INICIAR SESIÓN128~Velma’s POVTheron crossed his arms, his gaze playful. “Spinning, huh? That sounds like the spinning teacups. They have those over by the central area. Fast enough to make you laugh, but nothing too scary for your little hearts.”Jaden’s face lit up. “Yes! That’s it! The teacups! We’ll spin and spin and spin!” He twirled around in a small circle, giggling, then tugged at Juliet’s hand. “Come on! Let’s go!”Juliet laughed, her soft giggle mingling with his. “Okay! But I’m holding your hand the whole time!”Her mother nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Now, make sure to listen to the ride rules. No standing, and hold on tight.”I smiled and ruffled Jaden’s hair. “Alright, little man, lead the way. Mommy and Daddy will watch, but we’ll be right here. I want to see how fast you can make your teacup spin.”Theron chuckled, looping his arm through mine. “You know, I’m almost a little jealous. We should’ve picked one too, maybe we could have challenged each other.”Juliet’s father bent d
127~Velma’s POVThe bar came down with a heavy click.It was louder than I expected. Final. The kind of sound that told you there was no stepping back now, no polite excuse, no sudden change of heart. Juliet stiffened a little beside Jaden, and I saw her swallow.The ship creaked as it settled into place, chains groaning softly, wood and metal complaining in that tired, old-ride way. Lights blinked along its sides, chasing each other in uneven patterns. The smell of oil mixed with sugar and popcorn hung in the air.Then it began to move.At first, it was gentle. Almost polite. A slow sway, like someone rocking a cradle without much confidence.Left.Right.The crowd noise faded into something distant. The music from another ride drifted over, thin and tinny. Juliet’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, and she let out a small laugh, surprised.Jaden laughed louder.“This is fun,” he shouted, his voice carrying even over the hum of the machine.The ship swung back again, a little higher thi
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
44~Velma’s POVI couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across my face as I stared at my phone. Theron’s message made my heart pound. “Are you really here? At the airport?” I asked quickly, my voice trembling a little.“Yes,”I couldn’t help it. I let out a scream right there in the office, forgett
39~Velma’s POVBy the time I got to the hotel, the sky was already a dark shade of blue with faint traces of purple floating behind the clouds. The building lights glowed like something out of a postcard, warm and soft, like a place that was supposed to feel like home. I pulled into the driveway s
40~Eva’s POVI reached my hotel before the sun disappeared. That quiet time of day where the sky is not sure if it wants to be orange or blue. I dragged my suitcase across the lobby floor, trying not to show how heavy my heart felt. It was the same hotel I always used when things got too loud in m
36~Dylan’s POVI watched from the corner of the VIP ward as Eva and her parents hovered near Chairman Fridolf’s bed, their voices sharp, their eyes flashing with entitlement and fear. “Father, we will not take it lightly if you give all your shares to someone who is not part of this family,” her f







