The morning was bright, a golden light across the small but cozy apartment. Emily Hayes stood by the window, coffee in hand, looking at the little boy sitting at the table. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and when he lifted his head to grin at her, she saw Adrian Knight's eyes looking back at her.
Her son.
Her secret.
Eat slowly, Noah, she reminded gently.Yes, mom. His mouth was full, his voice sounded funny as he tried to obey. Emily's lips curved into a smile, though her chest tightened. Every day she saw more of Adrian in Noah, the same sharp jawline, the same intense eyes, the same stubborn little frown when things didn't go his way. And every day, she reminded herself why Adrian could never know.
Five years had passed since she walked away from that world of glittering skyscrapers and heartless men. Adrian had destroyed her heart, left her with nothing but broken pride and the tiny heartbeat she discovered soon after. She had promised herself then that her child would grow up safe, loved, and far away from Adrian Knight.
And she had kept that promise.
Her phone buzzed, dragging her from her thoughts. Emily glanced at the screen it was a message from her best friend, Mia.
Mia: Big news 🥹You got the job interview... Knight Enterprises, Tomorrow, Don't say no please mily.
Emily's blood ran cold, Knight Enterprises?.
The name was enough to bring back memories she had buried deep of late nights in Adrian's office, the scent of his Colognes, the way his voice could freeze her heart and melt it all in the same breath.
She set the phone down quickly, her fingers trembling. Of all the companies in New York, why did it have to be his?
Noah's small voice pulled her back. "Mommy, will I see you after school today?"
Emily forced a smile. "Of course, sweetheart. I'll always be here."
But as she helped him into his jacket and kissed his cheek, as she fought the feeling of her tummy tightening nuts inside, She couldn't avoid the past forever, could she now? Fate had a cruel sense of humor, and it was leading her straight back into Adrian Knight's world.
And if he ever discovered the truth about Noah… her carefully built lfife would shatter instantly.