Nathan came out of the bathroom with a slightly red face. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward about what had just happened. Elena stood by the table, equally awkward. She avoided Nathan's gaze, fiddling with her own fingers, trying to ease the uneasiness in her chest. Nathan took a deep breath, then finally said, "Sorry." Elena turned her head. "For what?" Nathan rubbed his face. "I got carried away. I shouldn't have..." He trailed off, then looked at Elena. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Elena was silent for a moment before shaking her head softly. "It wasn't just you. I was wrong too, Mr. Nathan. I... I enjoyed your touch too, and that... shouldn't have happened." Nathan felt his chest pounding at Elena's words. He stared at her silently, trying to read the expression on her face. "Elena," Nathan finally stepped forward, unconsciously pulling Elena into his arms. Elena widened her eyes. "Mr. Nathan-" "One thing I want to know," Nathan whispere
Elena looked at the cheerful face of Olivia who was jumping up and down beside her. The school program was over, and the smile on her eldest daughter's face made all the tiredness seem to evaporate. Nathan walked quietly beside them, one hand holding the large teddy bear he had given Olivia. "How about lunch," Nathan said, glancing at Elena, who was still a little awkward after Olivia's statement. Elena smiled and pulled out her cell phone. "I'll call Tamara first. Katty and Delya can't be left for too long." She typed quickly and put the phone to her ear. Soon, Tamara answered. "El, relax, I can take care of them. In fact, Katty was teaching Delya to dance on TikTok just now," Tamara said with a laugh. "Seriously? Geez... well, I'll leave them for a while. I'll be back shortly after eating." "Take it easy," Tamara said in a soft voice. After hanging up, Elena turned to Olivia and Nathan. "Tamara said Katty and Delya are safe. So... let's eat?" Nathan nodded. "I happ
The atmosphere in the café was warm. Elena sat with Nathan and his three daughters, enjoying a lunch full of laughter. Olivia, Katty, and Delya looked so comfortable around Nathan, as if they had earned the affection of a father. However, the warmth suddenly faded when a middle-aged woman with an elegant appearance entered the cafe. Her sharp eyes swept the room until they stopped on Nathan. Her face hardened when she saw her son sitting with Elena and her children.Nathan, recognizing his mother's presence, immediately stood up. "Mom," he greeted in a flat tone.Mrs. Sonia approached, her gaze coldly fixed on Elena and her three daughters. "Nathan, who is that woman?" she asked sternly.Elena felt awkward and quickly stood up, trying to smile politely. "Good afternoon, ma'am. I am Elena, and these are my daughters, Olivia, Katty, and Delya."Mrs. Sonia ignored the introduction and looked back at Nathan. "I need to talk to you, Nathan. Now."Nathan sighed, then turned to Elena. "Sorr
Elena's footsteps sounded softly coming down the taxi. Her hair was neatly tied up, her face looked tired but determined. Just as she passed through the glass doors of Nathan's office lobby, a man in a black formal suit approached her with a serious face."Sorry, Miss Elena. I have a meeting outside. Please follow me."Elena was suspicious. But when she saw the shiny black sedan parked out front, she had a bad feeling. The window of the car rolled down slowly. Mrs. Sonia's haughty face appeared behind it."Come in, we need to talk," the woman said flatly, in an unassailable tone.Elena took a deep breath. But she stepped in anyway, opened the door and sat in the rear passenger seat. The door locked automatically. The car was still in place, but the atmosphere felt like it was moving into the abyss."What did Madame want to talk about?" Elena asked quietly, calm despite the rumbling in her chest.Without further ado, Madame Sonia took out a thick white envelope from inside her luxuriou
The sound of heavy rain hitting the glass of the building had been heard since the afternoon. The street lights slowly lit up as the sky grew darker. Elena tucked her drawing tools into her folder, took a deep breath and stared at her office window filled with the shadows of water drops.What a day, she thought. But all the designs are done, all the revisions have been sent, nothing else is pending."Miss Elena, you're not home yet?" asked Mila, wearing a light raincoat and carrying an umbrella.Elena stood up and straightened her bag. "Waiting for a taxi."Mila glanced outside. "It's raining really hard. I'll just wait in the lobby."Elena just smiled. After Mila said goodbye, Elena walked down to the lobby. Her shoes were wet from the puddles on the front steps. Her hair was starting to get damp even though it hadn't really left the canopy roof.Elana stood on the sidewalk, trying to order a taxi from the phone app. But everything was "unavailable"."Geez, not like this," she mutte
"Darling, you are truly a gift to this family." The booming voice of Margaret Lancaster, her mother-in-law, filled the room. "At last, Damian has found a woman who can give him an heir." The smile on Elena's face slowly disappeared when she heard the voice from inside the room. She was about to give Damian—her husband of ten years—the best news of her life. Elena's hand tightly grasped the envelope containing the results of the doctor's examination. She was pregnant with her fourth child. Elena stopped in the doorway. Her eyes froze at the sight before her. A blonde woman with a perfect body was sitting gracefully on the sofa. She was so very perfect. She was Isabella Monroe. A top model who often graced fashion magazines. And now, she was sitting confidently in Elena's house, among her family. "Ah, Auntie, you're too much," Isabella laughed softly, her voice soft yet full of satisfaction. "Don't call me auntie, dear. You are now my daughter-in-law." "Right, call us Mommy and D
"Fine! We divorce, and take your three useless daughters!" Damian's voice echoed in the room, cold and heartless. Elena stood up straight, staring at Damian without a single tear on her face. Then she nodded slowly and turned away without another word. There was no point in prolonging a conversation with a man who didn't even appreciate his own flesh and blood. Her steps were quick up the stairs, heading straight for her children's rooms. Olivia, her eldest eight-year-old daughter, was reading a book on the bed. Katty, six, was playing with a doll, while Delya, the youngest at just three years old, slept soundly, her fingers still gripping the edge of her blanket. "Mommy?" Olivia looked at her mother in confusion. "Why does Mommy look angry?" Elena took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions before speaking. "Honey, we need to get out of here right now."Katty turned her head, her eyes wide. "Leave? Where, Mom?""To a better place." Elena smiled softly, even though her hear
Elena let out a long sigh as she looked at the small apartment that would now be home to her and her three daughters. It was a far cry from the luxurious mansion she had lived in for the past ten years."This is our home now?" Olivia asked quietly, her eyes sweeping the modest room.Elena smiled, trying to look strong in front of her children. "Yes, darling. Our new home."Katty looked at her mother in confusion. "Does Daddy not want to be our Daddy anymore?" Katty's tears flowed freely, further breaking Elena's heart.However, Elena tried to smile in front of her three daughters.Delya, who still didn't understand what was happening, hugged her mother's legs tightly. "I want Daddy, Mommy."Elena squatted down, gently stroking the little one's hair. "Daddy can't be with us right now, but Mommy is always here for you, okay?"Olivia took Elena's hand, trying to encourage her mother. "It's okay, Mom. Mommy will be both mother and father to us," Olivia said.Elena smiled, holding back her
The sound of heavy rain hitting the glass of the building had been heard since the afternoon. The street lights slowly lit up as the sky grew darker. Elena tucked her drawing tools into her folder, took a deep breath and stared at her office window filled with the shadows of water drops.What a day, she thought. But all the designs are done, all the revisions have been sent, nothing else is pending."Miss Elena, you're not home yet?" asked Mila, wearing a light raincoat and carrying an umbrella.Elena stood up and straightened her bag. "Waiting for a taxi."Mila glanced outside. "It's raining really hard. I'll just wait in the lobby."Elena just smiled. After Mila said goodbye, Elena walked down to the lobby. Her shoes were wet from the puddles on the front steps. Her hair was starting to get damp even though it hadn't really left the canopy roof.Elana stood on the sidewalk, trying to order a taxi from the phone app. But everything was "unavailable"."Geez, not like this," she mutte
Elena's footsteps sounded softly coming down the taxi. Her hair was neatly tied up, her face looked tired but determined. Just as she passed through the glass doors of Nathan's office lobby, a man in a black formal suit approached her with a serious face."Sorry, Miss Elena. I have a meeting outside. Please follow me."Elena was suspicious. But when she saw the shiny black sedan parked out front, she had a bad feeling. The window of the car rolled down slowly. Mrs. Sonia's haughty face appeared behind it."Come in, we need to talk," the woman said flatly, in an unassailable tone.Elena took a deep breath. But she stepped in anyway, opened the door and sat in the rear passenger seat. The door locked automatically. The car was still in place, but the atmosphere felt like it was moving into the abyss."What did Madame want to talk about?" Elena asked quietly, calm despite the rumbling in her chest.Without further ado, Madame Sonia took out a thick white envelope from inside her luxuriou
The atmosphere in the café was warm. Elena sat with Nathan and his three daughters, enjoying a lunch full of laughter. Olivia, Katty, and Delya looked so comfortable around Nathan, as if they had earned the affection of a father. However, the warmth suddenly faded when a middle-aged woman with an elegant appearance entered the cafe. Her sharp eyes swept the room until they stopped on Nathan. Her face hardened when she saw her son sitting with Elena and her children.Nathan, recognizing his mother's presence, immediately stood up. "Mom," he greeted in a flat tone.Mrs. Sonia approached, her gaze coldly fixed on Elena and her three daughters. "Nathan, who is that woman?" she asked sternly.Elena felt awkward and quickly stood up, trying to smile politely. "Good afternoon, ma'am. I am Elena, and these are my daughters, Olivia, Katty, and Delya."Mrs. Sonia ignored the introduction and looked back at Nathan. "I need to talk to you, Nathan. Now."Nathan sighed, then turned to Elena. "Sorr
Elena looked at the cheerful face of Olivia who was jumping up and down beside her. The school program was over, and the smile on her eldest daughter's face made all the tiredness seem to evaporate. Nathan walked quietly beside them, one hand holding the large teddy bear he had given Olivia. "How about lunch," Nathan said, glancing at Elena, who was still a little awkward after Olivia's statement. Elena smiled and pulled out her cell phone. "I'll call Tamara first. Katty and Delya can't be left for too long." She typed quickly and put the phone to her ear. Soon, Tamara answered. "El, relax, I can take care of them. In fact, Katty was teaching Delya to dance on TikTok just now," Tamara said with a laugh. "Seriously? Geez... well, I'll leave them for a while. I'll be back shortly after eating." "Take it easy," Tamara said in a soft voice. After hanging up, Elena turned to Olivia and Nathan. "Tamara said Katty and Delya are safe. So... let's eat?" Nathan nodded. "I happ
Nathan came out of the bathroom with a slightly red face. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward about what had just happened. Elena stood by the table, equally awkward. She avoided Nathan's gaze, fiddling with her own fingers, trying to ease the uneasiness in her chest. Nathan took a deep breath, then finally said, "Sorry." Elena turned her head. "For what?" Nathan rubbed his face. "I got carried away. I shouldn't have..." He trailed off, then looked at Elena. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Elena was silent for a moment before shaking her head softly. "It wasn't just you. I was wrong too, Mr. Nathan. I... I enjoyed your touch too, and that... shouldn't have happened." Nathan felt his chest pounding at Elena's words. He stared at her silently, trying to read the expression on her face. "Elena," Nathan finally stepped forward, unconsciously pulling Elena into his arms. Elena widened her eyes. "Mr. Nathan-" "One thing I want to know," Nathan whispere
That night, Elena stood in front of Damian's door. Her hands were shaking, not because of the cold, but because of the chaotic feeling. She knew very well how Damian and Isabella were, but for Olivia's sake, she had to put her pride aside. With a deep breath, Elena knocked on the door. Soon, the sound of steps approached, then the door opened. Damian stood there, dressed in a casual T-shirt and pants, his face looking tired and a little annoyed to see Elena in front of him. "What else?" he asked coldly. Elena swallowed. "I want to talk." Damian sighed harshly. "When it comes to the kids, we're divorced, Elena. I have no obligation whatsoever-" "It's about Olivia," Elena cut in quickly. Damian rolled his eyes, then huffed. "What now?" Elena bit her lip, fighting back the embarrassment that was starting to creep up on her. "There's a family event tomorrow at her school. She wants her father to come." Damian gave a short, sarcastic laugh. "And you expect me to come?" El
That morning, Elena was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her three daughters. The smell of toast filled the small room. Katty and Delya were already sitting at the dining table, waiting enthusiastically. However, Olivia was still standing by the kitchen door, her face looking glum. "Olivia, why are you so quiet? Come on, have breakfast," Elena said as she put the plate on the table. Olivia bit her lip, then looked down. "Mommy..." her voice was low, almost a whisper. Elena stopped what she was doing and looked at Olivia carefully. "What's wrong, honey?" Olivia took a deep breath, then looked at Elena with teary eyes. "There's a family event tomorrow at school. All my friends are coming with their moms and dads..." Elena immediately understood where this was going. She gently rubbed Olivia's head. "Honey, Mommy can come with you." "But my friends say that Daddy has to be there too..." Olivia squeezed the hem of her shirt. "Mommy... can you ask Daddy to come?"
The doctor looked at Elena with a calm expression as he straightened his white coat. "There is no serious problem, Miss Elena. You're just tired. Make sure to rest more and don't overexert yourself." Elena breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Doctor." Nathan, standing by the hospital bed, folded his arms across his chest. "Exhausted, huh?" his voice was flat, but the look in his eyes was full of reprimand. Elena glanced at the man briefly and then looked away. "I'm fine." The doctor smiled slightly. "Stay careful, Miss Elena. You're pregnant, so don't take fatigue lightly." After getting the all-clear, Nathan drove Elena straight to her apartment. Although his mouth didn't say much, his gaze and demeanor clearly showed that he was still annoyed with Elena for being so careless in taking care of her health. When they arrived at the apartment, the door was immediately opened by Olivia and Katty. Both of them looked happy when they saw Nathan standing next to their Mommy.
Isabella sat on the sofa of her luxurious home, a look of irritation on her face. In her hand, the cell phone she had just used to contact Tamara was still vibrating softly. She typed a message angrily. Tamara: [I'm sorry, Miss Isabella. Miss Queen Elisabeth cannot take your order because her schedule is very tight. She currently has many other projects to attend to].Isabella's eyes rounded, then without thinking, she immediately replied. Isabella: [What do you mean? I paid three times as much! Are you refusing that much money?!]There was no instant reply from Tamara, making Isabella's blood boil even more. Isabella: [Tell that designer to make a design for me! I want special jewelry from Queen Elisabeth!]A few seconds later, a reply finally came through. Tamara: [I'm sorry, but this decision is final.]Isabella stared at her phone screen with bated breath. Her anger boiled over, and she violently slammed her phone on the floor. BRAK!Damian, who had just entered the livi