Hazel's POV
That support gave me an extra boost. I felt more confident that my plan could succeed. With a well-thought-out strategy and full attention to Charlie, I was determined to create a positive environment and strengthen our bond."Exactly, Mom. This isn't just about winning Charlie's heart. It's about making sure Sabrina knows her place. She’s nobody. She's just a stepmother trying to take something that isn’t hers."The strength of my statement gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that my struggle was more than just building a relationship with Charlie; it was also about maintaining my position and role in his life.With firm determination, I planned my next steps. Every interaction with Charlie would be filled with care, ensuring that he felt loved and safe while I kept my distance from Sabrina. In my mind, all of this was part of a larger strategy to protect what I loved.Mrs. Rosa gently patted my shoulder, as if giHazel's POV "Your child pushed my son down and hurt him!" I shouted, pointing at Charlie, who was still crying in place.The woman frowned, looking at her child. "Is that true? Did you really push your friend?" she asked gently.The boy remained silent, his face showing guilt. I could feel the tension in the air. Although I was angry, I knew this was an important moment to teach about responsibility and empathy. I hoped everyone involved could learn a valuable lesson from this incident.Then the boy shook his head. "No, Ma! I didn't mean to!" he replied quietly."Didn't mean to? That's impossible! I saw it with my own eyes!" I retorted loudly. "Your child clearly pushed Charlie and made him fall! His knee is bleeding!"The atmosphere grew more tense. Several teachers began to approach, trying to mediate the situation. The woman's face showed confusion and worry, while her son looked increasingly frightened. In my heart, I hoped
Hazel's POVI sat with Charlie in the hospital waiting room, waiting for our turn to be called. The atmosphere around us was calm, although there were a few other patients also waiting. Charlie looked relaxed, swinging his legs that dangled from the chair.I felt relieved that his crying had subsided, and he seemed to be starting to forget about the earlier incident. Seeing him cheerful again lightened my heart. Occasionally, I stole glances at the wall clock, counting the passing time.In my mind, I hoped everything would be alright. Charlie could often be sensitive, but right now, he seemed stronger. I tried to cheer him up by talking about fun things, hoping to divert his attention from the situation that made him anxious.However, suddenly Charlie stood up from his chair quickly, startling me."Mommy Sabrina!" he shouted loudly.I froze for a moment, not believing what I had just heard. My head quickly turned in the dire
Hazel's POV Each sob and call from Charlie reminded me of the helplessness we felt. I prayed we would soon find hope regarding Sabrina's condition."Charlie, sweetheart, listen to Mommy," I said again, trying to be gentler. "Mommy Sabrina can't meet you right now. She needs to rest so she can get better."Charlie shook her head vigorously, her face reddening from crying too long. "I want Mommy Sabrina!" she said again, her voice almost hoarse.Seeing her like that, my heart ached even more. I knew how deep her love and hope for Sabrina were. I struggled to hold back tears, praying that I could provide solace even though I felt fragile myself."Charlie," I said, trying to affirm, "Mommy Sabrina wants you to be healthy and happy. She would be glad to hear that you love her."I hoped my words might slightly redirect her attention and help her understand that all of this was for Sabrina's good."But, Mommy..." Charlie's wor
Hazel's POV I took a deep breath. It felt pointless to try to talk to him while he was like this. Finally, I decided to take action. I stood up, carrying Charlie, who was still sniffling, and walked toward the receptionist."Excuse me," I said to the woman behind the desk. The middle-aged woman looked at me with a small smile, though it was clear she noticed Charlie's tear-stained face.I could feel the attention of those around us, but I tried not to care. The most important thing right now was Charlie. I wanted to ensure he felt safe and comfortable, even in the midst of his emotional turmoil."Is there anything I can help you with, ma'am?" she asked in a friendly tone.I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice calm. "I want to inquire about a patient. Her name is Sabrina."The receptionist nodded, her eyes studying my face before she responded. I could sense the tension in the air, and Charlie was still gripping my shirt tigh
Hazel's POV I took a deep breath again, trying to remain patient amidst Charlie's endless whining. It felt difficult to face his emotional outbursts while my own heart struggled with a mix of guilt and worry.“Charlie, Mommy understands. This is hard,” I said gently, pulling him closer. “But we have to trust the doctors and hope for the best for Mommy Sabrina.”He looked at me with tear-filled eyes, and I could feel the depth of his loss. In my heart, I prayed for a way to help Charlie through all of this, even when everything felt so heavy.Gently, I stroked his hair, trying to provide the comfort he needed. We would go through this together, even if the road was rocky and full of obstacles.“I want Mommy Sabrina, Mom! I want to see Mommy Sabrina!” he cried, tugging at my hand.I looked around, hoping not too many people were watching us. However, his cries were enough to attract the attention of several people waiting in the w
Nicholas's POVThe phone call came while I was buried in a pile of paperwork at my desk. The voice of the doctor from the hospital sounded firm yet heavy, informing me that Sabrina's condition was getting critical. That sentence struck me like lightning to the chest.My hand trembled as I held the phone, struggling to find the words. My heart raced, and my mind drifted to the beautiful moments we had shared together. Every laugh, every touch—everything felt so precious, and now it all depended on a thread of hope."Mr. Nicholas, can you hear me?" the nurse's voice interrupted the silence."Yes, yes, I can hear," I replied, my voice slightly hoarse. "How... how is she doing now?"The nurse explained calmly, but every word felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. She told me about the procedures being carried out, about the medical team's efforts to stabilize Sabrina's condition. It was hard to accept the reality that the person I love
Nicholas's POV “I... I’m in a hurry,” I replied, my breath heavy as I tried to remain calm despite feeling dizzy. “I need to get to the hospital. I’m sorry.”My head throbbed, and the pain made it hard to focus. But all I could think about was Sabrina. I tried not to panic, even though the situation was getting worse.People began to gather around, some pulling out their phones to call for help. The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance, adding to the tension in my heart. I knew I had to handle this situation as quickly as possible, but uncertainty gnawed at my mind.The man stared at me, confused. “In a hurry? Sir, you’re bleeding! Your head is hurt! You need to get checked out.”“No... not now,” I insisted stubbornly, trying to hold back the pain that was becoming more intrusive. “Is your car badly damaged?”He shook his head, though he looked annoyed. “Not too much. But you really need to take care of yourself.”
Nicholas's POV I nodded, though it was hard to accept this reality. “Thank you, Doc.” "I want to see her," I finally said. “Right now, she’s not conscious. You can wait outside the ICU.” I nodded slowly, feeling my body grow weaker. With heavy steps, I approached the closed ICU door. Behind that door, Sabrina was fighting for her life. Anxiety gnawed at my heart. The monotonous sound of machines added tension to the air. I stood outside, feeling how silent the world around me was. Every heartbeat was focused on one hope: to see her rise again. Trying to calm myself, I sat on the provided bench. The morning sun streaming through the window lent a bit of warmth, but it couldn't dispel the cold creeping into my soul. All the memories with her spun in my mind, and I prayed that she knew how many people loved her, including me. I walked out of the ICU with mixed thoughts. The air in
Sabrina’s POV That night the hospital room felt different. It was no longer silent and frightening like the previous nights when I could only sit and stare at Nicholas, unconscious, with the fear of losing him. Now, Charlie's small laughter filled the room, and Nicholas's smile, though weak, began to return to his face.Charlie sat beside me, cheerful and full of energy despite the situation. He held his father's hand, as if wanting to convey all the love and longing that had been pent up. “Daddy, I missed you!” he exclaimed, his face shining with happiness.Nicholas looked at our child with eyes that were starting to come alive again. “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he replied, his voice still hoarse, but there was warmth in it. Seeing that interaction filled my heart with gratitude and hope.The atmosphere in the room now felt warm, filled with laughter and love. Charlie began to tell stories about everything that had happened while Nicholas wa
Sabrina’s POV That… should have been me there. I should have been the one carrying Charlie when he entered the room, sitting him on the bed, witnessing this touching reunion between father and son. But I stood behind the door, like an uninvited guest in my own family.I finally took a deep breath, holding back my emotions, and then stepped inside slowly. “I’m glad you’re awake,” I said softly, looking at Nicholas. He turned, momentarily surprised. “Sabrina…” Charlie waved at me from the bed. “Mom! Daddy is awake!” I smiled at Charlie and gently stroked his head. “Yes, sweetheart, Mom sees.” Hazel stepped back a bit to give us space, and I stared intently at Nicholas. His face was still pale, his body still weak, but he was alive. He was back with us. And that was the only thing I wanted to hold onto right now.But on the other hand… I couldn’t lie. There was a part of me that began to wonder about Hazel’s position in all this
Sabrina’s POV I walked alongside the stretcher carrying Nicholas, my feelings a mix of relief, emotion, and gratitude. It felt as if the heavy burden that had weighed down my chest was slowly being lifted.Each step felt lighter, and I couldn't help but smile. Seeing him receive the care he needed, I felt hope beginning to grow in my heart. “We will get through this together,” I whispered, even though he couldn't hear me.In the regular ward, Nicholas still looked weak, but his awareness was clearly returning. He looked at me with slightly brightened eyes and tried to smile, though it was very small and faint. Every second we spent together felt incredibly precious.“Am I in the hospital?” he asked in a hoarse voice.I nodded, holding back tears. “You had an accident. But now you’re safe.” Hearing his voice, though weak, gave me new hope.He looked deeply into my eyes, as if trying to understand everything that had happened
Sabrina’s POV I sat in the corner of the ICU room, still holding Nicholas's cold and weak hand. His body looked so calm, too calm for someone who usually couldn't sit still for even a moment. The medical equipment continued to beep in the same rhythm, the only evidence that he was still holding on to this world. My heart broke seeing him like this. Each beep of the machine seemed to emphasize how fragile life is. I wanted to scream, to shake him awake, but I knew that was impossible. There was only suffocating silence. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I recalled all the beautiful memories we shared. His sweet smile, the laughter that always warmed my heart, and all the precious moments with Charlie. Now, all of that felt distant. There was only sadness and dwindling hope. I whispered his name, hoping my voice could reach his soul. "Nicholas, I'm here. Please don't leave me." My voice trembled, filled with uncertainty. I wa
Hazel's POV The morning sunlight filtered through the window curtains and touched my cheek. I slowly woke up, my body still stiff from sleeping on the carpeted floor all night. As my vision began to focus, I looked down and found Charlie still asleep in my lap, his little face looking peaceful, his breathing steady.Suddenly, I felt calm… and guilty. Last night, I almost lost control. I wanted to force my presence in Charlie’s life, to prove that I could be a part of his family. But it seemed that a little child didn’t need proof. What he needed was warmth, attention… and people who made him feel safe.My hand moved slowly to stroke his hair. “I’m sorry, sweetheart… Mommy Hazel is still learning,” I whispered softly.I sat there for quite a while, watching him. A part of me wanted to hold him in this embrace forever. But I also knew this wasn’t the complete home he remembered. There was no warm bed he used to share with both his parent
Hazel's POV The story took us to a world full of adventure and wonder. In moments like this, I felt stronger, and I knew that the love we shared could overcome many things.When the story finished, Charlie yawned and rested his head on my shoulder. “I love you, Mommy,” he said softly.“I love you too, sweetie,” I replied, feeling a deep emotion. “Now wait a moment! Mommy will cook for you.”Charlie simply nodded.I walked back to the kitchen, cutting vegetables slowly, trying to recall all the recipes I used to make. It had been a long time since I cooked for anyone. Usually, I just ate whatever or ordered takeout. But tonight was different. Tonight, Charlie was with me.Every slice of vegetable reminded me of the beautiful moments we shared cooking together at home. The sounds of laughter and little stories flowed as we both tried to make simple dishes. Now, with Charlie beside me, I wanted to recreate that atmosphere.
Hazel's POVI held Charlie tightly as we left the hospital. My steps were slow, careful not to wake the child who was still leaning on my shoulder, his eyes half-closed from exhaustion and overwhelming emotions. The night air felt humid and cold, but somehow, Charlie’s small embrace warmed my heart.Each step felt heavy, reflecting the burden in my mind. Nicholas was in a coma, and everything at stake—I couldn’t stop thinking about how his fate would affect us all.“Mommy Hazel?” Charlie’s soft voice broke the silence. “Will Daddy be okay?”My heart felt squeezed. “I hope so, sweetie. We all hope so,” I replied, trying to sound optimistic.He nodded slowly, but his face showed doubt. “We can take him home, right? So he’s not alone?”Tears almost fell down my cheeks. “We will do our best, Charlie. We’re always here for him.”As we continued our journey, my thoughts returned to Andrian and everything he had said.
Hazel's POV I looked toward the ICU room, where the man who once was so close to me now fought between life and death. Then my eyes met Sabrina’s. There were no words, just a gaze full of pain and accusation. And I couldn’t defend myself. Because much of it... was true. I still held Charlie tightly, trying to hold back the tears that kept welling in my eyes. That small body shivered in my embrace, filled with worries he shouldn’t have to feel at such a young age. I wanted to say that everything would be okay, but I wasn’t sure about that myself.Slow footsteps approached. I didn’t need to turn around to know who was standing in front of me now.“Hazel, how did you know Nicholas was here?” Sabrina’s voice was soft yet sharp. Cold. And very measured.I swallowed hard. It felt like a heavy stone was lodged in my throat. I didn’t know how to answer her. I couldn’t say that I heard everything from Andrian. I couldn’t admit that most
Hazel's POV Andrian looked at me, his eyes showing firmness. “Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions. This isn’t just about us, it’s about survival.”I felt tears welling in my eyes. “But what’s the price we have to pay? I can’t sacrifice others just to get what I want.”Andrian gave a thin smile. “Congratulations, Hazel. Now your path to getting Charlie is wide open. Sabrina won’t be able to keep custody with all of this happening to her.”SLAP! My hand flew to his cheek before I could think twice. The sound of the slap echoed in my room. Andrian fell silent. I trembled, unsure how I could have done that. But one thing was certain, I couldn’t let him speak any further. “You’re really evil…” my voice trembled with anger and shock. “This—this isn’t a solution, Andrian. This is a disaster. This… is the destruction of someone’s life!” He didn’t respond. His gaze was cold, perhaps even a little mocking. I glared at him before turning