His Secret Son, My Broken Heart

travels, making me feel cherished. He made good money, or so he implied, yet I, Kaylynn Russell, a romance novelist who worked from home, found myself covering most of our shared expenses. My boo

xplained that Alfie' s parents were gone, and he, as the older brother, was stepping up. I' d embraced the role, becoming Alfie' s primary caregive

he' d hinted at still buzzed in my mind. I hummed a little tune as I walked into the k

e!" Alfie, backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder, dumped it by the d

fridge, rummaging for a snack. I sighed, a familiar weariness settling over

t up, my brows furrowing. It was an old photo, faded at the edges. Ashton, looking younger, with a woman. She was beau

r wide smile. They were Alfie's eyes, Alfie's nose, Alfie's smile. The resemblance

. Ashton's "little brother"? Th

aid Alfie' s parents were gone. He never mentioned an ex-g

voice from his room, muffled but clear. H

ng back? I miss you. Kaylynn mak

la Mcfarland. Ashton's ex. The one he never mentioned. He said she'd "returned fro

nn is so mean. She said I can't play video games until

e, my energy, my money. I had loved him, despite his difficult moments. And he was telling this 'Mommy Angela' that I was mean? And Ashton

lie. The incredible, sprawling lie that h

had planned so carefully, forgotten. The scent of burning garlic filled the kitchen. I blinked, tears stinging my eyes