“How did you get into my mommy’s room?” he asked slowly. “She always locks the door before bed. Always.”
Daimon knelt to meet his son's gaze. “Joxan… there’s something I need to explain to you. Something important.”
He had wanted to wait, to give the children time, to ease into the truth. But seeing them—seeing how much they'd endured alone—made it impossible to stay silent any longer.
Joxan tilted his head slightly, his mouth twisting into a bitter little smile. “You’re going to say you’re my dad, aren’t you?”
Daimon froze. “You already know?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Joxan’s voice was steady, but carried the weight of far too much. “Even though Mommy tried to hide it from me, and my father didn’t want me to find out either, I still did. Mommy has been checking your name online for as long as I can remember. And
Elyana instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but her strength faltered.Daimon’s grasp was warm. Real.Not a dream.He looked down, frowning. “Your hands are freezing… Why are you wearing something so thin in this weather?”Without waiting for a reply, he grabbed the coat draped beside him and wrapped it around her shoulders.His familiar scent enveloped her instantly—deep, comforting, and infuriating.Not once did he ask where she’d been. Not once did he demand why she’d come home so late.He just… covered her with warmth. With concern. With something dangerously close to love.Looking at the man before her—gentle, silent, and caring—Elyana almost wanted to laugh.Was she truly that blind once?Her heart clenched.She stared at him and asked, her voice cutting through the quiet like glass:“Mr. Blackwood, don’t you get tired of pretending?”Daimon’s hand froze, still resting lightly over hers.He looked up, confused. “Pretending?”Elyana’s eyes were cold, her walls rising once a
Elyana narrowed her eyes at him, but he only grinned wider, clearly enjoying her annoyance.Austin nodded, still smiling, and turned to lead them into the hotel.“I like this man. I’m sure we’re going to have a great time,” Arden whispered to Elyana, clearly amused.“I’m warning you,” Elyana replied in a low voice, shooting him a sharp look. “Don’t you dare embarrass me in front of Austin. You have no idea about his temper. He’s worse than Daimon. Good luck.”She gave him a sweet but deadly smile, then quickly followed Austin and the kids.Arden chuckled under his breath, completely entertained. “This is going to be fun,” he muttered, trailing behind them into the hotel.Meanwhile, in the CEO's office—Daimon sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the screen of his phone.The image staring back at him made his jaw tighten.It was a photo of Elyana and the kids… with Austin.Arden had sent it, clearly to provoke him—and it worked. Perfectly.They looked so happy. Elyana was smiling. Ge
Elyana fell silent for a moment, then muttered, “Yeah... you have a point.”She handed his phone back and turned to stare out the window. The city blurred past, but her thoughts were sharper than ever.Why is Daimon doing all this?Did he really send Katrina away—for her?Or was it just another way to protect Katrina?The questions gnawed at her, twisting in her chest like a thorny vine. She clenched her jaw as anger rose—hot and sharp.Her fists curled in her lap. She wasn’t sure what burned more—his silence, or the fact that part of her still wanted to believe he cared.Arden’s assistant stopped the car in front of the hotel where Austin was staying.“We’re here,” he said.Before Elyana could even open her door, Jessica and Joxan had already jumped out of the car.“Daddy!” both children shouted excitedly.Austin, who had been waiting near the entrance, immediately knelt down, opening his arms wide. A huge smile broke across his face as the kids ran straight into his arms.“Careful!”
Elyana turned to her with a sympathetic look and gently grasped her hand. “Mini, I’m sorry. I really can’t take you right now. I need you to hold things down here. Please—you know how important this is.”Mini pouted, clearly disappointed. “I know… alright, I’ll handle things here. You go.”Before Elyana could respond, Joxan’s voice rang out behind them. “Mommy, we’re ready!”They turned to see Joxan and Jessica standing together, dressed and eager. Elyana gave a small nod to Arden. He stepped forward and took Joxan’s hand.Without another word, they split—Arden heading toward the back with Joxan, and Elyana picking up Jessica in her arms as she headed toward the helipad.As she walked briskly, she ran into James.“Miss, are you leaving?” he asked, surprised.“Yes. Thank you so much for your hospitality,” Elyana said politely. “I need to return to work, but I might come back soon"She knew Daimon had mentioned her father was coming here. Whatever happened, she would come back—at least
Soft morning light filtered through the windows as Elyana stirred, her lashes fluttering open slowly.Something felt… off.Her brows furrowed faintly. There was a scent lingering in the room, one she hadn't smelled in a long time. Familiar. Faintly masculine. It tugged at something in her memory.She turned her head and saw both her children nestled close, sleeping peacefully. Little Jessica’s tiny fingers were curled around hers, and Joxan’s hand was holding the other—tightly, protectively. As if even in sleep, they were afraid she’d slip away.A small smile bloomed on her face, touched with warmth and sorrow.Carefully, she slid her hands free and pulled the blanket up to cover them again, tucking it gently around their shoulders.Just then, her phone buzzed.The sound was soft, but in the stillness of the morning, it felt loud. She looked toward the bedside table and reached over to check it.H
“How did you get into my mommy’s room?” he asked slowly. “She always locks the door before bed. Always.”Daimon knelt to meet his son's gaze. “Joxan… there’s something I need to explain to you. Something important.”He had wanted to wait, to give the children time, to ease into the truth. But seeing them—seeing how much they'd endured alone—made it impossible to stay silent any longer.Joxan tilted his head slightly, his mouth twisting into a bitter little smile. “You’re going to say you’re my dad, aren’t you?”Daimon froze. “You already know?”“Why wouldn’t I?” Joxan’s voice was steady, but carried the weight of far too much. “Even though Mommy tried to hide it from me, and my father didn’t want me to find out either, I still did. Mommy has been checking your name online for as long as I can remember. And