The sky had just turned gray, but the calmness of the morning did not feel the same to Ailee. She didn't expect her children to disappear while she was preparing breakfast, she had searched all over the place; the yard, the edge of the forest that stretched behind, even to the small lake in front of their house, but her three twins-Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille-were nowhere to be seen.With her breath catching and cold sweat pouring down her face, Ailee stepped back, standing in the middle of the quiet yard. Her fingers clenched tightly at her sides, trying to hold back the tremors in her hands. The eyes that had been sparkling that morning now slowly glazed over, imagining all the possibilities that could happen to her children."Loudy! Lowly! Lucille!" Ailee's voice broke the silence, echoing throughout the yard, flowing through the trees and through the forest.But there was only silence. Even the morning breeze seemed to laugh at her fears, exacerbating her anxiety. Her face was pale,
The Ardolph Corp office was silent as Edric approached Aaron's desk, his face serious, without a trace of a smile. He paused in front of the Alpha's desk, then gave Aaron a meaningful look."Mr. Aaron, I found traces of Miss Zoe Ailee," he reported in a calm yet firm voice.Aaron, who was examining the documents in his hands, stopped what he was doing and looked up at Edric. His eyes were sharp, but the look on his face seemed to change little by little. Yes, after last night he assigned Edric to find out what happened, he finally came to fruition, his hunch last night was not wrong, something must have happened."Can you confirm?" he asked briefly, his tone cold, cautious.Edric nodded. "Miss Zoe activated her old cell phone after a long time. I tracked her signal, and her current position is in the city center."Aaron was silent for a moment, taking a deep breath. His face turned into an unreadable mask, but in his eyes was a spark of emotion that was difficult to hide. Without sayi
Ailee did not expect those words to come out of the mouth of an Aaron Alison Louvin, Ailee remembered their less than pleasant first meeting, she also remembered their quite complicated relationship.Honestly, Ailee had not lost all her feelings for Aaron, their last meeting at Aaron's villa instilled quite strong feelings for Ailee. But, Ailee didn't know, 5 years of not seeing each other could change Aaron like this, the cold man was now speaking softly to her.But no, Ailee had something she prioritized more; her children, more than that, Ailee didn't want to ruin someone's household, no matter what Aaron said about her political marriage, no matter that she still had feelings for that man, Ailee knew, she also didn't want someone to ruin her family bond, for her living with the triplets was more than enough.Ailee averted her gaze, trying to avoid Aaron's demanding gaze. But the man's gaze was too intense, too deep, and seemed to bring Ailee back to the times when she and Aaron ha
Ailee looked down, staring at Aaron's hand that grasped her fingers so tightly. Behind that grip, she felt the warmth that once made her feel safe. But now, that warmth only made her feel bound, making her feel that she didn't have the freedom she had been fighting for the past five years."It's not about leaving everything behind, Aaron," she said in a more stern tone. "It's about the reality we live in now. You don't know... there are things you can't imagine, things that... that should stay this way."Aaron was silent, but from the look in his eyes, Ailee knew that he wasn't going to just give up.The tension grew thicker, filling the narrow space with an almost unbearable weight. Ailee knew that if she didn't act soon, Aaron would be even harder to let go of. She had to go, leave this man and all their memories behind, no matter how difficult it was.After taking a deep breath, Ailee tried to shift her gaze out the window, looking for ways to devise an escape plan. On the other ha
Ailee caught her breath after running away from Aaron. She walked quickly towards the orphanage where her children were, letting the image of Aaron slowly fade in her mind. Fear and relief mixed together in her-fear that Aaron might keep looking for her, and relief that at least she managed to get away from him for a while.As she arrived in front of the orphanage, her previously restless heart gradually subsided. Mrs. Lyana's orphanage was like a second home to Ailee. Over the past five years, this place had become an integral part of her life.Ailee entered the courtyard of the orphanage and immediately her eyes caught the sight that always warmed her heart: her three twins, Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille, were playing happily with their friends. They were laughing, running around, and forming a small circle while laughing together."Loudy, Lowly, Lucille..." murmured Ailee with affection.The three of them were so similar to Aaron-dark hair, eyes as sharp as weasels that shone with joy,
Aaron sat in the black leather chair in his spacious office, looking at the stack of files on his desk with a blank stare. The piles of documents that usually filled his day and kept him busy seemed meaningless today. Ever since his meeting with Ailee in the city some time ago, his thoughts never left her. In his heart, he knew that he couldn't just let her go, even after five years had passed.Edric knocked on the door and entered the room, carrying a new, important-looking file. "This is the report you requested, Mr. Aaron," Edric said as he handed over the file.Aaron took it quickly, opening the first page with an enthusiasm that was hard to hide. His eyes immediately fell on the photo and identity of the man who was now the target of his curiosity: Aland Rexton.The file listed some important information: 29 years old, former artist of Gloss Entertainment agency, now under Kingdom Entertainment. This name is no stranger to showbiz, especially with his impressive track record. Ala
In a corner of the orphanage's simple room, Ailee sat looking at the serene faces of the triplets who had just fallen asleep. Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille were already lying on their respective beds, and the sound of their rhythmic breathing brought a little peace to Ailee's heart. Those three children were the center of her life now, the miracle that kept her strong, even when she had to avoid and live in the shadows for years.Sunny, her best friend and former manager, had returned to her apartment moments ago. She knew that her every move might trigger the suspicions of Aaron's people, who probably wouldn't stop looking for Ailee. They agreed that Sunny shouldn't linger at the orphanage, to avoid that risk. Leaving Sunny behind did make Ailee's heart ache a little, but she knew that it was the best option for now.With slow steps, Ailee left the twins' room, closed the door carefully, and walked towards the living room, where Mrs. Lyana was sitting quietly, reading an old book.Mrs. L
The night was already creeping into silence, a chill infiltrating the air through the crack in the window of the small room occupied by the triplets. The dim nightlight illuminated their tiny faces, but a sudden low whimpering sound shattered the silence. Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille, all three had woken up looking sleepy and confused."Mama..." whined Lucille softly, rubbing her eyes. "We want to stay here. We like it here."Ailee, who was also awake since hearing their voices, could only take a deep breath. She sat on the edge of their bed, trying to understand the twins' request without letting her worry show on her face. Ailee realized that at the age of five, Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille did not yet understand everything that was happening. They were just kids who wanted to play, wanted to have friends, and be comfortable in their own little world."It's so exciting here, Mama..." Lowly whispered with her eyes still half-closed."We have new friends, Mama. Why should we leave?" continu
When dawn still covered Ailee's small house, Lucille woke up earlier than usual. The sound of the wind blowing outside made her windows rattle softly. However, her little heart filled with curiosity and the desire to return to school was much noisier than the morning breeze. She decided to act. Lucille reached for a small bag in the corner of her room and started to put in her books and school supplies that she had used a few days earlier.As she was sneaking out of her room, she was stopped in her tracks by a small voice calling out to her, "Lucille, where are you going so early in the morning?" Lowly stood at the door, looking at her with a puzzled face. Lucille was surprised of course, she was glad Lowly had started talking to her again, but the timing wasn't right, Lucille was already biting her lip, trying to find an excuse."I'm going to the orphanage, Lowly. I want to go to school again. We don't know when Mother will let us go back," she whispered.Lowly, who had always been m
Three days had passed since Ailee decided not to allow her children to return to school at the orphanage. Lucille, who was full of excitement after her first experience at school, couldn't help but feel disappointed. Every morning, she asked with a hopeful face, "Mommy, when are we going back to school? I want to see my friends."Ailee always replied with the same excuse, "School is on vacation, dear. When it opens again, I'll let you know."However, that answer began to lose its power. The innocent, but intelligent, Lucille sensed that something was wrong. While Loudy and Lowly were busy with their activities at home, Lucille kept thinking about the real reason. She felt there was something her mother was hiding, and it made her uneasy.Meanwhile, Loudy noticed a change in her mother's demeanor. She wasn't stupid; she knew there was something that made Ailee more protective than usual. She often saw her mother pensive while staring at the CCTV monitor or holding the phone with a worr
That morning, the sunlight streaming through the curtains was not enough to chase away Ailee's restless thoughts. The sound of Lucille's laughter and the twins' cheerful chatter could be heard coming from the dining room, but Ailee found it hard to join in. The image of the conversation with Madame Lyana a few days ago kept looming over her mind. Aaron, the person she had tried to avoid for the past five years, suddenly appeared so close to her children.While preparing breakfast, Ailee tried to focus on the routine. She cut fruits for her children, but her hands trembled every time she thought about the possibility of Aaron realizing this big secret. "What if he gets suspicious? What if he discovers something?" the questions kept swirling in her mind.When everything was ready, she called the children to the dining table. "Come on, breakfast is ready. After that we'll continue studying in the reading room."Lucille rushed over to her mother with the little doll she had just sewn hers
Lucille, Lowly, and Loudy immediately looked at their mother with great interest."I know you want to go to school," Ailee began carefully. "But you should also know that school means you'll be leaving this house every day. The world out there... isn't always as safe as it is here.""What do you mean?" asked Loudy, confused.Ailee tried to organize her words. "There are many things I want to protect you from. The world outside is not always kind to children like you.""We're not kids anymore, Mom," Loudy interrupted. "We can take care of ourselves. I can look after Lucille and Lowly."Lucille nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mom. I'll be careful too."Ailee shook her head softly, her eyes beginning to tear up. "That's not the case, dear. It's bigger than you think."However, before Ailee could explain further, Lowly suddenly spoke, his voice low but clear, "We have to know, Mom. What really happened to us?"Those words left Ailee speechless. For the first time, she realized that her chi
That morning, Ailee picked up her three children from the orphanage. Lucille, who was usually the most cheerful, seemed more excited than usual. She kept talking about her friends at the orphanage, while Loudy only nodded occasionally and glanced at Lowly who was still silent as usual.Lowly sat next to the car window, his gaze glued to the trees running backwards outside. However, there was a flash of tension in his eyes. Loudy, sitting in the center, stole a glance at her smaller brother."What's wrong, Lowly?" Loudy whispered softly, making sure Lucille didn't hear.Lowly just shook her head softly, but her face couldn't hide the anxiety she had been harboring. Loudy didn't push, knowing they would have a chance to talk about everything later at home.***Once they got home, Ailee directed the children to the kitchen. "Have breakfast before you start studying. I've made your favorite pancakes," she said, trying to sound cheerful.Lucille ran straight to the dining table, her eyes s
"Who is he?" asked Lucille, tilting her head."I don't know, but he seems like an important person," Loudy replied as she watched the man who was none other than Aaron closely.Lowly who was sitting behind them suddenly felt uneasy. There was something about that man that made him feel uncomfortable, though he didn't know what.Meanwhile, Aaron stepped into the living room, his eyes scanning every corner of the room carefully. The room was simple yet clean, with several paintings of children decorating the walls."This orphanage looks well maintained," Aaron commented, sitting down in the chair that had been prepared for him. Although the last time he came it was still the same, but he felt something was different, whatever it was."Thank you, Mr. Louvin. We're trying our best to provide for the children here," Mrs. Lyana replied, trying to sound casual even though she felt oppressed by Aaron's cold aura.Aaron nodded, then his gaze shifted to the window overlooking the courtyard. He
"I'll protect you, Lucille. No matter what happens," Lowly whispered softly, barely audible.But apparently, someone was listening."What do you mean?" A low, husky voice came from the other side of the bed.Lowly was startled, his body stiffened instantly. He turned his head and found Loudy sitting on his bed, his eyes looking at Lowly sharply. His older brother's face looked serious, more serious than usual."Loudy... I..." Lowly stammered, not knowing what to say."What did you say just now?" Loudy repeated her question. "You're going to protect Lucille? From what? What really happened?"Lowly was silent, bowing his head, not daring to look his sister in the eye. But she knew Loudy wouldn't give up so easily."Lowly, I'm your big sister. If there's something, you should tell me. We're family," Loudy said more gently this time.Lowly finally lifted his face, the look in his eyes filled with indecision. But then she took a deep breath and said softly, "Loudy... I saw Lucille turn...
The next day the orphanage was filled with the laughter of children playing in the courtyard. Lucille was seen running around with a cloth ball, her hair waving in the wind. She laughed happily with another girl who was older than her. On a wooden bench near a large tree, Loudy sat casually, watching her younger siblings play. However, her eyes occasionally glanced at Lowly who was still sitting alone in the corner of the yard.Lowly sat hugging his knees, his face buried between his arms. The voices of the other children did not attract his attention in the slightest. In his mind, the image of that night continued to haunt him-when Lucille turned into a little wolf and attacked his favorite white sheep, Berry."Lowly," Loudy called as she approached, "why don't you play with them?"Lowly just shook his head slowly without lifting his face.Loudy let out a long breath. "You still don't want to talk?" she asked in a soft tone.Lowly remained silent, only tightening the hug on her knees
That morning, Mrs. Lyana arrived early. She brought a small car to pick up the three children. Lucille seemed the most excited, she had even brought a small bag with her dolls."Mama, I'm ready!" Lucille said cheerfully as she ran a little toward Ailee.Loudy came next, holding Lowly's hand who still looked pale. "Lowly's ready too, Mom," Loudy said in a calm tone, trying to sound like a responsible eldest child.Ailee lowered her head, holding both of Lowly's shoulders and looking at him deeply. "Lowly, listen to Mama carefully. It's okay, okay? You'll be safe there. Loudy and Lucille will take care of you."Lowly just nodded slowly, his eyes staring down.Ailee hugged him tightly before finally leading them to the door. "Mama will be waiting at home. Don't worry."Mrs. Lyana smiled gently at Ailee. "I'll let you know how they are. You can rest easy."Ailee smiled faintly. "Thank you, ma'am."With a heavy heart, Ailee released her three children to the orphanage. She stood at the doo