ログインI shot the pretty lady at the counter a smile as she handed me my card back. “Thank you so much.” I said, slipping it into my purse before I reached out for the medium-sized cake box she had set carefully on the counter. Inside lay a vanilla sponge cake with neat frosting letters spelling out 'Happy Birthday Adeline' on the surface. I was relieved that I had finally secured it in time for this afternoon’s party.I’d chosen this cute bakery tucked inside the city mall to make Adeline's birthday cake and I’d initially been worried that my order wouldn't be ready in time for the party. Thankfully they'd called me that morning to come pick it up and now I could finally cross it off my list. Beside me, Hazel stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the bustling crowd outside the bakery’s glass doors. “Are you okay, Hazel? Do you need me to carry you?” She pouted dramatically at me, shaking her head with vigor. I laughed at her reaction, grateful she wasn’t tired yet because carrying her al
We had dinner at six o’clock, not five. Roast beef with stir‑fried vegetables that I'd helped myself to more than everyone else. The food was good, better than I'd expected. And accompanied with the heavy silence in the dining room, I could enjoy it in peace. But the silence didn't last long though.“It’s been a while since we all had dinner together like this.” Dad said, reaching for his glass of water. He stared at us, almost expectanly, waiting for someone to respond. No one said a word. He continued. “Especially with Eleanor disappearing on us, dinners like this didn’t feel quite complete.”Eleanor let out an amused snort. “Didn’t think my absence would matter so much.”“Of course it did.” he said. “Your mother and I missed you dearly.”Eleanor and I exchanged a look across the table, the kind of look that said 'what the heck is going on here?' Our confusion mirrored each other’s perfectly.Mum cleared her throat, setting her fork down carefully, her gaze locked on her husband.
I glanced up from the tab I’d opened on my laptop where I'd spent the past twenty minutes browsing bakery websites. “What do you think I should get Adeline for her birthday?" Nathaniel shrugged as he buttoned up his office shirt with practiced ease. It was always a shame he had to leave so early for work. Our mornings could have been spent wrapped in eachother' arms, sharing lazy kisses. “I’m not sure.” he said, adjusting his collar. “What does she like?” “That’s the problem, I don’t even know.” I groaned, clicking over to another bakery’s page. "I’m terrible when it comes to getting people birthday gifts.” Nathaniel chuckled. “No, you’re not. On my birthday you made a whole picnic for me—” “That wasn’t a proper gift.” I huffed. “Besides, you should’ve seen me panicking that day. I wasn’t even sure if you were going to like—” My words trailed off as an email notification popped up on my screen. Brows furrowed, I opened it, confusion twisting across my face. “Are you o
A smile tugged at my lips the moment I noticed Harold approaching me. “Ah, Ms. Elena." he greeted me warmly. “It’s been a while since I saw your pretty face around.” I laughed. “It’s good to see you too, Harold.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a twenty to hand to him. “Keep up with the compliments and I might just give you my bank card one day.” He burst out laughing, the sound echoing in the empty lobby as I walked to the elevator and pressed the button to my floor, a smile playing on my lips. Harold had been right, it had been far too long since I’d last come to my apartment building. Strangely enough, I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I should. Nathaniel’s place had become way more comfortable for me than my own place. The elevator pinged open and I stepped out, rummaging through my bag for my key. I slid it into the lock and twisted until the door creaked open. A wave of stale air greeted me, heavy and suffocating. I rushed to the windows and pulled them
"You think she’ll be coming soon?” Debbie asked, her voice carrying a faint note of impatience. I shrugged. “She called about twenty minutes ago. Said there’s a bit of traffic but she’s on her way.” We were at the Olivia Sanchez Children’s Home, sitting on the front porch, taking in the afternoon sun. The place was unusually quiet because the kids were inside having their mid-day lessons. It felt weird not seeing them running around the yard, disturbing the quiet with their playful shrieks. Debbie shifted so she could face me properly, her expression soft. “Um… so about your dad.” She hesitated before continuing. “I’m sorry all this has been happening and I knew nothing about it. How are you dealing with everything?” I exhaled slowly, my shoulders sagging. “It’s been kind of hard, I can’t lie. I just hope everything gets settled soon.” I’d already briefed Debbie earlier on about the police case involving my dad. I hadn’t gone into details, but I'd said just enough for her
I let out a soft yawn as my eyes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the dim lighting in the room. The curtains were drawn tight, shutting out the morning sun and the air conditioner hummed in the background with a steady buzz. The other side of the bed was empty, the sheets rumpled as a reminder that I hadn't slept alone. . A small smile tugged at my lips. Nathaniel’s room was slowly beginning to feel like my room. I’d slept here last night and the night before that. And each time I woke up under his covers, I felt a quiet thrill. I wanted this to be our routine, falling asleep with my head resting on his chest, his arms wrapped securely around me. Every single night. I tried to wake myself up from my sleepy haze as I swung my legs off the bed and padded into the bathroom. My toothbrush was already here and my bathrobe was hang on the towel rack. Little by little, my things were migrating into his space. The invasion was happening and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thoug
I rubbed at my eyes, trying to clear out the remnants of sleep from them. My room was darker than usual, the kind that made you second-guess the time of day. I swung my legs off the bed and padded over to the window. One glance outside confirmed it that we were in for a very cloudy day. Maybe there
"I don't know what's worse, the fact that I haven't been updated on all this or the fact that you didn't care to update me." I laughed. "I'm sorry, Kaylor, but I was sort of... caught up in the moment." "Sure you were." I could practically hear the amusement in her voice through the phone. I la
"Elena, darling, come have a seat."A wide smile spread across my face as I slid onto one of the stools at the kitchen island. The air was filled with the warm fragrance of vanilla and lemon, a blend that made me wonder what the Sinclairs were having for breakfast."Where's Hazel?" I asked, glanci
The kiss was good. Scratch that, it was amazing. It was slow and deliberate, his lips impossibly soft against mine. I let out a small gasp when his arm finally slid around my waist, pulling me closer like he couldn’t help himself. My heart fluttered, my breath caught, I was enjoying the moment wa







