>>Amber
The sunlight filtered softly through the window, casting warm patterns on the floor of our living room. I sat on the couch, watching Hael as he gently cradled Zola in his arms. She was sitting on his lap, her tiny feet resting on his thighs as she examined her fingers with intense concentration.
"Ou AA a a," She babbled, her eyes wide and curious.
Hael chuckled softly, tilting his head to listen more closely. "We’re going to cut your nails," He said, gently taking her small hand between his fingers. His touch was soft and careful, as if he were holding the most delicate of treasures.
"Owa?" Zola looked up at him, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"No, it won’t hurt," He reassured her, his voice soothing. "You trust , right?"
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the interaction unfold. It was usually the mom who understood the child’s gibberish, but in our little family, Hael seed to understand Zola even better than I did.
He moved with a practice, fetching the tiny nail clippers from the table beside him. Zola’s gaze followed his every move, eyes wide as she took in the shiny tool. She squealed, her little hands clapping together in delight. "AaAA!"
"Yeah, it’s shiny, huh?" Hael laughed, clearly enjoying her excitent. "But it’s not a toy. We’re just going to make those little nails nice and neat."
I watched as he positioned her hand delicately, his expression focused yet gentle. Zola wiggled her fingers, giggling at the sensation of his touch. "Hee hee!"
"You’re ticklish," Hael observed, and Zola responded with a delighted squeal, shaking her head vigorously as if to deny the accusation.
He began to clip her nails one by one, all the while talking to her in that sweet, lodious tone he reserved just for her. "See? Just a little snip, and you’ll be all done."
Zola watched with wide eyes, a mix of curiosity and fascination as he carefully clipped her nails. I marveled at how effortlessly he could make her feel safe and comfortable. It wasn’t just the act of cutting her nails; it was the way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her as if she were the most important thing in the world.
"There! All done!" Hael exclaid triumphantly after finishing. "Now you have pretty little fingers, just like your mom." He held her hand up for her to see, and Zola wiggled her fingers, delight radiating from her little face.
"AA a A!" she cheered, clearly proud of her newly manicured nails.
Hael laughed, the sound rich and full of joy. "Exactly! Now, how about a reward for being such a good girl?" He reached for a small jar of baby-safe lotion on the table and squeezed a tiny amount into his palm.
"See? Just a little," He said, rubbing his hands together before gently applying it to her tiny hands. Zola watched in wonder as he rubbed the lotion in, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Nice?" Hael asked, brushing his thumb over her hand.
"Neee!" Zola replied with a giggle, her laughter echoing in the warm space.
I couldn’t help but feel a swell of emotion at the sight of my husband bonding with our daughter. Hael’s gentle nature and deep understanding of Zola made my heart swell with love. And I can’t help but admire how much Zola changed her father.
"Okay, little lady," He said, leaning back slightly. "I think that’s enough pampering for one day. What do you want to do next?"
Zola’s brows scrunched up in thought, and she began to babble again, her words a mix of enthusiasm and confusion.
"Play?" Hael guessed, looking at her with a knowing smile. "You want to play?"
"Pappp!" Zola exclaid, clapping her hands together.
Hael grinned, lifting her off his lap and onto the floor. "Alright, let’s find your toys!"
I watched them as Hael helped her pick up her stuffed animals, laughing and playing together. It was in monts like these that I realized just how lucky we were to have each other—a family that thrived on love, laughter, and understanding.
"Hey," I said softly, getting their attention. "Can I join in on the fun?"
"Mummm!" Zola squealed, reaching for with her little arms.
As I settled down beside them, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. We were a little family, full of love and laughter, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
***
>>Amber (Modern World - Present)
I stood behind the cara equipnt and staff chairs, the bustling energy of the set swirling around . Lights flickered above, casting a warm glow over the room filled with crew mbers adjusting caras and arranging props. But despite the activity, my mind drifted elsewhere, lost in a haze of thoughts.
mories of Hael and in another life surfaced like a gentle tide, each wave washing over with bittersweet nostalgia. I rembered the laughter we shared, the battles we fought together, and the love that had blossod between us, how we beca a family. The weight of those mories settled heavily in my chest, a mixture of warmth and sorrow.
Suddenly, I felt a soft poke on my cheek, startling from my thoughts. I whipped my head to the side, my heart racing, only to find Hael standing there, a teasing smile on his lips.
!?!?
I blinked in surprise. "Hael?"
He grinned, his professional smile lighting up his features. "Are you alright?" He asked, genuine concern etched in his expression. "You look pale."
I didn’t realize he was done filming. I was too lost in mories.
Looking up at him so closely, I felt a rush of emotions flood over . His presence was intoxicating—his silver hair catching the light, his striking eyes filled with warmth and care.
My heart fluttered as I realized how much I missed being close to him.
"I’m... fine," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart racing at the intensity of his gaze. "Just lost in thought."
He stepped a bit closer, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied . "About what?"
A wave of warmth washed over as I searched his eyes, looking for so sort of familiarity.
"Nothing much," I looked away, "My... past,"
"Oh?" He smiled, "Is it sothing interesting?"
Hmm? He seems curious about . Why? "Depends, are you interested in knowing?" I asked.
"Well-"
"Hael," Hestia called him, "What are you doing here?" She walked over to us, cutting her son’s words.
"Mom," Hael pointed at , "This is my new manager,"
"Oh," She smiled at , "Nice to et you,"
"A pleasure to work for you ma’am," I gave her a bow
"What a pleasant child," She seed to like , "We have to leave, Hael, the party has started."
"Right," He answered, "Manager, pick up in the morning will you?" He gave his professional smile.
"Morning?’ I was confused, "When?" I was told he didn’t have a morning schedule tomorrow.
"Around Five?" He waved at as he walked away, "I’ll text you the address."
What!?
Five in the morning?! What? Wait! I realized it. He wants to pick him up from that party! He’s planning on staying there all night? Why?
Is it so elite class party?
And if he wants to pick him up, does it an he’s going to be in a state where he can’t get himself back ho? My heart fell. I stared at his leaving figure.
This was another world. This was another Hael. One who grew up entirely differently. There was an ache in my heart.
...
He was soone I didn’t know.
***
I went back ho, feeling defeated. It’s not like I did much today but I felt exhausted. I sat with my family in the lounge. The sa episode I watched in the cafe was on.
My parents seed to enjoy the show so I didn’t tell them to change it but I didn’t want to see Hael either.
I watched the rest of the show with them but when Hael’s turn ca on, I got up to leave.
"Why are you leaving?" Mom asked, "Lets watch the show together."
"It’s about to end anyway." I said as I began to walk away, "And I’m tired, I have to get up very early tomorrow..." Hael told to pick him up at Five.
"Aren’t you curious though?" Ron was slurping his ice cream
I let out a sigh, "About what?" I asked and he pointed at the TV
"That," He swirled his finger around as Hael was focused again.
"There’s a rumor going around." The hostess asked him
"Why would I be interested in a rumor?" Anyone could see it on my face that I didn’t want to hear it. I’m sure there are many rumors about Hael. He’s a celebrity, an international star at that.
"Rumor?" Hael was surprised, "What rumor?"
I let out a sigh and began to walk again when sothing shocking caught my attention
"There are many people saying you’re looking for soone" The host asked and I froze and then looked back at the screen just as I was about to exit the lounge.
Hael let out a laugh, "Well~ I might be."
"Oh~" The hosts hooted, "And who are you looking for?"
"Hmmm," His mischievous grin made my chest squeeze, "My wife from my past life?"
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