The room darkened under the weight of Master Fields’ glare.His jaw tightened, his eyes, sharp and unforgiving, bore into Thelma. Then came the sound. Crack! The sharp end of his walking stick struck the floor with a force that made the wood groan beneath.“What rubbish did you just say?” he thundered.Thelma jolted, shoulders jerking. Her mouth quivered before she managed to get the words out again.“I said… your son and brother—Kacper and Dr. Frank—they… they’re dead, sir.”Before her trembling lips could form another syllable, the man twisted the top of his walking stick and drew out a short, gleaming blade. Swift, deadly. He raised it toward her throat, halting just inches from her skin.Thelma dropped her gaze instantly, her knees slightly buckling. “I-I wouldn’t lie. I swear. It’s unfortunate, but… they’re gone.”“How dare you say something so untrue?” Master Fields spat, his voice low and guttural. “My son can't be dead.”“I swear it,” she whispered. “I would never fabricate so

Nathan didn’t spend the night in meditation like he usually did. He wasn’t wrapped in his shawl on the mat with burning incense and soft chants whispering in the background. That night, he slept.And he slept soundly.When morning came, the golden shafts of sunlight broke through his curtains and bathed his modest room in warmth. He rose without a start, breathed in deeply, and stood in front of his mirror. His eyes, often tired from studying or surgeries, were clear.He fastened his crisp white shirt, buttoned his navy blue blazer, and smoothed down the lapels with calm precision. A muted gray tie completed the look. He didn’t do much with his hair, just ran his fingers through and let it fall naturally. He checked his watch. Early. He preferred it that way.His assigned driver was already waiting outside. The car ride to the city’s medical headquarters was silent, save for the subtle hum of traffic.By the time he arrived at the association’s main hall, a grand colonial structure wi

Waiting inside the sleek black van, Louisa adjusted the twist of her hair with deliberate elegance. The hand mirror in her palm reflected her poised, composed self, every strand in place, every angle of her face framed like art. She pursed her lips slightly, smoothing the crimson gloss, then tilted her head to one side to ensure perfection.But as she tilted the mirror again, her hands stilled.Nathan.Her thoughts drifted to him, unexpected, unwelcome, yet stubborn. That clean-cut look, the quiet command in his voice. And those eyes. Hazel, but not ordinary. There was depth in them, like melted bronze kissed by dusk. Strong, yet distant. She caught herself smiling.The mirror slipped from her hand and landed softly on her lap.She hadn’t heard the car door open.Hadn’t even noticed her father approaching.Not until the heavy creak of leather beside her and the angry thump of his body settling into the seat jolted the whole van.Louisa stiffened instantly, folding her hands on her lap

Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow across the dining room. The clink of silverware on fine china filled the air as Thelma delicately sliced into her avocado toast. Natalia stirred her tea absentmindedly, still wrapped in the fog of sleep, while Joyce scrolled through her phone beside her.“Thelma cleared her throat lightly. “I called Nathan last night.”Natalia paused, the teacup halfway to her lips. “You did what?”“I spoke to him,” Thelma said, her tone nonchalant as she buttered the corner of her toast. “I invited him over for dinner.”Natalia blinked. “Really, Mother?”“Yes,” she replied, setting her knife down with purpose. “I’m hoping he comes. He said he would think about it.”Natalia's eyes widened, her face a mixture of disbelief and hesitant hope. “You really support us getting back together?”Thelma’s smile was soft and well-rehearsed. “It’s your decision, and if that’s what you want, then I support it completely.” She tilted her head.

Nathan said nothing as he pushed back a close couch his hand landed on with more force than necessary. The scraping sound earned no glance from anyone, but the clenched jaw he carried betrayed the storm churning in him. He stepped away from Natalia, avoiding her gaze, his fingers curling and uncurling as if seeking release.Behind him, Joyce let out a loud grumble. "Mother really needs to see an optician. A snake? Really?" she muttered, shaking her head and rolling her eyes before marching back to the dining table.Nathan was just about to follow suit when he caught sight of Natalia, standing still by the wall, her gaze fixed sharply on him. Her arms crossed."What?" He motioned at her, eyebrows lifted as he halted, his body halfway turned.She didn't move. "You rushed to come save me again."He squinted. "Excuse you?"She waved as if dismissing his denial before it came. "Don't bother denying it, Nathan. The moment my mother said she saw a snake, you probably recalled I hated snakes