~Xander~As we conversed, I overheard a conversation between Angel and her friends, discussing Aoife and Gabriel’s relationship.“Who is she? Gabriel seems so happy with her,” Angel’s friends commented.Feeling a pang of sadness, I listened intently to Angel’s response, hoping for some insight into their bond.“It’s okay, girls. I love him, and I know he loves me. Aoife is his best friend, but there’s a difference between friendship and love. Friendship is a beautiful connection, but love runs deeper. So even if you try to cast doubt on Gabriel, it’s futile. I have faith in his love for me.” Angel’s words resonated within me, stirring up memories of my past with Aoife and the regrets I carried. Overwhelmed by emotions, I approached Angel and gently took her hand.“Angel, I’m Xander. I hope you remember me,” I introduced myself, hoping she had heard about my connection with Aoife.Angel smiled, sensing my touch, and recognizing my name. “Xander, the man who loves Aoife.” I chuckled, r

~Aoife~Once again, I found myself broken, but this time, my actions were driven by a fierce need to protect my son. The fear that gripped my heart was so intense that I couldn’t see any other reason for Xander’s sudden interest in our son. Returning to my room, my mind felt frozen, overwhelmed by the realization that I had let my guard down with a man who could once again crush my soul.With a heavy heart, I began packing our bags, knowing that it was time to leave. It felt like I was running from Xander and the pain he had inflicted upon me. Within an hour, we were out of the hotel, escaping from a situation that had become unbearable.Brandon, concerned about my sudden decision, questioned me, but I couldn’t find the words amidst my tears. Alex, my sweet son, hugged me tightly, unaware of the turmoil that surrounded us. With a troubled mind and a restless heart, we made our way home. Jing, our trusted friend, took Alex from my arms, providing him with the care and stability he deser

~Aoife~I slept soundly on Xander’s shoulder, finding comfort and a respite from the turmoil of my emotions. But as the morning dawned, I fluttered my eyes open, feeling the strain in my neck and back. I rubbed the tense muscles, trying to ease the soreness.“Are you okay?” Xander whispered, shifting his shoulder to give me some relief. I blinked my heavy eyes, offering him a faint smile, and gently rubbed my temple.“Yes, how is Alex?”.“He’s still under observation,” Xander replied, his hand making soothing circles on my back.I excused myself to the restroom, splashing water on my face in an attempt to refresh myself. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I noticed that my eyes were swollen from crying. My son was fighting for his life, and here was the man outside doing everything he could to help. I silently wished for his well-being, my gaze lost in a cascade of thoughts.Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the news that lay ahead. Returning to my seat, I observed

~Aoife~I hissed as the cold sand made contact with my back, followed by another wave that sent another icy shiver through my body. When Xander touched my lower lip with his, a surge of warmth and desire overcame me. He kissed me passionately under the glow of the full moon, causing my lower lip to tremble from the cold.“I am c-c-cold, Xan,” I managed to utter, my voice quivering.He smiled and looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You need a hot shower,” he replied, raising an eyebrow suggestively.“Why are you looking at me like that?” “Because I am going to give you that shower,” he said, his tone laced with naughtiness.Before I could react, he effortlessly lifted me onto his shoulder. “Why are you carrying me like this? I can walk.” He playfully squeezed my ass, eliciting a hiss from me.“Xander put me down,” I insisted, trying to free myself from his grasp.“I don’t trust you. You might run,” he teased, nuzzling his face against my ass.“Ahhh... stop biting me!”

~Aoife~I was still hanging onto Xander’s chest, trying to process what had just happened. “What was that?” I asked, my voice filled with confusion.“It’s another dog,” he replied, gently setting me down on the ground. I turned to see a Siberian Husky sitting next to us. “But yes, it’s dangerous.” A mix of shock and disbelief washed over me. I stepped away from him, feeling a rush of emotions coursing through me. I pressed my palm against my chest, fearing that my heart couldn’t handle any more of his tricks.Seeing my fear, Xander pulled me close, his arms enveloping me in a comforting embrace. “Do you think I will allow you to leave me this time? You’re bound to me for your whole life, whether you want it or not. You are all mine, and I won’t let anyone take you away from me.”His words struck a chord deep within me, stirring up a mix of emotions. Part of me wanted to hear those words, to feel that sense of belonging. Yet, another part of me resisted, wary of the intensity and poss