Between Hope and Burdens

Ameera's PovWe were finally back in New York.Mr. Blackwood hadn’t flown with us—apparently, he had “more important things” to take care of. And besides, it wasn’t like he’d ever fly on the same plane as us. Honestly, I was more than grateful for that.I slept through most of the ride back, my body heavy from exhaustion. When Michael and I arrived at the bus station, we went our separate ways.At home, I changed into a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt. Comfortable. Safe. Then I grabbed my purse and headed to the supermarket—I wanted to see Mum today. I hadn’t visited since the day Mrs. Loretta paid for her chemo, though I always called to check in.I picked up a “You’re the Best” card, some balloons, cupcakes, and a basket of fresh fruit. It wasn’t much, but I hoped it would brighten her room.“Miss Parker, right this way,” Dr. Melvin said when I arrived at the hospital, leading me to her ward.The faint beeping of machines filled the quiet room. I pushed the door open with my elb

Last Updated : 2025-10-28

Calculated risks

Kevin's Pov Every damn meeting was more boring than the last. Old fools, each one of them. I was convinced at least one of them had a hand in my parents’ deaths. The more I looked at their wrinkled faces, the more I wanted to pull my gun out and end it all right there. “Kevin, come over here,” a voice called. Williams. My father’s childhood best friend. The only one of them I could stomach. He’d been there for us—for me—when no one else was. “Mr. Williams,” I said, walking over. “How are you?” “I’m good, son. How are you holding up?” His voice carried genuine warmth, something rare in this world. “I’m well.” I cleared my throat. He handed me a small box. “My wife asked me to give you this. Her homemade muffins. You know she always bakes them around this time.” The remembrance month. Of course. “Thank you,” I said quietly, accepting the gift. “I appreciate the love you and Mrs. Williams show me.” I never ate them. Never wanted to. Eating muffins felt too normal, too comfort

Last Updated : 2025-10-28

Dinner with Loretta

Chapter 13 Kevin's Pov “So, you’re not going to eat anything?” my grandmother asked as she sat at the other end of the table. Michael had dropped me off at her place. So much space, yet just for two people. It felt… unnecessary. The dining table stretched wide, covered with enough food to feed ten people. Looking at it alone was enough to make someone full. My grandmother carried herself like she was still in her fifties. Brave, sharp, intelligent—probably the most brilliant woman I’ve ever met. My grandfather always said it was her intelligence that first drew him in, not even her beauty, and I believed him. She was always two steps ahead of everyone. Except the day she lost her son. That broke her, though she did her best to hide it. “I’m full,” I said, watching as she tore into her bread rolls. “Okay, if you say so.” “You asked to see me?” “Yes, indeed. Since you’re so busy with work, you’ve forgotten your grandparents,” she said, dropping her food. “I’m sorry, Grandmot

Last Updated : 2025-11-01

Uninvited feelings

Chapter 14 Kevin's Pov I decided to go with Caden’s dumb plan.The main wedding was held this morning. I couldn’t possibly leave work for that. Tonight was the dinner party—smaller, quieter, family and close friends. The kind of event my grandmother would insist I attend.We had just finished work. She was about to leave. Always lingering with Michael. Laughing too loud outside my office, like she had no care in the world. Irritating. I swear sometimes I think they’re dating.I stepped out and only found her standing there.“I was just about leaving, sir. Is there anything you want me to do before I go?”“No,” I said, staring into those brown eyes. They had this annoying pull, like they knew I’d look too long.“Alright then, have a good night,” she said with a soft smile and turned around.“Wait.” The word came out before I could stop myself.“Yes?”“You’ll be following me to an event tonight.”“Tonight?” she asked, surprise flickering. “Is it a meeting or—”“Like I said, it’s an ev

Last Updated : 2025-11-02

Mixed signals

Chapter 15 Ameera's Pov“Why didn’t he ask me to drop him off?” Michael asked as we sat together for breakfast.He had hot chocolate and meat rolls; I had coffee and donuts.“I don’t know, he probably didn’t want annoying people around him,” I teased, smirking.Michael laughed. “Yeah right. If that was true, you’d be the first person he asked to stay back.”“But he didn’t, right?” I said, taking a sip of my coffee.He shook his head. “I was scared he’d sacked you though. When I saw the new guy—”“Oh, he can’t do that. It’s not like I did anything wrong.”“Well… that’s what I thought about the guy before you,” I said, grinning.“Yeah, I heard you were the reason he got sacked,” Michael shot back, laughing.“No, I wasn’t,” I added quickly—even though I knew full well I was.---“Are these everything?” Kevin’s voice cut through my thoughts as he scanned the paperwork I’d placed on his desk.“Yes, sir.”He leaned back in his chair, his eyes locking on me. The same way they had last nig

Last Updated : 2025-11-03

Flowers for the dead

Chapter 16 Ameera's PovFlowers. Everywhere.It looked like the company had turned into a giant garden. Each bouquet screamed expensive, like they’d been specially grown for this exact purpose. And of course, they were all in front of my desk. Every single one addressed to Kevin.Michael wasn’t around for breakfast, so I didn’t have anyone to gossip with about it. I ended up sitting with Lily. We usually just exchanged polite “hellos” at work, so this was new.“Hey, Lily, what’s up with all the flowers?” I asked, eyeing the piles stacked around me.“Oh right—you’re new here.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Today’s the day Mr. Blackwood’s parents passed away.”“His parents?!” I nearly choked.She nodded. “People send flowers from all over the world. His father was a huge influence before his death, and so was his mother.”I stared. Was it terrible that I had no idea Kevin was basically an orphan?“He’s not in the best of moods this time of year,” Lily added.“Hmm. Can’t really bl

Last Updated : 2025-11-05