~HUNTERThe sound of the engine died down as I slowly wheeled my car to a halt in front of the mansion.At my arrival, the guard stationed at the door hurried over. I handed him my keys as I stepped out and headed for the front door.“Daddy!” Olivia’s squeal filled the living room as soon as I stepped inside, bringing a smile to my tired face.She rushed over, and I scooped her up by the waist, spinning her around as she giggled loudly.When I set her back down, her chubby cheeks were already flushed. “I missed you, Daddy,” she said with a grin.Oh goddess.She looked so cute—too cute not to kiss those rosy cheeks. So I did.She scrunched her nose in response, making me chuckle as I scooped her back up into my arms and started up the stairs.“Where’s your mom, by the way?” I asked, the thought crossing my mind.Not that I really cared, but I didn’t want Olivia to think I didn’t care about Nadia. Kids can be very perceptive.“I dunno,” she replied with a shrug as we entered my room. I
~SELENAI had an engaging time on the podium, holding the audience's attention as I discussed common health issues that children face daily, sharing reports and patient cases from my years of service in the health sector.I also provided tips on preventing these ailments and urged immediate medical help if they occur, advising against self-treatment or self-prescribed drugs for their children.It was more than just exciting because I wasn't doing all the talking. The session was interactive, with parents asking questions, kids participating, and even some parents who are also medical personnel contributing tips.Overall, the session was so engaging that I forgot my initial worry about Hunter showing up, as I kept glancing at the front door when I first took the stage.I accepted the school's invitation, hoping Hunter wouldn't attend since some men often aren't interested in gatherings like this. And I didn't want to dampen Megan's excitement to see me speak at her school.When she fou
~HUNTERSitting in the back seat of my car, I couldn’t shake the tension building inside me. My eyes kept darting to my wristwatch, and I found myself urging the driver to speed up whenever we hit a slow patch.I was supposed to be at Megan's school three hours ago, hoping to convince Mrs. Salvador to accept my appointment. But here I was, still stuck on the road. It wasn’t the driver’s fault, though. Something urgent came up at the office, eating away most of my time.This might be my only chance to meet with her, and it felt like it was slipping away with every minute we spent caught in traffic. My restlessness grew, and all I could do was hope we’d reach the school before the event ended.Finally, a sigh of relief escaped my lips as the car pulled into the school's compound. I jumped out the moment it stopped in the parking lot and hurried toward the building, wondering why so many students were milling around if the event was still going on.Has the event already ended? I wondered
~KILLIANThe sharp scent of tobacco filled the air, swirling around in ghostly wisps through the dim light. The den was alive with low murmurs, the soft shuffle of cards, and the occasional clink of glasses as drinks were raised and emptied. A cool jazz tune played softly in the background, the saxophone’s smooth notes slicing through the smoky air. Laughter bubbled up here and there, but it was the kind that didn’t reach the eyes—too forced, too cautious, much like the way the stout bald man across from me was laughing at my proposal.“I don't think I said anything funny, Marco," I said calmly."Of course you didn't. It's just that what you're asking of me is almost impossible,” he replied, taking a slow drag from his pipe as the half-naked girls on his lap caressed his plump body.“Almost impossible?” I scoffed. "Come on, Marco. I know you can do it. I didn't come all the way from America, wait a week for you to get back from vacation, just to hear this.” I locked eyes with him, no
~HUNTER Is she a ghost or something?I couldn’t help but wonder how Mrs. Salvador managed to leave the restroom without using the main door. Sure, I might not know the school's layout like the back of my hand, but I know for certain she entered the restroom area, and it was a dead end with only four other stalls.So, how come I didn’t run into her?I completely lost focus on what I was doing as my mind kept replaying the moment I almost met her. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that she was intentionally avoiding me. But why?Maybe Liam was right. Maybe she knew about my long-standing conflict with her husband, and it’s not like that’s going to end anytime soon.If that’s the case, I’m willing to make peace with Killian just to get her to consider my appointment. That’s how desperate I am to meet her because I believe she can help with my condition. I mean, she’s got an impressive record of healing people.Honestly, I have to admit, I’ve grown a bit jealous of Killi
~THIRD POVThe air buzzed with giggles and chatter as students ran across the playground, some huddled in groups, gesturing animatedly and frequently bursting into laughter. Others casually hung around the open corridor, watching.Olivia lounged on the open corridor, her hands propped on her chin as she stared blankly at the playground. Her mind was so far away that she didn’t notice Megan approaching from the field.Megan’s brows knitted together when she saw the dull look on Olivia’s face.Though Olivia rarely joined in the games, it was unusual for her to be so lost in thought.“Hey, Olivia,” Megan chirped, waving a hand in front of her friend’s face to snap her out of it.“Hey,” Olivia muttered, sighing.Megan settled beside Olivia and draped an arm over her shoulders. “Are you okay?”Olivia nodded, but Megan wasn’t convinced. She arched an eyebrow. “You don’t look okay. Are you sick? Hungry?”Olivia pressed her lips into a thin line, then sighed deeply. “I wish it was just hunger
~SELENA"You had me so worried, Megan. How could you leave school with a stranger?!" I shouted, frustration pouring out with every word."I'm sorry, Mommy," she mumbled, tears already welling up as she hung her head.I rubbed my temple, trying to stay calm, but it wasn't working. I was angry, and nothing I did could soothe it.What if Lionel hadn’t gone after them to the mall? What if she had been hurt before he got there? What if Lionel hadn’t realized Megan left with that witch? I would’ve been drowning in tears because of her innocence!"You know what? From now on, I don't want you hanging out with that kid, Olivia."Her head shot up, eyes brimming with fresh tears. "But Mom...""No buts!" I cut her off sharply."You will do as I say!" I snapped. "It's for your own good, Megan," I added, trying to sound calm."I can't stay away from Olivia. She's my friend, and she needs me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. It was as if I had taken something precious from her.I knew Hunt
~HUNTER "I thought I was imagining things when she walked into the cafeteria," Olivia began, her excitement spilling out with each word. "But then she came to our table, saw Megan, and insisted we go shopping. I thought I was dreaming until we actually got to the mall! She bought a ton of cute things for Megan and me." I was momentarily distracted by something on my screen when she suddenly shoved a dress right in front of my face."Look at this, Daddy!""That looks pretty," I said, genuinely finding the dress adorable. "The day you wear that, you'll look just like Cinderella."She chuckled softly. "I can't look like Cinderella in a ballerina's dress, Daddy.""Oh, my bad. I thought it looked a lot like Cinderella's dress," I confessed, rubbing the bridge of my nose as she giggled even more. "Hey, stop laughing at me, will you? I don't watch those Disney princess movies with you, after all." I playfully rebuked her."Then you should join me sometime and get familiar with their names,