**LIA** After my refreshing shower, I opted for a comfortable travel outfit. I donned a pair of grey cargo pants and a black crop hoodie, ideal for the impending flight. I secured my hair into a ponytail, with plans to release it later. Tying it up initially saved me from the trouble of constantly managing it. As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but notice the mild disarray. Even though room service would eventually tidy it up, my compulsive nature got the best of me. I embarked on an impromptu room-cleaning session after I packed my travel bag and placed it beside Drex's. My curiosity about Drex's whereabouts nagged at me. It was unusual for him to be away for so long, and even though I was savoring the peace, a sense of unease gnawed at me. Upon completing my impromptu cleaning duties, I decided I deserved a pat on the back for making the room presentable again. With a satisfied smile, I left the room to head to the hotel's dining hall for a much-needed meal. My choice was

**LIA** When we finally returned to our new apartment after the dinner with the Kings, they kindly offered to take Angel for the night to allow me some much-needed rest. The exhaustion was undeniable, but the mere thought of being separated from her after all those long months was unbearable. I politely declined their offer, assuring them that I could handle it, and took Angel to my room, tucking her in for a peaceful night's sleep. The apartment, still new and unfamiliar, felt simultaneously welcoming and foreign. The soft hum of the air conditioning provided a soothing background noise, and the dim glow of the city's lights outside the window offered a sense of tranquility. After settling Angel, a burning determination filled me. I couldn't let Drex's father control our lives the way he did his own son's. With a resolute knock on Drex's bedroom door, I signaled my intent. "Hey Drex, I need to talk to you," I announced. With a knock on his room door. "Be right out!" he yelled fro

**LIA** The meal Jasper prepared was not only delicious but also a rare treat for me. Long hours at work had turned my home into a place I barely spent time in. Instead, I relied on takeout or dining out, and my kitchen rarely saw the presence of groceries. The only cooking I did at home was for Angel, carefully preparing her baby food. I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to Jasper for the meal, emphasizing how it had been so long since I had the pleasure of a home-cooked meal. When I entered my house, I was met with a less than welcoming sight – Drex, seated on the couch with a deep frown etched across his face. His posture conveyed his disapproval, and it was evident that he had been waiting for my return. Arms were folded, and he looked as if he had something important to discuss. Not wanting to let him know that I was aware of his presence, I feigned ignorance and gently placed Angel on the floor. "Come on, Angel, let's go play in our room," I cooed, helping her take her wobbly f

**LIA** “Come on, Angel, let's give mommy some space to get ready.” Drex said. It sounded weird hearing that come from him. I think he realized how weird it sounded given our situation, because he didn’t bother looking up anymore, he practically ran out of the room. I almost bust into laughter because of how cute that was. After my shower, I didn't bother to lotion my body, it was already night so I didn't want to have to stress, I decided to go for comfort, I went for black shorts and a big grey T-shirt as my outfit, after drying my hair I packed it up in a rough bun. Took my phone from my bed and headed to the living room. As I observed Drex holding our child, it struck me that this might be the first time he had ever held her in nearly two years since her birth. The thought brought a pang of sadness as I recalled that my own father had never held me; he had passed away long before I came into the world. Despite the pretense of our situation, I felt grateful that Angel could expe

**LIA**As I glanced down at Angel, cradling her gently to coax her back into slumber, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through my mind. The intensity of the moment we shared was undeniable, but rationality prevailed as I dismissed any notion of an impromptu rendezvous. It was just a fleeting moment, I reassured myself, albeit a tempting one. Trying to get rid of Drex that was in my thoughts, I tried thinking about the bulky work I would have to do today, catching up in school today. But somehow he stayed in my thoughts. With Angel stirring in her sleep, I knew I had a limited window of opportunity to get everything prepared for the day ahead. Today was Angel's first day at preschool and I wanted to prepare as much as possible for her. As I carefully laid her back in to her crib, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride mixed with a hint of apprehension for what the day would bring.After completing my own morning routine, I tended to Angel's needs, bathing her and dressing her in a ch