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
Themis' POVI woke up from the knock coming from the door. I didn't notice that I fell asleep while doing some paperwork. I glanced at Winter first, who was still sleeping before I decided to stand up and walk to the door."Sir. The lunch is now ready. Do you want us to just bring your lunch here?""No, I'll just be the one to bring that here. Also, can you help Winter change her clothes?""Huh? But why don't you just change it, Sir? You are her husband, anyway."My eyes widened and for no apparent reason, I felt the heat in both of my ears. "I'll just get our lunch. Please, help her change her clothes.""Yes, Sir."I went downstairs to get our lunch and medicine for Winter. As I was about to go upstairs, I heard Elisse's voice. "Brother! Is Miss Winter feeling alright now?!" she ran towards me and helped me with the food."Hi there, Elisse. Well, she still needs to rest. But she'll be alright soon, so there's no need for you to worry about it.""That's good to hear. By the way, I br
Winter's POVI woke up feeling something heavy on my tummy. As I opened my eyes, I got surprised upon seeing Elisse and Matthew sleeping soundly beside me. They were both hugging me as if they have been doing it since last night.I was about to wake them both up, but then I realized that maybe they fell asleep while looking after me. They took care of me all night and for sure they both got tired doing that.I just closed my eyes and stayed still. I have never experienced this before. I was used of sleeping alone, and now there are these people squeezing me."Belle..." Matthew suddenly whispered. That made me look at him. Who the heck is that Belle, anyway? "All you talk about is that Belle. Who is she, huh?" I whispered while looking at him.I gently turned around and faced him. All of a sudden, he moved his face even closer to me and hugged me as if I was his mother. I just stared at his sleeping face.Actually, he can definitely be a model or an actor he wants too. His skin is so
Winter's POVI left Elisse on the bench to buy burgers and when I came back; I saw a kid together with her mom yelling at her. The brat even pushed Elisse away, which caused her to fall to the ground. How dare that brat!"Hey!" I yelled so loud that made the girl and her mother look at me. I walked towards Elisse and helped her stand up before facing them again."Why did you push her away?!""And who are you? Anyway, that kid stole my daughter's doll!" said the woman.I glanced at Elisse. "Is that true?"She shook her head while her eyes were full of tears. "I-I didn't do that, Miss Winter. This is the doll you bought for me a while ago...""See? That's the doll I bought her a while ago! She didn't steal anything from your kid!""That kid is a liar! She stole my daughter's doll! She must give that back to her!" the woman said again as she reached for Elisse's hand, trying to take the doll away from her.Elisse kept on crying and so I wasn't able to hold back and pushed the woman awa
Winter's POVI was in the middle of filming when I suddenly received a call from Matthew."Hello?""Winter, Elisse is missing!" the frustration in his voice was obvious.My eyes widened. "Missing? What?! How? She's in school, right?""Yes, I went here to fetch her, but then the guard of their school told me that a woman went here and introduced herself as Elisse's guardian. She also presented some identification cards which left them no choice but to give Elisse to her.""For sure that's her stupid Aunt!""That's right. Don't worry, I won't stop until I finally find her.""I'll go there. Wait for me.""Huh? Are you sure?""Yes, wait for me.""Okay."I hang up the phone and looked at Haley who was standing beside me."I need to go now.""Huh? But we still have to--"This is important. We can just continue it tomorrow.""But Winter, you know--I gathered all my things and started walking away while Olivia was following me. They were looking confusingly at me, but I just continue walking
Winter's POV"Brother, it's so delicious!" Elisse cooed while we were having breakfast that Matthew cooked himself."Really? Is it delicious?" Matthew asked with a smile on his face. Elisse nodded. "Yes, it's so delicious! Right, Miss Winter?"That made Matthew look at me. My heart started beating so fast. "I-It's not bad.""Ah, I really thought it would taste bad since I think I poured a lot of salt."I hurried to eat, then I get ready for work. As soon as I went downstairs, I saw Matthew and Elisse getting ready, too."Winter, do you want me to drive you to your work?" he suddenly asked me."H-Huh? No need to. I can drive myself."He nodded his head. "I see." I thought he would already go and stop asking, but then I was surprised when suddenly, he walked towards me. He was looking directly at me and my heart started beating so fast as if it would jump off my chest anytime. My eyes widened when he moved his face closer to me.W-What the hell? Is he going to kiss m--"There's somet
Themis' POV"I heard you have adopted a child," said Mr. Wesley while we were inside his office."Her name's Elisse. A six-year-old girl who used to live with her abusive aunt after her parent's death."He nodded. "I see. Don't you think she'll be a distraction from your plan?""I don't think so. She's just a child, after all. Actually, Winter was the one who took her in. Even for just a short period of time, they became much closer to each other. They treat each other like sisters, now.""Looks like you somewhat had yourselves a child now. That's good, then. Your relationship would be more convincing.""That's right. And I think having Elisse would make Winter happy. I can see the way she smiled whenever Elisse is around.""Really?" he asked with a meaningful smile on his face. I didn't understand what that smile means, though. I stood up and bowed my head. "I guess I have to go now, Mr. Wesley. I still have to go to school and fetch Elisse.""Very well. By the way, Matthew.""Sir?"
Winter's POVI checked myself in front of the mirror before leaving my room. I was wearing a short red fitted dress and my hair was down. Today is the 70th birthday of grandpa. Of course, he invited all of us to attend his celebration."Do I look beautiful?" I asked Elisse and Matthew, who were sitting on the sofa while waiting for me.A smile appeared on Elisse's face, but Matthew didn't show any reaction while looking at me. "You look so pretty, Miss Winter!""Thank you, Elisse." I turned to Matthew. "How about you, Matthew? Do I look pretty for you?""Huh? O-Of course. Of course, you do. Shall we go now?"I covertly rolled my eyes. He doesn't even look like he's interested. We drove to the venue for grandpa's birthday and we immediately saw my parents and, of course, my ever-perfect sister, Summer, who is so good at giving out fake smiles to everyone."You're finally here, Winter and Matthew!" she cooed as she gave me a kiss on the cheek."Hi there, Summer." Matthew smiled at her.
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