Author’s POVLucian groaned.He had been expecting some action all evening but he understood his wife. She had assisted the chef and his assistants in making dinner. “I’m sorry babe,” Anne apologized sincerely.“It’s fine,” Lucian replied.“Are you sure?” Anne asked, worriedly.“I just have to take a cold shower now,” Lucian said, getting up from the bed.Anne chuckled as she watched her sexy husband make his way to the bathroom. She yelled her apologies and as he vanished inside tßshe bathroom door, she blew him a playful kiss and promised to make it up to him later.Lucian stood in the cool mist of the falling water, allowing the day’s stress to melt away. He was struck, once again, by how fortunate he was to have Anne in his life. She was a fantastic spouse in addition to being a fantastic cook.Lucian’s mind drifted to their weekend plans while he was getting ready for the shower. He was planning a surprise trip for their anniversary. He had no idea that Anne was cooking up some

Author's POVDaniel made his way to the treehouse. When he got there, he yelled,“Madeline, are you in there?”After waiting for a while and hearing no response, he said,“Fine, I’m coming in.”He started climbing up the stairs leading to the treehouse. When he got to the door of the treehouse, he knocked on it and said,“Whether you’re in or not, I’m coming in.”With that said, he pushed the door open and saw Madeline sleeping on a small bed in the treehouse, her hair covering her face. Daniel stood by the door, unsure of what to do. He moved closer to her and turned her hair behind her ears. He stared at her beautiful sleeping face. She looked so calm and even more beautiful. All he had ever seen her do was carry a frown on her face but here, she was very different from the Madeline he had known for a while. All he could think of was how a girl as beautiful as Madeline was always alone and rude. He was still determined in his heart to find out the truth behind her façade as he was

Author’s POVA feeling of unease began to seep into Madeline when she saw the serious tone in Daniel's voice. Her pulse raced as she attempted to figure out why this abrupt seriousness had occurred."Yes, Daniel. Go on and tell me what's on your mind. You look so troubled," with her eyes scouring his face for cues, she questioned.The soft sound of falling leaves and the waning golden rays of the evening sun enveloped them both as they sat in the treehouse. Madeline's hair was tousled by the warm evening breeze as she observed Daniel and waited for him to start.Daniel cleared his throat, his face displaying a mixture of resolve and anxiety. "Madeline, I have a serious conversation I wanted to have with you. Something I've been considering for some time."Madeline nodded, her interest growing. "You know, Daniel, you can share everything with me," Madeline said. Daniel inhaled deeply as he collected his thoughts. "Madeline, you have grown to become someone very important in my life

Author’s POVMr. Johnson’s face changed from irritation to deep concern when Madeline mentioned her father. Mr. Johnson knew full well the weight that the name Lucian Hawthorne had in the city. He had dealt with Lucian on a number of occasions concerning school-related issues, so he was aware of his determination and power. And besides all that, Lucian was one if the school’s benefactors. Mr. Johnson knew that if Madeline reported to her father and Lucian decided to withdraw this helping hand towards the school, the school and everything would crumble to the ground. He sighed and continued, “I know you’re worried, Madeline, but rest assured that we’ll take Aaron’s actions more seriously. I’ll discuss it with his parents.”Madeline nodded, accepting the answer with some measure of satisfaction. She was aware that if the school failed to respond appropriately, her father, Lucian, would undoubtedly take matters into his own hands. Lucian had a reputation for being tenacious and guardin

Author’s POVMadeline looked up at her school principal, eager to bear what he was about to say.“I can’t do that; he committed an offence and he has to be punished for it. If I reduce his suspension to a week, students will think I have become weak and would take the school’s rules for granted,” principal Johnson said.Madeline scowled, obviously dissatisfied. She attempted to strengthen her argument.“However, Mr. Johnson, Daniel took the necessary steps to shield me from Aaron’s abuse. It was a bold deed. Is there anything we can do to decrease his sentence? I’ll see to it that he realizes how grave his acts are.”The principal paused to think about what she had said before answering.“Madeline, I recognize your worries, but for the benefit of all kids, we must enforce the school’s policies. There are no exclusions for me in this instance. Daniel’s suspension will continue to be implemented as planned.”“But…”“There is no but means Hawthorne. The two-week suspension I gave Daniel