David parked his car in front of Allison’s house and stepped out. As he approached the front door, it opened, and a familiar little face popped out.“Daddy!” Henry smiled, running towards him.David forced a smile. He bent down and gently rubbed the boy’s head. “How are you, champ?”“I’m good!” Henry giggled, grabbing David’s hand. “Come in, come in!”David followed him inside, and asked. “Where’s your mom?”Henry shrugged. “She’s not home. She went out. I’m with Nanny Sarah.”Right on cue, Sarah—Henry's old nanny—stepped out from the hallway, wiping her hands with a towel. “Good afternoon, Mr. David,” she greeted politely.David nodded. “Good afternoon, Sarah.” His tone was flat, his mind too distracted. “Get Henry ready. I’m taking him somewhere.”Sarah blinked in surprise. “Oh… alright. I’ll get him dressed.”As Sarah guided Henry toward his room, David stepped aside, pulling out his phone. His fingers hovered for a moment before he dialed a number he hadn’t called in a long time.
The park was filled with birds chirping in the distance, children playing, and families walking around. But Emma barely noticed the beauty around her. Instead, her attention was on the two tall, hefty men walking a few steps behind her.She rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time today. The sight of those guards—strong, serious, and built like mountains—just made her sigh deeply.This was getting ridiculous.At first, it was Christian and David always clashing over her safety—arguing, fighting, always trying to outdo each other. Now? Now they had somehow managed to put their differences aside, but only to gang up and force two full-time guards on her.Two! Not one. TWO.Emma glanced back at the men, who stood straight like statues but never let their eyes wander far from her.“What’s the point of all this?” she muttered under her breath.She had even thought about complaining to either David or Christian… but how could she when both were now working together? Suddenly,
A few moments earlier...David stood by the door, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, as he stared at Emma. He had just finished dressing, keys already in hand, ready to head out and pick up Claire from her grandfather’s house. But then Emma had dropped the news — Christian already went to get her.“Why would you let him go there?” he muttered under his breath, pacing back and forth. How could Emma allow Christian anywhere near his grandfather's house? What was she thinking? David wasn’t just upset — he was furious.Emma had tried to calm him, saying it wasn’t a big deal. But to David, it was a big deal. His fists balled again. He didn’t want to argue too much with Emma — not when she was still recovering and using a walking aid — but none of this sat right with him. Not one bit.Before he could say more, they came back. Christian was holding Claire’s hand, with Sophie walking behind them. And Christian had the guts to show off the most annoying grin, like someone who knew exa
Christian sat behind the wheel, driving quietly while Sophie sat next to him, her eyes glued to her phone. Her fingers moved quickly as she texted Gavin, but every now and then, her gaze shifted toward Christian. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t figure him out. What was he really up to? Why would he suddenly decide to go pick up Claire from David's grandpa's house? And most importantly, why would Emma even agree to this?Sophie sighed quietly, shaking her head. Emma knew very well that David would not be pleased about this—not even one bit. She knew Emma well enough to tell when she was uncomfortable about something. It was written all over her voice when she suggested that Sophie go with Christian. But instead of saying no, she agreed. Why?Probably just to avoid sounding biased or unfair toward Christian."If you're going to glare at me the whole ride, you might as well just say what's on your mind Sophie," Christian suddenly broke the silence, not taking his eyes off
After Emma slammed the door right at their faces, the tension between David and Christian didn’t ease. They stood there, locked in a glare, neither willing to be the first to look away.Neither of them said a word for several long seconds. Finally, David broke the silence.“Look,” he started. “I get it. You want to protect her. I do too. But this—” he gestured to the closed door, “—this isn’t helping. Fighting like this will only push Emma further away.”“Then maybe you should back off,” Christian said coldly. “Step aside so things can go back to normal. I'm capable of handling things here.”David raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. “Normal? And what does ‘normal’ mean to you, Christian? You being the only one by her side while I disappear? Is that what you think?”Christian’s eyes darkened. “Yes. I mean If you weren’t planning to stir up trouble, then why the hell did you rent an apartment in this building? Don’t give me that same
Emma slowly stirred awake, her eyebrows slightly knitting together as faint, deep voices echoed from somewhere near the front door. It wasn’t too loud, but loud enough to pull her out of sleep.She had become a light sleeper these past few days, always half-alert, especially after everything that had happened. Slowly, she sat up, wincing slightly from the pull in her side. Her bandages still felt tight around her ribs. Her walking aid and wheelchair were placed right beside the bed, but she carefully reached for the walking aid, steadying herself before standing up.As she shuffled towards the door, the voices became clearer. They were familiar... too familiar.“Sophie?” she called softly as she approached.Reaching the small hallway, Emma saw Sophie standing by the door, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her brows were furrowed, clearly frustrated. But what caught Emma’s attention more were the two voices—Christian and David.“I’ve al