Five years have passed since that nightmare had happened. It is still vivid, but I chose to move forward.

"Mommy!" Aria, my little darling, is sitting on my stomach, and her voice wakes me up.

"Mom, hurry up! It's the holiday season!" Jayden, my little prince, exclaimed. They are both overjoyed because it is Christmas, and they will open gifts today. I chuckle as I open my eyes and glance at my children, who are beaming with joy.

"Merry Christmas, babies." I stand up. I kiss their foreheads, and they embrace me in a warm embrace. We remain in this position for a few minutes before Jayden pulls away.

"Merry Christmas, Mommy." They say this and kiss my cheeks, and I immediately smile. Jayden and Aria... They are my bundles of joy.

"Come on, Mommy, let's open the gifts right now!" They both burst out laughing.

"Hold your horses, gentlemen. Before you open your gifts, your grandparents and aunt's family should arrive." They sulk as I say this. "Let's get started. Yeah?" I inquire, and they nod before we get out of bed and begin our morning routine.

---

My family has been here for about an hour, and we just opened our gifts. We are all sitting on the couches now, with the women conversing and the males playing with the children.

"Daddy, I am sleepy." My sister's kid, Jaxon, says to Ezekiel.

"Come on over here, sweetie." Ezekiel pulls her into his arms and lays her across his chest. She shuts her eyes and falls quickly into a deep sleep. I gaze adoringly at both of them. Chloe is fortunate to have a spouse who adores her and their child. When I think of him, tears well up in my eyes, but I quickly blink them away before anyone notices. My mother excuses herself to go the restroom, and my sister begins speaking.

"Why don't you try calling him?" Chloe rests her hand on my shoulder, and I know she notices the tears in my eyes.

It's been five years since Hudson and I divorced, five years since he abandoned me when I was pregnant, and four years since my children were born. Without Hudson, I was entirely alone, broken, unhappy, and despondent. Despite having my parents and sister, I felt lonely.

But everything changed after my children were born. Everything.

I needed to be tough for them. I tried to be strong even though I felt vulnerable. I turn to face my children, who are happy as they play with my father. I always want to make them happy and make them smile.

I turn to face my sister, who is staring at me, waiting for my response. I shake my head slowly from left to right, indicating a 'no.'

"Okay. Suppose that's what you want. But don't you believe he has a right to know?" She inquires.

"He doesn't deserve to know," I say with no emotions.

"But he's their biological father." She grumbles and rolls her eyes.

"And so? That day, he wouldn't even let me tell him. He was preoccupied with his girlfriend. Without knowing the truth, he accused me of cheating. When I tried to explain, he slapped me." I held back a sob.

"He has no right to know. They are not our children. They are mine." I cry.

I realize I've been so loud that everyone is gazing at me. I rush off the couch and dash into my room, locking the door and sliding against it. I bury my face in my hands and sob inconsolably. I recall signing the divorce papers at his office on that day.

---

Five years ago...

I enter the Davis Incorporated through the big doors and proceed to the elevator. I navigate to the 30th floor, which leads to his office. Everything was good when I was here a couple of days ago. But everything has changed now.

Last night was unexpected and terrifying. I had no idea what to do when I walked out of his mansion. I sobbed as I sat on a park bench. I peered into nothingness, convinced that everything was a nightmare.

I went to my father's house after what seemed like an eternity. He was irritated when he opened the door, but when he realized it was me, his annoyance turned to worry. He questioned what I was doing there then, but I didn't say anything. I couldn't do it. I put my baggage in my old room, and when my father asked again, I just shook my head, went to bed, and closed my eyes, trying to forget the pain and wishing it was all a nightmare. But when I awoke the following day, I realized it was all real and not a nightmare.

As a result, here I am. I came here to sign the divorce papers because he wanted me to.

When the elevator doors open, I walk over to Layla, Hudson's personal assistant, who looks up to see me.

"Ma'am?" She expresses amazement. She says, "Mr. Horan is in a meeting." I clear my throat and begin speaking.

"He-" A very recognizable voice cut me off.

"It's all right, Joannah. I invited her to join me here."

"I'm going to sign the divorce papers."

His gaze pierces mine.

He's dressed in my favorite navy blue suit, a white shirt on the inside, and formal pants that match his suit. He is pretty attractive. No! Don't think that way! I caution myself. I used to think this was too wonderful to be true while we were still in a relationship. And he realized it now. I am insufficient for him. He deserves more.

Silence falls over us as people stop strolling and gaze at us with their jaws agape wide. They are taken aback. Even I am taken aback.

Hudson enters his office, leaving the door open for me to enter. I gaze at Layla, who has wide eyes and parted lips. I force a grin at her and walk into his office.

I shudder as the cool air from the central air conditioner touches my body. Is it the situation that has me shivering? I'm still determining. The woman from last night is sitting on the couch, where I typically sit, and a man sits in Hudson's desk chair. It's probably the lawyer.

"Babe?" I look up when Hudson calls. My heart breaks even more when I realize he is calling the woman.

"Can you please wait in the other office while I deal with her?" He asks, and she smiles and nods. Hudson returns her grin and kisses her before walking to his seat. With a sneer, she gathers her handbag and passes past me. I stare at Hudson with teary eyes, and he looks back at me without emotion. At all. He slowly bobs his head towards the chair, silently inviting me to sit. Again, I do what I am told.

"Hello, Mrs. Horan." A guy approached me.

"Miss Baker," I say, my gaze fixed on Hudson. His gaze meets mine, but I turn away.

"Um...apologies, ma'am." The man swallows and clears his throat. "My name is Cameron Adams. I am Mr. Horan's attorney." He says to me, and I nod slightly.

"So...shall we...um...start?" He's tense. I nod to him once again.

"Miss Baker will have no claim to Mr. Horan's property. She will not see him again after today. She will avoid the paparazzi and the media. She will only be given a hundred thousand bucks." He completes his sentence.

"Do you have anything else to say, sir?" He asks Hudson, who nods his head. I nod as he repeats the inquiry to me. Hudson and Mr. Simmons exchange glances and head nods.

"I do not want anything from him. Nothing, not even money." I say. The lawyer nods and works on the paper. Hudson and I lock our gazes at each other.

"Okay. Everything has been completed. All you have to do is sign them."

He hands me a pen and the papers I take with shaking hands. I stare at Hudson, but he doesn't seem to see me. He's smiling and typing on his phone. I shake my head, knowing he won't stop or allow me to tell him the news. As a result, I signed the documents. The lawyer then presents the papers to Hudson, who signs them without hesitation.

"I'll send the papers to the judge." The lawyer then stands up. He gathers his belongings, shakes Hudson's hand, and nods as he walks to the door.

"How come you didn't ask for anything? I expected you to want more." Hudson says after the lawyer leaves.

"I don't need anything. We'll be fine." I glance at him, hoping he understands what I mean.

"We? Do you mean you and Axel?" I shake my head in frustration as he asks aggressively. I startle him by abruptly standing up and retrieving my bag.

"Don't expect me to forgive you if you realize your mistake and return to me," I say, walking away.

"I will never, ever forgive you." He snaps, and I don't turn around.

This time, I truly stepped away from his life. I'm never going to look back.

---

Present Time

Tears rush down my cheeks as I recall that fateful day. Behind the door, I hear soft voices.

"Mommy? "Can you please open the door?" Aria's voice comes to mind. I immediately brush my tears away before opening the door. I immediately wrap my arms around Aria and Jayden and squeeze them tightly.

"I love you. I love both of you." I speak to them in hushed tones.

"We love you, too, mom." They both say the same thing.

"Hey, darling!" Axel squeals and wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me into his embrace.

"Axel." I chuckle and returned his hug.

"How was the break?" He asks, taking a step back. He walks over to the couch and sits down, taking his phone from his back pocket.

"Good...I suppose. How about you?"

"It was fantastic. It was nice to spend time with my family. I went to my boss's house for dinner and a charity gala on Friday. You should make your presence known." I laugh while he rambles.

"I would rather not." I'm laughing. Is he for real?

"You ought to. We can also discuss your job with my supervisor." He states.

*

It's finally Friday, and I'm preparing for the charity ball. Yes, I agreed to accompany Axel to meet his boss.

I put on a knee-length black dress. I curled the ends of my hair before attempting a successful hairstyle. I applied some light makeup. Before heading downstairs, I put on my gold heels and one more check in the mirror.

"Aria! Jayden! Could you please come downstairs?" I call the kids, and I hear footsteps rushing downstairs within seconds.

"Wow, Mommy. You look good." Jayden exclaims, and Aria nods in agreement.

"Thank you, guys," I say.

"Let's go right now. "I'm running late." I continue, and they put on their shoes. Obedient. My parents will watch my children while I attend the ball. And all four of them are ecstatic.

The three of us walk to my car, where I buckle them into their seats and take the wheel. I press the gas pedal, start the motor, and drive into the traffic. Looking in the mirror, I see them both doing something with their hands. My children, unlike other children, get along well.

The first of the twins, Aria Baker. Like her father, she has brown wavy hair, light skin, and gorgeous ocean-blue eyes. She's stunning, sweet, and compassionate. Even though she is just four years old, she greatly assists others. But when she gets angry, it's a different story.

Jayden Baker, the twins' younger brother. I'm not even going to try to describe him. He looks just like his father, except with brown eyes. He's frighteningly similar to his father. He's only four, but girls are already swooning over him. He appears more sophisticated than his sister and says things a typical four-year-old would not say. But he's a real sweetie.

After bringing the kids off at my parent's house, I drove to the address Axel gave me to attend the charity ball.

The ballroom is packed, and only a few people are dancing while loud music plays in the background. I attempt and fail to spot Axel amid the crowd. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see a man with curly hair. He's pretty tall and handsome. He gives me a toothy grin, revealing his dimples. I return the smile.

"Hello. My name is Brooks Colton." He says this while holding out his hand. I hesitated before shaking his hand.

"Hazel Baker," I say. I turn away from him and come across Axel. I approach Axel without saying anything to the man behind me. He stands up and greets me as soon as he notices me.

"What the hell happened to your phone? I've been calling." I step back from him.

"Hello to you as well." I roll my eyes as he says this cynically. "You know what I mean?" Your eyeballs will fall out if you do that again." He says, and I roll my eyes once more.

"Well, no, they didn't." After an extended period, we both busted out laughing.

The following half-hour flies by as I meet Axel's friends and coworkers. They're all pleasant, and having them around is enjoyable. I recognize one of them as the man I met when I arrived here. Brooks was his name. Right? Everyone is talking except Brooks, staring at me, or simply staring.

"You look beautiful." He states.

"Thank you so much. You, too." I smile and move away from Axel. I could improve at chatting with males if they're close friends or family.

"Hazel-" Brooks's voice is cut off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Mr. Hudson Davis, our special guest tonight." And my heart stops, says the man with the microphone.

Hudson Davis. Hudson Davis. Hudson Davis

"Hazel? Are you all right?" Brooks inquires, his hand resting on my shoulder. I was unable to respond to him. I'm too stunned to speak or even move.

I return my gaze to the man who broke my heart five years ago. I adored him without reservation—the man who betrayed me. I still have feelings for him.

He's dressed formally in a white button-up shirt and black dress pants. He's wearing a tie and looks much better than I remember him. He's laughing and waving to the cheering crowd.

"Hazel?" Brooks calls again, this time shaking me.

"I need to leave," I say something, but it just comes out as a whisper.

"But it's only just started." He states.

I start running out of the crowded ball. As I run into them, some people curse at me. I'm not even sorry. All I want to do is get out of here. I hear Brooks calling my name, but I ignore him and exit.

I take a deep breath as I lean against the brick wall in the parking lot. Unwanted tears begin to flow from my eyes and down my cheek. I cup my hands about my face and start to son. Why am I crying at all? Why am I squandering my tears on him?

I can't believe I just witnessed him. After all these years, I see him while attempting to move on from him and his memories. What if he noticed me? Oh no! That is not possible. He shouldn't be able to see me. He shouldn't do that.

"Hazel!" Someone shakes me and pulls me out of my thoughts. I raise my head to see Brooks. Why can't he leave me alone!?

"Are you all right? What happened?" He inquires, his hand still resting on my shoulder. Angrily, I pushed it away.

"None of your business," I yelled at him and walked towards my car.

"Hazel?" I hear it again, and my heart sinks into my stomach as I turn around to holler at him. It's not Brooks, but it's the only man I've been afraid to meet.

Hudson.

---

Hudson's Point of View

I put on my white shirt and black dress pants that I had packed for this charity ball to which I had been invited. I tied a tie around my neck and buttoned my shirt, leaving the top button open. I love my hair in a quiff as I leave my room in New York City's most costly hotel.

Roman Enterprises, owned by one of my pals, is hosting the charity gala. After much deliberation about whether or not to go, I chose to go. After all, I paid a lot of money for it.

The black R8 is waiting for me at the hotel's entrance, and I walk out the hotel's doors. My driver, Carson, opened the door for me, and I slid in. As Carson began to drive, I took out my phone. I noticed a text message from my mother.

Mother: Please call me back, honey. Please.

I disregard the text message and check my email. A new email from my assistant states she has scheduled a meeting with Jace, my friend, for this Friday afternoon. Jace is both a friend and the COO of my company. He handles business with Asian countries. I respond to her, then turn off my phone and gaze out the window at the lights of New York City.

"Sir, we are here." After a few minutes of the car ride, Carson says, and I nod. He exited the car, walked around, and unlocked my door. Cameras flash as I get out of the car, blinding me for a split second.

"Mr.Horan!" I can hear folks yelling my name. I come to a halt and wave at them before going inside.

Mr. Carter greets me and gives me a half-hug. His wife also hugged me, and I nodded.

"Welcome, Mr. Horan." They both say the same thing.

"Am I running late?" I inquire, even though I don't mind being late.

"No, no. It's only just begun." Mr. Carter claims. I give a quiet nod.

"Let's go?" He directs the procession to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you all. Mr. Hudson Davis, our special guest tonight," a man exclaimed. People cheer for me, and I wave back.

I look around at the various types of people in the crowd. A few couples are kissing and dancing while others are conducting business. My gaze is drawn to a man with curly hair jogging behind a woman in a short black dress. I hear him calling her by name, but I'm unsure what it is. As a good human, I exit the stage, apologize, and walk behind the curly man. Going behind them is just an excuse to get out of here as soon as possible.

"Are you all right? What happened?" I hear something on the other side of the wall and go that way.

"None of your business." The young lady snaps at him. Feisty. The voice looks familiar, and my heart skips when I see who it is.

"Hazel?" Unsure, I say.

She looks around, her expression filled with rage. But her beautiful brown eyes widen when they meet my blue orbs. Her lips open as though to utter something, but nothing comes out.

I discovered her, the love of my life. I found the person whose heart I had broken. I finally found her.