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"Oh, look who's here. Winter and her poor husband."I rolled my eyes as soon as I saw mom and dad. Mom eyed Matthew from head to toe before speaking again. "Aren't you going to greet me or at least show some respect to me?""Good evening, Mrs. Wesley." Matthew was about to kiss her on the cheek, but mom looked away."Make sure to behave well here. Beggars like you shouldn't show your real character here if you don't want Daddy's birthday to be ruined."Matthew nodded. "I understand, Mrs. Wesley.""Now, get me some wine.""Yes." Matthew was about to go and follow what mom asked him to do, but I stood up and stopped him."There are servers all over the venue. Why don't you ask them? Or maybe why don't you go there and get yourself some wine? My husband isn't your servant. You can't just boss him around, as he owes you something."Mom and Dad's eyes widened in surprise. "W-What did you just say?""Matthew is my husband, not your servant."Mom laughed sarcastically. "Oh, so y
Themis' POVI couldn't stop thinking about what Winter told me last night. She just told me she liked me, and she didn't even look like she was joking.Could it really be that she already likes me?But I thought she hated me? Maybe she was just trying to tease me.I shook my head as I put my robe on and stepped out of the bathroom. I almost jumped when I saw Winter sitting on my bed with a smile on her face."W-Winter, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at your work right now?""Good morning, Matthew! Oh, my manager told me that the filming will start late today, so I don't really need to hurry up. By the way, I have prepared breakfast for you. Just go downstairs as soon as you're done dressing up, okay?"I nodded my head absentmindedly. The way she was acting confuses me so much.After saying all those things to me, she already left. I just changed my clothes into my working attire before going downstairs straight to the dining room, where I found Winter and Elisse s
Winter's POVMatthew immediately stood up as soon as grandpa stepped inside the office, seeing us in a really awkward scene. "M-Mr. Wesley." "Grandpa, what are you doing here?" Grandpa nodded his head and sat on the couch while looking at us. "Well, I actually have something to tell Matthew. But looks like I disturbed your alone time together.""Oh, no, you didn't disturb us. Winter just came here to bring me some lunch.""Is that true, Winter?""Yes, grandpa. I brought him lunch since I know he sometimes skips his lunch because of too much work that he has to do. Aren't I thoughtful?"Grandpa nodded his head while smiling. "Looks like the two of you are getting along well now. That's good news.""Right. By the way, grandpa. You said that you have something to tell Matthew, right? If it's that important, then might as well I leave the two of you here." I said as I stood up and left Matthew's office.Grandpa already knows about my real feelings toward Matthew. Although he didn't pro
Winter's POV"Winter? Are you alright? Why do you look so down today? Did something wrong happen?" asked Haley as soon as she saw me step out of my car.I looked at her with a blank expression on my face. "Let's just finish filming already, okay? I badly want to take some rest now.""If you don't feel alright, then we can film next time.""No, I badly need to finish this movie. I don't want to see Ian's face anymore."Haley heaved a sigh and made me sit on a bench. "Fine. But tell me what your problem is.""Matthew.""Oh, your husband?""He told me he doesn't like me and that he won't change his mind no matter what happens."Her eyes widened in surprise. "W-What?! Did he really say that?!""He did, even though I already told him not to say those kinds of things to me yet.""Oh, poor you. That's so brave of him to turn down Winter Wesley. Does he even know how many men are fighting for your attention?"I wiped the tears from my eyes. "He told me I don't deserve someone like him.""So,
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