Mini gave a small nod, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I know, Ely. And I’m really grateful. But I promise, I’m okay."Elayna didn’t believe her not entirely but she also knew Mini. If she pushed too hard, Mini would shut down completely.So she reached over and squeezed her friend’s hand. "Just remember I love you must"Mini chuckled softly, the sound tinged with sadness. " I know, I love you too."But as they drove off, both girls knew some wounds couldn’t be fixed with words. And some hearts… were just trying their best to survive quietly.Elayna dropped Mini at her home and drove off, the silence in the car lingering even after she left.Mini walked slowly toward her house, her steps heavy, heart heavier.She hadn’t expected to see him today. Not like that.It had been more than a month since the night they spent together one she tried to lock away in the back of her mind, pretending it didn’t mean anything. Pretending she hadn’t been waiting for a message, a ca
They enjoyed their dinner, chatting and laughing like old times. But just as they stepped out of the restaurant, Elyana's steps slowed.Her eyes locked on a familiar figure near the entrance.“Arden?” Elyana called out, surprised.The man who had mysteriously vanished for a month turned toward the sound of his name. Standing beside him was a woman, her hand firmly wrapped around his.Mini, walking a step behind Elyana, followed her gaze. Her heart dropped when she saw Arden. And then it shattered when she noticed the woman next to him holding his hand.Arden’s eyes met Elyana’s first, a polite smile forming on his lips. But the moment his gaze shifted to Mini, that smile faltered.Mini quickly looked away, pretending to fix her eyes on anything but him. Arden noticed. His eyes flicked down to his hand, still linked with the woman’s—and without thinking, he pulled it away.He hadn’t expected to see them here. Especially not Mini.Elyana felt the shift in the air, the invisible tension
They were completely lost in each other until they heard the rapid thuds of small feet coming down the stairs.“The kids are here,” Elyana whispered, patting his chest.Daimon let out a helpless sigh and pulled back. Elyana wiped her face quickly with her palm, her breathing slightly uneven.“Mummy!” Jessica’s voice rang out. “Brother won’t let me play his game. They’re playing together but said I can’t join!”She stomped her foot on the floor, teary-eyed.“Come here, my princess,” Daimon said, lifting Jessica into his arms. “Daddy will scold them for you.”“Really?” Jessica’s face brightened as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.“Of course.” He carried her upstairs.Elyana watched them go, her heart tugged softly.Just a few days ago, she and Daimon had told Jessica the truth—that Daimon was her and Joxan’s real father. Jessica had hesitated at first, but unlike Joxan, she hadn’t been stubborn. She’d accepted Daimon with surprising ease. And now, she clung to him like she
Daimon let out a quiet sigh, his eyes fixed on the road. “It was… good. At first, he was furious. He blamed me for not protecting you. And honestly, he had every right to. It took time for him to even look at me without that anger in his eyes.”He paused for a moment before continuing.“But slowly… he let it go. Not completely, but enough. I understood where his anger came from—because of me, he lost his daughter. I never tried to defend myself, never even asked for his forgiveness. I didn’t deserve it.”Daimon reached over, grabbing Elyana’s hand gently, his other hand still steady on the steering wheel.“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I should’ve taken you to see him…"Elyana turned her head away, her eyes fixed on the passing streets. He was right. Everything that happened was because of him—and she would never be able to fully forgive that. But hold
They found a quiet corner near the back. Elyana didn’t want to be seen, didn’t want questions. She kept her head lowered, face hidden beneath her scarf.But her heart ached.I should’ve been there… I should’ve come back sooner…She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that burned her eyes.I never even said goodbye.She remembered his voice, rough but kind. The way he used to wait up for her when she came home late from school. The quiet pride in his eyes when she did something well. And the disappointment when he found out what happened between her and Daimon.Elyana stayed close by Daimon's side the entire time. Even at the funeral, he was the center of attention, with people constantly coming up to speak with him. But no matter who came, he never let go of her hand, holding it tightly as if shielding her from the world. Since Elyana had already been introduced to Mrs. Carter and Jason, no on
“Mummy…”The door creaked open, and Joxan stepped inside, his little voice breaking the silence.Elyana turned her head slowly. “Jo…”She tried to sit up, wincing a little as the movement pulled on her sore body. Daimon quickly moved to help her, carefully adjusting the pillows behind her back and gently guiding her to lean against them.Joxan didn’t wait, he rushed to her side and wrapped his small arms around her waist, hugging her tightly.“Mum, what happened to you?” he whispered, pulling back just enough to look up at her with worried, teary eyes.Elyana gave him a weak smile and stroked his cheek with her good hand. “Mummy is fine, baby. It’s just a small cut, nothing to worry about.”Joxan mumbled, his voice shaking. “I got scared…”Elyana’s heart broke a little at his words.“I know, sweetie. I’m so sorry I scared you,” she said softly, pulling him close again. “It was an accident. Mummy’s okay now. I promise.”Joxan didn’t answer right away. He just hugged her tighter.Daimon