ログイン125~Velma’s POVThe wheel began to move again, descending gently. The breeze brushed against the cabin, cool and comforting. Juliet hummed softly, some tune only she knew. Jaden kicked his feet lightly, still staring out the window like he was afraid the view might disappear if he blinked.When we reached the bottom and stepped out, Jaden let out a happy sigh.“Can we do it again someday?” he asked.I brushed his hair back gently. “We will.”We kept walking after that, letting the crowd carry us forward slowly. The lights from the rides reflected on the pavement, stretching and blurring as people passed. Music drifted from different corners of the park, mixing together in a way that felt messy but warm. Jaden skipped a little ahead of us, his hand brushing Juliet’s now and then like he was not sure if he was allowed to hold it for too long.I stayed just behind them with Theron, watching.Juliet suddenly slowed down. Her steps became smaller, her shoulders drooping a little. Then she
125~Velma’s POVHe adjusted his stance, took a breath, and threw again. The ring landed perfectly, sliding down the bottle with a soft clink.His eyes widened. Then he laughed, loud and proud.“I did it,” he shouted.The attendant handed him a small stuffed bear. Without hesitation, Jaden turned and placed it into Juliet’s hands.“For you,” he said, his voice gentle now.Juliet’s face lit up. She hugged the bear to her chest, smiling so wide it felt contagious.“Thank you,” she whispered.I found myself smiling without even realizing it.“That was so beautiful to watch,” I said softly, my voice carrying more feeling than I meant to show. “You both did so well.”Juliet’s parents stood beside me, her mother holding her small purse with both hands, her father with his arms crossed loosely over his chest. They exchanged a look before her mother laughed quietly.“It really was,” she said, eyes warm as she watched their daughter hug the stuffed bear Jaden had won. “Children make these thin
124~Velma’s POVThe first thing I heard when we arrived was noise. Not the sharp kind that hurts the head, but the layered kind. Children laughing too loudly. Music playing from somewhere I could not see. The low mechanical groan of rides starting and stopping. The air smelled like sugar and oil and something fried, warm and tempting.Jaden pressed his face against the window as soon as the park gates came into view. His eyes were wide, round with excitement, his fingers gripping the seatbelt like he was afraid the car might disappear before we parked.“Daddy,” he said breathlessly, almost shaking. “Daddy, look. Look at the big wheel. Look!”Theron laughed softly as he slowed the car. “I am looking. I see it. You will not miss anything.”“But what if Juliet gets here first,” Jaden said, worry creeping into his voice. “What if she thinks I forgot?”I turned in my seat to face him, smiling gently. “You did not forget. You even got her roses. You are doing very well.”He nodded, but sti
123~Velma’s POVI pushed the door to my room open slowly. And there he was. Theron. Already dressed. Standing near the window with the morning light falling across his sharp features, the shirt fitting him perfectly, sleeves rolled just right, the faint crease of his jawline softening as he turned toward me. But his eyes… those eyes looked hurt. Vulnerable in a way that made me pause mid-step.He straightened slightly when he saw me. “How did you manage with the little man?” His voice was calm. I couldn’t help but smile softly, walking closer.“He’s such a handful,” I said, shaking my head gently, “but… he’s done. He’s ready. Happy, I think.”He exhaled, shoulders relaxing just a fraction.I moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his torso in a gentle hug. My head rested against his back for a moment, and I whispered softly, “Thank you for staying with him. For being there for me too. I love you, sweetheart.”He turned slowly in my embrace, his strong arms coming around me, holdin
122Velma’s POV“What’s so funny?” he asked, eyes wide.“You’re growing up fast, little man,” Theron said, ruffling his hair. “And apparently, you have a lot to tell us.”“I have to plan! I have to be ready!” Jaden said seriously, pointing a finger at both of us.I smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Alright, alright. We’ll make sure your amusement park adventure is perfect. But first, we have to get dressed and ready. No one goes on a roller coaster in pajamas.”Jaden groaned, but he jumped up eagerly, heading toward his room to change. I glanced at Theron, who raised an eyebrow playfully. “You’re laughing now, but just wait. He’s going to be planning your entire day by the time we get to the parking lot.”“I know,” I said quietly, still smiling. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”Theron leaned closer, his hand brushing mine. “You know,” he murmured, “this little man is going to be the boss of us long before we realize it.”I chuckled softly. “Long before w
121~Velma’s POVHe climbed onto the stool beside the sink, hopping up and down impatiently, and I guided him through the motions, holding the brush and gently helping him clean every corner of his tiny teeth. The minty foam bubbled up, and he giggled, eyes squinting with amusement.“Careful,” I said, trying not to laugh at his exaggerated spit. “Don’t get it all over the floor.”“I’m careful!” he replied, though a little spray of foam landed on his pajamas anyway. I couldn’t help but smile at him, smoothing his hair back and wiping his chin.Theron leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. His lips twitched, clearly suppressing his amusement. “He’s got your stubbornness,” he said quietly to me.I laughed softly. “And your patience,” I replied, giving him a side glance.When we were done, Jaden climbed into the bed between us, the mattress sinking slightly under his weight. He curled up, pulling the covers close around his shoulders, his face soft and rela
20~Velma’s POVI took the phone from Jaden gently and pressed it to my ear, forcing a small smile that felt heavier than it should.“Hi, sweetheart,” I said softly.Theron’s voice came through warm and familiar. “Hey, love.”He paused almost immediately. “Why did Jaden say you are coming back home
18~Velma’s POVI stared at my phone like it had betrayed me.Dylan’s name was still on the screen. Missed calls. Too many of them. Messages stacked one after the other, all saying the same thing in different ways. Please. Just talk to me. Let us meet. Just friends.Friends.My chest tightened pain
14~Velma’s POVHelena’s smile widened slightly. “Good. That’s what we expect from a legend.”The words settled over me like warmth, a quiet affirmation of all the effort and struggle that had led to this moment.Elena gently squeezed my arm. “We’ll start planning the exhibition soon. You’ll see, i
16~Dylan’s POVI tried calling again.Once. Twice. Three times.Each ring stretched out longer than the one before it, like something was pulling at my chest and refusing to let go. I stood still this time, not pacing, not sitting, just listening to the sound and hoping it would break. Hoping sh







