Caregiver Steve

Micheal and Sarah appeared to have a kind family worthy of envy, a loving marriage, and two beautiful children(Clara and Clement); their ages are 5 & 7, respectively. Things begin to change in the family when Micheal loses his job due to false accusations. The love and warmth regress to almost nothing. Despite his efforts to keep the family moving, his savings, which couldn't do much, were eventually exhausted after a few months. Sarah, who believes it is the man’s responsibility to provide for the family, grows distant. After six months of frustration and daily arguments, Sarah decides to leave, filing for divorce and walking away from the marriage. She leaves the children behind, believing Michael should take care of them since he’s the reason for the family’s financial struggles. Michael was heartbroken and overwhelmed by his wife's decision. 'Who will take care of the children'? Was the question running in his mind? The only option left with Michael is to turn to their House Maid, Emilia. She has been steadfast with the family even during their hard time and financial chaos. “Please, Emilia,” Michael pleads, his voice filled with anguish. “Can you help me take care of Clara and Clement? Just until I find a new job. I’ll make it right with you as soon as I secure a new job appointment. Please, I promise.” Emilia, who has always had a soft spot for the children and witnessed the family’s struggles firsthand, agrees to stay. She becomes a pillar of strength for the household, caring for the children and providing emotional stability during Michael’s darkest days. Emilia steps into the motherly role, and the bond between her and the children gets deeper. Clara is initially resentful of her mother's absence but later finds comfort in Emilia's guidance and love; Clement has always been cool with Clara. Emilia’s all-time dedication to the family caught Michael's attention, who began to see her in a new light. Meanwhile, Michael has to face his fear and emotions aftermath of Sarah's departure. He fights to solve the puzzle behind his job loss and later realizes he is a victim of an evil scheme. Henry, Michael's best friend, helped him to clear his name, seeking both justice and closure. As Micheal is gaining strength to find the comfort he once lost in Emilia, a hidden secret is discovered about the paternity of the kids. Tension grew in the family; this brought him to a confrontation with Sarah. Emilia did her best to become more than just a caregiver; she became a strong partner in rebuilding the collapsed family. Micheal couldn't resist the attraction from her strength, compassion, and resilience, but guilt and fear gripped his heart and held him back. Could he move on from Sarah so soon? And would Emilia even consider a relationship with him? Through ups and downs, hurt, and healing, Michael learns that love is not about who leaves; it's about who stays. When he finally clears his name and lands a new job, he faces his biggest decision yet: whether to embrace his growing love for Emilia and the new family they’ve built or give Sarah a second chance for the sake of the children. In the end, Michael and Emilia’s love prevails. Their bond, forged through hardship and sacrifice, becomes the foundation of a new chapter for the family. Together, Michael and Emilia prove that family is not just about blood, it’s about loyalty, love, and the people who choose you and stay with you when everything else falls apart. 'The Maid Who Stayed' is a story of love, denial, and a second chance. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope can shine through in the most unexpected ways.

In the sleepy town of Raven's Peak, 17-year-old Golderine Scarlet Grande lives a life shrouded in mystery and superstition. Orphaned as a child, Golderine's birth was marked by tragedy when a lightning strike killed her father, and her mother died soon after. The townspeople, convinced that Golderine is cursed, have ostracized her, referring to her by her middle name, Scarlet. Aunt Mariam Redmond , Golderine's mother's sister, has been her sole caregiver since her parents' death. Despite the community's hostility, Aunt Mariam has provided a loving and supportive environment for Golderine. However, Golderine's exceptional beauty and academic prowess have only intensified the townspeople's resentment. As Golderine navigates her isolated life, she begins to notice strange occurrences surrounding her aunt. Aunt Mariam appears ageless, and her financial resources seem limitless. Moreover, Golderine has observed mysterious individuals following her , sparking her curiosity. The arrival of three enigmatic new students at school sets off a chain reaction of events that will upend Golderine's life forever. As she becomes embroiled in their secrets, Golderine discovers a shocking truth: she is the last living heir of an ancient pure royal bloodline, chosen by both Nature and the Moon to wield extraordinary powers. As the Goddess of Nature and the Goddess of the Moon, Golderine possesses the ability to control the forces of nature, manipulate the ancient blooms, and unlock the secrets of the moonflowers. With this newfound knowledge, Golderine must navigate her destiny and confront the darkness that has haunted her family for generations.

In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, the once-thriving city of Aetherion lies shrouded in silence, its bustling streets now a ghostly expanse. Behind locked doors and darkened windows, its people cower, hiding from an unspoken terror. But silence doesn’t mean peace—it means the storm is coming. Enter Liod Kennedy, a cunning operative with a shadowy past and a dangerous secret hidden beneath his eye patch. Sent on a mission to lure out the "rats" hiding in the city’s underbelly, Liod finds himself face-to-face with Captain Steve—an ex-ally turned nemesis driven by revenge and rage. Their confrontation sparks a dangerous game of survival, with glowing blue-eyed entities lurking in the dark and a looming conspiracy threatening to consume the entire city. As Liod delves deeper into the shadows, he must confront his past, outwit his enemies, and unlock the true power within him. But in a city where trust is a commodity and betrayal lurks at every corner, survival comes at a steep price. Can Liod overcome the shadows, or will they claim him and the remnants of the world?

A young boy who is rejected by his village finds himself being taken into a loving home by two other orphaned children. Their caregiver "Master" raises them to learn how to be a Guardian and protect the world from monsters by using magic.

Sam, the high school basketball captain, seems to have it all: talent, popularity, and ambition. But his pursuit of Rose, a sweet and innocent girl, takes a sharp turn when he dumps her at the end of his second year. Heartbroken, Rose becomes entangled in a series of unexpected relationships and life-changing events. When Daniel, a famous pop star, casually chats with Rose, the school erupts with rumors, leaving her overwhelmed. Seeking solace, Rose finds herself drawn to Kevin, the charming tennis star. Their connection deepens after a fateful kiss at Kevin's beach party, but it sets off a chain reaction of heartbreak and jealousy. Leah, the super-rich aristocrat with a secret love for Kevin, watches her world crumble as she witnesses the kiss. Just as Rose begins to move on, circumstances force her to reunite with Sam—only for her to collapse during a trip to Los Angeles. Kevin, abandoning everything in New York, rushes to her side and takes her to safety. As Rose slips into a coma, Kevin becomes her devoted caregiver, treating her as his wife in a bittersweet act of love and hope. Months later, Rose awakens on prom night, unaware of Kevin’s sacrifices. With her memory hazy, she resumes her engagement with Sam, who once again breaks her heart. Meanwhile, John, her childhood friend, resolves to win her love as they all enter college. Rose pursues a degree in music, with John and Kevin by her side. Kevin’s love for Rose remains steadfast, and when she finally remembers his unwavering support, they embark on a new chapter together. But the shadows of the past linger. Leah, devastated by her unrequited love, takes a tragic leap from the balcony, leaving Kevin, John, and Rose haunted by guilt. They return to New York, hoping to rebuild their lives, but Leah’s best friend seeks revenge, threatening to destroy everything they've built. As Rose becomes pregnant, a web of misunderstandings ensues, but Kevin’s joy shines through when the truth emerges: the child is his. With love as their anchor, Kevin and Rose grow their family, raising five children in a house filled with happiness. John and Sam, once rivals, find their place as cherished uncles, vowing to protect Rose and her children as part of their extended family.

A soul-stirring story of a forbidden and abiding friendship. Once upon a time, there was a girl named Anezka Orien who had been taken far away from home shortly after her birth. Her home held magic and power, wrapped in illusions. Twelve years later, she returned to Gaelen, A kingdom she had only heard about in the bedtime stories told by her foster caregiver. People called her cold-hearted, saying she was hollow and unfeeling. They warned me to stay away from her. Despite this, there was an undeniable pull toward the Queen of the Kingdom Corbin that I could not resist—a wistful ache as if our souls had met before. Once upon a time, there lived a mysterious Queen named Azara Catori, burdened by a curse as old as time. She was one of the three Ardere, fiery souls who instilled fear in the hearts of the townspeople from other elements. The Catori name was tainted with darkness and flames. They called the uncouth an oddity–an appalling figure. They advised me to keep my distance from her. Yet, there was an unshakeable yearning for Anezka Orien that I found impossible to escape. ————————————————————— Trigger Warnings : Mention of Death, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm. Note : Some chapters may be triggering for others but there is always a warning before reading. ————————————————————— Instagram : oykucara Pinterest : oykucara

I always wished to be Isekaid, so when I really was Isekaid, How will I be living my life? Steve, a normal guy gets reincarnated into a fantasy world and tries to make his life as good as possible, but will he be able to do it, or will he be distracted by something else? Follow Steve on his journey in another world !!!!

Emma and Eva, twin daughters of a California billionaire, had it all: stunning looks, endless wealth, and the freedom to do whatever they damn well pleased. They sneered at love and saw it as a weakness that could only derail their plans to inherit their father's empire. But their perfectly ordered world explodes when Emma finds herself pregnant after a wild night out. The problem? She has no clue who the father is. Suddenly, their family is thrown into chaos. Their scheming stepmother, Eleanor, and jealous stepsister, Lily, see their chance to strike, plotting to get rid of the twins and snatch the Daniels fortune for themselves. And just when things couldn't get any crazier, a mysterious hottie named Steve shows up claiming to be Mr. Daniels' long-lost son. But secrets lurk around every corner. Emma finds herself falling hard for Alberto Juan, a gorgeous Mexican scholar who makes her question everything she thought she knew about love. And when a bombshell drops about a missing triplet sister, the twins are plunged into a dangerous game of betrayal, corporate espionage, and family secrets that could destroy them all. Can Emma and Eva escape the clutches of their enemies and find their happily ever after? Will they risk it all for a chance at love, or will their family be torn apart by the dark secrets of the past? Hold on tight, because this is one wild ride you won't want to miss!

A Novel based on world of Minecraft. Note: This fiction takes the logic of Minecraft and modifies it. We follow Steve on his adventures throughout the blocky overworld His brother, Brian, now known as Herobrine turned to the darkside, and the result was their homeland getting obliterated. The threat of a new wither coming as well as more of the nether leaking into their overworld threaten the balance of their blocky home. Now Steve has to travel across his world, allied with others to stop this threat from taking their home.

Hi, I’m Liam Remmick, and this is the story of how I killed my father, Steve Nazar—a total douche bag. If you’re gonna listen, I better start from the beginning. Don’t worry about spoilers; I don’t care if I ruin a thing or two. My mom, Shayla Remmick, left me at a young age, and I’ve been fending for myself ever since. She died when I was ten, so yeah, you can guess the rest. Unlike other kids with amazing dads, mine’s an absolute asshole. He fucked my mom, rejected her when she got pregnant, and then tried to eliminate us. Nice guy, right? Mom died protecting me from his assassins. Father of the year. After her death, I bounced between foster homes until they got tired of me. Now, I live in a cave with bats instead of cockroaches—it’s a win, right? I’ve learned to handle them. When I’m not eating bat meat, I hunt for mushrooms, snails, and wild boars—though I’ve only caught broken bones so far. Don’t judge me; I’m an eleven-year-old living alone. ……………………………..✍️ A blond-haired man in his fifties stands combat-ready, wielding a sword against a grey-haired man. The grey-haired man, Seth, has a one-bladed scythe floating beside him. “Each time we do this, you’re always the one on the ground. Don’t you think you should give up?” Seth asks, smirking. “This time will be different. I’ll wipe that smirk off your face, Seth,” Steve replies. Their blades clash, sparks flying as they exchange blows. “You’re still as reckless as ever, Steve,” Seth says, dodging a wild swing. “And you’re still as arrogant,” Steve retorts, landing a kick that Seth barely blocks. The two combatants dance across the battlefield, their movements lightning-fast. Seth summons a swirling vortex of shadows, attempting to ensnare Steve. But Steve counters with his “Ten Thousand Swords” technique, unleashing a barrage of sword strikes that shred the shadows. Seth leaps back, avoiding the attacks by mere inches. “You’ve improved.” Steve sneers. “Not enough to take you down?” Seth smiles grimly. “We’ll see.” With a swift gesture, Seth unleashes a wave of dark energy. Steve counters with his sword, channeling a burst of light energy. The two forces collide, unleashing a shockwave that shakes the ground. Their battle rages on, neither warrior yielding. …………………………….. ✍️ Welcome back. This story isn’t about them; it’s about me. You’ll meet them soon enough. So, do I have your attention? Good! Isn’t this a story you want to see to the end? Let’s begin. Oh, and this story’s called Shadow.

Steve was at rock bottom—drowning in debt, betrayed by those he trusted, and staring at a future with no hope. But when he stumbles upon a mysterious parcel containing a ancient system with the power to transform his life, everything changes. Granted the Tycoon Manager System, steve gains access to extraordinary abilities: managing industries, building empires, and controlling wealth like never before. Starting from nothing, he embarks on a journey to conquer the business world, outwit his rivals, and uncover the secrets of the mysterious system. But success comes with its own set of challenges. As steve rises to power, he must navigate cutthroat competition, shadowy conspiracies, and the lure of ultimate authority. Can he become the ultimate tycoon, or will the system take more than it gives?.

I just ask her to go and hear the story but she makes a mess.

I never thought I'd be writing this testimony, but after experiencing the unthinkable, I feel compelled to share my story with the world. My name is Steve Bierman, and I'm a cryptocurrency enthusiast who's been involved in the space since 2017. I've seen my fair share of ups and downs, but nothing could have prepared me for the day I fell victim to a sophisticated botnet attack. It was a typical Wednesday morning when I received an email that seemed legitimate at first glance. The sender claimed to be from a reputable cryptocurrency exchange, informing me of a security breach and urging me to click on a link to update my account information. I was in a rush, and my guard was down. Before I knew it, I had clicked on the link, and my entire digital life was turned upside down. The next few hours were a blur. I watched in horror as my cryptocurrency wallets were drained, and my accounts were taken over. I felt like I was living in a nightmare, with no way out. The attackers were relentless, using advanced tactics to evade detection and cover their tracks. I was left with nothing but a deep sense of despair and a dwindling hope that I would ever recover my stolen assets. That's when I stumbled upon Cyber Constable Intelligence, a team of experts who specialize in tracking down and recovering stolen cryptocurrencies. I was skeptical at first, but desperation drove me to reach out to them. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, the team at Cyber Constable Intelligence were professional, empathetic, and reassuring. Their approach was methodical and thorough, involving a series of complex procedures to trace the stolen funds and identify the perpetrators. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, using their extensive network of contacts and cutting-edge tools to stay one step ahead of the attackers. Throughout the process, they kept me informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and explanations that helped me understand the intricacies of their work. the waiting game was agonizing, but I was determined to see it through. And then, the moment of truth arrived. The team at Cyber Constable Intelligence had successfully tracked down the stolen funds and were working with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I watched my cryptocurrencies being transferred back into my wallets, a testament to the team's unwavering dedication and expertise. today, I'm grateful to be back in control of my digital assets, thanks to the incredible work of Cyber Constable Intelligence. Their expertise and professionalism have given me a second chance, and I'm determined to spread the word about their remarkable services. If you're a victim of cryptocurrency theft, don't lose hope. Reach out to Cyber Constable Intelligence , and let their team of experts work their magic. Remember, you're not alone, and there is a way to recover what's rightfully yours. Here's Their info below What Sapp Info: 1. (2. 5.  2.  ) 3.  7.  8.  (7. 6. 1. 1.) Email Info: cyberconstable@coolsite net Website Info : www. cyber constable intelligence   com

Li-ah Ra, A heir of a fallen Mafia Family. She was helped by his Family's most trusted ally Inho Mo a Secret Agent that helped Li-ah or Liah escape death. Now She was tasked to pretend as a Caregiver to a Mafioso's Child whom she thought was a Kid.

What do you think reincarnation is? Do you believe in reincarnation? What if the person you loved in your past life still remembers you in your second life? This is the experience of Lyra Vanessa. Steve Carmain, a man she encounters in her second life, reveals that they were once lovers in their previous life. But something terrible happened—something Steve never wanted—and fate tore them apart. However, destiny has a strange way of bringing them back together in their second lives. Will Lyra remember the memories they once shared? What obstacles will they face as they uncover the truth of their past lives? Join Lyra and Steve on their journey through time and love, as they navigate the tangled web of fate, destiny, and eternal connection.

A rich, handsome, powerful, bully; Ryan Mathew (Ray) is the son of the wealthy family. After graduation he is soon to be going to inherit his father's company. Every girl wants to be with him. His life is perfect except one fact that he is a college bully... Until after that day's incident his perfect life has become upside down. From that day onwards he started to bully a savage, cute, nerd, girl by the name of Jennifer Steve. Jennifer Steve (Jenny) is seem to be a typically average girl who only aims to become a successful independent woman. She came to major in her dream college. But her beautiful college life has been shattered by her handsome heartless bully Ryan Mathew. Not only that, she must find her way to survive in her college until graduation. Will their relationship grow, or they still destined to remain as enemies forever....?

not original copy of Chinese novel

Trapped in a fantastical realm, Kiyoshi discovers a volatile magic that weakens him as it strengthens. His rented girlfriend becomes his shield against impending doom, revealing they're humanity's last hope. Amidst a web of secrets, their journey unveils a destiny intertwined with Earth's future.

Je m'appelle Tanya Lisa Romanof je suis une adolescente de dix-sept ans qui va faire bientôt dix-huit ans. Je fais partie de la meute Lune Blanche Mais le pire fait que commencer le lendemain de mon anniversaire c'est ce jour-là que je vais apprendre que je suis l'âme soeur de Alpha Steve. Steve est l'alpha de la meute Lune Blanche. Je l'ai rejeté sans me rendre compte que la Déesse de la Lune allait me donner une seconde mais cette seconde chance est le Roi Lycan. Mais dès que Steve a appris ça il voulais a tout prix tué le roi mais quand le roi a appris ça il a juré qu'il allait se vengé sur l'alpha mais par la loi.

Steve Damon is not only dashing but a very handsome young heir to the Diamond Tripod Holdings. Everyone quakes at the mention, much more at the sight of Steve Damon. It is an intriguing surprise when a measly young lady attacks him with her heels. Clarissa Morgan is a decent young lady that has to do some unladylike gigs to support her sick mother. Her life was going smoothly after relocating to a new city to avoid her infamous past. Unfortunately, destiny brought her across a man who will turn not only her life upside down but also her seemingly untouchable heart.

“Legends are born from stories told. Imagination without restriction, but what becomes of the legend when the truth out runs the fiction” - Steve Cook The supernatural forces of Michigan have been awaken once more and only through the bounds of marriage will peace be born. Is this but a tale told for fun and fright or is it real? Only time will tell for sure as somewhere in the northern night woods a creature walks upright. You’ve been warned...

An F-rank Hunter. That too, a useless, pathetic F-rank hyung who dragged down his amazing S-rank brother. To me, who’d halfheartedly lived a disastrous life that’d ended up devouring my brother’s life and making me regress, the title given, was… ‘Perfect Caregiver’ That’s right, this time, instead of fussing about myself, let’s quietly look after those amazing bastards… …was what I’d thought, but the S-ranks are… a little weird. Author:Geunseo Rating: 8.9/10

In the outskirt part of Sydney , a place where the Mafia are the government. There was a boy called Calvin. He is a final student at Brimford university Sydney , Australia.At twenty-nine he has achieved what an eighty years man cannot.He is a handsome guy and has a lukewarm personality not that cold , not that warm. He looked quite harmless meanwhile he is the leader and owner of "Leo GROUP" the most popular and dangerous mafia group in Australia. A group its name send shivers in people. A mafia group known for it ruthless operations , you are inviting death if you mess with them. He is basically a solitary person and don't interact much with people. He is also the top student in the whole school. Dorothy is a fresher who was mistakenly given a course she didn't want to study. All her attempts to change it were all in vain. To make matter worst the lecturers were all on vacation , the course was not an ordinary course. Accepting her fate she started looking for someone that will teach her the course. There was no one of could help her expect the lukewarm and isolated Calvin. Gathering all the courage she could muster , she approached him and told him her intentions.He agreed to help her but with a condition , he asked her to marry him. Due to her circumstances she agreed. Meanwhile , back in Highschool , Dorothy had it tough. Alexa Samson , Stephanie Wales , Marion Steve , Harold Evans , Jason Johnson and Raymond Levi were the devils in human form that made her pass through hell.They did all sort of things to her , even ganged up boys and raped her and they even recorded it. All these was because she testified against them about a young girl they buried alive. After Highschool Dorothy went to therapy to overcome the traumas and after one year she was better. And then she enrolled in the university , on her second year in the university , her enemies were transferred to her school basically all of them. To make matter worst , they are now top agents in a mafia group called "COBRA GROUP". They discovered Dorothy and continued from where they stopped not knowing they were inviting terror. What happens when Calvin finds out about them and starts dealing with them for touching his wife? What will be their fate? Follow me in this story and see all those that wronged Dorothy were made to eat the dust.

Survive The Apocalypse!

Leguna. An orphan. His life changed dramatically the day the thieves’ guild happened to select him for training and development. He would go on to become lifelong friends with a loyal mercenary, the partner of a beautiful magus who was cold as ice, the savior of a mysterious disfigured dark-elf girl with a talent for the Breath, and the unlikely caregiver for a feisty young maiden. And yet, who would be with him to the very end? In a twist of fate, the child who fought stray dogs for food emerged to be the most infamous assassin in the world. But the intricacies of power are not so easily grasped, and the price of protecting those that he loves is not as simple as he once thought… Hey dear Readers, its Author´san , I just want to say, that English is not my first Language. So please overlock some gramma errors.

Money can buy everything except trust and love. Tech billionaire Alexander Frost had it all: success, wealth, and a picture-perfect marriage. But when a devastating car accident leaves him partially paralyzed, his empire starts to crumble—along with his belief in the people closest to him. As his once-glamorous wife, Victoria, begins to show her true colors, Alexander is forced to confront the brutal reality of their relationship. Enter Elena, the soft-spoken yet mysterious maid hired to assist with his care. Her kindness stands in stark contrast to the cold indifference of his wife and her scheming family. As Alexander embarks on a grueling road to recovery, Elena becomes more than just his caregiver—she becomes his confidante, his source of strength, and the woman who makes him believe in love again. But love in Alexander’s world comes with a price. When he uncovers a web of deceit woven by those closest to him, Alexander must decide if he Can trust Elena with both his heart and his fortune? Or is she just another player in this dangerous game of betrayal? With his wealth at stake and his heart on the line, Alexander’s journey is about to reveal that true power doesn’t come from money—it comes from true love. But will it be enough to save him? Beyond Wealth is a gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, and the healing power of love that will leave you questioning everything you know about trust and desire.

Meet Allen, your typical office drone who'd rather face the plague than another day at work. His mundane life takes a bizarre turn when a mysterious call warns of an impending alien doom.   Brushing it off as a prank, he playfully selects on his monitor, 'Quantum Synthesis' as his battle skill, unknowingly activating a system that will change his life.   Returning home, Allen discovers his niece, Lianne, left under his care. The babysitter bails, citing Lianne's hyperactivity. Armed with a wad of cash and a note from his sister, Allen begrudgingly becomes the weekend babysitter. Little does he know, this mundane task is the key to surviving the apocalypse.   As chaos descends, Allen receives a peculiar notification: Lianne is now the link to his Quantum Synthesis System. To upgrade his skills and survive, Allen must keep Lianne happy. The more satisfied she is, the more powerful he becomes. It's a weird symbiotic relationship between caregiver and quantum warrior.   As Allen navigates the apocalypse, dodging alien invaders, and discovering the importance of parenting, he stumbles upon a community of survivors. Together, they embark on a hilarious journey filled with misadventures, family bonding, and unexpected friendships.   Can Allen, armed with a quirky skill and an even quirkier niece, find a safe haven in this apocalyptic mess? ––––––––––– Updates daily by 02:00 GMT+8

"Honey, I have a stomachache. Please let me off tonight!" "Honey, I think I might have a slight cold. Please let me off tonight!" "Honey, I'm going to a friend's house later. Please let me off tonight!” Before getting married, Ruby Gregory always thought about how to seduce Steve Burton. But after marriage, Ruby Gregory started thinking about how to get Steve Burton to leave her alone for one night. However, no matter how unbeatable her excuses were, he always easily resolved them. "Honey, I'm in the Maldives right now. Make sure to lock up the house tonight before you sleep!" Since she couldn't avoid it, she decided to run away. She actually wanted to take a day off without consulting him? Steve Burton pondered for a moment and gave his assistant some instructions. At midnight that night, someone knocked on the hotel door, and Ruby Gregory heard Steve Burton's gentle voice through the door, "Dear, open the door."