Darkness welcomed me as I stepped inside my apartment. I switched the light on and pulled the luggage toward the compact living room. Emptiness and loneliness flooded through me as I looked around the house. It seemed like yesterday when my parents gifted me this place on my 18th birthday.

Sebastian once told me that Mom and Dad had been living in another state since we got married. I’m not allowed to see or talk to them as it was stipulated in our billion-dollar contract. I lost contact with them. I didn’t even know where exactly they reside now. For the record, I am not mad at them. Instead, I missed them so badly.

Letting out a tired huff, I gently caressed my belly. In nine months, I would see my bundle of joy, and I was scared and excited. Too bad, Sebastian would never get a chance to see our child. I squeezed my eyes shut and hummed a lullaby—the very song my mother used to sing to me. I cherished the moment for a while until my phone buzzed. I fluttered my eyes open, fished for the gadget in my purse, and saw Sebastian’s name on the screen. Rage surged through me as I recall the way he threatened me back in the penthouse.

He doesn't deserve to know anyway. It would be better than living with Sebastian's lies and fake love. Besides, I wouldn’t want my child to grow up in a toxic relationship like ours.

“We’ll get by, my baby,” I said, softly tapping my stomach. “Mommy will do everything to guide you. No one can ever hurt you. I promise.”

“What does this selfish liar want?!” I hissed and cursed colorfully.

I may be kind and understanding, but cheating is non-negotiable. I could not stomach the thought of him eating with two honeypots at the same time. That was disgusting and unforgiving. Hissing profanities, I promptly switched off the phone.

I needed to divert my attention because stress would jeopardize my and my baby’s health. So instead of sulking, I decided to remove my stuff from the luggage, and then put it in the dresser. Next, I headed to the shower to cool my nerves down. I was pretty exhausted but content with the beauty of solitude. It was almost midnight when I lay on the bed and drifted asleep.

---

After two days, I finally made up my mind. My husband broke my heart into pieces, yet I won’t let myself drown in despair. I took a quick shower and slipped into a simple white dress matched with nude strappy sandals. Finishing my light makeup, I hooked my studded bag in my arm and took a once-over glance at myself in the full-length mirror. I had to keep my mind straight and get on with my plan to finally divorce Sebastian Lavigne.

It took me an hour's drive before I arrived at the law firm I chose to collaborate with. I couldn’t wait to cut ties with my good-for-nothing husband. I breezed through the receptionist and informed her about my case. She ushered me to the lounge area, and a minute later, a tall, domineering yet smokingly hot lawyer walked toward me. He was dashing in his grey suit and loafers. I looked up at him. He towered over me, and his menacing eyes were as if reading me like a book. His intense gaze lasted for a second until he opened his mouth to speak.

“I assume you are Mrs. Lavigne,” he said.

I stood up, cleared my throat, and answered, “Yes, I am.”

“Maximus Clever at your service. I’ll be handling your case until then.” He stretched an arm for a handshake, and I politely took it.

“I’m expecting the best from you, Mr. Clever. Please do not disappoint me.” I managed to smile at him, but his face remained stoic.

“Don’t worry, you’re in good hands, Mrs. Lavigne.”

I felt relieved... But why did his calm voice feel like a warning in my ears...?

I read somewhere that it’s hard to say hello for the first time, and I bet it's true. The moment I met Maximus Clever, I felt this dangerous thrill seeping through my gut. Though he was nice and polite when discussing grounds for the divorce, still a part of me was saying that there was more to him than being a lawyer. I don't know, but he had this enigmatic aura that was keeping me interested in him.

As a paying client, of course, I needed to know how credible he was. So I did some background checks last night. I surfed the net for hours, getting every bit of information about him. And then I stumbled on this particular business site where Maximus was featured. I was surprised upon learning that he was also top-notch tech savvy, owning a large share of IT companies everywhere across the globe. In addition, he was dubbed a 'mob boss’ in court. How he smoothly handled the cases, be it heinous or not. Sure, he had this long queue of achievements stipulated in the article. However, there was nothing about his personal life. Well, I guess everyone wanted to know a piece of him that was hidden from the public eye.

The man was notorious for being private; I mentally hissed, studying his face.

“Staring is rude, Mrs. Lavigne,” Mr. Clever said, not looking at me. His attention was on his laptop.

I straightened my back and cleared my throat. I was caught off guard, but I managed to compose myself. Today’s our third time seeing each other. We met in this secluded coffee shop downtown. He was sitting across from my seat, scrolling on his laptop.

“Blame it on the hormones, I guess.” I shrugged and added, “I’m in my first trimester, so please forgive this pregnant woman for appreciating your good looks.”

He busied himself on his laptop again while I sipped my strawberry milkshake. His genes were a great catch. Indeed. After a while, he lifted his face, and his eyes mirrored mine. He had the most expressive blue orbs I'd ever seen! It was deep... like sinking into my soul. I couldn't believe this guy had this effect on me. I thought Sebastian was the only man I could adore and admire, but here was Mr. Clever, doing it all effortlessly.

“Is Mr. Lavigne aware of your condition?” He asked in a monotone.

“No.” I simply replied.

“But did you in any way open up to him about this matter?” Maximus scrunched his forehead, closing his laptop now.

“I had no intention of telling him.” I shook my head frantically.

“Alright,” he said, intently looking at me.

And then he handed me an envelope. I stared at it for a second before finally coming to my senses. This was the beginning of my battle with Sebastian Lavigne. It’s now or never! Maximus cleared his throat, pulling me out of my trance. Even the way harrumphed screamed authority. This man was radiating with danger, spice, and everything nice.

“You have to sign this document as soon as possible,” he authoritatively said.

I nodded and answered, “I will review this first thing in the morning, and then I’ll come by your office to give it to your secretary.”

I carefully held the envelope to my chest, as if my life depended on it. Divorce cases were stressful, expensive, and depressing. However, I need to push this through. For my peace of mind, my baby’s future, and for the life I’m about to begin moving forward. A long stretch of silence hovered between us, but I could feel Maximus’ hot gaze searing into me. I feigned nervousness despite the tension coursing through me. I suddenly felt conscious.

Why is he staring at me this way? Is he trying to send me a guilt trip?

As I was about to speak, a muscle in my head furiously ticked. Pulling a large breath, I pushed the envelope aside and then gently massaged my aching temples. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing random headaches, and there were times that they would turn into terrible ones, especially when the triggers arose.

“Are you okay?” Maximus worriedly asked.

Slowly, I looked up at him and said, “I’m feeling dizzy.”

“I’m sending you home, then,” he said and held me by the elbow.

We were silent during the trip. As much as I wanted to ask why he’d offer me a ride home, I couldn’t. Well, I wouldn't deny that I was still in awe since we left the coffee shop. I mean, maybe he’s just being polite because I am his client. Or because I looked like a charity case in this awful situation I am in. Why not? A pregnant woman about to be divorced in a stranger's car. I was at his mercy. Whatever his reason was, it's not my business anymore. And the only thing I'm grateful for was his generosity.

Later, Maximus pulled his red convertible in front of my apartment. My vision was starting to turn hazy as I moved. This headache was killing me, but I couldn't take pain relievers at this rate. Slowly, I cast my eyes toward Maximus. His hands were clamped around the steering wheel while his eyes fixated in front of the road. Shifting against my seat, I fumbled for the seatbelt and swiftly removed it from my body. His gaze averted to me, causing me to flinch a little.

Does he even know how to smile? Gosh, he's hot and cold and in between. . .

“How are you feeling?” He abruptly asked, giving me the envelope with divorce papers.

I took the envelope and replied, “Not good, but nothing that I can't manage.”

His forehead scrunched as he said, “You're not a good liar, Mrs. Lavigne.”

I bit my lower lip. Am I too obvious? But why should I bother explaining myself? It's not like I am responsible to tell him everything about me. He's my lawyer and nothing more.

Straightening my back, I couragely said,

“Thank you for sending me home. I really appreciate it, Mr. Clever.” I sincerely said and added, “I’ll see you again for another meeting.”

I was about to open the passenger door when Maximus held me by the arm. It was a tingling sensation I had never felt before. Yes, not even with Sebastian. There was this certain feeling of waves that was making me even more heady. He leaned in, closing the gap between us. I lowered my gaze to his hand clasping around my slender arm. The way he held me was sending waves of flattering emotions I couldn’t fathom.

“In case you didn't notice, you looked so pale. I wonder if you could make it to your unit, so let me walk you home,” he offered.

Now I understand where this concern was coming from. I was so preoccupied with my own thoughts that I had put colors into his actions. Clearly, this man was extending his service to the best that he could. This answers why he was always favored by most clients. In return, I agreed to his offer. We walked into the house and I offered him a drink, but he declined.

“Nice place you got here,” Maximus said, scrutinizing the place.

“I'm not yet done cleaning the entire house, but thank you.” I sheepishly said as we were seated on the three-seater couch.

“Don't you have anyone to look after you? Your parents, perhaps?”

I cleared my throat. It felt like there was something blocking in there, causing me to struggle for words. He's putting me in a hot seat, but I felt responsible to tell bits of my personal life.

“The truth is, I don't know where my parents are,” I begin, fidgeting. “I had no idea of their whereabouts.”

“Are you an orphan?” Maximus quickly countered. He rested his back against the seat, looking at me. His hot gaze was enough to reel my senses, but I had to control myself. Hormones, hormones!

Shaking my head, I said, “No, no. It's not what I meant. It's just I didn't get to see them after I married Sebastian. It was in the contract, so I had no choice but to comply.”

“I bet you missed them much,” he said, taking his phone from the pocket of his trousers.

“You have no idea,” I mumbled.

He was talking to someone from the other line, so I remained silent. Luckily, my headache was starting to fade now. I could answer his other questions in a flash. After a while, he ended the call and gazed up at me.

“I got a tip from my source,” he told me.

“What about?” I curiously asked right away.

He looked at me for a second before he blasted the words, “I'll pick you up at eight in the morning tomorrow, so be ready.”