LOGINRoger’s eye twitched hard, and he gave a solid kick to the dash. “Drive. Now. One more word, and I’m taking Esther home in my own car.”
He wouldn’t have dared make that claim—"Esther is my sister"—if he hadn’t been damn sure. He’d already done a DNA test. He just hadn’t said anything yet.
But that could wait. What mattered was easing Esther into the idea—giving her time to adjust to having someone in her life who actually wanted to protect her.
After reading her background these past few days, he finally understood the hell she’d been through: growing up alone, stumbling through life, and getting chewed up by the Davenier family.
How could she be expected to accept a new family overnight?
He wasn’t here to force anything. He just wanted her to slowly get used to the idea that someone—anyone—was here for her now. That’s why he’d stepped in,
"Dad, are you sure you're okay with this?" Esther asked as she and her father drove toward the hospital."Why wouldn't I be?""Well... you probably need some rest," Esther replied carefully.Victor chuckled. "Rest can wait. I'm more curious to meet your brother's future wife."Esther laughed at his remark. "Alright then! Oh, Dad, don't forget to stop by the fruit shop. I want to bring something for Alexandra's mother."Victor nodded and pulled into a fruit store. Esther hopped out quickly, picking out the best apples, mangoes, oranges, and grapes she could find."That's quite a lot, sweetheart," Victor said when he saw the pile."It's fine. Alexa's looking after her mom-she'll probably snack on some too. Let's also grab some proper food, Dad. They might not have eaten dinner yet."Victor didn't argue. He drove them to the family's favorite restaurant, where they ordered several dishes to take along."Anything else?" he asked once they were back in the car.Esther shook her head. "That
Back at the hospital."Is... is that man my father?" Alexandra asked in a whisper, her whole body trembling. "Aunty, please-tell me the truth.""Alexa, don't," Carla said firmly. "Don't keep digging into this."Alexandra shook her head, frustration burning inside her. 'Why is it that both Mother and Carla always keep the truth from me?'"Fine," Alexandra muttered at last, then gestured toward Roger. "By the way, this is Roger Davenier-my boss. Roger, this is Carla, and Valerie-my best friend since we were kids."Carla's eyes widened slightly at his introduction. "You... you're the son of Mr. Davenier?"Roger nodded politely. "Yes. You know my parents?"Carla gave a small smile. "Who doesn't know Victor Davenier? Of course, they wouldn't know me. But I never thought their son would turn out so handsome."Roger smiled politely, though his mind stayed focused on Alexandra.Meanwhile, Alexandra took her mother's hand and brushed back her hair gently. "Please don't be sick, Mom... I don't
That morning, just as Alexandra sat down after setting up breakfast, Roger finally arrived. She greeted him with a gentle smile."Good morning, Sir. Just got in? Your breakfast and coffee are already inside," Alexandra said warmly."Come straight to my office," Roger replied.Alexandra nodded, gathering a stack of documents that needed his signature today, and followed him in."Axel drove you this morning?" Roger asked as she stepped inside."Of course. Who else would drive me if not Axel? But starting tomorrow, I'd like to come on my own. Don't have him pick me up or drop me off anymore," Alexandra said firmly.Roger frowned. "Why? You're my girlfriend. It's my responsibility to make sure you're safe. Even if I can't pick you up myself-since you're still hiding us from your mother-I still want you looked after," he muttered, sounding a little sulky.Alexandra smiled sweetly. "It's not like that. You know how Mother is."Roger let out a long sigh and dropped onto the sofa."Last night
As soon as she stepped out of the car, Alexandra hurried toward her home-only to freeze in shock when she saw someone waiting there."You?" she blurted out in disbelief.It was none other than Joshua. Alexandra exhaled in frustration. She couldn't believe he had shown up at her house of all places."You're here, Mr. Jenkins?" she asked, confused."Alexa, you just got back? Mr. Jenkins has been waiting for you," Elisa suddenly chimed in as she appeared, carrying two cups of tea and a plate of snacks. She had just baked a cake for the evening."I stopped by because I wanted to see your mother," Joshua explained smoothly.Alexandra shook her head slightly. She knew that wasn't the real reason."I'll just go change first, then. Excuse me, Mr. Jenkins," she said politely, slipping away to her room.She hated the thought of facing him in her short skirt and blazer. Quickly, she changed into jeans and a plain T-shirt. But before she could leave, a gentle tap on her shoulder startled her. She
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins, how are you? Weren't we supposed to meet the day after tomorrow? What brings you here today?" Roger asked with a light laugh, gesturing for Joshua to take a seat.Although a hint of jealousy stirred in Roger whenever Joshua was around, he forced himself to remain professional. After all, Joshua was not only a trusted business partner but also a brilliant entrepreneur who had built multiple thriving companies."I apologize, Mr. Davenier, for coming earlier than planned," Joshua began. "But in a few days, I'll be flying overseas, and I need to prepare everything beforehand. That's why I thought it would be better to see you today."Roger nodded, understanding. "Your business must be expanding rapidly, I see."Joshua chuckled and waved his hand modestly. "Not really. You know how it is-it's a family business that's been running for years. Now the responsibility falls on me, so the demands are just part of the job. I have to be here, there, and everywhere. Oh, and Mr. D
Alexandra quickly shook her head. No! She had never felt anything for Joshua. Yes, he was kind. Yes, he was handsome—almost as much as Roger. But her heart had never stirred for him.“No. I’ve never been interested in Mr. Jenkins. He’s a good man, handsome too. But I don’t have feelings for him,” she answered firmly.Relief washed over Roger. He couldn’t imagine Alexandra loving Joshua instead.“Then what is it?”This time, Alexandra lifted her gaze to meet his directly.“It’s not that your family isn’t worthy of me, Sir. It’s that I’m not worthy of your family. I’m not someone you should fight for.”Her lips trembled as she bit them, her fingers twisting the hem of her blouse. Tears spilled freely now. Fear gripped her, but Roger deserved the truth.“Will you listen to my story?” she asked quietly.Roger nodded instantly.“Yes. Tell me. What do I need to know?” he urged, his heart surging with hope that she was finally opening up to him.“Since I was a child, I’ve never known who my







