Desired by All and He Threw Away 20

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on December 31, 2025

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hapter 20

Taylor’s POV

The moment the press conference ends the air outside feels heavic as if all the flashing lights and endless questions have followed us out into the hallway.Alden voice slices through the low hum of chatter. He’s calm, composed, commanding way he gets when everyone’s watching.

“Listen carefully,” he tells his team, his tone firm enough to quiet the entire corridor. “No one mentions her name. No one leaks her face. If anyone does, I’ll personally make sure you pay the fine before you even think about calling your lawyers. Understood?”

A quiet chorus of yeses follows quick and nervous. the assistants, the PR staff, the bodyguards then darts away again like i might burn if they stare too long.

But not her.

the

everyone gaze flicks toward me

The PR manager a woman in a fitted beige suit with perfect hair and an expression that could cut glass doesnt bother to hide the look she gives me. her eyes drag over me slow and deliberate like she is assessing a knock off bag in a luxury store.

There is some bitterness there – sharp and gleaming.the corners of her mouth twitch as if she wants to laugh but decides Im not worth the

energy.

I can almost hear what she is thinking. Her?

er perfume lingers in the air–floral, expensive, suffocating. I catch the faintest roll of her eyes when Aiden turns his back i

chin pretending i dont notice. Pretending Im used to this.maybe someday i will be.

lift my

When Aiden finally gestures toward the exit relief floods me. the cameras are gone but the noise still echoes in my head. i follow him down the marble hallway heels clicking against the floor his bodyguards trailing a few steps behind like shadows.

the moment the car door shuts silence swallows us.The tinted glass blocks out the world leaving just me him and the quiet hum of the engine.

He loosens his tie and leans back and exhales like the day is already too long.Then, without looking at me he says flatly, “That kiss was just for show. don’t overthink it.”

The words hit harder than I expect, though i refuse to let it show.

i stare out the window watching the city lights blur against the dark. “I know,” I say evenly. “Don’t worry. ill always remember our roles that this isnt real its just pretend.”

his gaze flicks toward me just for a second.

There is something unreadable in his eyes but it disappears before can catch it.

“Good,“he says voice clipped. “As long as we’re clear.”

i nod,keeping my tone neutral even though a small part of me wants to throw his own words back at him —if its all for show, why did it feel so real?

Instead, he change the subject. “Did you gather information on Dylan,” he ask say. “I might have something. Im meeting his ex – girlfriend tonight.”

he arches a brow interest flickering. “youre going alone?”

“Yes. She agreed to talk.”

Aiden hums under his breath the sound low and skeptical. “we’ll see how useful she is.”

I should have known that “we” wasnt just a word.

the café where i meet Claria smells like roasted beans and cinnamon a cozy corner spot tucked away from the main street. Warm light spills across the tables catching the steam rising from ceramic mugs. i arrive early, order tea and take a seat by the window.

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my nerves hum quietly not from fear but from curiosity. Claria walks in ten minutes later. She is tall,elegant with loose curls and a sharp look that makes it clear she doesnt waste time.

her expression softens when she spots me,but stiffen again when she notices the man beside me.

Aiden.

Of course he came.

He didn’t say a word about it on the way here – just told to tell his rive the address where im meeting claría and we drove silence like it a weapon.

Claria stops in front of our table, arms crossing. “you didnt say you were bringing company,” she says her tone dry.

I manage a smile. “He’s just here to listen. Don’t mind him.” Her gaze flicks toward Aiden again, unimpressed. “Right. Because I totally believe he’s the quiet type.”