[Four Years Later]
"Ah!"
Winter startled awake, sweating profusely, as the recollection of that wild night invaded her beautiful slumber.
There was never a day that her thoughts were not clouded by those passionate moments, but the problem was she couldn't remember the man she slept with.
Except for his emerald gaze, she couldn't remember anything.
Winter took a deep breath and ran her hand over her face and hair before her gaze was drawn to the watch on the side table.
It had been a month since she moved in with Gina, her friend. Gina was so preoccupied with her modeling career and campaigns that she rarely visited her own house. In addition, she discovered this location was near Sweet Flower School.
"Mommy, wake up, I'm running late for school," a little human said, bolting through the door and coming to a halt in front of her.
This little thing was none other than her daughter Seren (the star), as she called her. The adorable little one whinced as her plump hands rested on her hips.
"Mommy I can't be late to school, or I'll complain to my teacher that you woke up late."
"..."
Seren was the disciplined one here. At the age of four, she was almost like a mother figure to Winter almost taking care of her. She sometimes wonders if her mother returned in the shape of her daughter, or if she inherited her father's qualities.
To be honest, she wasn't always so obedient, but this tiny child would make her dance on her pinky finger.
Winter stepped down, removing the comforter from her body, and bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry, Miss. This mother of yours will be ready in five minutes," she said, looking up and joining her hands. "And please do not complain to your teacher. I don't want to be scolded again."
Winter nearly cried as she remembered an episode that almost got her in trouble.
Seren looked at her mother intently before breaking into a broad smile and chirping. "Okay, Mommy," she leaped and dashed out of the room.
Winter sighed her head shaking in defeat as she turned towards the restroom to freshen up. Within ten minutes, she was out of the room, ready for work and to drop her kid off at her playgroup.
"Mommy, come here and have some breakfast. We have enough time to leave," Seren waved to her mother, inviting her to join her for breakfast.
If Winter hadn't been so clumsy, she wouldn't have realized how her daughter fooled her by setting the wrong timing of the watch, and getting her ready before time.
Winter shook her head in astonishment and joined Seren at the breakfast table. Her gaze was drawn to the art she created with the bread, a happy face, heart, and star-shaped jam sandwich for breakfast.
A smile appeared on Winter's lips, and the two began eating their breakfast. As they savored every bite of their sandwich, Winter's phone rang.
"WINTER...HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEWS? Your Grandfather is all over the new channel." Gina's voice boomed from the other side, almost breaking her hearing chord, but when she mentioned her grandfather, Winter backed away and swiftly turned on the television.
'The Chairman of the Grayson Group, Mr. Byron, experienced a life-threatening injury and is currently fighting for his life at Jupiter Hospital, which is owned by the Grayson family. It is still unclear when the accident occurred, as the CEO/His son David Greyson has asked anonymity in the case...."
Winter refused to budge, but the revelation shook her to her core.
****
[Hospital]
David entered the hospital after issuing a statement to the media demanding privacy. He had no idea who leaked the specifics of his father's accident to the reporters, but before he could do anything, they had already surrounded the hospital, leaving him with little alternative than to acknowledge them.
When he arrived outside the emergency room, his wife Dorothy ran to him.
"What's taking them so long? Shouldn't they have declared him dead by now?" she said anxiously, glancing at her husband.
When she learnt of Bryson's accident, all she could think about was how much she wanted the old man to leave them for good.
Bryson was already unresponsive when he arrived at the hospital, so Dorothy assumed he would die. However, it's been three hours and doctors were still treating him.
David ran his fingers across his face. Deep down, he wanted his wife's words to come true, but he also wanted to witness the reality for himself.
Another fifteen minutes elapsed before the red light switched off. A few seconds later, the door opened, and the senior doctor walked out.
David and Dorothy stared at the man, expecting a positive outcome, but what he said next struck them.
****
Meanwhile, Winter and Seren reached Country P. She took a cab and arrived at the hospital, but before she could make her way to the VIP floor, she encountered Hayes' grandfather's most trusted man.
"Miss Winter," the man graciously bowed. Winter slightly nodded in return but soon a voice came through.
"Uncle Hayes, you forgot me," the small girl muttered in dispeasure, catching his attention and making him smile.
"Hello, Miss Seren," the small girl hummed in response to his statement and reached out for him to carry her.
Winter handed Seren over to Hayes, and the trio quickly made their way to the VIP room where Bryson was resting.
Yes, he survived the crash, but the harm done to his body would take a long time to heal.
Winter came to an abrupt halt when she discovered no one from her family outside his ward.
"Why is no one here?" she inquired, but Hayes' silence confirmed her suspicions.
She fisted her palm and tightened her jaw. There was no way they could be happy with the outcome, but what was she supposed to expect from them.
Winter asked Hayes to stay with Seren outside while she went to visit her grandfather.
The man agreed and observed Winter walk inside.
Winter was taken aback to see her grandfather in such a vulnerable state, but then she remembered what Hayes said.
'It was a well-planned accident to murder Bryson, and they have yet to discover the person behind it.'
Winter stood there, her eyes welling with tears. He was the only one who genuinely loved and cared for her. Losing him would leave her with nothing.
Despite Bryson's disappointment, he was gracious enough to comprehend her and appreciate everything she brought with her.
But it was she who refused to return and began a life apart from them. Winter had already decided not to mingle with them the day she left the house, and her resolve was solidified when she was cheated by Eric, who later became engaged to Agnes, her stepsister.
Winter understood the woman she saw with him that night was Agnes.
Winter closed her eyes and let the tears fall. She waited there for a few more seconds before retreating, but as soon as she came out, Hayes approached her. His concerned face prompted her brow to wrinkle.
"Miss Winter, there is something you need to know."