NicoleI know I made the right decision ending my relationship with Oliver. If I'm uncertain about us and, especially, about being with him or not, it means I don't love him as much as I thought. At least that's the conclusion I came to after my brief conversation with Douglas. He knows Oliver, his best friend, very well, but Douglas also knows me and has followed our entire story from the beginning. So, what he told me was an attempt to help, I know that.To avoid thinking about Oliver and everything we experienced during that year together, I tried to throw myself completely into my studies. However, now that I no longer have Oliver with me, financially speaking, I also don't want to rely on Emily, as it wouldn't be fair. She continues to make her pastries on order, but I would never want to depend on my sister. So, a few days later, when I saw a job opening for a wa
OliverWhen my phone rang on a Saturday night with a call from Douglas, I let it ring several times as my initial thought was to completely ignore the call. I figured he was calling to invite me out for drinks or something. I quickly dismissed that idea since that's not his behavior anymore, not since he met Emily and fell head over heels for her. However, the call ended before I could answer.I recalled that Nicole and Douglas didn't have any plans for this weekend since I had just returned from Brian's apartment, and Aunt Melanie was there with them. Whenever I intended to go out without the kids, Aunt Melanie insisted on looking after them. She cares a lot for all of us and acts like a great mother figure, always offering support when needed. But then I remembered that Nicole is with them now and can easily take care of the nieces and nephews. I better not return th
NicoleThere were only a few people when we arrived at Kevin's friends' house, and he introduced me to some of them after getting us some drinks. I tried not to show it, but I wasn't feeling comfortable in that environment, especially as the place started getting too crowded."Are you not enjoying it?" Kevin asked at one point.I didn't want to be the buzzkill, but I really wasn't enjoying it. I denied it, though. Everyone we talked to was kind to me and tried to make me feel at ease, but I just wasn't able to."You don't want to dance, you've had the same drink since we got here, and you're answering with monosyllables, Nicole," Kevin listed on his fingers. "Of course, you're not enjoying it.""Alright, I'm not feeling comfortable,"
OliverDespite knowing how wrong my actions are – standing inside the car, waiting for the moment when Nicole would leave that house – it's not a commendable thing to do. However, that's exactly what I did for almost two hours. I had no intention of leaving until I was sure my girl was safe and back at her home. The fact is, a strange and unfamiliar anxiety has taken over my chest, and I need to see her.That's precisely what happened a few minutes later. The fact that Nicole was leaving the party in the company of the same guy I saw her arrive home with a few days ago made me feel terrible. So, is Nicole really involved with her college friend? It seemed so, as he was leading her towards what I assumed was his car. From the distance I was at and the dimly lit street, I couldn't see anything clearly.I witnessed
OliverThe message wasn't from Nicole, as I had hoped. I realized it was a message from her sister. Emily sent me a "Thank you very much," and she didn't need to complete the message for me to understand what she was thanking me for. I imagine she's happy because Nicole is already home and well. As a sister, she must have felt the same anguish I was feeling, sensing that things weren't right with Nicole.I sighed, trying to control the stress caused by the disappointment in the face of my foolish expectation that I had created with just a message notification, and headed to my favorite little bar. It was one of the few places I really enjoy going to, as it offers a calm and pleasant atmosphere and is conveniently located near my building, just a few blocks away. I just hope I don't run into Elena again, like what happened last time I was here. I'm not in the mood to socialize, really. I just need a few drinks.I was already on my second drink when a familiar face sat down next to me a
NicoleAfter a terrible night when I could barely sleep, I woke up feeling drained and sad. After Oliver dropped me off in front of my house and waited for me to go inside, that gesture of care, combined with everything that happened with Kevin the previous night, made me realize how different men can be from each other.I felt completely embarrassed and could hardly look at Oliver in the car. I was disappointed in myself. But after reflecting on everything that happened, I came to the conclusion that the only person who should feel ashamed for what happened is Kevin. Still, I was aware that the situation could have spiraled out of control if Oliver hadn't been there to help me. What would Kevin have done when I got into his car? Would he have driven me home and left, like Oliver did? Probably not.I reminisced about everything Oliver and I had experienced. His reluctance to get involved with me, always emphasizing how I was too young for him, made me feel even worse now. He had alway
OliverI woke up to my phone ringing and initially thought of ignoring the call. I had no inclination to talk to anyone. Then I remembered Eloá and fully woke up, reaching for the phone on the bedside table. I checked the screen to confirm that it was indeed Martina, which could indicate issues with my daughter. I wouldn't forgive her if something had happened to Eloá again!"What happened, Martina?" I asked, now quite anxious."Something very serious, Oliver," she said exactly what I dreaded the most. "I'll be passing by your building in five minutes. Come meet us, please! Hurry!""Tell me what happened, Martina!" I pressed her.I had already gotten out of bed, and still with the phone pressed to my ear, I hurriedly wa
DouglasWhen Emily showed me the news circulating on the internet about a reconciliation between Oliver and Martina, I felt truly incredulous. Even with images of the two of them hugging, I remained steadfast, respecting Emily's wish to be the first person to tell her sister about it, even though I didn't believe it could be real."But you yourself said Oliver was completely blind to Martina's actions," Emily commented when I shared my opinion."He was blind, but he saw the light," I tried to lighten the tension for my girlfriend and managed to elicit a smile from her. "Oliver will never forgive Martina for how she treats Eloá. I'm sure of it."However, I didn't intend to wait until the evening to question my friend, as we were all going to have dinner together at Brian's
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.