hammering against my ribs. A bloc

ar yet distant, whispered in

e, a past, but our lives had diverged spectacularly, especially after she' d been adopted into wealth and I' d remained adrift in the system. We'd m

athed, my voice

tone softened, a flicker of genu

ilarating, and painful all at o

the velvet. "Look, I know this is sudden, but Kane's furious. Your

as Kane's ruthless team would call it. Removing any inconv

, the words a du

g? Why didn't you call me? Call Kane?" There was irritation in h

o is this? Why aren't you answering my calls?" He must have taken the phone from H

hat he himself had orchestrated. The h

bother you," I man

d isn't a bother? Why didn't you come to me? I could fix this. I can fix this. You know I can." His words were a t

rifted from the background. "Kane, ho

ining a desperate edge, "because I don't wan

hen Kane's voice, colder than I' d

more," I repeated, the words gaining strength a

ou're coming to the office first thin

urst out of me,

fice!" His voice was a thunderc

ce trembling. "Why do I have to? Am I just... a convenient stand-in? An easier ver

end. "What did you just call me?" he

entle. Or when you're with her. You always call me 'baby,' or 'honey.' Never just Eden. It makes me feel like I' m anyone. Like I' m no

What the hell is wrong with you, E

e truth was out, ugly and unvarnished. "I don't want to be your emotional punching b

phone. "Substitute? Don't flatter yourself, Ede

ne wen