Beneath the scarf, a faint constetion of dark bruises was visible on her skin.


    Haynes felt as if a giant hand were squeezing his heart, the feeling suffocating and painful.


    He had thought he was prepared, but seeing it with his own eyes brought an indescribable anguish.


    It was only at this moment that the reality hit him with full force.


    He had truly lost Ste.


    It was still early, so to make it up to Keen, Ste suggested taking him to a movie.


    Keen was overjoyed at the prospect of spending even a second longer with Ste.


    He immediately pped his hands. "Great! My mom, my dad, and I have never been to the movies together!"


    Ste had taken Keen to the movies before, but Haynes had always been too busy with work to join them.


    Eager to spend time with Keen and have a little more time with Ste, Haynes had cleared his entire day, so he naturally had no objections.


    At the theater, Haynes dutifully bought the tickets.


    Inside, Ste and Haynes sat on either side of Keen.


    It was Keen''s first time at the movies with both his parents, and he was visibly excited.


    However, just over ten minutes after the film started, Ste fell asleep.


    She didn''t wake up until the movie was over and Haynes gently roused her.


    "Star, the movie''s over. We can go home now."


    Ste opened her eyes to see that all the theater lights were on and the auditorium was nearly empty.


    She tried to recall the plot but realized she couldn''t remember a single thing.


    She must have fallen asleep not long after it started.


    She''d said she was taking Keen to the movies, but she had slept through the whole thing.


    Ste checked the time and said, "Keen, what do you want for dinner? Mom will take you out."


    Before Keen could answer, Haynes spoke up.


    "Star, you should go home and rest today. You can spend quality time with Keen tomorrow."


    Ste hadn''t been sleeping well and waspletely drained of energy. She really was struggling to stay awake.


    Forcing herself


    continue would


    just be putting on a brave face, and she wouldn''t be providing very effectivepany


    With that in mind, Ste stopped insisting.


    "Okay, I''ll head home and get some rest then."


    "Keen and I will take you home," Haynes offered.


    Ste didn''t refuse. "Alright."


    After getting home, Ste noticed Joshua wasn''t back yet.


    She was so exhausted that she didn''t even think about eating and fell straight into bed.


    She didn''t know how long she''d been asleep when she was kissed awake.


    "Joshua..."


    Ste had barely uttered his name


    before her voice waspletely smothered, and she was once again pulled into the man''s increasingly demanding embrace.


    The next day, Ste arrived at the amusement park on time.


    She wasn''tte today, but she was radiating exhaustion and fatigue.


    After waking up that morning, she had forced herself to get up and stay awake.


    But herck of sleep was severe, and herplexion was so poor that she had to rely on makeup to cover it up.


    Before leaving, Ste had invited Joshua to the amusement park, but he declined, saying he still had things to take care of.


    Her mind was foggy, and she didn''t have the energy to wonder what he was so busy with.


    Seeing Ste arrive on time, Haynes''s eyes darkened. He seemed to want to say something but ultimately remained silent.


    Unaware of the adult drama, Keen was surprised to see Ste alone and looked around.


    "Mom, where''s Mr. Joshua?"


    "Mr. Joshua has been busy with some thingstely," Ste exined.


    A flicker of disappointment


    appeared in Keen''s eyes, but it was quickly reced by excitement for the park''s many attractions.