After the ruling, Kate walked out of the courthouse, got into her car, started the engine, and drove straight to the mansion. It wasn't that late, but the day had felt endless. And when she finally walked through her front door, she needed to hear a voice that would calm her—a small, innocent, beautiful voice. Her fingers trembled as she dialed the number. And the moment she heard the tiny "Hello?" on the other end, her heart stilled for a beat. "Hey, sweetheart… how are you?" "Mom!" Oliver squealed with joy. "We won! I scored a goal and Coach said it was the best of the whole match! Everyone hugged me!" Kate closed her eyes and smiled—for the first time all day, truly smiled. "My champ… I knew you could do it. You're amazing. I'm so, so proud of you." "Really?" he asked in a small, almost shy voice. "Of course, baby. You're brave, strong, and the best gift I've ever had." Oliver giggled, and Kate's throat tightened. Because inside, anxiety was chewing her up. And out

Kate froze. Had she heard him right? One night? Her eyes locked on his, burning with fury—but inside, something twisted. Her heart started pounding, her hands turned cold and clammy. Grayson didn't move. He just stared at her with that stone-cold face she'd always hated. "Are you insane?" Kate snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm and a bitter smile. "Or have you always been a pig and just now decided to show it?" Grayson raised a brow, completely unbothered. Calm as ever. When he spoke, his deep, masculine voice sent a chill down her spine. "Just one night," he repeated, like it was the most reasonable thing in the world. "One time, and I'll sign." He waved the papers in front of her. "Pretty low price, considering everything you're getting, don't you think? Your freedom and your name back. A fresh start." Kate clenched her jaw, glaring at him like she wanted to slap that smug look right off his face. "You're disgusting. A damn bastard." Grayson lifted an eyebrow, n

The whiskey glass hit the table with a sharp thud, and Grayson was on his feet in an instant. Two steps—and he had her in his arms. Kate tried to step back, but his large hands grabbed her waist and pulled her against him. There were no words, just the rough crash of his lips on hers.At first, she resisted, turning her face slightly. But Grayson didn't back off. His mouth claimed hers with a hunger that made her forget why she was supposed to say no. Slowly, her lips softened, giving in to the kiss with the same desperate need.As he kissed her, Grayson's hands ran down her bare back, gliding over the soft skin he'd never been able to forget. Almost without realizing it, Kate wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing closer. She could feel the heat of him through his pants, and a shiver ran down her spine. The kiss deepened, their tongues tangling and exploring. Grayson let out a low, almost primal growl before trailing his lips down to her neck. Kate closed her eyes, melting int

Grayson kissed her with a ferocity that stole her breath. His hands moved over her body as if he needed to memorize every curve. Kate met him with the same intensity. Her nails dug into his back when he settled between her thighs, ready to slide into her. But just as the tip of him brushed her entrance, she pressed a hand to his chest. "Wait," she gasped. "You don't have protection. And I don't know what kind of groupies you've had, so… we're using a condom." Grayson froze. "Well… no. I didn't bring one," he admitted through clenched teeth. Kate rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're such an idiot. Aren't you supposed to keep one in your wallet?" She leaned toward the nightstand, opened the drawer, and pulled out a condom with a triumphant smile. They were the freebies they'd handed out during a courthouse workshop. "Luckily, I'm always prepared." Grayson shot her a murderous look. His damn wife had condoms in her nightstand. "Are you kidding me… do you bring men here?" he

Grayson stepped out of the shower with steam still clinging to his skin. Water slid down his chest, tracing every line of muscle. He wore nothing but a towel around his waist and used a smaller one to dry his hair. When he walked to the mirror, he took a single look at himself… and Kate's image hit him like a punch. He could still feel her on his skin. Her scent. Her trembling hands on his body. Her warmth was open, vulnerable, and breathtaking. His grip tightened on the towel. He'd woken long before she did. He'd watched her sleep, wrapped in the sheets, hair tangled, breathing soft and peaceful. He'd stared at her far too long and for one fleeting moment, he had almost not signed. He had nearly stayed. Nearly told her they could try again. But it wouldn't have been fair. Kate deserved freedom. She deserved the chance to rebuild her life far away from him, the man who had done nothing but hurt her. The last thing he wanted was to keep her trapped in the wreckage their marria