CharlotteAfter Nicole returned to the restroom to inform me that Brian had already left, I felt extremely relieved, and even the dizziness I was experiencing began to give way to normalcy. We then returned to the living room and continued talking, now with more attention and care. To ensure Eloá wouldn't overhear our conversation, we took advantage of her private tutor giving her piano lessons, something she truly enjoyed, while we whispered to each other."Brian is going to want to know who the father is," Nicole pointed out once again, smiling ironically at the situation."Not that I think it's necessary to tell him anything, let alone explain it to Brian, but I'm fully convinced that he won't be the only one desiring that answer, and it will be easier if we come up with something to tell everyone right away."Nicole then suggested several different stories, and it was only at that moment that I realized how imaginative my friend could be, which made me laugh even when I felt so ap
BrianI couldn't deny it anymore, when just hearing her name made my chest tighten, which was utterly ridiculous considering I was a thirty-two-year-old man.Ridiculous or not, it was happening at that very moment as I listened, for over thirty minutes, to Douglas talk about Emily and, consequently, Charlotte's name being mentioned several times as well."So, your relationship is really getting serious?" I asked, but it was quite clear that it was."Our relationship has been serious since the moment I laid eyes on Emily and the children," Douglas said, smiling.My friend was recounting their latest encounter, which lasted the entire weekend, as he had taken Emily and the twins to his apartment, and they had done various family activities."Do your parents know about your girlfriend? And that she has children?"I knew I was being intrusive, but it was a valid question, considering Douglas' family was highly snobbish and one of the most traditional in New York."I don't care about what
CharlotteI had been feeling quite lonely in the past few days, even though Emily and Nicole tried their best to spend as much time with me as possible and even though they were by my side. It wasn't a matter of being surrounded by other people, and my friends didn't understand that. And now that Nicole was always working and Emily had Douglas, I didn't want to be an obstacle to the happiness of the two sisters in any way.So, when on a Friday night, Emily was sitting on the living room couch, keeping me company while watching a series, I noticed that she let out soft, discreet sighs, but still noticeable. I quickly realized that she wasn't paying any attention to what was happening on the screen.I reached for the remote control on the table next to the couch and turned off the TV, but it took a few seconds for
BrianI was fed up with trying to control myself, constantly keeping my mind occupied to avoid thinking about Charlotte.It was pointless to remind myself of all the reasons why I couldn't get involved with the girl who had captured my heart, without even having exchanged a single kiss.It was such a ridiculous situation that if I had to tell someone what I was feeling at that moment, I would certainly be the subject of ridicule.But that was exactly what I was about to do when I was interrupted by a force majeure.“I'm completely in love with her, and I can't control my feelings anymore, Brian!” Oliver declared. “I don't want to think about the reasons why I shouldn't get involved with Nicole anymore. I don't
CharlotteI felt stunned, not knowing what to think or how to act in the face of Brian's declaration, something that caught me completely off guard and something I truly didn't believe was possible to happen.But what could I say now?The truth was that I was hiding something important from him, and I couldn't just come out and say that I was the chosen one to bear his future heir, as he liked to put it.However, trying to think rationally while Brian held my chin and looked at me with genuine emotion was a difficult task, and I didn't feel capable enough at that moment."And then, Charlotte?" Brian insisted. "Do you want to give me the opportunity to take care of you, Charlotte?""I don'
BrianMy desire was to bury myself completely inside Charlotte's body, but I couldn't do it that way, even though she wasn't the inexperienced girl I believed she was.Still, Charlotte seemed completely inexperienced, which was confusing and bewildering me.As much as I wanted to satisfy my desire for her all at once, I also felt as if she didn't even know how to kiss a man, not because her kiss was unpleasant, but because it felt like the kiss of a girl who had never kissed before, filled with longing but lacking skill.Of course, that thought was truly idiotic, considering Charlotte was pregnant... with someone else.That untimely thought made me interrupt the kiss and look at her beautiful face, which seemed flushed, so red
OliverI can't stand it anymore.After two years of living with Nicole and silently loving her, I needed to open my heart and declare all my feelings for her.I intend to put the decision in her hands, whether to face all the obstacles we have ahead or if she doesn't consider her love strong enough to overcome so many difficulties just to be by my side.I left Brian at the nightclub and went to my apartment like a madman, after days of avoiding my own home in every way possible.In reality, I knew it wouldn't be easy, and for that very reason, I never tried to get closer to Nicole with that intention. But still, I disregarded my better judgment and took Nicole and her family to the Hamptons.
CharlotteThe conversation with Melanie was thrilling as she was delighted to learn that we were together now and that I would be staying at their apartment. I tried not to cry as I received her warm and welcoming hug.We had just sat down at the breakfast table when the doorbell rang, and Oliver soon appeared in the breakfast room with a beaming Eloá by his side.Seeing only father and daughter, I assumed Nicole had already gone home early that morning, and I immediately felt concerned for not having let her know I wouldn't be there.I thought about grabbing my phone and sending her a message right away, but then I remembered I had left the device on the bedside table in the guest room."Charlote!" Eloá shouted,
Charlotte I arrived home earlier that night because one of the professors, the one who was supposed to teach the last class of the day, had to cancel due to a sudden personal issue, and there was no time for a replacement, so the whole class was dismissed at the last minute. I didn't bother calling Brian to let him know about the unexpected change, and that I would be home earlier because I was so tired that I thought it would be better to take a taxi than wait for the driver to pick me up at the university, where I was currently taking my administration course. But I found it quite strange that everything seemed so quiet, even though it was still relatively early, and considering there were three children at home who didn't usually go to bed early at all. I was genuinely fearful. I went to the spacious living room of t
Ramona felt a tightness in her heart as she watched the church where her son Douglas's wedding would take place. It was a moment of joy and celebration, but also a painful reminder of the distance between them. Even though she hadn't received an invitation to the ceremony, she decided to go and confront her own mistakes. With courage and determination in her heart, Ramona went to the church where the wedding would be held. She dressed modestly, her face marked by sadness and hope for a possible reconciliation. She arrived before the bride's entrance, taking the opportunity to approach her son. Upon seeing Douglas, nervous and anxious, Ramona felt a mixture of love and regret overflowing in her chest. She approached him, seeking a moment alone before the ceremony. "Douglas, my son, may I speak with you for a
OliverIt was one of those gala nights in New York City, where high society gathered to celebrate, socialize, and, of course, show off. Nicole and I found ourselves at yet another one of these grand events, and she looked absolutely stunning that night.On that evening, Nicole shone like never before. Her elegant and sophisticated black dress accentuated her graceful figure, while her hair cascaded in perfectly arranged waves around her shoulders. Her confidence was soaring, and I could see it in her demeanor, her smile, in every graceful gesture she made.We were surrounded by familiar and unfamiliar faces, all dressed in expensive attire and watchful eyes. I couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to be by Nicole's side. She had come a long way since we first met, and the confidence she exuded that night was a testament t
OliverAfter putting Eloá to bed, I sat down next to Nicole, eager to hear what she had to say. It was a moment of honesty and confession, and I was determined to listen to every word attentively.Nicole sighed and looked deeply into my eyes. I could see the sincerity in her gaze, mixed with a hint of regret.“Oliver, I know I've made a lot of mistakes and was very immature when I ended our relationship. I acted impulsively, letting my fears and insecurities get the best of me. I deeply regret hurting you and throwing away something so special that we had.”I held your hands, conveying support and encouragement. I wanted her to know that I was willing to listen to her and give our love a chance."Nicole, I understa
DouglasEmily and Charlotte awaited us in the apartment, but after all the emotions of the reunion between them and Nicole, as well as the immense happiness we all felt seeing them safe, it was clear that Eloá and Nicole needed rest. The doctors had attended to them at the cabin, but they were undoubtedly worn out and tired."I think it's best to leave you all alone," Charlotte said, exactly what I was thinking. "In fact, we all need some rest after everything that's happened in the past few days.""You're right, my love," Brian gazed at his wife with remarkable devotion. "Let's head back to our homes.""I suggest a dinner at my place to celebrate life," Emily suggested, and I believe my expression matched Brian's when I looked at my fiancée. "What do you think?"
NicoleAt the moment one of the men hired by Martina pushed me abruptly into an isolated and unknown cabin, where it was clear that I would have no access to any help, terror overcame me. However, I maintained a facade of calm, avoiding causing panic in my young daughter. I gripped Eloá's hand firmly, and we were roughly led through some dimly lit rooms until we stood in front of a closed door. At that moment, several terrifying scenarios flooded my mind."Go in," the man ordered, opening the door and pointing to the interior of the room. Fear grew, and I felt my body tremble. Although the thought of inquiring about Martina's whereabouts and appealing to reason, given that Eloá was her daughter, crossed my mind, I chose not to. Once again, I was determined not to reveal the concern I felt to my daughter."Nicole, I'm scared," Eloá murmured as she hugged me tightly. Her body was trembling, or perhaps it was my own tremor affecting me, but I tried to calm her, even though I didn't know
OliverBrian rushed into the room. He had returned to his apartment with Charlotte, as we had decided to take turns during the night, which had been too long for me. I had only managed to get two hours of sleep, exhausted from worry."What happened?" Douglas was the first to ask. Douglas had also managed to get some sleep, and now, it was almost six in the morning, and we were all on alert once again."The location indicated by Charlotte's phone led the police team to an abandoned house a few kilometers north of New York," he said with clear frustration."I admit I was expecting something like this," I said with a sense of discouragement. "Martina is doing well in keeping her hideout hidden from us."I resumed pacing back and forth in the room, feeling helpless."Can I speak to you privately, Oliver?"I found Brian's request strange, but I followed him out of my apartment."The investigator believes there are cameras in your apartment," Brian revealed. "Martina isn't that clever, and
OliverAs I anxiously awaited any clue that could lead me to Eloá and Nicole, the feeling of helplessness in the face of the situation was overwhelming. I needed to act quickly and find my daughter and my wife before something very bad happened.I'm sitting on the couch now, restless, while my friends Brian and Douglas try to calm me down. They understand my distress and are doing everything they can to help. In the meantime, I'm constantly looking at my phone, waiting for any news about Eloá.The hired private investigators are working hard to find clues about the whereabouts of Nicole and Eloá. They are investigating possible locations where Martina might be hiding and reaching out to people who might have relevant information.The police are also involved
OliverI returned from the bedroom feeling more confident and calmer. The sheriff wasn't around anymore, but Brian assured me he would stay in touch about any updates in the case. That didn't make me feel at ease, of course. I won't be able to feel that until my daughter is with me. However, I can think more rationally now. Arguing with the police won't get us anywhere."Charlotte?" I asked, noticing that she wasn't among them anymore."She had to go back home," Brian explained. "The babies still need a lot of her attention. But I'll keep her informed."While Brian took charge of staying in constant contact with the police and private investigators, Douglas was scouring the internet for any information that could help us find Martina.Even with the certainty that the police were also committed to the case, I knew I couldn't rely solely on the authorities. Martina had proven to be cunning in the past, and I feared she would be capable of doing anything to harm me and hurt my daughter.