He Said He Loved Me in Front of My Ex

Monica opened her mouth, but I didn't give her a chance to retaliate.

"I won't stoop down to your level, Mrs. Dempsy. I'm not willing to be a mistress and bear an illegitimate child that would suffer from my actions. Because unlike you, I'm not desperate to become a Dempsy."

Tyler gripped my waist tightly; I saw him smirking proudly when our eyes met. His look made me feel encouraged even more.

That was all it took for me to say everything I wanted to say to that woman for years. I kept all of my hatred and anger towards her, and now was the time to let it all out.

"And since you said tonight that Caleb is not Zach's son, kidnapping him again in the future would surely lead you to jail. The next time that you take my son away without my knowledge, we will meet at the police station."

With that, I strode away with my son and Tyler, who was grinning widely, by my side.

I didn't say a word on the way home. A heavy feeling lumped on my chest as I recalled everything that had just happened. Thankfully, Tyler gave me space to think about it, and Caleb fell asleep as we drove.

It was already ten at night when we finally arrived at our home. I got out of the car with Caleb and was about to wave my goodbye at Tyler's closed door when he rolled down the window suddenly.

"That was it? You're just going to leave me here?" he asked, a playful tone laced in his voice.

A warm blush spread on my cheeks. "It's late, Tyler. I know you're exhausted, so you have to go home."

"Thank you for today, by the way. I could've lost Caleb if it hadn't been for your help," I continued as I released a sigh and glanced at Caleb by my side.

Tyler motioned Caleb to come closer, and so my son did. My eyes squinted as I watched the two whisper about something; Caleb even chuckled before turning to me. My son smiled and winked at me for a few seconds before dashing through the door.

"Come closer, Ivy," Tyler said, his voice hoarse as he spoke.

My heart skipped a beat. "What?"

Tyler crooked his head to the side with his arm on the window and grinned. I could feel the nervousness and warmth spreading through my neck, so I averted my gaze.

I even coughed fakely before speaking, "What did you say to Caleb?"

"Come closer if you really want to know."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I'm leaving."

I turned around and was about to leave when Tyler reached out his hand and pulled me. I almost tripped, but I managed to lean against his car.

However, the brute took advantage of the situation by craning his head and kissing my lips.

It was a quick kiss, but my nose was still tinged with his scent, a hint of tobacco and something sweet. His kiss also made me shiver down my spine, electricity running around my whole body as my cheeks burned.

Tyler leaned against my ear and whispered softly, "I told our son that I hadn't seen his mom for a few days, and I missed her."

His sharp eyes were deep in the dim light, and it took my breath away when he glanced at me.

"Don't stop dreaming, and maybe someday she'll miss you," I said while trying to keep my voice calm despite my raging heartbeat.

I cleared my throat. "You've worked hard these past few days and helped me find Caleb. I'll treat you to dinner tomorrow so you can feel how thankful I am."

Tyler grinned and shook his head. "I don't think going out to eat is sincere. How about we just stay in, and you cook for me?"

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. "Fine."

He whistled at my response and raised his words. With that, I turned around and entered the house, unable to stop myself from smiling.

The next day, I went to the market early in the morning and bought a lot of fresh vegetables. I started preparing dinner around four in the evening.

I have grown accustomed to cooking and eating alone in recent years. No matter how good the restaurant food was, it was never as good as a homemade meal from my stovetop. So I usually cook at home on weekends, and Tyler has frequently come over for free dinner in the last two years.

I was counting down the minutes until he finished his work. I called him and was at my dining table within half an hour. I was still preparing the side dishes as my mother, Caleb, and Tyler sat expectantly at the table.

They were exchanging stories and pleasantries, and I couldn't help but smile at their relationship. It was obvious that my mother and Caleb were even more attached to him than I was.

And I couldn't imagine my life without him anymore, even if we hadn't known each other very long.

I remembered the day that we met. I was a minor office staff member who followed the boss around and occasionally attended dinner parties when I started working at O.G. two years ago.

At one point, I ran into a client who was a playboy. I accompanied the said client to the Lost Woods to sign a deal. Nevertheless, when he became inebriated and attempted to take advantage of me, I shattered a wine bottle on his head.

The client was an IV-grade member of the Lost Woods, and he knew Tyler, who happened to be at the club that day. The client called Tyler over and came in with a group of frightening-looking people.

I was drunk at the time, so not only did I not feel threatened, but I was standing there with a bottle in my hand, stopping all those tough guys.

I thought that they were there to stop my aggressions, but it turned out they were the ones who would assist me in dealing with that client. Tyler and I have become friends since then.

From the beginning, he had treated Caleb as one of his own. And it took me a long time to change Caleb's perception because my son had been treating Tyler like his father all these years.

Sometimes, I wonder why the famous Mr. Rivers would think differently about me. In his words, I'm a tough girl. I'm the most challenging and silliest woman he has ever met.

I couldn't remember when he first started flirting with me on the side. I only knew that I had never responded to any of his flirtations; instead, I would scream angrily at him.

I wasn't trying to be difficult, and I didn't want to be someone's secret girl to flirt with. I have a heart, and even an icy cold heart would warm up over time.

I had to admit that there was something special between Tyler and me. Thousands of times, I almost said yes to being his girlfriend, but I didn't have the gut. It was because I could never figure him out and his wealthy family background.

Besides, I was well aware of who I was.

Tyler had money, power, and good looks, whereas I only had a pretty face.

But I was so selfish that I didn't want Tyler to leave until he absolutely had to.

Because it's been two years, and I didn't want him to leave my side. Ever.