“What?” Aiden exclaimed upon hearing the news Melissa took a deep, shuddering breath. "So, it's like this," she began, her words slightly slurred. "My old man, bless his soul, he kicked the bucket. And he left behind his large business empire, you know, a little nest egg for his dear daughter." She chuckled, the irony not lost on her."So, here I am," she continued, "with this inheritance just waiting for me. But there's a catch – the fine print says I can only get it if I have a husband.” She rolled her eyes, a mix of frustration and amusement evident in her intoxicated expression.Aiden, his brow furrowing in confusion, asked, "But why would you need a husband to claim the inheritance? That sounds... outdated."Melissa nodded, wiping away a stray tear. "Oh, you bet it is. My father, may he rest in peace, believed in some old-fashioned idea that a woman couldn't handle money or business without a man by her side. Basically a misogynist. Ridiculous, right?" Another chuckle escaped her

Aiden trying his best to maintain his calm, responded sternly, "Leave Hope out of this, Katherine. She's my daughter, and she's not a bargaining chip in our agreement.""Fine then." She replied, "We can plan it strategically. Maybe a short, romantic getaway won't hurt. We'll find a way to make it work."He let out an exasperated sigh, "Short, long or anything in–between. My daughter and my work schedule won't allow me." Katherine rolled her eyes at Aiden's resistance. "If you were actually getting married to a woman that you loved, you would've gladly gone on a honeymoon with her. Wouldn't you?""Yes, Katherine, that's the difference. If I were truly in love with a woman my daughter also loves, I would've made the sacrifices and gone on the honeymoon. But we're not in that situation, are we? Our marriage is not a fairytale don't love you, neither does Hope.""Hope again, really?" Katherine crossed my arms, "So is it my fault that your girl doesn't like me?""Well, I don't blame her."

Aiden quickened his pace, catching up with Kierra as she briskly made her way toward the entrance. "Kierra, wait," Aiden called out, She turned, her scowl still evident on her face. "I don't have time for this, Aiden. I've got a performance in a few minutes."He took a breath, his words coming out in a rush. "I'm sorry, Kierra. I didn't mean to be rude on the phone, and I certainly didn't mean to lead you on. I—"She interrupted, her tone sharp and accusatory. "Sorry for what? For rudely ending the call on me? Or for playing with my feelings while you're engaged to someone else?"Aiden winced, "Kierra, it's not that simple. I should've been more honest with you from the start. I never meant to hurt you."She crossed her arms, "Save it, Aiden. I've heard enough. If you're here to apologize, it's a bit too late. Now, let me do my job.""Please, let me explain," He pleaded but she raised her hand up, signaling that she was done with hun and then she turned away. "Kierra, please!" He be

The meeting had ended and as the room cleared, Gabriel and Aiden remained. "Are you hell-bent serious about marrying this woman, Commander?" Gabriel asked. Aiden, without hesitation, met Gabriel's gaze and replied, "Yes, Gabriel. She saved my life. I owe her more than I can ever repay. Besides, I believe she's the best woman to ensure I spend the rest of my life with, and she'd also be the best mother for Hope."Gabriel leaned back in his chair, absorbing Aiden's words. He sighed "Aiden, marriage is a significant step, and it's not just about gratitude. Are you sure about this? You've been through a lot, and decisions made in the heat of the moment may not always be the best ones."Aiden nodded. "I've thought about it, Gabriel. This isn't impulsive. She's proven herself– she saved me. I want her in my life, not just for what she's done, but for who she is."Gabriel studied Aiden for a moment before finally nodding in acceptance. "Alright, Aiden. If you're certain about this and yo

Riley and Lady Elizabeth were in the living room, watching the morning news when a knock came on the door. They both shared a look. Riley got up on her feet, "I'll go get it." She said, She walked to the door and opened it, only to see Stephen and three hefty–looking and muscular men standing before her. Her brows furrowed. She remembered the man — Steven, Aiden's lawyer. However, she wondered what they were doing here. "Good morning. What brings you here?" Riley inquired.Stephen, maintaining a composed demeanor, replied, "My name is Barrister Steven and I am Aiden's lawyer. He instructed me to deliver something to you." He then opened his briefcase, revealing the divorce papers. "You still haven't signed them."Just then, Lady Elizabeth came to the doorway and her brows furrowed when she saw her visitors. She as well also recognized the man as Aiden's lawyer. "What is happening here? Why are you here with these men?" she questioned. Riley, pointing at the divorce papers, expl