Winter's POVMatthew and I were both panting when he finally moved away from me. He leaned his head on my shoulder while both of his hands were at my sides. That was the longest and most passionate kiss I have ever done in my entire life and I didn't know could really kiss like that, knowing that he's never had a girlfriend before."Don't do that again..." he suddenly murmured. "H-Huh?"He then raised his head and looked directly into my eyes. "Don't just drink like that and talk about some other guy."I could feel my whole face getting hotter while looking at him. His ears were also bright red, his eyes looked misty. I bit my lip and nodded my head. "I-I promise... I won't talk about some other guy when you're around."He tapped the island, which made me surprise. His brows were furrowed. "Even when I'm not around. You can't talk about them...""O-Okay... I promise."I saw a glimpse of a smile on his face before he helped me go down. "I'll lock the door. You probably forgot to lock
Winter's POV"Do you think I did great with the interview?" I asked Matthew as soon as we left the studio where I was interviewed.He wiped the sweat on my forehead with his handkerchief before handing me bottled water. "You did great. For sure, the audience missed you so much.""Do you think so?""Didn't you hear how loud they cheered for you a while ago? They were so happy to see you.""I know it's so awkward for me to say this, but I think I somehow miss being in front of the camera."Matthew looked at me and smiled. "It's normal for you to feel that way, anyway.""I wonder what Ian is doing right now. He was so sure that he would come to that talk show to accompany me, but then he cancelled it last minute and told me he had something important to do. Also, I haven't seen him for so many days now. The last time I saw him was when they went to our house.""Maybe he's having a new movie project? Or he's busy with his restaurant?""Perhaps that is the reason.""Why, do you miss him?"
Ian's POV"Two bottles of whiskey, please!" I yelled as I finished drinking a bottle of whiskey. I don't even know why, but I feel really thirsty.I went straight to a bar right after I said goodbye to Winter. I already told her I have decided to go to Japan and tomorrow would be my flight. She got so sad when I told her that and she even cried so hard I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.I've thought of it very carefully. The reason why I decided not to talk to her for a few days is none other than to move on from her. I tried my best not to talk to her, but in the end, I caught myself looking at her from afar, watching her being so happy with the man she loves. Yes, I also went to that interview since that was what I promised her.Move on from her? Is that even possible? For sure I'll just live in hell in Japan while longing so much for her."Here's your two bottles of whiskey, Sir."I immediately drunk straight from the bottle as soon as the bartender put the bottles on the coun
Belle's POVI woke up inside an unfamiliar room. My head was hurting as hell, but I still managed to sit up on the bed and roamed my eyes around just to see my clothes neatly placed on a chair. That brought me back to what happened last night.I went to a bar and got drunk with Ian. And since we were both drunk, that's right. Something happened between the two of us. I still can't believe I let that happen. I shouldn't have let myself be that drunk."You're such an idiot, Belle!" I was pulling my hair when the bathroom door went open.Ian stepped out of that wearing a black bathrobe. I immediately averted my gaze from him and pulled the blanket to cover my shoulders."You're finally awake. By the way, may now take your bath so we could have breakfast already. I asked someone to buy a new dress for you, so you don't have to worry about what to wear."Why is he talking to me as if nothing happened last night?Then, I suddenly realized I still had work. I quickly squinted at the clock ac
Winter's POV"Yes, that's all for today. Thank you so much, everyone. You may now go home." I said as I stood up and left the conference room.I heaved a sigh as I stood in front of my office. I had a lot of things today and a lot of meetings to attend. Although they were all about the success of our small company, I can't help feeling so exhausted.As I opened the door of my office, I got surprised when I suddenly saw Matthew and Elisse waiting for me."Mommy!"Yes, since last night, we decided that Elisse should call me mommy and Matthew as her daddy since we have legally adopted her already.A smile immediately appeared on my face upon seeing the two of them."What are you two doing here? It's already eight in the evening. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping by now?" I said as I pinched both of Elisse's cheeks."We couldn't sleep knowing that you're still here, working," Matthew replied."Daddy's right. And he told me we could eat dinner at our favorite restaurant!"I glanced at Mat
Winter's POV"Do you really believe them?" I asked Matthew while we were heading to my company building.He held tight to my hand before speaking. "Well, I'm a bit confused too, but I know Belle. She wouldn't do something that she'll regret in the end. She's a smart woman, and I think I believe whatever she tells me."I heaved a deep sigh. "I don't really know how to react. But anyway, they both deserve a happy life and a healthy relationship. Who am I to question their love for each other? Although they looked so nervous while talking to us inside the coffee shop.""You're right. But what's important is that they're both happy.""Uhm. Oh, we're already here.""So, let's just meet each other later?"I nodded my head and smiled at him. "See you later, my pumpkin."He leaned closer to me and kissed me on the forehead. "See you later. Make sure to take a rest every once in a while.""I thought you were going to give me a kiss on the lips." I pouted at him."Winter."Matthew has a habit o
Belle's POV"You've been sighing for so many times now. Is there something that's bothering you?" Timothy asked me while we were sitting on the couch in my living room.I still can't stop thinking about the stupid pretention that Ian and I are doing. I actually want to refuse to do it, but I have no choice. We have the same goal, and so I think it would be easier for the both of us to accomplish those goals if we help each other."Hey, are you even listening to me?" I only got back to my senses when Tim began moving his hands in front of me to get my attention. I looked at him confusingly. "H-Huh? I'm sorry, what did you say again?"He heaved a sigh. "See? You do really have a problem. Tell me, what is it?""Problem? No, I don't have a problem. Don't worry about me, Tim. I'm doing fine. I'm just tired.""Are you sure about that?""Yup. You don't have to worry about me.""Perhaps it's about a guy?"That made me look at him. "W-What?""One of the top reasons why people become problemat
Winter's POV"Say, Winter, would you like to go on a double date with my girlfriend and me?" That's what Ian asked me last night over the phone. He called to tell me about his celebrity friend who wants to collaborate with my company. It's been a week since he and Belle announced their relationship, but I'm still skeptical about it."How do you think about that?" I asked Matthew while we were inside the library room.I was sitting on the couch while he was lying down, using my lap as his pillow. He spoke without even taking his eyes off the book that he was reading. "I think it's fine.""Right. Then maybe we can also have a closer look at them to see if they really care for each other."You should stop suspecting them now.""Huh? And why would I? Their relationship is really suspicious. Don't you suspect the relationship they're saying?"That was when he sat up and put the book on the center table before looking at me. "Seeing Belle happy is what I want. If she's happy with Ian, then
Winter's POV "Pumpkin! You won't believe who I just met this morning!" I excitedly said as soon as I entered our house and saw Matthew preparing our dinner. He turned around and kissed me on the cheek before speaking. "Who is it?" "It's Winston. My first boyfriend." His brows furrowed. "Y-Your first boyfriend?" "Uh-huh. He is my very first investor. Oh gosh, I didn't expect it to be him. He didn't change, actually. He is still as handsome as ever." "I see. So, you think he is more handsome than me?" he said as he continued cooking. I giggled as I hugged his back. "So, are you getting jealous now because he is my first love?" "Of course, not. I just hate the way you smile while talking about some other man being handsome." "Oh, Matthew. You still get jealous when you already had me first." I whispered seductively in his ear which made him immediately turn around and widen his eyes at me. "Winter! Elisse might hear you!" I cupped both of his cheeks as I chuckle
Winter's POV "So, where's your girlfriend and why are you here?" I asked Ian as soon as he stepped into my office. He sat down on the couch from across my table and looked at me. "She's at work." "Then why don't you bother her instead?" "I just went here because your boutique is much closer to my restaurant. And also..." I looked at him. "And also?" He looked so serious as he looked directly at me. "I've heard about it." "A-About what?" "About your family." When I realized what he was talking about, I averted my gaze from him. "Well, you heard it right. I'm not really a part of their family. And now, I don't even know who my real parents are." "That must be tough for you." "It is. But then I realized that there is no reason for me to agonize about it. They never treated me as a part of their family, anyway. At least I no longer have to wonder why they can never appreciate the things that I do." "Winter..." "Anyway, I still have a meeting with a p
Winter’s POVI woke up with Matthew still sleeping beside me. I couldn’t help but smile while looking at him. Something happened between the two of us last night and I don’t regret it. Although I still can’t forget about what I just found out about my family, Matthew made me feel better. “Winter…” he looked at me worriedly as soon as he opened his eyes. I gave him a smile. “Good morning, Matthew.”“Are you alright now?” “I feel better now.”He heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear then.”“You’re such a naughty pumpkin.”“Huh?”“I didn’t know you’re so good at it.” I teased him. That immediately made him blush. “D…Do you want to have breakfast already? I’ll prepare it now.”I laughed as I hugged him. “Look at you getting embarrassed so easily. You really are so cute.”“Winter.”“I finally made up my mind.”“Huh?”I took a deep breathe before speaking again. “Let’s go somewhere far from everyone. I want to start a new life; I want to find who I really am. I want to know who
Winter's POV"Here, have some hot chocolate first." Matthew sat next to me as he placed a glass of water on the center table.He brought me to an inn after what happened a while ago. I told him that I want to be away from everyone for a while."Matthew.""Hmm?""Elisse... We should have brought her with us."He shook his head. "Don't worry, I'll get her tomorrow morning. I have also told Maggie and the others to watch after her.""Okay...""A-Are you alright? N-No, I mean, what do you want to do? Do you want to eat or something?" he asked, obviously worried about me.I heaved a sigh and slowly nodded my head. "I think I'll just eat...""Okay. Wait for me here, okay? I'll prepare something for you.""Okay.."I leaned on the couch as I pulled the blanket and covered myself with it while waiting for Matthew.It only took thirty minutes before he finally brought some food and placed them on the center table."It's Almond Butter Curry.""You do know a lot of cuisines, huh?"He smiled as he
Winter's POVI woke up with Matthew hugging me tightly like a pillow as he slept.I roamed my eyes around the room and didn't find Elisse anywhere. I couldn't hear her voice from anywhere inside the room either.She woke up early today, huh?She probably went out to play with Maggie. She's really that close with our maids. That's why we had no choice but to bring them with us here in New Zealand. I turned my body to Matthew, who was still sleeping soundly. I couldn't help but smile as I stared at his handsome, innocent face as he sleeps. He really looks like a little kid whenever he sleeps. His brows were furrowed as if he was fighting with someone in his dreams and his lips were pouting. He got so tired from driving and carrying all our things yesterday, that's probably the reason why he's still asleep right now."What a sleepy head," I whispered, then pinched his cheeks. Good thing, that didn't wake him up. Instead, he turned to the other side without opening his eyes.I got up and
Winter's POV"Can I go hiking with you, guys?" Summer asked when Matthew, Elisse, and I were done preparing for our hiking that I planned the other day. We weren't able to do it yesterday since we went out with the whole family although Matthew prepared everything that we'll need and he was also able to call some staff. I shook my head immediately. "No, you can't. Why don't you just go yourself? It's a family day, so you can't go with us. Also, you're afraid of heights, right? Something bad might happen there and mom would blame me for it, for sure.""But, I haven't experienced hiking yet. That's why I thought I could go with you guys. I promise I wouldn't be a burden. I won't let anything bad happen to me.""It's alright, you can go with us." Matthew suddenly said. I turned around and glared at him. "She can't go with us. It's a family day.""She promised not to bother us, anyway. Besides, she's also a part of our family since she's your sister.""Thank you so much, Matthew! Wait,
Winter's POVAfter wine touring, we then went to South island to ski and try the Hanmer Springs.Snow-capped mountains and towering forests surrounded the place. It also has a main street filled with boutique shops, cafes, and eateries. The sun was already setting when we accomplished all the activities, so we already proceeded to the thermal resort. It has children focused swings which Elisse enjoyed, slides, and tunnels to pools with a range of temperatures.Summer, mommy, Elisse, and I went to a different pool from the boys.The warm water felt so relaxing, adding up to the relaxing, scenic view of our surroundings."Mommy, can I go to that slide thing again?" Elisse suddenly asked me."Huh? Sure, if you want to. I'll just ask Maggie and Eula to accompany you. Just make sure to behave and careful, okay?"She nodded her head with a smile on her face. "Yes, mommy!"I followed her with my eyes until I couldn't no longer see her. I was about to close my eyes to relax while dipping myse
Winter's POV"Ah, I'm so glad that you agreed to go with us." Summer said with a smile on her face as soon as we arrived at the said meeting place.She organized a family trip, including me, Matthew, and Elisse. I actually wanted to refuse, but then Matthew convinced me and said that it would be a great time for us to bond with the whole family. Also, Elisse really wanted to go."Grandpa. Are you sure it's alright for you to travel?" I walked over to grandpa who was busy talking to Matthew. He smiled at me. "What do you think of your grandpa, an old hag who can't walk anymore?""It's not like that. I just—"Ah, come on. Stop worrying about me and just make sure you and your husband, together with your daughter, will have fun there.""Fine. We'll have some fun there. That's for sure.""Mommy! Is it going to snow there?!" Elisse asked me.I lifted her up in my arms. "Of course. That is why we brought sweaters and gloves with us. We are going to climb mountains and skate there.""Skatin
Ian's POVI couldn't help but ball my hands into fists whenever I see Winter and Matthew acting sweet with each other. Why is he acting like a gentleman when he's actually a jerk? It's so obvious that he and Belle had some past, but he acts as if he never cared about her or they never had a relationship. I mean, why would Belle react so much if they never had a relationship?"Don't make it too obvious that you're jealous. They might notice it, you know." I whispered to Belle while we were walking towards the booths. She glared at me. "I should be the one telling you that. You keep on frowning at Matthew even if he's not even doing anything. Also, the way you smile at Winter reveals everything already.""Oh, so you're jealous now? You're jealous because I smile a lot at her? Huh?" he suddenly said as he put his arm around my shoulders."And why would I even feel jealous? I don't care about anything you'll do, anyway. Can you remove your arms around my shoulders already?! It's annoying