It’s been two hours since Zoella came into that house. Emma made sure the little girl was comfortable. She wasn’t a talker; instead, she put all her time into drawing. The girl had just finished her nightly bath and was changed into her pajamas. When Emma got her ready for bed, she said goodnight, gave the girl a kiss on her cheek, and turned off the light before she closed the door behind her. As she returned to the living room, Emma reached for her phone and instantly called Phoebe. “What was that about? You suddenly hung up the phone. It was like you saw a ghost or something.” Phoebe said. “Yeah. Kind of.” “What are you saying?” “Phoebe, the matron, showed up with Zoella. Unexpectedly.” Emma whispered, repeatedly checking Zoe’s door. As she took a seat on the couch, she sighed. “What?” “Now I don't know how I will do it. This is bad timing.” “No. it is good timing.” ”What?” “Emma. Think about this. The party you planned on telling Ezra about you is in two days time. What

Emma yawned, dropping the cloth she had completed on the couch. She stood up and stretched. Feeling tired, she reached for her phone to check the time. “5:00 am.” She let out a low groan. She didn't know she spent that much time on the cloth. She dropped it back on the table, adjusted her newly sewn cloth, and placed it in a corner, then used the couch for a little nap. Just before she was about to start with the cloth, she received a call from Phoebe. Emma had informed her she wouldn't be able to come home until after the party. Phoebe had promised to care for Zoella while she did her work. And ended the sentence with, “Make sure you become the eye of the party.” Emma replayed those words in her head. She adjusted herself on the uncomfortable couch as she closed her eyes to sleep. The sound of the alarm woke her up a little after seven, leaving her with just two hours to sleep. She got up from the couch and used the bathroom to freshen up. Since no one would be present at the offic

Holding her cheek with his strong hand as he kissed her, Ezra Queen felt he had been there before and he would be there again. He couldn’t control himself. She was the same woman he had tried his best not to look at that afternoon on their way to the mansion; now, he is settled on her lips, savoring it like it was a goblet of wine. Like it was some kind of treasure he couldn't dare put away. Like it needed to be cared for, and that was what he was doing. Taking care of it like it deserved. Like it was intended to be placed inside of his. As he rocked his tongue into hers like the monster he is or is about to become, his hand combed through her hair. He made an effort to maintain control, but he was failing. Perhaps it was the taste of her or the scent of her perfume that kept him from moving, but he just didn't want to be free. Not yet. She was always filled with innocence when he looked at her, and he has tried to avoid shattering that innocence. But how could he not? Tonight, just

The following morning, Ezra awoke with a slight headache. He blinked at the ceiling and dragged himself out of bed. When his phone buzzed, he reached for it and saw the news feed that had appeared. “New Favorite Designer of Queens Fashion Company. Miss Facer” There was a picture of her next to it. It was being taken when she got out of the limo. He knew she would win the title. Because of how she had presented herself and handled Winter's cloth, he had no doubt that she would triumph.He reached for the aspirin near his bed and placed it in his mouth, pushing the drug down with the glass of water he picked up from his table. As he approached the curtain and raised it, Ezra yawned. The morning sun flashed across his face as he inhaled deeply. He shifted his focus to the door where Cody was standing after hearing him bark. “Come here, boy.” He motioned. Cody ran to him, and he patted him on the head. “Are you ready for your morning walk?” Ezra interpreted Cody's roll on the ground as an

At precisely 3:15 p.m, Emma was waiting outside the school to pick up Zoe. She had gone to the closest restaurant earlier to look for work. She needs to spend some time apart from Ezra. People had recognized her, but she had changed her name and appearance to make it appear as though she wasn't the person they said she was. After the interview, the restaurant manager assured her that he would get in touch with her. Even though it isn’t what she has a passion for, Emma is doing this to get out of trouble. She decided that it would be best to put a temporary distance between herself and Ezra since he won't be bringing any legal action regarding what transpired three years ago. Emma stepped inside the school. She saw Zoe leaving the classroom. “Hey hun.” At her, Emma waved. Zoe sprinted over and gave Emma a big hug, encircling Emma's neck as Emma knelt down to be at Zoe's eye level. Releasing the little girl, Emma said with a smile, “I have missed you.” “I have missed you too.” “How w