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Cherry POV
"Emily, are you asleep?"
"No… I can't really sleep ," the little girl whispered.
"Why not?"
"I'm too scared to sleep alone. I'm worried Charlie will come and eat my soul."
Cherry chuckled softly and opened her arms. "Come here. You can sleep with me. Don't worry—he's not going to come."
"Okay."
Emily hopped off her bed and curled up beside her sister.
"Go to sleep now. Your big sister will protect you."
"Okay, sister." Emily cuddled close, finally relaxing. Her eyes grew heavy as a thought flickered in her mind. Tomorrow is my birthday. I hope… I hope I can see my dad there. She drifted into dreams.
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Mirabel POV
"Sure," Mirabel agreed, though uncertainty gnawed at her chest. She wasn't sure if Lucian would play along, but she had to try her luck.
"Babe, can I use your phone, please?" Clara asked sweetly.
"Sure," Lucian replied, not even glancing at her.
Mirabel froze. What? He said yes? He never entertains her, always rejects her coldly in public. Does this mean… he finally sees her as his fiancée? Or worse… that he's starting to love her? Her stomach twisted.
"You can only take one photo. I'm really busy here," Lucian added flatly.
"Okay!" Clara beamed, rushing to Mirabel's side.
Lucian lifted his phone. Without hesitation, he snapped Mirabel's picture first, lingering just a heartbeat too long before quickly snapping Clara's.
"All done."
Clara skipped back to his side and tried to grab his hand, but he shifted away.
Lucian stepped closer to Mirabel, bowing slightly as he took her hand instead. "We'll meet again. I hope I can work with your company, Miss Mirabel." His lips brushed the back of her hand, and his smirk made her pulse race.
Mirabel blushed despite herself. His smile carried hidden meaning, words unsaid. She forced her voice steady. "Sure… Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo."
Her smile was polite, but inside, the name cut deep. She excused herself, leaving before her mask could crack.
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Tracy POV
Tracy walked out of the venue, graceful but seething inside. How disgusting. Cheating in the same hotel… that animal.
"What's on your mind?"
She nearly jumped out of her skin. "Daniel?! You scared me!"
He raised a brow. "I'm here for the party. Remember?"
"Oh… right."
Before she could steady herself, he stepped closer, his hand brushing her waist.
"Stop." She pushed him back sharply. "Have you forgotten? I'm still dating. You don't have the right to touch me."
"You just broke up," he said coolly. "I saw everything with you and that E-list actor."
Her lips tightened. "Hmm."
"That gives me a chance," he pressed. "I don't care if you're in a relationship or not—I'll still chase you. I won't give up until you're mine."
Tracy's eyes widened as he closed the distance again.
"You hear me, don't you?" he murmured.
"Stop coming closer. I hear you. I…" her words caught, but then spilled out, "I agree."
Daniel froze, stunned. "So… you agree to date me?"
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