LOGINThe first morning after the wedding was far more peaceful than Adele had imagined.There were no meetings on the schedule, no reporters waiting outside the house, and no phone calls about the past. The new home Sebastian had chosen truly offered a different atmosphere. The backyard, covered in lush green grass, still glistened with morning dew, while sunlight streamed through the large windows of the living room, filling the entire house with warmth.Adele stood in the kitchen preparing a simple breakfast.Over the past few days, many people had offered to help. Even Sebastian's company's private chef had volunteered to come every morning. But Sebastian had politely declined every offer. He wanted this place to be a real home, not simply a house filled with servants.A moment later, the sound of little footsteps came racing down from upstairs."Mommy!"Elena ran toward her, hugging her favorite teddy bear. Her hair was still adorably messy from just waking up.Adele immediately crouch
Sebastian and Adele's wedding reception came to an end late that afternoon.Guests gradually left the ballroom one by one, while Leonard went home with Ash without returning to the reception hall. He felt his presence there had been enough. He had given them his blessing, let go of the past he had clung to for so long, and kept his promise to Elena that he would never interfere in her family's life again.On the drive home, Ash slept the entire way.Every now and then, Leonard glanced at the baby seat beside him.The little boy looked so peaceful.Strangely, after watching Elena call Sebastian Daddy, Leonard finally understood something.A child didn't need a perfect father.They simply needed someone who never walked away.That evening, after putting Ash to bed, Leonard sat alone in the living room for a long time, staring at a visitation card his lawyer had given him a few days earlier.It contained the visiting schedule for the correctional facility.Vanessa had finally been grante
Elena's question left Sebastian silent for a moment.The little girl was still clutching the edge of his suit jacket, occasionally glancing toward Leonard. The fear that had once filled her eyes no longer made her hide behind her mother, but her dislike was still unmistakable. For a child her age, a painful first impression was not something that disappeared simply because the adults said everything had changed.Sebastian gently stroked Elena's hair before lifting her into his arms."Why is Daddy talking to the bad uncle?""Because he's Daddy's friend."Elena immediately shook her head."No."Sebastian smiled patiently."Why not?""Because he's a bad uncle."Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for Leonard, who stood several steps away, to hear every word.He remained silent, allowing Sebastian to handle the conversation.Sebastian didn't contradict her right away."Elena... Uncle Leonard isn't a bad person."The little girl quickly shook her head again.She hugged her teddy
Leonard looked at Sebastian for a long moment without saying a word.From the tone of his friend's voice, he knew their conversation wasn't over.They had known each other for years, yet never once had Sebastian spoken with such weight in his voice.A gentle spring breeze drifted across the hotel balcony, carrying the faint sound of laughter from the reception hall.Beyond the glass doors, the wedding celebration continued in warmth and joy, while outside, two men who had once stood on opposite sides were finally speaking without hatred between them."What is it?" Leonard finally asked.Sebastian didn't answer right away.His gaze remained fixed on the garden below, where white flowers bloomed beneath the afternoon sun."I once told you that I'd known you for a long time."Leonard nodded."And that was true."Sebastian drew a slow breath before continuing."But there's one thing I never told you."Leonard waited patiently."I used to hate you."The confession didn't surprise Leonard.
"Should we open it now?" Sebastian asked Adele."I think it would be better to wait."Sebastian nodded and handed the gift to one of the wedding coordinators."Please keep it in the bridal suite for now. After we've finished greeting all the guests, I'll open it."The coordinator immediately carried the box away.The family photo session resumed.Camera flashes continued to light up the ballroom as guests took turns stepping onto the stage to congratulate the newlyweds. The tension that had lingered over everyone for weeks had finally been replaced by warm laughter and cheerful conversation.Elena quickly became the center of attention.With innocent pride, she introduced Sebastian to everyone who came over to greet her."This is my Daddy."Every time she said those words, Sebastian would simply smile and gently stroke her hair.Adele watched the two of them, unable to hide her smile.To her, there was no greater gift than seeing her daughter grow up with the sense of security she had
Elena's innocent words brought Adele to a halt.The ballroom, which had moments earlier been filled with soft music and the quiet murmurs of the guests, suddenly seemed to fall silent in Leonard's ears. The little girl clung tightly to her mother's leg as she peeked over her shoulder, as though afraid the man who had once made her cry would come any closer.Adele slowly knelt until she was at eye level with her daughter.She gently stroked Elena's hair before speaking softly."It's all right. That uncle is only here as a guest."Elena slowly shook her head."I don't like him."Adele didn't force her daughter to change the way she felt.Elena's fear wasn't something that could disappear after a single explanation. The wounds Leonard had left behind ran too deep for a child so young.Seeing what was happening, Sebastian stepped forward.He crouched beside Elena and held out his hand."Would you like Daddy to walk with you to the front?"Elena nodded immediately and gripped Sebastian's h
The night in London felt colder than usual.City lights shimmered beyond the tall glass windows of an exclusive lounge. Soft music played in the background, nearly drowned out by the quiet clink of glasses and hushed conversations.Leonard Ashcroft sat in the corner, his body leaning back against a
Adele’s words made Leonard fall silent for a few seconds.Her tone was calm. Not judgmental. And somehow, that was exactly what made him uneasy.He studied her more closely.“So you already think I’m that terrible?”Adele slowly sipped her coffee.“I’m only stating facts.”“And everyone lies someti
The words sounded like a joke.But both of them knew there was a hint of threat beneath them.Leonard actually let out a quiet laugh. The coldness in his expression softened slightly.“You enjoy using my grandmother to scare me far too much.”“Because it works.”Leonard raised a brow. “Are you sure
Arabella stared at Sebastian without blinking. The monitor beside her bed beeped softly, while the cold white hospital lights made the room feel even more lifeless.Sebastian pulled a chair closer and sat beside the bed.“What I mean is… Arabella Whitmore has to disappear.”Arabella frowned slightl







