LOGINThe drive to pick up the quadruplets was filled with an easy warmth, the kind that settled into Daniela’s chest and loosened the tight knot the day had carved there.Killian drove with one hand on the wheel, while the other moved possessively on Daniela's thigh. Daniela watched the city blur past the window, her toes curling as Killian's hand grabbed her thigh. “You didn’t have to send breakfast,” she said softly.Killian glanced at her, a faint smile touching his lips. “I wanted to.”She turned toward him. “You knew she’d see it.”“I hoped she would,” he replied honestly. “Some people only understand boundaries when they’re made visible.”Daniela exhaled a quiet laugh. “She looked like she swallowed something bitter.”Killian’s thumb brushed lightly against her leg. “Good.”They arrived at the kids’ school shortly after. The moment the car stopped, Daniela's door flew open.MUMMY!Small arms wrapped around Daniela as she bent down, nearly losing her balance from the impact. She lau
Daniela's grip on her bag tightened as she walked out of the studio. She forced a smile as she walked pass a group of students.Vivienne had humiliated her in front of the whole class. She already knew the reason why. Her own words gave her away. “It’s not about who you are outside these walls. It’s about what you bring into the room, and whether you are worthy of the space you take up.”“and whether you are worthy of the space you take up.”Vivienne definitely aimed that last part at her. But she didn't care. No matter what she does, she wouldn't react. And as for Killian, since she wants him, too bad for her because she's never going to get him. Daniela slipped her bag off her shoulder the moment she got to her work station on the second floor. She thought of reporting it to Mr. Rhis, but that won't be necessary. She won't hide, she'll fight her battle herself. Not long after, a girl about the same age as her approached her station. Daniela recognized her because they were bot
Killian felt something twist inside him. His hands tightened on the steering. “If you keep doing that, I'll kiss you until there's none left on your lips.” Daniela's hand paused. She didn't look at him, but she could tell from the corner of her eyes that he was serious. A small naughty smile formed on her lips. She did it again.The next second, the car stopped and before Daniela could react, a large hand grabbed her head. Her mind went blank, and the only thing she could think of was…nothing.Killian made sure he wiped it off before letting her go. “There, you look better now.” He said then resumed driving. Daniela leaned breathless on the seat. She gave up and put her makeup back into her bag. Not long after, they arrived at the school. Killian parked in his usual spot. “Alright, I'm off.” Daniela said as she grabbed her bag. She slid her finger around the handle and tried to push it but the door didn't budge. “Killian, it won't open.” Killian glanced at her from the corner
The gates of the fortress closed behind Killian’s car with a low, final hum.Daniela stood by the front steps long after the sound of the engine faded, her arms wrapped loosely around herself. She exhaled, straightened her shoulders, and turned back inside.The fortress was alive in its usual way. Quiet footsteps, distant noises, the soft echo of routine. Daniela slipped easily into it, like she belonged there now. Like it had learned her shape.MUMMY!Four small figures appeared at the end of the hallway, ice cream long forgotten, shoes already kicked off.“I thought you were supposed to be washing your hands.”WE WERE. THEN WE GOT DISTRACTED— Matteo.Daniela ruffled their hair. “Come on, let's get you out of your uniforms.The quadruplets jumped after her. After they freshened up, they had lunch.Daniela had some sketches to make, so after they were done with lunch, the quadruplets followed her into her room.The next hour passed in colored pencils, scattered papers, and loud opin
Killian glanced at her, the corner of his lips curling into a smile.“I'm not your boyfriend.”Daniela's brows furrowed. “Then what are you.” “Your husband.”Daniela blinked. Once. Twice.Then she laughed, short and breathless, like she wasn’t sure whether he was serious or teasing.“My husband?” She echoed, tilting her head. “Did I miss a wedding?”Killian kept his eyes on the road, hands steady on the steering wheel. But the faint smile didn’t leave his lips.“You didn’t miss anything,” he said evenly. “Yet.”Daniela studied him, the way his jaw tightened just a fraction.“You’re serious,” she said softly.He glanced at her then, really looked at her, his gaze heavy with intention.“I don’t use words I don’t mean.”Her chest warmed and tightened at the same time. “You could’ve said fiancé. Or partner. Or…”“Husband,” he repeated. “That’s where this is going.”The car slowed as they approached a traffic light. Outside, the city moved on like nothing monumental had just been said.Da
Daniela slung her bag on her shoulder as she walked out. She thought of going to get the quadruplets from school.Immediately she stepped out, she paused, a smile forming on her lips as she caught sight of the man leaning on a black car meters away from the building.Killian.He wasn’t in his usual rigid work mode. His jacket was slung over one arm, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up just the way she liked seeing it.His eyes found her immediately.Relief crossed his face before he masked it.“You took longer than expected,” he said.Daniela smiled as she approached him. “I told you not to worry, but you didn't listen. How long have you been here?”“It doesn't matter how long I waited, all that matters is that, you're here now.”He stepped closer without thinking, his hand settling lightly at her lower back as if it had always belonged there.Daniela didn’t pull away, instead she leaned closer.Inside the building, a woman slowed her steps.She had been walking toward the exit, phone in







