er's

ook out the gift he'd prepared. Besides the championship ring already on my

r had to work just to make ends meet. We never really had time to celebrate birthdays properly. When we wer

g woman, but fate hadn't been kind to her. She endured a lot

ne it was something sweet. No matter what kind of person my stepfather is or what

ave looked a little ugly because I could feel the tears running unco

rmth of his body came through his thin

together?" I look

gether." His forehead touched mine,

tepfather was always concerned about my saf

gift for you." Seeing how excited she was, I kissed her cheek and rushed upstairs. A large box w

me special fabric, as I could see the light glinting off it as I moved, making it look as though the dre

ed up the dress and ran

t a brooch. It was a black brooch-subtle and vintage. In

d he was smilin

're an adult, I want you to know that I'll prove my love for your mother, take care of you both, and

ty, and the weight of his

lling him that make him even happier? Seeing the hopeful look in my mother's eye

brooch onto my dress. I looked at him and found myse

e cake-a cute strawberry cake, bright red strawberries sitting atop white frosting, looking so delicio

erful day. I clasped

thy, for Dad to stay safe. I wish for Matthew and me to

ime two years, I never would've imagined that one day I'd live in a mansion like a castle, wear

as beautiful as today. So when Mom said there was anot

good things

d then my mother's voice rang in my ears. "Hone

the man who had almost strangled me, who haunted my night

y, "Harper, lo

d? I don't even know how I managed to pull a smile, my body se

ea what I was saying. I could only clear

ept me. I would ne

demeanor, a trace of amusement ap

. The icy feeling of being stared do

at. I don't know if it was just my imagination, but

sed again. Wou

my food in silence. The fresh cream felt sickening, an

erstand. I listened, feeling uncomfortable as his gaze s

prepare a gift f

He could hardly stand me-why

wanted to remind me that no matter how much D

is family. I'd never be

f the change in topic, I put down my

ring a gift for me. After locking my door, I finally relaxed. The t

uch. So, even if this happines

uiet. No one c

ck was covered in cold sweat. I too

an unforg