Roseanne looked at Nicholas, her eyes filled with both pain and understanding. “Nicholas, I understand that you need time. I really do. I am very patient.”He offered her a grateful smile. “Thank you.”“But,” she continued, a small hint of hope in her voice, “I can still chase you, right?”Nicholas gave her a soft, teasing smile. “You want to?”She nodded, her eyes earnest. “Yes.”He shrugged slightly. “Up to you.”They both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts about what tomorrow would bring. Roseanne broke the quiet first. “I hope Coco lives a happy life,” she said softly. “I hope she forgets me. She’s just five. If I’m not around, maybe she’ll forget me.”Nicholas's smile was tinged with sadness. “It’s not just your absence that worries me,” he said. “It’s Leon’s. He’s her twin. She needs him more than anyone else.”Roseanne’s expression turned determined. “I’ll make sure he’s a part of her life.”Nicholas raised an eyebrow, curious. “How?”Roseanne said, “By taking away Sabrina
Throughout the journey home, Roseanne and Leon stuck to each other, their tears flowing silently as they held on tight. Though Nicholas’s eyes were filled with unshed tears, he focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel. When they finally reached home, the emptiness hit them all at once. The house was once filled with Coco's laughter and now it felt sadly quiet. The memories of her presence seemed to haunt every corner. Even the staff, who had cared for the children with such love, moved quietly, their eyes red from crying.Ellora and Nikolai had wanted to be there, to support their family through this heartbreaking time, but Nicholas insisted they stay in California. As they stepped inside, Leon’s small voice broke the silence. “Mommy,” he added, “Dad.”Nicholas and Roseanne looked at him as he said. “I know you’re both hurting,” Leon continued, “And I know you want to rest. But I need to talk to you both. Can I? It might hurt, but I need to say it.”Nicholas knelt
Six Months Later“Leon!” Roseanne called out.Leon came running. From the other room, his muffled voice answered, “Yes, Mommy?”Roseanne crossed her arms and said sternly, “Nathaniel Hart!”Leon’s eyes widened. When his mother used his full name, it meant he was in trouble.“Open your mouth,” Roseanne instructed. He obeyed, and she gasped. “Did you forget that I had to drive you to the dentist in the middle of the night last week? And now you’re eating cookies again!”Her frustration was palpable. She shouted, “Maria!”Maria hurried over. “Yes, boss?”Roseanne scolded her, “You gave Leon cookies again? I specifically told everyone not to! But he shows you his cute face, and you all melt! How am I supposed to run my café if you can’t follow simple instructions?”Leon whispered, “Mommy, I’m sorry.”Roseanne gave him an angry look before storming out of the café.Leon said, “Maria, I’m sorry. I put you in trouble. I stole these cookies from the jar in Mommy’s office. It wasn’t your fault.
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