This was the first time Maisie had ever been late for work. She hurried to the kindergarten's entrance. Normally, she would greet the security guard, but there was no time for that today. However, when she reached the fingerprint scanner to clock in, she was already one minute late for work.This upset her greatly. Being late by just one minute meant she would miss out on the perfect attendance bonus for the month.Maisie returned to the office. The other teachers had already gone to their classes, and she didn't have any morning classes today. She sat at her desk and took a deep breath.She couldn't help but think about last night's events. She scolded herself for carelessly falling asleep in Daniel's car—and for such a long time.-When Maisie woke up, it was already morning.She was wearing his coat, and the car seat had somehow reclined. Daniel was standing outside, smoking a cigarette. The faint dawn light cast a soft glow on his sharp features.Maisie hurriedly left the
Maisie followed Nicole's gaze and noticed that the person walking toward them was Daniel. She didn't understand why Nicole appeared fearful upon seeing him. Nicole instinctively shielded herself behind Maisie."Nicole, what's wrong?" Maisie asked.Nicole remained silent, her expression seeming off.When Daniel saw Nicole, his gaze changed. It wasn't his usual coldness, but rather, there was a hint of pleading in his eyes.This took Nicole by surprise. She couldn't believe the typically strong-willed Daniel would have such a gaze.Maisie spoke softly. "Nicole. This is Mr. Daniel Quimby. He's also a family member of one of our students.""Oh…" Nicole's voice quivered slightly, and she forced a smile. "Mr. Quimby's family member is here? Is Mr. Quimby... married?""No," Maisie clarified. "He's the child's granduncle.""Yes," Daniel replied quietly. "I haven't gotten married."He emphasized each word, looking at Maisie.Maisie didn't catch the deeper meaning behind his words, but
Daniel ushered Maisie into the car and drove out of the narrow alley. Maisie's hands remained cold despite the warm car interior, and she shivered.To ease her tension, Daniel tried to strike up a conversation. "By the way, do you live nearby?""It's a bit far from here," Maisie answered softly. "I usually don't take this route, but I left work late today, and it's more convenient, so I decided to use it. I didn't expect someone to follow me.""It's important to be cautious when walking through dark, quiet alleys," Daniel advised.Maisie nodded, and a thought suddenly crossed her mind. She gazed at him. "Mr. Quimby, why are you here too?"Daniel couldn't admit to following her all this time. He had been secretly keeping an eye on her, concerned for her safety on her way home. He had convinced himself that her apartment was in a moderately safe downtown area surrounded by busy roads. But his concern became a reality today.Daniel moistened his dry lips and had to craft a lie. "I h
"Maisie, are you there?"Maisie's attention snapped back, and she was ready to reply when she suddenly heard a woman's voice on the other end of the phone."Are you still having coffee, Graham?" the woman asked."Yes, Lisa?" Graham replied."I need you to sign some documents."With a smile, Graham agreed and promptly ended the call.Disappointment washed over Maisie, leaving her with a sense of emptiness. Her heart raced, and an indescribable unease settled in.She couldn't help but start overthinking. Who was this woman, and why did Graham readily comply with her request? Did their extensive time together lead to different feelings? His indifference to her just now, not even saying goodbye, troubled her.Maisie leaned against the bed, her thoughts in turmoil, and her gaze fell on a small teddy bear. She smiled helplessly, picked up the bear, hugged it, and lay down with tired eyes.-Nicole had been in Centrolis for over a week. During this time, her husband, Wesley Mebane,
Daniel waited outside the kindergarten every day. He was there to pick up Persephone, or so it seemed. In reality, his true motive was to catch a glimpse of Maisie. He adored her smile when she was with the children—it was as beautiful and pure as when they were together.Sometimes, he wondered if their child would be attending this kindergarten if it weren't for that one mistake he had made. Perhaps their story would have had a different ending.But in the present, he couldn't muster the courage to approach her. As such, all he could do was watch her from a distance.-One day, the childish calls of "Granduncle! Granduncle!" snapped Daniel back to reality. He suddenly realized he was holding Persephone's hand, and she was giving him a disapproving look with a pouting mouth."Granduncle, we've been waiting here for a long time!" she complained."Oh..." Daniel cleared his throat and led her toward the parking lot on the other side."Granduncle, aren't you tired of doing this ever
Maisie's expression changed subtly. Marriage? Right from the start of her relationship with Graham, it felt like they were headed for marriage.Linda had introduced them, and her qualifications were impressive. The Bayers were pleased with her, and they were ready for her to become the future head of the household.As for Graham, it seemed he was simply following his parents' wishes. He had never been in a relationship before, and she hadn't been in one since her memory loss. She had no knowledge of her past before the amnesia. Nobody wanted to tell her, and so she had ended up with Graham.He seemed like a great match for marriage. He was hardworking, highly capable, came from a prestigious background, and was exceptionally handsome.Yet, she always felt that something was missing between them.What should matter most in a marriage?Maisie bit her lip, deep in thought, when she suddenly heard Nicole's worried voice through the phone. "Maisie, why aren't you saying anything? What
Upon receiving Maisie's call, Daniel rushed to the international kindergarten.However, doubts filled his mind on the way. Persephone's primary guardians were Zuko and Lina. Even if they were busy with work and couldn't be reached, there were still her grandparents. Thus, there was no reason for him, her granduncle, to be called.Despite these thoughts, he arrived in no time. Maybe it was because he had grown quite attached to Persephone, treating her as if she were his own child after spending all this time with her.-At the kindergarten's infirmary. He found Persephone lying on the bed. "Sephy, you..."She looked at him, blinking her big eyes twice. Daniel frowned, noticing her rosy cheeks and calm demeanor. There was no sign of discomfort."Where does it hurt?" Daniel walked over and held her small hand. Seizing the opportunity, Persephone secretly pinched him and put on a weak face. "Granduncle... My tummy hurts.""Oh..." Daniel understood what was happening. While he
Maisie called Graham when she noticed she was being followed again, but he did not pick up.Her heart raced, and she quickened her pace.Today, she had opted for the main road, a busier route compared to the isolated alley from her previous encounter. Yet, the person following her showed no hesitation.Scanning her surroundings, she usually saw occasional police patrols on this street. She stood ready—as soon as she spotted a police car, she intended to rush over for help.However, before she could spot a patrol car, her anxiety increased when she noticed yet another person tailing her.Maisie was frightened but not as panicked as before. Graham wasn't answering, and she didn't make another attempt to call him. He was too far away to assist at that moment.She reached her residential compound, but two individuals caught up to her and blocked her path. A scream of alarm escaped her as she saw leering grins and malevolent glints in their eyes."Is that you, Maisie?" One of the men