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 . 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 . 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.
Elizalde . "How dare you, Elizalde! You can't do this to me! I give you everything you want, and you will end it like this?" I smirked while chewing my food. It's no longer fun listening to all her bullshit. The place was great. It's one of the famous five-star hotel restaurants in the city owned by my cousin. I'm enjoying my medium, rare, high-quality Angus beef paired with red wine. Yes, business is great, and life has never been so good. I fucking love it. "Zalde, sweetheart, I told my parents we are getting married. So, I forgive you, babe. It's okay for me if you want to flirt, as long as you only marry me," she pleaded. I know what she's trying to do. The best I could give back is a little sympathy, a token for nearly two months of dating her. She's a celebrity. Why did I even put myself into this relationship? Straight away, she got what she wanted. She's good in bed, an expert on everything. She can make a man go wild, and that's what I like about her. But in the en
Lizzie . It's all over the internet. The company is facing bankruptcy, and the paparazzi are following Snow, asking questions about it. Snow kept her mouth shut. She poses, smiles perfectly, and acts as if not affected. My father's image was all over the media and the internet, including my stepmother's. They look good together, but she's an immature woman like her daughter, my stepsister, Snow. "Are you sure about it, Liz? I don't think your stepmother will sit back and watch your father's kingdom fall. I can smell trouble. Just be prepared, okay?" I blinked my eyes and sighed. Emma never liked Kristoff, my stepmom and my stepsister. After a heart-to-heart talk with my father, he finally gave up and gave way to my decision. And today, I will visit Kristoff to talk to him about the company. After that, it's time for us to settle down. "I don't trust him, Liz. I have a bad feeling about Kristoff. He's the type of person who always takes advantage of your kindness. Can't you se
Elizalde . "I'm so excited about this!" Mom exclaimed, "I want to meet her," she continued. I heaved countless times, and I couldn't figure out what I would wear. "Let me help you, son." She slightly pushed me away from the wardrobe, and there she went again. My hands are on my hips, and I shake my head as I look behind her. Who wouldn't love to see their mother looking lively like this? I love my mother. She's my ultimate supporter in business and love. She hated all the women I'd dated for years and only wanted Elizabeth for me. This tradition was an agreement they'd made with her best friend. . . Elizabeth's mom. I wouldn't say I don't like her because Elizabeth was a lovely woman. We had a good start back then. I got to know her likes and dislikes, her favorites and everything. We always had Sunday lunch on our farm, and we had fun. But those were the days of good memories. She's not a nice woman and not an ideal wife. But because my mother is sick, I have to do everything
Elizalde . Okay, let's start the real deal. I composed myself, and Donatello opened the door for me. He winked, and I swallowed hard. I've heard all their conversation. This room was built to have a secret room for hearing conversations on the other side. This is where most of my business deals happen whenever I want to do a background check before signing them into our business. When our eyes met, I immediately felt an electrifying feeling inside me. Dammit. Why do I feel this every time I see her? I want to get it out of my system. Our eyes locked. Her deep brown eyes met my blue ones. My jaw tightened as I stepped inside, and she blinked in astonishment when I stopped a meter in front of her. Donatello cleared his throat and introduced me to her. She didn't say a word. Not even a single smile on her face. She remains the same. When I sat down, she turned on her back and took a deep breath. I can feel her tense, which gives me a silver lining of hope. I smiled, but it was qui
Lizzie . I got home feeling defeated, but I will never give up. I will show him what I got. There's no way that he will win this. I have tried to escape all the means to marry him, yet here I am in this war again. It's not yet over, Elizalde! "I can't believe this, dad! Why did you lie?" I looked at my father, desperately looking for answers. "I-I didn't know what was happening. I swear." He raised his right hand, looking at me innocently. Okay, I believe my father. There's no way he will agree to this. "I didn't know what are you talking about, my dearie. Is there something wrong with your meeting with Mr Miranda? What are his demands?" I look at him suspiciously and grab his cold drink. I drink the whole bottle. I need to wake up from this dream. I hope this is just a dream, but it's not. It's a freaking nightmare! I swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and then faced him. "Dad, the owner of the winning bid was no other than Elizalde El Del Real." He blinked in astonishment
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