BrianI watched in awe at her exuberance and how her face transformed in that moment. She became even more beautiful, and that wasn't good for my sanity."How do you know Douglas is here too?" she asked, still smiling."Douglas?""Yes. He arrived just a little while ago. I thought you knew."She didn't understand my reference to my friend's name, and I decided not to insist. Apparently, she was also more at ease with Douglas."He called me to see if I had changed my mind and joined my aunt.""I see," I replied. She began playing with the sand, making circles with her fingers as she spoke. "They're all at the pool. The kids are having a great time.""Kids?""Emily's children," she said, and I still didn't understand. "Emily, Nicole's sister. She's here with us too."I wasn't aware of that fact, and I became even more intrigued by Oliver's strange behavior. Not only did he bring the nannies along, but he also brought Nicole's sister with her children.But as I thought about insisting on
CharlotteI wasn't the least bit surprised by Mr. Taylor's reaction when he found out that Oliver not only brought me and Nicole to the Hamptons but also brought Emily and the kids with us. It was clear that he was an arrogant and self-centered man who considered his friend's gesture pointless and beneath his social class. But I was still upset nonetheless.I worked for Oliver, and even though the two of them were friends, I didn't owe anything to Brian. Nothing! I didn't want to dwell on the fact that I was pregnant with his child. He had no knowledge of that, and that's what mattered. It was a contract in which I had to fulfill my part, something I was already doing as the baby was growing inside me. I didn't owe that man anything more than that.The fact that only his voice stirred something in me shouldn't shake me. Nothing had changed between us. I was still the young nanny, as Melanie had already told me Brian called me, and he was my ex-boss's friend."You haven't gotten ready
CharlotteThe girl soon appeared running down the stairs, and I noticed someone following closely behind her. It was Brian."It's your party, Charlotte... do you like it?" the girl asked cheerfully."Yes, I really like it, Eloá.""I wanted to wait for you, but I forgot your present in the room.""No need to be sad about that. I just arrived.""We haven't even sung 'Happy Birthday' yet, Eloá," Melanie interjected when she saw the girl was sad for not being in the room when I arrived."Aunt Melanie is right, honey. Shall we sing 'Happy Birthday'?"Eloá became excited again at the suggestion made by her father and started clapping enthusiastically."Let's go!"The twins joined Eloá's enthusiasm, and soon everyone was singing the birthday song, and I joined them, feeling both happy to be surrounded by people I cared about and experiencing my first birthday party.But I also felt nervous with the presence of the man I knew to be the father of the child I was carrying, something that was qu
BrianAfter everyone insisted that she should accept the offer, she went back to her house and grabbed a few things that would be necessary for the kids to spend the night at the mansion, and Margareth insisted on helping the young mother. She also went upstairs with my aunt to assist in taking care of the three little ones.“We could go out” Douglas suggested.“Go out?” Nicole seemed excited immediately. “Where to?”“There are many nice places here in the Hamptons where we can have fun.”“Charlotte must have never gone out to do something like this, right?” Nicole asked, enthusiastic.“Neither have you, Nicole” Charlotte pointed out, not sharing her friend's excitement.That information made me reflect once again on how wrong it would be for me to have any kind of involvement with the girl, as it was quite clear, once again, that she had no real experience. She hadn't even had the pleasure of knowing something as basic as going out at night with friends.“It's no problem. We'll do th
CharlotteI looked around the fancy and completely out-of-our-reality environment and felt uncomfortable because I wasn't used to frequenting that kind of place, and I knew my friends weren't either.But Douglas was fully aware of Emily's reactions and quickly realized that she wasn't feeling well in that place because the resort he took us to, despite having an excellent bar and offering very good appetizers, didn't please us."We don't have to stay here, girls," he said gently. "I'll ask for the check, and we can leave."None of us said anything because, as I had already noticed, it wasn't just me who didn't like the atmosphere, and to our relief, we quickly left that place full of snobby people who seemed to look at us so arrogantly."I would like to apologize to you," Douglas said, feeling embarrassed."It's not necessary, Douglas," Emily said with a smile. "It just happens.""Let's just walk around the village, go somewhere open," he suggested. "You'll like it. I'm sure."He was
CharlotteHowever, I knew that things were not so simple, especially for me. I already considered myself very fortunate to have found a family that welcomed me with such warmth. I couldn't now desire something as grand as a child and a husband.That was the truth, and I needed to come to terms with it. The day brought with it reality, erasing the daydreams that insisted on infiltrating our minds.When I arrived at the main house, mentally prepared to meet Brian, I discovered that he wasn't in the mansion because he had slept in his own house, which was less than a kilometer away."You seem sad," Melanie asked, sitting next to me at the table filled with various food options.They had prepared a table with a varied menu, where everyone could help themselves freely, and according to what Nicole told me, they all ate together after waiting for me for over an hour.I apologized to everyone, explaining that I had lost track of time when, in reality, I was lost in forbidden thoughts about a
BrianI knew that Aunt Melanie had grown quite fond of the girl, not only because of her story but also because she believed that Charlotte, despite leaving the orphanage, was still not happy due to her quiet demeanor."Charlotte fainted, Aunt," I explained, while attempting to check the young woman's vital signs, still unsure of what to do next."But how did this happen, dear?" My aunt looked horrified. "We need to make her wake up as soon as possible!""I can't explain. She was sitting, messing with something on her plate, when suddenly, without anything happening, I noticed she was about to fall, and I only had enough time to prevent her from hitting the ground," I spoke quickly, realizing that Charlotte's pulse seemed very weak."Oh my goodness!" My aunt covered her mouth, clearly disturbed by the young woman's condition, who was still unconscious. "I think it's best to call a doctor. And quickly!"I was about to ask her to do exactly that when I noticed Oliver coming down the sta
CharlotteI anxiously looked at Melanie, waiting for her good suggestion, while feeling very embarrassed for fainting practically in Brian's arms."It was already in my plans to return to New York today, as I have plans for tomorrow morning and would like to be home as soon as possible," she said, confirming what we already knew. "I can take Charlotte with me, and everyone can continue with their plans, as I assure you that my girl will be well taken care of by my side.""I think it's a great idea, Aunt," Douglas was the first to speak about Melanie's suggestion.However, he was biased in his opinion, as it was quite clear to all of us that he was completely enchanted by Emily and would like to have more time with her."I'm feeling much better. Please don't worry about me," I said what I was feeling. "I feel very embarrassed for causing all of you such concern.""You shouldn't worry about us, Charlotte," Brian said in a dry tone. "And don't feel embarrassed for us wanting to take care
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.