Chapter 28
The next day, there was no extravagant event, no press, no distractions. Just us, our families, and our son. Ryan stood at the altar in an open garden, the sunset casting golden hues over the white roses surrounding us.
As I walked toward him, dressed in a simple ivory gown, holding Angelo in my arms, I realized- this was all I ever wanted.
Not wealth. Not revenge. Not running.
Just love. Ryan took our son from me, cradling him gently as I reached the altar.
We exchanged vows in front of the people who truly mattered.
And when Ryan kissed me, it felt like coming home.
That night, in our room, Ryan didn’t waste time.
He kissed me the moment the door shut, his hands gripping my waist. “Mine.”
I gasped as he lifted me effortlessly, pressing me against the wall.
His lips were rough, desperate. “I missed you,” he murmured against my skin.
I pulled him closer. “Then don’t stop.”
Clothes disappeared. Hands explored. And for the first time in forever, there were no secrets between us. Just love, passion, and a new beginning. Together.
Days turned into weeks. The past still lingered, but it no longer controlled us. Ryan ran his own company now, free from his father’s grasp.
I focused on our family, raising Angelo with the man I loved. And finally, after everything, I could say- I was happy. We were happy.
And this time, nothing would tear us apart.
Laughter filled the living room as I watched Angelo wobble toward me, his tiny legs still unsteady. His chubby hands reached out, eyes gleaming with excitement.
‘Come here, baby,” I cooed, stretching my arms.
He giggled, falling into my embrace, his warmth melting away every lingering worry. This was my life now–peaceful, happy, complete.
brushed my fingers through his soft curls, pressing a kiss to his forehead. As I glanced at the clock, I realized Ryan was late. Again.
t wasn’t unusual–he had been busy lately. His new company was thriving, and we were finally building a future together without the weight of the Smith empire on his shoulders.
Still, I missed him. With a sigh, I grabbed the remote and turned on the television, hoping for some background noise. The news flickered on, and my breath hitched.
Breaking News: The Fall of the Smith Empire
sat up, gripping the armrest as the reporter spoke.
Following recent investigations, the once–powerful Smith Corporation faces a catastrophic
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downfall. Reports confirm ties to illegal dealings, leading to a full–blown scandal. Former CEO James Smith is under investigation, with his elder son, Jack Smith, being pinpointed as the mastermind behind the fraudulent transactions that led to the company’s collapse.”
My heart pounded.
The reporter continued, “Despite the turmoil, sources claim that former Smith heir, Ryan Smith, has remained distant from the controversy. As many remember, Ryan was publicly banished from the Smith family months ago. It remains to be seen whether he will intervene or allow the empire to fall.”
I felt a pang of guilt. Ryan had been cast aside, stripped of his inheritance, forced to rebuild from nothing. And now, his father–the same man who had turned his back on him–was on the brink of losing everything.
Before I could process it all, there was a knock on the door.
I hesitated, standing slowly.
It was late. Who would-
The door swung open, and my breath caught.
James Smith.
His face was pale, his once–powerful presence diminished. His usual arrogance had been replaced with something I never thought I’d see in him.
“Kylie,” he started, his voice low. “I need your help.”
I stiffened. My help? After everything?
Before I could respond, another set of footsteps echoed behind me.
Ryan.
He stopped short at the sight of his father, his expression darkening.
“What the hell is he doing here?”
James straightened, attempting to regain his composure. “I have nowhere else to go.”
Ryan scoffed. “That’s not my problem.”
I swallowed hard, glancing between them.
James Smith–the man who tried to destroy me, who forced me to leave Ryan. Ryan—the man who suffered because of him, who had to rebuild his entire life because his own father refused to
believe in him.
I turned to Ryan, my voice gentle. “Ryan, he’s your father.”
Ryan’s jaw clenched. “No. He stopped being my father the moment he chose his empire over his own son. And where’s grandfather? Throw you away after that mess?”
Chapter 28
