Time passed, and strangely, Malia and Charles felt it akin to that lazy aftermath of lovemaking that one spends cuddling with their lover in the quiet, late hours of the night or early morning. That wordless half-sleep, of communication, happening in sighs and breaths and subtle touches, of whimpers and strokes; the wordless union of love.

But Charles knew reality was dawning, and they had to face its harsh glint.

“Malia, Chloe has given me an ultimatum,” ...