SYLVIA'S POVAfter dinner, I turned my attention to getting the kids settled into their new rooms. It was a relief to see their beds finally set up, thanks to the movers. Zenith's room had his favorite superhero bedspread, while Zendaya's was adorned with princess-themed bedding she adored."Okay, time for bed," I announced, leading them upstairs. Zenith was already bouncing with excitement, while Zendaya clutched her favorite stuffed animal.I helped Zenith into his pajamas first. He was still buzzing with energy, recounting every detail of his first day at school as I guided him through brushing his teeth. "And then, Mom, we learned about dinosaurs! Did you know that the T-Rex has tiny arms but huge teeth?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with enthusiasm."That sounds fascinating, Zenith," I replied, smiling at his infectious energy. "But now, it's time to get some sleep. You need to be well-rested for another exciting day tomorrow."I tucked him into bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in

GRAYSON'S POVPaul drove me to the address of the MJ Modeling Agency where Stewart was already waiting for me. As soon as I stepped out of the car, Stewart approached me, extending his hand.“Good morning, sir. They’re expecting us,” he said in a professional tone.“Morning, Stewart. Let’s get this done,” I replied while firmly shaking his hand. We walked into the building, greeted by the agency's receptionist. She was all smiles and polite, clearly aware of who I was.“Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Stewart, welcome to MJ Modeling Agency. The board is ready for you,” she said, leading us down a sleek hallway lined with fashion posters and awards.As we approached the meeting room, I could hear the low hum of conversation that abruptly stopped as we entered. The room was modern and stylish, with a long glass table at the center and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city.The board members stood up as we walked in, their expressions a mix of eagerness and anxiety.“Mr. Lockwood, it’s an

SYLVIA'S POVI woke up early to the soft beeping of my alarm, stretching my arms before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. The house was quiet, still wrapped in the calm of dawn. I slipped on my robe and headed to the kids' room to wake them up."Good morning, sleepyheads," I whispered as I gently shook Zenith and Zendaya awake."Mmm, just a few more minutes," Zenith mumbled, turning over."Come on, it's your first day at the new school. We need to get up and get ready," I said with a smile, giving them both a little more encouragement.Once they were awake, we started with making their beds. Zenith pulled up his comforter, while Zendaya arranged her stuffed animals neatly. With their rooms in order, we headed to the bathroom."Time for a shower," I announced, helping them undress and get into the tub. I made sure the water was just right and lathered up the soap, washing away the remnants of sleep. The bathroom filled with the scent of their favorite bubble bath, a comforting

GRAYSON'S POVI glanced at my watch. The kids' closing time was approaching, and I knew I needed to be there. A grin played on my lips at the thought of that prick Raymond not showing his face today. I picked up my phone and called Sylvia.“Hi,” she answered, her voice a bit hurried.“Hey,” I replied.“I’m sorry, do you need something? I’m about to pick up the kids,” she said.“That’s why I’m calling. I’m on my way to pick them up,” I said.“Oh, really?” she sounded surprised.“Way to sound surprised,” I teased.“No, it’s just that I didn’t think you still wanted to,” she said.“I told you earlier that it’s something I want to do,” I reminded her.There was a pause on her end before she spoke again. “Look, Grayson, the kids have been through a lot. I have been through a lot. I don’t want someone in their lives that they get attached to who might disappear at a moment’s notice.”“Do you really think that of me? Sylvia, I feel a connection with these kids, and I won’t do that to them,”

SLYVIA POVI was just walking out of my room, having just changed out of my work clothes, when I heard the kids' voices approaching the door. They rang the bell just as I reached it. "Mummy!" they shouted, their faces lighting up when they saw me. I hugged them tightly, feeling their little bodies vibrate with excitement.They rushed inside, laughing and playing with each other as they ran to their room. "Careful not to fall!" I called after them, smiling at their energy. As they disappeared down the hallway, Grayson walked in."Hi," I said, closing the door behind him."Hi," he replied, a warm smile on his face."Thank you for bringing the kids," I said gratefully."Sylvia, I already told you, you don't have to thank me," he said, brushing off my gratitude."Still," I insisted, "I appreciate it."He paused, then said, "Umm, the kids were being picked on today as I was about to bring them home.""Oh God, not again," I groaned, touching my head with my palm. "I really thought this scho