But was that the actual truth?
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“Daddy, what are you spacing out for? Hand me that block!” Brynlee turned around, noticing her father staring blankly into space. She planted her little hands on her hips, commanding him with absolute authority.
Finnian quickly handed her the wooden block, amused. When the little tyrant got bossy, she looked exactly like Kaia.
By the time the clock hit eleven, Kaia finally came out to tell Brynlee it was time for bed. The little girl immediately grabbed Finnian’s fingers. ‘Come on, Daddy! Sleep time!”
Finnian smiled gently. “You go in with Mommy first. Daddy still has some
work to finish.”
‘It’s so late! Are you really going to work? You need to rest, Daddy. Don’t overwork yourself, or I’ll be sad,” Brynlee said, looking up at him with
immense warmth.
Finnian nodded. He desperately wanted to sleep, but the reality of the
situation wouldn’t allow it.
He glanced at Kaia, but her gaze was as hard and unforgiving as stone, forcing him to swallow the plea he was about to make.
୮
Kaia reminded Brynlee about their trip to the amusement park the next day, instantly convincing the girl to go to bed quietly. The master bedroom door clicked shut.
Layla walked out of the hallway. “Mr. Sanders, don’t sleep on the couch. I’ve prepared the guest room for you. Go get some rest. The blankets and sheets are all brand new.”
Finnian looked at the older woman, deeply grateful, though a bit embarrassed. “Thank you, Layla.”
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Layla looked at him, words hovering on the tip of her tongue, but she quietly swallowed them. She was just the housekeeper; no matter how much she wanted to offer advice, it wasn’t her place.
Laying in the guest bed, Finnian closed his eyes, his chest tight with anxiety.
The next morning, he left early. Layla had woken up at dawn to make him breakfast, but he couldn’t bring himself to eat a bite.
It was Saturday—a rare day of leisure. The morning sun was bright and glorious.
Kaia had arranged to go with Celine. When the two women drove their kids to the amusement park entrance, they spotted Simon Quinn and his mother, Linda, already waiting on a bench.
The two kids, dressed in trendy little outfits, instantly began jumping up and down with excitement the second they saw each other.
Kaia walked over to greet Linda, and Celine followed, offering a bright, cheerful greeting.
Linda smiled warmly at the two women, knowing they had been best friends for years.
Simon stood off to the side, his eyes entirely locked on Kaia. The sunlight illuminated her radiant complexion, making her luminous skin look
flawless. But it was her clear, expressive dark eyes that completely captivated him.
The group got their tickets and entered the park. It wasn’t overly crowded today. Simon rented a large electric cart, and they all piled in, cruising toward the children’s section.
The weather was perfect, with a crisp autumn breeze making the ride incredibly pleasant. Chatting casually, it felt as though time itself had blissfully slowed down.
Their first stop was the kids‘ absolute favorite: the carousel.
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The brightly painted horses gleamed under the lights. Kaia and Celine climbed on with the two kids, while Simon and Linda stood by the railing, watching them spin.
Linda glanced sideways at her son, noticing he was staring at Kaia with the dopey expression of a completely lovestruck fool. She let out a soft sigh but kept her mouth shut.
Celine, riding a horse right next to Kaia, leaned over and whispered, “My aunt is looking at you exactly the way a mother looks at her future daughter–in–law.”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Kaia hissed, startled.
Seeing Kaia’s face flush deep red, Celine burst out laughing. “I’m not making it up! I have eyes, you know.”
Kaia’s heart began to race. The only reason she had agreed, to this outing was because Brynlee and Anna had practically planned it themselves after school yesterday. Brynlee had begged her endlessly, forcing Kaia to coordinate with Simon. She had dragged Celine along specifically to avoid any awkwardness.
She never expected Simon to bring his mother. Having an elder present made Kaia feel incredibly self–conscious.
After going on several rides, Celine aggressively dragged Kaia toward the roller coaster. Kaia didn’t mind–despite her normally calm demeanor, she actually loved the adrenaline of thrill rides. The real test was whether
Celine’s heart could handle it.
When they finally stumbled off the coaster, Celine’s face was chalk–white, her hair an absolute disaster. Kaia, on the other hand, looked perfectly unfazed. Celine waved her hands weakly. “Never again. I screamed so hard I lost my voice.”
“Here, have some water,” Simon’s voice came from the side.
Celine reached out and grabbed a bottle, only to realize that the one
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Simon had handed to Kaia already had the cap perfectly loosened. Celine immediately began to protest. “Wow, Cousin, you’re playing favorites! I’m weak and fragile too, I can’t open my bottle either!”
“Give it a rest,” Simon retorted, rolling his eyes.
Kaia couldn’t help but laugh at Celine’s antics. She took the water and murmured a soft “thank you,” but she carefully avoided meeting Simon’s
Jaze.
Nearby, Linda was watching the kids on a mini–train ride while the three adults joked and laughed, the atmosphere relaxed and perfectly
harmonious.
As lunchtime approached, the group decided to find a restaurant inside he park.
Meanwhile, back in his sterile corporate office, Finnian sat rigidly at his desk. Dexter walked in and placed an iPad down in front of him. “Mr. Sanders, the photos from the amusement park just came in.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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