LOGINThe R&D team was already waiting by the entrance, holding flowers and ribbons, their faces bright with genuine smiles."Ms. Sinclair, welcome back!"The department head stepped forward first and handed her a bouquet of sunflowers."We've been waiting for you. Without you, the lab has been stuck on several problems for ages."Amelia took the flowers. The faint scent of sunflowers lingered near her nose, and warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you, everyone. Looks like we'll be working together again."Her coworkers surrounded her as they walked toward her office. People greeted her all along the way, and the familiar atmosphere eased something inside her almost at once.The Amelia standing here now was no longer the young woman who needed to depend on someone else.After her divorce from Christopher, she had received a sizable settlement. Together with the money she had saved during her years at the Academy of Aerospace, it was more than enough to support her research dreams.
Only then did Claire let it go, though she kept reminding Amelia, "Then you have to take good care of yourself and Evelyn. Call me anytime if you need anything."After dinner, Winona pulled Amelia out to the balcony for a private talk.The evening breeze drifted past, carrying a slight chill."Amelia, have you heard? Northon has been buzzing about Christopher and Samantha's engagement party. I heard they're going all out and inviting half the city's elite."Winona's tone carried a bit of gossip. "My parents and I got invitations. What about you?"Amelia shrugged, her voice calm. "I got one. I'm not going.""I knew you wouldn't want to."Winona smiled. "That kind of event is pointless, anyway. Just a room full of fake smiles and polite small talk. You're doing well now. You have Evie, your career, and a friend like Jasper by your side. That matters more than anything."Amelia looked out at the distant lights, her heart peaceful. "Yeah. This is good. I don't want the past aff
"I had this place ready already," Jasper said as he helped bring in their bags. "I originally meant to keep it for relatives when they visited, but it works out perfectly for you two."He gestured down the hall. "The bedrooms are this way. I had Evie's room done up like a princess room. I think she'll like it."Evelyn stepped inside and saw the pink walls, the white canopy bed, and the shelves filled with picture books and toys. She bounced on her toes with excitement."Mommy, Mr. Jazz, look! It's so pretty!"Amelia turned to Jasper, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Jasper."-Northon, evening.Claire moved around the kitchen in an apron while barbecue ribs roasted in the oven, their sweet, smoky scent drifting through the open window and into the yard.Amelia walked in, holding Evelyn's hand. She had barely set down her luggage before Claire pulled her close and looked her up and down. "You've lost weight. You haven't been eating properly, have you?""Mom, I'm f
After ending Christopher's call, Amelia stared at the call log still glowing on her screen.He was right about one thing. There was no reason to attend that engagement party.She had thought she needed some formal moment to say goodbye to the past. Now, she understood that real goodbyes didn't need ceremony.Once the heart let go, that was enough.She set her phone on the coffee table and walked into the living room. Evelyn was lying on the rug, quietly fiddling with her blocks, her little face blank in a way Amelia understood at once.They were going to handle Evelyn's transfer paperwork tomorrow. Her daughter must have been reluctant to leave the new friends she had just made.Amelia sat down beside her and gently rubbed her head. "Are you sad about leaving your friends?"Evelyn looked up, a flash of hurt in her eyes, then nodded. "Yeah. Will I still get to see them?""Of course." Amelia took her small hand, her voice gentle. "Once we're settled in Northon, I'll bring you bac
Amelia held Evelyn's hand as they left the store, carrying the picture books they had bought, the little bear Evelyn liked, and the tiny pair of baby socks Amelia hadn't been able to leave behind.-A few days later, Amelia was on the living room floor building blocks with Evelyn when the doorbell rang.She got up and opened the door.Samantha stood outside in a polished dress, holding a gold-foil envelope in both hands. A perfectly measured smile rested on her face."Ms. Sinclair, I hope I'm not bothering you."She lifted the envelope slightly. "Chris and I are having our engagement party next weekend. I wanted to bring the invitation myself. I hope you'll come."Amelia took the envelope. Her fingertips brushed over the embossed gold lettering, but her heart stayed still.She gave a faint nod. "Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."A trace of disappointment flickered through Samantha's eyes when she saw how calm Amelia was, but she kept smiling. "Then I won't keep you from your
Christopher let himself wonder whether there was any point in going on at all.-Over the next few days, Amelia set work aside completely. She stayed home with Evelyn, reading with her, drawing with her, and building block towers on the living room floor. The days passed quietly, warm and peaceful. It was the most relaxed Amelia had been since joining the Academy of Aerospace.There were no endless project reports. No urgent overtime calls. No rumors, no drama, no exhausting entanglements. There was only Evelyn's laughter and the steady comfort of home, slowly loosening the knot Amelia had carried for too long.That afternoon, Amelia took Evelyn to the mall to buy picture books. As they passed a baby store, Evelyn suddenly stopped and pointed at the display window."Mommy, look! That little dress is so pretty."Amelia followed her gaze.A pink lace dress hung in the window, tiny rabbits embroidered along the skirt. Beside it were a pair of baby shoes and a soft stuffed animal.
It was a hot summer day, and Evelyn's forehead was covered with sweat.Amelia wiped her sweat away. "Feeling warm?"Evelyn shook her head. "Not at all. After my studies today, Mr. Hale said he'd bring me here to see you. I did very well today! Mr. Hale praised me for my work."Evelyn's smile was
Christopher looked quietly at her.He then turned his attention to Evelyn, who was on the bed.He retracted his gaze and said, "Come with me."Amelia couldn't quite figure out his mood right now. Her brows furrowed, and she followed him. His words seemed to be an agreement to talk with her.Chri
Jayden noticed the dazed expression on Amelia's face and chuckled. He waved a hand in front of her and said dotingly, "What, don't recognize me anymore? You're practically staring."Amelia snapped back to attention at once."You've changed," Jayden said as he surveyed Amelia from head to toe. "You
Amelia was sure he knew something.If he knew anything about her daughter's safety, she had to know as well.After saying that, Amelia quickly went to Evelyn's ward.Evelyn was frightened out of her wits today. She was probably scared of being alone after waking up in a strange environment. Ameli







