LOGINThe next morning at the mansion felt strangely quiet. Octavia woke up earl. Even though they were living under the same roof for safety, she made sure to keep her distance. Every kind thing Declan did only reminded her of the years he had ignored her and the pain he had caused.She went to Seraphina’s room and gently woke her up.“Time to get ready for school, baby,” Octavia said softly, helping her daughter out of bed.Seraphina rubbed her eyes and smiled. “Good morning, Mommy. Is Daddy taking me today?”Octavia forced a small smile. “Yes, he is. Let’s get you bathed and dressed.”She let Seraphina bathe, brushed her hair neatly, and helped her put on her school uniform. While doing so, she kept her thoughts to herself. She still resented Declan deeply. Living in his mansion felt like a necessary evil, not a choice.When they went downstairs for breakfast, Declan was already in the dining room. He had prepared simple toast, eggs, and fruit for them.“Good morning,” Declan said, looki
Days had passed since the break-in at Octavia’s apartment. The mansion felt safer with the heavy security presence. Declan had kept his word and stayed away from Seraphina for the full week as Octavia requested. Today was the day he was finally allowed to pick her up from Alexander’s house.He arrived at the Lancaster family home exactly on time, dressed neatly in a casual shirt and jeans. Alexander was waiting on the porch with Seraphina’s small suitcase, his arms crossed and his face clearly unhappy.“Declan,” Alexander said coldly as Declan stepped out of the car. “I still don't trust you one bit. My niece has been through enough. Now you’re taking her back to that mansion of yours? After everything that’s happened?”Declan stopped in front of him and met his eyes directly. “I understand why you don’t trust me, Alexander. I messed up badly in the past. But I’m trying to prove myself now. The mansion has the best security money can buy. Armed guards, cameras and high walls. Seraphin
Octavia’s eyes fluttered open slowly. The bright white lights of the hospital room made her squint. Her neck throbbed where the knife had grazed her, and a dull headache pounded behind her eyes. She tried to sit up, but a gentle hand pressed her shoulder back down.“Easy,” Declan’s deep voice said softly. “You’re okay now. You’re in the hospital. The doctors checked you over. No serious injury, just shock and a small cut on your neck.”Octavia turned her head. Declan sat beside her bed, looking tired but relieved. His jaw was still slightly bruised from Rowan’s punch the night before.“What happened? The man… he had a knife… and a gun…”Declan nodded, his expression darkening. “The security team got there just in time. He ran when he heard them coming. You passed out from the shock. I brought you here immediately.”Octavia closed her eyes for a moment, breathing slowly. “Seraphina… is she safe?”“She’s still with Alexander and your mother,” Declan reassured her. “They know what happen
“After everything, you let this man back into your life? Into Seraphina’s life? I should kill him right now for bringing this danger to my niece!” Alexander holleredOctavia quickly stepped between them “Alexander, stop. Not now. Rowan already tried that last night. Declan is leaving soon anyway. Just take Seraphina, please. I need her safe while I figure this out.”Alexander’s eyes softened slightly when he looked at Octavia, but the fury toward Declan remained. “Fine. But if anything happens to her because of him, I won’t hesitate.” He turned to Seraphina, forcing a warm smile. “Hey, princess. Ready for a week with us? We’ve got ice cream and movies planned.”Seraphina nodded still in shock, clutching her bag. Octavia hugged her tightly, whispering, “Mommy loves you. Be good, okay? I’ll call every day"As Alexander led Seraphina out, he shot one last deadly look at Declan. “Stay away from them, Rothschild. You’ve done enough damage.”The door closed behind them. Octavia stood in the
Rowan slouched in the armchair, shooting death glares at Declan every few minutes. Octavia’s stomach growled loudly. She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Are you two going to keep staring daggers at each other all night, or can we eat something? I haven’t had anything since lunch.”Rowan sat up straighter, a smug look crossing his face. “I’ll handle it, Octavia. I know you like my pasta. Give me ten minutes and I’ll make something decent. Better than whatever this guy would burn.”Declan turned slowly from the window, eyes narrowing. “Pasta? Really? At a time like this you think eating pasta would help calm her down?.”Rowan laughed mockingly. “Oh please. You probably have chefs do everything for you in that fancy penthouse. When was the last time you touched a stove without burning the place down? Stay out of my way, Rothschild. Octavia knows who actually shows up for her.”“Shows up?” Declan stepped closer, glaring at him “Right now isn't the time for that Calloway. I’m here now, fixing
The apartment felt suffocating, every shadow outside the window making Octavia’s skin crawl. She paced the living room, arms wrapped tightly around her middle. Two armed guards stood just outside the front door, yet the place no longer felt like home. It felt like a cage.Declan leaned against the wall near the window, phone pressed to his ear as he spoke in low, voice to his security team. His presence grated on Octavia's nerves. Every time he glanced her way with that protective look, fresh anger surged through her chest. Because this was never part of her life. Endangering her daughter's life was the last thing she wanted in this whole mess.A sharp knock sounded at the door. Octavia froze. Declan straightened instantly, hand moving toward his side.One of the guards checked and opened the door slightly. “It’s Rowan Calloway, ma’am. She said he is your colleague.”Before Octavia could say anything, Rowan pushed past the guard and stepped inside. His eyes swept the room, landing imm
SLAP!The sound echoed across the boutique and the few people present rushed out. Heat rushed to Vanessa's face and her cheek instantly turned red. For a moment we couldn't move or speak, her eyes wide in shock "How dare you?!" Another slap came and everyone gasped. Vanessa's hand flew to her che
"SERAPHINA!" By the time Octavia reached her, it was too late. Her knees hit the ground hard but she didn’t feel it."Seraphina..."Her hands hovered for a second before touching her, like she was afraid of what she’d find. "Baby… look at me…"No response. There was blood, too much blood.Her voice
Seraphina was shocked. Why was this strange man hugging her? She didn't hug back but she didn't pull back either. Declan was snapped back to reality and he immediately pulled out of the hug. "I'm so sorry. I... shouldn't have... ""Can I ask you a question?"Declan blinked slightly. "Yes.""Promi
Octavia finally reached home from work at around 8:30 p.m., exhausted.The hospital had been relentless. Emergency cases, endless rounds, strained relatives, crying children... it had all blurred together into one long, suffocating stretch of responsibility. Normally, she could handle it. She always







