Mag-log inEmily's POV
The moment the click of the lock sounded, my fragile mask fell apart.This was the moment.I rose from the sofa. I hadn’t been dizzy even for a second from the beginning. I took out my phone and pointed the camera at my face, adjusting the angle so it captured part of Liam’s room, his suitcase, his jacket draped over a chair, his distinctive leather shoes.Then I slipped off my blazer and let my thin blouse fall slightly open, as if I’d dozed off without realiziNoah's POV The smell of the ocean and herbs greeted us right away. It was warm and nice. Away from the loud sound of the training spot before.We sat facing one another. A server came with the list, and I slid it to Rachel.“Order whatever you want.”She shook her head quickly. “I’m not hungry.”I looked at her flatly, not believing it.At that time, a quiet noise from her belly ended the stillness.I stifled a grin. She quickly looked away, very shy.“I said I’m not hungry,” she says, a bit defensive.I raised an eyebrow. “Your stomach disagrees.”She let out a small huff.I asked for some meals without waiting for her.“This one, this, and add drinks.”I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to not think about the quiet that was getting thicker. The spot was really cozy. You could hear a soft sound of waves far aw
Noah's POVI step down from the ring slowly feeling a pain in my shoulder and back. The injury is still there, it has not fully healed yet. This time I do not let it bother me.I sit on the bench, grab a towel and wipe my face. My breathing is still heavy. It is not crazy like it was on the first day when I almost fell down before training even started.The trainer is standing near me watching me without saying much. That is what he always does. He does not give compliments or comments.. From his silence I know he sees something in me."You are starting to get better," he finally says.I do not answer away. I just nod slowly while taking another sip of water. His words are simple. They make me feel a little better.Least I am not doing all this for nothing.I look back at the ring. The mat has marks on it. Footsteps, punches and the place where I fell and got up again.Now I am stil
Noah's POV The boxing gloves feel tighter now. I pull the straps firmly, making sure there are no gaps that could interfere with my movement. Sweat has already soaked my temples, even though the warm-up is not fully finished yet.But this time, it feels different.I stand in front of the large mirror in the corner of the room. My breathing is still heavy, but not as bad as it was a few days ago.More stable control.I raise both hands and throw a few punches into the air.Fast. Faster than before.I narrow my eyes. There is a change.Small, but real.“Do not just look. Feel it.”The trainer’s voice comes from behind me. I glance slightly, then focus back on my reflection in the mirror.I take a deep breath, then exhale slowly.Focus.I start moving again. One step forward.Right hook.Left jab.Uppercut.I control my breathing rhythm, trying to align it with every movement I make. Each punch is no longer thrown wi
Liam's POV “What if he doesn’t come back?” I asked again, more to myself than to him.My employee fell silent for a moment. He seemed to think, then stepped a little closer, still maintaining a professional distance.“Usually they will come back, sir,” he said quietly. “As long as they know there’s still a place to return to.”That made me lift my head.“A place to return to.” I repeated softly.I thought of home. The living room. The stairs. Sienna’s wounded face. And Noah leaving without looking back.Does he still see that house as a place to return to?Or have we made it feel like a place he wants to avoid?I swallowed slowly. That question was uncomfortable. But real.“Do you have a child?” I asked suddenly.He seemed slightly surprised, but nodded. “One, sir. Still in high school.”I nodded slowly. “And you let them get lost like that?”He gave a small smile. “I watch from a distance.”I frowned slightly.“What d
Liam's POV I shut my eyes for a bit, then let out a big breath.But Sienna, I sighed again. She couldn't see it like that.For her, all must be now. All must be clear. All must be safe! I understood. She’s a mother. She’s worried.But sometimes, she goes too far.Too forceful. Too controlling.I opened my eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling.“If only-”The words stayed not done. If only that night didn't take place. If only Sienna didn’t shut Noah in his room.If only I had been firmer. Or maybe gentler.I did not know. All I knew was that from that time, all things had changed.Noah ran off. He was gone without a sign.I bent my head, rubbing the back of my neck that was tight.“How did it come to this?”I truly didn’t know what else to do.Sienna blamed me. Said I was too lenient. Too indulgent.While
Liam's POV The call finally disconnected.I held the phone to my ear for some seconds, even if Sienna's voice was not there. Slowly I dropped it.Silence.My office suddenly felt suffocating.I reclined in my seat and wiped my face with two hands. My head was pounding not just from tiredness, but because it all felt too weighty.Too much. Too fast. I let out a long breath.“Noah.”His name fell soft from my mouth. That kid, where did he really go?I looked at the table in front of me. Papers were stacked high. My computer was still on. Email alerts kept popping up.But my mind wasn’t here at all.It had been two weeks.Two weeks since I could truly focus on work. He was gone. I held the phone in my hand.I wanted to call again.But what for?I already knew the outcome. He wouldn’
Emily's POV I stood up and opened Liam’s wardrobe. Inside, several of his crisp white shirts hung neatly, perfectly folded.I took one.The shirt still smelled clean hotel laundry, not Liam but the camera wouldn’t know the difference.Quickly, I slipped off my own blouse and put
Emily's POV I clenched my hand in my lap, my nails digging into my skin until a faint pain bloomed. At least physical pain was easier to face than this feeling of being sidelined. Liam was always good at it pretending to be calm, mature, as if all of this were merely professional. As if my
Sienna's POV As soon as Noah came out through the school gate, his face lit up like a lamp being switched on. His backpack bounced lightly against his back as he ran toward me.“Mommy!” he shouted.I crouched slightly and opened my arms. Noah threw himself into me, hugging me tightly
Liam's POV I shook my head. “I’m not treating you like a stranger. I’m treating you like someone who used to matter but no longer stands in the same place in my life.”That made her shoulders tense slightly. She let out a short, bitter laugh. “You’ve always been good at wrapping reject







