asked concernedly, sitting opposite her in b

Bryan's struggle to deal with his emotions. Emily distanced h

n ongoing wrestle. The day Daniel ended their relationship, it felt like he also ended something within her. She found it hard to both love and allow herself to be love

eyes. She had been crying in her room

," She managed to say, s

, it appeared funny to her. Like, how would she pay her bills now th

a little closer and engul

r about your job. How are you

g, "I can't believe it, Bryan. I lo

figure this out together. You're not al

her head in approval. He lean

his hand in his pocket and pulled it out to check the n

ents for the transfer are ready and

. He wore a facade of concern as he turned back to her, but his expression concealed a sinister intent

warm hug. Her school bus had dropped her off at the gat

orcing a false smile as she said, "Liv, my d

letely disregarding Bryan. However, Emily nudg

t him that didn't sit right with her. She had attempted many times to express her concerns to her mother, but the re

on, Uncle Bryan

ting up with Olivia's hatred towards him since the day he entered their lives has been a to

replied, "School was fine, Uncl

but chuckle. Olivia was quite a difficult child, a trait she undoubtedly

a very hot slap the day Emily tried t

las

o do what I say and that's final!" He thundered. He had always insisted o

l, stinging slap. She clutched her cheek, tears streamin

ly. Through gritted teeth, he said, "You're not attending any art exhibition in New

*****

via whimpered, pulling Emi

go to your room, I'll serve you

smiled

e replied, making h

reciprocate his feelings. It frustrated him that despite all the time they had spent together, she remained unyielding when it came to acknowledging his affe

u okay?" She a

ish you'd consider giving us a chance. I want nothing more than for you to love me back the way I love you, with all my heart." Bryan's eyes glistened with the earnestness of his emotions, waiting for a r

d him, and Bryan, with a knowing smirk, hugged her back. His eyes sparkled wit