The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

On the phone, Paige was still sobbing, but Jeffrey was in such agony he couldn't even straighten his back.

It felt like his heart had been ripped out, and someone was torturing him with slow, methodical cuts.

The irony was, he was utterly helpless.

As Derek drove away, Karen's sobs finally broke into a loud cry.

"Dad, I trusted him so much. I thought he wouldn't let me down!" Derek glanced at his daughter with concern. At a red light, he reached out and patted her shoulder. "Karen, I've lived a long life and still can't always see people for who they really are. How could you? When two people have had good times together, that's not nothing. If it ends, don't dwell on the bad. You're the only one who suffers that way." Karen nodded, "I'm sorry, Dad, for disappointing you." Looking back, she realized she shouldn't have called her father in such haste.

Derek was getting on in years, with the usual heart and circulatory concerns. He didn't need the stress. But at the time, all Karen could think about was breaking up, ensuring there was no way back for Jeffrey.

Or for herself.

Perhaps she was afraid she'd soften, choose to trust him again.

mother and I could give. Of course, we'd protect you.

daughter is a good girl. You'll find the right boyfriend in time, no rush!"

had been brief, so

Suddenly, Karen tensed.

she needed was a pregnancy scare. Sneaking a glance at her father, she decided to slip away

and Langston, a day at the amusement park was pure

mature demeanor, at heart, he was still

for casual black clothes, shedding his corporate air. He appeared more like a big brother, a mere decade older than his kids, rather than

merry-go-round! Over there, over there!" Abigail tugged excitedly at

with you." As she was about to walk away, she heard Everett's low voice asking Langston, "Do you want to join your

tapping his son's head. "It's just good manners." Looking up, Dorothy was already walking away with Abigail in her arms. Everett's gaze deepened, and