I felt a faint heat rise to my cheeks but kept my tone calm. “Travis is only five, and I don’t have any plans for a relationship right now. He’s happy, content, and I’m focused on being his mother, Mrs. Boston.”

They exchanged a glance and chuckled. “We were just teasing,” Mr. Boston said. “We didn’t mean to offend you.”

I laughed, letting the moment pass easily. “Nothing to take seriously, Mr. Boston. I don’t take it seriously.”

Ethan smiled quietly at me, the corner of his mouth tugging up in that small, private way only I noticed.

With the playful tension behind us, I reached for my portfolio, placing it carefully on the table. My fingers lingered on the edge for just a moment longer, not from hesitation, but from anticipation.

“Anyway, here is my design for your dream watch,” I said as I opened the envelope and showed my sketch.

“This design,” I began, my voice calm but confident, “is not just a watch. It’s a reflection of twenty-five years of marriage, endurance, devotion, and the beauty of shared time.”

They leaned in slightly, curiosity sparking in their eyes.

“The casing is crafted from platinum,” I continued, pointing to the rendering. “Durable, strong… like a bond that withstands life’s challenges.”

“The dial features twenty-five subtle markers along the inner rim,” I said, letting my finger trace them gently. “Each represents a year of your journey together.”

Mrs. Boston’s eyes softened, glancing at her husband. He nodded ever so slightly, focused.

“And the hands,” I added, my tone softening just a bit, “are shaped to meet at the center in continuous motion. No matter how far they move, they always return to each other.”

They were silent, absorbing every detail.

“And on the back casing,” I said, sliding the rendering closer, “there’s a private engraving. Something personal. Something only the two of you will ever see. A reminder of the love you’ve nurtured over time.”

Mrs. Boston’s fingers hovered above the portfolio as if afraid to touch it. “It’s… beautiful,” she whispered.

Mr. Boston studied it quietly, then slowly nodded. “You’ve captured more than design. You’ve captured the essence of marriage.”

A warmth spread through me, not pride, but validation. This was mine, earned.

The waiter arrived with our food, but for a moment, it went untouched. The design had already been spoken.

Mr. Boston exchanged a glance with his wife. “We’ll take it,” he said decisively.

Ethan gave me a small nod, sliding the agreement forward. I watched them sign it, ten million dollars sealed with ink.

Dinner followed, lighter now, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Mr. and Mrs. Boston teased us gently a few more times, making jokes about future family adventures, but I laughed with them, letting the warmth of the moment wash over me.

When it was time to leave, Mr. Boston extended his hand again. “A remarkable presentation, Miss Jones.”

I shook it firmly. “Thank you, Mr. Boston.”

Mrs. Boston smiled, placing her hand briefly over mine. “You’ve given us more than a design tonight. You’ve reminded us why love lasts.”

I met her gaze, letting the sincerity settle. “I’m glad.”

We watched them leave together, side by side, hands finding each other naturally. The night air felt crisp as we stepped outside and I glanced at Ethan.

“We did it,” I whispered, more to myself than to him.

He gave me that small, reassuring smile. “I knew it.”

And I believed it too.

Ethan gave me a small, “Congratulations,” he said once we were inside. “Ten million dollars, Billie. That calls for a drink.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I don’t usually drink… you know that.”

He gave me that playful look I’d grown familiar with over the years, the one that quietly dared me. “Just one bottle. One. For celebration.”

I laughed, but I nodded. “Fine. One bottle. Just to make you happy.”

He grinned, clearly pleased.

We found a quiet little wine bar nearby, dimly lit with amber lights reflecting off the glasses. Ethan ordered a bottle of red, and as the cork popped, I felt a rare lightness in my chest—a mix of relief, pride, and… gratitude.

We poured the wine, clinking our glasses softly.

“To the deal,” Ethan said.

“To the deal,” I echoed, letting the rich taste fill me.

After a quiet sip, I looked at him. “Ethan… thank you. For everything. For helping me build my career, for always being there… for being a good friend when I thought I couldn’t trust anyone again.”

He smiled softly, the kind of smile that carried years of understanding. “You did all the work, Billie. I just stood beside you.”

“I know,” I said, feeling the warmth of the moment. “But it means everything to me.”

“Billie, you're my sister’s best friend, so I should take care of you and help you out, or else she will wake up from her grave and punch me in the face,” he laughed.

Her cousin, my best friend Emily, from my college days… he made me think of her, and now no words can express how grateful I am to have had a best friend like her. If she hadn’t died in that car accident, she would be here too. We would be three, not just two.

Before my tears could fall, I sipped a glass of wine.

We drank in silence for a few minutes, savoring the wine and the quiet of the evening. Then Ethan leaned back, looking thoughtful.

“I’ve been thinking about expanding the business,” he said casually. “Maybe opening a branch in another city… What do you think?”

I smiled, placing a hand on his arm lightly. “Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you. You know that.”

He looked at me, appreciation flickering in his eyes, then laughed softly. “You always know what to say.”

We finished the bottle together, laughter and quiet conversations flowing easily between us, the kind that felt effortless and safe. Eventually, Ethan stood.

“Let’s get you home,” he said, sliding into the driver’s seat with that familiar ease.

The drive was calm, quiet except for the soft hum of the engine. I let my thoughts drift, replaying the evening’s successes, the couple’s smiles, the way my designs had finally been appreciated for everything they were worth.

When we arrived at my house, I thanked him again before stepping inside. “Thanks for tonight, Ethan. Really. For everything.”

“Always, Billie,” he replied. “Now, get some rest… and don’t forget to celebrate a little tomorrow too.”

I gave him a small wave as he drove off, the sound of the car fading into the night.

Inside, I paused at the doorway.

“Maria?” I called to my maid.

“Where’s my son?” Maria appeared, smiling. “Good Evening, ma’am.Oh… your son, Travis, is already asleep. School wore him out, ma’am.”

A rush of longing hit me. I hadn’t seen him all day, caught up in meetings, preparations, and the client dinner.

I quietly made my way to his room. The soft glow from his nightlight illuminated his small form tucked under the blankets. I knelt beside him, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead and leaning down to place a gentle kiss there.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice catching. “Thank you for keeping me alive, for reminding me what matters, and for pushing me to fulfill my dreams.”

I rested my hand over his little chest for a moment. “Everything I do… it’s for you, son. And I’m sorry if I don’t always have enough time for you right now.”

He stirred slightly, murmuring something in his sleep, and I smiled, fighting back a lump in my throat.

“Sleep well, my little boy,” I whispered, standing and smoothing the blankets. “Mommy will always be here for you.”

I had just kissed Travis on the forehead and was about to leave his room when my phone buzzed. Ethan’s name flashed on the screen.

I picked up. “Hello, Ethan”

“Billie! You will not believe this!” Ethan’s voice was full of excitement, practically shaking with energy even through the phone.

I blinked, still lingering in the quiet of the house. “Ethan… slow down. What happened?”

“You won’t believe it. Mr. Smith just called me,” he said, his words tumbling out. “He said Evan Collins, the CEO of Collins Fine Jewelry, wants to meet with us. And get this, he’s ready to invest fifty billion dollars in the business!”

My hand froze around the phone. Evan? My chest tightened. Memories I had shoved deep away, the heartbreak, the betrayal, the cheque, flared up violently.

“Evan Collins?” I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.

“Yes,” Ethan said, still practically shouting with excitement. Then his tone shifted slightly, curious. “Do you know him?”

I forced a breath into my lungs, steadying the sudden storm rising inside me.

“Yes,” I answered, keeping my voice deliberately vague. “I used to work under his company… as a jewelry designer.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line.

Then Ethan’s voice came back, filled with unmistakable surprise. “Wait, really?”

“Yes,” I said simply.

Another pause, longer this time, heavier. I could almost hear the gears in his mind turning.

“You’re telling me,” he continued slowly, “that you worked for Collins Fine Jewelry… one of the most popular luxury brands in Forks… a billion-dollar company that’s been dominating the industry for years… and you never mentioned it?”

I gave a small, humorless smile, even though he couldn’t see me.

“There were a lot of things I never mentioned, Ethan.”

He let out a quiet breath, still clearly trying to process it. “That’s… unbelievable. And now I’m working with someone who used to design for them?” He let out a soft laugh of disbelief. “No wonder your work is on another level. I already knew you were good, Billie but this explains everything.”

I leaned lightly against the wall beside Travis’s door, my eyes drifting back to my sleeping son.

“I wasn’t just ‘good,’” I said calmly. “I was one of their best.”

“I believe that,” he said instantly, without hesitation.

And somehow… that simple trust in his voice made something in my chest ache.

Ethan let out a low whistle. “You’ve been hiding all of this from me?”

“I wasn’t hiding,” I said quietly. “I was… starting over.”

Silence settled between us again but this time it was different. Not curiosity but respect.

Then, gently, he asked the question I had been expecting.

“If that’s the case… why did you leave Collins Fine Jewelry?”

My fingers tightened slightly around the phone.

Here it was.

The line I had rehearsed in my mind for years.

“I got pregnant,” I said.

No hesitation. No emotion.

Just the truth… simplified.

Ethan didn’t speak immediately.

When he did, his voice was quieter. Careful.

“And… they didn’t allow that?”

I let out a faint breath. “Pregnancy was… prohibited for designers under contract. At least, for someone in my position.”

“That’s insane,” he muttered, clearly disapproving.

“I chose to leave,” I continued. “I moved to New York City. Started over. Raised my son. Built something new for myself.”

“And became even more successful,” he added softly.

I didn’t respond to that.

Because success… had never come without a price.

After a moment, he asked again, more thoughtfully this time, “Then why were you working there secretly? If you were that talented, why didn’t they put you in the spotlight?”

A small, almost nostalgic smile touched my lips.

“That part,” I admitted, “was my choice.”

“Your choice?”

“Yes,” I said. “Back then… I wasn’t like I am now. I hated cameras. I couldn’t stand speaking in front of people. I avoided attention as much as possible.”

I paused, glancing again at Travis.

“I was… weak.”

Ethan immediately spoke, firm but gentle. “No. You weren’t weak.”

“I was,” I insisted quietly. “But I grew. I stepped out of that comfort zone. I had to.”

My voice softened.

“Because I became a mother.”

The word lingered in the air between us.

“And now?” he asked.

“Now I’m not just a woman hiding behind designs,” I said. “I’m someone who wants to be known. Someone who wants to stand on her own name. Not in the shadows anymore.”

There was a long silence after that.

Then Ethan exhaled slowly.

“Billie…” he said, his tone filled with something deeper now—something warmer. “That’s… incredible. Everything you’ve been through… everything you’ve built… it’s honestly amazing.”

“Besides, you also played a big role in Winston Watch Company,” he added “You helped close major deals, brought in investors, designed pieces that sold hundreds of thousands in the market.”

I closed my eyes briefly.

“Thank you for your appreciation, Ethan"

“I mean it. You’re strong. Stronger than most people I know.” He said, smiling.

I didn’t know how to respond to that.

Because if he knew everything…

If he knew the truth about Travis…

About his father…

Would he still say that?

Or would he look at me differently?

“Anyway,” he said after a moment, his tone lightening again, “this meeting with Evan Collins… it could be huge. Fifty billion, Billie. That’s not just expansion, that’s empire-level.”

My chest tightened at the mention of his name.

Empire.

That was exactly what Evan had always wanted.

“And we’ll be ready,” I said, forcing steadiness into my voice.

“Of course we will,” Ethan replied confidently. “With you on my team? There’s nothing we can’t handle.”

I gave a small smile. If only he knew.

“Get some rest,” he added gently. “Big days ahead.”

“You too, Ethan.”

“Goodnight, Billie.”

“Goodnight.”

The call ended.

And just like that…

The silence returned.

I lowered the phone slowly, staring at the dark screen as my reflection faintly stared back at me.

Then I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside my chest.

Because the truth was I wasn’t afraid for myself. I was afraid for my child.

My gaze drifted back to Travis, sleeping peacefully, unaware of the world that threatened to reach him.

“I won’t let him find out,” I whispered under my breath.

I stepped fully into the room, closing the door softly behind me.

“He can’t know…”

My fingers trembled slightly as I brushed them through my hair.

“Never.”

Because how do you tell a child that his father is not human?

That the man who was supposed to love him…

Was a werewolf?

A bitter memory surged forward without warning.

“That man…” I whispered, my voice tightening. “He lost the right to be part of our lives the moment he chose to leave.”

But even as I said it…

Fear crept in. Because fate had a cruel way of circling back.

And now Evan Collins was coming.

Not just as a memory, not just as a past I buried. But as a man walking straight into my present.

Into my world. Into my son’s life.

I looked at Travis again, my expression softening instantly.

“No matter what happens,” I whispered, kneeling beside his bed, “I will protect you.”

My hand rested gently over his small one.

“Even if it means facing him again.”

The next morning, I woke up with a heaviness still lingering in my chest. For a moment, I stayed still in bed, staring at the ceiling, letting the silence settle around me. But reality did not wait. It never did.

I pushed myself up, took a quick shower, and dressed in a professional outfit, something clean, sharp, and composed. If today was the beginning of a storm, I would meet it standing.

When I stepped into the kitchen, the smell of breakfast greeted me. Maria was already there, moving efficiently as always.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she said warmly. “Would you like coffee?”

I gave her a small smile. “I’ll make it myself, Maria.”

She nodded and returned to cooking.

As I stood there, pouring hot water into the cup, I took a slow, deep breath. Fifty billion dollars. The number echoed in my mind like a warning bell.

Evan Collins.

Why now? Why Ethan’s company?

My fingers tightened slightly around the mug. I was sure Evan knew I was the designer of Ethan’s company. And he never did anything without a reason. Every move he made was calculated, precise, dangerous. So what was this? A business decision? Or something far more personal?

“Ma’am, breakfast is ready,” Maria said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I’ll just have coffee,” I replied. “You can eat first. And when Travis wakes up, make him something warm.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

I nodded and headed back to my room.

But the questions followed me. If I accepted this investment, it would change everything for Winston Watch Company. For Ethan.

Ethan wasn’t just my business partner. He was someone who stood by me when I had nothing. He was my best friend’s brother, who gave me the chance to prove myself as a designer, a chance to live my life again and step out of my comfort zone. Someone who never asked questions I wasn’t ready to answer. Someone who trusted me without conditions. That kind of loyalty wasn’t something you walked away from. Which is why this decision wasn’t simple. But neither was I the same woman I used to be.

“I’ve already moved on,” I murmured to myself, adjusting my blazer in front of the mirror.

My reflection stared back, calm “That man doesn’t have power over me anymore. This is just business.”

And maybe this was my chance to show him exactly who I had become. Not the quiet designer hiding behind sketches. Not the woman he left behind. But someone stronger. Someone untouchable. Someone he could never break again.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Ma’am,” Maria called softly. “Travis is awake.”

The tension in my chest eased instantly.

“I’m coming.”

I stepped out and walked toward my son’s room.

The moment I entered, everything else faded. Travis sat on the bed, his hair messy, his eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Mommy,” he mumbled.

And just like that, my world softened. I walked over and sat beside him, brushing his hair gently.

“Good morning, baby.”

“Are you going to work?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” I said softly. “But I’ll be back early today.”

He nodded, then reached for my hand. I pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Eat your breakfast, okay? Be good for Maria.”

“I will, Mommy.”

I stood up, forcing a smile before turning away.

________________________________________

The drive to the office was quieter than usual, though the city was already alive with its usual rhythm. Cars moved in steady lines, people crossed sidewalks with purpose, and somewhere in the distance, life continued as if nothing had changed.

I kept one hand steady on the wheel while the other rested lightly against my lap, my posture relaxed, my expression composed. Anyone who saw me would think this was just another ordinary morning. And that was exactly how I intended it to be. Because panic never solved anything. Preparation did.

By the time I arrived at Winston Watch Company, my mind was no longer clouded with questions. It was organized, precise, already mapping out possibilities, outcomes, and risks.

As I stepped out of the car, the cool air brushed against my skin, grounding me further. The building stood tall in front of me, glass reflecting the early light of the morning, a symbol of everything I had built from nothing. Everything Ethan had trusted me to protect.

Inside, the familiar hum of work greeted me. Employees moved with quiet efficiency, some greeting me with respectful nods as I passed. I acknowledged them with a calm smile, neither distant nor overly warm, just enough to remind them I was present, aware, and in control.

“Good morning, Ms. Jones,” the receptionist greeted.

“Good morning,” I replied, my voice steady.

I walked straight to my office, closing the door gently behind me before placing my bag on the desk. For a moment, I stood in silence, letting the stillness settle. Then I moved and turned on my tablet, pulling up the files related to the investment and reviewing everything again—not because I hadn’t already memorized the details, but because details were where power lived.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened, and Ethan stepped inside, his presence immediately filling the room with a kind of ease I rarely allowed myself to feel.

“You’re not going to believe this,” he said, almost stumbling over his words. “Evan Collins arrived at the airport with his private plane. He’s coming to see us.”

I froze, my coffee cup halfway to my lips. “Wait… what?” My voice was sharper than I intended, a mix of shock and disbelief.

Ethan shook his head, as if trying to process it himself. “I can’t believe it either. A man like him, the multi-billionaire CEO, is the one making the effort to come to us. Normally, it’s us going to Forks, Washington. It’s the standard courtesy for a deal this big.”

I set my cup down, my mind racing. “But… he just came? That easily?”

Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes wide. “Exactly. That’s what’s blowing my mind. It’s almost too easy. I was surprised.”

I felt my stomach twist with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I was flattered; anyone would be surprised by such a gesture. On the other, a part of me shivered at the implications. “So… he’s desperate, then?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

Ethan said carefully, “Maybe he just sees something in Winston Watch Company he can’t risk missing. Either way, it’s a big deal. We are very lucky, Billie.”

I leaned back in my chair, processing the news. I hadn’t expected to see Evan again, not this soon, and certainly not under these circumstances. My heart beat faster, a strange mix of anticipation and nerves.

“Wow,” I finally whispered. “I… I can’t believe it.”

Ethan grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction. “I know. Neither can I. But get ready, Billie.”

I gave a small, confident nod, sliding the folder of notes across my desk as I stood. “Always ready,” I said, my voice calm, even light. Inside, a million thoughts raced, but my posture and expression were flawless. Composure was necessary.

I took a deliberate moment to smooth my blazer, adjust my hair, and straighten my shoulders. My reflection in the glass of the office window showed a woman in control, poised, collected. The kind of woman who could walk into a room full of power brokers and not flinch.

Ethan stepped back slightly, giving me space. “You’ve got this,” he said quietly. I just nodded again, giving him a polite smile that said thanks, but I’m fine. He did not need to see the storm under the surface; he never did.

With measured steps, I headed toward the conference room. Each stride was deliberate, each movement precise. I reviewed the pitch silently in my mind, the numbers and figures I knew by heart. Every detail was already locked into place. I just had to deliver it with the same unshakable confidence I had projected countless times before.

--

The conference room was already quiet when I entered, the board members seated and waiting. Their attention shifted to me briefly, but I didn’t linger on it. I took my seat, placing the documents neatly in front of me as I allowed myself one slow, steady breath. I kept my posture relaxed yet composed, my gaze occasionally drifting to the presentation screen as I reviewed the final details in my mind. This was just another meeting, another negotiation that required focus, precision, and clarity. Nothing more.

Then the door opened and I saw him. Evan Collins stepped inside with the same commanding presence I remembered, his expression calm, his movements unhurried. A strong, defined jawline framed his face, giving him that unshakable, controlled look he had always carried. His cheekbones were sharp, adding a quiet intensity to his expression. His eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on me.

“Billie,” he said, his voice steady, carrying just enough to draw the room’s attention.

I met his gaze without hesitation, every trace of emotion carefully locked behind a calm exterior.

“Mr. Collins, I'm glad to see you again” I replied, my tone even and professional, “Welcome to Winston Watch Company.”