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
At the perfectly arranged dining table, the morning light infiltrated gently from behind the curtains. However, the warmth of the sunlight could not penetrate the cold aura of Aaron who sat at the end of the table with an unreadable expression. His gaze was sharp, his body perfectly erect, and his posture exuded undeniable authority. He busied himself with reading files on his cell phone, as if there was no one in the room but him.Tifanny sat across from her husband, trying to keep her face calm even as irritation began to overcome her. Throughout their five years of marriage, Aaron's coldness had always managed to make her feel small. But this time, Tifanny was determined not to lose."Aaron," she said, her voice firm but slightly trembling. She looked at Aaron who only raised an eyebrow, barely showing the slightest interest in responding."What's wrong?" Aaron replied briefly, still not looking at her. The way he spoke was so cold and straightforward, making anyone who heard him f
The gentle breeze from the lake caressed Ailee's face as she looked at her small house that stood quietly at the edge of the forest. The house was simple, yet it had been a safe haven for her and her three children for the past few years. The fresh scent of the forest mixed with the moisture of the lake always made her feel at ease, but today, that relief was still overshadowed by worry."Mommy, when can we go to the orphanage again?" Lucille's cheerful voice broke Ailee's reverie. The little girl looked at her mother with sparkling eyes, the typical expression of a curious five-year-old."Yes, Mommy! It's really fun there! I like playing with Dario," Loudy continued enthusiastically, her hand grasping Ailee's arm tightly."I also want to stay again, Mommy!" Lowly added in a low voice but no less enthusiastic than her two twin sisters.Ailee smiled gently, though her heart was still a little heavy remembering last night. "That's fine, but you have to promise Mother. Don't play far awa
The large room was filled with dark wood ornaments and antique furniture that reflected the glory of the Reynard clan. The air inside was chilly, even though the morning sun was shining brightly outside. At one corner of the long table, Aaron sat with his body erect, his stern face looking emotionless. Although he was known as a dominant and authoritative Alpha, this time the situation was different. In front of him sat Mr. Reynard, his father, a man with a large build and piercing eyes that could subdue anyone with just a look.Mr. Reynard poured himself a cup of tea, then leaned back in the chair with a gesture of authority. "You've missed quite a bit of time, Aaron. Five years of marriage, and you still have no children," he said, his voice heavy and stressed.Aaron didn't answer directly. He just stared at the cup in his hand, swirling a bit of barely touched tea."I did not force you to marry Tifanny just to be a ceremonial couple," Mr. Reynard continued. "I wanted a successor. A
That morning, as usual, Ailee woke up early. The air around the lake was fresh, a light dew still on the grass. She walked into the kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast for herself and her three children-Loudy, Lowly, and Lucille. The aroma of toast filled the small room, blending with the sound of birds chirping in the background of their daily lives.The three children sat at the dining table enthusiastically, as usual. Lucille, the most cheerful among them, started the conversation."Mama, are we going to the forest again today?"Ailee smiled, though her heart was a little wary. The forest was her children's favorite place, but she never let them go unsupervised."You can, but later, when Mama's work is done. You should also stay close to home. Don't go too far," she said gently.The three of them nodded in unison. Loudy, who always felt she was more mature, added, "We promise, Ma. We'll take care of each other."Ailee looked at them with mixed feelings. The fear that had haunted
The morning sun broke through the large curtains in the dining room of Aaron and Tifanny's residence. The smell of fresh coffee and toast filled the air, but the usual cold atmosphere surrounding the house remained unchanged. Tifanny sat quietly in a chair, sipping coffee as she stared at her phone screen. Her expression was calm, but her mind was in turmoil.For the past few days, she had begun to smell something strange from Aaron. The man left the house more often with the excuse of work or sudden meetings. Although Aaron was a man known for being very busy, there was something different this time - like he was on a secret mission."Zoe Ailee," Tifanny muttered softly, remembering the name. She knew the name had something to do with Aaron's past, but how deep the connection was, she couldn't be sure.She realized that Aaron would never speak honestly to her. Instead, Tifanny relied on the spies she secretly hired to dig up information. She felt this was the only way to find out the
Dusk began to fall by the lake. The small wooden house where Ailee was hiding looked peaceful from the outside, but inside, the owner's mood was far from calm. Ailee was busy in the kitchen preparing a simple dinner while occasionally glancing at the triplets playing happily in the living room.After last night's incident at the orphanage, she felt a little relieved to be back home, but fear still gripped her heart. She had installed the CCTVs given to her by Mrs. Lyana in several corners of the house, but she knew it wouldn't be enough if Aaron really came looking for her.While Ailee was still deep in thought, a knock on the front door startled her. The triplets turned their heads in unison, then resumed their game."Mommy, who is it?" one of them asked in an innocent voice.Ailee wiped her wet hands with a cloth before answering. "Mommy will see. You guys stay here, okay?"She walked to the door carefully, opening the door just a little to make sure who was coming. Mrs. Lyana's fac
As previously planned, Aaron intended to come to the orphanage and ask Edric to postpone his entire schedule for the day. However, he unexpectedly met Aland there instead."Who are you looking for?" Aaron asked with a sharp gaze."It's none of your business" Aland answered Aaron's question, he tried to remain calm even though he felt tremendous pressure from the man in front of him.Aaron smiled a little, but there was no warmth in that smile. "Everything that happens here is my business," he said in an intimidating tone.Aland felt his chest tighten, but he didn't want to back down. "That sounds ridiculous," he said finally.But that didn't change Aaron's expression one bit. Although Aland didn't say it directly, but Aaron's hunch was very strong, the man must have come with the same purpose as him; looking for Ailee.Aaron approached, and the sound of his footsteps on the ground sounded heavy and intimidating. "I suggest you stop playing around. I don't have much patience for nonsen
That morning, Aland Rexton sat in his spacious living room, his fingers tapping on the wooden table in an erratic rhythm. Thoughts of Ailee continued to haunt his mind. It had been a week since their meeting in the city center, but the feelings he had been suppressing were rekindled. He knew that if he didn't act now, he might never be able to forgive himself. His gaze falls on the cell phone on the table. He stares at the number of Hana, his manager, as if he is holding something. After finishing his cup of cold morning coffee, Aland finally pressed the speed dial button. He calls Hana, his long-time manager. "Hana," he said when she answered in a formal tone, "I need a favor." "What is it, Aland?" Hana sounded wary. "I need you to contact Sunny," Aland said directly. "Didn't you say you were friends?" Hana was silent for a moment. "Yes, we've worked together a few times. But why do you want me to contact her? Is it about work?" "No," Aland replied quietly, his voice lowered. "F
That night, Aaron Alison Louvin's mansion was shrouded in silence. Only the faint sound of servants' steps could be heard downstairs. In the dining room, Tifanny sat at the long table, waiting with a flat expression but her eyes showing hidden emotions.The main door opened, and Aaron's heavy steps could be heard approaching. The man entered the dining room with a domineering cold aura, his face expressionless yet full of authority. He took his place at the end of the table, not saying a word."How was your meeting with your father?" Tifanny finally asked, her voice sounding flat yet firm.Aaron did not answer immediately. He took the glass of water that the waiter had prepared, sipping it slowly while turning his eyes to the corner of the room. Tifanny tapped her finger on the table, annoyed with Aaron's usual attitude, showing no interest in explaining anything."I'm talking to you, Aaron," Tifanny insisted, her tone rising."What do you want to hear?" Aaron finally opened his mouth
The large room was filled with dark wood ornaments and antique furniture that reflected the glory of the Reynard clan. The air inside was chilly, even though the morning sun was shining brightly outside. At one corner of the long table, Aaron sat with his body erect, his stern face looking emotionless. Although he was known as a dominant and authoritative Alpha, this time the situation was different. In front of him sat Mr. Reynard, his father, a man with a large build and piercing eyes that could subdue anyone with just a look.Mr. Reynard poured himself a cup of tea, then leaned back in the chair with a gesture of authority. "You've missed quite a bit of time, Aaron. Five years of marriage, and you still have no children," he said, his voice heavy and stressed.Aaron didn't answer directly. He just stared at the cup in his hand, swirling a bit of barely touched tea."I did not force you to marry Tifanny just to be a ceremonial couple," Mr. Reynard continued. "I wanted a successor. A
The gentle breeze from the lake caressed Ailee's face as she looked at her small house that stood quietly at the edge of the forest. The house was simple, yet it had been a safe haven for her and her three children for the past few years. The fresh scent of the forest mixed with the moisture of the lake always made her feel at ease, but today, that relief was still overshadowed by worry."Mommy, when can we go to the orphanage again?" Lucille's cheerful voice broke Ailee's reverie. The little girl looked at her mother with sparkling eyes, the typical expression of a curious five-year-old."Yes, Mommy! It's really fun there! I like playing with Dario," Loudy continued enthusiastically, her hand grasping Ailee's arm tightly."I also want to stay again, Mommy!" Lowly added in a low voice but no less enthusiastic than her two twin sisters.Ailee smiled gently, though her heart was still a little heavy remembering last night. "That's fine, but you have to promise Mother. Don't play far awa
At the perfectly arranged dining table, the morning light infiltrated gently from behind the curtains. However, the warmth of the sunlight could not penetrate the cold aura of Aaron who sat at the end of the table with an unreadable expression. His gaze was sharp, his body perfectly erect, and his posture exuded undeniable authority. He busied himself with reading files on his cell phone, as if there was no one in the room but him.Tifanny sat across from her husband, trying to keep her face calm even as irritation began to overcome her. Throughout their five years of marriage, Aaron's coldness had always managed to make her feel small. But this time, Tifanny was determined not to lose."Aaron," she said, her voice firm but slightly trembling. She looked at Aaron who only raised an eyebrow, barely showing the slightest interest in responding."What's wrong?" Aaron replied briefly, still not looking at her. The way he spoke was so cold and straightforward, making anyone who heard him f