CharlotteI still didn't know what could have happened to make Emily like that, but I was certain it must have been something very serious, and I told Nicole what I knew, which was nothing yet."And where is she now?""I believe she's taking care of the twins."Nicole sat thoughtfully in one of the chairs at the table, and I continued my task of preparing dinner. She must have been so overwhelmed with worry that she didn't even offer to help, something I wouldn't have accepted anyway since it was almost done, but it was part of her personality, always willing to help in any way she could."Emily!" Nicole jumped up from her chair when she saw her sister entering the kitchen. "What happened? Why were you crying?"Emily looked at us with such sadness that I turned off the stove and gave her my full attention because she surely had something to tell us that wasn't good at all."Thomas sold our house, and we're being evicted."I thought Nicole had fainted with how quickly she threw herself
BrianI thought about the young Charlotte and how perfectly she would meet all my requirements if it weren't for the fact that she was still so young and visibly innocent. It wouldn't be fair to her, and I believe that even Oliver wouldn't let me make such a mistake."I would like someone young, as it would be easier for the procedure to be successful in the first attempts," I began to list. "Physical characteristics identical to mine because I would like my child to have similar features to mine, making it more likely to happen."My father was American, and the woman who bore me was Greek, but I had all the traits of my father. I was white with dark eyes and thick black hair. Everyone always said that I was a spitting image of my father, something that pleased him greatly. I wanted my child to be born resembling me and not a woman I wouldn't even get to know, and the way to increase the chances of that happening was for the woman to have physical features similar to mine.The clauses
CharlotteI was very concerned about my new friends, whom I truly considered as the family I never had. I could say, without fear of being mistaken, that I already loved them all. The atmosphere that had settled in the once joyful house was something sad to witness.The children seemed to sense their mother's tension and were becoming quieter each day, which was worrisome because I had gotten used to seeing them always happy and mischievous together.Although Nicole had managed to find a temporary job, it paid very poorly. She worked eight hours with hardly any breaks at a fast-food restaurant, and what she earned was barely enough to cover the household expenses. I was also helping with what I earned.But it was impossible to gather enough money to avoid losing the house. Only in a distant dream could we come up with the necessary amount to buy the house back from the new owner, assuming he would even agree to sell it back to Emily for the amount he had already spent.The solution wo
CharlotteDespite his affirmation, he didn't seem to understand anything."And how are you both doing?" he changed the subject himself, as the atmosphere at the table seemed to have become tense."We're fine," I said, as Nicole looked at him, appearing upset now. "Did you only look for us to find out why we were fired?" I insisted on the matter, curious about the topic."Not just for that reason," he confirmed what I had already suspected. "I would like for you to accept your jobs back. Eloá has been feeling your absence greatly."I noticed Nicole sigh, and I quickly figured out what was going on with her. I knew she was avoiding touching on the subject, but the truth was that she had been very sad, even before we found out about the situation at the house.So, I assumed she was holding back from talking about something that hurt her."I don't think it's a good idea, Mr. Mackenzie," I decided to speak directly. "If your wife fired us, it's because she doesn't want our services. As muc
CharlotteAfter our conversation, Nicole and I started brainstorming a thousand and one possibilities to raise a large sum of money quickly, without Emily's knowledge, of course. But the prospects were far from pleasant, and the anguish kept growing. However, during that same week, while one of Mr. Mackenzie's friends was visiting, I overheard a conversation that filled me with hope, despite sounding utterly insane.After putting Eloá to sleep following a bedtime story, something that had been strictly forbidden but had now become a nightly routine that brought great joy to both the little girl and myself, I went to the living room of the new apartment where Mr. Mackenzie was talking with Mr. Douglas Carter. I listened in as they discussed the desires of another friend, who happened to be the CEO of the company they worked for, to have an heir and his preferred process for achieving it.I did something despicable and eavesdropped behind the door, as the first thing I heard made me fre
OliverIt left a bitter taste in my mouth because I had before me the certainty of how long it took me to take action and how neglectful I was towards my little one."And you're also offering the same thing, Nicole?" I addressed the other girl, the one who managed to catch my attention in a completely inappropriate way, given the circumstances."That's right, Mr. Mackenzie," she confirmed with conviction."Do you have any idea of how taxing this will be? What you will need to give up when the time comes?" I decided to be direct. "You are still very young, and you may not fully grasp the seriousness of the situation."Nicole jumped from the couch where she had been sitting until then and looked at me with a fierce gleam in her eyes."We know exactly what this contract entails. And if we are willing to do this, it's because the situation leads us to it."She spoke with one hand on her waist, and the other had her index finger pointing at me while I remained seated, maintaining a neutral
Charlotte"Do you really think you're going to go through with this, Charlotte?" Emily asked for the tenth time in the past hour."I'm determined, and none of you will be able to change my mind," I spoke in a tone of voice that left no room for further doubts.I wasn't going to give up."I know that need is speaking louder, but I'm afraid you might regret it later, Charlotte," Nicole attempted to make me reconsider this time.My two best friends had been taking turns in the past few days, trying to make me change my decision, but they weren't succeeding, and they should have given up by now."Charlotte Thompson?" the clinic attendant called."I'll be right back."I walked over to the friendly attendant, who had a smile on her face, possibly trying to convey a sense of calmness to those who arrived there.We entered a medical office, and after the experienced doctor explained the entire procedure to me, I followed the nurse into another room where I was prepared for the procedure that
BrianI hugged her tightly because I loved her very much, and her unconditional support meant a lot to me."I can't wait to have a child playing in our home!" she said, showing all the happiness she felt."In eight months, Aunt," I replied.We smiled at each other, happiness shining on our faces."I want you to understand that I am very happy for you. But still, I want to make it clear once again that I don't agree that the way you chose was the best way."I respected Aunt Melanie's opinions a lot, but when it came to this particular subject, I didn't listen to her and went ahead with the goal of having a child without the complications of a woman to share it all with me. To me, everything was perfect this way."Alright, Aunt," I simply said."But what's done is done," she said, sounding resigned. "Now I'll try to control my eagerness to have our baby at home."She smiled broadly again, and I instantly returned the smile."Exactly, Aunt. Let's wait for the arrival of our little one."
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.