Chapter 17


    “Mommy, watch me!” Liam’s enthusiastic cry rang out as he gleefully descended the slide, his


    infectiousughter filling the air.


    Daisy, standing by her mother’s side with Nathan, contentedly sucked on a loll*pop, her eyes fixed on


    her brother’s ytime adventures. Earlier that morning, Nathan had arrived and taken on the role of


    chauffeur, driving the trio around town. They embarked on a leisurely walk to explore their new


    neighborhood, ran errands, and subsequently returned home. Their outing culminated in a visit to the


    nearby park, where they currently enjoyed the lovely day.


    Hazel couldn’t help but smile warmly as she watched Liam interact and y with the other kids in the


    park. Hisughter and excitement were palpable, a testament to the joy of the moment. Nearby, Nathan


    sat with Daisy, engaging in small games to keep her entertained. Daisy’s asional bursts of delight


    added to the cheerful ambiance.


    “Yay, you win again,” Nathan eximed, his voice filled with happiness, acknowledging Daisy’s victory


    in their little games. As Hazel watched her daughter, a sense of hope filled her heart, wishing for the


    day when Daisy would regain her health and freely join in the spirited y of other children.


    Nathan, exuding affection, leaned in closer to Daisy and spoke to her in a gentle tone, “You are one


    smart pup, you know.” His hand lovingly stroked her hair, offeringfort and warmth during this


    cherished family moment at the park


    an


    Hazel’s acute instincts sent a shiver down her spine as she sensed unshakable feeling of being


    watched. She nced around, her eyes darting in search of the source of her unease. The sensation


    was persistent, as if an invisible presence lingered nearby, observing her every move. She couldn’t


    help but entertain the thought that, given her position as former Luna of thergest pack, someone


    might have indeed caught sight of her and be intrigued by her presence.


    Nathan noticed her sudden alertness and asked with genuine concern, “Is everything alright, Hazel?”


    She tried to dispel her unease and responded, “Yes, it’s fine. Let’s just head home now, please. There’s


    still a lot to do around the house


    Nathan nodded in agreement, saying, “Alright then.”


    Calling for Liam, Hazel decided it was time to leave the park. “Liam, let’s go home now.” She reached


    for Daisy’s small hand, and the four of them walked together, hand in hand, making their way back


    home.


    Upon returning home, the kids eagerly rushed to the living room, immediately turning on the TV to


    unwind and rx. Meanwhile, Hazel stood by the door to bid farewell to Nathan, her gratitude evident


    in her words.


    “Thank you so much for today, for everything,” she expressed sincerely.


    “No problem,” Nathan replied, his gaze lingering on Hazel for a moment. The more time he spent with


    her and her children, the stronger his desire to be a part of their lives grew. He felt a pang of


    sadness as he contemted returning to his own home, realizing that to Hazel, he was merely a man


    she was immensely grateful to for saving her life that fateful night.


    “Goodnight, Hazel,” he said before turning to leave, his heart heavy with longing,


    Later that evening, while Hazel bathed and washed Liam’s hair, the young boy inquired about school


    for the following day.


    “Mommy, do I have to go to school tomorrow?” Liam asked.


    Hazel replied, “Yes, honey.”


    “And Daisy too?” he inquired further.


    “No, Daisy’sing with me to the hospital.”


    In a yful attempt to avoid school, Liam put on his most persuasive act, imploring, “Aww, can Ie?


    Please, mommy, please,” as he sped his hands together with puppy eyes that were hard to resist.


    Hazel sighed, toweling him dry, and gave in, “Can Ie with you guys?” Liam persisted.


    “Okay, fine,” Hazel relented with a sigh. “But tomorrow, we’ll get you registered in school. Alright?”


    Liam nodded eagerly, grateful for his mother’s understanding. Hazel patted him lightly and encouraged


    him to go watch TV.


    Daisy,e for your bath, Hazel called out to her daughter..


    Daisy, visibly tired and yawning, obeyed and made her way to the bathroom.


    The following morning, Hazel diligently prepared her kids for their day’s activities. After their refreshing


    baths, the family gathered around the


    dining table to enjoy a simple breakfast of cereals, sharing stories andughter. The anticipation of the


    day ahead filled the air as they discussed. their ns.


    With their bellies filled, they left their apartment and made their way to the elevator, Just as they were


    about to embark on their adventure, Hazel’s phone chimed with a text message from Nathan. He had


    arranged for a driver to pick them up and apany them throughout the day. Hazel breathed a sigh


    of relief, thankful for his considerate gesture.


    The sleek car pulled up in front of their building, and to her pleasant surprise, the vehicle was equipped


    with two child seats for Liam and Daisy. As they settled into thefortable car seats, the driver


    skillfully navigated through the bustling city streets, taking them to the kindergarten that Nathan had


    rmended. It was conveniently located. in the heart of the city, ensuring a shortmute.


    Sitting in the car, surrounded by the familiar streets of the city, Hazel couldn’t help but feel a sense of


    déjà vu. Memories of driving through these very streets with her ex-husband shed before her eyes.


    She pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that Ethan was now married to Be.


    A fleeting smile crossed her l*ps as she nced at her children, Daisy’s excitement palpable, she loved


    school. Liam, not so much. He sat with a small frown stered on his face. The frown looked very


    much like that of his father’s. The car eventually came to a stop in front of a colorful and cheerful


    building named “Tiny Tots.” With a sense of determination and hope for her children’s future, they


    walked into the school, making inquiries, and eventually registering both Liam and Daisy for their new


    educational journey at Tiny Tots.


    They are currently at an establishment named Tiny Tots. She’s enrolling them here I believe.” Michael,


    the man Axel had employed to update on Hazel’s whereabouts, informed him over the phone.


    “Okay, Axel replied, conveying the information to his boss. Ethan sat in


    his office, wearing a brooding frown as he perused the reports on his desk.


    “Boss, she enrolled them at Tiny Tots Axel informed him.


    Ethan’s frown vanished instantly, reced with a small. knowing smile. Now that he knew the


    whereabouts of Hazel’s children, he could find at measure of relief.


    “You can have Michael back down now. Hazel must have sensed someone trailing her by now.” Ethan


    knew that Hazel was likely aware of the surveince and that the situation was precarious. However,


    now that he knew the school his children attended, he was determined to see them again.


    “And meet with the owners of that establishment. Make them an offer. Tesco Empire will be making a


    new purchase,” he instructed Axel, his mind already set on a n.


    “But, keep it out of the news. And leave the original management,” he added.


    Axel hesitated for a moment, his confusion apparent. Ever since his boss. met that woman at the


    airport, he had been behaving irrationally.


    “You want to purchase the school her kids attend?” Axel sought


    rification, raising a valid concern about the risk involved in meddling with a married woman’s affairs.


    “Yes. Do you have a problem with it?” Ethan asked, his tone steady but holding an edge.


    “No. But, Alpha, I was just worried. You’re getting involved with a married woman’s life, and it’s a bit


    risky,” Axel advised, showing genuine concern. Ethan leaned back in his chair, contemting Axel’s


    words. Axel now responded to him not just as his boss but as the Alpha and the leader of their packs


    which came with responsibilities towards their Luna, his wife. If word got out about what their Alpha


    was up to, tracking and following a married woman, it could have dire consequences. Ethan had even


    stationed someone near Hazel’s home, a fact Axel was well aware of.


    Though Axel didn’t understand the dynamics of Ethan’s and the Luna’s marriage, he was aware that


    the Alpha was once married and divorced before finding his true mate, Be.


    Ethan paused for a moment, his thoughts drifting to Hazel’s children.


    “That woman is my ex-wife,” he revealed, surprising Axel.


    Axel’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t met Hazel, as he was abroad for his schooling when she was


    part of the pack. However, he had heard that the Alpha had been married and divorced.


    “Are her kids yours? Is that why her kids look so much like you?” Axel inquired, seeking answers to the


    obvious resemnce.


    “They’re not mine,” Ethan’ replied sadly, his emotionsid bare for the first time. “Still, I can’t help but


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    want to be sure those kids are fine. It’s not my ce. I’m nob*dy to them, but I can’t help but be


    curious. For some reason, I want to protect those kids,” Ethan said, giving a small, mncholic smile


    that was foreigning from him.


    Axel stood transfixed, witnessing a side of his boss that he had never seen before. For over four years,


    he had worked closely with Ethan, and this was the very first time he had seen his emotions disyed


    so openly. Ethan’s eyes looked remarkably soft as he thought about Hazel’s children.


    “I have no rights. I’m nob*dy to Hazel, but her kids… Ethan trailed off with a sigh. “I can’t help it,” he


    added, his voice breaking softly.


    Axel remained silent, not knowing how to respond to this unexpected revtion from his boss.


    “I’ll stop now. It’s not my ce. Purchasing the school is enough. Just do that alone, and I’ll back


    down,” Ethan dered, abruptly shifting back to his usual businesslike demeanor. He had made a


    decision, and it was time to act on it.


    Axel bowed respectfully and turned to leave, understanding that Ethan’s emotions were a sensitive


    subject. “Axel, make sure word does not get out, especially to the Luna,” Ethan cautioned, emphasizing


    the need for discretion.


    As soon as Axel exited the office, he ced a call. “Tiny Tots Kindergarten, a private establishment…


    Find the owners,” he instructed into the phone, setting in motion the n to purchase the school that


    Hazel’s children attended while keeping it all under wraps.