Oh well, I just wanted to tell you that your baby is doing fine. I know you must have been a bit worried, I just wanted to let you know.

Have I mentioned how sweet my mom is? Yes she's sweet. "Thank you so much mom." I hug her, she's literally the only support system I have and can trust right now.

"Alright sweetie, get back down there I already know he's waiting for you," she says with a wink.

Jeez! This woman!!

I make my way down to where we were dancing and now, contrary to what we thought, he's not here. Apparently he wasn't interested in me, and with a feeling of disappointment I decided to turn back to get something to drink. And that's when I heard it

Him, his voice.

"Quitting on me already?"

I smile involuntarily, "well I thought you did bail out on me."

"Not now, not ever!" I laugh at his cocky response, he joins in the laugh too and I know it's too soon but I see myself dating him already.

Yvonne’s POV

We keep slow dancing and just say things in between, trying to get to know ourselves.

"So, what do you do Yvonne?" Hearing him pronounce my full name does wonders to my heart

"Oh well, right after college I started accounting at my mom's company and I've been doing that since."

"Oh, that's cool. She must pay so well then?" he asked.

"Well, she does try," I say grinning.

"What do you do?"

"Well I?-”

I cut him short just as he's about to answer.

"Let me guess, you own a company? Yes you do! You own Georgio!” It just clicked into place right now.

I go ahead to talk without letting him reply.

"I met you somewhere before, even though not in person as at the time."

"Yeah, I own that company."

"Well I know that now."

Sizing him twice he looked to be about ten years older than Christian. I couldn't help but think about the reason he didn't have a wife or some eye candy at least on his arms..

Remembering I was standing with him I brought him back into the conversation .

"Well, Alex, how old are you?"

"Old enough sweetheart."

"Oh no don't patronize me, you don't seem to have a wife how's that?"

"Why are you interested in that, sweet heart?" he teased, in a twisted way I was enjoying this..

" Because I want to know G-A-B-R-I-E-L, " I teased. I mean two could play this game..

He leaves my waist suddenly and heads toward a dimly lit hallway, one that I guessed led to the restrooms. My heart thudded as I realized what he was playing at.

Without overthinking, I followed him. I mean what was the worst that could happen?

The hallway was quiet, the music from the main room faint in the background.

Halfway down, he suddenly stopped and turned around. I froze as his intense gaze locked onto mine.

Before I could take another step, he moved swiftly, closing the distance between us and pinned me against the wall. His muscular body pressed hard against mine, his hands trapping my wrists above my head. My breathing quickened, trapped between him and the cold wall, his face just inches from mine.

His calm demeanor out the window, apparently he was determined to play this dangerous game so well. One I was accustomed to before getting married to that betraying bastard Christian.

A sly smirk spread across his face as his eyes travelled over me, slow and knowing. I felt exposed, but I didn’t care. His look sent a shiver through me, making my body tremble under his hold.

“What do you really want, Yvonne?" he asked, his voice calm, but there was a certain force in it.

“You ,” I replied, with boldness. Scratch that, my voice was a bit shaky. I did want him but I don't think I did on this manner, in this way, outside of an actual bedroom

“How old are you?” he asked next, his eyes still on mine.

"Old enough Alex."

He chuckled at my reply," I see, following in my footsteps now are we?"

"What can I say! I have the best teacher "

“And who's that?” His eyes narrowed slightly, waiting.

“You of course,” I answered without hesitation. Was he dumb? Is that why he wasn't married or taken at least? I chide myself as soon as the thought came in, I knew he wasn't dumb.

For a moment the air between us felt electric. Then he leaned closer, his face inched closer to mine, his breath warm and tantalizing. “You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he said, his tone low, a warning laced in every word.

“Maybe I do,” I countered, tilting my chin up. “I know what I see–a man who wants me just as much as I want him.”

His lips twitched into a brief smile.

“You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But I’m not exactly your type, am I? The kind of man you chase after. I’m too old and perhaps dangerous for you.

"Well , let me be the judge of that, will you?"

His eyes darkened as his grip tightened on my wrist. “I’m giving you a chance to walk away, or I won’t be able to stop myself.” His lips curved into a smile,

For a second doubt crossed my mind.

This man was right, I hardly knew him, yet here I was ready to offer myself to him. But the ache in my chest and the anger towards Christian in my veins refused to let me back down. Besides, I do like this man .

“I’m not leaving,” I said softly, despite the rush of emotions coursing through me.

His hands released my wrists, but instead of moving back, his fingers grazed along the neckline of my dress. The light touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, my skin burning where his fingertips lingered.

His calm and sweet demeanor back he said “We shouldn't do this here you know, ” he murmured, his lips brushing against the curve of my jaw. “You deserve more than this flimsy thing we're about to have .”

“I know, what do you think?" I asked.

My limbs felt numb under him, but my body was wide awake with a need no one had ever

Awakened, my body trembling under his touch. My eyes dropped to his lips, full and tempting. I watched, craving more, as his tongue slowly swept across his bottom lip. “How could I possibly want you to stop when my body is aching for your touch.” The words slipped before I could stop them.

For a second, I thought he suggested going to a hotel but then something in him snapped. His lips inched closer to mine, and his fingers lightly stroked my cleavage. The touch made my breasts push higher against my dress, my chest heaving as my heartbeat raced.

It was all getting too intense, and I was tempted to run and pretend this never happened. But the ache between my legs was too strong to ignore. I wasn’t about to let this moment slip away. “Kiss me,” I whispered, pressing my body closer to him in a slow, seductive tease. “Make me forget him.

His lips crashed into mine, kissing me hard and deep. There was no softness, only raw desire burning between us. His mouth explored mine, his teeth nibbling my lower lip before he sucked on it, demanding more from me with each stroke of his tongue.

"We can't do this here" I said finally coming back to my senses..

"Well I'll drive, let's get out of here"

"Okay," I didn't need any more persuasion. I went with him to this hotel not so far from the gala..

When we got there, there was no foreplay, just sex. Oh well, just a little foreplay, because we both silently agreed we had teased ourselves enough already.