"I will miss you too, son… Take very good care of yourself," Lisa said softly, her voice filled with a rare warmth.
"Kira, come here," Leo called out.
Uncle Leo, I'm going to miss you," Kira said, hugging him tightly. Same here. I'll miss your annoying little voice," he teased. Kira frowned and pouted, folding her arms across her chest. Will you quit frowning? And hey make sure you take good care of Alice. I trust you."
"Fine, Uncle," she replied with a shrug.
Leon, can we get going now? Your private jet is ready," Jeffrey announced from behind.
"Yeah, I'm ready."
Leo gave a final glance around the room. He nodded at Daisy, who returned the gesture with a warm smile. Then his gaze met Alicia's. She gave him a faint smile and a small wave. He nodded back, a silent message passing between them. Just as he was about to step outside, Peter's voice rang through the room.
"I didn't even get a goodbye," Peter grumbled. Leo paused at the door, turned slightly, and replied coldly, "That's because you don't deserve one." Without waiting for a reaction, he walked out.
"Alice, come down quickly! Your breakfast is ready!" Alicia called out from the dining room.
Coming right down, Alicia!" Alice shouted from upstairs. Lisa was already seated, sipping her morning tea with her usual disapproving glare. "What happened today?" Lisa asked coldly. I beg your pardon?" Alicia raised her head, startled.
"Good morning, Mother," she added politely.
Hmm." Lisa didn't bother responding to the greeting. I asked you a question. What happened this time around?" I don't quite understand, Mother."
"Don't play dumb, dear. For the first time since you stepped foot in this house, you're up early. That's odd. And you're actually dressed properly like the lady of the house. Suspicious, don't you think?" Alicia remained composed. "Noted, Mother."
"Also, next time, don't yell Alice's name like that. Ask a maid to call her down. Show some refinement." Yes, Mother." Just then, Alice came running into the room, panting. Alice, were you running?" Lisa asked, raising a brow over her teacup. Yes, Mom," she replied innocently.
Lisa slowly lowered her cup and shot her daughter a murderous look.
Since when did you start dashing around like a stray dog? Look at you you're sweating buckets. Is that how a lady behaves?"
"I'm sorry, Mom. It won't happen again. I was running late."
"Martha, pack Al's food," Alicia said calmly.
"Right away, ma'am," the maid bowed and disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a lunchbox. Alicia took it from her and handed it to Alice. "Here you go, Al." "Thanks, Alicia!"
"Jeffrey is waiting outside." But why is he taking me to school today?" He's also dropping Kira off. He was in the neighborhood, so I asked him to help." "That's so thoughtful of you. I'll get going now."
"Bye, Mom! "Take care, honey."
Bye, Alicia!"
Jeffrey's black Jeep pulled up to the front gate. Alice hopped out, slamming the door behind her. Bye, Uncle Jeffrey! Thanks for the ride!" "No need, Alice. You girls take care." He smiled warmly. "Your guards will be here in five minutes. There were a few changes in plans, but they'll be here soon. I gotta go!"
The girls waved as he reversed the Jeep and pulled away. "Did you eat breakfast?" Kira asked.
"Nope. Alicia packed it for me. I hope there's enough." Kira pouted. "There better be. You know I hate watching you eat alone." I can't finish it all anyway. But wait why didn't you eat before leaving the house?" "Ah! You won't believe what happened this morning," Kira said, her eyes wide. "Jeffrey is dating Daisy!"
"WHAT?!"
"Yup! You're shocked? So was I! And of course, my mom made it a whole production. She practically declared war. The yelling, the accusations I couldn't take it, so I just walked out."
"Aww, poor you. But honestly? It's kind of exciting. Now we both have sister-in-laws!"
"Exactly!" Kira grinned, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "What did Alicia pack, though?" Avocado toast, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. "Ooo, yum! Let's get to the cafeteria.
"Daisy, please don't do this," Jeffrey said, his hands gripping the wheel. "We've only been dating for a week. Don't end it like this."
I'm sorry, Jeff. But I can't go on like this." Daisy wiped away a tear and stared out her window. "You saw how your mother humiliated me again and this time, in front of Kira."
"I know. But I promise you, Daisy, I'm going to fix this. I'll talk to her. I just need time to make her understand that you're the one I love."
You really think she'll accept me?" Daisy asked, doubt clouding her voice. "She has no choice. Just… trust me."
She nodded hesitantly but didn't say another word. She just stared silently out the window, her expression unreadable. Jeffrey kept stealing glances at her, hoping praying she'd look his way, even if just once. But she didn't. Not even a single glance.
After dropping off the girls, he had returned for Daisy. Now, they were en route to the hospital. The air between them was tense. One moment they were in love, and the next everything felt like it was unraveling. And Jeffery? He wasn't sure how many more pieces he could hold together.