Hazel's POV
That support gave me an extra boost. I felt more confident that my plan could succeed. With a well-thought-out strategy and full attention to Charlie, I was determined to create a positive environment and strengthen our bond."Exactly, Mom. This isn't just about winning Charlie's heart. It's about making sure Sabrina knows her place. She’s nobody. She's just a stepmother trying to take something that isn’t hers."The strength of my statement gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that my struggle was more than just building a relationship with Charlie; it was also about maintaining my position and role in his life.With firm determination, I planned my next steps. Every interaction with Charlie would be filled with care, ensuring that he felt loved and safe while I kept my distance from Sabrina. In my mind, all of this was part of a larger strategy to protect what I loved.Mrs. Rosa gently patted my shoulder, as if giSabrina's POV After they left, I stood at the stove, replacing Hazel, who had been busy watching the pancakes. I poured the last of the batter into the pan and tidied up the table a bit, cleaning up the milk Charlie had spilled. Deep down, I knew I shouldn't feel disturbed. This was our home. Nicholas and I had opened the door for Hazel, to give her space to heal, not just her body, but her shattered life.But when I saw Charlie call Hazel "Mama Hazel," saw her happy expression, her innocent enthusiasm around her birth mother… a strange feeling crept in.Not jealousy. Not envy. But… worry.I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment, amidst the sweet aroma of pancakes and the lingering glass of milk. I knew it would be a long journey. But for now, I just needed to keep smiling, welcome the day, and keep believing that everything would be okay.The aroma of my freshly brewed coffee filled the dining room as heavy footsteps des
Sabrina's POV Somehow, this night felt longer than usual. It was as if time had deliberately slowed down, forcing me to face everything I'd been putting off fully feeling. Amidst the settling silence, I began to wonder, would I be ready if, one day, my role were truly taken back?“You’re human, Sabrina,” Nicholas continued. “It’s natural to feel that way. But you also have to remember, we’re all here trying to rebuild something new. Me, you, Charlie… and Hazel.”I lowered my head. “I’m scared. Scared that our relationship will get complicated. Scared that Hazel will take my place. Even though I know that’s not her intention, I’m still scared.”Nicholas pulled me into his embrace. Warm. Strong. But it wasn’t just about my body; it also enveloped my disorganized mind.“Then,” he said softly near my ear, “let me find a solution. I’ll talk to Hazel. We’ll find her a new place to live. Not because you want her to leave, but because she needs her o
Sabrina's POV I sat in front of the dressing table, slowly combing my hair. Every stroke of the comb felt soothing, though to be honest, my heart was far from calm tonight. In the mirror, I saw my own reflection, droopy eyes, tired lines on my face, and lips that occasionally pursed anxiously.I took a deep breath, letting the cool night air seep in through the slightly open window. The faint scent of jasmine from the backyard wafted in, calming but also leaving a melancholy that was hard to describe. My hands still moved slowly, the wooden comb tracing each strand of hair, as if trying to smooth out the tangles in my head and in my mind.The dressing table lamp reflected a warm glow, but it still couldn't banish the dark shadows in my mind. I paused for a moment, staring into my own eyes in the mirror. There was a look that was familiar, yet strange at the same time—the gaze of someone who held too many secrets and unspoken wounds. Faint sounds could be
Sabrina's POV It was late at night, but the kitchen still felt warm with the aroma of the chamomile tea I'd just brewed. Steam rose gently from the cup, touching my tired face. The sound of the spoon tapping against the glass echoed softly, blending with the ticking of the wall clock.On the dining table, the dinner plates remained. I'd only just finished washing some of the dishes, but I'd put off the rest. My hands were starting to ache, and honestly, I wanted to sit down for a while."Mom…" a small voice called from the living room.I turned to see Charlie standing in the kitchen doorway. He hadn't changed out of his pajamas, still wearing a slightly oversized dinosaur-print T-shirt and his shorts stained with dinner. He was holding a toy robot that had nearly broken this afternoon because its left wheel had come off."You're still awake?" I asked, trying to sound firm, but I couldn't help but smile.Charlie shook his head, moved
Sabrina’s POV Charlie laughed along, even though he didn’t fully understand the old stories. The dinner atmosphere became warmer. The pendant lamp above the table cast a soft light, creating peaceful shadows on the walls.Hazel started eating with more appetite, though she still looked pale. “I didn’t think I’d be able to sit like this again.”I turned to her. “You can, Hazel. You’re not alone now.”She looked at me, her eyes beginning to well up again. But she held back the tears and gave a slight nod. “Thank you… for everything. For accepting me again.”I took a deep breath, lifted my water glass, and looked at them both. “We’ve all made mistakes, Hazel. But I think… life is about second chances. Or third. As long as we’re still willing to make things right.”Hazel answered with a small smile, but that smile held so much—regret, surrender, hope.“Mom Hazel, Mom Sabrina, Dad, guess what? I finished five drawings!” Charlie exclaimed proudly.“Wh
Sabrina’s POV Hazel chuckled, her face turning slightly red, perhaps from embarrassment or emotion. I walked over and gently held her hand.“Come on, slowly!” I said. “Let me help.”Hazel looked at me for a moment and said nothing, just gave a small nod. Her eyes still held fatigue, but now there was a different light in them—a spark of life returning after so long.We walked into the house, and Charlie had already dashed inside, flinging the door wide open while shouting, “Mom Hazel is home! Mom Hazel is home!”It felt like welcoming someone who had been lost for a long time. And now, she was back in a safe place.I led Hazel to the guest room we had prepared a few days earlier. The room was bright, with a large window overlooking a small garden. Fresh white sheets had been changed that morning, and on the small table beside the bed, Charlie had placed one of his drawings—a family portrait he made himself.“This... feels too fancy for me,” Hazel murmure