Steven’s Point of View It was already evening when I heard a light knock on the door. “Come in.” “Mr. Carter, I have attached the report you requested.” “Brandon, did you manage to find the information I asked for?” I inquired, scanning through the photos on my desk, which had been sent to me four years ago following Summer’s disappearance. “It’s strange,” I muttered to myself. Standing up, I walked towards the glass wall to watch at the city below the building. It had been four years ago that I had stood in front of this very same building, pondering about Summer’s whereabouts within one of these skyscrapers. And yet, there I was again, staring into the past and reminiscing about what could have been. “Of course, Mister Carter,” replied Brandon. “I have located the person you requested me to find. Here is the information I have collected.” As he handed me a white folder, he bowed and continued, “Based on my findings, they left the country on the same day, but not together. Addit
Steven’s Point of ViewI carefully set the plastic bag on the table directly in front of the couch where she turned sleeping. She lay on her side, using one hand as a pillow, while the other clutched onto a photo album. I approached her in a slow and purposeful crouch, ensuring my movements were deliberate and unhurried.As I drew closer, I delicately reached out to sweep away the stray tendrils of hair that rested upon her noble face. Each strand, like a delicate wisp of silk, was carefully lifted away, revealing the captivating features that lay beneath. The soft touch of my fingertips against her skin was a tender caress, a gesture of utmost care and devotion. In that intimate moment, time seemed to stand still, as if the world around us faded into insignificance, leaving only the two of us connected in that quiet, profound act of affection.She had been blissfully unaware of the world around her as she continued to slumber peacefully. The soft rhythm of her breaths, like a gentle
Summer’s Point of View Noticing his surprise, I quickly switched to a different subject. My assumption that he reciprocated my feelings was clearly self-indulgent. “On another note, I have no desire to stay in this house indefinitely. I plan to construct a new shop which will help me save up, so I hope you can help me with this one. This way, when my three-year contract is up and I choose to leave the country, I’ll have some funds to rely on.” “Why do you still need that?” he inquired, his brow furrowing. “I can give you everything you want.” “I’m sorry, Mister Carter, but I cannot accept your money,” I said coldly. “I will repay the amount you spend on building my new shop because I do not wish to owe you anything. I do not want to be indebted to you for the rest of my life.” I paused for a moment before continuing. “Moreover, I do not want Stefani to be caught up in this situation, especially if his father returns.” He stopped for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. “Yo
Steven’s Point of ViewJust as I was about to shut the door, assuming that Stefani would no longer follow me, I was taken aback when she timidly poked her head into my room and asked, “Excuse me, can I come in?”I gazed at her for some time, pondering why this young girl held such a special place in my heart. Each time I laid eyes on her, it brought to mind the two angels I had lost. Despite knowing that she was the offspring of Summer and another man, I could not muster any anger. Instead, a deep yearning filled me, and all I desired was to hold her close in my embrace.I let out a sigh and put on a faint smile, trying not to scare her. “Please don’t stick your head out like that or I might accidentally close the door and hit you. It’s not safe.”She looked at me with her rosy cheeks and innocent eyes, reminiscent of the way her mother used to catch me whenever she was up to mischief. “May I enter now, Mister?” she reiterated.I widened the doorway to let her in. “Feel free to take a
Steven’s Point of View“What do you mean I looked like your dad?” I asked, lowering into a deeper squat. “Have you already seen your dad?”“That’s what Mom said.”“What did she say, exactly?” I urged, my heart brimming with confusion. “She said he’s tall and handsome, looking like a prince,” came the reply. “Just like how Mister looks!”I let out a sigh of disappointment. ‘So, that’s what she meant…’“Mister looks so princely and tall! And you’re also wealthy!” She clasped her hands over her cheeks and closed her eyes, swaying her body dreamily. “Just like how my mom described my dad’s appearance.”I shut myself off, experiencing the intense agony that pierced through my chest. But soon after, I reopened my eyes and flashed a smile at her. “Absolutely not. I don’t want to resemble your father!”Her pouted lips and furrowed brows presented her displeasure. “And why is that?”“Because I’m taller and better-looking! I bet your dad isn’t as good-looking as I am!”“No, my daddy is more han
Steven’s Point of View We had arrived at the school and Summer had already gotten out of the car before I could open the door for her. However, Stefani remained seated, even though her mom had already opened the door for her. As I walked towards the door and stood next to Summer to see what was going on, Stefani suddenly pouted. “Mommy and Mister should come with me until I reach my room,” she insisted, glancing at the other students walking with both of their parents. “They might tease me if they see that I only have my mom with me.” Summer appeared surprised by what was said and retorted, “But didn’t you claim to be a grown woman who can handle things on her own? Was that not true?” Stefani stood still and swayed her little feet as she spoke, “I never said that I don’t want a dad...” “Stefani!“ This time, Summer’s voice rose. “How many times do I have to tell you not to mention him whenever—” “Why?!” She suddenly burst into tears and yelled, “Why do you always tell me not to me
Summer’s Point of ViewThe rain was coming down heavily, and I was relieved that Steven had picked up Stefani before the downpour. However, it was already midnight, and he still hadn’t returned. Stefani and I were in the kitchen, and I was making her a snack since she mentioned being hungry. I decided to prepare a sandwich and juice for her.“Mommy, why is Mister coming home late? Can’t we have dinner together?” asked Stefani, seated on a chair in front of the table.“I told you to stop bothering Steven because he’s busy.”She rested her chin on the table and gazed at the door, remarking, “Mister seems really down.”I halted my hand as it was about to apply the spread to my sandwich. I gazed at it with a dumbfounded expression and asked in a subdued tone. “Why?”“Although he is working hard, his wife left him. Don’t you also feel sad when dad left us?”I was about to explain something to her, but I abruptly stopped when we heard the sound of the door opening. Stefani quickly interrupte
Summer’s Point of ViewOpen his heart to love again.Open his heart to love again...I had lost count of how many times I had replayed these words in my head. The weight and emptiness of the thought that he might eventually choose to marry Amby or someone else was all-consuming. Was I prepared to witness him falling in love with another woman and me finally releasing him without revealing that Stefani was his daughter?How could our love be so self-centered? The love we thought we shared was nothing but agony. Was it truly love or were we simply holding onto this sentiment because we were both hurting and alone?“Mommy, are you paying attention to me?”My deep thinking was interrupted by Stefani shaking my hand, causing me to jolt. I redirected my focus to her and noticed she was pouting.“I’m sorry, sweetie. What’s wrong?” I asked, while packing her spare clothes into her little backpack.“Nevermind! I’ll ask Mister instead!” She fled through the doorway, donning her little white and