‘You give me a grandbaby to fuss over, and I’ll be right as rain!” Madge said with a playful nudge, dropping her voice to a whisper. “You drinking those soups I sent?”
Madge had been dropping off these so–called “health” tonics, swearing they’d get her ready for motherhood. Subtle? Not even a little–it was her way of saying, “Hurry up with the grandkids.”
Nadia wasn’t dumb, but Jason wouldn’t touch her with a ten–foot pole. No amount of soup was gonna change that. Sometimes, she toyed with the idea of overnighting a batch to Jason’s office just to screw with him. But then she’d picture Madge’s warm smile and worried eyes, and she couldn’t bring herself to let her down.
“Every last drop, Nadia said, flashing a sweet grin.
“No rush, honey.” Madge said, giving her hand a squeeze. “You and Jason stay over tonight–I’ve got a good feeling you two are gonna make some magic happen.”
“Uh, hold the phone–what?‘ Nadia was speechless.
Before Nadia could even process that, the front door swung open. The housekeeper gave a quick bow. “Mr. Black, Ms. Black,
welcome home.
2/3
1134 AM a
Chapter 3
Jason’s gaze snapped to Nadia, a glint of scorn flickering in his eyes.
‘Crying for a divorce one minute, kissing up to Mom the next. Nice act, he thought, his jaw tightening.
29
“Mom, look what I scored for you.” Chloe sauntered in, handing Madge a velvet box with a smug grin. “Emerald pendant from the auction. Top–tier stuff.” She flicked her eyes to Nadia, her smile thinning. “Oh, didn’t know you’d be here. No gift for you, sorry. You’re cool with that, right?”
Chloe played sweet for Madge’s sake, but everyone knew her claws came out when Mom wasn’t watching.
To Chloe, Nadia was a nobody–some gold–digger who’d conned her way into the Black family. No way she deserved her
brother.
Madge, practically glowing to have her daughter back, clapped her hands and ushered everyone to the table. “Come on, let’s
eat!”
Nadia, always the one to keep things running, hopped up to spoon some noodle onto Madge’s plate. But the second she sank back into her chair, Chloe slid her bowl across with a lazy smirk. “Half a plate for me, thanks.”
Nadia started to rise, but Jason’s leg hooked hers under the table, his touch firm and deliberate, pinning her in place.
Her breath hitched, eyes darting to his, just as his low voice cut through. “What, did you sprain your wrist at that auction?” Chloe scoffed, tossing her hair. “She’s already playing servant for you. What’s a little extra for me?”
“I don’t touch noodlea at night.” Jason’s tone was ice as he slid his fork toward Nadia, his eyes daring her to argue.
Sure, he swore off carbs after sunset, but that didn’t stop him from turning Nadia’s life into a culinary obstacle course. Steamed purnpkin? Too soft, too hard, too bland, too sweet–he’d send it back every time, his complaints sharp enough to sting.
Now, though, with Madge’s eyes on him, he was all smooth charm. Nadia’s defiance flared.
She jerked her leg free and stood, her chin lifting. “Fine. You starve. I’m eating.” She grabbed Chloe’s plaate and strode to the rice warmer, her pulse hammering.
She didn’t need to look to know Jason’s face had darkened–not because she was helping Chloe, but because she’d dared to cross him.
Dinner was a battlefield. Jason sat there, his expression a brewing storm, barely touching his plate. Madge, oblivious to the tension, chatted with Nadia, their laughter warm and easy, like they were the only two in the room.
Madge’s giggles faded as she glanced at Jason, her smile softening. “I had the staff prep the guest suite. You and Nadia are staying tonight.”
Jason’s eyes slid to Nadia, cold and unreadable, but he didn’t say a word.
After dinner, Nadia busied herself clearing plates while Madge slipped off to check the rooms. Chloe, never one to miss an opportunity, dropped onto the couch beside Jason, her voice low and conspiratorial.
She said, Jason, Abby’s back. She texted you the second she hit town–she’s still got it bad for you. You’re not even into Nadia. Why not cut her loose and go for Abby?”
Jason’s gaze turned glacial, his voice a low growl. “What’d you say?“.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
“She totally played you, Jason! You’d never have married her if she hadn’t pulled that stunt!” Chloe snapped, her arms crossed tight. “Mom’s tossing her the best meds, but it’s pointless–you don’t even want her knocked up!”
Nadia, wiping her hands in the kitchen, froze as their voices carried through the doorway. Her heart sank, and she quietly backed away.
“Brother, I can’t even tell my friends you’re hitched. Her? She’s a walking embarrassment. Abby’s a freaking superstar now- Mom wouldn’t care if you went back to her. Just give me the green light, and I’ll deal with Mom,” Chloe pushed.
“Abby’s career is blowing up…” Jason mumbled, flicking his lighter to spark a cigarette.
Nadia’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging. Of course he wouldn’t sign the divorce papers–not when it’d make Abby look like the other woman.
As always, Abby came first.
Her pride was already ground into the dirt by Jason. Storming out there now would only torch the last shred of self–respect she was holding onto.
“Oops!” A maid carrying a tray of coffee collided with Nadia, her eyes widening. “Oh no, ma’am, your hand!”
“It’s fine,” Nadia brushed it off, even as her skin bloomed red from the burn.
Before she could react, Jason grabbed her wrist, dragging her to the sink and shoving her hand under cold water.
His jaw was clenched, and her staying quiet about the burn only seemed to rile him up more.
“What, you’re out here telling everyone I don’t lay a finger on you?” he growled, his voice low and sharp.
Nadia locked eyes with him, unfazed. She had never said a word.
But Chloe had been causing a scene at No. 8 Crest Manor, dropping by when Jason was never around. She’d decided they weren’t even sharing a bed.
Nadia hadn’t bothered correcting her–it wasn’t exactly a lie.
“Am I wrong?” she asked, her tone steady but challenging.
“I’m not into you,” he shot back, his words cold as ice.
“Then why string me along? Just divorce me,” Nadia said, her voice light but pointed, like she was daring him.
His grip on the cigarette tightened, veins bulging on his hand. He stared her down for a long, tense moment before turning and stalking off.
“Grab some coffee after dinner, hon,” Madge chirped, gliding into the living room with a warm smile. She waved at the maid to bring Jason a fresh mug, but he flicked his hand, clearly not in the mood.
“Nadia, sweetheart, take it to him,” Madge said, nudging Nadia with a grin.
Nadia flashed a dazzling smile, picking up the steaming cup. “Don’t break Mom’s heart now, okay?”
They’d agreed to play the happy couple in front of family, so Jason wouldn’t cause a scene.
His eyes darkened as he took in her glowing smile, something stormy flickering in his gaze.
Nadia had a cool, refined beauty, but when she grinned, she was pure fire–especially those eyes, their upturned corners practically begging for trouble.
She held the mug to his lips, tilting her head with a playful smirk.
“Want me to feed you, babe?” she teased, her voice dripping with honey as she looped her arm through his.
Jason’s hand shot to her wrist. He downed the coffee in one quick gulp, waiting until she set the mug down.
1/3
Chapter 4
Then, in a split second, he tipped her chin up and kissed her hard, the bitter taste of coffee lingering on his lips.
Nadia’s breath hitched, her mind spinning.
Madge, watching the “sweethearts,” giggled and threw her hands over her eyes. “Alright, you two lovebirds, it’s been a long day. Go get some rest!”
The bedroom door barely clicked shut before Nadia spun on him. “Jason, you’re such a jerk!”
“What? You’re always moaning I don’t touch you,” he shot back, that infuriating smirk curling his lips.
“Yeah? Well, I’m done with half–measures!” Nadia grabbed his tie, yanked hard, and pushed him onto the bed. She swung a leg over, straddling him with fire in her eyes. “If you won’t walk out, then give me a damn kid.”
In a flash, Jason flipped her, pinning her beneath him, his gaze smoldering.
He brushed a stray curl from her cheek, his fingers tracing her face slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing every curve. When they grazed her lips, his eyes darkened, heavy with something dangerous.
“Go to sleep, Nadia. You can have it all in your dreams.“He rolled off and strolled to the bathroom, leaving her seething.
Nadia gripped the sheets, her nails digging in as she swallowed a scream. She knew he’d pull this. ‘Why did I keep throwing myself at him, begging to get burned?‘
She snuffed out the room’s scented candles and tugged a sachet from under her pillow. Madge was playing dirty–swapping her comfy PJs for a whisper–thin slip dress that screamed “grandbaby fever.”
Too bad her son was stubborn as a freaking mule.
Nadia was still fuming when Jason appeared behind her. “Wear it, don’t wear it–I don’t give a damn,” he said, his voice cold enough to sting.
That one cut deep.
She’d never shake the memory of slipping into a skimpy bunny outfit, posing seductively on the bed, only for Jason to freeze, blink, and toss a blanket over her, muttering about “keeping his eyes clean.”
These past few years, no matter what she tried–sultry looks, bold moves–Jason wouldn’t budge.
Fine. If he was gonna act like he didn’t care, she’d play that game too.
Fresh from her shower, she draped a shawl over her shoulders and switched on the blow–dryer. Then Jason was there, crowding her, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her close.
Nadia froze, flicking off the dryer and meeting his gaze in the mirror.
His cheeks were flushed, his breathing rough, and something very eager pressed against her hip.
“That coffee…” he growled, voice low and gritty. Something was definitely up with it.
No wonder Madge had pushed them to stay. She was practically their baby–making coach.
Jason’s hands slid over her hips, hot and teasing, setting her skin on fire. “You’re the one who poured it for me.”
His touch was electric, sparking heat that raced through her. Nadia leaned in, craving his kiss, but he pulled back at the last second, leaving her hanging.
“I’m getting kind of hard, so your divorce card’s no good,” he taunted, his voice dripping with smug challenge.
He was toying with her, and it pissed her off.
Nadia’s blood simmered, but she flashed a sassy grin. “Big whoop. If you’re not using it, it’s just a sad, limp stick.”
“Limp?” Jason’s laugh was sharp, like a blade. “Who was flat on her back in the hospital for a week, fever through the roof, three years ago?”
2/3
11:35 AM
Chapter 4
“That just means you suck in bed–all brute, no finesse.”
“That was your wake–up call-” He stopped short, jaw clenched, torn between shoving her away and dragging her closer.
Nadia clocked his quickening breath and decided to fan the flames. But before she could, his phone blared from the bedroom
Jason’s eyes snapped clear. He pushed her off and bolted for the sound.
Nadia trailed him, spotting his phone on the nightstand. The screen glowed: Abby calling.
“Hey,” he answered, voice soft as silk.
“Jason, I’m losing it,” Abby’s voice trembled through the speaker, dripping with tears. “My career’s just taking off…”
Nadia sidled up, looping her arms around his waist, her voice pure honey. “Still got the heat, huh? Let’s see if you’ve gone soft
Back in the day, mistresses got burned at the stake. Now they just strut in and steal the show.
‘I’m the one with the ring–let’s dance,‘ she thought.
Abby went radio silent.
Nadia rose on her toes, brushing her lips along his neck. Jason’s elbow shot up, pressing hard into her chest.
“I’m coming now,” he said, hanging up and grabbing his jeans.
Nadia clutched her chest, the ache in her ribs nothing compared to the gut–wrenching pain in her heart. The fire in her blood turned to ice.
Jason didn’t spare her a look, yanking on his clothes like she was invisible.
‘Time to call it quits. For good. She told herself.
Jason’s heart and soul were Abby’s. Nadia, the “real” wife, didn’t even get table scraps.
Three years, she’d poured everything into him—molding herself to his likes, chasing a ghost of a chance.
Reality hit like a sledgehammer.
His boots thundered down the stairs, each step slicing her heart to ribbons.
‘It hurts. God, it hurts, she thought bitterly.
Just then, her phone buzzed. She grabbed it, voice hollow. “Yeah?”
“You need to get to the hospital now,” the voice said. “Your brother’s in critical condition.”
