Thank you for reading.
Lizzie’s POV . “Thank you for listening, Lizzie. I’m glad that you liked the proposal. I promise to make this a big hit for the company. We have done a few test runs, and the public likes it. We don’t need to hire a famous actress or model because we already have one.” Kristoff gave me a cheeky smile. He wants me to guess who will be the model of this. My eyebrow raised while we stared. Then, I glanced at the rest of the team. They all looked at me, smiling. “No way. . .” “Yes, it is. We want you to model for the brand, Lizzie. You are one of the most influential women in the country,” Kristoff added. “Huh, are you kidding me? Why me? We can hire the best one. I-I mean, hello? It’s not like we can’t afford to pay one.” I shrugged my shoulder, and Ms Evelyn, the creative director, stood up for her quick presentation. I was surprised to discover that my employees had chosen me to be the model for our company’s slide presentation. The presentation was well-received and focused on
Elizalde's POV . "What do you think? Are you okay with that?" Her eyes beamed while looking at me thoroughly. What the heck? Is this for real? My mind speaks. I'm out of words. I'm expecting a different conversation today rather than a work-related one. I've been holding my voice because I want to listen to her first. But I expected something else. I'm okay with the proposal with the two of us in one commercial project, but I want something else. "Yeah. If you are happy with it, I am okay with it." I weakly nodded, still looking confused at her. She smiled and put down the empty cup of chocolate drink that she was having. "Okay. Then, that's settled. Our first photo shot will happen tomorrow morning. Are you free?" My brows slightly raised. Am I free? What sort of question is that, for Pete's sake? It's not like we are strangers. "I'm your husband, Lizzie. You don't have to ask me about time because my time is well dedicated to you. I will make it free for you, Lizzie," I sigh
Lizzie's POV . "Great work, everyone! Mr and Mrs El Del Real, thank you so much for your cooperation today. You clearly have a wonderful relationship, and it was a pleasure to see Elizalde's affection for you, Lizzie." Ms Nimfa Ferrer, the director of Q&M Magazine, greeted us enthusiastically after our photo shoot. Elizalde smiled warmly and praised her impressive accomplishments. And as we left the place, we were followed by a few media members, capturing every moment. "What can you say about the humour, Mr Elizalde? Is it true?" One of the reporters asked Elizalde. His hand tightly holds mine as we step outside, heading toward our car. "Hello, Miss Lizzie. I've heard that you are now the sole owner of Amantes Minings. I'm curious. How were you able to achieve this? As far as I know, your husband, Mr Elizalde El Del Real, played a significant role in saving the company from going under. Did you purchase all his shares to avoid being labelled a gold digger and a user of your husb
Lizzie's POV."I'm so happy things are going well with you and Elizalde, Lizzie. I told you, right? Elizalde is a different person now than how he used to be. You are his priority. What else do you need?"Quietly, I looked at myself in the mirror, thinking of what happened last night.I enjoyed the food, the staff, the new Italian Resto and Elizalde. I almost forgot about his promise when we were in Italy. Many things had happened, and I forgot my promise to him.I promised him that I would stick to him no matter what. We will work out our marriage, and divorce will be the last option if we find no hope between us."I will ask you again, Lizzie. When are you going to tell him about your pregnancy?"I blinked my eyes and thought about it last night too."Soon, Em. I will tell him.""And when is soon? Next month? Months? Or not. It seems like you like being alone now. Aren't you? I-I mean, your father was no longer here. Your Stepmother and Snow have flown somewhere. Who knows where th
Elizalde's POV."I have no idea where she is. Her phone is unattended, and I need help to think of anybody. She has no other friends except me."After spending two hours travelling between my house, penthouse, and offices, I arrived at Emma's place. Despite knowing that Lizzie is not present, I have nowhere else to search for her. The time is already midnight, and I find myself nervously pulling at my hair.I sank into the cozy chair of my friend Emma, feeling mentally drained. Suddenly, my phone beeped, causing a momentary spark of excitement within me. However, the feeling quickly faded as I realised it was just a message from Clinton, my trusted bodyguard.Despite their inability to locate her, they continued to search the area. I advised them to persist in their efforts and scour every possible location to find her."Here, have a warm coffee. Luckily, I still got one packet left. I don't drink coffee. It's only Lizzie, but she's not allowed one now."My eyes narrowed after tastin
Elizalde's POV . A sudden shiver crawled up my spine when I stepped onto the ground, sending chills down my body. I clenched my teeth and glanced towards the ominous alley ahead. This is a place meant for the dead, not for the living. As I requested directions, the responsible security guard welcomed and directed me towards my destination. As I strolled along, my thoughts dwelled on Lizzie and the heartache she must be experiencing. The unexpected turn of events left me devastated. The bitter end to our shared history was something I never foresaw. My poor darling… As I approached the building, the solar pole lights twinkled in an array of colours. Upon entering, I couldn't help but shed tears as I searched every corner, despite the lack of people present. "Let me stay here with you tonight, baby. Don't worry about Mommy, I am fine… we are fine, right?" My jaw clenched, and my shoulder dropped as if I were carrying a heavy weight on each top. Lizzie is standing down the corner,
Lizzie's POV . For the first time, after so long, this is the first for me that I slept well after I left Elizalde. It's been a while, but I finally had a good night's sleep. I woke up feeling refreshed and renewed. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw Elizalde cooking breakfast, and I couldn't help but smile. Seeing him wear my pink polka dot apron brought a warm feeling to my heart. "Good morning, love." His warm and lovely man scent lingers in my system after he hugs me tightly and kisses my cheek. I pouted as we stared. "Is everything alright? You seem unwell." He gently placed his hand on my forehead. "A kiss on the cheek? Huh, seriously?" My brows raised, and he smirked. His other hand still looped around me. "I see. Here you go." I smiled and pressed my lips together. I love to tease him in times like this. I miss this silly moment of us. "Even if you pressed your lips tighter, love, they will eventually part for me." He licked his lips, and the anticipation made me blu
Lizzie's POV . "Congratulations, Lizzie," Don greeted me. "It's a double celebration, after all. First your pregnancy and second for having the company back now in the full title," he continued. "Thanks, Don. I did this to make everything right. It's unfair for Elizalde. I am thankful for him because we probably lost the company by now without him." "I concur with your statement, Lizzie. Elizalde is always forward-thinking and determined. He focuses on achieving his goals and doesn't let anything distract him. His perseverance has won you over, Lizzie. I acknowledge that he has made some errors in the past, but it's not entirely his fault. . . At times, when we are infatuated with someone, we may resort to using manipulative tactics to have our way." I smiled and shook my head, remembering what Elizalde had done in the past. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. "You have the original, and I've secured a copy. Elizalde had done it even before you requested it, Lizzie." T
Lizzie . As time passes, everything falls into place for us. Spending time with Elizalde and our loved ones has been an absolute joy. It's a fact that things are constantly evolving and changing, but these changes work out in our favour. It's partially true that your life will turn into what you want in a good way. You must let go of the people who bring negativity to your life. You don't want them to ruin you. My father has settled his way back to where he wanted. He doesn't wants me to get worried about him. He wants to go around the globe and enjoy his retirement. I heard from Don that he is now in a property somewhere closer to home. I'm okay with it as long as he is happy. Elizalde and I settled really well here in Shepperton. Although the weather is cold in Winter, we tend to escape the frosty season and stay somewhere on the Gold Coast. We bought a small property not so close to the beach but within walking distance. Elizalde's mother was doing well after her chemotherapy.
Lizzie . I couldn't believe it. We are in Italy! "Come on, Lizzie. Don't give me that look, love." Elizalde chuckled and grabbed my hand. It's not that I don't like this. But I am thankful for the little changes. It was right at the immigration board that I realised that we were not boarding to Australia. We are going to Italy, spend a few weeks there and then move to Australia. I didn't sleep well all the way here as I couldn't believe it. The food was good inside the aircraft, but I crave the foods I miss. "Can we stop at the La El Merita?" I can't hide my excitement. It's a local restaurant closer to where Elizalde's place. I love every dish on their menus. "Sure, love. Let's get home first, and Rhys will grab and order it for us." "Okay." I nodded and waited patiently. Travelling from the city primary down to Sorrento shorts was pretty decent. But when we started walking up to Elizalde's house on an inclined surface, I felt the weight was on me. "This is not good for pr
Lizzie's POV . My brows furrowed, and my lips twisted in dismay after hearing Snow's interview. She was obviously jealous, but at least she didn't criticise us in front of the reporters. It was a forced smile like she was holding a grudge against me. The backlash of comments online about why we didn't invite Snow and her mother was harsh. But others understand the situation as it was a surprise. A lot of people noticed, too, that my father wasn't around with my Stepmother. It made me realise that their divorce wasn't publicly announced, and now the public is digging again like scavengers in our life. "Oh, God! When are they going to leave you in peace!" Emma flicked her hair behind her shoulder and shook a head. She made some cheesecake for me, which I love to eat at the moment. Now that Emma is here, the house smells good because of her baking expertise. Tomorrow night is our flight, and Elizalde is at his mother's place, fixing some stuff as his mother asked him to do somethi
Lizzie's POV . "Please look after my little furry baby for me, Emma." I squeezed my cat's face and kissed him. My life has turned into a full degree without my cat's knowledge. And bet unknown to my aging and aloof feline companion. I can almost hear him muttering whenever he casts a disdainful gaze. 'What the heck, Lizzie! Get over and get them, gurl!' The threatening look that could kill a bird but can't catch them. "You don't have to remind me that. Your cat will only come to me for a treat." She pouted, looking at the furry being beside her. Emma will be staying at our residence for the time being. This is what Elizalde and I had decided. No one will be looking after our place as we are going overseas. Don temporarily occupies Elizalde's penthouse, and Emma will stay in our house. It's good, anyway. This will save Emma money from renting. "Just keep everything tidy, and water all the plants around the garden." I pressed my lips together. "Okay. No problem. The gardener can
Elizalde's POV . "Please watch over your mother and little sibling inside Mommy's tummy, baby. I love you to the moon and back, sweetheart." A guttering pain pierced inside my chest is buried deep inside me. And no matter how hard I try to calm my senses, there's no way I can get it out of me. I gritted my teeth, trying to control the tears not to fall. Lizzie smiled slightly like an angel, and her eyes were shut while offering a small prayer. It hurts like hell. A type of feeling that covered the whole of me. I felt guilty, broken and useless at times like this. There's no point in talking to the Gods because I can never return what I have lost. "I wonder if we are having a boy or a girl?" Lizzie's eyes beamed with excitement. She's now facing me, and her lips pouted. "It doesn't matter what it is, love. A girl or a boy. I want it to resemble you." I tucked her hair back to her ear, and she giggled slightly. "Oh? But I want it to look like you. If it's a girl, then she will
Lizzie's POV . "This is not you, Lizzie, my dearie. I'm sorry if Snow and I have caused you a lot of trouble in the past. I know it's hard for you to believe me, but I love you as my daughter. What happened to your father and me was hard to explain. I-I love him, and I want to be with him. But -" "But Dad had enough of you," I cut her off. "I'm sorry, but I can no longer help you. You have to talk to Elizalde and not to me. I don't have the right for this. And if I do, I will not help you either. Just be thankful that Elizalde didn't put you behind bars. That would be more embarrassing to your friends." I avoided eye contact and walked away. She called my name repeatedly, but I had nothing to say to her anymore. Emma was smiling while waiting for me outside the car. Next to her is Elizalde's driver, Mr Kim, our chaperon for today. "Thank goodness you came back okay. I was about to get inside, you know." She sat down beside me as soon as I got inside the car. The car started. "D
Elizalde's POV . Meet me outside the garden, in front of the fountain. I have something to tell you. Wear your best smile, okay? Please don't ruin my mood, or you will get something else. Lizzie. . I slightly shook my head and chuckled a little bit. I folded the little paper she gave me earlier. I knew that it was a letter. But then, what really made me smile was the drawing that came with the message. It's a drawing of two hearts engraved on the sandy beach. There's a saying in the background that says: Love will keep us alive through eternity. The penmanship surrounding it was way back when she was only secondary, and I was at college. I was crazy with her at that time, in love and stupid. She was my world, and I couldn't live a single day without her. And even now, Lizzie is still my everything. I hurriedly walked towards the garden. That's where she wants to see me. She's probably waiting there for me. I was right. She's standing on her back while adoring the fountain's li
Elizalde's POV . I was taken aback when Emma messaged me, and for a brief moment, I felt as though my soul had left my body. Despite this, I immediately stepped down from the board of directors meeting. The safety and well-being of Lizzie are of the utmost importance to me, and I cannot forgive myself if anything were to happen to her. I was extremely concerned and anxious. "I'll discuss it with you tomorrow, Zalde." Don sighed in the line, and I gritted my teeth. "Thanks for that, man. See you soon. Bye." After concluding the call, I resumed driving. Lizzie remained silent by my side throughout the journey. I stole a glance at her and noticed her stillness. Her gaze was fixated on the road, mirroring my own. I will discuss this matter once we reach home. I held the car door open for her and silently led her to the kitchen. Once there, she started up the coffee machine with the intention of making a cup for me. I rested my body against the counter and held my arms together unde
Lizzie’s POV . “Thank you for coming, Lizzie. I didn’t expect you would show up.” Kristoff formally stood up and offered the chair to me. I sat down and smiled a little bit at him. “I’ve ordered your favourite drink.” As I gazed upon it, I realised it was no longer my preferred choice of drink. I motioned towards one of the staff members stationed nearby, and she promptly acknowledged my signal. “Can I have a fresh orange juice, please? Thank you.” The staff nodded and trailed off. Kristoff cleared his throat while looking at the drink he had ordered for me. “Sorry, Kristoff, I can no longer consume strong coffee blends. I am only permitted to have decaf, and I already had one cup this morning. I cannot handle another one.” He sighed and nodded a little. “That’s alright. I’m sorry. I forgot that you are pregnant. My bad,” he smiled, trying to act cool about it. But the truth? I know Kristoff is confused and guilty about what happened to us. He made several attempts to contact