Elise's pov:When the clock struck ten o'clock, signalling the departure of everyone while I opted to remain, Theo inquisitively, "Why aren't you leaving?" Recollecting my earlier declaration about my intention to stay from the sight of my luggage that morning, I reiterated, "I'm choosing to remain here." Attempting to suggest a change of location, Theo questioned, "Why don't you go to your parents' place?" Firm in my decision, I replied, "I don't want to." Expressing concern, Theo advised, "You can't just sever ties with everyone like that, Elise." Feeling the weight of recent hardships, I let out an exasperated sigh before calmly requesting, "Will you please allow me some peace and solitude for a while? I've been grappling with numerous challenges recently, leaving me devoid of the energy to engage in a debate. So, kindly respect my need for solitude and depart for the night, Theo.”"Before heading to bed, it's always wise to double-check that all the doors are securely locked.

Elise's pov;The next morning, At the dining table, while everyone was having their breakfast quietly, Brian broke the silence by asking, “Elise, when will you come to my school today?”“Today?”“The performance that I'm doing for the Christmas program is today. Did you forget it already?”I shook my head and said, “I do remember. I was just thinking about something else. When will the program start? When should I be there at your school?”“The program will start at 10 am but my part will come by 11am.”“Okay, I'll be there.” And gave a smile at him before getting back to eating. Brian asked Mr Alarcon, “Dad, I'll be waiting for you too.”Mr Alarcon, “I have a meeting today so I'll try to come.”Brian tapped on my hand and said, “Elsie, dad's making an excuse. Ask him to come see my performance.”Instead of talking to Mr Alarcon, I said to Brian, “Don't worry, I'll be there to cheer for you.” and patted his head. When we finished breakfast, he started getting ready for school. In t

Elise's pov;When I woke up, I was in the hospital bed this time. The white ceiling and the antiseptic smell surrounded me and when I lifted my head, I saw Mr Alarcon on his phone. After seeing me, he hung up on whoever he was on the call and asked me, “How do you feel now?”Why is he acting like he care about me? “What happened to me?” I asked as I sat straight on the bed. “I'll call the doctor.” And walked out of the room. The door opened and Mr Alarcon walked in along with the doctor. The doctor asked me, “When did you had your last meal?”“Morning.”“So that means you skipped lunch and dinner?”When I gave him a nod, he continued, “Skipping meals will make your blood sugar levels to drop that's why you fainted.” “I'll prescribe supplement tablets for you. You can take them after your meal. But avoid taking them in empty stomach.”Mr Alarcon asked the doctor, “Can I take her home then?”“Yeah, you can discharge her now.” And the doctor left. Mr Alarcon said, “I'll finish the d

Elise pov;At my bakery store, While we're arranging the tables, Jared came to our store asking, “Looks like you decorated the store finally.” He walked around while saying, “Oh, you put up the window display too. It's nice…”Teresa, “Boss, is he really here to praise or tease us?”“Do you still doubt that?” Teresa let out a chuckle and asked, “Doesn't he have a store to look after? Why is he always coming here, boss?”“There's only one word to describe. Jealousy.” And let out a chuckle. Theo talked to him, “Mr Matthews, would you like to see our menu?”Jared replied that he's only here to take a look and went to the Christmas tree. When theo gave a fed up look, I said to him, “Let him be. Don't mind.”Theo gave a stare at me and walked to the bill counter. I walked to him and asked, “How long will you give me this silent treatment?”When he didn't answer, I continued, “What if someone thinks we had a fight? Do you want that?”Theo, “Boss, it's business hours. Let's not talk abou

Elise's pov:When I opened my eyes, I saw the ceiling over my head similar to Mr Alarcon place. When I sat straight up from the bed, I found myself in Mr Alarcon house. How did I come here? Wasn't I in the car… Lizzy!!! I got out of the bed and rushed out of the room to get stopped by Steve. He held me asking, “Mam, where are you going?”I tried pushing him away saying, “Lizzy! Lizzy's in trouble. I have to help her… Lizzy…”He interrupted me by saying, “Calm down, mam. Calm down, please.”“I have to go help her. Let me go!”“She's safe.” When I turned in the direction of the voice, I saw Mr Alarcon standing behind Steve. He continued, “She's doing good. She was sent home.” “Are you an idiot to go outside wearing only pyjamas? And why did you even go out in the middle of the night? Moreover, there's a snowstorm-”Brian came hugging me which made Mr Alarcon stop scolding me. I crouched down to ask, “I heard you crying on the phone. Why did you cry?”He held my cheeks saying, “Because