NicoleWhen Oliver arrived at my house, all I wanted was to throw myself into his arms and be embraced by him, but as soon as I opened the door, I realized he looked different, more distant and cold."I need to thank you for taking in my daughter and taking care of her so well, as I know you did," Oliver said, while Emily accompanied Eloá to retrieve her backpack from my room."Eloá is very important to me too, Oliver," I pointed out, feeling a bit hurt by his behavior."Martina is extremely irresponsible, but considering what she intended to do, I felt much more at ease when I found out Eloá was in your care.""Are you okay, Oliver?""Everything is under control now, Nicole," Oliver maintained his impersonal tone. "You shouldn't worry."It's evident how shaken Oliver appears due to what happened in the last twenty-four hours, and I felt sad that he's trying to be as impersonal as possible now, as if I were nothing more than a stranger."I'm ready, Daddy," Eloá announced, still coming
EmilyI noticed the discomfort of Oliver and Nicole in response to young Eloá's unusual request, but I did nothing to try and push them apart. I admit, I would also like to do something to bring those two stubborn souls closer together, because it's clear that they still have strong feelings for each other, and my sister's breakup seems like nothing more than a thoughtless act. However, it's also apparent that Oliver has been avoiding any and all contact with Nicole, something that started after Martina's ridiculous blackmail incident. I couldn't help, nor would I hinder my little blonde-haired cupid."I need to go," Oliver announced, getting to his feet. "I have some documents to review today.""But today is Sunday, buddy," Brian protested, echoing what everyone was thinking."Business matters with our Japanese investors," Oliver offered as a concise explanation. "I have a video conference with them in two hours."Oliver effectively shut down any potential inquiries with his convinci
DouglasBrian had called us to let us know that he would be taking a few days off from the company and that he was expecting to have our support and also give some important directions. But we had already covered all the major points, and now the conversation had turned to our personal lives."Charlotte mentioned how excited Emily is about the volunteer work she's been doing," Brian commented with a silly grin just from saying his wife's name. "My wife, in fact, also wants to see the project for herself. I'll schedule a date to accompany her.""I've always provided financial support, and the fact that Emily is personally involved makes me very happy and proud," I confessed to my friends. "I'm determined to join you all.""I'm thinking of joining you guys too," Oliver joined the conversation. "Eloá will enjoy the outing."Oliver had gained full custody of his daughter, and now Martina no longer had the possibility of being alone with Eloá, which made my friend's life much easier. Howev
NicoleWhen the afternoon class was canceled last minute by the professor, everyone in the room lamented the wasted trip to the college. Except for me. Something was making me tense and anxious, and even though I didn't understand what was happening, I felt a strong need to be with my family. Strangely, I couldn't stop thinking about Eloá either.This feeling was becoming so intense and strange that I even called Emily just to confirm if she was really at home, only to remember that she had an appointment that afternoon."I should be having my wedding dress fitting, but Nora asked me to help out at the foundation this afternoon," Emily explained.I wouldn't be able to just stay at home alone while this terrible feeling consumed me relentlessly. I decided to go to the foun
DouglasI felt genuinely intrigued when Nicole mentioned that Emily was at the foundation. Or rather, that she wasn't at the foundation. In fact, the last time I spoke to my fiancée a few hours ago, Emily mentioned she was going for her wedding dress fitting. Apparently, she had a complete change of plans and didn't tell me anything about it. But I can't expect my fiancée to keep me informed about her every move—that would be ridiculous of me. I'm not a damn control freak. Yet, such a sudden change in plans is at the very least strange.But when I saw Emily and her ex-husband getting out of the same car, everything seemed to click into place in a disturbing way. I didn't like what I saw, and I wasn't going to pretend otherwise."What's going on, Emily?" I asked quickly. "Why were you with this guy?"
DouglasEmily's response didn't come in words. It was a gesture that conveyed more clarity than anything she could say right now. Emily threw herself into my arms and began to cry profusely, as if she were releasing much more than I could imagine."They're cruel, I know," I said, understanding what she was feeling. "But I truly hope they haven't achieved what they wanted."I whispered in her ear, stroking her back to offer comfort. When Emily managed to calm down a bit, she looked at me, tears streaming down her face."I hate them, Douglas," she confessed."I understand why you feel that way," I truly did. "I admit, at first all I felt was jealousy, cruel and painful. When Nora appeared on the sidewalk, I realized it wa
OliverI admired Douglas's attitude in not letting himself be influenced by anything other than his own reason and turning his back on everyone, instead of acting on emotion. My friend is also quite perceptive, I concluded as I saw him get into the car with Emily. I'm not sure if I would have realized the elaborate scheme designed to separate him from his fiancée, something that only became clear to me after I caught a compromising exchange of glances between Nora and Rochelle. They not only exchanged a glance full of messages but also directed a gaze towards the couple, laden with the most genuine hatred."I'll call a taxi for you, Rochelle," I said, wanting to get rid of that task once and for all and leave as quickly as possible."It's not necessary," Rochelle didn't disguise her annoyance with my suggestion. "I can do it on my own."Another exchanged look with Nora. Thomas remained standing in the same place, observing everything in silence. Another indication that it was all a se
NicoleWe're all in despair. Eloá is missing, as is Oliver's driver, the person who went to pick her up from school. We don't know where she is, and we fear for our little girl's safety, who is undoubtedly now in the hands of the crazy Martina."She's completely out of her mind!" Douglas voiced what we were all thinking. "We can't trust a person like her!"We were all at Oliver's apartment, apprehensive and waiting for any news, any sign. But even now, more than three hours later, Martina hadn't contacted us, and it's agonizing."I really didn't believe Martina could do something like this," Oliver lamented.He couldn't stop pacing back and forth; his fingers kept running through his hair, clearly distressed. Not without reason, of course. As Douglas pointed out, Martina is not trustworthy, and Eloá's safety is at great risk."The investigator is trying to track her down, but apparently she's learned a lot from her past mistakes," Brian pointed out with irony. "Her phone is off, and h
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.