LOGIN“We missed all of you!” he chimed cheerfully. “We missed you too, buddy,” Dino called out, stepping forward with a wide, excited grin. “We even built hammocks and a treehouse at the orchard. You should check them out later.” “Yey! We have a treehouse and hammock!” Atlas’s face lit up instantly,
Four years later— The convoy slowed as it entered Sta. Cristina, the once-quiet town now alive with movement and color. Gone were the uneven dirt roads. In their place stretched smooth pathways that wound through thriving fields—rows upon rows of crops swaying beneath the sun, their greens deeper,
The wedding celebration slowly softened as the sun dipped behind the mountains of Sta. Cristina. Laughter still lingered in the front yard of the humble Greene home—warm, unrestrained, filled with the joy of a union long awaited. But somewhere between the laughter and the fading light—Cassie and A
A breath. “Every day.” Her smile deepened through her tears. “Every lifetime.” Their gazes remained locked—quiet, unwavering—despite the swell of applause rising around them. It filled the chapel, warm and thunderous, echoing against the wooden walls. Pride shone in the men’s eyes, steady and u
"Cassie…” His voice came out quieter than anyone had ever heard it—stripped of authority, stripped of control. Just Ashton. Just a man standing before the woman he loved. After her slow, soulful walk toward him… after Eliseo and Celia had gently, tearfully placed her hand in his— He held her now.
Cassie allowed herself to be pulled forward, though her expression remained stunned, her mind still trying to grasp the sheer extravagance hidden beneath what she thought was simplicity. Behind her, Eliseo and Carmel exchanged a glance. Then, almost in unison, their gazes drifted back to the gown.
Her lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. “But sometimes,” she added quietly, eyes still fixed on the city. “I wonder if strength came from healing… or if it was just something I learned to wear so I wouldn’t break again.” The night swallowed her words, and Ashton remained quiet beside her,
“What about light snacks first, and dinner later? Pick a restaurant” Ashton asked once they were settled inside his car. The afternoon had slipped by almost unnoticed, spent in the quiet presence of his grandmother. It had been an emotional visit—tears shed, truths spoken at last, confessions long
“You are a remarkable child, Cassidy. But there were people who once clipped your wings so you wouldn’t realize you were capable of flying.” A faint smile curved the old woman’s lips. “I am so happy you’ve finally discovered your own potential.” She studied Cassie once more, satisfied, almost prou
"What are you doing here?” The dread on Cassie’s face was unmistakable the moment she opened the door and found Ashton standing there. Her grip tightened on the handle, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind at once. Yet, after a brief hesitation, she stepped aside and gestured for him to com







