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
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
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
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
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
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
That morning, the sun shone gently on the small lake near Ailee's house. It was peaceful, just like any other morning, but to Loudy, things were different. She sat quietly by the lake, her eyes watching her two younger siblings splashing around on the shore.Lucille looked cheerful, laughing as she rolled up her trousers, playing carefree. Lowly, on the other hand, was silent. His face showed the anxiety that had not disappeared since the night before. The image of the little wolf attacking Berry continued to haunt him.He tried to recall the incident. Lucille's form that turned into a small wolf, the low growling sound, and how the white sheep suddenly lay lifeless. Everything was so real. Lowly wanted to think it was just a nightmare, but every detail was so clear in his mind.As Lucille turned to him, the wide smile on her face looked so sweet and innocent. However, instead of returning the smile, Lowly hurriedly turned his gaze to the surface of the lake."Lowly, what's wrong with
It had been three days since the events of that night. The atmosphere in Ailee's small house was quiet and somber, different from usual. The joyful laughter of the children that usually filled the living room was no longer heard.Lowly, who was usually just a little quiet, was now completely silent. Not a single word came out of his mouth. Even when Ailee hugged him or tried to talk to him gently, Lowly just stared blankly or nodded and shook his head if asked something.Lucille, on the other hand, was getting annoyed. She didn't understand what was going on. All she knew was that Lowly had suddenly started to move away from her, not even looking at her at all. Every time she got close, Lowly would shuffle away, as if Lucille was something to be feared."What's wrong with Lowly, Mom?" Lucille asked Ailee that morning, a frown on her face. "I don't like him like this. Did I do something wrong?"Ailee smiled gently and brushed away Lucille's messy hair. "No, dear. Lowly just... needs ti
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