MasukARIELLA Sia smiled at us briefly, then turned her attention back towards Leon. Maria was already setting the table, moving quietly, but her eyes lifted to me for just a second. Leon was still talking. Still laughing, completely happy and at ease with everything. “Mom, sit here,” he said, pulling
ARIELLA I walked in. Leon was still at the desk, though now he was writing, his tongue slightly peeking out the side of his mouth in concentration. Sia sat across from him, watching, not interrupting. Just… there. Present. “Mom,” Leon said without looking up, “I’m writing now, you shouldn't inter
ARIELLA We went quiet for a moment, neither of us saying anything. The air seemed to shift, less playful, more real. Asher leaned back slightly in his chair, watching me like he was trying to read something I hadn’t said out loud. “You’re quiet,” he noted. “I’m thinking.” “About what?” “About
ARIELLA When I finally walked out of Leon’s study, I felt a lot better about the decision I had made. So I decided to go into Asher’s office. I lightly knocked, even though the door was partially open, and peeked inside. Asher was on the phone And the moment he saw me, he smiled and motioned for
ARIELLA When Asher walked out, I must have fallen asleep from the exhaustion, because when I felt his arms on my shoulders, telling me he was here to feed me, I thought he was joking about the feeding part. But then, it turns out....He wasn’t. Because as soon as I sat up on the bed, he held the s
ARIELLA When Asher walked out, I must have fallen asleep from the exhaustion, because when I felt his arms on my shoulders, telling me he was here to feed me, I thought he was joking about the feeding part. But then, it turns out....He wasn’t. Because as soon as I sat up on the bed, he held the s
“I already told you...” I started. But Maria cut in, her voice turning serious. “Listen… if you really love Dana,” she said, her tone careful now, “and if she truly is the only family that man has left, then you won’t get close to him. Not like that.” She shook her head, eyes narrowing with quiet
I had closed my eyes as I screamed, bracing myself for… something. Anything. I didn’t know what exactly I was waiting for... a slap, a shove, the full weight of his fury? But I knew I was waiting for impact. But nothing happened. Not immediately. Seconds passed. Long, trembling, breathless seconds
Alan didn’t say anything at first, just exhaled slowly. I gestured toward the food. “Come join us for breakfast?” There was a pause and then, with a shake of his head and a muttered “Sure”, he walked over and pulled out a chair. And just like that, we were all pretending again. Like nothing had h
The kids got to decorate the cake, We had dinner. Yes, Alan really was a great cook. The food was delicious. After thanking him, I took Leon—Ryan—up to our house. I bathed him, tucked him into bed, and then went to my room. I was feeling tired, shaky, maybe a bit overwhelmed. So I took a quick bath,







