The final month before his first death was the best time of Kyle's life.

He actually managed to spend time with his kids, and even bonded with his son in a way that he never could as Kylie.

After all, what teenage son would talk to his mother about puberty?

This was something that he should be talking to his father, but since his father tended to have a rather rigid view on what a man should be, Joseph started to rely on Kyle about certain fears that he had.

Kyle did his best to advise his son, without making it as if his spouse was 'the bad guy'. After all, his spouse was still his son's father. Kyle would never do anything to cause a rift between the two and he never wanted to replace his own spouse as a father figure to his son.

As confusing as that may sound.

There were so many misunderstandings - and anger - that his son had against his father and Kyle honestly couldn't blame him.

Who was he to judge anyway? He had a huge fight with Patrick and even ran away for two years. What more his son, who was under so much stress to be 'the son that his father wanted'.

Kyle wanted Joseph to see him as a friend - and hopefully, as a 'Big Brother' figure. Not a replacement father.

Lianne was also getting close to Sayuri.

She opened up to her in ways that only those doing art could understand. Kyle was glad for that, for at least, it meant that Lianne would have another person to count on … when it happened.

He was doing all of this in order to give his kids another anchor to hold onto when they lost their main anchor.

Just the thought of what his kids are going to go through made him feel indescribable pain.

✿ Author only posts on w.e.b.n.o.v.e.l. ✿

Sayuri truly did enjoy the moments with Lianne and Joseph.

She could see why Kyle had become so attached to them.

She had met the mother on the first day, and only after she verified the place and her, she had agreed to the classes with profound thanks.

Sayuri reciprocated with a smile, saying that it was her honour and thanked her for her trust.

Luckily, it was during their long school break so they could have more classes during the week. Kyle had his driver pick the kids up and send them home, as this would make it easier for Kylie the freedom to do what she would do.

If she had to send the kids over to the apartment, it would take time and she would most likely stay around in the vicinity so that she could be close-by to pick them up. This way, it freed her time and worry.

It was all part of the 'scholarship', so she didn't protest.

So, for three weeks, Sayuri got to hang out with Kyle and the kids 3 times a week, for three weeks. It was like Heaven to her for she felt like they were one big happy family.

Okay, maybe that was exaggerating a bit since she was only 18 and Kyle 19, while the kids were already quite big … but it was a cute dream nonetheless.

The other times were spent surveying the location and site, but this was already something she had done and completed in the first week itself. The rest of the time was basically to observe the traffic flow and people, as she wanted to know how popular was the location.

This was something she could do just by looking at the data each day, then compare them each week. Kyle had hired people to do the survey and collect the data, and another batch to analyse it.

It short, Sayuri had an easy job as the main grunt work was done by other people.

She smiled to herself, thinking that Kyle was truly wonderful.

Even as friends, he took care of her very well. He had done all of that hiring of people just for her, though he said it was something he would need to look through himself.

Didn't matter to Sayuri what his reasons were. The point is, his actions made her life easier and she liked being taken care of by him in these little things.

She sighed, wondering when would be the best time to confess to him.

She constantly tested the waters with him and found that although he never rejected them, he didn't really embrace them either. All the hints and flirtatious words she said to him had been brushed aside.

Rather, there was absolutely no reaction at all.

Was he that dense, or was he ignoring it because he didn't want to jeopardize their friendship?

Sayuri decided that she would observe a little bit longer.

Maybe she would need to 'up the game' a bit.

Uknown to her then, her plans to do so had to be shelved for a bit and it took longer for her to finally confess to Kyle.

It all happened because of an incident that happened which affected both of them for a few years.

✿ Author only posts on w.e.b.n.o.v.e.l. ✿

Sayuri watched the scene in front of her in total shock.

Kyle was holding her back, not only preventing her from moving forward but also silenced her so she couldn't make a sound.

She struggled but it was in vain, for his grip on her was too strong.

He was behind her, his back tightly squeezed against hers, as his legs were wrapped around her legs, preventing her from running away. One hand was around her waist, holding her to him tightly while the other was over her mouth.

Her eyesight blurred with the tears that fell, as she had to watch a helpless woman being beaten to death.

Why? Just why was Kyle letting her die?