Chapter 99

“Daisy,” Hazel called excitedly as she stepped into the ward.

“You can go to school now,” she announced with enthusiasm. “The nurses just told me the hospital management has a new school.” Hazel had overheard excited conversations about it when she returned from work. A school within the hospital was a welcomed development, especially given Cleveland’s high percentage of inpatient children.

Daisy, however, only nodded and continued playing with her dolls. Hazel was taken aback by her uninterested demeanor. She had expected Daisy to be thrilled, to inquire about the details eagerly. Hazel had imagined her daughter’s eyes lighting up with joy as she rushed to share the news with her. Instead, Daisy’s reaction was unexpectedly’cool, leaving Hazel puzzled by the subdued response.

Unbeknownst to Hazel, her daughter was already well–acquainted with the news of the school. In fact, it was Daisy who had actively participated to the project, she had known from onset. She was also involved in the renovations, from selecting what paint colors to be used to adding her handprints to the mural. So the news about the school wasn’t a surprise to Daisy; it carried her creation, her artistic touch adorned various corners of the space. Hazel, however, remained blissfully unaware of Daisy’s involvement.

Hazel studied her daughter, curiosity etched on her face as she pondered the peculiar expression on Daisy’s face. Despite Hazel’s enthusiastic announcement about the new school, Daisy’s response was noticeably bored. A wave of relief washed over Hazel, however, as she noted that Daisy hadn’t brought up Ethan in recent times. Even Liam, who tended to express his discontent more openly, appeared content and hadn’t been whining as usual. Little did Hazel know that her children were rendezvousing and meeting with Ethan himself, which explained their satisfaction and apparent lack of yearning for his presence.

“Hey,” Jasmine greeted, a soft laugh escaping her l*ps as she scooped up the puppy. The two of them had seamlessly settled. into a daily routine, commuting to work together and returning home in each other’s company. With Axel consistently by her side, Jasmine found herself less frightened and jumpy than before. His reassuring presence had become a constant in

her life.

One morning, to Jasmine’s surprise, she discovered the adorable puppy securely strapped into the car seat as she settled into. the car. “You’re taking him to work?” she asked, giving the puppy affectionate scratches.

“Yes,” Axel replied with a casual smile.

“How come?” she inquired, a playful chuckle accompanying her question.

Axel merely shrugged lightly.

That day marked the beginning of a routine. The children at the hospital were excited meeting the puppy. And Ethan insisted that Axel bring the puppy along every day.

Soon enough, it became a familiar sight–every morning, Axel, Jasmine, and the puppy embarked on their journey to work, returning home together at night. The trio settled into a comfortable routine.

everyday they would have small talks and had short stops

Jasmine was being dropped off, they encountered Nathan at the entrance of the company. He had observed this routine for some time–the consistent presence of the same man dropping

home with someone,” Nathan observed, directing his

casually, absorbed in her activities, oblivious to the

that evening, when Axel arrived to pick her up, Nathan found himself right next to her. Axel stepped out of the car

Chapter 99

done?” he asked

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stood there, still lingering, throwing questioning looks in Axel’s direction. The unspoken tension hung

introduced the two men. Axel acknowledged the introduction with a nod; he was familiar with Nathan, having crossed paths briefly before. However,

with Axel toward the car, leaving Nathan standing there, still

Axel asked quietly, his watchful eyes glancing back at Nathan, “Would

a sense of ease evident in her demeanor. Jasmine had adapted well to Axel’s presence. Despite his quiet and reserved nature, she wasn’t anxious being around Axel like she was with other males. He made

journey home. The car’s engine hummed softly as Axel navigated the streets, and Jasmine found solace in the familiar companionship. Meanwhile, Nathan stood there watching as

with your employer,” Axel observed, noting the dynamic between Jasmine and Nathan. Their relationship transcended the typical boundaries of boss and employee, revealing a closeness that

I guess,” she acknowledged. “I’ve known him for some years now. I suppose it’s because of how we met,” she added, and with that, they arrived home. Jasmine tenderly brought out the sleeping

“How did you

leaving a pause that lingered in the air. Axel found himself momentarily puzzled

he questioned,

a smile. “His late wife as well. Although I don’t really remember her,” she

furrowed in thought. Something didn’t add up. He had conducted some background research on Nathan, as Ethan had requested. Axel watched Jasmine walk away, contemplating the inconsistencies. “You coming?” she

to him. Her bright eyes met his, genuine and open. She truly believed she had met Nathan while at school? Axel blinked, then looked

here early,” Nathan noted when he saw Axel the next day. Axel had arrived earlier than usual, a deliberate deviation. from his routine of picking

came to talk

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