LOGIN_Damien’s POV_The courtroom felt colder than it did during the previous hearings. It had just rained lightly, and the sound of rain falling on the roof still filled my ears. Jonathan quietly organized another stack of documents while I stared at the empty witness stand. Today’s hearing was supposed to focus on additional witness statements and more evidence. But nothing Kingston could break can shake me. Who was he going to call? The child psychologist? Kingston’s lawyer rose slowly, and my eyes shifted to him. “Your Honour,” he said. “The petitioner would like to call his witness..” The judge nodded her head. “Proceed she said. My gaze shifted to Kingston and his lips pulled into a smug smile. He looked like he was already winning like this witness was going to make a difference. His eyes met mine, and his smile widened. There was no way he could actually… the only person who would make a difference would be Aurora. And I knew Aurora wouldn't come to testify for him.“W
_Aurora’s POV_I sucked in a deep breath. What the fuck?A court hearing?How? And why?“Why is there a court hearing? What did you do?” I hissed, and Mr. Kingston’s eyes flashed. The way I instantly thought he had done something wrong. The look was gone the moment it came and his breath shook. “Damien is trying to destroy me.” He said, and my brows furrowed in confusion. “Destroy you? Why? What happened?” I asked, so many questions I had. I couldn’t understand a single thing that was happening. “He is still furious about everything. His wife and I and the fact that Isabelle is my daughter.” Mr. Kingston started and I almost told him Damien was right to be furious. Anyone would be furious when they find out their best friend was having an affair with their wife.I hadn’t even forgiven him. “And what does that have to do with me?” I asked, eyes narrowed. How am I supposed to testify against Damien? What was my business with all that?If he fell to the ground, Damien would be
_Aurora’s POV_I need you. Hearing those words, I didn’t know how to react. So I ignored him. I mean, that was the most logical thing to do when your emotionally unavailable father said he needed you. I looked down at my ledger, and then the flowers around the shops. Taking in the ones I have watered and which ones need what nutrients. And then I finally looked back at him, I figured I had just misheard him. “What are you doing here?” I asked like he hadn't just said those words. Mr. Kingston looked at me, like he was tired. He dragged a hand down his face. And then finally…“I came to take you home.” A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. I threw my head back, my shoulders shaking as I laughed hard.I couldn't stop the laugh from shaking through me. His lips turned into a frown, but that didn’t stop me from laughing. “I am serious..” he said through gritted teeth and I stopped laughing. I looked at him one more time. “And where exactly is home?” I asked, a flat look
_Aurora’s POV_The bell above the door chimed softly as I unlocked it, walking into the shop. The familiar scent of fresh roses and damp soil hit my nose almost immediately. And I smiled. Every morning that smell reminded me that this place was real. And it was mine.Reminded me that at the end of it all, I had started something for myself. I flicked on the lights one by one, watching the tiny, slow shop slowly come to life. And my gaze travelled through the place. It wasn’t big, or anything extravagant.Half of the shops across the street were larger than mine. The shelves didn't match, and the counter had a scratch running across one side.The paint on one wall had already started peeling near the window.But none of that mattered to me because every single thing inside these four walls belonged to me. Not Mr. Kingston. Or any other person. It was mine. I placed my handbag beneath the counter before walking towards the display near the front window. The lilies I had left
_Damien’s POV_Isabelle isn't supposed to be here.That thought kept circling my head from the moment I saw her sitting outside with her legs swinging. She wore a pale yellow dress with tiny daisies stitched into it. And she held her teddy bear tightly while she hummed to herself.My heart completely broke just by looking at her. She should have been in school, or doing something else. Instead of being here, because I had let revenge consume me. And Kingston couldn’t get over his pride. Her face lit up the moment she saw me, and she jumped off the bench and ran straight to me. I caught her effortlessly, lifting her into my arms. “Oh, my baby.” I gasped, holding her tightly to me. The familiar scent of strawberry shampoo filled my lungs. And for the first time since waking up that morning, I could breathe.I had my baby in my arms and my lungs cleared up. Everything felt better now. I felt better now. “Hi my baby,” I smiled as she wrapped her tiny arms around my neck. “Yo
_Damien’s POV_The question caught me off guard for some reason. And a smile found my lips before I realized it.“She’s stubborn.” I said and Amelie smiled.“In what way?” she asked, and I couldn't help but remember when my daughter was acting like herself. “Like when she decides she wants pancakes. Or when she wants me to read a book for her.” “What type of pancakes?” Amelie asked and I looked at her.“The dinosaur shaped ones. I made them once and since then it's all she has ever wanted.” Amelie laughed but proceeded to scribble something on her book.I turned around to check if I'd see Isabelle from where I sat, but I couldn't. “What else?” Amelie asked and I turned back to her.I leaned back into my seat. “She sings badly,” I answered, shaking my head at the imaginary tune of my baby thinking she could sing so very well. “What does she sing?” “Anything.”“I once caught her singing the alphabet song to the fish in our pond because she thought they looked bored.”Amelia laug







