Trapped in the Love of Stepchildren
Chapter 2's

Daniel sat in the living room waiting for Laura. She feels worried about how Laura is coping with her daily life after Tom's departure. When Laura finally appeared, her face was filled with deep sadness.

Daniel got up from the chair. “Laura. How are you?”

Laura looked at Daniel with teary eyes and said. “Daniel. I feel devastated. I don't know how to get on with my life without Tom.”

I understand that this is a difficult time for you, Laura. However, we must try to face it together. Is there something I can help you with?” Said Daniel.

I feel stuck in my daily routine. Tom always does so much for me. I don't know how to take care of finances, repair damage at home, or even some other small things that Tom,” used to do.

Daniel approached Laura and said. “Laura, we've all had a hard time. However, you are not alone in facing this. I'll be by your side and help you through this. I believe you are able to overcome these difficulties.”

Laura shed tears. “Thank you, Daniel. I really feel alone now.”

“I understand how you feel. Remember that life does not stop here. Let's start with something simple. What if we start by managing your finances? I can help you create a budget, manage bills, and give you advice on how to save money.” Daniel smiled.

“That would be very helpful, Daniel. I feel so overwhelmed by all that stuff.” Laura said.

Daniel and Laura sat at the dining room table, with paper and pen in front of them. They began designing Laura's financial budget, keeping track of monthly income and expenses, as well as planning ways to save money.

“Now, let's see if there are any bills or payments we need to address first. I have some ideas on how to manage it,” Daniel said checking the financial records they made.

Laura was relieved. “Thank you, Daniel. I don't know what to do without you.”

Next, Daniel teaches Laura some of the basics of home improvement. They repair minor damage, such as painting scratched walls and replacing dead lights. Daniel patiently taught him the necessary steps.

After that they both sat in the living room, while enjoying a warm cup of tea that Laura made.

“Laura, I want to know about your feelings towards losing Tom,” Daniel said. “You know thinking about yourself is also important in the healing process of your heart.”

Laura sobbing. “I miss him every time. I feel alone and incomplete without it.”

I know it's not easy, Laura. Losing someone we love is painful. However, you must remember that Tom will always be in your heart. He wants to see you happy and continue to live your life.” Said Daniel.

Laura looked at Daniel. “But how can I be happy without it?”

Daniel smiled gently and said. “Happy does not mean forgetting Tom, but honoring memories and creating a life that is meaningful to yourself. I will always be by your side, supporting you in every step you take. We can try to find new activities, spend time with your friends or even travel to distract for a moment.”

“Thank you, Daniel. I will think about your offer, I am very lucky to have someone like you now,” Laura said.

“You are important to me too, Laura. We will face this challenge together, step by step. We will find strength in grief and make you smile again.” Said Daniel.

—

Laura felt very tired and burdened after finishing the heavy work at her florist shop. She misses her husband Tom so much that he has always been her seat in this kind of situation. But now, Tom is gone and he feels so alone.

While on his way home, his car broke down in the middle of the road. He tried to restart his car engine, but to no avail. He felt panicked and confused because he did not know how to fix his car.

Laura decided to call Daniel, only Daniel was on her mind who was always ready to help her in this difficult situation. Moments later, Daniel arrives at the scene in a taxi and sees Laura's car breaking down on the side of the road.

“What happened, Laura? Are you okay?” Daniel approached Laura.

“My car broke down, Daniel. I don't know how to fix it.” Laura panicked.

“Take it easy, Laura. I'll help you.” Daniel said and walked to Laura's car.

Daniel opens Laura's hood and tries to check her car's engine. He found a problem with his car battery.

“Aki your car's out, Laura. I'll help you by using a backup battery.” Said Daniel.

“Thank you very much, Daniel. I don't know what to do without you.” Laura said

As Daniel inspected the spare battery inside his trunk, Laura could not help but be stunned. He looked at Daniel's strapping back and his strong hand muscles. She felt embarrassed to see Daniel in tight clothes and a t-shirt that accentuated her muscles.

Suddenly, he took off his t-shirt and wiped his sweat with a washcloth. Laura was surprised to see Daniel pull out his muscular shoulders and flat stomach.

Laura blushed in embarrassment and shifted her gaze.

After a while, Daniel manages to repair Laura's car and the two of them continue on to Laura's house with Daniel driving his car.

“Thank you very much for your help, Daniel. I don't know how I can fix my car without you.” Laura said.

“You don't have to thank me, Laura. I am always ready to help you in any situation. I'm glad I could make you feel better.” Daniel's words suddenly touching Laura's hand made Laura startle and pull her hand.

Laura begins to feel that there is something different about Daniel. He felt that Daniel had shown more attention than just helping him. Laura was not sure how to respond, and tension began to be felt between the two.

—

One afternoon, when Daniel was fixing Laura's stove in the kitchen and Laura was sitting on the sofa laying down her body after finishing cleaning the living room. He looked towards Daniel, and saw that he looked very handsome in dirty work clothes. Laura felt her heart beat faster, and she felt ashamed of feeling attracted to Daniel.

"It's okay if I ask?" Daniel said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Ask what?" Laura asked, trying to distract him.

"About you. I don't know much about you" replied Daniel.

"Oh, what do you want to know?" answer Laura.

"Mas Tom was a good friend of my father, Mas Tom often helped us while we were living in the village, when my parents died, Mas Tom wanted to raise me as his little brother, but seeing Mas Tom living alone makes me dare to be willing to be his wife, ” Laura replied staring blankly at the photo of her wedding with Tom.

“How old were you then?” Ask Daniel again.

“I was 17 years old then and Mas Tom was 25 years old, now I am 35 years old,” said Laura smiling.

“So, you've been married to my father for 15 years?” Ask Daniel enthusiastically.

Laura nodded her head. “How about you? Why do I never know about you? Even mas Tom never told me anything about you.”

“I was born before my mother married my father, but their marriage was not long and my mother went to take me,”.

“How old are you now, Daniel?” Ask Laura.

“25 years,” replied Daniel smiled.

Laura is thrilled to learn another story from Daniel and his past. Daniel, too, seemed very interested in Laura's life and they talked for several hours about each other and talked about other topics.

Time passed quickly, and suddenly Daniel saw his watch. "Oh no, I forgot there was an appointment with a friend for dinner" he said as he stood up. "I have to go now."

Laura also stood up and gave him her jacket. "I will accompany you out" he said. They walk to the door and Laura opens the door for Daniel. Laura approached and smiled at Daniel. "Thank you for your help today" he said.

Daniel smiled. "No problem, I'm glad I can help you." They looked at each other and there was tension between them. Finally, Daniel decided to take the risk and said, "Laura, there's actually something I want to tell you. I've liked you since the first time we met, and I wish we could get out together someday."

Laura was shocked and silent for a moment. He also feels attracted to Daniel, but he is hesitant about whether he is ready to start a new relationship with his own stepson. Finally, he decided to tell her. "Daniel, I also feel attracted to you, but I think our relationship feels inappropriate, I need time to think about it.”

Daniel understood and gave him time to think about it. They hugged each other and promised to stay in touch. After that, they separated and Daniel went to dinner with his friend.

Laura kept thinking about Daniel's words about their interest. He knew that he felt the same way too, but he never thought that Daniel would feel it either. He was happy, but also a little scared. He did not want to take risks and worsen their relationship, but he also did not want to miss the opportunity to establish a closer relationship with Daniel.

Laura felt mixed up after a few weeks of spending time with Daniel. Although she feels comfortable with Daniel and deeply appreciates the support he provides during difficult times, Laura feels confused about how she should respond to his feelings for Daniel.

That night, she sat alone in her house, Laura pondering her feelings. She realizes that she has experienced strong feelings of love for Tom, and although she misses Tom, she also feels like she should move on with her life.

"Am I supposed to open my heart to Daniel?" Laura asked herself. "What should I do if I don't feel ready to form a relationship?"

Meanwhile, Daniel could not stop thinking about Laura. He knew he had to give her time, but he couldn't wait to find out if he would give her a chance.

—

A few days later, Daniel returns to Laura's house to help her with a renovation project. They work together in the living room, removing old wallpaper and painting the walls a new color. Laura is thrilled to be working with Daniel. They were joking and laughing at each other, and the atmosphere in the room was very pleasant.

Suddenly, Daniel stopped working and looked at Laura softly. "Laura, have you thought about it?" he said seriously.

Laura was a little nervous. "About what?" tanyakanya.

"About our relationship, have you thought about it?” Daniel said softly. “Laura, I'm sure about how I feel about you. I feel attached to you, but I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or forced" Daniel said gently.

Laura felt tense hearing this, and she did not know how to respond.

"I don't know, Daniel. I'm still thinking about what I want" Laura said hesitantly.

"I understand. I don't want to rush and make you feel uncomfortable. I just want you to know how I feel" Daniel said understandingly.

"Daniel, I want you to know that I still feel confused about our relationship," Laura said hesitantly.

"Yes, I know," said Daniel softly. "What can I do to help you feel more comfortable?"

"It looks like I just need some time to think things over again. I felt worried that I wasn't ready to open my heart" Laura replied humbly.

“I'll give you time to think about it again,” Daniel said.

—

A few weeks later, after some contemplation, Laura finally decided to talk to Daniel about her feelings.

"Daniel, I think I'm ready to try to have a relationship with you. I know I feel confused and scared, but I think you can help me through it," Laura said doubtfully.

"Sure, Laura. I'm so happy to hear it" Daniel said with a gentle smile on his face.

Laura felt like a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders as she felt that she had already made the right decision. He felt so grateful to have someone like Daniel who could support him.

However, even though Laura had already taken the decision to try to establish a relationship with Daniel, there were some doubts that still haunted her mind.

"Are you sure this really works? What if I'm still not ready to open my heart completely?"

Daniel put his hand on Laura's hand and said, "Laura, I know you're feeling anxious and hesitant, but you should know that I'm ready to wait. I don't want to force anything, and I'll always give you the space and time you need."

"Daniel, I don't want to make you hurt or disappointed. I still feel hesitant and afraid, but I promise I will try to give my best" Laura said sincerely.

"Laura, you don't have to worry about that. I believe in you, and I know you will do your best" Daniel said with confidence.

***

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