Part 1Runaway Mothers

My best friend and I both got pregnant by accident at the exact same time.

She was carrying her movie star ex-boyfriend's baby, while I was pregnant with a high-society billionaire tycoon's child.

Since neither of those men seemed to want the kids, my best friend had a brilliant idea. "How about we keep the babies and ditch the dads?"

"Deal!" I said. "Wherever you go, I go!"

So, we packed our bags, fled the country with our baby bumps, and kicked off our dream life living together.

Until three years later, when my best friend's toddler went viral because he looked like a carbon copy of the famous actor.

The camera accidentally caught my daughter and me in the background, too.

That very night, a squad of men in black suits completely surrounded my lounge.

I pulled out my phone to dial emergency services, but before I could touch the screen, someone bound my wrists behind my back with a leather belt.

A powerful hand clamped around my waist, pulling me close as a ruthless voice rasped into my ear:

"Go on, call them! Guess how many times I'll break you before the cops even show up?"

* * *

Fresh off a messy breakup, my best friend Piper dragged me to a high-end lounge to drown her sorrows.

She was just about to run her fingers over a boy toy’s sculpted abs when a towering figure materialized at the entrance.

It was Harrison, the silver-screen heartthrob.

Tucking his cap low, Harrison stormed over, his face dark as thunder. He glared at the young model who bore a striking resemblance to himself.

"Who the hell is he, Piper? You using some cheap knockoff as my substitute?"

Piper glanced up, a cold, mocking smirk playing on her lips as she stood up.

"Why not? You replaced me with Serena. What makes you think I can’t find someone to replace you?"

"Besides, your family's precious heirloom bracelet is sitting on another woman's wrist right now."

Harrison choked on his own breath, his face turning pale. "I told you, I didn't give her that bracelet."

"Great," Piper shot back, her voice sharp as glass. "Then go get it back!"

Silence stretched between them like a suffocating blanket, cutting through the thumping bass of the club.

Harrison stood frozen for a long moment before letting out a defeated sigh. "I'm sorry. I can't do that."

Even though she had seen it coming, the mask on Piper’s face fractured.

Her eyes rimmed with red, she grabbed her bag and gave me a quick nod. Then, she turned on her high heels and strode out of the lounge without looking back.

Harrison gave me a tight nod before rushing after her.

Knowing how easily he usually talked her round, panic surged through me. I yelled after her, "Piper! Don't you dare go soft on him! This is a dealbreaker!"

"Dump him for good this time!"

I screamed until my throat was bone dry. Suddenly, a hand with long, elegant fingers reached out from behind, holding a slice of chilled watermelon.

I stared at the hand, my mind wandering. Man, these young models really knew how to pamper a girl.

I turned around with a bright smile. "Hey handsome, what's your name?"

The words died in my throat. My smile froze, and I turned entirely to stone.

The handsome model sitting beside me had vanished. In his place stood Fred Pierce.

He had razor-sharp facial features, a sculpted jawline, and an gaze so cold it felt like ice running down my spine.

Terrified, I took a step back, but his firm grip caught my wrist instantly.

Fred looked down at me, a dangerous, mocking smile curling his lips. "You like younger guys?"

"Fine. Let's go home. I've got plenty to show you."