登入Elara's POVThe evening passed more quickly than I expected. We were sitting around the dining table listening to Blue talk about her day.Next, the little girl was struggling to keep her eyes open. She was determined to stay awake to spend every possible second with Adrian.Unfortunately for her, sleep had other plans. Blue yawned for what felt like the tenth time."I'm not tired."Adrian raised an eyebrow."Really?""No."Another yawn escaped her.I laughed."You practically have one foot in dreamland.""I do not.""You do.""I don't."Before either of us could respond, her head slowly dropped onto Adrian's shoulder. Three seconds later, she was asleep. Adrian and I looked at each other we both laughed quietly."That settles that," I whispered.Carefully, Adrian lifted Blue into his arms, and the sight immediately softened something inside me.A few years ago, I never would have imagined this moment. Adrian is carrying our daughter upstairs. Blue is sleeping peacefully against his c
Elara's POVI stared at my phone long after the call ended, the screen had gone dark, and the conversation was over.Yet Adrian's voice was still in my mind. For the past few years, our conversations had always been brief, but today felt different.We had spoken for less than ten minutes somehow my entire afternoon felt different. I sighed and placed the phone on the counter."Get a grip on yourself, Elara."I shook my head and walked toward the kitchen. Blue would be home soon. No matter what was happening in my life, one thing never changed. My daughter always came first.I tied my hair up and started preparing lunch. The familiar routine helped calm my thoughts, everything Blue like Just as I was placing the last plate on the counter, the front door burst open."Mommy!"A smile immediately spread across my face. Blue rushed into the house like a hurricane.I barely had time to react before she threw herself into my arms. I laughed."Slow down, young lady.""No."I shook my head.
Adrian's POVThe boardroom doors closed behind me. For the first time in years, I felt like I could breathe; the meeting had gone exactly as I wanted.The board had accepted every single condition I laid out before agreeing to return as CEO of Blackwood Enterprises.The same people who once questioned me were now desperate for me to save the company. Life was funny that way. I loosened my tie as I walked down the hallway."Ethan."He immediately caught up with me."I didn't know they'd actually agree to all your conditions."I glanced at him."As if they had any choice."Ethan burst out laughing."You know, sometimes I forget how arrogant you are.""Only sometimes?""Unfortunately."A grin pulled at my lips.It felt good. For some time, I had carried anger and regret everywhere I went. Today felt different.Lighter."Congratulations, sir."I stopped walking.Ethan raised an eyebrow.I placed my hand on his shoulder."Thank you."His expression softened slightly."You earned it." I ha
Elara's POVThe house felt unusually quiet that morning.Blue had already left for school, her cheerful laughter and endless questions no longer filling the rooms. For once, I was alone with my thoughts, and honestly, that was a dangerous place to be.I sat in the living room with a glass of orange juice in my hand, staring through the large windows. The sunlight poured into the house, warming the polished floors, but somehow it wasn't enough to calm the restlessness inside me.The last few days had been overwhelming.Seeing Adrian again after all those years had stirred emotions I had buried deep inside myself. Emotions I wasn't prepared to face.I took another sip of my juice and reached for the remote control.The television flickered to life.I wasn't really paying attention until a familiar face appeared on the screen.My heart skipped.Adrian.The news anchor spoke confidently."Breaking business news this morning. Adrian Blackwood has officially been reinstated as the CEO of Bl
Adrian’s POV The room went completely silent. They didn’t expect what I’m about to say. I sat at the head of the table and looked around the room. Every face was turned toward me; some looked relieved, while others appeared nervous. A few seemed confused. Good. Let them wonder. For months, they had been discussing my future without me sitting in this room. Now I was here, and things were going to be different. I leaned back slightly. Nobody moved; the tension hung in the air. “My return comes with conditions.” The statement settled over the room like a stone dropping into still water. Several shareholders exchanged glances. I noticed everything. Years of leading Blackwood had taught me how to read a room before a single word was spoken. The uncertainty was obvious, and the concern was even more obvious. One investor finally cleared his throat. “Mr. Blackwood—” I raised a hand. The man immediately stopped talking; he knew I hadn’t finished talking. “If I return to thi
Adrian’s POV I woke up before the alarm the room was still dark. For a few seconds, I remained where I was, staring at the ceiling while silence surrounded me. Normally, I would’ve reached for my phone, immediately checked emails, and prepared myself for another day filled with meetings and endless responsibilities. This morning felt different because this wasn’t just another day. It was the day I walked back into Blackwood Enterprises. A slow breath left my lungs surprisingly; I wasn’t nervous. I had expected anxiety, but instead, I felt calm. The decision had already been made. I pushed the blanket aside and sat up. Sunlight was beginning to filter through the curtains. The city outside was slowly waking up. Everything looked normal, but something inside me had changed. I stood and walked toward the window. I simply looked outside, thinking about Blue. I can see the excitement in her eyes whenever she talks about something she loves. A smile appeared before I could stop
Elara’s Pov The call from Blackwood Legal sat in my chest all night. I didn’t answer again. I didn’t reply to the follow-up email either. If they wanted something, they could wait until I decided how much access they deserved. The next morning, I arrived early. Earlier than everyone else. I want
Elara’s Pov Thursday afternoon I arrived at the school a little earlier than usual. I sat in the car and watched the front gate. Parents stood in small groups talking while they waited. A few children were already lining up near the door. My phone was in my bag, but I kept thinking about Adrian’
Elara’s Pov The photo changed something. Adrian did not say it directly, but I could feel it in the way he wrote after that day. His messages became more careful. He stopped asking several questions at once. Instead, he asked one thing at a time. Sometimes the questions were small. “Did they en
Elara’s Pov Saturday mornings were always slower. I usually woke up before my child did, but that day I stayed in bed longer than usual. The house was quiet. The kind of quiet that makes your mind wander. My phone was on the nightstand. I had turned the screen toward the wall the night before so







