After five years of hard work, Aria had built a good life for herself and her twins. Just when everything seemed perfect, her boss sold the company. Too busy with designs to care about corporate politics, Aria hadn't bothered learning who bought it.

She had no idea the new owner would be someone she never wanted to see again. Her peaceful life was about to be hit by a storm she never saw coming.

After work, Aria came home with groceries. The moment she opened the door, a little body crashed into her legs.

"Mommy, I missed you so much!"

It had only been eight hours.

Aria stroked Isabella's hair lovingly. "Were you good at school today?"

"Yes!" Isabella stood straight as an arrow. "Super good!"

The little girl had bright marble-like eyes, a tiny button nose, and cherry-red lips. Her pigtails bounced as she moved, making her look extra cute - though that sweetness hid quite the troublemaker.

"Mom, Izzy poked a wasp nest at school," Ben announced, walking over.

Her twin brother, identical in looks but totally different in personality, took the grocery bags from her. While Isabella was all energy and mischief, Ben was eerily mature for his age - just like his father.

Between the twins, Ben worried Aria more. He just didn't act like a normal five-year-old should.

"Are you both okay? Why didn't the school call?" Aria checked them over anxiously.

Isabella's head bobbed like a bobblehead doll. "We're fine! I run super fast - even bees can't catch me!" Her eyes sparkled proudly. "Right, Mommy?"

"Ten kids and four teachers got stung," Ben reported matter-of-factly. "Everyone went to the hospital. That's why no one called."

Aria wanted to faint. This kid was a walking disaster.

She'd have to make a really good apology tomorrow.

"You little troublemaker," Aria sighed, tapping Isabella's head.

"But Mommy, it wasn't my fault! The nest fell by itself. I just poked it a teensy bit with a stick. How was I supposed to know the bees would get mad?"

Isabella's puppy-dog eyes and sweet smile made it impossible to stay mad.

After making dinner, washing dishes, and making sure the twins were quietly watching cartoons, Aria finally escaped to her home office to work.

The twins waited until their mom was in her office before Isabella pulled out her iPad and nudged Ben.

"Come on, play with me!"

Ben took the iPad but instead of opening the game, his tiny fingers tapped away at something else. Isabella checked her game ranking with satisfaction. One more win and she'd qualify for the international tournament - with a big cash prize.

Then Mommy wouldn't have to work so hard. She'd have more time to spend with them.

Of course, she had to keep this secret. Mommy would flip if she knew about the gaming.

Isabella peeked nervously at the office door, hugged her iPad close, and started setting up a team match. But Ben wasn't logged in yet.