LOVE THAT NEVER DIES

OE'

evening, the doorbell rang, an

east he wa

p two buttons undone, revealing his tanned chest, and his black hair was tousled. The all-black attire made his blue eyes sparkle lik

to wear a suit," I ad

look presentable,"

s naked. Wait, where did that thought

wait if you need mor

to go. Lea

s to the parking lot. He navigated through the sea o

I stopped in my trac

lan to get one for you too

oor for me. "I'll buy one for you if you like it

sbelief. Surely, he w

e all night, or are you getting

side. The engine roared to life as he started it, and we merged back into traffic. Throughout the ride, I gazed out of t

ctorian house. It was hard to believe it would only be for a year. Could I handle it? I'd survive

rm, it showed signs of financial strain. Still, there was a sense of happiness and warmth emana

ectly fitted suit and slightly messy hair added to his charm, and it was clear he lifted weights. I couldn't hel

they won't let us marry and will make my life miserable. So, behave and set aside your cock

n't n

heard him hiss. I didn't mind the collar button and the first button being undone,

didn't say anything. Clearly, he hated me, and the feeling

oor. I heard Jaden mutter something und

oor, it swung open

eked with joy, pullin

her cheek. I saw my father approaching, f

Parker ran up and

warm hug. It had been four months since I last saw my f

uest," my mom said,

ad completely for

e. "Mom, Dad," I said, walking over and lean

m my mother and siblings' faces, w

la. I've heard a lot about you," Jaden said

shaking hands with

his waist. Being only twelve, she couldn't reach any higher. I knew Jaden wasn't a fa

his knees in front of her. "

er told him, and I hadn't mentioned i

er. At eighteen and just a little taller than

," Jade

e knew

daughter every day? I think her first offici

I was

definitely that person. I think I still have that effect." Rolf

ner the instant I saw her. I just didn't think the feeling was mutual, or I would've proposed right aw

tlessly he lied. He was good—no, perfect—at it. M

ense up as if he wasn't expecting me to touch him back, but I brushed it off. "He surprised me by showing up outside m

s going on. "Oh, alright, let's all head inside," Mom broke the sile

indoors, and my father kept a clo

ed around his waist. "You're quite the mas

leaned in to whisper in my ear. "I excel in ma

mine, leaving me stun

d him in the stomach with my elbo

The offer stands till the marriage, Chloe.

I seethed but that onl

the time we moved to the living room for champagne, I had a pleasant buzz from the good food and livel

t that smile didn

gentleman. However, he avoided eye contact with me, pulled away when I tried to touch him, and

at do you do in your father's company?

ad

eting enterprises—in Seattle, Brooklyn, and Manhattan—but I don’t work for any of them. I was the CEO of the Seattle branch for a year, which is how I met your daughter, but I

ression. He wanted to prove to my dad tha

lding. I've been there once. You get a perfect vie

d and said,

out your fam

bly. "The Finns adopted

al son?" my father i

to Venice when he was born to avoid interviews about having a first baby. But now everything made sen

see that

'm very grateful to them for giving me their name

y adopt you? And why didn't they wa

; he hated being interrupted. My

arrying your daughter, and my family wanted you to know

Jaden. I need to know everything about you. I need to know if you can keep my daughter safe, happy,

look Jaden had when Dad said that, an

rted, but he cut me of

e commanded. My father shot a glare at Jaden, waiting for his response. I watch

irm in Washington. Additionally, I have personal as

tioning actually belongs to you? Perhaps Bolt Finn gave that to you as well," my father's skepticism caught me off

ocked eyes with me. "Can we t

eep his composure. His restraint showed respect, and I didn't

d Jaden's hand. "Where are yo

Please," I didn't want to sound l

e door. "What is wrong with your father?" he whispered furiously. "Why is he

frust

y he was being like that,"

e Finnfamily so I can't do anything on my own? I

I

r family. I only came here because you asked me to talk to your parents about marrying

as both angry an

ke talking about his past or about his real parents. But I couldn't let

He won't ask you those questions again. I'll make sure." I k

ou're an adult, Chloe, and your father still interrogates your boyfriends

ather to walk me

even a rea

e best I can get right now. It's not

d on the wooden floor, trying to conceal my tears. One had already escaped, tri

im sigh. He approached me, his shiny

nestly have no clue why you're crying," he said hoarsely. I accepted the handkerch

have to stick around? If we do, tell your father not to pry

ed to stick around," I decl

t approve of our m

sure of it," I