Chapter 22. Connecting with Arielle

Stefan’s POV

A loud sob, the sound of crying, and rushed footsteps made both of us rush inside my bedroom worried. What could have happened? My bedroom door flew open and a wailing Arielle came running into the room, followed by her nanny, Beth. I immediately panicked upon seeing her.

Arielle flung herself into my arms, crying. She must have returned from the birthday party in the neighborhood, as she was still in her party dress. The little birthday girl Sarah Lynn lived two houses away and Arielle was very close to her. I was worried. Arielle is a very sweet-tempered, happy child. What could have happened to my little girl to make her so upset?

“Shh sweetheart,” I tried to calm her. “What happened?” “Dad, I won’t go to a birthday party ever,” she mumbled incoherently through tears and hiccups.

“Why, sweetie? You love birthday parties, don’t you?” I tried convincing her. She had always loved birthday parties and eagerly waited for one whenever she was invite