Nicole
After trying in every way to find any clues about Oliver and Martina, Brian decided to contact a private investigator, given his deep concern for his friend.
“I know Oliver would never go back to Martina after everything she did to her own daughter!” Brian repeated for the tenth time in less than an hour “That crazy woman must have orchestrated all of this.”
Brian and Douglas paced back and forth in the living room, and I thought the size of the room was quite convenient for the current situation. I discreetly smiled at Charlotte as she entered the room with one of the babies in her arms.
“Is everything okay here?” Charlotte asked anxiously, seeing how agitated the two men were.
Charlotte ha
OliverFaced with Martina's threat, a sense of helplessness took hold of me, but I realized I had no choice but to accept her conditions. My unquestionable priority was the safety and well-being of my daughter, Eloá. Martina's words about her biological paternity echoed painfully in my mind, but I was determined not to allow it to shake the deep bond we shared.However, behind the scenes, I had quietly gathered a series of pieces of evidence that could completely change the course of the case. My lawyer, with tireless dedication, had compiled a comprehensive dossier that proved Martina's negligence as a mother. Photos, audio recordings, and videos illustrated moments when Eloá was clearly unattended. Even the hospital report from the occasion when Eloá had been hospitalized after an incident at the beach, and the testimonies of impartial witnesses, all these elements strengthened my position.Although Martina's threat to seek a DNA analysis from the man she claimed to be Eloá's biolog
DouglasAs doors swung open to Brian's office, a new message notification chimed on my cell phone. Before I could even exchange greetings with my friend, I swiftly retrieved the phone from the inner pocket of my jacket and checked the screen."Hey, it's an audio message from Oliver!" I exclaimed, promptly opening the message to hear what our friend had sent. Putting it on speaker, both of us listened intently to the words Oliver was sharing. It became immediately apparent that something was off—Oliver mentioned Brian's name, but the audio was intended for me. Yet, before we could exchange comments, Brian's phone pinged with a new message."Another audio message from Oliver," Brian commented, his expression clearly puzzled. Just like me, Brian put the audio on speaker. This time, Oliver addressed me directly, swapping our names intentionally. There was no doubt about it."I believe he's hinting for us to meet him at the courthouse, during the hearing," Brian proposed, his face showing
OliverMy sole concern was ensuring Eloá's well-being, but I received far more than I anticipated. Martina had lied about it, and she must have fabricated numerous other things as well. However, she won't have another opportunity to attack me. I intend to make this abundantly clear to her during the upcoming hearing."My attorney is aware of the new terms, dear," Martina murmured softly, presumably to avoid the judge overhearing.I offered no response, and her expression immediately changed."Oliver?"Once again, I responded with silence. At that very moment, the judge initiated the session, preventing any further interactions between Martina and me.Less than an hour later, following several attempts by Martina's lawyer to have me consider a new extrajudicial agreement between the parties, I stood my ground and reiterated that there was no possibility of an agreement between us. I am now certain that the outcome of the case will not be favorable for my ex-wife."You must do what you
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?"