Hazel's POV
I took a quiet breath, placing my drink on the table. “What’s wrong, Charlie? Why aren’t you eating again?” Charlie looked down, his fingers playing with the tissue in his lap. “I... I want to see Dad,” he said softly. I felt a tightening in my chest. I knew how much Charlie missed Nicholas, but I also knew what would happen if I allowed Nicholas to come along from the start. I intentionally didn’t tell him about this trip because I wanted some one-on-one time with Charlie without interruptions from anyone, especially Sabrina. This moment was an opportunity to strengthen our bond, to share happiness without any conflicts or tensions disturbing us. However, seeing the disappointment on Charlie’s face made me feel guilty. I tried to convince myself that this was the right step, but the pain in my chest kept reminding me that this decision wasn’t easy. I wanted Charlie to feel loved and cared for, and ISabrina's POVI took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as I began to lift the small dumbbell in my hand. It weighed only about one kilogram, but it felt like a ton pulling my arm down.My muscles tensed, and a pain shot from my wrist to my shoulder. Each lift felt heavier, as if not just my physical strength was involved, but also the emotional burden I carried.Still, I tried to stay focused. I knew this workout was not just for fitness, but also a way to relieve stress and regain my spirit. With every lift, I hoped to release the tension binding me, wishing to return with positive energy for Charlie and myself.I clenched my jaw, holding back the frustration that began to creep into my mind. It had been four weeks since the surgery, and although the doctor said I was showing good progress, I still felt far from recovery.My hands were not as strong as they used to be. My movements were not as fluid as before. Every time I tried to perfor
Sabrina's POVThe words barely escaped my lips, surprised by this sudden news.Nicholas stepped closer and sat beside me. He looked serious, but there was an optimistic tone in his voice. His presence provided a bit of calm amid the uncertainty I faced."Charlie wants to meet you," he said. That information felt like a surge of new energy touching my heart. The longing that had built up inside me began to break, waiting to be released in a long-awaited meeting.Nicholas continued, explaining that he had just spoken to Hazel. It turned out that Hazel hadn't allowed him to bring me to meet Charlie. However, there was certainty in his tone that we could arrange something. Most importantly, Charlie himself wanted this.A mix of feelings began to arise. I felt hope and excitement but also a bit of doubt. While I desperately wanted to meet Charlie, there were concerns about how ready I was for that meeting.Nicholas looked at me as if
Sabrina's POV My heart raced. Every second felt like a bell tolling, reminding me of the importance of this moment. When we finally arrived, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Nicholas signaled to get ready, and I could feel the excitement within me beginning to swell.Nicholas glanced at me and smiled. "You look really excited.""Of course," I replied quickly. "It feels like a dream. I can see Charlie, hug him, talk to him." I paused for a moment, my eyes drifting out the window, watching the passing scenery. "I don't know what to say later, but I want him to know that I'm always there for him."Nicholas nodded, as if he completely understood my feelings. "Charlie will be so happy to see you." His words boosted my spirits, although deep down, there was still a bit of doubt.During the journey, memories of him kept swirling in my mind. The sound of his laughter, the way he called me "Mommy," and all the beautiful moments we had
Sabrina's POV Meanwhile, Nicholas took out his phone and called Hazel. He pressed the phone to his ear and waited a few seconds before Hazel finally picked up. "Where are you?" Nicholas asked directly without preamble. Hazel sounded hesitant before answering, "We're still near the dining area; Charlie just finished his chicken. Why?" Nicholas glanced at me before replying, "We're here. I've brought someone who wants to meet Charlie." Silence. Nicholas could feel Hazel holding back something on the other end of the line. "I didn't say I wanted to meet him," Hazel's voice sounded flat. Nicholas sighed. "This isn't about us, Hazel. Charlie wants to meet Sabrina, and I've brought her here. We won't make a fuss; I just want Charlie to be happy." Hazel didn't answer immediately, but Nicholas knew the woman couldn't refuse Charlie's request. "Fine," Hazel finally said. Nicholas nodded in satisfaction. "We'll be there soon."
Nicholas's POVI watched Sabrina and Charlie running joyfully toward the zoo’s playground. Their wide smiles lit up their faces, and their cheerful laughter echoed in the air. Seeing their happiness made my heart flutter. This moment was so precious, and I wanted to give them time to enjoy this togetherness.Meanwhile, I chose to stay here with Hazel. Although there was a deep longing to join them, I knew that letting them have fun was the right decision.The scenery around me was so bright. The sun shone warmly, illuminating every corner of the zoo. The sounds of lively animals and the aroma of snacks added to the cheerful atmosphere. I felt the joy radiating from Charlie, and that was enough to calm my heart.While waiting, I contemplated everything. This was a rare opportunity to see Charlie happy, and I didn’t want to disrupt the beautiful moment unfolding. Perhaps there would be another time to talk and share stories. Today was about them, an
Nicholas's POV Hazel sighed sharply, then stepped closer. "You're too focused on Sabrina. Since she got out of the hospital, everything you do is about her. You make sure she's okay, you make sure she can see Charlie again. But have you ever thought about me? Have you ever asked how I feel about all this?"I clenched my jaw, realizing that her anger ran deeper than just Sabrina and Charlie. "Hazel, this isn't about me choosing her over you. This is about Charlie. I'm doing this for Charlie."My words flowed, but I could feel the tension in the air. Even though I tried to explain my position, I knew her feelings couldn’t be ignored. She felt sidelined, and that was hard to confront.Hazel seemed to struggle with her emotions, and I desperately wanted to calm her heart. However, every time I opened my mouth, it felt like adding fuel to an already raging fire. This was a complicated situation, and I didn’t want to hurt anyone.Hazel laughed
Nicholas's POV Hazel stared at me intensely, and there was something threatening in her gaze. "Are you falling in love with her again, Nicholas?" Her voice trembled, but not from sadness. It was more about anger that was about to explode, as if all her pent-up emotions wanted to come out. "Is it because she got sick? Because she almost died?"That question shook my soul. I could feel the uncertainty surrounding her, and I knew that in her mind, everything happening was a reflection of deep fear and anxiety. Hazel felt threatened by Sabrina's presence, and now she was struggling to understand my feelings for Charlie's former girlfriend.But I also sensed the sadness in her voice, a sadness that was not only about our relationship but also about loss and vulnerability. She was grappling with the reality that her love for Charlie could not protect him from the pain that might come.I tried to find the right words, explaining that my feelings were no
Nicholas's POV On a bench in front, not far from the dolphin show pool, Sabrina and Charlie were sitting side by side. Charlie was holding a cup of ice cream, his eyes sparkling as he watched the dolphins gracefully leap into the air before splashing back down into the water, eliciting cheers from the audience.When our eyes met, Sabrina noticed first. Her smile widened, and she gently patted Charlie's shoulder. The boy turned to me and enthusiastically waved his hand.My chest felt warm.I waved back at them while walking faster toward their bench. After everything that had happened recently, seeing Charlie and Sabrina like this, laughing and enjoying their time, made me feel relieved."Dad!" Charlie exclaimed as I approached. He set his cup of ice cream aside and got up from his seat. I welcomed him with a tight hug."Did you have fun?" I asked, looking between him and Sabrina."Yes, Dad!" Charlie bounced a little. "T
Sabrina's POV I had just arrived home after dropping Charlie off at school. As I opened the door, the gentle aroma of the empty house welcomed me. I placed my bag and keys on the small table near the entrance, taking a deep breath in an attempt to dispel the heavy silence that felt more oppressive today.Every corner of this house reminded me of the beautiful moments we had shared together. However, now everything felt empty without Nicholas's presence. I walked slowly into the living room, feeling the stillness envelop me.Sitting on the sofa, I reflected on how my days were always filled with noise and laughter. Now, everything seemed to have come to a halt. I picked up my phone and checked the screen, hoping for a message from him, but there was none.“I can get through this,” I whispered, trying to calm myself. Maybe I could do something to fill the time, something that would make me feel better. I got up and headed to the kitchen, intending to pr
Sabrina's POV Charlie looked proud to hear that. He puffed out his little chest, making me smile even more.When we arrived home, I helped Charlie take off his shoes on the porch. We went inside, and the aroma of chicken soup wafting from the kitchen immediately filled our noses.Charlie sniffed the air and exclaimed, “Wow, your cooking smells amazing, Mom!”I ruffled his hair gently. “Let’s wash our hands first, then we can eat.”We went to the bathroom, washing our hands together while laughing as Charlie played with soap bubbles. After that, we sat at the dining table. I poured warm soup into Charlie’s bowl, arranging it with cute-shaped vegetables, star-shaped carrots, and heart-shaped potatoes to make him more excited to eat.As the first spoonful entered his mouth, his eyes widened. “It’s so good, Mom!”I laughed. “You like it?”He nodded quickly. “Yes! Daddy has to try this later!”I held my breath f
Sabrina's POV I tried to focus on the road, but the image of his face kept haunting me. I imagined how he was doing now, in London, facing heavy challenges. “Is he okay? Does he feel alone?” I asked myself.Every question haunted my mind, but I knew I had to be strong. For Charlie, for Nicholas, and for myself.Upon arriving home, I walked slowly to the living room, sat on the sofa, and reached for a small photo album lying on the table. I hadn’t opened the album in a long time, but today, for some reason, I wanted to see the smiles captured by the camera.The first thing I saw was a photo of Charlie as a toddler, hugged by Nicholas while smiling brightly. His little face full of happiness reminded me of those simple times. It felt like just yesterday when he was learning to walk, and Nicholas was always there to catch him whenever he fell.I continued to the photo from Charlie's first birthday. Nicholas and I stood in the background, ou
Sabrina's POVThis morning felt a bit quieter. There was no sound of Nicholas's footsteps usually heard from the bathroom to the kitchen, no sleepy smile as he pulled out a chair for breakfast. It was the second day without his presence, and I was still trying to adjust.Every corner of this house felt empty, as if everything had lost its color. I sat at the dining table, staring at the empty plate in front of me. The aroma of coffee that usually warmed the atmosphere now only reminded me of his absence. I tried to distract myself by reading a book, but the words on the pages felt flat and meaningless.I remembered the little moments with him—how he would often tease me when I was too serious, or how he always remembered little details about me. Without him, my days seemed dull and monotonous.Taking a deep breath, I stood up from the table. Maybe I needed to go out and get some fresh air. But before that, I glanced at our photo on the wall. His b
Nicholas’s POV Leaning back in the car seat, I took a deep breath. I knew this journey was not just about saving the project, but also about saving trust—trust from clients, trust from my family, and perhaps, my own trust in the people I had once considered important.I opened my phone again, staring at the wallpaper photo, me, Sabrina, and Charlie in the park last week. They were the reason I had to resolve all of this. I couldn’t fail.“I’ll be home soon,” I whispered to the screen now displaying the digital boarding pass. “For you.”The plane was set to take off in one hour, and I was already sitting in the airport waiting lounge, alone with my endlessly spinning thoughts. My laptop was on my lap, but not a single email I read truly registered in my mind. I just stared at the blank screen while my thoughts returned to one point—Hazel.Why did she do it? What was her motivation? I knew she loved Charlie. But this… this wasn’
Nicholas’s POV I suddenly sank back in my chair. My body felt stiff, and my head felt like it had been hit with a blunt object. The project with Mr. Harrington wasn’t just any project; it was a long-term strategic partnership that would expand our business network into Europe. Everything was almost finalized. And now, canceled?I squeezed my temples with both hands. The missing report, Hazel avoiding me, and now this. Everything felt clearer. But there was no time to get caught up in anger or shock.I had to move quickly. With my mind starting to focus, I reopened my laptop and began checking all the data related to the project. If there were discrepancies, I needed to find them before Mr. Harrington made his final decision.One thing was certain: I couldn’t let this end like this. I had to find Hazel, get an explanation from her, and perhaps—just perhaps—find a way to save this project.“Book the fastest flight to London for today!” I c
Nicholas’s POV I had been holding my phone for five minutes, staring at the screen with Hazel's name clearly displayed. Anger bubbled inside me, but there was also deep disappointment. Even so, I knew I couldn’t resolve this with just emotions. I needed clarity. I needed direct answers from her.So, with a deep breath, I pressed the green button and brought the phone to my ear. But she didn’t answer.Seconds ticked by, feeling more and more tense. I tried calling again, but the result was the same. The courage I had built up began to fade, replaced by anxiety and frustration.What should I do now? If she was indeed involved, maybe she already knew I was suspicious. With each passing second, negative thoughts gnawed at me.The ringing tone continued until I finally heard her voice on the other end. “Hello?” “Hazel, it’s Nicholas.” There was a brief silence, then I heard her usual tone. “Oh… why are you calling
Nicholas’s POV My heart began to race. This wasn’t just an ordinary document. Inside were details of the monthly report, fund allocation strategies, and financing plans for new projects. Everything was sensitive.I stood and walked to the shelf in the corner of the room, checking the extra folders I sometimes used to store copies. Still nothing. “Strange…” I muttered as I sat back down and rubbed my temples.My mind drifted to many things. I hadn’t opened that document yesterday. So who did? My secretary was always meticulous and wouldn’t randomly move important documents without my knowledge. And the only person in my office yesterday was Hazel.I shook my head quickly, trying to dismiss the suspicion that arose. But my mind was starting to be clouded with discomfort. I rarely made mistakes with paperwork, especially something so crucial.Quickly, I pressed the intercom button. “Please come to my office now.” “Sure, sir.”
Nicholas’s POV Today was long, and I had to be strong for everything. A sense of responsibility flowed within me, pushing me to remain steadfast. With each passing second, I was determined to give my best for our family.Charlie began to tell stories about his friends at school, his cheerful voice filling the car. I tried to listen, although my thoughts still wandered to heavier matters. However, seeing his smile made me feel a little better.“Papa, look! There’s a dog!” he suddenly exclaimed, pulling my attention back to the road.I smiled, trying to engage in his excitement. “Yeah, champ! The dog is cute, isn’t it?”As soon as the car stopped right in front of the school gate, Charlie eagerly unbuckled his seatbelt. “Charlie’s off to school now, Papa!” he exclaimed as he reached for his bag in the back seat. I turned to him and placed a hand on his shoulder for a moment. “Wait a second.” Charlie stopped and looked at