OLIVIA’S POV
I turned around in my bed, moving from one side to another, tugging the soft blanket with me like it could somehow bring back the sleep I had lost. But it was no use. My eyes flew open and fixed themselves on the ceiling above. It was still dark, but there was a faint glow sneaking in from the curtains–the kind of light that let you know the day hadn’t quite begun but was already breathing down your neck.
One of the most disturbing things in life, for me, has always been waking up before my alarm. That frustrating limbo where you’re still tired, still craving sleep, but your brain refuses to cooperate. I always hated that.
I turned to glance at the digital clock on my bedside table–6:24 a.m.
Figures. Just less than an hour before the alarm was scheduled to blare into my ears. I could try to close my eyes again, savor what little time I had left in bed, but I already knew the truth.
Sleep had left me, and it wasn’t coming back.
I sighed softly and sat up, the silky blanket pooling around my waist. I had been having a good dream too. One of those comforting dreams where the world feels warm, soft, and almost too perfect to be real. I couldn’t remember the details, only the feeling it left behind–like I was being wrapped in the arms of someone I once loved deeply.
Then-
Knock knock.
A gentle knock on my bedroom door pulled me out of my thoughts. I didn’t need to ask who it was. That light tap had become familiar, almost part of my morning routine.
“Come in,” I said, and a small smile found its way to my lips.
The door creaked open, and Clara stepped in. As always, she was dressed impeccably–a tailored suit jacket, pencil skirt, and hair pulled into a neat bun. She looked like she was about to run a board meeting, not manage my daily schedule.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she said, bowing her head slightly in respect.
“Good morning, Clara,” I replied warmly. “Where’s my son?”
“He should be here any second,” she said with a knowing smile.
And right on cue-
“Mom!”
Charlie came bursting into the room like a little tornado of energy. His tiny feet barely made any noise against the carpet, but his excitement was loud enough to wake the whole house. He had his school bag strapped tightly on his back and his favorite cartoon keychain dangling from one of the zippers.
He climbed onto the bed without hesitation and threw his small arms around me.
I hugged him tightly, letting myself soak in every second of his affection. These moments were sacred–the kind of joy that no amount of money or power could ever replace.
“How did you sleep?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
“Bad,” he replied with a dramatic frown, the smile on his face fading quickly.
My eyebrows drew together. “Why? What happened?”
1/3
08:30 Mon 30 Jun
Chapter 170
“Aunt Clara woke me up too early,” he said with a pout. “I barely had any sleep. And now she’s forcing me to go to school again.”
Theld in a laugh. His voice was still heavy with sleep, but his outrage was sincere. I glanced at Clara, who gave a tiny shrug like, what can I do? Then turned my attention back to Charlie and adjusted the collar of his little school shirt.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said softly. “Don’t worry–I’ll give Aunt Clara a very serious warning today.”
He giggled as pinched his cheeks gently.
“Can I stay home today?” he asked suddenly, his big eyes looking up at me hopefully.
I took a second to think, even though I already knew my answer.
“Do you want to be like Mommy when you grow up?” I asked him seriously. “Do you want to be strong, smart, and rich like me?”
He nodded eagerly. “Yes!”
“Then you have to go to school, sweetheart. You have to read as much as you can, even if you don’t always want to. Because that’s how Mommy got
here.”
He let out a dramatic sigh, clearly unimpressed by the motivational speech. “Fine,” he said, dragging the word like it was a punishment.
I chuckled. “I promise, once school’s over today, we’ll do something fun together. Maybe go out for ice cream or pick out a new toy. Deal?”
I smiled and looked down at my son, who was nestled warmly against me. “You just can’t stay a second away from Mommy, can you?” I said softly, teasing him.
“I just like you more than school,” Charlie mumbled with a pout, hugging me tighter.
I carried him out of the room, his arms around my neck, and we made our way through the hallway. The scent of Italian chicken and rice drifted in from the kitchen, warm and savory. It wrapped around us like a blanket, reminding me how comforting routine could be.
As we entered the dining room, I saw the table already set with polished cutlery and plates, and a small chair placed beside mine – Charlie’s designated seat. I gently set him down on it, and the maids came in moments later, carefully serving breakfast onto his plate with practiced precision.
He took his spoon and started eating while humming softly to himself. Every bite he took reminded me how fast he was growing- no longer the baby once carried through hospital halls. His legs now reached the footrest of his special chair, and his confidence bloomed more each day.
Clara remained close by, scrolling through something on her tablet – probably emails or the day’s schedule. I let my eyes fall on Charlie again and smiled. Watching him eat so contentedly made the silence in my life bearable.
By the time he was done, the clock read a few minutes past seven. His school started by eight, and with the usual traffic, we couldn’t afford to waste
I stood and walked to the kitchen where I confirmed with the head maid that his snacks and juice had beer packed. “Make sure everything is in there
08:30 Mon, 30 Jun TO
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