hi, again...
A young woman emerged from the airport, her hand holding that of a small boy. They both looked stylish in their travel outfits. She with her short blond hair styled in loose waves and he peeked out from behind his sunglasses as he scanned the bustling crowd as if looking for someone there. “Anne!” a voice rang out, cutting through the noise.The mother and son turned to see a middle-aged woman waving enthusiastically at them. Her face lit up with joy as their eyes met and she hurried towards them.“Mom, please be careful,” Nicholas called out with concern in his voice as Ellora reached them, her arms outstretched to hug her precious people who she had missed a lot in the past few months. Ellora enveloped Anne and Leon in a tight embrace, “Anne, I’ve missed you so much,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Then, pulling Leon close, she cooed, “Little darling, Grandma’s heart ached to be away from you.”Leon, replied, “Grandma, my heart ached to be away from you too. I’m so happ
“Thank you for dropping us home,” Anne said softly. Before moving to Italy, she and Nicholas had decided she would leave the Hart family house. She had found a new home, just a half-hour drive away, where she and Leon now lived. Near their new house, she was opening a café. The café was almost ready, and she would be inaugurating it in a week.It was late in the evening when they arrived home. Anne stood at the door, bathed in the warm glow of the light behind her, while Nicholas stood in the dimness of the driveway.Nicholas nodded. As Anne turned to go inside, he softly called her name.“Anne?” he said, his whisper brushing against her skin like a gentle touch.Her heart raced, and she replied, “Yes?”Nicholas took a step closer, and Anne felt her heart pounding harder in her chest. As he closed the distance, they stood just inches apart. Without warning, he dipped his head and gave her a quick, tender kiss on the lips.“Welcome home,” he said, smiling warmly.Anne blinked in surpris
“Mommy!” Leon called out, rubbing his eyes as he stumbled into the kitchen. He saw Nicholas already seated at the breakfast table, enjoying his meal. For some reasons, he did not like this sight. “Yes, sweetheart?” Anne responded, glancing at Leon. she had been hurrying as she had to finish all the tasks and return to cafe. “What’s for breakfast?” Leon asked, still half-asleep.“I made eggs for you. Go brush your teeth, and then come eat,” Anne said, heading back to the kitchen. She returned with a hot pancake for Nicholas. She added in a very sweet tone, “Nicholas, would you like some eggs? I made them for Leon.”“Sure,” Nicholas replied with a sweet smile in retur.Anne then went back to the kitchen. Leon who was sitting next to Nicholas, grumbled, “Why are you here again?”“Son, is that how you speak to your father?” Nicholas replied with a hint of sterness.Leon pouted and said, “You’re here every morning. Doesn’t your staff make your breakfast? Why does Mom have to get up early
The principal said, “Miss Taylor, please do something about this matter.” Sabrina immediately answered, “My daughter is just a child. You cannot punish her.”“Miss Taylor, Charlotte bit her classmate. It was a serious offense. It is not the first time. She even punched another of her classmates. These incidents are increasing everyday. We cannot tolerate it!” Coco was standing in the principal’s office with her head bowed. Sabrina heaved out a sigh. “Miss Stephanie, I will discipline my child. Please give her another chance.”The principal added, “It is not just this, her performance in classes is very poor. She is barely passing. We understand that she is weak in studies but our school has certain standards and we cannot tolerate such poor performance. If Charlotte does not perform well in these tests, she may have to repeat a grade.” Sabrina said to her daughter, “Charlotte, tell the principal that you will study well.” Coco did not look up but she nodded her head. As they left
The inauguration of Anne’s café had been a grand affair. The cozy and beautiful spot in the neighborhood had attracted curious glances from passersby and compelled them to enter and take a look at the new place. Though the sales were still just barely enough, Anne felt a sense of contentment. She had poured her heart into the café, and seeing it the place where she was bor an draised filled her with an emotion that she could no longer explain in words. It was just a different and out of this world feeling. On the day of the inauguration, Nicholas had surprised her with a grand bouquet of red roses. The fragrance had filled the entire café, making every bouquet recieved pale in comparison. It was a grand gesture that brought a smile to Anne’s face every time she caught a whiff of the flowers, reminding her of his love for her. It was not just his love but his support and trust in her that made her emotional. Meanwhile, Leon had started school. Although he wasn’t haappy with the strict
When Sabrina saw the invitation card, she smirked, the expression not escaping Beatrice's notice who sat nearby, peeling an apple and biting into it. "Are you attending?" Beatrice asked, her tone curious."Of course," Sabrina replied without hesitation."Why?" Beatrice frowned. "Last time, when you went to drop off Charlotte, Nicholas treated you so badly. Why bother with those losers anyway?"Sabrina's smirk grew softer as she said, "There are no losers or winners here. My daughter’s last name is Hart. You might not understand the weight that name carries. Besides, my daughter needs to go and attend her grandfather’s birthday. She has a big family, and I want her to have it all."She paused, then added with a knowing smile, "Besides, Nikolai Hart wants to hand over Nathaniel’s inheritance to Charlotte. He sent me a message a few days ago. My daughter is an owner of the Hart Empire, equal to Nicholas or Emery."Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "So you're going for the inheritance?"Sabri
Nicholas had been trying to reach Anne earlier in the day, but she didn’t answer any of his calls. She was deep in her work and was completely absorbed with it. It wasn’t until the evening that she finally had a chance to call him back. Her voice was filled with apology as she said, “I’m sorry I missed your call. I got caught up with work.”She felt guilty because these days he was taking care of Lwon more and she waas focussing more on her businesses. It was his idea that she gave more time to business than family as he was there to take care of the latter. He wanted to support her in setting up her business. Nicholas responded gently, “It’s okay, Anne. I figured you were busy, so I called your manager, and she told me that you are swamped by work today. I just wanted to let you know that I took Leon to the Hart mansion. I wanted to check if it’s alright with you if he stays the night. If you are not comfortable with it, he will come home..”Anne let out a small sigh, “Nicholas, you
Later that night, as Anne finished closing up the café, the clock was heading towards midnight. The bustling energy of the neighbourshood where café was situated was replaced by a quiet calm one, and Anne decided to take a longer route home. The empty streets gave a rare chance for a connection that she missed with herself. The walk gave her a moment to breathe deeply, clear her mind, and remember who she was beyond a mother and all other roles that she played everyday. As she walked through the silent streets, the cool night air seemed to embrace her and also making the weight of her thoughts feel a little lighter. She wasn’t exactly stressed but the quietness of the night was soothing her mind which was passively stressed. As she was approaching her home, the thought of going to an empty house began to press on her heart. However, she was met with an unexpected surprise. As she reached her front gate, she caught sight of a figure standing there. The moonlight bathed him in a soft
The birthday party had ended and the Hart family gathered to leave. “Mr. King, we will take our leave now,” Leon said respectfully. Carter frowned slightly at the prospect of their departure. His gaze softened as it rested on Charlotte, “Why don’t you all stay the night?” he suggested, though even he realised how impractical it sounded. He wasn’t ready to let Charlotte leave just yet.Charlotte’s lips curved into a kind smile. “We will come to see you again someday,” she promised. “You better,” Carter replied. He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug that was long enough to draw a few curious glances from those nearby.Not far from the scene, Emily stood with Seraphina with her arms crossed and her expression clouded with irritation. Her brows furrowed as she watched Carter’s unusually affectionate behaviour. “Why is Carter being so affectionate with her? Even Seb seems to be revolving around her all evening. Just who is this girl?” she asked her tone filled with frustration.Se
Charlotte walked into the room and noticed only a grand piano, nothing else. She looked around, confused. Did not he say that he wanted to show her the birthday gift for his father? Or was he saying it just to spend time with her? Then again. Why would he even want to spend time with her? "Where's the gift you wanted to show me?" she asked Sebastian after a while when she could not control her thoughts.He pointed at the piano with a soft smile. "There."Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "You want to give your dad a piano?"She could not think of another explanation of why would he want to bring her to a room that only had a piano in it. Sebastian chuckled and shook his head. "No," he said, walking toward the piano. He sat down on the stool and placed his fingers on the keys.The music started, and Charlotte stood frozen. The sound was so beautiful and emotional like the piano was telling a story all on its own. She couldn’t describe how it made her feel, but it was like a deep sadness m
"Sebastian King. Pleased to meet you," Sebastian introduced himself, his voice smooth as he extended his hand to the Hart brothers."Likewise.”Sebastian smiled an enigmatic expression with no hint of malice or curiosity but still carrying an unmistakable poise that made it hard to look away.The introductions concluded just as more guests began to trickle in. Alessia, Leon, and Callum made their way to their designated table, while Charlotte excused herself to take a call. “So?” Leon asked, glancing at his brother. “What do you think?”Callum leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes flickering with thought. Unlike Rhys and Leon, Callum had an uncanny ability to read people. He was the observer, blending into the background while Rhys commanded attention and Leon’s charisma drew people in. It gave him the advantage of seeing what others often missed.“He’s... something,” Callum admitted, his tone measured. “Even I’m a little starstruck, to be honest. The guy isn’t just handsome, he is be
Today was the day of Carter King’s birthday party. Along with Charlotte, Sia was invited too, and since she decided to attend, Leon was her plus one. It was not a big event but a very intimate birthday party. Still the guests surpased a few hundred. Charlotte was nervous the whole way. Thankfully, she was attending with her brother and best friend. She dragged Callum as her plus one since she didn’t want to appear alone.Sia and Leon entered first.All the while, Sebastian’s gaze was on the door as if he was waiting for someone to enter. When that person arrived, his eyes lit up, but it soon diminished as he saw her holding a man’s arm. The man looked younger, but he couldn’t tell much.When Charlotte appeared to greet Carter, she intentionally didn’t look at Sebastian, but she could feel his gaze bore a hole into her head. As Carter saw Charlotte, he forgot all the guests.He didn’t bother with formalities and hugged Charlotte. “My girl. How are you? It has been months since I last
From across the room, someone was watching the entire scene unfold with an amused glint in his stormy grey eyes.Sebastian leaned back as his lips curled into a half-smile, clearly enjoying the drama, but there was something else in his gaze. Something deeper and darker.“Mr. King, what are you watching?” one of his business partners asked, noting Sebastian’s lingering attention.Sebastian’s eyes never wavered from the group. “Mr. Jones, I hope you don’t mind, but I just spotted an old friend. Would you mind if I went over and said hello?”“Not at all, we are done here,” Mr. Jones replied, excusing himself as he walked away.Meanwhile, Charlotte, having just made her point to Ronan, turned to rejoin her girls. But as she did, she froze. Her gaze met a pair of stormy grey eyes. Eyes that seemed to burn with a quiet intensity.For a moment, Charlotte thought it was just another mirage, a trick her mind was playing on her. She moved as her steps were hesitant, but those eyes followed her.
Tonight, the Hart girls had planned a much-needed night out. Charlotte and Abella took the lead, guiding Sia, Kate, and Estelle to one of their favourite clubs. Over the past few days, Estelle had been spending time with Abella, and despite their age difference, the two had become fast friends. So, when Abella invited her to join the group, Estelle didn’t hesitate.Estelle had a naturally chill personality. Even though she was a bit more reserved, she knew how to let loose when the moment called for it.“Boss, I missed you!” Kate exclaimed as she threw her arms around Sia, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go.“Come on, Kate, I’m not your boss here,” Sia said, laughing as she tried to pry Kate off, but Kate clung to her like glue.“I know that! But calling you by your name still gives me the shivers,” Kate grinned mischievously. “You are scary.”Charlotte raised a brow and teased, “How can Sia baby possibly be scary?”The girls burst into laughter as Sia shot them a glare. Normal
“Where are you taking me, Leon?” Sia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and amusement. He had covered her eyes with his hands and was carefully guiding her along the path. From the moment they met that morning, she could see the anticipation in his eyes. There was excitement, almost boyish, but beneath it there was a hint of nervousness, as if he wasn’t entirely sure how his secret plan would unfold.“Just a minute,” Leon replied his voice brimming with eagerness. “Once we are there, you will see.”They walked along the winding and uneven path, Sia grumbling at every step. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to her and just a blink to him, he stopped.“We are here,” he announced softly. Then, his voice took on a deeper and more heartfelt tone. “Before you open your eyes, I want to tell you—I love you so much, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter of our life together.”Sia felt her heart skip a beat at his words. Slowly, Leon removed his hands, and she opened her eyes.
“What do you want to know about her?” Carter asked, his tone measured as he observed his son’s restless demeanour. He wondered if his son recalled anything about her? As much as he knew that stubborn yet kind woman, she would not come to him again. “Who is Charlotte?” Sebastian asked directly, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension.Carter leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. “She is your wife. Or rather, she was your wife.”Sebastian frowned. “Our divorce isn’t finalized yet,” he corrected.“Great,” Carter said with a small satisfied smile.Sebastian raised an eyebrow, surprised by his father’s reaction. “Are you happy that we are still married?”“You bet I am,” Carter replied with a nonchalant shrug.Sebastian leaned forward, his confusion evident. “As much as I know you, you are an overprotective man. How on earth did you approve of a woman who married me after what was, by all accounts, a drunken mistake?”Carter chuckled, his expression softening.
“What’s up?” Sia asked, leaning casually against the doorframe. Charlotte was sitting quietly in her room, staring at nothing in particular.“I met Sebastian,” Charlotte said flatly, her voice devoid of any emotion.“Oh?” Sia raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “How did that go?”It was as if she was not sitting with Anne and scheming about Charlotte. Charlotte gave her a look. “Knock it off. I know you already know everything. Whatever you are thinking, it’s not going to happen. He asked me to sign the divorce papers, not to be his wife.”Sia stepped into the room, sitting across from her. “The real question is, do you want to be his wife?”Charlotte’s gaze faltered. “He doesn’t even remember me, Sia. And don’t forget—he loves Emily. Always has, always will.”“Did you ask him if Emily is still in his life?” Sia pressed, tilting her head.Charlotte shrugged. “How does it even matter?”“Coco,” Sia said, “How does it not matter? Why are you being such a coward? We both know you still