Sophia Carter never believed in fairy tales. She had learned long ago that love was a fleeting illusion, an unfulfilled promise whispered in the dark. But that night—two years ago—had been different. It had been magic. It had been passion. And it had left her with a secret that would change her life forever.
The dimly lit penthouse suite had smelled of expensive cologne and champagne. A man, a stranger she had met by chance at a gala she had no business attending, had looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world. And for one reckless, unforgettable night, she had let herself believe it.
Then, he was gone. No name. No goodbye. Just a lingering touch and the memory of the way his lips had felt against hers.
Now, two years later, Sophia stood at the entrance of the most prestigious art gala in New York, her heart hammering against her ribs. She had been invited to showcase her work—a dream come true. But as she scanned the glittering crowd, her breath caught in her throat.
There he was.
Alexander Blackwood.
Billionaire. Business mogul. The man who had unknowingly given her a son.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, he commanded the room with effortless dominance. Sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes—everything about him screamed power. And just like that, the past came rushing back, leaving her lightheaded.
As if sensing her gaze, Alexander turned. Their eyes met across the room, and for a moment, time stood still. Recognition flickered in his expression, his brows drawing together.
Sophia knew she should look away, disappear into the crowd before he could remember where he had seen her before. But it was too late.
Alexander Blackwood was walking straight toward her.
Sophia's pulse pounded in her ears as Alexander closed the distance between them. Every instinct screamed at her to turn and run, but her feet remained rooted to the spot.
"Sophia?" His deep, commanding voice sent a shiver down her spine.
She swallowed hard. "Mr. Blackwood," she said, forcing an air of composure she didn't feel.
His piercing blue eyes narrowed slightly, studying her as if trying to piece together a puzzle. "I thought I recognized you," he murmured, his tone laced with curiosity. "You were at the Van Holt Gala two years ago, weren't you?"
Sophia's breath hitched. He remembered.
"Yes," she admitted, keeping her expression neutral.
Alexander's gaze flickered over her face, searching for something—an answer, perhaps. "I never got your name that night. Or your number. You disappeared before I could find you again."
Her fingers tightened around the stem of her champagne glass. "I didn't think you were looking."
His lips pressed into a firm line. "I was."
A sharp pang of regret twisted in her chest. She had spent the past two years convincing herself that night had meant nothing to him. That she had been just another fleeting encounter in the life of a billionaire. But now… now she wasn't so sure.
"And now, here you are," Alexander continued, his voice low, intense. "An artist. Impressive."
Sophia forced a polite smile. "Thank you."
Before he could say more, a woman's voice cut through the tension. "Alexander, darling!"
A tall, elegant brunette in a crimson gown approached, looping her arm through his. Sophia recognized her instantly—Natalia Sterling, heiress to a luxury fashion empire and Alexander's rumored fiancée.
A fresh wave of nausea churned in Sophia's stomach. Of course he had moved on. What had she expected?
Alexander hesitated for the briefest moment before turning to Natalia with a practiced smile. "Natalia, this is Sophia Carter, a talented artist whose work is being showcased tonight."
Natalia barely spared Sophia a glance before tightening her grip on Alexander's arm. "How lovely. Shall we, darling?"
Sophia took that as her cue to leave. "It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Blackwood," she said smoothly, turning on her heel before he could stop her.
As she walked away, her heart pounded with a mix of relief and heartache. He was engaged. He had a life, a future that didn't include her.
But there was one thing he didn't know.
He had a son.