His Painful Desires

MIA’S POV

Have you ever felt loved, cared for, and cherished? But suddenly unloved and ignored after a tremendous revelation? That's how I feel right now.

“I love you, but we’re going to have a baby. I am sorry, Mia.”

I was hurt. I filed for a divorce to give him happiness that I couldn’t give him, a child. After signing it, I booked a flight far from them. I was so hopeless. I didn’t want to leave my dad, but I had to. After weeks, I learned that I was pregnant. I thought the pregnancy test was ruined. I went to the doctor, and it was confirmed. I didn't tell them.

“Don’t worry, Ava. Mommy will not abandon you.” I caressed my ninemonth pregnant belly.

Time flies so fast. It wasn’t easy to be pregnant being alone.

“Mia, how are you? Should we go to the hospital already? Today is your due already.” Halt! he’s my doctor and suitor, Ryan.

Ryan is a good doctor and a good guy. I was also his assistant when my stomach was still small. When he found out that I was all alone, he volunteered to accompany me, until he suddenly confessed that he loved me, but I was not ready yet.

“Don’t be too exaggerated, Ry. I don’t even feel any contractions or pain.” also my water bag hasn’t exploded yet.

“Okay, then. What do you want for dinner?” Suddenly, water was dripping from me.

Both of us were stunned. Ry started yelling and panicking.

Seven years later...

"Avaaa!! Hurry up, we're going to be late for our flight!" I groaned as I zipped our last bags.

"Coming!!" I heard her running.

"Careful!" I shouted back.

Time flew so fast, that I became a doctor as I hoped for, and I became such a good mother to my daughter. The reason why we are going back home is that Dad is sick. My stepmother, Marga, called me to come back home, because he kept on asking about me. She has been nice to me ever since, but my stepsister isn't.

"I'm here." Her sweet voice made me feel very special.

Ava is standing in front of me. She's just seven, but she's tall. She had inherited her dad's genes, all, I think. His blue eyes, his pointed nose, and even his heartshaped lips. It's just my brown wavy hair she got from me.

"Are you all set?" I fixed her hair.

"Yes, mommy. Are we going to meet my dad there?" She keeps on asking about him.

She didn't want to be selfish. Even though they were divorced, she showed his photo to her, but Thunder didn’t even know Ava existed, no one from them knew.

"Hmmm, who wouldn't be excited to meet a pretty girl like you?" We both giggled.

After we settled, we pulled out our bags and said goodbye temporarily to our home for seven years. Ryan was supposed to pick us up and send us to the airport, but he was so busy. I didn’t want to bother with his work.

"Mommy, I am so nervous." Ava pouted.

I caressed her face.

"Mommy will always be here. We're almost near to the airport." I kissed her forehead.

Ava isn't just used to planes and this is her first, that's why. Minutes later, we arrived and quickly headed to our plane. Ava quickly fell asleep as the plane soared high. At first, she was so scared, but she had gotten used to it already. I took out my bag and saw something very familiar.

"It's been seven years, but I still hold on to this." I smiled bitterly.

Our wedding photo was the only one I got when I left our house. We're still happy here. His smile is my strength, yet also my weakness. Years passed, but I kept on searching for an update about him. I am still proud that he kept taking care of the company as the CEO. He and Stephanie got married as well, and they have their daughter, Shantalle, who is also seven years old like Ava. They're happy, but how about me? Am I ready to face him again? Am I ready to face the people who betrayed me?

“We’re finally here! So, who is going to pick us up? Is it daddy?” Ava was very excited, but I didn’t know how to tell her that her dad already has a family.

As I reached her face, someone called my name.

“Daniel? Oh my gosh! It’s really you!” I miss him so much.

Daniel is our butler. He’s already 55 years old, but he still looks so healthy and young. I gave him a tight hug and let him go as well.

“Wow, I still can’t believe my only princess has arrived home.” Daniel wiped his tears.

I chuckled and rolled my eyes. Daniel and I are just very close, and he also became my second dad. He has been with us since I was four years old, and he’s the head of the maid’s husband.

We both stopped when someone cleared her throat. My eyes widened. I almost forgot my daughter.

“And who is this beautiful girl?” Daniel chuckled.

I was speechless. Daniel must have figured out who Ava was. His eyes widened, and I just nodded.

“Hi, Daniel! My name is Ava, and I am Mia’s sweet pretty daughter!” she giggled, and Daniel almost fainted.

“Mia, he... she looks like Thunder.” Daniel stated.

Who wouldn’t say that she’s not Thunder’s daughter? If you just stare at Ava, you will probably say she’s his daughter.

“No DNA needed. So, let’s go. I am excited to meet everyone. How about you, Ava?” she also chuckled and nodded.

Plus, Ava inherited my braveness and strength which was a good thing. Daniel couldn’t focus on driving; his eyes were always in the mirror. I just shrugged my shoulder and looked at Ava looking out of the window.

“Mia, have you heard?” Daniel looked at me.

Looks like I already know what he is trying to tell me. I just nodded and looked at my daughter. Daniel seemed to understand what I wanted to tell him. I didn’t want us to talk about THEM while she was with us.

“Mommy, are we near already? I’m hungry.” I laughed at how she pouted.

I asked Daniel if we had to eat first. We stopped at McDonalds. Ava finished eating and went to play with the kids.

“Mia, why didn’t you tell us about her?” Daniel was very confused.

“You know why. When I was about to tell everyone, I saw the news about them getting married. I wouldn’t want to be like Stephanie, ruining other people’s relationships. And it was useless already because we were divorced.” I saw how sad he was for me.

I patted his right arm and smiled. I grew up being independent, and I also promised myself not to ask for their help.

“I... I just don’t know what to say, but I am very proud of you, my princess. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to tell me or Melissa about it." I smiled.

As I was about to speak, Ava cut me off.

“Daniel, how old are you?” We all laughed.

“You little munchkin. How old am I do you think?” he asked her.

Ava’s brows furrowed. We were just surprised when she held his face and looked all the way. Daniel couldn’t help but laugh loudly.

“All right. All right. I am 55 years old already.” he chuckled and surrendered.

“I knew it. I was right, you were in your 50s already.” I just chuckled and fixed her hair and wiped her sweat from playing.

Daniel and I are already close and comfortable together. Daniel mentioned to me that Steph’s daughter is Ava’s opposite. If Ava is good, Shantalle is bad. We decided to head home already because it’s getting dark. The mansion wasn’t far from McDonalds. We had reached the gate already after a few minutes.

“Wow!” Ava was shocked we had a big gate.

We have arrived at the mansion already.

“Wow, you didn’t tell me we have a big gate and house. It looks like a hotel.” Daniel and I laughed at her.

I just took a deep breath as I opened the door. I stepped out of the car and looked at the house where I grew up. Not far from us, a blackhaired girl wearing a pretty dress caught my attention. She is standing and looking at us with a curious look on her face. I figured out she’s Stephanie’s daughter, because she looks like her.

“Daniel, is that Steph’s daughter?” I asked to confirm.

“Yes, that’s Shantalle. Be careful with her, especially you, Ava. Shantalle is very spoiled. Her happiness is to bully people.” he shook his head.

Shantalle doesn’t look like Thunder. She looks more like her mother. I was caught off guard when my Ava reached my hand and held it. She looked nervous.

“Mommy, who is she? Why is she glaring at us?” she asked.

Ava was right. Shantalle is merely glaring at us right now. A little Stephanie who is already brave not to welcome us to my own home. Well, the real owner of this place came back.

“Baby, you’ll figure it out later. So, are you ready to go inside and meet everyone?” I asked, Ava nodded.

As we stepped forward, we heard Shantalle shouted and ran inside.

“Daddy! Mommy! Grandpa! Granny! Visitors are here already!” Daniel heard Shantalle shout.

All of them looked at each other. They knew it was her. They are all in the living room waiting, but why did Shantalle mention ‘visitors’? No way she is with her boyfriend. It’s been seven years, and they didn’t have any news about Mia, except that she just became a successful doctor. If it weren’t for the news, they wouldn’t have been informed that she’s already a doctor. She never contacted them, it was just her dad. But why Daniel is acting like that? He should be happy for her.

“Visitors? I thought we were just expecting her? Only her?” Stephanie scoffed and called Shantalle.

He looked at David, and he looked very excited to meet his daughter. Who wouldn’t miss her? It has been seven years, but wait, did he just say he also missed her? All right, they were once lovers, and it is just normal for him.

“Baby, how many are they?” Steph asked their baby girl.

Daniel is just a little sad, because Stephanie hasn't inherited anything from him.

“Two of them, one adult woman and one girl, who I think ages like me.” All of them were very shocked.

What? And who is the girl with her? So, it’s not her boyfriend, but who is this girl?

Before one of them spoke, they heard a very familiar voice.

“Hi.” they had not heard Mia’s voice for seven years.

They all looked at her, and they were surprised that she was with a girl who exactly looked like Daniel? What the hell is this? Who is she? Is she her daughter? Is she their daughter?

"Dad?" Daniel's eyes grew bigger.

MIA’S POV

I saw the look on their faces. I know they are all thinking the same thing. Who is Ava and if she’s Thunder’s daughter? Why did she call him her dad? I looked at him, his eyes were all on Ava. Stephanie is still the same, her eyes are still mad at me. I looked at Dad and Marga, I was happy they were still healthy, but Dad looks very pale.

“Mia, who is she?” Dad asked looking at Ava.

I smiled and looked at her. Ava looked at me with those worried eyes of her, but I nodded at her. She looked at Dad walking toward us.

“Everyone, this is Ava, my daughter. Ava, say hi to everyone.” I told her.

Ava swallowed hard and looked at them. Her eyes first landed on her dad. I saw the surprised look on her face.

“Daddy.” everyone gasped.

Stephanie and Shantalle looked more scared rather than shocked, while Dad and my stepmom gasped in surprise. Thunder slowly looked at me. I looked away. I didn’t want to be lost in his eyes again. It’s been seven years, but my heart still beats for him.

Ava hugged his legs, and his hands were shaking. He didn’t know what to do.

“Wait! What the hell is this, Mia? Is this part of your prank?” Stephanie still couldn’t believe it.

“Stephanie, Ava is Thunder’s daughter. She’s also seven years old. I was one month pregnant with her when I left this place. As you can see, no DNA is needed. Ava is Thunder’s 100% daughter. But, if you still don’t believe, we can have a DNA. Relieved?” I glared at her.

I didn’t know why Stephanie became like this. I should have known that she planned everything. After her mom married my dad, she then took Thunder from me. She knew Thunder was my first of everything, yet, she still hurt me.

“Enough, the kids are here.” I looked at them and Thunder is covering Ava’s ears, while Marga covered Shantalle’s.

“I’m sorry, dad. I am just happy to see you again.” I mean it.

I hugged him and he hugged me back. We really missed each other a lot. I even shed a tear, but quickly wiped it.

“I am sorry, dad. I am so sorry I left you, but I am back. I will take care of you.” I felt his hand patting my back, to calm me down.

“It’s okay, my dear. Daddy still loves you. You just surprised me about Ava. Looks like we need more time to patch things with her.” he giggled.

I thought he was going to get mad at me. He loosened our hug and he caressed my face. I felt safe again.

“I am so much proud of you. Even though you hid her from us, I still love you.” he tried not to cry.

Stephanie walked out of the room. I knew from now on she was scared of finding out that Thunder had another child. I looked at Shantalle and smiled at her.

“Hey, little girl. Daniel says your name is Shantalle.” I bent down.

“Yes, and who are you? Are you my aunt?” with her voice, Daniel was right. She really is a brat.

I chuckled and told her just to call me Aunt. I looked at Thunder and still, he didn’t dare say anything to our daughter.

“Come on, Shan and Marga, let’s just wait for them at the dining.” Dad knew what to do.

He called them to give us privacy. Thunder was left with us. Ava looked at me with a worried look. Her eyes are asking me why he is acting like that. I thought this would be easier.

“Thunder, she’s your daughter. If you’re doubting, look at her face properly.” His eyes looked at me and Ava.

“Don’t talk like that in front of her. I can feel she’s mine, but why didn’t you tell me?” Ava gasped.

I bent down and caressed her face. I never told him that I hid her from them. I just didn’t want her to hate me for doing that.

“I am sorry, dear. You’re still young to understand. I did for a reason.” I sighed.

THUNDER’S POV

It’s not that I am surprised that I have another daughter. I don’t doubt that Ava isn’t my daughter, because she looks like me. I knew she had a right to hide her from me, because I cheated on her, but I still have the right to know about her.

“Let’s talk about it later on. I’ll just talk to my daughter.” Ava and Mia are both surprised.

Their eyes meant something. I didn’t know what to feel. I was mad at her, but when I saw Ava, she lifted my anger. Mia gave us space. I knelt and looked at my carbon copy. I can’t help but smile.

“Hi, Ava. I am your dad. Aren’t you mad at me?” I want to make sure how she feels.

I was surprised she hugged me and inserted her face on my neck. I looked at Mia who was about to cry. She turned her back.

“I am not mad at you, daddy! I am happier because I finally met you! Mom always says you were busy.” I felt so bad for her.

This is Mia’s fault. Ava deserved to know about me seven years ago, but because of Mia’s selfishness, we weren’t close.

“Don’t worry, baby. Daddy will catch things up with you. I promise. I will play with you every single time.” for her to feel happy.

I heard her giggle. She loosened her hug and looked at me. Her blue eyes, which are the same as mine, mesmerized me.

“Daddy? Is she, my sister?” we were shocked when Shantalle was standing in front of us.

Mia held Ava’s hands. I stood up and walked toward her. Looking at Shantalle, she isn’t happy about having another sister.

“Yes, baby, Ava is your sister. You should play with her.” I fixed her clip.

I was surprised when she slapped my hand.

“What?! No! I don’t want her to be my sister! No way! Mommy!” She ran out.

I don't know what to do. Shantalle hates Ava already. I looked at Ava, and her face was saddened. Mia is trying to make her feel happy. Melissa called us for an early dinner. I asked one of the maids to call for Stephanie.

“Ava, are you hungry? We’re going to eat again.” I heard Mia ask her.

“You had eaten already?” I asked her.

“Yeah, at McDonalds. Ava was hungry and we stopped over there.” but Ava says she’s hungry again.

The three of us headed to the dining hall. Shantalle is sitting beside her mother and glaring at us. My wife is mad, but I should talk to her about this.

The dinner went well even though we weren’t all talking too much. It was still awkward for all of us, but we were surprised by Ava’s jolliness. She got it from Mia, which I was happy with because she made us all happy and relieved our situation.

“Thunder, what the heck?!” Stephanie surprised me out of nowhere.

“Steph, please. I know this is also awkward, but she’s, my daughter. I can’t do anything about it.” I sighed.

She was complaining that we should go home already now that Mia was back with our daughter. When she left their mansion, it was she who insisted on staying here.

“She’s your daughter, but Shantalle is your daughter too. She’s inside our room, crying, and telling me that she didn’t want to have someone to half your love. Gosh! I can’t believe Mia could do this!” There she goes again.

I put my arms on her shoulders. Her eyes looked so worried.

“Fine, we can leave here, but I can still visit and take my daughter if I want to. Seven years, honey, I need to fulfill those years I wasn’t beside her.” her eyes widened.

She’s my wife. She should agree with my decision. I just want everything to be fixed, especially for Ava. They are downstairs talking with David.

“What if Mia is using your daughter for you to go back to her?!” I closed the door.

Everyone might hear us arguing. I took a deep breath and told her to calm down. Although she was being too much, I needed to scold her to stop thinking things.

“What the heck are you saying? Mia isn’t like that.” I scoffed.

“Really? So, you admit that you still love her, don’t you?” my eyes widened.

She looked so calm asking me that, but I could feel her anger in her eyes. I have never seen my wife mad like this right now.

“Steph, I didn’t say anything like that. Why are you thinking such things? You’re my wife and you are the one I love. Please, quit thinking a lot of things!” I can’t help myself but raise my voice to her.

Her face became calm. Suddenly, we were stopped by a knock on our door. We were surprised to find it was Mia with her calm reaction. What’s wrong with her? She looked so calm and unbothered.

“Hi? I am sorry if I interrupt you with something. I came to talk to you. I know this is very awkward. Dad also told me we would stay here to be with him. If you don’t mind? Because as far as I know, this is our house.” she must have heard us arguing.

I took a deep breath and looked at my wife. Stephanie was trying to hold onto her anger.

“We don’t mind, Mia. Besides, we are going back to our house.” my wife answered.

Mia’s eyes widened and nodded. Has she moved on from me? Why do I feel like this? I should feel happy that she moved on. After all the heartaches I gave her.

“Okay. By the way, Steph, can I borrow your husband for a while?” She looked at me.

Stephanie was very surprised. I even heard her cussed.

"YYeah, sure. I'll just go and check on Shantalle." she looked at me.

“Don’t worry. I am not going to do anything to him. I’ll return him afterward.” Mia added.

Stephanie just left us. Mia took a deep sigh as she looked around our room. It must have hurt her that Steph and I even used our bedroom while we were still together. A bitter smile appeared on her face.

“Looks like you enjoyed staying in ‘our’ bedroom.” she chuckled.

“Anyways, I came here to talk about Ava. I know you have the right to get mad at me, but I also had the right to hide her from you. Fast forward, I don’t want us to argue about it already. I had already moved on. So, please tell your wife not to be bitter with me. Ava and I just want to be with my Dad again. I hope you understand, and I just want to make her happy, and that is, she wants to see you.” she still couldn’t look at me.

There were a lot of things I wanted to tell her, but there were no words that came out of my mouth. Why did I become a coward in front of her?

“And oh, yeah, please find time with her. Ava is just so pleased to meet you. I hope you will not disappoint her.” she finally looked at me with a smile.

That smile, her smile that I once fell in love with.

“I want to say a lot of things, but all I can do right now is to agree with you. If we are treating each other nicely, we’re good.” she was surprised.

Maybe she didn’t expect that from me. She left me already. I lazily sat down on the bed and closed my eyes. Why am I feeling like this? The door suddenly opened, and my wife looked very angry at me.

STEPHANIE’S POV

I hate Mia! I really hate her. How dare she say that to me? Of course, I know she’s the real owner of this house, but she was gone for seven years. Yet, she just showed up with a daughter? She’s just lucky that her daughter looks like Thunder, or else.

“Hey, we’re done. You can take your husband back.” how dare she smirk on me like that.

Looking at Mia, she never changed. She’s still pretty, and she doesn’t even look like she gave birth.

“I didn’t say anything that you might steal him.” I smiled, sarcastically.

“Steal him? From you? Ohh, the last time I checked, you were the one who stole him from me.” my eyes widened.

My hands are shaking in anger.

“I didn’t steal him from you, Mia! He was the one who came to me, and begged me to give him a child which you couldn’t give.” I want to pull her hair.

Mia rolled her eyes at me.

“That was before. Do you think he would have married you if you didn’t get pregnant? Wait, you were saying Ava mustn’t be his child. Should we run a DNA to make sure? How about you? Do you think we also need DNA to run if Shantalle is his daughter?” my heart beats faster.

I walked toward but before I slapped her, she was too fast to stop my hand. Her eyes are flaming while looking into my eyes. This isn’t the Mia I met before. She changed.

“Don’t you dare touch me? And why do you look affected? Now, you know how I feel. Next time, think before you speak.” she let go of my hand and turned her back.

I took a deep breath as I opened the door. I saw Thunder sitting like a weak ghost.

"See! Your exwife was rude to me. I know she was trying to make me mad, but I will never let her win." I groaned and sat beside him.

Thunder isn't still saying anything. I know that look on his face. It was the same look he found out Mia signed their divorce agreement and that she left.

"Thunder, can you please be honest with me? Do you still have feelings for Mia?" I don't care if he will say yes.

Yes or no, I will not still let them be back together. I tried harder to win and go here. I did my best. I still befriended Mia before, even though I hated her. I hate her, because everyone at school loves her. I hate her because she's so smart, while I was just good. I hate being her shadow, and now that she's back, I will never let her be on top again.

"I just feel so guilty, Steph, and can you please stop asking me about that thing? It's so irritating!" he just walked out on me.

I knew it. He just couldn't tell straight on my face.

"Mommy, are they going to live here too? I asked Ava, and she said her mom said they are going to live here with grandad and grandmom." I feel so bad for my daughter.

I asked her to sit with me and held her face.

"Yes, baby, they are going to stay here. But we are going back to our own home." she was surprised.

"What?! Why?! I don't want to go away from grandmom and granddad. Ava will steal them from me." I grinned.

My daughter is still young, but she already knows how to be brave, which is likely the same as me.

"Baby, how about this? Your dad and I will go back to our house, and you can stay here with them." her face brightened up.

Since Shantalle was young, I have already given her everything she needs and wants; attention, love, care, and toys she needs. Now that she's seven years old like that Ava, I will let her stay here with them. I know she can handle herself.

"Really?! I would love that! I am going to tell them about it." she was so excited as she ran out of our room.

THUNDER'S POV

"Daddy! Grandpa! Grandmom, mommy said I can stay here with you." I was speechless.

"What? Why? I thought you were going home with us?" but she pouted and scoffed.

Shantalle hates rejecting her decisions, especially if her mom already agreed. She really wanted to stay here, because she loves her grandparents.

"Why are you leaving?" there she goes again.

I hated if Mia would look at me and talk to me.

"Yeah, dad, why are you leaving? I just got here." Ava looked so sad.

But we were surprised when Shantalle pushed her. Good thing Mia was behind her, and she caught her. I pulled Shantalle over me and scolded her.

"That's not nice, Shantalle. Apologize to your sister!" her eyes are watering.

"Why are you scolding my daughter?!" Stephanie grabbed her from me.

I am tired of this drama of theirs. They always act like this, but they don't even choose the right place to do it.

"Honey, she pushed Ava. What if Mia wasn't there? Ava must have broken her head or worse. Shantalle, I want you to apologize to her." I am so mad right now.

Shantalle hid behind her mom's legs.

"Enough, Thunder. Your daughter will not even listen to you. Shantalle, come here." David called her.

We all looked at her walking toward him and sat beside him.

"Why did you do that?" he caressed her face.

Ava looked still scared, while Mia looked so mad.

"I don't want her calling my daddy her daddy too, granddad. I don't want to be her sister too, and I want them to leave. I hate her. I hate them." we were all surprised.

"Shantalle! That's bad. Mia and Ava are also your family, don't talk like that." Marie spoke.

Shantalle cried. I looked at Stephani and told her to go and talk to our daughter, but suddenly, Mia cut us off.

"I don't want always this to happen, dad. If my daughter is being treated like this in here, we will just live in a hotel. I don't want my daughter to see these things." she was really mad.

“I’m very sorry, Mia.” Marga apologized as I was fixing Ava’s clothes.

I am just so curious why Stephanie was very different from Marga.

“It’s okay, aunt Marga.” I smiled at her.

She walked toward me and held my hands. Looking into her eyes, I could see sadness and being broken.

“I knew it was my fault. I spoiled her that much, and now, Shantalle. I am such a bad mother.” she sighed.

Squeezing her hands, I chuckled a bit. She was so honest unlike her daughter.

“It’s not your fault. None of us is not at fault. It’s just that...” I took a deep breath.

I didn’t know how to tell this.

“Our family is very cliche. Don’t get me wrong. I love you as my stepmother, but you know it was harder... she was once my best friend, but everything changed.” I shrugged my shoulders.

Marga touched my face and smiled.

“Don’t worry. I fully understand what you mean. As long as you and Ava are here, I will not let Shantalle nor Stephanie hurt you. I promise.” her smile made me feel safe.

I nodded.

“Ava is in a deep sleep. She must be very tired of the trip.” I can say she was even genuine to my daughter.

I sighed and walked closer her. Ava is really Thunder’s carbon copy. In every angle, you couldn’t miss seeing his face.

“She’s really looked like her dad.” Marga smiled.

I smiled.

“Clearly, she might be like Thunder, but we are not sure if he’s Ava’s dad, right?” Stephanie just spoke behind us.

We didn’t even know how long she was there. Marga and I look at each other.

“Stephanie, will you stop? They are not doing something to you.” Marga sighed.

Steph glared at her mom, shaking her head.

“Really, mom? You’re siding her against me? Is she your daughter?” she scoffed.

Jealousy was written on her face. Marga was just shocked, couldn’t talk.

“Stephanie, if you’ll excuse us, my daughter is sleeping and I don’t want her to be disturb. If you’re here to argue with me again, I am also tired.” I told her.

I was expecting her to give up and just walk away, but to my surprise, she grinned, slapping me.

“Stephanie!” Marga gasped.

I closed my eyes and touched my left cheek. Literally, it hurts, but it would hurt more if I slap her back.

“You know what, ever since you came back, Thunder’s mind went insane, Mia! It’s your fault!” she shouted at me.

I looked at Marga who was stopping her.

“MMom.” Ava woke up.

I took a deep breath and walked toward Ava.

“I am sorry if we woke you up.” I smiled at her.

“Mia! Come on! I know you want to fight back!” Stephanie kept on shouting, scaring my daughter.

I sighed.

“Ava, sweetie, excuse us, okay?” she nodded.

I stood up and walked toward them. Marga couldn’t control her, so I decided to control her myself. A hard slap from me to her, Marga couldn’t talk while Stephanie was shocked looking at me.

“I told you my daughter is sleeping. How dare you still shout?” I couldn’t control myself out of anger.

A few minutes later, she wasn’t still speaking.

“Please get out of our room.” I firmly said.

“Stephanie, come on. I am so sorry again, Mia.” Marga seemed very embarrassed about her daughter’s behavior.

Marga held her hand, but Steph slapped her hand away.

“I don’t need someone to hold me. I can leave by myself, but let me tell you this, Mia. You will never take him back from me if that is what you are planning.” she grinned angrily and left.

Marga groaned.

“Mia, I am so sorry about that. Really am I.” she followed Stephanie.

I took a deep breath and closed the door. We came here for my dad, yet, she wouldn’t stop giving me trouble.

“Mom, are you okay?” I almost forgot Ava is watching me.

I smiled at her.

“Yes, dear. Mommy’s fine.” I told her.

The next morning, Daniel called us for breakfast. Good thing, Stephanie was out jogging, or else I would lose my appetite when I missed our maid’s dishes.

“Hmmm, their dishes haven’t changed at all.” I groaned, while chewing.

I don’t care if they think I am so stupid. I just want to enjoy the food. All of them laughed except for Thunder who just smiled, and Shantalle who just scoffed.

“Darling, I know you missed it so I asked them to cook many for you and Ava.” Dad said.

Dad is still weak, but his doctor said he’s recovering for a bit. But I really hope so.

“Awww, you’re the best dad. Ava, how about you try this one? It’s my favorite.” I grabbed the plates of egg with mayonnaise.

“Really? An egg, your favorite? So common. So cheap.” Shantalle laughed.

I didn’t care about it. Shantalle is just a kid. But I heard Marga and Thunder, scolding her whisperingly.

“Shantalle, will you please be nice with them? They are our guests, Mia is my daughter and Ava is my granddaughter and your sister.” Dad couldn’t help but talk as well.

“Dad, you don’t have to. I understand her. She’s still young and needs to realize many things. I know she will do that when the right time comes. Right, Shantalle?” I looked at her.

Shantalle groaned and angrily put down her spoon and stood up.

“I will tell you to my mom!” she yelled and left.

Thunder took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. I just looked at Ava and smiled. Good thing, my Ava is well mannered.

“I am so sorry. I’ll just go and talk to her.” Thunder excused.

I just nodded. Dad just shook his head and we all continued to eat like nothing happened.

As we all finished, we all heard heavy footsteps walking toward us.

“What did you do to my daughter?!” Stephanie with her jogging top and leggings showed up.

I stood up.

“I didn’t do anything to her. I just told her what she needs to know, which you didn’t teach her.” I smirked.

Her eyes widened in horror.

“WWhat? Do you really want me to kick you out of this house? I don’t care if it’s your house, Mia!” I was surprised.

But I was more surprised when Thunder showed up. I don’t know, but seems like I am enjoying this family.

“Stephanie! Will you shut the fck up?!”

Mia’s POV

Thunder’s voice echoed in my ears, cutting through the tension that hung thick in the room. “No, you don’t need to.”

I turned to him, startled by his words. For a moment, his expression softened, and I glimpsed the Thunder I once knew, the man who would have fought the world for me. But the spell was broken as Stephanie’s sharp intake of breath sliced through the room.

Her glare burned into me, but I held my ground. My daughter, Ava, clung to my hand, her little fingers gripping mine tightly as if seeking assurance. I glanced down at her, my heart aching.

“I don’t think staying here is worth the constant drama.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, even though my insides churned with frustration. “My daughter deserves peace.”

Thunder opened his mouth to respond, but Stephanie cut him off.

“Peace?” she sneered, stepping forward. “Don’t play the victim, Mia. You waltzed back into this house and stirred up chaos. Don’t act like you’re the martyr here.”

My lips twitched into a bitter smile. Classic Stephanie. She always needed to make herself the center of attention, no matter the cost.

“I’m not playing anything, Stephanie,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “I came here because this house belongs to my family. I’m not leaving just because you can’t handle the truth.”

Stephanie’s face flushed crimson. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, and I braced myself for the inevitable explosion. But before she could say another word, Thunder stepped between us.

“That’s enough,” he snapped, his tone cold and sharp. His gaze flicked to Stephanie, and for the first time in a long while, I saw the strain in his eyes—the weight of trying to keep everything together.

Stephanie shrank back, but her glare didn’t waver. I knew this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

“Mommy?” Ava’s small voice broke the tension.

I crouched down, cupping her cheeks as I forced a smile. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Do we really have to leave? I like it here. Grandpa and Grandma are nice.” Her big eyes welled up with tears, and my resolve wavered.

Before I could respond, Marga stepped forward. “Mia.” she said softly, her voice a balm against the tension. “This is your home, and we want you and Ava to stay. But we need to figure out how to make this work for everyone.”

I glanced at her, gratitude flickering in my chest. Marga had always been the voice of reason, even when the world seemed to crumble around me.

Thunder sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She’s right,” he said, his tone weary. “We need to stop this... all of it. The fighting, the accusations. It’s not fair to the kids.”

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, silence reigned. But I knew better than to think it would last.

“I don’t care what you all decide,” Stephanie said suddenly, her voice icy. “But Shantalle isn’t apologizing. She’s just a child, and she was defending herself.”

“Defending herself?” I snapped, my calm façade cracking. “She pushed Ava for no reason, Stephanie. That’s not defending herself—that’s bullying.”

“She wouldn’t have done it if your daughter knew her place!”

The words hit me like a slap. I straightened, my fists clenching at my sides. But before I could respond, Ava stepped forward, her little chin trembling but held high.

“I don’t care if Shantalle doesn’t like me,” she said, her voice small but steady. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Pride swelled in my chest, and I knelt to hug her. My daughter was stronger than I’d ever realized.

Marga sighed, her expression tired. “Stephanie, that’s enough. This is a family, whether you like it or not. And if Shantalle can’t respect that, then maybe she needs to learn.”

Stephanie’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but she didn’t argue.

Thunder pinched the bridge of his nose, his frustration palpable. “Mia, Ava—stay. Please,” he said finally, his voice softer than before. “We’ll figure it out.”

I wanted to argue, to say that staying here would only cause more problems. But when I looked at Ava and saw the hope in her eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to say no.

“Fine,” I said quietly. “We’ll stay. But if this happens again, Thunder, I won’t hesitate to leave—for good this time.”

He nodded, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. There was a flicker of something there—something that reminded me of the love we once shared. But I quickly looked away, refusing to let myself dwell on the past.

This wasn’t about me and Thunder. This was about Ava. And I’d do whatever it took to protect her, even if it meant living under the same roof as Stephanie and her venom.

As I led Ava upstairs, I felt Stephanie’s glare boring into my back. Let her be angry. Let her hate me.

“You're lucky they have your back, but let me tell you this... Not because you own this house means you own everyone as well, Mia. You know me, and you know what I can do to you.” she grinned.

I wasn’t here for her approval. I was here for my daughter.

And I wasn’t going anywhere.

We were all surprised by Thunder yelling at his wife. For me, I wasn’t stunned at all. If I were him, I would also feel embarrassed with how Stephanie is behaving. Without knowing what happened first, she just accused someone and it was literally a red flag.

“Thunder, can’t you see? I am just defending our daughter.” she scoffed.

Thunder seemed to be very tired that I could see. I pity him.

“Are you even thinking? Accusing her without knowing the truth first? Why don’t you ask me first, huh? Yeah. Shantalle spoke badly about Mia, okay? Mia just wanted her to know her lesson, but she talked back angrily and left. That was why I scolded her.” he said, catching his breath.

Stephanie swallowed hard. She just looked at us and walked out. I know she got shy. She thought they would side with them.

“Thunder, can I talk to you in private?” Dad asked him.

Thunder looked at me and he nodded.

“Come on, Ava.” we left them.

As we walked away from Thunder and Dad, the tension in the room still clung to the air like a thick fog. I glanced at Ava, her expression unreadable as we moved further down the corridor. The muffled echoes of Thunder’s voice faded behind us, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was unfolding.

Ava stayed silent, her hands clasped in front of her. I wanted to ask what she thought about the argument, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I focused on the intricate patterns of the carpet beneath our feet, trying to make sense of the chaos that had just erupted.

“Do you think grandpa’s upset with dad?” Ava finally broke the silence, her voice soft.

I shrugged. “Maybe. But I think it’s more about what’s happening with Stephanie. Dad doesn’t like drama, especially not when it’s unnecessary.”

Ava nodded, but her eyes lingered on the door we had just left. “I hope they figure it out. It’s exhausting watching them go at it all the time.”

Before I could respond, a sharp, echoing crash reverberated through the hallway. Ava and I froze, our heads whipping back toward the room where Thunder and Dad had stayed behind.

“What was that?” Ava whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

“I don’t know,” I replied, my pulse quickening.

We exchanged a look before darting back toward the room. The door was slightly ajar, and as we pushed it open, the scene before us made my blood run cold.

Shantalle broke my mom’s beloved vase. My eyes widened in horror. The vase isn’t that expensive, but I know how my mom treasured it before.

“What did you do?!” I yelled at her.

Shantalle got scared, trembling. I knelt down picking up the broken pieces, not even minding the pain.

“Mom... your hands are bleeding.” Ava was very worried.

“No... no... no... this is your grandma’s most treasured vase, Ava. I need to fix it.” I know I am stupid, but I love my mom.

Dad, Thunder, and Marga arrived at the same time. All of them were stunned.

“Mia! Your hands.” dad walked and helped me.

Thunder pulled me away from the broken pieces. I struggled but Marga asked the maids to clean it up.

“Don’t throw it away.” I told them.

“Mia, what are you thinking? You just hurt yourself.” dad sighed.

“Dad, that’s mom’s beloved vase. How come it was here? I thought it was locked up inside the room filled with our memories?” I know and I was the one who put it there before leaving this place before.

Dad looked at Marga and Thunder. I know they are asking each other who displayed it out.

“I... I don’t know how it came out, dear.” Marga answered.

“Me too. I haven’t seen that in here.” Thunder said.

All I thought was Stephanie. I looked at Shantalle who was hiding behind Thunder’s legs. I knew her mom must have told her to break it.

“Shantalle, where is your mom?” I asked her.

She shook her head.

“I know you hate seeing me mad, Shantalle. I am not asking you once again.” I am so angry right now. I even want to pinch her nose even though she’s a kid just to tell me the truth.

All of us are looking at her.

“Why are you accusing my daughter? Huh? Why? Have you seen what happened first?” Stephanie, coming down the stairs, looking so fresh from the bath.

I know she was doing this because of what happened earlier. And now, she wanted it to the same back to me.

“I knew it was you, Stephanie. You knew how much that vase means to me and my mom. Is that how you really hate me?” I scoffed.

I don’t care if I lose much blood as long as I can find out who did it. She just grinned and rolled her eyes.

“Come on, Mia. Think before you talk. What if my Shantalle accidentally bumped into it that was why it fell? It wasn’t her fault, okay? In fact, she’s just a kid. She can make mistakes.” she smiled.

Shantalle ran toward her evil mother. She even asked her if she was fine.

“You didn’t even care if she was hurt.” Stephanie shook her head.

“The vase was locked inside that room. Who would dare open and took it from inside, huh? Maybe it was you, because you are so mad at me.” I don’t care if they will get mad at me.

I just hate her guts making things very hard for me.

“Cut the crap, okay? I don’t know how it gets here too, okay? So, will you stop accusing me and my daughter? If you want to know, why don’t you ask the maids around. Maybe... just maybe one of them took it out and displayed it.” Stephanie rolled her eyes.

But I know she was lying. I have known her for so long, and I can tell if she was lying to me.

“If I found out you are responsible with this. I am not going to think twice breaking your face.” I glared at her.