After that day, Marcus kept showing up at my office to harass me. I finally snapped, gathered evidence, and called the
cops.
That bought me a few days of peace.
But as soon as Marcus got arrested, Kyler came begging me to let him go. He even showed up at my office looking all pitiful.
“Mom, he’s your ex–husband. Do you really have to be so cruel?”
Hearing Kyler try to guilt–trip me just made me feel even luckier not to have a son like him.*
There was no point arguing, and he wasn’t persistent. After a few days of making a scene, he disappeared.
On the New Year, I went with Finley to visit his parents.
When we left, he smiled mysteriously and said he wanted to take me somewhere.
I was happy but didn’t ask–he clearly had a surprise planned.
As the car left the city, the tall buildings gradually disappeared. About an hour later, Finley pulled over by a quiet, empty lakeside.
Still confused, I got out of the car. He quickly wrapped his scarf around me, grinning as he ran to open the trunk.
I was stunned to see it packed full of fireworks and sparklers.
While I was still in shock, he was already unloading everything onto the ground.
“Where did you get all this?” I asked, still confused.
Finley smiled at me.
“Remember when we were shopping for New Year’s stuff? You mentioned how your parents used to light fireworks with you in the yard.
“Fireworks are not allowed where we live, so I asked around and found out it’s allowed here.”
As he spoke, he lit a sparkler and placed it in my hand. His eyes were full of warmth.
“Kaia, from now on, I’ll light fireworks with you every year.
“Happy New Year,” he said, then leaned down and kissed me.
The moment our lips met, my heart swelled with his overwhelming love.
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11:10
Chapter 8
That was Finley–he remembered everything I said, even the little things.
This kind of love–where every little thing gets a response–feels amazing.
After the New Year, we both went back to work and got caught up in the usual busy routine.
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One evening, just as I finished work and walked into the parking garage, someone suddenly grabbed me from behind.
I screamed in shock.
Marcus quickly spoke up, “Don’t be scared, Kaia! It’s me!”
He let go right away, looking anxious.
“I’ve been trying to see you since I got out. I just want to explain.
“But your company’s security wouldn’t let me near you. I’ve been waiting around here for days just to get a chance to talk to you.
“I’m begging you, just give me ten minutes, okay?
“If after that you still want nothing to do with me, I promise I’ll leave you alone for good.”
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