SARA’S POVI sat across Alaric, my hair tied in a messy bun, a pen still tucked behind my ear from scribbling notes from earlier. Alaric finally looked up from the file in his hands. His countenance was soft yet stern.“I met with executives, and after much consideration, we've decided to move forward with the collaboration project.”I nodded gently yet firmly. I wasn’t surprised. The project was too important to ignore, and I knew this would be his decision. Still, I waited, sensing he had more to say. “I also want you to lead the project.” He continued, with his gaze lingering on me, as though he wanted me to understand the weight of what he just said. My breath slowed for a minute. “Me?”“Yes, you.” He replied directly, a smile creeping onto his face but he rearranged his face before I could take a second look. “You're new here, no doubt but you've proven yourself over these weeks. And this project is about just experience, it’s about vision. And I believe you can handle it.”For
SARA’S POVI almost burst out laughing the moment I turned because I found it almost ironic. He was barely around when I was living here, hardly looked at me twice when all I was trying to do was keep our family together, and now suddenly he sounded concerned?He asked sternly, as though it was well within his rights to ask me about my movements. I held my bag tightly, with a cold glare on my face. “I’m going home,” I replied briefly yet sternly. His eyebrows furrowed, he didn’t even know. He actually didn't realize that I moved out long ago. I stood there for a while, torn between irritation and exhaustion. Of course, he wouldn't know, what does he know? It’s not like I was of any importance to him anyway so my presence and absence were the least of his worries.Although my things were still upstairs, as I saw them today, neatly folded, untouched like they were being preserved. I thought the only reason he kept them there was to refresh some memories. But seeing how lost he was, I w
SARA’S POVDanielle’s voice trilled through the phone, sweet and warm. “Mummy, don't forget that you promised to come home today to spend time with me.” Her persistence made a smile creep into my face. Though I was slightly exhausted, I replied calmly. “I’ll be there soon, " I assured her.“When? You said you were going to arrive early…” I could hear her restless through the phone.“I have to settle some things over here. I’m going to leave now, and I’ll arrive in the next thirty minutes,” I reassured her.“Okay mommy, come immediately.” She said and the call ended. When I arrived at the house, I paused at the doorway, surprised to see that Derek was home. He was rarely ever home by this time, the sight of him sitting casually in the living room made my stomach tighten. For a minute, it almost felt like old times. “Mommy you're here.” Danielle rushed to me, hugging me tightly, almost pushing me off my feet. I bent over to hug her back with a smile. “My baby, how are you doing?” I
SARA’S POVHer words stung. I couldn't deny that but there was this honesty evident in her tone. I wanted to hear more, because she would say what others hesitated to say.“It’s only fair that..”“Clara, that’s enough.” His tone was firm and stern. I glanced at him and I knew he wanted to shield me from what was about to come but I smiled and reassured him that it was fine.“It’s fine, let her speak.” “Danielle is often picked up by another pretty aunty,” she said calmly, as if testing whether her words were safe or not. “She calls Alyssa mommy. The aunt takes her out and I’m sure they always have fun together.” Clara paused, taking another bite of her cotton candy that was almost dissolved by the wind. “If Danielle can have two moms, then maybe you can be my second mom when my mom isn't around.”Her words pierced deeper than expected, for a moment, the smile vanished from my face. I forced warmth into my expression and gently patted her head with a smile.I knew I had to say someth
SARA’S POVRina wasn’t able to stop me in time, I had already turned, my eyes locked on the little figure seated at the piano, a sight that made my heart ache so much. By the time Rina reached out, it was too late. She played with her fingers anxiously. “She's everywhere literally. “ She muttered in a low tone, glaring at the table where Derek and Alyssa stood, watching Danielle with so much pride evident in their countenance.I forced a smile even though I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. “It doesn't matter, I don’t care.” I forced those words out of my mouth, like a lump in my chest. I wanted to change the conversation, I was willing to talk about anything, work, anything that came to my mind but my words were thin, evidently forced. I could barely eat any of the food in front of me, even though I was so sure I was starving some minutes ago. She continued to play and I couldn’t help but listen. Where did she learn to play like that? I knew she was taking piano lessons, but I neve
SARA’S POVAlaric stared at me with a hint of uncertainty evident in his countenance. For someone who was barely caught off guard, I could see the disarray on his face. “Are you sure?” He asked finally, leaning into his chair that complemented his broad shoulders. I forced a smile on my face. “I honestly wasn’t expecting such an answer, considering the factors attached. I was ready to decline the offer.”I stepped closer to his desk, maintaining a calm countenance all through. “Then it’s a good thing that you didn't, there’s no need to turn down the collaboration, Alaric. Since it benefits the brand, then why not? Whatever factor is not enough to sabotage the entire offer, a good one.”His gaze was fixed on me for a moment, as though I was saying something entirely strange. Then a smile made its way to his face and he sighed deeply.“I’ll take your advice seriously.” He said in a soft tone.The office fell silent for a while, the thought of it all lingered in my mind, while Alaric s