Chad turned with a playful threat in his voice, "Molly, you're not wearing anything under that blanket, are you?"

Molly clutched the blanket tighter, "You're going to be late for work. Even if I wasn't wearing pajamas, you wouldn't have time to notice."

Officer Chad grabbed his badge, ready to leave, but not before casting a glance at Molly. Despite her feigned bravery, he could see the fear in her eyes. "I can call in sick. It's just a phone call away." Molly watched Chad warily, thankful when he finally left for work.

On his way, Chad stopped by a department store to pick up a high-neck shirt and a tie, hoping they'd cover the love bites Molly had left on his neck. Throughout the day at the station, he dared not loosen his tie.

Molly planned to visit Mia in Maplewood Estates. They chatted on video call, both still in bed, faces unwashed, teeth unbrushed.

Surprised, they both wondered why the other was awake so early.

Through the screen, Molly spotted her nephew's round head and beamed with affection, "Look at that, my nephew slept in. What a sweetheart."

Mia glanced at her son, cradled in her arms, "Sweetheart? Andre stayed up till 3 a.m. playing video games. Still think he's a sweetheart?"

had a special affection for Mia's son, Henry, and would spend

checked her messages, "No word from her yet.

energy' then," Molly joked,

change Henry's diaper, affectionately calling him her "little stinker," despite him being sound asleep and smelling sweetly of baby lotion. The group chat buzzed

the library, having promised to study with Chad but clearly too exhausted to crack open a book. Leo draped his jacket over Anya to shield her from the sunlight, wondering

several levels, a likely culprit for

backpack imprinted on her face, was

didn't you tell me?" she demanded of Chad, who shrugged off her

greeted with Henry's giggles as

living room echoed with Henry's laughter, bringing joy

Henry's laughter with his partners, proud yet

prompting Andre to share more about the

joking about self-defense lessons against overenthusiastic partners, all in the spirit of love

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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