Themis' POVI couldn't help but smile as I watched Elisse and Winter having fun with each other. "They look like sisters, don't they?" Mr. Wesley whispered to me while we were having some wine."That's exactly what I told them. They look alike. How strange, right?"Mr. Wesley just nodded with a simple smile. "Thank you for doing this for Winter. For sure, she almost thought no one's going to remember her birthday since her parents don't really celebrate it.""It was you who had this idea, anyway.""That's not true. I just told you that it would be better if you greet her with a happy birthday, but then you decided to prepare a party for her."I smiled. "Actually, one of the reasons why is because Elisse is trying to get Winter's favor in order for her to be allowed to have her playroom.""A playroom?""Uh-huh. As you can see, she is still a kid, but she never really experienced playing with the other kids or having toys. Instead, she grew up selling fruits and vegetables. That is why
Winter's POV"Here, you can put that here," I commanded the men who were placing the things inside Elisse's playroom.I also changed the wallpaper from pale pastel to pink with bears on it, then I made them put some star stickers on the ceiling which could light up when one turns off the lights. "Do you have anything else to change, ma'am?" "No, it's alright now. Thanks.""Thank you, ma'am."As soon as they left, I also stepped out of that room and went to the living room to watch T.V while waiting for Matthew and Elisse to arrive. I asked to buy some things at the supermarket.Ever since that kid came here, this house was never the same again. She is so loud that I can't even sleep so well at night. She keeps on running around the whole mansion together with Matthew every morning which makes me wake up so early."We're already here, Miss Winter!" Speaking of the loud kid. They're here again. The most annoying people in my life. I just pretended not to notice them, until she ran in
Winter's POV"I heard you took a child in. Are you going to adopt her?" Haley asked me."It's Matthew's. I have nothing to do with that kid."She nodded her head as she took a sip of her coffee. This woman really has a strong radar for gossip. I haven't even told anyone about Elisse. Only Matthew and Grandpa know about her living in the mansion. I don't know where she heard about it."Who's Matthew?" I almost fell from my chair when Ian suddenly whispered in my ear. I turned around and glared at him."What the hell do you think you're doing?!""Oh, did I surprise you? For sure, you're hiding something from me.""And so what? Do I have to tell you everything about me? Who do you think you are? Also, can you stop appearing anywhere? You're like a mushroom."Ian laughed sarcastically. "You're too harsh, Winter. Do you know that we are nominated as the best couple of the year? There is a high chance for us to win if you're going to work harder.""Who cares about that nomination, anyway?"
Themis' POV"We're already here. Make sure to behave well, okay? Make a lot of friends." I reminded Elisse as soon as we arrived at their school.It's her first day of school and she really woke up early in the morning looking so excited to finally get to study. She was looking at herself in front of the mirror before going to bed and kept on asking me what it feels like to go to school."Are you going to fetch me later, brother?""Of course, I will. And don't worry, Jerry would be here to guard you."She then nodded her head and smiled at me. "Then I don't need to worry about anything anymore. I will do my best in our class, brother!""That's our Elisse!"I asked her to go inside their classroom first before I left for work. I couldn't help but smile, thinking that Elisse could finally make new friends. She always wanted to go to school, but since they don't have enough money and her aunt just wanted her to sell vegetables instead, she had no other choice."Matthew? I didn't know you
Themis' POV"I'm really sorry, Matthew. I shouldn't have come here in the first place. Now you have an argument with your wife because of me." said Summer.I shook my head. "No, it's alright. I'll just be the one to apologize to you for what Winter did. You know, her job is too tough and depressing. You just came at the wrong time.""You don't have to apologize to me, Matthew. By the way, may I know who this kid is?" she asked while looking at Elisse."O-Oh. She's the daughter of a friend. She doesn't have anywhere to go right now, so we just took her in."Summer nodded her head slowly, then she walked towards Elisse and bent down to meet her eyes. "Hello there. May I know your name?""I-I'm Elisse..""Elisse. I'm Summer. It's nice meeting you. I hope we could also be friends. And, I'm sorry if Winter is kind of cruel. But she's—"No. Miss Winter is not cruel. I like her very much!" Elisse suddenly exclaimed.Summer's eyes widened as she stood up straight. O-Oh, really? Then good for
Winter's POVI have just taken a bath when my phone started ringing. I took it from the side table and answered Haley's call."We don't have filming today, Winter. Enjoy hanging out with your husband and daughter!""What? What the hell are you saying? I thought we have—"No, we don't. Also, your husband called me last night to ask if he can borrow you even for a day. And of course, I thought he was so sweet, so I immediately said yes. You have an argument again, am I right? And looks like your husband's planning a surprise for you."My brows furrowed. "What surprise are you saying there?""Just wait for it. Oh, make sure to tell me what happened tomorrow when I see you, okay? Have a nice day, Winter!" she cooed then she hang up the phone.What the hell did she just say? Matthew's planning something for me? And he even made our filming stop only for his nonsense?! That man!I immediately dressed up and went downstairs only for me to see Matthew and Elisse talking to each other as if th
Winter's POV"No, I don't want to ride that one! Not that one!" I screamed while Elisse and Matthew were forcing me to ride the roller coaster."It's not that dangerous, Winter. Come on, Elisse and I are going to be with you, anyway. You can sit between the two of us so you won't be scared anymore." said Matthew.I shook my head. "And who said I wouldn't feel scared anymore?! No! I don't want to ride that!""Fine. Alright, let's not ride that anymore. I thought you would agree to try all the rides here, but I guess there is something that the Goddess Winter is afraid of. Have you heard about the actress Wendy? I heard she loves going to an amusement park. I kind of think she's a really strong woman. I mean, being able to—"Alright, alright! I'll ride it if that's what would shut your mouth! Come on!""No, Winter. It's alright even if you don't—"I said, let's go! I'm not afraid of this damn roller coaster!"***"Ugh! I won't ride the roller coaster ever again!""Are you alright, Miss
Winter's POV"Winter? Are you awake now?" I could hear Matthew knocking outside of my room. I tried getting up, but I was too weak to do it. It rained so heavily last night after we watched the fireworks, and since the asshole parked the car way too far from the amusement park, we had to run like thieves just to be able to get there. And now, I think I have a fever."Yes, what do you want from me?" my voice was a little throaty."Can I come inside?""Go on!"The door went open, and so Matthew stepped in dressed in his corporate suit. "Are you sick?""Isn't it obvious? I guess I got it from last night. I can't even get up from bed, my body's feeling so heavy."He walked toward me and touched my forehead, using the back of his hand."You're hot. You do really have a fever.""Why do I look like I'm lying to you?""No, it's not like that. Wait for me here, okay? I'll get some cold compress and some soup for you."I nodded my head. "Okay. Wait, but how about Elisse? Who's going to drive
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