“I feel so tired.” Winter opened the door into Ezra’s office as she stepped in, yawning and stretching. “Hey brother.” She walked to the couch and fell on it. “I heard you call home and say you would be staying at my place last night. I didn’t see you or hear you show up.” Winter gasped as she raised her head and looked at Ezra. “I am hoping you didn’t tell Mom and Dad that I never showed up.” Ezra shook his head. “I won’t rat you out just yet, but sometimes, you have to be disciplined and take responsibility. You have to own your words. If you say this, then it should be this and not that.” “I’m sorry. I lost track of time.” “You should have called.” “Yeah. I should have called. I am so sorry.” She groaned as she stood to her feet, placing both hands on her head. “My head hurt so bad.” “And where are you going?” Ezra paused in what he was doing, focusing on her. “The bathroom. I need to wash my face. I look like sh*t. I am never going to late night parties again.” “Be careful

The front screen of the car allowed Emma to see what lay ahead. No one could see them from the outside because it was tinted. She tried to speak, but no words came out of her mouth. She sincerely believed that she could get out of this, but it appears that she will always be haunted. Her hands began to rub against one another, her heart began to pound as if it would drop from her chest, and a small amount of sweat started to appear on her forehead despite the air conditioner being on, making her acutely aware of how scared she actually is. Scared to hurt this man beside her. Ezra was no longer able to manage. They haven't said a word in the ten minutes since they got in the car. Before turning to face her, he took a few breaths in and then exhaled them. "If you decide to leave the company, I will completely understand." Emma gave him a quick glance. Even if she leaves, she won't be free from the guilt of lying to Ezra about Zoe and making him believe she is his child. "What good doe

The taxi dropped Emma off in front of a large house, and Emma kept checking her phone to make sure the address Sandra had sent her was accurate. She double-checked to make sure when she and Zoe got out of the car. “Emma. Bella lives in a big house.” “I am as surprised as you are. Remember. Be a good girl. Okay?” "Are you going to leave me behind? I don’t want you to go.” Zoe clung to her. Looking at Zoe, Emma's smile spread across her face. She knelt down to give her a closer look. Emma sighed and put her hands on the girl's shoulder. “Don’t you want me to go?” When she asked, Zoe nodded.“It won’t take long. Just stay for my sake. Pleaseeee.” How could she refuse? Just looking at Zoe’s face made her smile. How on earth could she refuse her? In fact, playdates were only going to be for a few hours. Instead of coming and going, she can wait that long. “Alright, Zo. I'll hang back and wait.” Emma got to her feet and extended a hand. “Come on.” The black gate opened on its own as the

Emma chose a few dresses from her closet. She checked which one to choose by looking in the mirror. It was Sunday morning, and Mrs. Queen would send a car to pick her up soon. She detested having to leave Zoe at home after the girl had been discharged the previous evening. Thanks to her argument with Phoebe, Emma couldn’t ask her friends for help. Speaking of Phoebe, where is she? Emma wondered. Zoe pointed and said, "I like that pink one." “You do?” Emma examined herself in the mirror to make sure. If she were to be frank, she doesn’t want to wear dresses that would be extra, but she has to. People would be present if Mrs. Queen had only invited her because she is the Queen's fashion company's favorite designer. She needs to sell herself. “No. I don’t think I like this one, Zoe.” She tossed the pink dress on the bed and reached for a cocktail dress with a more formal look that was only knee length. "This, I believe, is better." “It is black.” “I know. I love black.” Emma picked o

Emma smiled as she picked out the perfect outfit for the day. She needs to return to the office after missing it for a week looking put together. Last night, she had trouble falling asleep because of Ezra's words, which kept replaying in her head. Emma sat in front of her mirror, trying out her hairstyle for the day. She decided on her hairstyle as she pulled out her hair curler and began to curl her hair. She reached for her lipstick and applied a small amount to her lips. “Emma. I am ready.” With her uniform on, Zoe sprinted into the room. “Are you that excited?” Zoe nodded. “I will see Bella. I am happy.” Emma smiled as she rose to her feet. She reached for her scarf and sunglasses to swathe her face in protection. She has been the internet's most popular trend for days, but she doesn't want to draw attention at Zoe's school or to be associated with a child on the news. Even though Hidden Towel is a large city, the town she is presently residing in is a small one. A town where