Reigna“Mommy, don’t go to work.” Erwin begged with puppy eyes.“He’s right, princess. Just stay at home.” Carlisle stubbornly agreed, for the first time in sync with our son.Seeing that they’re worried for me after the news broke out and the scandal spread like wildfire, they both kept on persuading me to stay at home—sure, the posts and articles are all gone, but the public won’t let such an issue go that easily,No matter how much money Carlisle threw at the problem, no matter how many teams worked tirelessly behind the scenes to erase every last trace of the scandal, the damage had already been done.“I’m going to be okay.” Said, shutting their worries off for the nth time.“But mommy, dada won’t tell you not to go if it’s really safe.” Even with his innocence, Erwin grew up under Carlisle’s protection, so his mind completely understands that I am in deep trouble, despite not knowing what causes it.“I’m going to be okay, sweetheart.” I smiled. “Your dada is with me.”***The ne
Reigna“Princess, let me do it myself.”“No.” Stubborn, I kept the files close to my chest, preventing him to taking it. “This is my job, Carlisle. Besides, it’s just photocopying this and giving it to the Sales department. How bad could it be?” I smiled.He stared at me, then heaved a deep breath before tucking a few strands of my hair at the back of my ear. “They will definitely make you uncomfortable outside. You’re just too stubborn to listen to me.”“I know you worry, but you don’t have to do everything yourself.” I leaned to his touch as his hand lingered on my cheek. “You keep on convincing me to not go to work, or keep on insisting for me to do nothing and stay in your office all day. That’s not what a boss should do, silly.”Defeated, he pulled away. “If anyone offends you, remember their names and report it to me.”I can’t help but chuckle. “Okay.” I lied, then I kissed his cheek to catch him off-guard so I could quickly slip away and leave his office, ready to start my day
Carlisle“No, Carlisle. I don’t know a thing.”She took a breath, clearly trying to stay calm, but I could see the flicker of something—guilt? No. Frustration. She was frustrated with me."Do you hear yourself right now?" she snapped, her brows knitting together. "You’re acting like I asked for this. Like I actually wanted him to come here and—""And what?" I cut in, stepping even closer, until she had to tilt her head back to keep looking at me. "Confess his lingering feelings? Pretend he gives a damn now that I’m the one standing beside you?"Her lips parted slightly, her breathing uneven. "That’s not what happened.""Then tell me, princess," I pressed, voice low, "what did happen?"She glared at me, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "You don’t get to be mad at me for this," she said, voice quieter but firm. "I don’t control who shows up in my life. I don’t dictate who decides to crawl out of the past and suddenly act like they care."I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand do
ReignaAfter coming to terms with my new life, today was supposed to be a normal day—just another morning where I pretended that everything was fine. That the whispers in the office didn’t bother me. That the weight of Carlisle’s carefully guarded emotions didn’t make my chest ache. That I wasn’t still struggling to find my footing in a world that seemed determined to push me out.I stirred my coffee absently, staring at the cup without really seeing it. The break room was unusually empty, a rare moment of solitude in a place that never truly stopped buzzing. A part of me wished Venice were here—her bluntness would’ve been grounding, a reminder that I wasn’t completely alone in this. But she had been sent to a branch office today, leaving me to fend for myself.The sound of approaching footsteps had me straightening instinctively, schooling my features into something unreadable. I didn’t need to turn to know someone was watching me—I could feel their gaze, heavy and expectant."Enjoy
ReignaThe silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words and unanswered questions.Carlisle’s silver eyes locked onto mine, his expression carefully controlled, but I could see it—the storm brewing beneath the surface. He was waiting, waiting for me to speak, to give him something, but my throat felt tight, my hands cold despite the warmth of the penthouse.I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to focus. "Someone called me again today." My voice was quieter than I intended, but I pushed through. "Twice. But it was about a different matter this time."Carlisle’s jaw ticked, his fingers flexing at his sides. "What did they say?"I hesitated. How was I supposed to explain the creeping dread, the feeling that no matter what I did, I was always a step behind whoever was pulling the strings? I swallowed hard, fingers curling into fists at my sides."They said I shouldn’t get too comfortable being Erwin’s mother," I admitted, keeping my voice even.His entire body stiffened, his posture
CarlisleThe morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the penthouse. The city outside was already alive, the faint hum of traffic a distant backdrop to the quiet within. I had been awake for hours, my mind restless, my body tense. Sleep had never come easily for me, but last night, it had been damn near impossible. Not with Reigna so close, her presence a constant reminder of the storm circling us.I sat at the dining table, flipping through the morning paper, though my eyes barely skimmed the words. My focus kept drifting back to the woman still asleep in my bed—our bed. She hadn’t protested when I told her to stay. Hadn’t argued or insisted on going back to her room. Instead, she had simply curled up under the blankets, exhaustion claiming her before she could think twice about it.A part of me wanted to check on her, to make sure she was still there. But I forced myself to stay put, fingers tightening around the coffee mug in my hands.“Sir?”I looked u
Reigna“Princess, if you’ll leave without permission, I’m locking you inside.”The penthouse was silent.Too silent.I shifted on the couch, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the afternoon pressing down on me like a heavy blanket I couldn’t shake off. Carlisle had left for work early, brushing his lips against my forehead with a whispered, Stay home, princess, please. Erwin had pouted the entire way out the door, clearly unhappy that I wasn’t coming along to watch him get on the school bus.And me? I was stuck here.The realization made something itch beneath my skin.I had tried to argue this morning, had insisted that I was fine, that I could go to work like any normal person would after a scandal, a confrontation with their ex, and an emotionally exhausting night.But Carlisle had simply given me that sharp, unyielding look of his—the kind that made resistance feel utterly useless—and said, You’re staying home today. And just like that, my fate had been sealed.I sighed, shift
Reigna“Mommy, I don’t really hate this, but why are you always h-”“-Happy to see him draw a family portrait.” Lucy cut off, chuckling nervously as she covered Erwin’s mouth. “That’s what he wanted to say, hehe.”I smiled, nodding at her given that I understand her—Erwin was supposed to ask why I’m always home, after all.Three days had passed since Axle showed up at the penthouse, and I hadn’t seen or heard from him since. Not that I expected him to stay quiet for long—he was stubborn like that, always believing he had a right to my life just because he was once a part of it. But right now, I had more important things to focus on.I leaned against the counter in the penthouse kitchen, staring into my untouched cup of coffee, the rich aroma doing little to soothe the tension knotting my shoulders. Carlisle was at work, and for the first time in days, I finally had a moment to breathe.Except, I wasn’t breathing. Not properly, at least. My mind kept circling back to the things I could
Carlisle“Carlisle,” Reigna spoke, her voice soft as I fix my polo while watching her reflection through the mirror. “Uhm, maybe tomorrow, I should just stay inside?” she asked, her voice getting smaller as she finished her question.Ah. She’s bothered by it.“I’m not attending.” I finished fixing myself and kept my eyes on hers through the mirror that keeps us connected. “It’s just a birthday, princess. We’re not needed on it.”“But Carlisle-”“Let’s go out.” I turned to pick up my sports bag, ready to tackle another afternoon activity with the acquaintances involved in this hypocritic gathering. “The others are waiting. I was told we’re playing golf today.”“Carlisle…” her tone sounded defeated, but I heard no other complaints or suggestions, rather, I can hear the faint ruffling of her preparing her own things to bring as we face those ridiculous people once more.***The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the pristine green of the private golf course. A cool breeze
ReignaThe morning sun poured over the island in golden streaks, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate that housed the guests of the charity gala. Everything looked postcard-perfect—the blue waves lapping at the white shore, the distant hum of morning chatter from the estate’s balconies, the glint of silverware catching the early light as staff prepared the grand breakfast buffet.It was beautiful.But it was suffocating.I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the elegant resort robe draped over my shoulders. I hadn’t slept much. The weight of the previous night still sat heavy in my chest, pressing against my ribs like an ache that refused to fade.Carlisle had played his part to perfection.And I had stood beside him, smiling, nodding, pretending like his words didn’t carve into me.I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside. There was no point in dwelling on it. We had agreed to this. I knew what I signed up for. It wasn’t supposed to hurt.A sharp knock on my door snapp
Reigna“As much as possible, never interact with them. Do you understand, princess?” His reminder echoed in my head the entire night—I obeyed, and basically, our set-up was him doing all the talking, and I am just there, nodding, smiling, or waving my and no.The ballroom continued to hum with life, laughter and conversations blending into the clinking of glasses and soft orchestral music in the background. The golden chandeliers above us flickered, casting an ambient glow that reflected off the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits. The auction had ended, but the night was far from over.Just a few hours more and maybe we could finally leave. I sat beside Carlisle, the taste of champagne still lingering on my lips, my fingers absently toying with the rim of my glass. My pulse had only just begun to settle after the tense exchange with Axle, but the weight of the evening still pressed down on me.This entire night had been suffocating.The scrutiny. The whispers. The way people lo
Carlisle“Are you doing fine?” I asked, glancing at her.Reigna hummed in response as she sat across from me, her gaze fixed on the open book in her lap. She wasn’t reading it—her eyes weren’t moving, and her fingers were gripping the pages too tightly. I knew she was nervous.The charity gala was supposed to be a platform to clear her name, a public display to shift the narrative, but it also meant walking into a lion’s den. The press would be relentless, the socialites unforgiving.And I had to be the cold, distant bastard they expected me to be.I took a slow sip of my whiskey, watching her beneath hooded eyes. She hadn’t spoken much since we boarded, but I could feel her unease.The moment the plane landed, my guard was up. “Remember what I told you before, princess?” before I stood up, I turned to face her, gauging her delicate features laced with anxiety.“About what?” she breathed, clearly intoxicated by the upcoming social battle. After a few moments, a hint of recognition is
Reigna“Say goodnight to mommy, little brat.” Carlisle grinned as he took Erwin away from my lap, earning us an ear piercing screech.“NOOO!”Laughing, I closed the story book and stood up to cup the little boy’s cheeks and kiss his forehead. “We’ve read two stories already, sweetheart. You have school tomorrow.” I tried to explain while caressing his cheeks, but he only pouted with a huff, crossing his cute little arms.“But how come dada gets to spend more time with you? He have work too!” he reasoned, making Carlisle and I blink and then look at each other, and before we knew it, we chuckled.“Well,” not knowing what to say, I smiled and turned to Carlisle, wanting him to explain on our stead.“Because adults get to sleep later and children don’t.” with his believable tone laced with his ‘no-more-questions-to-be-asked’ vibes, Erwin stared at him for a while before dramatically sighing.“Okay, goodnight, mommy.”***While Carlisle is working in his study room, I stayed inside while
CarlisleThe city lights flickered beyond the glass walls of my penthouse, a quiet hum settling in the space around me. It was past midnight, and yet, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.“You’ve been drinking often, Carlisle.” I am too accustomed of her voice that I didn’t turn around—instead, I just savored the feeling of knowing she’s right behind me.“I need a break every now and then, princess.” I stood by the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, the amber liquid swirling slowly as I stared at nothing in particular. My thoughts were a mess, tangled in things I didn’t know how to name, things I didn’t want to name.I had spent years building my walls, perfecting the art of control, of detachment. But lately, it felt like I was slipping, like something—or someone—was slipping through the cracks.“I don’t know what I should do to help, but I also don’t want to leave you alone either.”And that someone is here in my penthouse, unaware of the way she was pulling me under.I exhaled
Reigna“Mommy, I don’t really hate this, but why are you always h-”“-Happy to see him draw a family portrait.” Lucy cut off, chuckling nervously as she covered Erwin’s mouth. “That’s what he wanted to say, hehe.”I smiled, nodding at her given that I understand her—Erwin was supposed to ask why I’m always home, after all.Three days had passed since Axle showed up at the penthouse, and I hadn’t seen or heard from him since. Not that I expected him to stay quiet for long—he was stubborn like that, always believing he had a right to my life just because he was once a part of it. But right now, I had more important things to focus on.I leaned against the counter in the penthouse kitchen, staring into my untouched cup of coffee, the rich aroma doing little to soothe the tension knotting my shoulders. Carlisle was at work, and for the first time in days, I finally had a moment to breathe.Except, I wasn’t breathing. Not properly, at least. My mind kept circling back to the things I could
Reigna“Princess, if you’ll leave without permission, I’m locking you inside.”The penthouse was silent.Too silent.I shifted on the couch, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the afternoon pressing down on me like a heavy blanket I couldn’t shake off. Carlisle had left for work early, brushing his lips against my forehead with a whispered, Stay home, princess, please. Erwin had pouted the entire way out the door, clearly unhappy that I wasn’t coming along to watch him get on the school bus.And me? I was stuck here.The realization made something itch beneath my skin.I had tried to argue this morning, had insisted that I was fine, that I could go to work like any normal person would after a scandal, a confrontation with their ex, and an emotionally exhausting night.But Carlisle had simply given me that sharp, unyielding look of his—the kind that made resistance feel utterly useless—and said, You’re staying home today. And just like that, my fate had been sealed.I sighed, shift
CarlisleThe morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the penthouse. The city outside was already alive, the faint hum of traffic a distant backdrop to the quiet within. I had been awake for hours, my mind restless, my body tense. Sleep had never come easily for me, but last night, it had been damn near impossible. Not with Reigna so close, her presence a constant reminder of the storm circling us.I sat at the dining table, flipping through the morning paper, though my eyes barely skimmed the words. My focus kept drifting back to the woman still asleep in my bed—our bed. She hadn’t protested when I told her to stay. Hadn’t argued or insisted on going back to her room. Instead, she had simply curled up under the blankets, exhaustion claiming her before she could think twice about it.A part of me wanted to check on her, to make sure she was still there. But I forced myself to stay put, fingers tightening around the coffee mug in my hands.“Sir?”I looked u