# Kaira's POVThe atmosphere was suffocating, like someone had punched the air out of my chest as I stared at Uncle.My hands trembled at my sides like leaves in a storm. My legs were weak, ready to give in at any moment.How was he home this early? That’s impossible. Uncle never returns at this time...The questions crashed through my mind like waves, but no answers came. My legs gave way slightly. The house suddenly felt like a prison with walls closing in on me.And then it happened again at the most unwanted moment possible.Nausea is unstoppable... especially the kind caused by pregnancy.I pressed my hand to my mouth, fighting the wave of sickness rolling through my stomach. But it was useless. My stomach contracted painfully, twisting like someone was wringing it out.Tonia mockingly twisted her lips, her eyes lighting up with cruel delight."See that, Dad?" Tonia’s voice sliced through the tension like a blade."She's welcoming you with her stinky vomit." She let out an evil l
# Kaira's POVAfter pulling myself together, I whispered, "Let go of me."He said nothing. His arms stayed locked around me like chains.I forced myself out of his grip. My hands shook as I stepped back.I shot a glance at him, then looked away quickly. How was I supposed to react? Sad? Angry? Frustrated? Like his innocent little sister? I didn't know anymore. So I just held everything inside, where it burned like acid."I'll leave first," I said. My voice came out weak and broken.Tony stood silent, his expression folded in on itself—blank, but tight around the eyes.I walked to the roadside. Each step echoed too loudly on the deserted street, like I was being followed by the sound of regret.I kept expecting to hear him following, but the silence stretched behind me like a wound.Maybe I shouldn't have left like that. Maybe I was too harsh. Too rude. Maybe I hurt him.When did things get so complicated? When did facing him become so hard?A bus appeared in the distance. Its headligh
# Kaira's POVHis name was Damian.I remembered that night. A few weeks back. Just another late shift at The Glass House... But something about that night felt different.He sat alone at the far end of the counter, shoulders slumped, eyes locked on his drink like it held answers he was too afraid to speak aloud.Dark circles shadowed his face. His expensive clothes hung loose, like he was trying to disappear inside them.I knew that look. When life kicks you enough times, you start recognizing the same bruises on someone else.He kept glancing at me. Those sad eyes, quietly pleading. My chest tightened. I forced myself to look away, to keep wiping glasses like I didn’t feel it.I wasn’t here to save anyone. And I wasn’t about to throw myself at some sad-eyed stranger nursing a broken heart.Everyone has problems. Everyone.A man slid onto the stool next to him. At first, I thought the stranger wasn't alone—until the man stood, head bowed in deep respect.It was Marcus. The owner of Th
# Kaira's POVI jolted up soon, faking a smile awkwardly.Oliver's eyes flickered uncertainly."I… I need to step out for a bit. Don’t worry about me, okay?" I said after collecting myself. My heart was still racing, but not as wildly as before."Can I come with you?" he asked calmly."No. There's no need to come with me. I promise to be back for you, okay?" I said, letting out an awkward smile."Take care then," he said without arguing much."Mm-hm. Thank you." I nodded.A moment of silence.Just as I turned to walk toward the door, something flashed in my memory—and I froze."Food!" I blurted out."If you need food..." I began, gesturing awkwardly."I will order for you. What do you want to eat?" I asked.Oliver was staring at me."It's fine. You can cook when you're back," Oliver replied with a small smile."Don't!" I blurted before I could stop myself."Don't wait for me," I added."Why? You said you would be back, right?" he asked, unsure."Yeah, I did... I did say that, but..."
# Kaira's POVThe curtain swished open, but I barely noticed. My heart was elsewhere. Oliver's lips moved, speaking to someone, but their voices felt muffled... like background noise in a dream.A tap. I came back to my senses. It was Doctor Patel."Could you step out for a moment?" Dr. Patel asked gently.I followed him weakly."How are you?" the doctor greeted, his face saddened."I'm fine. Good evening, sir..." I replied in a low voice."I looked for you earlier. I thought you weren’t around.""Sorry, I had some issues to take care of, so I stepped out of my office..." He paused."I was told you were looking for me and had come to see Mr. Oliver. I came straight here.""Doctor… they said he asked for me when he woke up. But now… he doesn’t even know my name." My voice cracked, fragile with disbelief.Doctor Patel let out a sigh. "I'm sorry to tell you this. But the worst case we've been secretly hoping wouldn't happen has happened. As I told you before to be prepared just in case.
#Kaira's POVThe man standing before me was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark uniform stretched across a solid, muscular frame.His face was carved with sharp lines, carrying a quiet warning that needed no words.His jaw was square and firm, with deep-set eyes that looked like they had seen too much. Scars marked his weathered face: one thin line above his left brow, another trailing down his cheek.His arms were crossed over his chest, muscles visible even through his sleeves."I'm here to see the patient inside," I said, forcing my voice to steady despite the storm inside me.But the man still stood firmly without moving."I'm Mr. Oliver's guardian," I insisted."They told me he's awake... waiting for me." But still, the man didn’t move.Had Oliver’s family come before me? Were they the reason I was being kept out?Or could it be they knew the truth that Oliver was saving me before he got himself into this mess and were angry with me?It was the only reason that made sense right n