Lonely Castle

Summer ’N’ Friends

"Emit, would you put Melly down? She's not a toy," Nora hissed, her voice urgent yet gentle as she strode purposefully across the playground and sunlight flickered through the leaves.

"But Mama, she wobbles when she walks!" Dru protested, flashing a mischievous grin, just as his mother took Melodie's tiny hand, grounding the little girl in a world that seemed slightly off-kilter.

"Oh, Rick's here!" Dru shrieked, his excitement palpable as he dashed off, completely forgetting about Melodie, whose attention was now on the dazzlingly brilliant diamond ring adorning Nora's finger; her chubby fingers clumsily traced the sparkling stone.

"Come on, Melly, let's go find Mummy and Auntie Summer," Nora encouraged, gazing down affectionately at the darling two-year-old, whose eyes shone with innocent wonder.

Summer's gaze lingered as Dru and Rick tore across the grass, laughter tumbling from their lips, wild and free, a scene she knew would stoke the slow-burning anger in her husband. He'd simmer quietly, his displeasure hidden beneath a brittle calm, only to erupt thunderously once they were behind closed doors.

For now, she'd force a smile and sweep the shadowy thoughts aside, determined to bask in the warmth of her friends and their precious little ones.

"So, how was Korea? Is Gang-Seong and his new wife finally letting Jai see his brother?" Rae asked, her tone laced with genuine curiosity as her gaze flickered to the children. Melodie was now clinging fiercely to Dru, her tiny arms wrapped around him like her life depended on it.

Snorting, she nudged Nora and pointed to their children.

"Yes, they've finally let him call me Mother," Summer sighed, slipping a strawberry into her mouth and savouring its sweetness, allowing a trace of melancholy to sharpen its flavour.

Talking about her eldest son and his traitorous father had always been difficult for Summer. That man had been a walking red flag, danger stitched into the seams of his smile, and she'd been hopelessly blind until it was far too late. She couldn't help but wonder if her knack for poor choices in men was simply bad luck or her fate.

"And what about Joe? Has he finally stopped fighting for 50/50 custody of Li and Melly?" Summer asked, her voice softening as she turned her attention to Rae, her expression etched with concern.

Nodding, Rae released a heavy sigh. "Yes, the new wife's pregnant, and she's finally realised how wrong she was in her pursuit of happiness." She scoffed, bitterness seeping into her tone.

Summer nodded in agreement. Joe had been little more than a glorified sperm donor for Rae and his cousin David, who had chosen him due to their uncanny similarity. Now, every time he sought validation that he had what it takes to be a father, he dropped in and threatened to disturb their family.

Yes peace. 


"And David? How's he holding up?" Claire asked, glancing over at Laila and Melly, who were currently launching a mock attack on the boys, their laughter ringing through the air.

"David is … David. He's trying his best to be supportive without wounding Joe's pride," Rae replied, her words heavy with weariness.

With a soft smile, Summer reached over and squeezed Rae's hand. If anyone could understand the beautifully messy threads of Rae's life, it was Summer.