Nicholas's POV
I 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, anNicholas'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 sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at Charlie's peaceful sleeping face. His breaths were steady, and his small body shifted slightly as he rolled to the other side. A gentle smile spread across my face as I watched him sleep so soundly. Seeing him like this brought a rare sense of peace, especially amidst the chaos that had unfolded recently.Beautiful memories with Charlie flashed through my mind—our laughter, the little adventures we shared, and how he always managed to make me smile, even on my toughest days. Yet, there were also worries gnawing at me. The tension between Hazel and Nicholas, along with the guilt that sometimes haunted me, made me feel uneasy.I knew how deep Hazel’s love for Charlie was and the great sacrifices she had made over the years. Yet, my presence in Charlie's life seemed to create an uncertainty that was hard to face. The fear of losing the bond that had formed made me feel trapped. On the other hand, I a
Sabrina's POV Nicholas carefully spread the jam, each movement seeming thoughtful. I paused for a moment, feeling something warm flow in my chest. Little gestures like this always made me feel appreciated.As he finished the toast, the enticing aroma made my stomach rumble again. Nicholas smiled, as if understanding how much I missed something delicious.We stood in the kitchen, surrounded by the soft light from the lamps, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere. In this quiet moment, all worries and life's complexities seemed to fade away. This simple bread was not just food, but a symbol of the care and affection we shared.I took two drinks from the fridge, soda for Nicholas and green tea for myself."Thank you," I said softly.As I returned to the table, Nicholas glanced at me again and smiled slightly, looking pleased with my choice.He remembered little things like that, and I felt valued. This simple moment, sharing d
Sabrina's POV Nicholas sat beside me, and his presence provided an invaluable sense of security. We shared a moment of silence, listening to the soothing sounds of nature. The gentle wind and rustling leaves created a harmonious melody, adding to the peace of this night. I reflected on all the efforts and struggles we had faced. Each step felt heavy, but tonight, it all seemed worthwhile. With Nicholas by my side, I felt strengthened and supported. He was always there, a light in the darkness, and I felt grateful for his presence. As I gazed at the sky, I envisioned a bright future. I knew many challenges awaited, but tonight, I felt ready to face them all. The love and support we had gave me the strength to move forward, and I no longer felt alone. “Sleep, you must be tired,” Nicholas said. I nodded and left the room. I lay down next to Charlie, pulling the blanket up to cover his small
Sabrina's POV I run toward the yard, flinging open the front door, hoping to find her standing there. But there is no one. My chest tightens further. My eyes begin to burn. No. This can’t be happening. “Charlie!” I scream at the top of my lungs, my voice rising in panic. Tears are falling before I can hold them back. I bite my lip, my body beginning to shake violently. It feels like the entire world around me is collapsing in an instant. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I’ve lost Charlie. My hands grip my chest, which feels painful, my head spinning with terrible thoughts. I sob, my knees finally giving way, and I fall to the floor, shaking uncontrollably. “Charlie... where are you?” I whisper through my sobs, a desperate voice barely audible even to myself. I cry uncontrollably, feeling a fear I’ve never experienced before. I’m still sobbing on the floor, my body trembling uncontrollably. My breath is ragged, my chest feels so tight. The fear grips me tightly, as if shatte
Sabrina's POV After finishing our shopping, as we walked past the stores, Charlie suddenly pulled my hand excitedly. "Mom, Dad, can we play first? Look, there's Timezone!" he said, pointing to the arcade area in the corner of the mall. I glanced at Nicholas, seeking his approval. Nicholas just smiled slightly and shrugged. "Why not? We still have time." Charlie immediately cheered and pulled us both toward the arcade. I laughed at his enthusiasm, while Nicholas just shook his head, smiling. Seeing Charlie so excited made my heart flutter. Moments like this are what I always wanted—sharing happiness and joy as a family. Once inside, the loud sounds from various game machines filled our ears. The laughter of children and the sound of falling coins created an atmosphere full of energy and cheer. Charlie jumped up and down, his eyes sparkling as he saw all the colorful games. He ran toward the most eye-catching machine, as if all the games were calling him. Nicholas and I followed be
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