I was carrying his child when he threw me out. He believed his female best friend’s lies over my tears, called me unfaithful, and left me to raise our baby alone.

Four years later, Only to find him back, time he's my Boss. But the DNA test proved the truth, our son was always his. Now he’s on his knees, begging for forgiveness, begging to have us back. But how do I trust the man who shattered me when I needed him most? Should I forgive me? Or move on?

I woke up sore, every muscle aching, my body still humming with the memory of last night. Heat lingered on my skin, the sweetest kind of ache. My lashes fluttered open and there he was, lying right beside me.

Reid.

My world. My husband.

The steady rise and fall of his chest, the faint stubble shadowing his jaw, the way his arm was already draped across my waist as if he couldn’t let go even in sleep, it all made my heart squeeze.

I shifted closer, snuggling into his warmth, breathing in that intoxicating scent of cedar and skin that was uniquely his. Just as I tilted my face to look at him, his lips brushed the curve of my neck.

A shiver shot through me.

“Mm… Reid…” I whispered, my voice half a moan, half a plea.

His lips curved into a smirk against my skin. “Good morning, my baby,” he murmured, his voice low, rough with sleep, but devastatingly tender. His hand slid over my hip, pulling me closer until not even a breath could fit between us.

I turned in his arms, catching the hunger in his eyes the moment they opened. “You’re insatiable,” I teased, though my voice trembled with want.

“Only with you,” he replied, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip before capturing it with a possessive kiss.

I gasped against his mouth as his weight shifted over me, his body covering mine with protective heat. My hands tangled in his hair, pulling him deeper, needing him closer. His kisses grew urgent, tasting of promises and fire, tracing down my throat as if he couldn’t get enough of me.

“Reid,” I moaned again, my nails raking lightly over his back. “We… we shouldn’t… it’s morning…”

He chuckled, dark and wicked, lips grazing the swell of my chest. “Then let the morning start with you,” he whispered. “Let every day start like this, with my wife in my arms, moaning my name.”

The words melted what little resistance I had left. His touch became bolder, his kisses hotter, until the room blurred around us and the only thing that mattered was him, his hands, his mouth, the way he made me forget the world outside our bed.

Every sigh, every shiver, every whispered endearment became a symphony between us, building again until I was consumed, lost in the love of the man who held me like I was everything he’d ever wanted.

Reid brushed my hair back gently, his lips ghosting over my temple before he rolled onto his back with a satisfied sigh.

I curled against him, still dazed. “Where are you going?” I asked when he started to sit up. My voice came out small, uncertain. “It’s Sunday… we should be spending the day together.”

Reid reached for his shirt, buttoning it lazily while giving me that familiar smile, the one that always made me forgive too easily. “I’m going to meet Natalie,” he said matter-of-factly. “She’s having trouble with that property case in court. She needs my help.”

At the mention of her name, something tightened in my chest. Natalie. His childhood best friend. She always seemed to need him. Always managed to find her way into our weekends, our evenings, our moments.

I tried to keep my voice steady. “But… it’s Sunday, Reid. I thought… maybe just for once, we’d stay in bed, spend the day together. Just us.”

He leaned over and kissed my forehead softly, lingering as if that would erase my unease. “You’re my wife. My everything. But Natalie's been by my side since we were kids. She really needs me today, and I promise I’ll be back before evening.”

I forced a smile, nodding even though doubt pricked at me like needles beneath my skin. “Alright,” I whispered. “I’ll wait.”

Reid cupped my face, his thumb brushing along my cheek. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, his eyes holding mine. “It’s just Natalie. Nothing more. You have my heart, always.”

I nodded again, this time more hesitant than before. My lips curved, but inside, unease lingered. As the door clicked shut behind him, I lay back against the sheets still warm from his body, my mind whispering questions my heart didn’t want to hear.

The clock ticked louder with every passing minute. Nine o’clock. The hands on the wall mocked me with their steady rhythm. He said he’d be home before evening. Evening had bled into night, and still, I sat alone.

I had dressed for him. A soft dress he always liked, the one that hugged me just enough to make his eyes darken. I had even slipped on lipstick, something I hadn’t done in weeks. The table was set, candles flickering, and in the oven, his favorite lasagna with extra meat, just the way he loved it.

The bell had rung, and I had opened the door with my heart racing, only for my smile to die the instant I saw her standing beside him. Natalie. She carried herself with easy grace, her perfume filling the air as if she belonged here.

I let them in, silent, cold. The candles still burned on the table, the lasagna sat waiting, but the sight of her at his side stole away all the hunger I had.

Reid noticed the food and gave me a smile. “You even made lasagna? Karline, you spoil me.”

I forced a nod, lowering my eyes. “I thought… we’d have dinner together.”

Natalie slid into the chair opposite him, her smile bright. “It smells wonderful. Karline, you really are amazing.”

I sat at the table, pushing the food around my plate. Reid and Natalie fell into their own rhythm, talking about their childhood, about places and names that meant nothing to me.

“Do you remember the time we skipped class to go to the lake?” Natalie’s laugh rang across the table.

Reid chuckled, his eyes warming. “How could I forget? You nearly drowned and blamed me for pushing you in.”

“You did push me,” she teased.

Their laughter filled the space between us. I pressed my lips together, setting my fork down with a soft clink. My appetite was gone.

“I think I’ll go lie down,” I said quietly, rising from my seat.

Reid’s laughter faded as he looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You’re going to bed already?”

“I’m tired,” I murmured, avoiding his gaze.

He frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair. “Baby, are you okay? You barely touched your food.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice cool.

Natalie shifted uncomfortably, but Reid’s eyes stayed on me. “Karline…” he said softly, as if he wanted me to explain.

I offered a tight smile. “Enjoy your dinner. Good night.”

Before he could say more, I turned and walked toward the bedroom. My heart pounded, my throat ached with words I didn’t want to say in front of her.

Behind me, I heard Reid’s voice, lower this time. “She’s not usually like this. I’ll check on her later.”

The door closed behind me, muffling their voices, but not the ache in my chest. I lay down in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if Reid even realized how far away from me he already felt.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The laughter from the dining room had faded, replaced by the muffled hum of conversation and then the sound of the front door closing. Silence followed.

A moment later, I heard footsteps. Steady. Familiar. They stopped at the bedroom door.

“Karline,” Reid’s voice was low, careful. He pushed the door open, his tall frame filling the doorway. “She’s gone.”

I didn’t answer. I shifted on the bed, turning my back toward him. My chest tightened when I felt the mattress dip as he sat beside me.

He reached out, brushing his fingers over my arm. “Baby, talk to me. Why did you leave the table like that?”

I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my voice steady. “You seemed… comfortable enough without me there.”

His brows drew together, his hand pausing. “What does that mean?”

I finally turned, meeting his eyes. “You promised me today. You said you’d be back before evening. Instead, you walked in at nine at night..with her.” My voice cracked on the last word.

Reid sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. “I know I’m late. I didn’t realize it would take so long. Natalie just… needed someone to talk to about the case. She’s been through a lot.”

“And I haven’t?” My words came sharper than I intended. “Do you know how it felt? Sitting there in this dress, waiting… cooking your favorite meal, only for you to walk in with another woman by your side?”

His eyes softened, and he cupped my cheek. “Don’t say that. You know what you mean to me. Karline, you’re my wife. My everything. I would never put anyone above you.”

“Then why,” I whispered, tears threatening, “do I feel like I’m losing you to her?”

Reid leaned closer, pressing his forehead to mine. His voice dropped to a plea. “You’re not losing me. You’ll never lose me. Natalie is just my friend. You… you are my present. My future. My wife.”

I wanted to believe him. His lips brushed mine gently, his breath warm, his words sealing the space between us. But the ache in my chest lingered, the image of them laughing together still sharp in my mind.

When he kissed me deeper, I let him, because part of me still craved him, his warmth, his touch, his love. Yet somewhere in the back of my heart, doubt whispered like a shadow that refused to leave.

Next Day

His meeting was over earlier than expected today so he just invited me for lunch.

Being a Ceo he really doesn't have much time to spend with me..but he still manages to make time to spend with me.

The garden terrace was a picture of elegance. Sunlight filtered through wide parasols, a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of roses planted along the fence, and the sound of cutlery against fine china created a delicate rhythm. Waiters in crisp uniforms glided from table to table, pouring wine into tall glasses.

Reid sat at the head of our table, the perfect image of authority even outside the office. His suit jacket was folded neatly over the back of his chair, his white shirt rolled at the sleeves, but power clung to him effortlessly. He looked like a man who owned the world.

I was still admiring him when Natalie arrived, Adrian walking confidently at her side. His smile was quick, charming, the kind that always felt a little too smooth.

“Reid,” Natalie greeted warmly. “Karline.”

Adrian gave me a longer look before pulling out his chair. “It’s been too long. Karline, you look radiant today. Reid must be very proud to have you by his side.”

Adrian the bestfriend of Natalie.. they used to work in the same hospital together.

He had come for a dinner or too in our home.. and that's where me and Reid knows him.

“Thank you,” I said politely, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

Reid’s hand shifted on the table, his fingers brushing mine briefly as if to remind me he was listening. “Sit. Let’s eat,” he said.

Once they were settled, Reid leaned toward Natalie. “Your case. Has it closed yet?”

Natalie shook her head, her expression somber. “No. It’s dragging on. Some days, I wonder if it’s worth fighting anymore.”

Reid’s voice was steady, reassuring. “You don’t quit. Not until every option is gone. We’ll go through it together again. There will be a way forward.”

Natalie’s lips curved into a faint, grateful smile. “You’ve always had that strength, Reid.”

Adrian cleared his throat and turned his attention to me. “And what about you, Karline? Does he show you that same strength at home, or does he let you see the softer side the rest of us never do?”

I gave a small laugh, glancing at Reid. “He’s… a little of both.”

Adrian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in a way that still carried. “I envy that. To have both the protector and the man underneath… you’re lucky,.”

Reid’s eyes flicked to Adrian, then to me. He sipped his wine before speaking, calm but firmer this time. “She is more than lucky. She deserves all of me, and she has it.”

Adrian smiled as though the words amused him. “I can see that. Still, it’s rare to meet a woman who could match Reid’s presence. Most would be overshadowed. But you… you shine in your own light.”

The compliment was too direct to ignore. My cheeks warmed, but I managed to smile politely. “That’s kind of you, Adrian.”

Reid set his glass down, his gaze steady now. “Adrian, you’ve made your point. My kar doesn’t need anyone to tell her how remarkable she is.”

I reached for Reid’s hand under the table, giving it a light squeeze. “It’s alright,” I said softly. “He was only being kind.”

The waiter arrived just then with steaming plates of roasted lamb and bowls of pasta. Conversation shifted, but the tension lingered, wrapped in polite smiles and careful glances.

Adrian chuckled as he cut into his food. “Reid, you’re a fortunate man. If I were you, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”

This time, Reid only gave a small smile, his thumb brushing against the back of my hand. His voice was calm, but his words held weight. “You don’t have to worry about that. I never do.”

After that meal, Adrian flirted a bit more with me..and i kinda liked seeing jealous Reid...so he can feel now I feel him with Natalie.

even Adrian put his hands on mine for a photo and I let him for a selfie.

I can clearly see Reid's anger, god..

Then we left for home..

***

At night.

it's almost 10pm and we were under the blanket watching movie cuddling with eachother.

My head rested against Reid’s shoulder, his arm heavy and warm around me. His laughter at some silly commercial made my heart flutter, and I tilted my face to him with a smile.

“You’re not even watching,” I teased, poking his chest lightly.

“I’m watching you,” he replied smoothly, catching my hand and pressing a kiss against my knuckles. His lips trailed higher, to my wrist, then my neck, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

“Reid…” My voice broke into a soft sigh as he shifted, pressing me gently back against the cushions. His mouth found mine, hot and hungry, stealing every breath until I was clinging to him.

His hands moved with purpose, sliding beneath my blouse, skimming along my skin as if memorizing every inch. His kisses deepened, tasting of wine and want, pulling me further under his spell. When he pushed the fabric from my shoulder and his lips grazed the curve of my collarbone, I could only moan his name.

“Reid… don’t stop.”

“I don’t intend to,” he murmured against my skin, his voice thick with desire. He was already unbuttoning, his tshirt discarded, his body pressing closer, harder, until the shrill buzz of his personal phone shattered the moment.

He froze.

I blinked up at him, breathless, watching the frustration flicker across his face as he reached for the phone. “Ignore it,” I whispered, pulling him back down. “Please. Stay with me.”

But he had already seen the name flashing on the screen. His expression tightened. “I have to take this.”

The warmth between us chilled instantly. I knew without asking who it was. My stomach sank.

“Hello,” he said, his voice shifting from passionate to composed in an instant. He listened for a moment, then straightened, running a hand through his hair. “Alright. Stay calm. I’ll be there.”

My chest clenched. “Natalie,” I said flatly. “It’s her again.”

Reid didn’t deny it. “She’s at the police station. There’s been some kind of misunderstanding. She needs help.”

I sat up, my blouse still hanging loosely from one shoulder. “Now? Reid, it’s ten o’clock at night.”

He reached for his jacket. “I can’t leave her like that.”

I caught his arm, my voice low and trembling with frustration. “And what about me? What about us? I need you tonight. I…” My lips brushed his ear, desperate, aching. “I want you. Can’t you see? I’m burning for you. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

He closed his eyes briefly, pressing a kiss against my lips, slow and lingering. “Baby… we’ll continue after I come back. I promise.”

“I don’t want after,” I whispered, my hands fisting in his shirt. “I want now.”

For a moment, his resolve wavered, his breath hitching as my lips trailed his jaw. But then he pulled back, his voice steady. “Kar… I have to. She’s in trouble.”

The heat inside me twisted into anger. I shoved his chest lightly, my voice sharper than I intended. “Always her. Every time she calls, you run. Do you even hear yourself? It’s like she owns a part of you I can never touch.”

His eyes darkened, but not with anger. With something heavier. “That’s not true. Don’t ever think that.”

“Then prove it,” I hissed. “Stay.”

For a long second, silence stretched between us, broken only by the ticking clock on the wall. His hand brushed my cheek, tender despite the storm in my words. “You’re my wife. My only love. But right now, she needs me. And I can’t walk away from someone who’s asking for help.”

Tears burned in my eyes. “And I need you, Reid. Doesn’t that matter?”

His thumb caught the tear before it fell. “It matters more than anything. Which is why I’ll come back, no matter how late it is. And when I do, I’ll finish what we started.” His lips pressed one last, lingering kiss against mine.

Then he stood, his figure framed in the doorway as he grabbed his keys. “Wait for me, baby.”

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me in the silence, in the ache, in the fire that had nowhere left to burn.