ログインAuthor’s POVDylan’s hand shot out without warning, clamping around her wrist so tightly that a sharp gasp tore from Elara’s lips.“Look at me.” He said coldly.He yanked her closer, his grip unrelenting as he lifted her hand slightly, forcing her attention onto him.“We’re doing this my way,” he said flatly, before shoving her back.Her body stumbled, her back colliding with the edge of the couch. Pain flared briefly, but she steadied herself, her pulse racing wildly in her chest.“Please… Dylan,” she whispered. “Lucien…”His jaw tightened instantly.“You really care that much about him?” he asked, his tone laced with quiet menace.She hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes. “Please… just let him go. For his daughter.”For a moment, Dylan stayed silent, then he took a slow step forward.“Beg.”Elara froze. “What?”His gaze hardened. “I said,” he repeated, his voice dropping, “beg.”Her chest tightened. “Dylan…”Before she could finish, he grabbed her arm again and yanked her forward
Author’s POVElara sat rigidly on the edge of the hospital bed, her fingers wrapped protectively around Bianca’s tiny hand who was asleep. Across from them, Stephanie sat in silence.“Mum… Lucien still isn’t back,” Elara finally said, her voice low.Stephanie exhaled slowly. “And we still don’t know where he is.”Elara lifted her gaze to meet hers, fear flickering in her eyes. “What if… he abandoned us?”Stephanie’s expression hardened instantly. “He wouldn’t dare. And what about Bianca?” Her tone sharpened. “You need to call him.”Elara hesitated, then sighed. “I turned my phone off… I didn’t want Dylan to reach me.”“You don’t have that luxury right now,” Stephanie replied firmly. “Bianca has cried herself to sleep more times than I can count. You need to find Lucien.”Reluctantly, Elara reached for her phone on the bedside stool and dialed Lucien’s number. She held it to her ear, her heart pounding, but the call didn’t connect.“Mum… it’s not going through,” she murmured, lowering
Liora’s POV“Mummy!”Aurora’s tiny voice rang out as she came running toward me. I was seated across from the school’s principal when she flung herself into my arms.“Rora, we’re heading home now,” I said with a gentle smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Really? Is it closing time? Why aren’t the other parents here?” she asked, her brows knitting with innocent curiosity.I exhaled softly. “Let’s not worry about that right now.”Turning back to the principal, I offered a grateful nod. “Thank you so much for understanding.”She simply nodded in return.I picked up Aurora’s bag and led her out. Once we reached the car, I opened the door, settled her carefully in the passenger seat as the engine came to life with a low hum.“Mummy, I want to follow you to work,” Aurora said, giggling.“Of course. We’ll go together tomorrow,” I replied, shaking my head playfully.“Mummy is the best!” she chirped, stretching her arms wide.I raised a brow teasingly. “And what is my little princ
Author’s POVAva sat in the passenger seat, her phone pressed tightly to her ear, her hand trembling slightly. Beside her, Derek stared out the window.“I’m sorry, ma’am,” Ava said into the phone, her voice soft and remorseful, her eyes darting nervously.“What should I do?” Ava asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.Just then, a sharp wail of sirens cut through the air.Ava’s gaze shifted instinctively toward the sound just as a custody van pulled into view, its tires screeching as it slowed.Then the rear doors swung open as two officers stepped out first before reaching inside.Ava leaned forward… and then she saw Lucien.Her breath caught.He was dragged down from the van. His hands were cuffed tightly in front of him, and a white bandage was wrapped around his head, slightly stained. He wore a simple custody uniform.For a moment, everything around her went silent as her phone slipped from her ear.Beside her, Derek followed her line of sight, and the instant his eyes landed on
Liora’s POVA meeting with Lucien? No…I lowered the phone slowly from my ear, my breath hitching.“Do you have his location?” Derek’s voice rang through.“Ahh…” My mouth parted as I quickly covered it with my hand.Please, Ava… don’t.“No, sir, I don’t,” Ava replied, her voice steady.Thank goodness.“No one I can reach to get through to him?” Derek pressed.Why push this further? She already said she doesn’t know. Just leave her alone.“…I honestly don’t know, sir. He used to have about two close friends. I knew one of their houses, my boss sent me there once. But lately, the property has been locked up, and I haven’t seen him around anymore,” Ava explained.“I love you, Ava,” I muttered under my breath, my hand still pressed to my lips.“Have you tried asking around?” Derek continued.“Are you de…” I stopped myself, clamping my lips shut.“Liora, breathe,” I whispered, forcing myself to inhale… then exhale.“No, sir. I didn’t think it was necessary. I have no business with him sinc
Author’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?”“







