It was clearly a new world for Elice and Norah. Coming to charity events and visiting orphanages had never been their activities before. So, it wasn't surprising that they felt a little awkward at the moment.
Unlike her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, Daphne seemed so at ease. She greeted people there. She smiled at the caretakers. Laughing with the children. It was truly a sight Elice never expected to see. For someone who had been marginalized by Daphne's category, Elice really didn't think that the grandmother had a sense of humor as well.
"Let me introduce you. This is my daughter-in-law, Norah. And this is my granddaughter-in-law, Elice."
Daphne led Norah and Elice to a woman who seeme
Quick as a flash, Dirk grabbed his phone. Swallowing hard, he rose from his seat, clutching the device to his chest. He spoke to Garrett, "Just a minute. I have to take this call."Garrett simply nodded, just before Dirk hurried away. He stepped aside to answer the call, his heart pounding."Hello."As much as Dirk tried to keep his voice from shaking, it was difficult. If he had to accept Garrett's visit, now there was another man reaching out to him? A man who was the link between him and a past reality. A reality that forced him to make a difficult choice. To be honest or the opposite."Hello, Mr. Dirk. How are you?"Dirk knew it was just an opening question. The real question would come later. Maybe a few seconds later."I'm fine, Mr. Carolus," Dirk replied. "What is it?"Indeed, it was Carolus who had contacted him. And in Dirk's life, there weren't many Caroluses he knew. But among several of his colleagues named Carolu
The car carrying Daphne, Norah, and Elice pulled up to the Morales' gate almost at the same time as the sun was setting. It was not quite night yet, but the evening was already creeping into the dim light. The soft colors of twilight were fading, more than enough to signal that the day would soon lose all sunlight. It was also a sign that the three women had been out of the house for most of the day.It was clearly an event that consumed a lot of time, filled with a number of agendas that forced them to drain their energy. All the way home, Daphne, unable to contain her fatigue, slipped into unconsciousness."Nana, we're home."Slowly, and trying not to startle her mother-in-law, Elice woke Daphne. Accompanied by the gentle shaking of her hand, she tried to rouse the old woman from her unconscious state.A faint moan was heard. Daphne blinked, showing a tired look in both eyes. She saw Elice smiling."We have arrived. Later I'll ask Regina to help you freshen up, Nana."Daphne took a
Saying this, Daphne did not forget how Carolus had contacted her earlier that morning. It was about an hour after she, Norah and Elice had left the house. They were on their way to the Harmony House orphanage when the call came in."But I was even more surprised when you said that Garrett was on his way to Dirk's house."Saying this, Daphne unconsciously took a deep breath. She tried to calm herself, because just saying that made Daphne's heart race. Especially before? Especially because Elice was sitting next to her. She only hoped that Elice had not overheard their conversation."My apologies, madam," Carolus said. "I just wanted to inform you as soon as possible.""It's okay. I understand. What you did was right."Carolus breathed a sigh of relief. Only Daphne did not seem to feel the same. Her calm face, now showing signs of age, looked restless."Madam."Daphne blinked once. Her eyes returned to Carolus."Is there something on your mind? Is there something I should do?"Carolus h
"Did you finally meet Mr. Dirk?"From Garrett's expression that morning, Amber should have been able to guess what had happened. Though it seemed ordinary, for someone like Amber, who had accompanied Garrett for years, even a slight difference in her boss's demeanor could provide her with an answer. Even for this particular question.Nonchalantly, Garrett walked over and sat down at his desk. He immediately switched on his computer and nodded."So."Oh, maybe there were one or two occasions where Amber's guess was wrong. Because just a few seconds ago she thought that Garrett would not meet Dirk in the end. Or even if Garrett still wanted to meet him, maybe Dirk would try to avoid the meeting. Trying to avoid Garrett."But it didn't go as I hoped."Amber's brow furrowed slightly. Maybe her assumption was not too far off. "What do you mean, sir?""I mean..." Garrett took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly as he looked at his secretary. His expression was flat. It almost made Amber wonder
"I might be home a little late today."That morning, as Elice was helping Garrett get ready as usual, her husband spoke up. Elice, who was adjusting Garrett's tie, glanced over. Without stopping her gentle tug, she asked."Do you have a schedule?"Garrett nodded. He lifted his head as Elice adjusted his tie. "There's a dinner with some colleagues. I might be home around nine or ten tonight. You don't need to wait up for me. Go to bed early tonight. Don't get too tired."A smile spread over Elice's face. She was touched by her husband's small gesture of consideration."Alright."Elice made sure for the last time that Garrett's appearance was neat. Her eyes scanned quickly as her hands reflexively smoothed Garrett's chest. When nothing was missing, she breathed a sigh of relief. She felt satisfied."Thank you."Not forgetting to say the words, Garrett sealed the deal with perfection. With a kiss on Elice's forehead.It was clearly a perfect routine to start the days. Where a series of t
Daphne took a long breath. It was as if a heavy burden had fallen on her shoulders.No, it was not because Daphne had just gone through a full day of activities. In fact, Daphne had not had a single guest that day. She spent most of her time relaxing.However, the tiredness was clearly visible on Daphne's face, which was beginning to sag. Her eyes looked extremely tired."Madam."Regina's voice sounded concerned. Even as Daphne turned and their eyes met, the young girl's concern was obvious."Madam, you look very tired today," Regina continued. "Are you unwell, Madam? Shall I call the doctor?"Daphne took a long breath. She allowed Regina to pull the blanket over half of her body while she sat on the edge of the bed."No need," Daphne whispered. "I'm fine. Just feeling a little uninspired."Regina could see it. Having cared for Daphne for several years, Regina knew that the elderly woman was usually full of energy. Always active and often engaged in various positive activities in her
It all happened so fast. Just moments ago, Garrett was enjoying a delicious dinner with his co-workers, discussing work-related matters. Everything seemed fine then. But now?"Out of my way, you bastard!"A scream echoed. As an attacker tried to stab Garrett with a knife, he found the driver blocking his path."Get out of the way, you bastard!"From the way Dariel glared at the attacker, Garrett knew Dariel was not just any driver. He did not wait long before he lunged with the knife aimed directly at Dariel's stomach.Dariel dodged to the side. His hand quickly struck the attacker's elbow. A pained grimace followed, along with the dropped knife.Quickly, Dariel slipped under the attacker's arm. Lifting that arm, she immediately directed the point of his elbow. Striking the attacker's stomach. Simultaneously pushing him back.A kick missed Dariel. Then he reluctantly let go of the attacker. But it was worth what he would risk later.
Elice was hysterical. So were Daphne and Norah in her room. Panic quickly overtook the three women's minds. They screamed and hurried anxiously to the hospital.Throughout the trip, the condition of the three women was indescribable. They all felt uncontrollable panic and fear. Daphne in particular seemed so out of control. She kept asking the driver to increase the speed."Nana," Elice called softly. As much as her body was shaking at that moment, she tried to stay strong. Trying to keep her mind somewhat clear. To remind herself again and again not to let the confusion break her mind. She had to do this. For Norah and Daphne. "Garrett is fine. You don't have to worry."It wasn't just empty words. That was the message they received. That although Garrett had been taken to the hospital, his condition was nothing to worry about.Daphne knew that. After hearing that Garrett had been taken to the hospital, she also knew that Garrett was fine. That Garrett was not seriously hurt. But it f