Sabrina's POV
Nicholas disappeared into the kitchen without a word, while I walked to the sofa, collapsing onto it. My hand touched my stinging cheek, and for some reason, tears began to flow. Not just because of the slap, but all the anger, accusations, and feelings of unworthiness felt like they were flooding my heart.I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the sobs that started to break through when suddenly I heard Nicholas’s footsteps approaching. I slowly opened my eyes and saw him standing in front of me with an expression I couldn’t quite decipher. In his hand, he held a small towel soaked in cold water.“Use this,” he said softly, handing the towel to me.I looked at him, surprised. “Nicholas…”“Your cheek is still red,” he continued without waiting for my response. “That must hurt. At least this can help reduce the swelling.”I took the towel slowly, our hands brushing against each other for a moment. “Thank you,” I whispered, aSabrina's POVNicholas observed my face for a moment, as if trying to read my thoughts. “You’re thinking about Charlie, aren’t you?”His question pierced my heart. I nodded slowly, lowering my head to hide the tears that were beginning to well up.“I miss him, Nicholas,” I whispered softly. “I don’t know when I’ll see him again. He must be confused... or sad.”Nicholas pulled his chair closer and gently touched my hand. “Charlie is fine, Sabrina. I’ll make sure he knows you love him. And I’ll find a way for you two to meet again.”I lifted my gaze, looking into his eyes filled with certainty. “But Hazel... she surely won’t allow it. I don’t want to make things worse.”Nicholas sighed deeply, then held my hand tighter. “I know this is hard. But I won’t let Hazel keep Charlie away from you. You are a part of his life, Sabrina. That can’t be changed.”I wanted to believe his words, to hang my hopes on that promise, but reality w
Nicholas's POVI started the car engine, checking the rearview mirror to ensure Charlie was comfortably seated in the back with his seatbelt fastened.“Dad,” Charlie's voice broke the silence. I glanced at the mirror, noticing his innocent face filled with curiosity.“Where's Mom Sabrina? Why isn’t she coming with us?”Taking a deep breath, I tried to formulate an answer that would comfort Charlie without adding to his worries. Guilt washed over me, but I was determined to keep my son in a cheerful mood.I paused for a moment, trying to choose my words carefully. I knew how much Charlie missed Sabrina, but I didn’t want to complicate things further with Hazel.She sat next to me, and Hazel's expression darkened as soon as Sabrina's name was mentioned. I took a deep breath, attempting to string together simple words that would adequately explain to Charlie.Anxiety began to weigh on my heart, but I knew this was impo
Nicholas’s POVHazel continued to stare at me, as if waiting for my response. Deep inside, I was determined to keep communication open, not just for Charlie’s sake, but to find a way out of this conflict. But at that moment, all I could do was nod, trying to process her words and think about the next steps.I sighed deeply, starting the engine without responding to her. The sound of the engine filled the silence in the car, but the tension still hung between us.“This isn’t about you or Sabrina, Hazel,” I finally said, my voice low but firm. “This is about Charlie. I will always do what’s best for him, and that includes letting him see the people who make him happy.”Hazel fell silent, but the expression on her face showed that she wasn’t entirely in agreement. I could feel the uncertainty surrounding the situation, but I knew I had to stick to my principles. Charlie deserved to feel love from everyone who cared for him, and that included Sabrina.
Nicholas’s POVI drove in silence, my jaw tightening as thoughts spun in my head. Hazel sat beside me with her arms still crossed, her face angry yet somewhat uncertain.I didn’t know what she was planning, but I knew she wasn’t finished. The tension in the car felt increasingly heavy, and I could sense the emotions clashing between us. On one hand, I was determined to protect Charlie; on the other, I had to face the challenges posed by Hazel.Every passing second felt like a growing burden, and I knew the decisions ahead wouldn’t be easy. Yet, in my heart, I promised to fight for Charlie’s happiness, regardless of all the complexities involved.“Stop here,” she suddenly said, her voice flat but firm.I glanced over, seeing her point to the side of the road near a small bus stop. The place was isolated, with only a few small shops and a quiet street.“Are you serious?” I asked, my tone revealing my irritation. It felt like someth
Nicholas’s POV Seeing that change in him made my heart heavy. I wanted to see him happy and hoped today could be a special moment for him. I tried to think of a way to cheer him up, ensuring he felt loved and cared for.I took a deep breath, trying to choose the right words. I turned back to look at him. “Mommy Sabrina is resting, sweetheart. She really wishes she could be here, but she needs some time to recover.”Charlie looked at me with wide, hopeful eyes. “Really, Daddy? We’re really going to see Mommy Sabrina?”I smiled and nodded. “Of course. After lunch, we’ll go there.”Joy immediately returned to his face. “Yay!” he cheered, bouncing in his seat, even though he was still strapped in.Sabrina would be waiting for us at home, and I knew Charlie couldn’t wait to see her. That made me even more determined to do my best to keep this relationship intact, no matter how challenging it might be.For Sabrina. For Charli
Hazel's POVI stood outside Charlie's room, breathless, my hands shaking. The sound of his sobs from behind the door pressed down on my mind like an unbearable weight.Each scream and whimper seemed to call to me, inviting deeper anxiety. I knew I should go in and comfort him, but fear and doubt held me back. What could I say to make him feel better?“Charlie, stop!” I shouted sharply, trying to control my anger. But his cries only grew louder, making my head throb.I rubbed my face roughly, then slammed my palm against the door. “I said stop crying, Charlie!”Frustration and despair flooded me. I knew yelling wouldn’t help, but the overwhelming emotions made it hard to think clearly. Each scream from Charlie felt like a knife stabbing, adding to the heavy burden on my shoulders.Yet nothing changed. I could hear his desperate sobs, full of sadness, calling out Sabrina’s name. That name. The name that constantly haunted me, like
Hazel's POV As I pondered, I tried to find a way out of this situation. Charlie needed support, and I couldn’t let my emotions get in the way of helping that child. However, the pain and frustration still haunted my thoughts, making me feel trapped in uncertainty.“You know what annoys me the most, Mom?” I turned to her, who was now standing at the kitchen door, her face full of regret. “It’s not just that you let Charlie run away, but that woman keeps ruining my life!”My mother-in-law didn’t respond, only lowered her gaze, her hands nervously clasped. Her expression showed how heavy the burden she felt was, and it made me hesitate a little. Yet, the anger and frustration bubbling inside me were hard to quell.I felt a mix of emotions—wanting to unleash everything I felt and wanting to give a chance to fix things. Each second that passed strengthened my conviction that I needed to speak, even if it was painful.“From the start, I knew
Hazel's POV My mother-in-law nodded slowly, but her eyes still radiated the same determination. “And you are right to think that. You are his mother, Hazel. No one can replace that. Sabrina has no rights over Charlie.”I slammed the glass down on the table, the sound ringing in the room. “Then we have to stop this, Mom. We can’t let Sabrina keep being around Charlie. She’ll just ruin our relationship.”Mom smiled slightly, but there was a sharp tone in her voice when she spoke. “Don’t worry, Hazel. I’m on your side. We’ll make sure that woman can’t get near Charlie anymore.”I looked at her, feeling a spark of confidence beginning to grow within me. Mom’s support made me feel stronger, more ready to face Sabrina.But just then, Charlie’s crying echoed from upstairs again. His sobs of sorrow weighed heavily on my heart, even though I knew I was doing this for his sake.His pain reminded me of how important my presence was in his
Sabrina's POV Yet, I held back my feelings, choosing to maintain a polite smile before finally turning to leave with Nicholas. As we walked out of the restaurant, I felt Nicholas's hand grip mine tightly, as if he could sense my unease. I turned to him, and he looked at me for a moment before saying, "Don’t think about him. I’m here." I nodded slightly, trying to calm my mind. But I knew this wasn’t over. After leaving the restaurant, we decided to spend time at the famous amusement park in the city. Charlie looked so excited, holding Nicholas's and my hand while continually asking what ride we would go on first. Once we arrived at the amusement park, the colorful flashing lights welcomed us with a festive atmosphere. The laughter of running children and the cheerful music floating in the air made this place feel so alive. Charlie jumped with joy, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the various rides
Sabrina's POV "Ah, you finally made it. Sabrina, Nicholas, this is my son, Adrian Harrington." Nicholas nodded politely, but I could feel my body tense. Adrian gave me a slight smile before sitting in the empty chair. His eyes bore into me, as if assessing something. His smile didn’t fully convey warmth, and I felt a tension between us. "So, you are Sabrina," he said quietly, his voice carrying something difficult to interpret. I merely nodded and offered a small smile, trying to keep the atmosphere positive. However, deep inside, I felt uncomfortable. There was something in Adrian's gaze that made me feel he knew more than he let on. His sharp eyes seemed to penetrate the outer layer I presented. I struggled not to let that anxious feeling take over, but the mysterious aura around him kept me on guard. My smile felt forced, and I tried to focus on the conversation at the table, even
Sabrina's POV Charlie, who was still sitting next to me, nodded in understanding. He looked worried, but his spirit remained bright. I let out a small laugh and pulled him into a hug, feeling the warmth and genuine love."Alright, Mommy promises to rest."Nicholas gently helped Charlie onto the bed, and I felt relieved to see him lying comfortably beside me. Tonight, I could feel the warmth from my family, something that made me feel much better than any medicine.We lay side by side, and I gazed at Charlie's peaceful face as he began to doze off. In this quiet moment, I reflected on how much they meant to me. The warmth and love that surrounded us created a soothing atmosphere.Before my eyes fully closed, I heard Nicholas whisper softly, “I love you, Sabrina. Rest well.”His words flowed like a calming melody, seeping into the depths of my heart. In that moment, all worries and pain seemed to evaporate, replaced by the warmth of ge
Sabrina's POV Nicholas smiled and ruffled Charlie’s hair. “We’re going for a walk to see the beauty of this city. How about we go see Big Ben and the London Eye?” Charlie’s eyes widened with excitement. “I want to ride the London Eye!” he shouted while jumping up and down. I laughed at his enthusiasm. “Then let’s go before it gets too late.” We walked along the city streets, which were still quite busy. The sound of traffic was faint in the distance, mixed with the laughter and chatter of tourists. The streetlights sparkled, casting beautiful shadows on the wet sidewalk after a light rain that had fallen earlier.When we arrived in front of Big Ben, I paused for a moment, awestruck by the grandeur of the giant clock. The light illuminating the clock tower made it look so majestic and authoritative. I could feel the long history embedded in every detail of its architecture. “Wow, it’s so big!” Charlie looked up high, trying to take in the entire
Sabrina's POV Charlie looked even more excited, his eyes sparkling as he imagined the fun to come. “I want to sit in the front!” he shouted cheerfully, making us both laugh.The warm atmosphere filled with laughter created the perfect moment. The tension of waiting for the food felt lighter. The three of us shared stories, imagining all the fun things we would do after the meal.When the food was served, the enticing aroma enveloped our table. My grilled salmon looked incredibly appetizing, with a shiny lemon sauce on the side. Charlie seemed thrilled to see his kids’ steak, the small pieces making it easier for him to enjoy. Nicholas, with his perfectly cooked steak, was ready to satisfy his appetite.“It smells so good!” Charlie exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.I smiled, feeling happiness as I watched him so excited. “Come on, let’s eat,” I urged, and the three of us began to taste the dishes that had been prepared.Eve
Sabrina's POV As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was immediately captivated by its luxurious and elegant interior. The sparkling crystal chandeliers, neatly arranged tables with small candles on them, and the enticing aroma of delicious food created a perfect ambiance. A waiter quickly approached us and led us to the table reserved by Nicholas. It was located by a large window overlooking the twinkling city of London at night. Sitting at the table, I felt like I was in a movie. The view of the city glittering with lights added a romantic touch. The menu presented looked delectable, with a variety of tempting dishes. The waiter kindly explained each dish, heightening our anticipation for the meal to come.Nicholas seemed excited, discussing his plans for the evening. The restaurant's tranquil atmosphere, combined with soft music, made our conversation even warmer. The candle on the table flickered gently, as if celebrating this beautiful moment.
Sabrina's POV I chuckled at his chocolate-smeared face. His wide smile made me feel happy. I took a tissue from my bag and wiped his cheeks. “Be careful eating, sweetheart. You’ll get your clothes dirty.” Charlie just laughed, seeming not to care much about my warning. His eyes continued to observe the surroundings, watching other children running on the grass, a pair of grandparents chatting on a bench across from us, and people passing by with laughter and light conversations. The atmosphere in the park was vibrant, filled with joy and warmth. Children ran around with enthusiasm while adults chatted leisurely, enjoying their time. I felt glad to see Charlie so captivated by the life around him. A few children started playing ball, and their laughter and cheers added to the cheerful ambiance. Charlie watched them with curiosity, as if he wanted to join in. I took a deep breath, enjoying the aroma of the grass an
Sabrina's POV I sighed and shook my head gently. “Honey, you don’t need to apologize all the time. This is your job, I understand. Charlie and I can spend time together here.”He smiled in relief at my words. “Thank you, Sabrina. I know you’ll be fine. Enjoy your day, okay?”“Of course,” I replied, trying to be supportive.He gave a faint smile, but I could see a hint of guilt in his eyes. He stepped closer and kissed my forehead gently. “Thank you for understanding.” I just smiled and patted his arm lightly. “Go on, before you’re late!” Nicholas finally grabbed his jacket and adjusted his tie before stepping toward the door. Before leaving, he turned back to us. “I’ll call when I’m done.” I nodded. “Take care!”Once he left, the atmosphere in the room felt quieter. However, I tried not to let the silence bother me. Charlie and I had plenty to do. I decided to plan a day full of adventure and fun, ensuring that even without
Sabrina's POV As the taxi stopped in front of the hotel, I sighed in relief. The long journey from the airport was finally over, and now we could take a moment to rest before enjoying our time in London. I turned to Charlie, who was still full of energy, his eyes shining at the sight of the magnificent building where we would be staying.“Wow! Mom, the hotel is so big!” he exclaimed in awe. I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Yes, sweetheart. We’ll be staying here while in London.” Nicholas got out first and helped the driver unload our suitcases from the trunk. Meanwhile, I took Charlie's hand and led him out of the car. The cold London air greeted us again, causing Charlie to huddle a bit before quickly hiding behind my body.Nicholas approached us after dealing with the luggage. “Let’s go inside!” he said, pulling one of the large suitcases. The three of us stepped into the spacious and elegant hotel lobby.The high ceiling was adorned