Masuk"Don't worry, Daddy's got even better ones waiting for you," Francesco said, smiling.The two kids burst into excited chatter, waving their arms and urging him to hurry.Adriana leaned her head against the window, quietly listening to the chatter between the one grown-up and two little ones.She watched the lights blooming and fading against the sky and told her parents silently, in her heart, that she was a little happier this year than the last.Francesco had already used the smart home system to light up the entire estate ahead of time.By the time they arrived, the whole estate blazed with light, decorated so elaborately it looked like a fairy-tale castle.The moment the kids climbed out of the car, they were entranced, their little legs pumping as they ran toward the house.Francesco led Adriana and the kids up to the top floor. "Close your eyes. I'll count to three, and then you can open them."Milo and Maeve obediently squeezed their eyes shut, their long lashes flutteri
Adriana saw Chris's name light up on her phone screen, and a flash of irritation crossed her face—one she didn't even notice herself.She reached over, turned off the car's music, and answered."Chris, what's up?"Chris's voice came through, cheerful. "I booked out a private theater and had them put on Maeve's favorite princess play, just for her. I'm already on my way to come get you guys. Have you had dinner yet?"Out of the corner of her eye, Adriana caught sight of the man in the driver's seat—his lips pressed thin, his hands tightening slightly on the wheel, some mix of unease and irritation in his posture.She spoke gently but firmly into the phone. "Sorry, Chris, we're not home right now. Let's do the play another time. Thanks for thinking of her, though."She'd already promised Francesco she'd go watch fireworks with him, and she wasn't about to break that promise.And besides, Chris had arranged something only for Maeve, leaving Milo out entirely—and that wasn't somethi
Francesco scooped one up in each arm. "What have you two been up to?"Maeve pointed at the window. "Watching fireworks. So pretty."Francesco carried them over to the window. The fireworks were too far off to see clearly—only faint sounds reached them.He laughed softly. "Should we ask Mommy if she wants to go set off some fireworks ourselves?"Milo and Maeve clapped their hands in agreement at once, chanting that they wanted to go.Adriana shot him a look. "Every spot outside where you could set off fireworks is packed with people. Why would you get them worked up over that?"But Francesco already had a plan. "I came to take you all out to the Stanley estate to set off fireworks. There's no one out there—you can set off as many as you like."Adriana hesitated, but Milo and Maeve, having heard Francesco's plan, were already begging to go.She didn't want to spoil their fun, and besides, it was New Year's Eve—setting off fireworks with the kids would make it feel like a real hol
Once Francesco had finished feeding Maeve, he handed her back to the nanny and went to help Adriana sort through the holiday supplies.The two of them worked together so seamlessly they might have been an old married couple."Are you going to the Slater estate for New Year's tomorrow night?" he asked.Adriana kept sorting as she answered. "No, we're staying home.""What about coming to the Stanleys'?" he asked.She shook her head. "It's nice just staying in with our own little family. I'm not that big on crowds—having the two kids is enough for me."As she got older, she found herself caring more and more about her own small household.Building a simple, good life for herself and her children was what made her happiest.Francesco didn't press her further. It was enough that she wasn't going to the Slater estate.Chris had once saved her life, and Francesco respected that—but he didn't want her feeling bound by that debt forever.Once she'd finished putting everything away, Ad
Adriana put on a stern face. "Milo, go read a picture book with the nanny. Uncle Francesco's noodles are hot—it's not safe for you to sit in his lap right now."Pouting, Milo let out a reluctant "Daddy" before letting the nanny lead him away.Francesco was well used to Adriana and the kids treating him differently by now. He leaned down to catch the scent of the noodles and gave a thumbs-up. "This is going to be good."Chris's gaze had stayed fixed on Adriana the whole time. He spoke softly, with a faint smile. "Adriana picked up all these skills taking care of me, back in the day. It really was hard on her."Before he'd even finished, Francesco let out a cold snort.He looked up at Chris, his eyes utterly without warmth. "You knew it was hard on her, and you still faked being paralyzed? You knew it was hard on her, and you still let her cook for you without a second thought? Chris, let's leave the past where it belongs."Chris really hadn't changed at all—still only ever thinkin
Adriana set everything down neatly and stood by the door, waiting for Francesco.With only one unit per floor and heating even in the stairwell, no cold air made it through even with the door open.In the dining room, Milo must have heard Francesco's voice—he immediately started squirming in his high chair, fussing to be let down and refusing to eat another bite."Daddy! Want Daddy!"Heidi had no choice but to lift him down.The moment his feet hit the floor, he took off toward the door at a run.Heidi laughed. "This one's getting more attached to Mr. Este by the day."She'd said it without thinking, but it landed hard on one listener.Chris's face turned ashen, his hand tightening around his fork and going still.From the moment Francesco arrived, his appetite had vanished completely.Adriana took Milo's hand and waited by the door for a moment before the elevator doors slid open again.Francesco stepped out, arms full, and gave the box in his hand a little shake."Milo, l
Adriana stepped forward with calm composure. "Dean, gentlemen, this really isn't such a big deal. I'm sorry you had to make the trip."Dean got straight to the point. "Where's Chris?""He's in his ward. The doctor has instructed that no one disturb him for now, and he doesn't wish to see anyone."
Alex skimmed through the two articles in the newspaper, then crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into the trash.If Chris saw the second article, he would only get angry all over again."And this Francesco… his remarks are completely inappropriate.""Achoo!"Francesco, lounging against the edg
Seeing the wicked glint at the corner of Francesco's eyes, a sense of foreboding rose in Adriana's chest.She lifted the binoculars. The moment the cross-river bridge came into view, she saw a figure climb over the unguarded end of the bridge and plunge into the river below.Even from a distance,
Grandma Rosie had once told Adriana she dreamed of Adriana's parents, Roger and Samantha, imploring her to take care of Adriana. To be entrusted is to be faithful. Adriana's sense of responsibility toward Chris likely stemmed from the influence of Grandma Rosie throughout her childhood.She crouc







