로그인Damien POVI sat inside the office in the east wing, listening to the latest reports on our supply routes. Laurence and Vance were in the room conversing, but I was so distracted that I didn't hear a single word.A bottle of beer sat by my desk and I unconsciously picked it up to drink.But Vance snatched it from my hand with a frown."I employed you to stop this," he said sharply. "You're already worrying Rachel."Laurence shifted awkwardly by the side, uncomfortable with watching his boss being scolded.I scoffed, irritated by this old man lately. He didn't stop nagging about the secret I kept from Rachel, and now he was taking away my things."Whatever," I muttered, rubbing my head as I checked my watch, waiting for when it was time for Rachel and Leo to get home.And maybe tell her the truth behind my mother's death.Then my phone rang from my desk-the ringtone I'd set uniquely for Rachel.I grabbed it immediately, curious as to why she had called me. The event was still ongoing-i
The library parking lot looked like a crime scene.Because it was.Police cars surrounded the building, their lights painting everything in flashing red and blue. Yellow tape stretched across the side entrance where the slope began. Officers moved in organized chaos-taking photos, marking evidence, interviewing witnesses.The library event had been shut down immediately, especially after the body was discovered in the parking lot where Mark had shot one of the attackers.Parents clustered near the entrance, some crying, some angry, all demanding answers. Their children pressed against them, confused and frightened by the sudden chaos-the sirens, the police, the firefighters descending into the darkness to rescue someone.Mrs. Tiana stood near the library doors, her face streaked with tears, a police detective questioning her with grim efficiency."How many people attended the event tonight?""About fifteen families and some of the volunteers." Her voice shook. "The children were insid
Leo POV Everything hurts. That was the first thing I knew when I woke up. Everything hurt so much. My head was pounding, like someone was hitting it from the inside. My body felt like it was on fire every time I tried to breathe. My legs screamed when I moved them even a tiny bit. I opened my eyes, but it was so dark I couldn't see anything at first. Just shapes. Shadows. I was lying on the ground, and it was cold and wet. Dirt and leaves stuck to my face. Where was I? I tried to sit up, and pain shot through my whole body. I cried out, my voice sounding small and scared in the darkness. "Mama?" I whispered, my voice shaking. "Mama, where are you?" Nothing. Just silence. No, wait-not silence. I heard something moving next to me. A small whimper. "Scout?" I said, my voice cracking. Another whimper, closer this time. Then I felt something warm and wet touch my hand. Scout's nose. She was here. She was with me. I reached out with my shaking hand and
Rachel POV15 Minutes LaterThe puppet show had ended to enthusiastic applause, and the children were moved eagerly toward the craft tables.Leo was already there, surrounded by other kids, a librarian helping them pick out construction paper and supplies for making their own puppets.Mark stood a few feet away, watching with his usual vigilance.I stayed near the refreshment table, sipping lukewarm hot chocolate, trying desperately to shake off the worry from earlier.Black vans. They drove away. It's fine. Everything's fine.I glanced toward Mark.He was still watching Leo, but something about his posture had changed-subtle, but noticeable if you knew what to look for.He reached up, touching his ear briefly-where I knew he wore a small earpiece to communicate with the driver.His expression didn't change, but I saw his jaw tighten almost imperceptibly.He pressed his finger to his ear again, clearly waiting for a response.Nothing.He frowned, the expression fleeting but concerning
Rachel POVThe library glowed against the darkening sky.Warm string lights were draped across the entrance, casting a soft golden glow over the families streaming through the doors. Children's laughter mixed with cheerful chatter, and the smell of hot chocolate and baked goods drifted through the cool night air.Leo pressed his face against the car window, his breath fogging the glass. "Mama, look! There's so many people!"I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest. It was even fuller than last year. "It is."The car slowed as we approached the front entrance. Cars lined up along the parking lot as families walked toward the building.Mark sat in the passenger seat, his posture straight and alert as always. The driver navigated carefully, finding a spot in the parking lot."Here we are, Mrs. Montrel," the driver said politely."Thank you," I said.Mark stepped out first, scanning the area before opening my door.Leo scrambled out beside me, practically vibrating with excitement. Sco
Rachel POVThe weekend was here, and today was the library event.As for Damien... I hadn't seen him much over the past few days. I didn't think he was avoiding me-maybe he was just too busy with the Raven situation. But I did hope he was doing better and wasn't going back to smoking and drinking.I stood at the kitchen counter, Leo seated beside me as we arranged the batch of cinnamon rolls we'd made for tonight.It was still afternoon, so we had a few hours before we needed to get ready.Leo, practically vibrating with excitement, helped me put the rolls into boxes, carefully tying red ribbon around each one in neat bows."Done!" he chimed happily, holding up a finished box. "Should we go get dressed now?""It's not time yet, Leo. Be patient," I said with a light laugh, gently tapping his nose.He giggled, swinging his legs from the stool.I looked up just as Vance entered the kitchen."Good afternoon, Rachel," he greeted."Hi, Vance," I said, smiling."Leo," Vance said gently, "cou
Rachel POV The private study felt like a cage of dark wood and suffocating silence. Lorenzo sat behind the massive desk, his silver hair catching the faint light. Alessandro leaned against the bookshelf with lazy elegance, though his eyes were anything but relaxed. I took a seat near
Rachel POVThe day of the gala finally arrived.And at exactly 5 p.m., a small army of stern-faced women swept into my room, arms full of boxes, fabric bags, and accessories. For the next hour, they worked with sharp efficiency, barely speaking except to adjust a curl or fasten a cla
Rachel POVThe estate rose from the night like a carved monument, all white marble and golden light. Fountains glittered coldly. Laughter floated in the air, sharp and practised, the kind that never quite reached the eyes. It looked like a dream. It felt like a trap. My stom
Rachel POV I stood in front of my closet, staring at the new clothes that had arrived yesterday night —elegant, expensive, carefully curated by a personal shopper Mr Vance had sent. Tailored trousers, cashmere sweaters, leather bags that cost more than my entire old wardrobe combined.







