3

The kids didn’t pay Jaxon any attention as he reached the bench where the snacks were left. They continued bouncing around, laughing and playing. He stood there for a while watching them, then pulled his hoodie down further to hide his face. In one swift motion, he grabbed the snacks wrapped in tissue paper and stuffed them inside his jacket.

Just as he was about to rush off with his wheelchair, something made him stop abruptly. It was like a sudden realization hit him. Without hesitation, he turned back, returned to the bench, and carefully put the snacks back exactly where he’d found them.

All of this happened right in front of the kids, who were now watching him closely. Seeing the condition he was in filled them with sympathy. Just then, their father arrived and caught sight of what was going on. The eldest boy turned to him and said, “Daddy, I think he’s hungry.”

The man they called "Daddy" stood silently, clearly processing what he had seen. Before the kids could say another word, he was gone. They turned their attention back to Jaxon, now returning to Aurora empty-handed. She was quietly sobbing, and he was gently trying to soothe her.

The children exchanged quick glances before racing to pick up their leftover food and bring it to Aurora. One little girl, who looked no older than five, even wiped Aurora’s tears and said sweetly, “Aunty, don’t cry. You can have our food, okay? Mommy’s gone but Daddy told us not to cry anymore. He said if we cry too much, we’ll run out of tears.”

Aurora and Jaxon stared at her in amazement. As they looked up, they saw a man standing over them, holding a neatly folded white napkin, clearly containing snacks. He looked visibly moved by his daughter’s words.

The boy, about six years old, glanced at his father, then back at his sister and the two strangers. Alarmed, he quickly rushed over and pulled his sister away from Aurora.

“Mia, what do you think you’re doing? Unhand her! Didn’t Dad warn us about strangers?” he said sternly.

“But Finn,” the girl protested, “she’s crying and hungry… I just wanted to help.”

Their father crouched beside them, gently placing a hand on their heads. “Hey kids, go back to your seats now, okay?”

The kids nodded without protest. Mia, spotting the food in her father’s hand, jumped with excitement and turned back to Aurora. “Aunty, Daddy bought you something. Don’t cry anymore, okay?”

Aurora smiled through her tears, deeply touched by the child’s kindness. She instinctively nodded and wiped her eyes.

Once the children had returned to their seats, there was a moment of tense silence between the man and Jaxon. The man quickly gathered himself and extended a hand toward Jaxon in greeting.

Jaxon didn’t shake it. He simply stared back, expression unreadable.

The man forced a smile, sneaking a glance at Aurora before speaking. “Uh… I’m sorry about Mia’s chatter. She’s always eager to help.” He turned to Aurora, who was now staring at him intently, like a child watching television. Her gaze made him visibly uncomfortable. Quickly, he placed the wrapped snacks beside her and added, “If you don’t mind, miss…”

“She’s not eating it,” came Jaxon’s sharp reply.

The man blinked in surprise, glancing at him.

Aurora had already reached for the food, but Jaxon snatched it and tossed it aside.

The man looked stunned for a moment....then understanding dawned. Perhaps this girl was Jaxon’s wife, and he had overstepped. It made sense why the boy would be upset.

Trying to smooth things over, the man adjusted his posture and cleared his throat. “I meant no harm. I only wanted to help after seeing my kids were concerned. I assure you, I’m not dangerous.”

“I said she’s not eating it,” Jaxon snapped. “We don’t know you, or where you're from, and you just offer my sister food? Who does that?”

The man sighed deeply, realizing Aurora wasn’t Jaxon’s girlfriend but his sister. His demeanor softened as he offered a small smile and said, “My name is Barrister Noah. I’m originally from Utah, Salt Lake City, and currently living in New York. Those are my kids....Finn and Mia. We’re visiting family in Tennessee. I apologize. I acted without your consent. In my line of work, I’m used to meeting new people every day…”

They just stared at him, more stunned by his polished delivery than anything else....as if he had been asked to share his biography.

Before either Jaxon or Aurora could respond, the train finally arrived. The only thing they took from his ramble was that they were heading to the same destination.

Jaxon didn’t say another word. He simply pushed his wheelchair forward and moved their luggage along.

Aurora, however, had already picked up her snacks and started eating. She waved at Barrister Noah as a sign of thanks.

He watched her with a soft smile as his children came running to grab his hands. In a hurry, he walked over to their bags and began pulling them along toward the train.

******

Mount Pleasant

At the school gate, she spotted Leo crouched under the pale glow of the moonlight, which cast eerie shadows across his rough face.

A chill ran down her spine...every time she saw Leo like that, she felt like he was a monster lurking in their town.

She lowered her head, clutching her schoolbag tightly, and walked as if the ground might swallow her whole.

As she got closer to where he and his friends were gathered, her heart pounded faster. The sharp stench of alcohol and smoke filled the air. They’d taken over the walkway that Dahlia usually used to pass.

Almost as if they had been waiting, they stood up the moment she approached and started toward her. Despite her hurried steps, Leo suddenly blocked her path, blowing cigarette smoke right into her face.

Dahlia nearly wet herself in fear. She tried to dart in the opposite direction, but Todd was already standing on one side, and Markus blocked the other.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she crouched, trembling. “Please… don’t hurt me. I’m just going home from the school…”

Markus snorted. “School, huh? Let’s hope you’re headed to the library and not trying to get cute. Has anyone in this town ever said no when Leo calls a girl to his room? Who do you think you are?”

“Stop wasting time,” Leo snapped, his tone full of command. “I’ve made up my mind. Get that little brat and bring her to me.”

Even at her young age, Dahlia understood exactly what they were planning to do. When Markus lunged at her, she swung her schoolbag with all her might and hit him square on the side of his head. He howled in pain as he staggered back.

Without a second thought, she took off running. Her skirt flew wildly behind her, and only the flashes of her legs could be seen.

Leo and Todd gave chase, but being high and unsteady, they couldn’t keep up. She weaved between them like a shadow, even causing them to crash into each other and collapse in a heap. They screamed in frustration as they tried to untangle themselves.

Dahlia didn’t stop running until she reached Bella’s house.

Bella and Mason were sitting in the courtyard, listening to the late-night radio. Suddenly, the door burst open. They jumped to their feet, startled, as a blur of motion darted past them. It was Dahlia, lifting the curtain into Bella’s room, shouting breathlessly, “Uncle, lock the door! They’re coming!”

“What’s going on, Dahlia?! Who’s after you?” Bella asked in a panic, while Mason rushed outside to see if anyone had followed her....but the street was empty.

Around midnight, they arrived in New York. Everyone else had already scattered, but Jaxon and Aurora had no idea where to go next.

Fortunately, Barrister Noah and his children hadn’t left yet. Aurora and the kids had chatted the whole flight, and Mia had even fallen asleep curled up beside her.

Noah hesitated to ask where they were headed, sensing that Jaxon wasn’t giving a clear answer. Eventually, he offered to let them all come to his home for the night.

Jaxon initially refused, but Aurora pleaded with him....she had already grown fond of little Mia, and couldn’t bear to leave just yet.

Reluctantly, Jaxon agreed, and the entire group set off together toward Barrister Noah’s house.

****

Adrian fastened his belt, tilted his police cap neatly over his head, then sprayed himself with a few bursts of cologne, filling the air with a crisp, masculine scent.

Harper watched him silently from the bed, one leg crossed over the other, still in her sleepwear. Her eyes followed his every move.

"You look good, sweetheart," she said, rolling her eyes playfully.

He gave a brief smile, walked over, and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "I’m off to work. If your guest shows up, be polite."

She smiled again, throwing him a teasing look he knew could easily make him late if he lingered. Sensing the danger, he slipped out quickly without even touching breakfast...he was already used to leaving the house on an empty stomach.

As soon as he left, Harper returned to bed and lay down. Barely twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang.

She sprang up, surprised that Lavinia had arrived so early.

Still groggy and with barely any effort to tidy up, Harper, the picture of a sultry hostess, grabbed her thin night robe and headed for the door.

Smiling, she flung it open and began, "Thanks for accepting my invitation on such short notice Aunt L...."

Her words caught in her throat when she saw who was standing there.

He stared at her from head to toe, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

With a huff, she turned back into the house, grumbling, "So tell me...what the hell are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you I’m expecting someone?"

"Come on, darling," Lucian said smoothly, stepping inside. "Not even a good morning kiss? Just straight to insults?"

He grabbed her, pulling her into his chest.

She struggled against him, dodging his kisses. "Lucian, stop it. Get out...now. You can’t be seen here. Please, just go before Lavinia arrives."

"Oh really? Kicking me out already?" he taunted, his eyes narrowing. "Tell me....what exactly are you planning with Lavinia?"

Leaning against a nearby chair, Harper smirked. "I’ll win her trust... and then move to the next step. No need to rush."

Lucian chuckled, running a hand over his fresh low-cut hair. "I trust you, darling. So... need my help?"

She smiled faintly. "Not really. Just leave...we’ll talk later."

"That’s it? You’re kicking me out without even a goodbye?"

"Leave before I start to hate you."

He raised both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I’m going. If you need anything, call or text, okay?"

She gave him a raised eyebrow and silently watched him walk to the door. Just before stepping out, he turned, blew a kiss from his hand, and disappeared.

The moment the door shut behind him, Harper locked it and headed straight to the shower.

To be continue....