The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

"Sweetie, I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life. It's your choice, and I'll always support whatever you decide! The only thing I hope is that you don't carry any baggage or hang-ups about marriage. If something's weighing on you, you can always talk to me, okay? Maybe just chatting with your old mom will help you sort things out."

Dorothy had always been this way-never the type to meddle in her kids' decisions. Whether it was Abigail's wedding back in the day, or the divorce later on, Dorothy was always there to listen and offer advice, but the final call was never hers to make.

After all, it's your own life. Only you know what's best, and what hurts.

"Mom, I'm not seeing anyone right now—I mean, a boyfriend or whatever. Honestly, I'm just too busy to even think about it! But don't worry, if someone right comes along, I don't have any emotional scars holding me back."

"That's all I needed to hear!" Dorothy grinned, nudging Everett. "You have no idea -your dad doesn't call you himself but nags me about you every day! Last week he even blamed me for not caring enough!"

Everett hurried to defend himself. "Blame you? I'd never! I was just reminding you, that's all."

worried about his daughter, but as a dad, it always felt awkward to pry

and I have my own son to

come to me." Everett's voice was serious, all jokes set aside. "Whatever it is, I'll help you figure it out." Aurora glanced at her father and sighed, pulling him aside for a private word. "Dad, be honest

see it—how he always worried if she was holding onto anything, and as his daughter,

Dorothy, his lips pressed together. "I owe you

on her own. Everett hadn't forgotten for a moment how tough that must've been. No

and my brother our whole lives-honestly, we never felt a lack of love from you. I promise!" Aurora squeezed his hand, giving it a playful shake. "Back when we were little, I barely remember those years anyway!

did, but

I'll never stop feeling like I

a life together, was more than Everett had ever dreamed of. Some nights even now, he'd wake up from

all just and illusion-that marrying Dorothy was something he'd