Chapter: CHAPTER 25- When Lara SmilesChapter 25: When Lara SmilesPOV: AleiraThere’s a kind of magic in a child’s smile.Not the kind made of fairy dust or glitter, but the kind that heals you—slowly, quietly, without asking permission.That morning, it was Lara’s smile that reminded me I hadn’t just survived the storm—I’d found sunshine after it.We were back from Brent’s beach estate and sitting around the dining table in his penthouse. Lara had just burst into a fit of laughter after Brent made her pancakes shaped like animals—one of them was supposed to be a bear, but it looked more like a misshapen blob with ears.“It’s a dancing potato!” she squealed, giggling uncontrollably.Brent scratched his head with mock confusion. “Hey! That’s my finest work yet!”I chuckled as I cut Lara’s pancake into bite-sized pieces. “A for effort.”“And what about you?” he asked, sitting beside me with a steaming mug. “Still nervous about work?”I shrugged. “A little. But I’m learning to breathe through it.”“Good. Because you don’t n
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 24- In Brent's ArmsChapter 24: In Brent’s ArmsPOV: AleiraThey say the strongest arms aren’t the ones that catch you when you fall, but the ones that hold you long enough to remind you you’re not alone.Brent Montenegro’s arms… they were my home now.Even when the world threatened to tear my peace apart, being in his presence made the noise stop—even for just a while.The morning after our stay in his penthouse, sunlight streamed through the large windows, painting the white marble floor in gold. I stirred slowly, waking up to the soft giggles of Lara playing with Mr. Fluffy on the edge of the bed.“Mommy, Uncle Brent snores,” she whispered with a mischievous grin.“I heard that,” Brent mumbled groggily, pulling a pillow over his face.Lara crawled up and jumped on him, erupting into giggles.“You’re awake now!”He peeked out from under the pillow. “And now I’m injured. I’ve been attacked by a five-year-old.”I sat up with a laugh, brushing my messy hair back. “Serves you right for sleeping in.”Brent
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 23- A Father's Claim or a Threat?Chapter 23: A Father’s Claim or a Threat?POV: AleiraPeace used to be a luxury I couldn’t afford. Now that I finally had a taste of it—with Brent’s steady arms wrapped around me at night and Lara’s laughter filling our tiny apartment—I was ready to fight tooth and nail to protect it.But some ghosts don’t stay buried.And Michael was one of them.We sat in the sleek, modern conference room of Montenegro Group's legal division. The walls were glass, but the atmosphere was thick—heavy with tension.Atty. Salazar, a silver-haired lawyer with a sharp gaze, flipped through the documents in front of us.Brent sat beside me, his thumb gently grazing my knuckles under the table. His presence alone made my spine straighten, my voice steadier.“So, just to confirm,” the lawyer said, “he has never paid child support? No letters, no visits, no effort at all in five years?”“None,” I said firmly. “He vanished the moment I told him I was pregnant.”“And now he wants to claim parental rights?” Sala
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 22- Michael's MaskChapter 22: Michael’s MaskPOV: AleiraTwo days had passed since Michael’s sudden reappearance, yet his presence lingered like smoke that clung to the edges of everything—my thoughts, my peace, and most of all, my fear.But there was one thing that helped me stay grounded.Brent.He hadn’t said much about it since our talk in his office—no pressure, no demands. Just quiet strength, steady support, and the comforting weight of his hand brushing mine whenever we were alone. His presence in my life had become my shield. And now, more than ever, I needed that shield."Miss Tan, you have a visitor downstairs,” the receptionist’s voice crackled through the intercom just after lunch.My stomach twisted. “Did he give a name?”“Yes, ma’am. He said it’s Mr. Michael De Leon.”A chill swept through me.Before I could even speak, a familiar voice interrupted from the doorway.“No need. I’ll handle it,” Brent said, already striding into my office, his eyes storm-dark.I stood instantly. “Brent, wai
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 21- The Return of the Wrong ManChapter 21: Return of the Wrong ManPOV: AleiraThe scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the office pantry, a small comfort in my otherwise chaotic mind. I stirred the cream slowly, letting the repetitive motion calm my nerves. Today was supposed to be like any other Monday—emails, reports, a few stolen glances at Brent—but there was a heaviness I couldn’t shake. A sense of dread, creeping in like a shadow I couldn’t outrun.“Aleira, you okay?” My new friend Macy, the bubbly marketing assistant, asked as she opened the fridge.I forced a smile. “Just tired. Lara stayed up all night with a bad dream.”Macy pouted. “Poor baby. Bad dreams are the worst.” She paused. “Speaking of nightmares… did you hear about the visitor at the lobby this morning?”I frowned. “Visitor?”“Yeah, this guy caused a small scene with security. Said he was looking for someone but didn’t have an appointment. Claimed he knew someone in the executive department. Total drama.”Something twisted in my gut.“What di
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 20- The Ghost Named Michael Chapter 20: The Ghost Named Michael(Aleira’s POV)The nightmares had returned.Not monsters or cliffs or endless falls—just eyes. Cold, familiar eyes. Watching me through shadows.And every time I woke up, the same name lingered on my lips.Michael.He hadn't shown his face yet, but I felt him everywhere. Like a phantom lingering in the air—suffocating, watching, waiting.Every creak of the floorboards. Every unknown number calling my phone. Every whisper in a crowd. I was on edge, walking a razor’s edge between fear and strength.“Mommy, can I wear the purple dress today?”Lara stood in front of me, her backpack already on but clutching her sparkly purple dress like a shield.“Why the purple one?” I asked gently, zipping her lunchbox.She shrugged. “It makes me feel brave.”That nearly broke me.“Then purple it is,” I said, crouching to help her change. “You’re the bravest girl I know.”“And you’re the bravest mommy,” she whispered, wrapping her little arms around my neck.I hugged
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-07
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