Themis' POV"Uncle Ian!"I turned my head to the door as soon as I heard Elisse call that name. "Where's Winter?" "She's in her room, Uncle Ian.""Oh, is that so? By the way, I brought you pretzels!""Wow! Pretzels!"Upon seeing me, Ian's smile faded and became serious. "Y-You're here.""Yeah.""Ian?"We both looked at the stairway as soon as we heard Winter's voice. She was wearing a yellow dress and her hair was down. She even put on a sunflower hairpin to make herself look adorable. I thought they were just going to a company. Why does she have to dress like they are going on a date?"Oh, you really prepared for it, huh? Are you really that excited to see me?" Ian suddenly teased her.I cleared my throat, which made Winter and him look at me."Just call me when you're finally going home.""Okay.""You don't have to, I'll be driving you here, though." Ian blurted.I looked at him. "You don't have to, I will just fetch her and we'll go home here together. Just make sure it won't t
Themis' POV"M-Miss Winter--"Sssh.. I'll just bring her to her room," I said to the maids when they saw me carrying Winter in my arms.They nodded their heads and smiled at each other as I continue walking upstairs going to Winter's room. I gently placed Winter on her bed as soon as I reached her room. I'm actually planning on reprimanding her, but then she's already asleep, so I guess I'll just do it tomorrow. After all, she looks so tired and I don't think she would be able to sleep again if I ever disturb her. She'll just get mad at me if that happens.That man. For sure, he's the one who has a bad plan against Winter. He keeps on visiting here to get Elisse's favor too, for sure he still likes her. And today, I don't even know where they went for them to take so long outside. Winter also seems to be so tired.I already told her to call or text me so I could fetch her, but just like she always does, she never called or texted me. Probably because she was having fun with that ma
Themis' POV After taking Elisse to her classroom, Belle and I decided to go to her office. She had to look around first, before looking at me again. "Oh my God, Themis! I can't believe you're really here!" "Me either. I never expected to see you here." "Well, when I got back here, a friend suggested that I apply here, and so I did. Wait, can I hug you?" she suddenly asked. I was surprised, but then I just smiled and nodded my head. "Of course, you can." With no hesitation, Belle lunged at me and hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much, Themis... My teddy.." Belle used to call me Teddy before, it's because whenever she cries or having a bad time, she always runs to me to cry or express her anger. And although I don't talk much, I always listen to everything that she says. "I missed you too, Belle." When we finally moved away from each other, I saw tears filling her eyes, so I quickly wiped them off using my fingers. "You're still such a crybaby even though many years have al
Winter's POV"Matthew, I'll be the one to drive Elisse to their school. I also have to go somewhere."Matthew wiped his mouth using the napkin before looking at me. "It's alright. I'll be the one to drive her there.""Huh? But I---"It's alright. You can go straight to where you need to go."I slowly nodded my head while looking at him. He immediately stood up and later on, he and Elisse already decided to leave. Actually, I've been suspicious of Matthew lately. He is always the one who drives Elisse to her school, but these past few days, he seems to be so excited to go there. And even if he still has too much work to do, he still volunteers to be the one to go there as if he has someone he likes to see."I'll find out the reason why he keeps going there," I mumbled to myself.After changing my clothes, I immediately got into my car and drove off to Elisse's school. "Miss Winter!" I got surprised when Elisse saw me while I was walking past their classroom."Elisse, why are you stil
Belle's POV"Mommy...Daddy..."I kept on crying while hugging my knees. I was hiding in a corner, trying my best not to cause any noise that might get the attention of the armed men walking around. I've heard gunshots and each of them makes my heart beat so fast because of fright."There's a child here!"I was shocked when a man suddenly appeared in front of me. I was just looking up at him with widened eyes."N-No, please don't kill me!" I yelled."No, we're not going to hurt you. Come with us. We're going to escape from here."I blinked a few times with tears filling my eyes. If I didn't remember my mom telling me not to go with strangers, I would've gone with that man immediately. "I won't go with you! Go away!" I shouted.The man kept looking around as if someone would catch him anytime. He looked at me again. "Come on, we're going to save you. The bad guys are going to catch you if you don't come with us.""No! I won't go with you!"Tears continue streaming down my face. Then a
WINTER'S POV"Winter, do you want to go modeling? I can refer you to my agency." Ian asked me while we were having coffee. I shook my head. "I already told you I am not interested in any profession that has something to do with cameras, right?""I know, but you are born to be in the spotlight and to be the star. Even if you keep running away from it, for sure it will keep on following you. Besides, you're just going to be a model, not a celebrity.""But that's what comes next to that.""Your name has been cleared already, Winter. We were able to track down every people who leaked those false rumors and scandals about you, so why are you still afraid to come back as a celebrity?"I heaved a deep sigh. "I don't want to put Matthew and Elisse's life in danger. I want to live as privately as much as possible now. You know what? I actually realized that living peacefully is what I have been craving. Right now, I feel like I am free.""Looks like I can't change your mind now, huh?""I'm so
Matthew's POVAs soon as I stepped inside the house, I saw Winter who was lying on the couch while sleeping. Her eyes were closed and she was even holding her phone as if waiting for someone to call her.Is she waiting for me?It was already past twelve midnight and she wasn't in her room yet. For sure, she really waited for me."Winter.." I tried to call her, but she was deeply asleep.I decided to sit on the couch while looking at her. I swept the strands of hair that were covering her eyes. She looks so innocent when she's sleeping, but when she's awake, she's so playful and loves teasing me around. I couldn't help but smile while staring at her face.All of a sudden, as I was about to carry her to her room, she opened her eyes and looked at me. "Matthew?""Yes. Sorry, did I disturb your sleep?"She sat up and blinked a few times while looking at me as if checking if she wasn't dreaming. After that, she frowned at me. "Yes, you disturbed me. I should be sleeping right now, but I w
Winter's POV"Uncle Ian!" Elisse cooed upon seeing Ian enter the house.Ian then smiled at her and patted her head. "Hello there, Elisse. Are you going to school now?""Yes, Uncle!""Oh, that's good. You should behave at school and defeat all your classmates, okay? Make them see how smart you are!"I laughed. "Coming from someone who used to skip classes in middle school, huh?""H-Hey! What skipping classes are you talking about? We both know I'm one of those smart kids before.""Oh, come on, Ian. Don't try to lie to Elisse anymore."He sighed. "Fine. But that's why you shouldn't be like me. You need to be smart and be better than everyone!""That's right. Don't be a fool like your Uncle Ian." I said while looking teasingly at Ian.The three of us laughed. We didn't even notice Matthew, who just went downstairs from his room."Uh-hum! Elisse, let's go now. You'll be late if we don't hurry up." he said without even looking at me or Ian."Bye, Miss Winter! Bye, Uncle Ian!""Bye, Elisse!
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