Gabe's POVI watched Emma and Luca from across the room, a sense of unease growing in my stomach. Something was off about them, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.Emma seemed distant, her mind preoccupied with something. I knew her well enough to recognize the look - it was the same look she got when she was worried about her kids. But what could be wrong? They were all safe and sound, weren't they?And then there was Luca. He was acting strange too, his eyes fixed on a Vase with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. I had no idea what was going on between them, but I knew Luca's behavior was not normal. He was usually so carefree and charming, but now he seemed... secretive.I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself I was just being paranoid. But I couldn't shake the sense that something was off, that there was something brewing beneath the surface that I couldn't see.I decided to keep a closer eye on them, to see if I could figure out what was going on. But as I wa
Carly's POV I sat beside Gabe in the parlor, trying to enjoy the warm sunlight streaming through the windows. But my mind kept wandering back to the question that had been eating away at me since... well, since Luca started acting strange.Gabe seemed lost in thought, his eyes staring off into space as if he was a thousand miles away. I nudged him gently, trying to bring him back to the present."Hey, Gabe? You okay? You look like you're in another zone," I said, trying to keep my tone light.But Gabe just blinked slowly, his expression unreadable. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside that head of his.I took a deep breath and decided to ask the question that had been plaguing me. "Gabe, can I ask you something about Luca?"Gabe turned to me, his eyes focusing slowly. "What about him?"That's when I hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. I didn't want to accuse or assume anything, but... "I don't know, it's just... do you think everything's okay with him?"Gabe's expressi
Emma's POVI stood at the window, watching as the kids played with April in the backyard. They were laughing and shouting, completely carefree. But I couldn't share in their joy.A pang of sadness and anger filled my heart as I gazed at the scene before me. The kids were drifting slowly away from me, and it seemed like they were replacing me with April. They didn't want to do anything with me anymore; it was like they were trying to avoid me.April, on the other hand, looked happy and content, playing with the kids like she was their new mother. I felt a surge of resentment towards her, but deep down, I knew it wasn't her fault. She was just being kind and helpful, like she always was.But it still hurt to see my own children turning to someone else for comfort and affection. And to make matters worse, Gabe and I were still not speaking to each other after our fight yesterday morning. The tension between us was palpable, and I could feel it affecting the whole family.Gabe's refusal t
Rosaline's POVI settled into my favorite spot on the couch, getting lost in the pages of my novel. The words blurred together as I read, transporting me to a different world. I loved days like this, where I could just relax and enjoy some quiet time.Camilla was sitting on the floor, watching a movie on Gabe's laptop. She was completely absorbed in the story, occasionally giggling or gasping at the screen. I smiled to myself, happy to see my sister so carefree.Lucien was sprawled out on the other couch, eyes fixed on the TV as he watched his favorite anime. He was so into it, he didn't even notice me looking at him.For once, the house was peaceful. No constant reminders from Mum to check up on us, no nagging about our homework or chores. Just a quiet, lazy afternoon.I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This was exactly what I needed after a long week at school. No drama, no stress. Just me, my book, and my siblings enjoying some downtime.But as I turned the page, I couldn'
April's POVI tightened the screw on the makeshift machine in front of me, my mind racing with calculations and possibilities. I was trying to build a device that could harness kinetic energy and convert it into electricity. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to make it work.As I worked, I was also trying to study for my upcoming exams, memorize a script for Rosa's school play, and write a school story for the literary magazine. Multitasking was my specialty, and I thrived under pressure.My room was a mess of wires, tools, and papers, but I knew exactly where everything was. I was in my element, and nothing could distract me from my goals.Except, maybe,..... I glanced at the screen and saw a text from my best friend, Emma. "Hey, April, what's up? Want to hang out this weekend?"I smiled, feeling a pang of guilt. I had been so caught up in things that I had neglected my friends lately. "Hey, Emma, I'll try to make it work. But I have a lot on my plate right now."I put th
Emma's POVI walked slowly into April's room, checking to make sure Carly wasn't around. Gabe was busy with work, and the kids were in school, so I knew I had a small window of time to talk to April alone. I had already been to the school four times today, peeking in on the kids and making sure they were okay. I knew it was a bit excessive, but I just couldn't help myself. Old habits die hard, and I hadn't yet outgrown my tendency to be a bit of a helicopter parent.April looked up from her project, a hint of curiosity on her face. "Hey, sis! What brings you here?"I flopped down onto her bed, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just bored, I guess. What about you? How's life?"April put down her tools and leaned back in her chair. "It's good. But I did want to talk to you about something. I've noticed that Lucien seems a bit off lately."I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Off? What do you mean?"April hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I don't know, just a bit distant, I suppose. And
Gabe's POV I watched Emma from across the room, her eyes fixed on the kids with an intensity that made me uneasy. She's been acting strange lately, ever since she started spying on them. I get it, she's worried, but this is getting out of hand.At first, I thought it was just her usual overprotectiveness, but now I'm not so sure. She's been distant, preoccupied, and snappish. Even the kids have noticed, exchanging worried glances when she's around.Is she okay? Really okay? I wonder. We haven't talked about it, but I sense something's bothering her deeply. Maybe it's more than just the kids. Maybe it's us, our relationship, or something else entirely.I try to remember the last time we had a real conversation, just the two of us. It feels like ages ago. Now, it's all about the kids, their schedules, and their needs. Don't get me wrong, they're our priority, but what about us? What about Emma's needs?I make a mental note to talk to her, really talk to her, tonight. No distractions, n
Carly's POVI burst into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. Panting, I leaned against the door, as if it could shield me from the chaos inside my head. Tears streamed down my face, and I sobbed, my body shaking uncontrollably.Why did I lie? Why did I say Alex? There is no Alex. I made him up.My mind raced, replaying the dinner conversation. Gabe's announcement, Emma's shock, Augustine's suspicious gaze... I felt trapped.I couldn't tell them. I couldn't tell Gabe, or Emma, or anyone. Especially not after what happened last time.Luca. His name echoed in my mind, and my heart skipped a beat. I've been secretly dating him for months, and now... now they think I'm bringing Alex to dinner.Oh God, what have I done?The thought of Luca sitting at our dinner table, surrounded by my family, made my stomach twist with anxiety. Gabe would recognize him, and then... then everything would fall apart.I couldn't bear the thought of their disappointment, their anger. Gabe's protectivenes