Sia grinned back at him but her attention was quickly drawn outside. The lively sounds of children playing and people chatting caught her ear. Curiosity got the best of her and she made her way to the gate as she was eager to see what was happening. However, as she stepped outside, Lucifer barked loudly, blocking her path.This damn dog again! Scared, she dashed back inside and hid behind Leon. “Ask your dog not to scare me! I’m just curious. And where can I even run from here?” she exclaimed, her heart racing.“Lucifer, come back!” Leon called, asking his dog to return.With the dog settled, Sia cautiously stepped forward to catch a look of the scene outside. A group of women dressed in traditional dresses marched by as some showcased swords and arrows plays while others danced in groups. The atmosphere was filled with the beats of drums and the melody of various musical instruments. The air buzzed with energy as a small group of older ladies dressed in deep red carried something co
When the veneration ended in the evening, it started to snow lightly. Under the soft snowfall, the tribal men and women linked arms, laughing and dancing happily. Then, they all sang a song dedicated to their deity.After that, they hugged their family members, as if asking the deity to bless their lives with happiness and love. Leon and Sia stood there, watching everything in awe. An older woman gently pushed them towards each other.The sounds around them seemed to fade, and all they could see and feel was each other. It felt like they were alone in the moment. With a gentle push, they awkwardly hugged each other. Then, as the people kissed their spouses on the cheeks, someone nudged them to do the same.Leon and Sia looked into each other’s eyes. Their gaze slowly fell to each other’s lips. Leon’s hands came up to cup her face, and Sia closed her eyes as his lips softly touched hers. She waited for more, but nothing happened for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, she found him
“What do you want for dinner?” Leon asked Sia as he stood in the kitchen.“Nothing,” Sia replied.“You’re not going to have dinner?” he asked again, raising an eyebrow.She grinned at him. He was now fully dressed, no longer shirtless like earlier and she couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Still, with the temperature as low as it was, it made sense as nobody wanted to catch pneumonia just to look good.“Dinner, Sia?” he repeated.“I will just have some bread,” she said casually.Leon chuckled, amused. “You can’t just eat bread. You need real food.”Sia shrugged, “Leon, I’m PMSing. I can eat whatever I want.”He looked a bit puzzled. “Didn’t you just finish your period? How can you have pre-menstrual syndrome now?”Sia rolled her eyes, explaining, “Some women get Post-Menstrual Syndrome too. So, it is that kind of PMS.”Leon raised an eyebrow and made a mental note. “Post-menstrual syndrome, huh?”“Yeah,” she nodded. “I get pre, during, and post. One week before, one week after.
The next morning, Sia awoke to the sight of a snowstorm outside and the world beyond the window was covered in a thick blanket of white. Leon was still asleep beside her and as she looked around, she remembered where they were, lying on the floor with two blankets near the fireplace to keep them warm.She was sweating under the layers, but she didn’t dare move, not wanting to disturb Leon’s peaceful rest. As she stared at him, a thought crossed her mind, last night, they had shared the warmth of each other’s bodies, fully clothed. But she wasn't sure how long that boundary would hold in the future. Something had shifted between them, and she wasn't sure what would come next.Sia’s heart raced as she studied Leon’s face and was admiring the way his long lashes brushed against his cheeks, his dark curls tousled from sleep. His full lips, high cheekbones, and strong chin were captivating. Anne and Nicholas Hart gave their best features to their son. He looked almost too perfect to be rea
“Where are you taking me?” Sia asked as Leon walked into her room, urging her to follow him.“Can’t you just follow me quietly?” Leon replied, exasperated. He knew her well enough by now that she was never going to just do what he asked without questioning him. She did not have bones inside her that promotes the quality of obeying. Sia, with her usual pride, retorted, “Why should I? I don’t follow trends. I am the trend, and the world follows me.”Leon rolled his eyes. “Stop being so full of yourself and come with me.”It was like she couldn’t go a day without showing off her favorite traits—pride, arrogance, and narcissism. She lived by them. No she was basically drowning in these qualities.“Why are you opening the door?” she nearly screeched as he grabbed the knob.Leon glanced at her and replied, “Because we are going out.”She paused, concerned for him which caught him by a little surprise. “You just got over a fever.”“I know,” he said, reassuring her. “I am wearing thick cloth
Early in the morning, there was a knock on the door. Leon, who had barely slept all night, heard it and went to see who it was. Outside stood one of the guards who was stationed nearby. He knew from the grim look on the guard’s face, something might have happened. It was an emergency, either at home or office. “Sir, there is an urgent message for you from your home,” the guard said.It was just like how he had expected. Leon took the phone. With no network on the island, the guard had brought a voicemail.It was from his father.If it had been his mother, he might have felt less concerned, but the fact that his father had left multiple messages over the last ten hours meant it was urgent. Not just urgent, something had happened back home and he needed to rush. He had yet to hear the contents of the voicemail and he knew that he had to leave as soon as possible. "Leon, it’s Dad. Please come home soon.""Leon, Abella is in the hospital. She needs you. We need you.""Son, where are you
When Leon reached the hospital, he was greeted by the sight of his parents who were looking worn and haggard as if they had aged overnight. His father’s eyes were shadowed with concern while his mother, Anne, stood fragile with her emotions barely held together. As soon as Anne saw Leon, she burst into tears and he immediately embraced her in his arms as be felt the deep weight of her sorrow. It was in moments like this that Leon realized how delicate his mother truly was and how much he couldn’t stand to see a single tear fall from her eyes. This was the woman who he loved more than anything.He could fight with the world but he could not see a single tear in her eyes. This wo,an was everything to him. "Mommy, I am here," Leon whispered, holding her close. "Everything will be fine."Anne tried to muster some strength, but the sight of Abella, the youngest of her children, lying in the hospital bed had shattered her heart in ways she couldn’t explain. Her sobs were full of agony as
As Leon entered, his eyes immediately fell on his sister, Abella was lying peacefully in her hospital bed. She was still but as if she could feel his presence, her eyes fluttered open. She looked straight at him, her innocent blue eyes locking onto his.In that moment, Leon could see it clearly, how much he meant to her. Those innocent blue eyes which were full of trust and hope, looked at him like he was her entire world.Truly, he felt like a jerk for not being there for her when she needed him. He never had time for her. Now, he wished he had spared time for this precious little child who loved him more than anything. Leon smiled gently as he pulled out a small chocolate and a delicate rose from his pocket, holding them out toward Abella."Is this for me?" she asked, her voice soft and her eyes widened just a little.He ruffled her hair with a tender touch. "Who else? Is there any other pretty girl in the whole world?"Despite the small smile on her lips, it didn’t quite reach her
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
“So, Saturday night at Apollo’s? It’s a date,” Andrew said, taking a chance with the woman of his dreams. They were standing on the porch of the café. With Charlotte’s high-heeled boots, she stood an inch taller than him.Before she could respond, a smiling hunk with his arms crossed over his chest approached and said, “No, it’s not.”Charlotte froze at the sound of the deep, husky voice that had haunted her dreams. She didn’t dare turn around. What if it was him? What would she do? And if it wasn’t him, how would she handle the crushing disappointment?Andrew frowned at the interruption and asked, “Who are you, man?”“Why don’t you ask the lady?” the stranger replied, cocking an eyebrow.Andrew turned to Charlotte. “Do you know him?”Without even glancing at the man, Charlotte said firmly, “No.”Andrew wasn’t convinced. There was an undeniable tension between them with her avoidance and his unwavering stare. It was as if an unspoken history filled the space between them.“Well,” And