**Gabrielle's Point of View**I still can't shake the shock I felt when I saw Kate and her stepbrother. From the moment they stepped into the minimart until the time we spoke, I couldn’t believe it. Seven years. Seven years since Kate left, and during that time, we had no communication. Now, here she is, suddenly back on the scene with a stepbrother I don’t even know.As Eumerriah and I walked to the back of the minimart, my mind kept replaying how I should react. Why here? And why didn’t I know? I don’t know if this was just a coincidence or intentional, but there was no warning or even a hint that she was the buyer of the minimart.When we reached the back, I paused and took a deep breath. I knew I couldn’t let this go. I needed to know why Kate suddenly came back—and why only now.“You stay here for now, Eumerriah. I need to take care of something,” I said to her. She nodded immediately, seemingly understanding that I needed to face Kate.I approached Kate, who was talking with her
Eumerriah's Point of ViewI felt a wave of nervousness as we walked toward the main event area. This is it—the culmination of all our sacrifices and hard work on the project. I stood next to Gabrielle, but even though he was right beside me, I felt as though I was alone. I couldn't tell if it was because of the large crowd or the presence of Kate and her brother Thomson, but the uncertainty in my heart was palpable."Good afternoon, everyone," Kate began, wearing her formal smile as she spoke in front of the staff and guests. "This has been an incredible journey, and I am truly grateful to be part of this project. I want to thank Gabrielle for his guidance and dedication to making this possible. Without his expertise, none of this would have been achieved."I heard the applause of the people and saw Gabrielle smiling beside me, but I couldn't bring myself to smile fully. It felt like I had done so much work for this project, yet in front of everyone, I seemed like just a shadow.Kate'
Eumerriah's Point of ViewThree days have passed since the turnover of the minimart. The project is complete, and I should feel relieved. This is the moment I’ve long been waiting for—the time to rest and return to my old life, to being an actress. But despite everything, why do I feel this way? Why does it seem like instead of being filled with relief, something is missing?Three days. For three days, I’ve felt like I’m just going through the motions of things that used to bring me joy. But now, I can’t seem to feel the same excitement that I used to. I go to the set, act in front of the camera, and interact with the people on set, but in every scene, it feels like something is missing. It’s as if my heart is searching for something that I can’t find in the scripts or the lights of the camera.I find myself missing the noise of the construction site, the smell of paint, the exhaustion from endlessly organizing documents. I miss the moments when Gabrielle and I were together, even tho
**Eumerriah's Point of View**I did not expect this day. It was supposed to be just another regular taping day—one of those days I thoroughly enjoyed my work as an actress. I had grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the set—the busy people going about their tasks, the restless cameras, and the directors who seemed to never stop giving instructions.I was resting on the side of the set, sitting on a folding chair while waiting for the next scene. I was just looking at my script, thinking about my upcoming lines. But all of that was suddenly interrupted when I heard a loud voice, full of anger, coming from a distance."Where is she? Where is that woman?" shouted a familiar voice, getting closer and closer to me.I looked up, and there I saw Kristine, Gabrielle's wife, approaching me. Her brows were furrowed, her eyes blazing with fury. My world nearly stopped in shock. What was she doing here?I had no time to think. In an instant, I felt her strong grip on my arm, forcing me to
**Eumerriah's Point of View**I just wanted to pick up the kids from school—a simple act of motherhood to ease the sadness I've been feeling these past few days. Every hour that has passed since I left the world of business, returned to showbiz, and tried to rediscover the joy of acting, has felt empty. No matter how hard I try to chase away the loneliness, something still feels missing.Only Justine and Dustine can fill that void. So even though I knew I had many other things to do, I decided to pick them up. I was looking forward to seeing their smiles—the simple joy of children that lightens the heart.When I arrived at the school, I immediately noticed some commotion near the gate. A few students were quietly observing, their eyes fixed on a scene I couldn't quite make out at first. But one thing was clear—at the center of attention was Justine, drenched from head to toe, while a girl about his age stood in front of him, still holding an empty water bottle.I almost lost my breath
**Eumerriah's Point of View**After a few minutes, Kimberly finally calmed down. As always, I was deeply grateful to Shaira for her ability to soothe others, especially children like Kimberly. When Shaira recognized Kim, she quickly spoke to the teachers and convinced them to let us take Kim home. I didn't want to leave Kimberly alone, especially knowing she was going through something very heavy emotionally.When we arrived home, I immediately sent Justine and Dustine to their rooms. I knew they needed rest after what had happened. I made sure they were safe and comfortable before going back downstairs. The three of us—Shaira, Kimberly, and I—were left in the living room. Kim remained silent, her eyes showing the deep exhaustion brought on by her earlier crying."Have some water, Kimberly," I said as I handed her a glass. I saw her nod slightly, take the glass, and drink slowly. It was heart-wrenching to see a child in pain, especially knowing that I was, unintentionally, part of the
**Gabrielle's Point of View**I stared at my phone, trying to figure out how to deal with everything that was happening. My day started normally, but it was suddenly filled with anxiety when Kimberly’s driver called."Sir, Kimberly isn’t at school," the driver said, clearly nervous. "She didn’t come out of the gate like usual. I’ve searched around, but I really can’t find her."I froze, feeling like cold water had been poured over me. How could this happen? I was sure she was at school this morning. What do you mean she’s not there? Fear and panic welled up inside me as I called the school, each ring of the phone intensifying my worry. A few moments later, I received a call. I quickly answered, hoping it was Kimberly."Gabrielle?" I heard Eumerriah's voice on the other end, filled with surprise and concern. "Kimberly… she’s with me right now. Something happened at school, and she didn’t go home."I was stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing. "What do you mean? Why is she with y
**Gabrielle's Point of View**I was in the office, but my mind was still on what had happened earlier. Kimberly was holding onto me, crying, and I could feel the weight of the situation. I felt like a failed father. My child was hurt because of what her mother, Kristine, had done. I don't know how things reached this point, but now I know I have to do something.I'm angry at Kristine. How could she do this to Kimberly? To poison a child's mind with false beliefs and anger? But I’m even angrier at myself—how could I have let this happen? I should have acted sooner.I thought about my last conversation with Kristine. Our eyes met, and I saw fear and resentment in her. But no matter how much anger I feel, I can’t help but doubt—am I doing the right thing? Is divorce the answer? But what about Kimberly?I know I have to protect Kimberly. If I have to leave Kristine to do that, I will. But I'm still afraid that it might only further damage my daughter’s world.I need to talk to her, to Kim