A Love no one could steal

Chapter 4: A Warmth She Never Expected

The sun had already set by the time the school event ended. Kiana stretched her arms, feeling exhaustion settle in. She was ready to head home, but before she could say goodbye, Lily tugged at her sleeve, her wide brown eyes pleading.

"Mommy, will you have dinner with us?"

Kiana opened her mouth to refuse, but the moment she saw Lily’s hopeful expression, her resolve wavered.

"I…" She hesitated, then sighed in defeat. "Alright, but just for dinner."

Ethan, standing beside them, smirked slightly but didn’t say anything. Instead, he led the way to the car.

The ride to Ethan’s house was quiet. Kiana sat in the backseat with Lily, who clung to her arm, fighting sleep. Lucas drove smoothly, and Ethan, seated in the front, was busy scrolling through his iPad, his sharp eyes scanning whatever document he was reviewing.

Before they even reached the house, Lily had dozed off, her small body snuggled against Kiana’s.

When they arrived, Ethan got out first, walking over to Kiana’s side.

"Let me take her." His deep voice was soft.

Carefully, he lifted Lily into his arms, his movements effortless yet gentle. Kiana followed him inside, taking in the grandeur of his home. It was huge, yet not as cold and lifeless as she had expected. There was warmth in the dim lighting, in the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air.

A kind-faced elderly woman hurried toward them, her gray hair neatly pinned up.

"Nana Ada," Ethan greeted.

Kiana quickly realized this must be the housekeeper Ethan had mentioned before.

"Goodness, look at her," Nana Ada whispered, touching Lily’s cheek. "She must’ve had such a fun day."

Ethan carried Lily upstairs while Nana Ada turned to Kiana with a warm smile. "Come, dear. Let me get you something to drink."

As they entered the kitchen, Nana Ada busied herself preparing dinner, but Kiana stepped forward.

"Let me help."

The older woman shook her head. "No need, dear. You're a guest."

"I don’t mind." Kiana smiled. "I love cooking."

Nana Ada studied her for a moment, then relented with a chuckle. "Alright, if you insist."

As they worked side by side, Nana Ada talked about Ethan.

"He’s like a son to me," she said fondly. "I’ve been with his family for over thirty years. I watched him grow from a mischievous boy into the man he is today."

Kiana listened quietly, chopping vegetables as Nana Ada continued.

"Ethan’s been through a lot," the old woman sighed. "He’s built walls around himself, but Lily… she’s the only one who can break through them. And now, I see you doing the same."

Kiana paused, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. "I’m just helping Lily," she murmured.

Nana Ada smiled knowingly. "Hmm. If you say so, dear."

Unknown to them, Ethan had been standing at the doorway, listening.

Something in him stirred as he watched them. Kiana, laughing softly with Nana Ada as they cooked—it was a sight he hadn’t seen in a long time.

But he quickly shook off the thought, reinforcing the walls he had carefully built around himself.

Dinner was surprisingly comfortable. They sat together, sharing small conversations while Lily, half-asleep, barely managed to finish her food.

When it was time for Kiana to leave, she felt an odd hesitation.

She shook it off as exhaustion. It was just one evening. Tomorrow, everything would return to normal.

As she stepped inside her apartment, she collapsed onto her bed, closing her eyes.

But the warmth of Lily’s hug, the way Ethan looked at her, and Nana Ada’s words lingered in her mind.

The next morning, Kiana woke up feeling refreshed. It was Saturday, which meant no work. She decided to do her grocery shopping early since Mia was off on vacation with her boyfriend.

She had just grabbed her purse when her phone buzzed.

Ethan.

Her brows furrowed in confusion. Why was he calling her this early?

"Kiana." His voice was sharp. "Lily is gone."

Her stomach dropped. "What?! How?!"

"She left me a message saying she’s going to find you."

Kiana’s heart pounded.

She rushed to her door, ready to start searching—only to freeze.

There, standing right in front of her, was Lily, dragging a tiny suitcase behind her.

"Oh my god, Lily!" Kiana knelt down, grabbing the little girl by her shoulders. "You scared me! Why did you leave home alone?"

Lily pouted. "I missed you."

Kiana exhaled deeply, pulling Lily into a tight hug.

She quickly pulled out her phone and called Ethan. "She’s here. She’s safe."

Ethan sighed in relief. "Thank God. Can you watch her for a few hours? I have an urgent surgery."

Kiana glanced down at Lily, who was looking up at her with hopeful eyes.

She couldn’t say no.

"Alright," she agreed.

At the store, Kiana placed Lily in the cart to keep her from running around.

"Mommy, can we buy cookies?" Lily asked sweetly.

Kiana chuckled, handing her a pack. "Only if you promise to eat your vegetables too."

As they shopped, Kiana couldn’t help but snap a picture of Lily holding a bunch of vegetables, looking grumpy.

Without thinking, she sent the photo to Ethan.

The moment she hit send, she froze.

What am I doing?

She wasn’t Lily’s mother. She shouldn’t be acting like one.

Ten minutes later, Ethan replied.

"Thank you for taking care of her. I’ll pick her up for dinner."

Her fingers hovered over her phone before she typed back.

"Alright, I’ll cook dinner then."

The message was sent naturally, as if she had done it a thousand times before.

Just as she finished shopping, a familiar, mocking voice made her stomach turn.

"Well, well, look who it is."

Kiana turned—and her mood soured instantly.

Sofia and Kevin.

"Shopping for your little accident?" Sofia sneered, eyeing Lily.

Kiana rolled her eyes. "Jealous that I have a family while you’re stuck being Kevin’s second choice?"

Sofia’s face twisted in anger.

Before she could say anything, Kiana turned on her heel, walking away with her head held high.

For once, she left them speechless.

Back at her apartment, Kiana started preparing dinner while Lily played on the couch.

But before the food was even ready, Lily fell asleep, curled up like a kitten.

When Ethan arrived, his eyes immediately softened at the sight of his daughter sleeping so peacefully.

"She really is attached to you," he murmured.

Kiana smiled. "She’s a good kid. It’s not hard to take care of her."

Ethan looked at her for a moment before nodding.

"Thank you, Kiana."

As he carried Lily out the door, Kiana watched them leave, a strange warmth settling in her chest.

She told herself this was temporary.

But deep down… she wasn’t so sure anymore.