LOGINAuthor’s POVAva adjusted her grip on her bag as she stepped into the grand hall of Wayne Hotel. The space was elegant, with soft lighting cascading from crystal chandeliers.She approached Mr. Grey, who gave a brief nod before gesturing for her to follow. “This way.”Ava followed him deeper into the hall, past neatly arranged tables, until they reached one set slightly apart from the others.Derek was already seated, one arm resting lightly against the table while the other flipped through a menu with quiet ease, then their eyes met.“Ava,” he acknowledged.She straightened immediately. “Good afternoon, sir.”“Sit.”She obeyed without hesitation, taking the seat across from him and placing her bag carefully beside her chair. Mr. Grey lingered for a brief moment before excusing himself silently.A waiter approached almost instantly. “Would you like to order, sir?”Derek lowered the menu slightly, his gaze shifting to Ava. “Let her choose first.”Ava blinked, caught off guard. “Sir?”“
Liora’s POV*The next day*I was already dressed, my bag swung over my shoulder as I walked down the stairs.Derek approached the door with Bianca, dressed for school.“Mummy!” Aurora called out excitedly.“Rora, baby,” I responded warmly as we stepped outside.Derek opened the car door… I hesitated for a brief second before sliding in.He followed, placing Aurora carefully between us.“Rora, love,” I said softly, holding her cheek and leaning closer to her little ear. “When you wake up and see Daddy or any elder, you greet properly. In the morning, you say good morning, afternoon, good afternoon, and evening, good evening. Understood?”I tickled her lightly.“Yes, Mummy,” she giggled, nodding happily.Derek adjusted his seat. “Your driver, Mr. Gab, will be outside to pick you up. And Bianca’s school closes by 2:30 p.m., please don’t forget to pick her up.”I nodded.“Mummy will pick me up from school?” Aurora asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up.“Yes, love,” I smiled.“And there wi
Liora’s POVMy phone rang, and I glanced at the caller ID: Derek.With a tired sigh, I picked it up but said nothing.“Liora, are you done for the day? Should I come pick you up?” he asked calmly.I rolled my eyes. “Tell Mr. Gab to come pick me up.”Before he could respond, I hung up.“Liora, what’s wrong with you?” I muttered under my breath, exhaling sharply as I turned back to the folder in front of me.Minutes later, the phone rang again.“Uh-huh,” I answered flatly.“I’m outside. Come, let’s go home,” his voice came through.My eyes widened. “I told you to let Mr. Gab…”“Don’t keep me waiting,” he cut in sharply before the line went dead.I exhaled slowly, sliding my phone into my bag. Then I stood and walked out.I stopped by Mum’s office, stepped inside, and walked over to press a kiss on her cheek.“Mum, I’m off. See you tomorrow,” I said quickly, already straightening.Without waiting for a reply, I left.I took the elevator down and soon stepped outside.Derek was already wa
Author’s POVLucien’s car screeched to a stop in front of the hospital entrance.He stepped fast, reached the back seat, and carefully pulled Elara into his arms. At the same time, Stephanie rushed out from the opposite side, and Bianca was cradled tightly against her chest.“Help! We need help!” Stephanie’s voice echoed sharply through the emergency entrance.In seconds, nurses and a stretcher team rushed forward.“This way! Bring her here!” one of them called urgently.Stephanie didn’t waste a second as she gently but quickly placed Bianca onto the stretcher.“Post-surgery patient, possible complication,” she said breathlessly, forcing control into her voice as the team immediately took over and rushed Bianca away.Another team arrived almost instantly for Elara.“Unconscious female, suspected head injury,” Stephanie added quickly as Elara was carefully taken from Lucien’s arms.Without resistance, she was placed onto another stretcher and wheeled away.Lucien stood frozen for a bri
Author’s POVLucien drove through the rusted old gate and brought the car to a sharp stop in the courtyard. Without hesitation, he stepped out, circling to the back seat where Bianca lay fragile.He carefully lifted her into his arms, holding her against his chest, then slammed the car door shut and moved swiftly toward the house. With one firm push, the front door swung open.He froze as he saw Elara inside, beside her was a man in a tailored suit, a glass of wine resting loosely in his hand.“What’s going on here?!” Lucien’s voice thundered through as he stepped forward, Bianca still clutched tightly in his arms.Elara met his gaze calmly. “You’re back, Lucien.”“Who is he?” he demanded sharply.The man’s eyes slowly scanned the house with thinly veiled disgust before he took another sip of wine.Elara forced a smile. “Just a family acquaintance… someone whose company went bankrupt and is currently staying with us.”Lucien’s jaw tightened.“Life happens,” the man added with a shrug,
Liora’s POVThe drive was cloaked in silence and from the rearview mirror, the woman occasionally glanced at me, her eyes subtly studying my expression.“Stop here,” she instructed calmly.Cole obeyed without question, bringing the car to a smooth halt. She stepped out gracefully, then turned slightly toward the back seat, her hands clasped together.“Thank you. I appreciate it.”Without another word, Cole pulled away, the car surging forward with a quiet burst of speed.Not long after, we arrived at the Empire and before Derek could circle around to open my door, I had already stepped out. I didn’t spare him a glance or a word as I walked past him, though I could feel his eyes linger behind me, yet I refused to acknowledge.Inside, I headed straight for the elevator. The ascent felt longer than usual… when the doors finally opened, I made my way to my office and everything was exactly as I had left it.Dropping my bag on the desk, I turned and left almost immediately, heading for my







