MasukAva stood from the table slowly. She almost looked lighter, though the worry still touched her eyes. “Goodnight, Golden.”
“Goodnight,” he replied.
She walked into her room, closing the door gently behind her. He waited until the room settled into quiet before leaning back in his chair.
He stared at the table for a long time.
A wry breath escaped him. He had given Lawrence every encouragement to press charges and demand full repairs. He had supported him with confidence, saying the family should take responsibility. He had no idea he was speaking about a child tied to his wife.
Now the situation sat directly in his hands.
He rubbed his forehead slowly and picked up his phone. The screen lit the dim room.
Golden pressed his palms together as he waits for the call to connect. But the line was busy.
He had to protect Pearl for Ava’s sake. But more than that, he felt troubled inside him.
He was proMorning settled gently inside the small boutique. Sunlight touched the fabrics draped across the mannequins. The sewing machines rested on the long table, waiting for the day to begin. Ava swept the front floor as Pearl arranged a row of newly finished skirts.It felt like the start of a normal day.Ava finished sweeping and reached for her phone to check messages. She expected the usual one or two customer orders, a reminder from a supplier, maybe a text from Pearl’s grandmother talking about the children.She unlocked the screen.At the top of her inbox was a new message.“Invitation: Newton Group Collaboration Initiative.”Ava blinked.She read it once.Then again.Her hand froze.“Pearl,” she said, her voice unsteady. “Come here.”Pearl looked up from the hem she was pinning. “What is it”Ava swallowed and held out the scr
The next few days moved more gently than the week before. The fear that had stayed in the studio finally settled into the background, leaving space for calm moments to return. Ava and Pearl found themselves talking more, sitting together between customers, sharing the small thoughts they usually kept to themselves.They spoke about work, about their children, and about the dreams they still held quietly inside their hearts.Pearl touched a roll of fabric one afternoon and said, “I want Jay to grow in a safe place, Ava. I want him to have options I never had.”Ava nodded. “Savior too. Sometimes I look at her and wonder how I will explain everything one day to Golden.”Pearl gave her a soft look. “You will explain it when the time is right. You are doing well.”They continued sorting new designs, folding dresses, arranging displays. The boutique felt more alive again. Customers walked in and out, and the small stud
The next day, Ethan decided to pick Ava from work before going home.As they reach the car park, he stepped back, closing her door gently, he walked around the car. Rain pattered against him, falling down his collar and hair, but he didn’t flinch or hurry. She watched him from inside, studying the firm line of his jaw, the steady grip of his hand as he opened the driver’s door.He is the silent type, she muttered to herself.He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. The convoy behind them stayed far, watching and waiting.They reached home in few minutes. The rain had slowed by then, but his clothes were still damp. Ava stepped out and walked beside him toward the door.Inside the apartment, she went to get a towel.When she returned, he was standing in the hallway, removing his jacket. Water dripped from the hem.She handed him the towel quietly.He took it, but his eyes didn’t meet hers. &
Ethan watched Ava from the doorway as she tied her hair behind her head, his eyes following her movements with quiet attention. To him she was still recovering, but Ava was already up and doing haven gone already out few days ago to see her daughter.Ethan didn’t bother telling her about the incident in the park yesterday, he felt there was no need since she didn’t know the people involved.“You should not strain yourself,” he said.“I am fine,” she answered. “I want to go out today.”“Where”“The market,” she said. “We need things for the kitchen.”Ethan looked at her for a long second. He wanted to refuse. He wanted her to rest. But the faint eagerness on her face softened something inside him. He took the car keys without another word.They drove to a local market not far from their street. It was busy but warm, filled with stalls selling kitc
He let her believe she was right.Ava continued, “Pearl will be so relieved. She cried yesterday. This will give her hope again.”Ethan listened without speaking. Her happiness warmed something inside him, but a thin line of guilt stayed at the edge of his thoughts.He had used his power freely to protect her peace, yet he could not tell her any part of it. She believed he was just an ordinary employee making calls on behalf of his boss.He kept that image for her, hiding the truth away from her.Ava took another bite of breakfast, calmer now. “Golden… thank you again. Truly.”He watched her quietly and answered in a low voice. “You do not need to thank me.”She smiled gently. “I will thank you anyway.”Ethan lowered his gaze.In his mind, he said only one thing:‘So this is what it means to protect someone without showing your identity.&
Ava stood from the table slowly. She almost looked lighter, though the worry still touched her eyes. “Goodnight, Golden.”“Goodnight,” he replied.She walked into her room, closing the door gently behind her. He waited until the room settled into quiet before leaning back in his chair.He stared at the table for a long time.A wry breath escaped him. He had given Lawrence every encouragement to press charges and demand full repairs. He had supported him with confidence, saying the family should take responsibility. He had no idea he was speaking about a child tied to his wife.Now the situation sat directly in his hands.He rubbed his forehead slowly and picked up his phone. The screen lit the dim room.Golden pressed his palms together as he waits for the call to connect. But the line was busy.He had to protect Pearl for Ava’s sake. But more than that, he felt troubled inside him.He was pro







