Themis' POV"Meeting is adjourned." I stood up as soon as I said that.It was already lunch, and today was also the day I promised to go out with Winter. We were about to leave this morning, but then I remember I still have a meeting so I had to tell her to just wait for me at a coffee shop.She was staring at the window, obviously getting bored as I stepped inside the coffee shop."I apologize for making you wait."A huge smile appeared on her face upon seeing me. "Matthew!""So, where do you want us to go first?""Hmm... Well, I have searched for places we could go and these are what came out," she said, then she showed me her phone. She really did search so many tourist spots that I don't even know how are we going to go to every single one of them.I chose a place that was near where we were. "Let's go here first.""Huh? The river park?""Yeah."She nodded her head and smiled. "Alright. That's actually the first one on my list. It says there that they even have a field of tulips w
Winter's POV"Now, let me teach you how to ride a bike alone."Matthew's eyes widened as soon as he heard that from me. "What?""You know, it's better if you learn it. You can't just pedal forever, of course, there will come a time when you'll have to ride a bike. I'll guide you, anyway.""Fine." he immediately gave up."That's good! Then go ride that bike already!"Obviously nervous to ride it alone, Matthew had no choice but to follow what I told him. He rode the bike and tried to pedal it, but he immediately stopped because it kept on wiggling as if he was about to fall. I walked toward him. "You have to balance yourself in order not to fall. Also, you shouldn't be nervous and just focus on what's in front of you. Try again, I'll guide you from the back.""Okay."As I stood behind him to hold the back of the bicycle, Matthew started to pedal again. When he began moving, I let go of him and he still managed to continue biking until he noticed I wasn't behind him anymore. It's really
Themis' POVWe bought a few toys for Elisse, then we went back inside my car. It was already evening and I still have work tomorrow, so we couldn't go to another tourist spot anymore.But just when I was about to start the engine of my car, it didn't work. Later on, we just realized one of its wheels was flat. There wasn't a nearby gas station or vulcanizing shop, so I just called my secretary to take over my car."Are you in for a commute?" I asked Winter."I haven't done that before, but I think that sounds great!"In order to go to the hotel we were staying at, we had to ride a bus. There were lots of people on the bus and so we weren't able to find any seats."What the hell is this? Why don't they provide more seats to passengers?" Winter whispered to me as she keeps on struggling to stand still."The number of seats still depends on the size of the bus. Even if they provide more seats, I'm pretty sure there would still be passengers who will need to stand up."As the bus stops, t
Winter's POV"Brother! Miss Winter!" Elisse cooed upon seeing me and Matthew enter the mansion."Elisse!" She rushed toward us and gave us a tight hug."How are you? We're sorry if you had to wait long here." Matthew told her."It's alright, brother. I got so many stars at school!"I patted her head. "Is that true? That's nice! What do you want us to give you, huh? Or maybe you want us to go somewhere or eat something?""I just wanted the two of you to go home together, that's already enough for me, Miss Winter.""Oh, you sweet child."After that, we proceeded to our rooms to change clothes before gathering together in the dining room to have our dinner. "Brother, aren't you going anymore?""Huh? No, I'm not going anymore. I already finished all the things I have to do there. And if ever we go again, you'll come with us." said Matthew while smiling at Elisse."I want to go with you!""And that is why you should always behave. If you continue being a good girl, then maybe we could go
Winter's POV'Winter, is it true that you got married to a non-showbiz man last year?''Winter, you already have a six-year-old daughter?''There is a video of you hurting a woman, is that true?''Winter!'As soon as I stepped out of the building where I had a presscon, people from the media came running to me and started asking me questions about the rumors. They were too many that it became hard for me to reach the parking lot. Good thing some of my bodyguards were able to protect me until I stepped inside my car."Are the rumors true?"I almost got surprised upon seeing my parents inside our house. Of course, they would go here. They probably heard about the rumors already. I sat on the couch and looked at them. "If you are here to celebrate, then go on. The videos are true, I really treated that woman rudely.""Of course we know that's true. Knowing your character, we all know you will really do that.""This is what we've been telling you, Winter. If only you studied hard enough
Winter's POV"And the best actress of the year is none other than......"I stood up, knowing that the name to be called will be mine. They already informed us about it last month, and there is no way that would change. "Bridgette Vans!"I stopped walking and looked around me. Bridgette stood up and even smiled at me before going upstage. People were looking at me as if I was going crazy."Haley? What happened?!""I don't even know! We should talk to them after this!"As she said, we went to the organization to ask about what just happened."We all know Winter's career is already turning downhill. There is no way we would give her the best actress award! People might even attack us if that ever happens!" said the director of the award show."What did you say? But you already informed us that I will be the best actress of the year!" I complained.He laughed sarcastically. "Everyone's talking about you already, Winter. You have more haters than fans now, and we don't want those haters t
Themis' POV"Where's Winter?!" I asked her manager as soon as I reached the building where she came from. She obviously got surprised upon seeing me and just pointed at the car that had just left. "I-Ian already took her. That car is where she's in!""Thanks."After that, I went back to my car and followed the car that she told me about. It even stopped the car for a moment but proceeds after a while. When I realized that they were actually going home, I drove past them and was able to reach the mansion before they do.The man stepped out and open the car door for Winter whose clothes had been filled with dirt. The man's coat also has some smudge of dirt on it. I saw what happened on the television, that is why I hurried to find Winter. As soon as Winter stepped inside the mansion, I walked toward her. "Winter, are you alright?"Slowly, she raised her head and met my gaze. I saw her eyes filled with tears. "Matthew..."I heaved a deep sigh. I held her by the arm and pulled her tow
Winter's POV"I won! I won!" Elisse continue screaming as soon as the game we were playing ended being her the winner.I frowned as I tossed the game console to the floor. "Why are you so good at it? It looks like you've been playing this all your life.""Brother taught me," she said while playing."Oh, really? Don't worry, I will practice more and I'll make sure to defeat both of you one day!""That sounds fun, Miss Winter!"It's been a month now since the scandals about me leaked all over the internet. After that incident, I decided to rest from the industry to cool things down. I am planning to do this at least for a year, or maybe I won't come back anymore. All of my endorsements were taken away from me, and all of the projects that were once offered to me canceled our agreement. Aside from that, even Haley, my manager who I trusted the most let go of me and became Bridgette's manager."Brother!!"As soon as Elisse heard the door open, she rushed towards it and gave Matthew a hug.
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