Sabrina's POV The peace in my child's life is my top priority. If I can ease the tension with Hazel, even in a limited capacity, I believe it will positively impact Charlie's development. He should not feel trapped in a conflict that is not his fault. Rather, he deserves love and support from both of his parents, without experiencing tension that could disrupt his comfort."I know this may sound idealistic," I said, trying to explain further. "But I believe that if we can strive to communicate well, we can create a better atmosphere for him. I don’t want Charlie to feel alienated or confused. He needs to know that he is loved by both of his mothers."Nicholas nodded slowly, although his face still showed doubt. He is someone who protects me very much, and I appreciate his concern and affection. However, I also wanted him to see that I am capable of making good decisions for our future."If we can show Charlie that we can act maturely and respect each
Sabrina's POV "And then the teacher said that tomorrow we are going to draw houses! I want to draw our house, Mommy!" she exclaimed excitedly.I smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "I can't wait to see your drawing; it will be so beautiful."Nicholas nodded in agreement. "If you're drawing our house, don’t forget to draw the most handsome dad!"Charlie laughed and shook her head. "No, Dad, I’ll just draw you as a robot!"Nicholas and I laughed at her innocent response. That dinner was filled with light conversation, laughter, and simple happiness. I felt so grateful to enjoy moments like this with them.After dinner, Nicholas helped clear the table while Charlie continued to talk about her plans for tomorrow. I looked at both of them and smiled, feeling warm inside.This was the simple happiness I had always wanted. And I would do anything to keep this warmth alive in our family.The night was late, and the house fe
Sabrina's POV I took a deep breath before stepping into the gym. Ever since I found out Hazel was a mentor here, I had always felt on edge. Not because I was afraid, but more out of caution, considering how sharp her words were and how she always looked for opportunities to belittle me.The gym was spacious and bright, with large mirrors reflecting every movement. Uplifting music played softly, but it couldn’t erase the anxious feeling fluttering in my stomach. Every time I practiced, Hazel's shadow seemed to follow me, as if she were watching every step I took with judgmental eyes.The room was fairly full when I entered. Some participants who had started to become familiar smiled and greeted me, making me feel a bit more at ease. The sound of laughter and light conversation created a warmer atmosphere, as if melting away the tension that had briefly clouded my mind.I placed my bag in the corner of the room and began my usual light warm-up
Sabrina's POV “Are you okay?” the participant asked, helping me to sit up. I nodded, even though the pain was still there. This wasn’t how I wanted to end the training session, but I was determined not to let this moment stop me.Hazel simply stared at me with a flat expression. “You should be more careful,” she said without a hint of remorse. “If you can’t maintain your balance, maybe this class is too difficult for you.”I bit my lip, holding back anger and pain. Her words felt like an additional weight on the ache that was starting to creep through my body. One of the participants helped me sit down, while a few others began to whisper, creating an atmosphere between us that felt increasingly tense.I tried not to let Hazel's comments hurt my feelings any more. Every whisper around me made me feel more uncomfortable, but I knew I couldn’t let this moment defeat me.Slowly, I attempted to shift my focus away from the pain and emotional pres
Sabrina's POV I was determined to rise again. With Rina’s support and the doctor’s advice, I was confident I could get through this recovery period and return to training. In my heart, I imagined myself standing in the gym class again, filled with enthusiasm and confidence.Every passing second was an opportunity to learn and grow. I wanted to show Hazel that I was stronger than she thought. Strength wasn’t just about physical ability; it was also about spirit and resilience.With a positive mindset, I promised myself that I wouldn’t let this pain stop me. I would fight harder and prove that I could overcome every challenge that came my way.I was just about to grab my bag and leave the gym when Hazel’s voice echoed throughout the room. “Okay, class dismissed. Someone managed to ruin the mood today,” she said sharply, though she didn’t name anyone.I sighed, already knowing those words were directed at me. Frustration began to creep in, but I
Sabrina's POV With those words, I felt a stronger sense of support behind me. Even though there was lingering tension, I knew I wasn’t alone in facing this situation. Having a friend ready to support me gave me a renewed sense of confidence.I chuckled. “I’ll be fine, Nicholas. I promise.”He sighed, sounding still not completely convinced, but finally relented. “Alright. I’ll wait for you. Be careful out there.”I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I’ll come home right after lunch. I love you.”“I love you too,” he replied. “Don’t forget to eat enough, okay?”I laughed softly. “Yeah, yeah.” After hanging up, I took a deep breath. Now, I just needed to get through this lunch as best as I could.As we entered the restaurant, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the interior. The sparkling crystal chandeliers cast a soft light, adding an elegant touch to the room. The tables were neatly arranged with clea
Sabrina's POV I clenched my fists under the table, trying to hold back the rising emotions. My gaze wandered around, searching for another focus to avoid getting trapped in the increasingly disturbing feelings of frustration. The sounds of laughter and chatter around me faded, as if from a distance.Every word that came from Hazel felt like needles piercing me, making me want to speak up, defend myself, and release everything I had bottled up. However, I knew this was not the right place to do so. This grand restaurant, with its cheerful atmosphere, was not a venue for debate or conflict.I tried to take a deep breath, attempting to calm myself. Focusing on the food and my friends was the best way to divert my attention. Yet, that feeling lingered, making me feel alienated amidst the crowd.The soft sunlight streaming through the window made the atmosphere feel warmer, but the restlessness inside me wouldn’t subside. With every passing second, I tried
Sabrina's POV I lifted my chin, looking directly into her eyes filled with hatred. “You talk as if you’re the victim, Hazel,” I said in a calm but sharp tone. “But have you ever thought… why something could be ‘taken’ from you?”Some people at the table began to glance at one another, the previously warm atmosphere turning tense. Every word I spoke hung in the air, creating a weighty tension. I could feel everyone’s attention focused on us, hoping that the situation wouldn’t worsen.Hazel’s expression changed, as if surprised by my response. In an instant, the once cheerful atmosphere was filled with uncertainty. I knew I had taken a bold step, but my confidence pushed me to continue. This was the right moment to express my opinion and not let myself get caught up in an emotional game.Around us, some friends looked awkward, while others seemed interested in seeing how this debate would unfold. I could feel the urge to keep calm, but in my heart, I kn
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