SHAY
Several months had slipped by since Adam had agreed to the divorce. Now, they were seated across from each other, their lawyers discussing the details. Shay found herself studying her hands, acutely aware of Adamâs gaze on her, but she chose to ignore it.
She hadnât laid eyes on Adam in months, and she was surprisingly relieved. The twins, it seemed, werenât as fond of Adam as theyâd initially thought. They naturally gravitated toward their biological father.
Adam hadnât seen Nate since the separation, nor had he shown any interest in his sonâs wellbeing. Adam had made a few attempts to reach out to her, trying to mend what was broken. But Shay was done.
She couldnât overlook his infidelity, and his refusal to change was a deal breaker. Her relationship with Ethan had evolved. She had forgiven him for his past mistakes, and they were now navigating the waters of co-parenting.
Theyâd succumbed to temptation a few times, falling into bed together. It was a habit, a familiar comfort. Sheâd be lying if she said she didnât miss it.
âSign here,â Keith instructed, nodding toward the document.
Shay leaned forward, taking the pen in her hands.
âIâm still in love with you,â Adam blurted out, shattering the silence.
Shay looked up at him, pen poised above the dotted line.
âAdam,â she sighed, closing her eyes tightly. She couldnât believe he was doing this now.
âI still want to be with you,â he pleaded, his eyes begging for understanding. He was wearing the polo shirt sheâd bought him.
âSo you love me so much that youâd ignore your own child?â Shay shot back, her voice laced with venom. She couldnât comprehend how he could neglect Nate. His mother seemed more invested in Nate than he was.
She was shocked at how much heâd changedâor perhaps this was who heâd always been, and she was just now seeing it.
âI love Nate,â he protested.
âDo you know heâs already walking and saying his first words?â Shay challenged.
His face fell.
âYou didnât know, did you? You thought he was still crawling and nursing, right? Thatâs what you missed when you chose her,â she spat, her anger palpable.
âShay,â he began, but she cut him off.
âNo, this is the end of our marriage. Save yourself the embarrassment and sign the papers. We both know Iâm letting you off easy,â she warned.
She knew he understood her meaning. Their prenuptial agreement stipulated that if either of them were unfaithful, the wronged party would inherit half of their company shares and a million dollars. Shay had chosen to ignore the prenup, asking only for full custody of Nate.
She knew he stood to lose more, but she didnât want to take that route. She wanted a clean break. She watched as Adam signed the divorce papers, then she followed suit, signing her name on the dotted line.
SHAY
The lawyers continued their discussion as Shay signed the remaining documents, finalizing the divorce.
âYou okay?â Keith whispered, placing a comforting hand on her back.
She nodded, grateful for his support throughout the process. Keith had been invaluable, handling all the arrangements, negotiating with the lawyers on her behalf, and providing emotional support.
She was grateful for his help, knowing he would fight for her. There was a time when sheâd imagined a future with him, but that was before Ethan and Adam.
Once the papers were signed and the judge had confirmed everything was in order, they were officially divorced. With that announcement, Shay felt a weight lift from her shoulders, leaving her feeling almost buoyant.
The lawyers and judge exited the room, leaving them alone to say their goodbyes. Keith told her heâd wait for her outside and drive her home.
âAdam,â Shay began, adjusting her position in the chair. âI did love you, and youâll always be Nateâs father. If he wants to get to know you when heâs older, Iâll make that happen. But what you did was unforgivable.
âIf it had been anyone else, maybe we couldâve worked through it. But I canât,â she admitted.
He looked at her, tears welling in his eyes.
âYouâre the only one Iâve ever wanted. Even when Iâm with Sky, I only see you,â he confessed.
His words made her grimace and shake her head. The irony was too much.
Shay scoffed as she rose from her chair. âYouâre obsessed with me but addicted to my twin sister. Make up your mind. To you, weâre the same person,â she retorted.
She stormed out, too angry to hear his response. She saw Keith waiting for her, talking to a colleague. She signaled to him, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
Keith drove her home, and they chatted about the divorce and her situation. He shared his own newsâhis wife was pregnant after a long time trying, and he was overjoyed.
Shay was happy for him, knowing how much they wanted children. With the divorce behind her, she even made plans to meet his wife. They agreed to babysit the kids to get a taste of parenthood.
When they arrived at her house, she noticed Ethanâs car in the driveway. She thanked Keith again and waved goodbye as she entered the house. Despite her security system, his gentlemanly gesture was appreciated.
Inside, the house was dark. She assumed Ethan was in the studio. His new house was nearly ready, and she was looking forward to reclaiming her studio.
Sheâd allowed Ethan to stay in her studio, while her brothers and Dario stayed in the guest house. Turning on the lights, she noticed Ethanâs shoes by the door.
âHey, youâre home,â he greeted her, standing there shirtless, hands in his jogger pockets.
âYeah. I saw your cars in the garage,â she replied.
âKeith picked me up and dropped me off,â she explained, locking the door behind her. âI didnât know you were coming,â she added.
âDidnât you say you needed someone to watch the kids? I took the day off, but theyâre not here?â He tilted his body to one side, a question in his stance.
âBillie and Dad took them into town. They wanted to give them a tour,â Shay replied, leaning against the wall in a mirror image of his posture.
âSo, we have the house to ourselves?â His eyebrow arched, a playful smirk spreading across his face.
Shay rolled her eyes in response.
âYes, but donât get any ideas. My divorce papers are still fresh,â she warned.
âHow did it go?â he asked, his tone shifting to concern.
âItâs done, at least,â she sighed, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
âDoes that meanâ¦you and me?â Ethan gestured between them, his question hanging in the air.
âNo, this,â she paused, mimicking his gesture, âthis isnât happening.â
âWhy not?â His question was bold, daring.
She rolled her eyes again, ignoring him as she started up the stairs. All she wanted was a shower and some rest.
âQuit following me,â she called over her shoulder, hearing his footsteps close behind. Knowing he was likely admiring her backside, she added a little extra sway to her hips.
As she reached the top of the stairs, she suddenly found herself swept off her feet. She let out a surprised yelp as he lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the bedroom with ease.
âEthan!â she protested. But her scolding was met with laughter. He kicked open her bedroom door and tossed her onto the bed, her giggles filling the room. His cologne clung to her, a scent she found intoxicating.
She loved the way he smelled, the way he made her feel. She recognized the fluttering in her stomach, the thrill that came with his proximity.
âEthanâ¦â Her voice was a low purr as his lips found her inner thighs, her dress riding up with each kiss. Propping herself up on her elbows, she watched him, feeling a warmth spread through her. His kisses ventured higher, and she tried to close her legs, but his hands held her open, granting him access.
His lips met hers through the fabric, and she threw her head back with a moan. Her heart pounded in her chest, her body aflame with desire. She fell back onto the bed, grabbing a handful of his hair and pulling him closer.
âAh, screw it,â she groaned. She guided his lips to hers.
***
Epilogue: Pregnant
SHAY
Shay had one final passionate night with Ethan after her divorce. She then had a heart-to-heart with him, setting clear boundaries.
She was firm about not wanting a relationship with him, needing time to heal and grow after her divorce. Ethan spent a lot of time with the twins at his new place. Little Nate, now able to speak in full sentences, innocently started calling Ethan daddy.
It warmed Shayâs heart that Ethan didnât correct him. Ethan proved to be a loving and responsible father, teaching the boys to ride bikes and even taking them to Disneyland.
Ethan never complained. He even helped discipline the boys, explaining their mistakes. Shay was grateful for an equal co-parent, a stark contrast to parenting with Adam.
Shay hadnât spoken to Adam since their divorce. He hadnât made any effort to see Nate. Last year, Patsy, her former mother-in-law, passed away.
Shay sent flowers for the funeral but chose not to attend. Adam was still with Sky. Sky took him to meet her father and, according to Billie, Adam ended up with a punch in the face and a beating from her brothers.
Sky and Adam eloped a few months after Shayâs divorce, with only Skyâs mother supporting their relationship. Shay had cut off all contact with her mother and sister. She didnât miss them, nor did she want a relationship with them.
Her sister had betrayed her repeatedly. Shay understood her sisterâs mental health struggles, but that didnât excuse her actions. Despite the strained relationships, Shay still loved her family.
She loved them even though she wasnât on speaking terms with her twin sister and mother. They were better out of her life. Eventually, Shay started dating again.
^TWO YEARS LATER^
Taking a deep breath, Shay began her walk down the aisle with her father by her side. As the music played, she smiled. She wasnât nervous or scared.
Shay was excitedâexcited to marry the love of her life. Looking at him at the end of the aisle, his eyes welled up when he saw her. He was as handsome as ever.
She smiled, keeping her gaze on him. His best man handed him a tissue as he laughed, his face turning red with embarrassment. He was a lion in business, feared by all, but with her, he was a kitten.
He was completely smitten by her. Her dress, with its heavy train, was beautiful. Shay chose a champagne-colored dress and decided against a veil.
She didnât need all the traditional trappingsâsheâd been married before. Shay didnât believe in wedding superstitions. This would be the last time sheâd ever get married.
Reaching the end of the aisle, her boys looked up at her in awe, never having seen their mother so beautifully dressed. She chuckled. She wanted them to be part of the weddingâit meant everything to her.
Her father kissed her cheek before handing her over to him. âI love you, my beautiful daughter,â he whispered in her ear. âTake care of her,â her father warned.
âI most definitely will,â he replied, taking her hand in his. As he helped her up the steps, her man of honor, Dario, helped with her dress. He was, after all, her best friend.
Facing him, Shay handed her bouquet to Dario. She took a deep breath, smiling widely. âWelcome everyone, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love between Ethan Pierre Ramsay and Shay Zaia Haze,â the officiant began.
With their hands clasped together, the ceremony started. They were both excited and not at all nervous. âItâs time for the vows. The bride and groom have prepared their ownâ¦â
âIâm pregnant with your baby!â a voice interrupted. Everything seemed to slow down.
Shay turned to see a woman at the end of the aisle, cradling a large belly. The room gasped.
âEthan?â Shayâs voice trembled as she looked at her groom.
His eyes widened as he stared at the woman. âIâm sorry,â he apologized, letting go of her hands. Shayâs heart sank.
End of Book 2