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.”