Winter's POV"Come on, stop crying now." Ian kept trying to console me inside his car.I just had a conversation with Phoebe, and she didn't like to see me.I sobbed between my words. "I really... I really thought she had forgiven me already... but she's still mad at me, Ian... I don't even understand... Was it really my fault?""Of course not. It's not your fault, Winter. You don't have to blame yourself for something that you didn't even want to happen. We both know how you cared for that woman. She's just an insecure woman who got mad at her best friend for being more beautiful than her.""I really thought we could finally be friends again. All these years, all I did was pray that she was okay and that we could see each other again. She hates me so much, Ian... She said she doesn't want to see me anymore."Ian tapped my back. "It's alright. If she doesn't want to see you, then don't show your face to her again. As if you would die not seeing her face. Winter, there are things that
Winter's POVJust when Matthew's face was an inch closer to mine, the door of the library room went open and one of the maids stepped inside. Because of that, both of us immediately moved away from each other. "I-I'm so sorry! I-I'll go outside now!" she immediately apologized and left the library room.That made Matthew and I be left alone together again.I could feel the heat captivating my whole face as I pretended to be looking around the library room. Matthew was just sitting next to me, probably wondering what to say next. "W-Why is it so hot in here?" I said while waving both of my hands."I-I'll turn on the other air conditioner," Matthew said as he immediately stood up.What the hell? Why does it feel like I can't even breathe?As soon as Matthew was done turning on the other air conditioner, he turned around and met my gaze again. Because of that, I immediately stood up and averted my gaze from him. "B-By the way, is that all that you want to ask me?""H-Huh? O-Oh, yes. Yo
Belle's POV"Hey, Dr. Belle. You haven't eaten your salad yet. Is there something bothering you?" Nicki, one of my co-doctors asked me while we were inside the cafeteria.I shook my head and looked at her. "I-I'm sorry. I'm just wondering...""About what?""Is it possible for someone to forget about his feelings for someone when he meets someone new? Like, a person he just met?"Nicki took a sip of her lemon tea before speaking. "You mean, there is someone that man loves, then there came another woman. You're asking me if it is possible for him to forget about his first love and love the new woman better?""Y-Yeah.""Well, it actually depends on the man and it depends on the situations that happened while they were away from one another. Most importantly, it depends on whether the man really loves his first love. Because if you love someone so much, then it would be impossible for you to fall in love with someone else."I continuously nodded my head. "I see. Then that means he won't f
Winter's POV"Are you busy?" I almost jumped from my swivel chair when Ian suddenly stepped inside my office. It's been a week now since my boutique started working. I straightened my back as I reached for the cup of coffee that Ian has brought for me. "I didn't know it's this hard to run a boutique.""Of course, it's hard. You'll have to assess everything, observe your employees, the progress of your business, what your customer wants, and what's the trend. Do you think it's more tiring than being a celebrity?" he said as he sat down on the couch."I think so. Because when I was still a celebrity, all I had to do was smile and cry in front of the camera. But at the same time, I think they're quite the same since you should both keep a good reputation."He patted my head. "At least you have a handsome best friend to talk to whenever you feel sad about something.""Handsome and boastful, you mean?""Hey, I'm just stating the fact! At least I'm always present and here for you more tha
Belle's POV"What do you think of my dress? Does this suit me? Should I change to a different color?" I asked Themis while showing him my red off-shoulder dress that I would be wearing for the cruise ship dinner.He scanned me from my head down to my feet before meeting my eyes again. "I think that's enough. It suits you."I could feel my cheeks getting hotter just by hearing a compliment from him. "R-Really?""Shall we go now?" "A-Alright."Themis guided me as we stepped inside the limousine. We never really get to be with each other more often, that is why I'm so glad to be able to be alone with him tonight. "Good evening, Miss Belle and Mr. Matthew. This way, please...""Thanks."The staff guided us inside. There were lots of people inside and most of them were businessmen or famous celebrities. We would be doing our plan tonight, which is why Themis also asked his men to dress themselves up as visitors."When was the last time we've been to a party like this?" I asked Themis whi
Themis' POV"Remember to just press that button on your watch if you ever need our help. Also, I will be outside this room, listening to your conversation." I kept on reminding Belle as she was about to meet the person we should be investigating about.She just smiled at me while nodding her head. "I understand. Ah, you're worrying too much about me. Themis, I can handle that man. I am no longer that weak Belle who always cries.""You're still that crybaby, though.""Of course, not.""Fine. You're not a crybaby anymore."Belle laughed as she looked at me to fix my tie again. "By the way, I have to go now. I'll come back as soon as possible.""Take care of yourself, Belle. Be alert all the time and don't let your guard down. I'm just one call away. I won't forgive myself if something bad ever happens to you.""I know. You have always been my savior. Don't worry, I'll surely call you when I need help. Or when I'm done kicking that man's ass."After that, Belle already prepared herself a
Belle's POV"It's such a waste to even have my men accompany us here when you can just punch that old man and he'll already lose his consciousness," Themis said to me, almost pouting.I just punched Mr. Collins and he fell to the ground because of that. "I told you, I can handle myself now. You used to teach me self-defense back then, right?""Yeah, I know. But I didn't know you still remember that even after all these years." "Of course, I will."He just heaved a deep sigh. "Alright, alright. Then I wouldn't have to guard you every single time now.""That's why you don't have to worry so much about me anymore.""I know, I know.""By the way, since we're already here, why don't we just enjoy the moment and have fun like everyone else?"He looked around us and saw how people were busy having the time of their lives. The sky was getting darker and countless stars illuminated the sky."Well, I guess you're right. Although, I can't drink that much. I still drive our way back home."I fr
Winter's POV"I didn't know it would be so boring here. I shouldn't have gone with you. It would be more fun to stay at home and play with Elisse than acting like a fool here in front of people who are also pretending to be someone else." I said while pouting at Ian. We've been on the cruise ship now for four hours and we did nothing but talk to some random entrepreneur. Also, most of them were celebrities who were just too curious about how I am doing now and wanted to check if I was already regretting my choice. There were also some perverted old men who tried to hit on me, but I immediately pushed them away from me. I don't even know where they get the confidence to approach a younger woman."Hey, don't say that. Anyway, if you want to have fun, then how about doing what the main leads of Titanic did? Let's stand in the railings!"I glared at him. "Are you going out of your mind? I will never do that. I won't risk my dignity just to do that silly thing.""And why not? Many couples
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