登入Liora’s POV“Who am I speaking to?” I asked, my grip tightening around the phone.A mocking laugh filtered through the line… familiar.My brows furrowed.That voice…Trisha.“How’s your supposed ‘marriage’ going?” she drawled, her voice dripping with amusement.My gaze hardened.“Trisha,” I said coolly, “that is none of your concern. I’ve told you before, stay out of my personal affairs.”“Oh, please,” she scoffed lightly. “You talk like I don’t already know more about you than you’d like.”I exhaled slowly. “If you have nothing of substance to say, then end the call.”“Well…” she dragged out, pausing deliberately. “I do have something important.”A strange unease twisted in my stomach.“When will you be resuming work?” she asked casually.“Tomorrow,” I replied without hesitation. “Ensure everything is in order before then. Inform my mentor as well.”“Perfect,” she murmured. “Because I’ll be coming in tomorrow… with my brother.”I stilled.“Your brother?” I repeated, my tone sharpening
Liora’s POVI walked into the living room where Derek was already seated, waiting.My legs felt unsteady beneath me as I lowered myself onto the chair opposite him. Forcing composure, I lifted my chin and met his gaze.“I’m here now,” I said quietly.“Liora,” he began, his tone measured but firm, “I have a question for you, and I need an honest answer. Yes, I’m aware of the rules… I was the one who set them.”A question?A chill slid down my spine.“I’m listening,” I replied, steadying my voice despite the unease clawing at my chest.Derek didn’t hesitate. “Who exactly is Lucien to you? And what is his full name?”My throat tightened.“Lucien?” I echoed, feigning confusion. “I heard the name from a movie… my favorite drama.”The lie rolled off my tongue smoother than I expected.Derek arched a brow, clearly unconvinced. “I haven’t seen you watch any dramas since you got here.”A faint smile curved my lips. “Well… I just got here.”His gaze sharpened, piercing straight through me.“Righ
“He was…” I trailed off as two figures began walking toward us.I blinked, my vision swimming slightly.My brows furrowed. “Who are you both?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.“That’s Marcus.” Derek’s voice came twice.I frowned.Why are there two of both Derek and Marcus?Both versions of Derek spoke at the same time, their lips moving in eerie sync before turning toward Marcus. “Grab her bag.”Before I could question it, I was being guided away. One Derek held my arm while the other steadied me, and together they led me to the car. The door opened, and they helped me slide into the seat.Then… somehow, they were both inside with me, both holding my left hand as if I might slip away.The engine roared to life, and the driver sped off.“Where are we going…? Home?” I asked, a soft giggle slipping out as I glanced between the two identical faces.“Yes, we’re heading home,” they answered in perfect unison.I laughed quietly. “Home?”Both didn’t respond.I leaned back, my head
Liora’s POVDerek scooped Aurora into his arms in one swift motion, gently stroking her hair as her sobs gradually subsided.“I… I didn’t…” My words faltered.He didn’t even spare me a glance. His entire focus remained on Aurora as he murmured softly to her, soothing her cries.Without a word, he carried her out, heading straight for her bedroom.I stood frozen, watching them disappear.“I didn’t mean to leave her…” I whispered, my voice barely audible.The weight of it all hit me at once. I sank onto the couch, exhaustion crashing over me.“Ah…” A shaky breath escaped my lips as I leaned back, waiting.Minutes later, footsteps echoed and quickly I pushed myself to my feet just as Derek walked in. His jaw was clenched, his expression as rigid as ever.“I’m… I’m sorry,” I stammered, my fingers tightening against my dress. “I didn’t realize how long I was gone… I thought she’d be fine for a moment.”He said nothing at first as he simply sat down.“How is she?” I asked cautiously, worry
Liora’s POV“Sure, it’s fine. You don’t have to explain everything… it’s your private life,” I said, the words slipping out more casually than I intended.“What private life?” Bianca’s small, puzzled voice interrupted.My heart skipped.What did I just say?I quickly forced a smile. “No, Rora… I mean, we are Daddy’s private life, but he still has meetings to attend sometimes.”“Oh…” she nodded slowly, accepting it with innocent logic.“I’m going to miss Daddy… a little bit,” she added softly, resting her small hand against my lap. “Because I have you here.”Oh, Aurora… you’re such a darling.My chest tightened with warmth as I lifted her into my arms.“I see someone has replaced me,” Derek’s amused voice said from the doorway.I turned slightly to find him leaning against the frame, arms folded, a playful glint in his eyes as he deliberately looked away.“No!” Aurora protested immediately, twisting in my arms to face him. “You’re both my parents, and I love you both equally!”Her tiny
Liora’s POVI sat in the living room quietly as my phone buzzed sharply against the sofa.The sound snapped my attention, and I reached for it, my breath catching the moment I saw Ava’s name on the screen.[Hi ma’am, I just spoke with Mr. Grey.][Please, can I call you now?]My fingers tightened around the phone as a heavy unease settled in my chest.Slowly, I opened my contacts and hovered over her number. I was about to dial when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hallway.I froze as the door creaked open.Derek stepped in with Aurora; he had just picked her up from school.“Mummy!” Aurora’s voice rang out.I quickly locked my phone and placed it face-down on the chair before rising to meet her. She ran straight into my arms, and I lifted her effortlessly.“Rora,” I said softly, forcing warmth into my voice, “how was school today? Did you learn well?”Her face lit up. “Yes, Mummy! I answered most of my teacher’s questions.” She beamed. “And I made a friend, a new







