My eyes fluttered open at the sound of a knock on the door. My brows furrowed and I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. Due to the excitement and anticipation of what I had planned today, I couldn't bring myself to sleep. I had only fallen asleep about an hour ago. "Nicole?" Sergio's velvety voice called through the door, a soft presence that seemed void of agitation. It had always been like that ever since I met him. It made me wonder if beneath his calm exterior lay an angry and evil man, waiting to be unleashed; after all, he was Mr. Fernandez's son. And there is a saying that goes; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. With a scrunched up demeanor, I rose from my bed and made my way towards the door. But just before my hand could grasp the doorknob, I realized I had forgotten that I was supposed to be crippled. Suppressing a gasp of alarm from emerging from my mouth, I retreated to my bed and responded in a low-pitched voice. "Come in, Sergio. The door isn't locked." S
My heart rate skyrocketed as Diego Fernandez's piercing gaze bore into me. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead and my heart continued to race erratically. The walls seemed to close in on me as I realized I had been caught. In that moment, I couldn't bring myself to think of an escape route. It was over for me! "Nicole?" Diego's brows twitched as he called my name. In that split second, my heart stopped beating as I tried my hardest to fabricate a plausible explanation but to no avail. I ended up closing my mouth as no words could emerge. The intensity of his stare rendered me completely speechless and sent chills down my spine."You can walk?" His eyes broadened in surprise. "And you were talking about giving someone an extra reward. Who were you speaking to on the phone?" "It was..." My voice trailed. I tried again to come up with an excuse, but my brain seemed to have stopped functioning. I mentally cringed at my carelessness. "It was who?" He probed. "My...my friend, Ro...Ro
"I can't believe it." I continued. "Same here." "I guess it's finally time for me to move out." I forced a smile. To my surprise, Sergio nodded in concurrence. "Don't worry about not having a place to stay. For the meantime, I'm going to book a hotel for you. You can stay there for as long as a month, before you figure out a permanent place to stay."In your dreams, boy. In you dreams. "Okay. Thank you. I'll just pack my bags." "Alright. I will be waiting for you in the living room. My driver will check you in in a hotel on the way." He remarked and then ambled out of the room. "Really?" I scoffed. "Dream on, mister. I'm not leaving this house. Not anytime soon.." I felt irritated with the fact that despite all the efforts I had put in, I still couldn't get Sergio Fernandez to fall for me. The way he didn't think twice, before agreeing with me to move out made me question my charms. At that point, it seemed he would have said it if I hadn't first. He didn't care if I stayed or n
My eyelids fluttered open; heavy and gritty. It took a few moments for my vision to cooperate as the lightening in the room was a little too bright. Everything was blurry. I tried to move, only to wince as a sharp pain surged into my head. "Nicole? Nicole!" It was Sergio Fernandez. Although my vision remained blurry, I could recognize his voice. "Nicole, can you hear me?" "Sergio?" My voice emerged as a rasp. I could barely even hear myself. My whole body was hurting. I felt extremely uncomfortable lying on the bed. Slowly, the incident of how I got shot started replaying in my mind. For a horrifying moment, before I completely lost consciousness, I thought it was going to be the end for me. "You're finally awake," he smiled, taking my hand carefully in his. I can't thank God enough for this. I thought we were going to lose you. Luckily, the gun was aimed above your chest and no vital organ was hit." I already knew I was vengeful, but my action proved to what degree. I was willing
Looking at Sergio, I could see how his eyes were fixed on my lips. That was it. My moment of power. I covered my face with my hand. "I'm so sorry, Sergio. I also don't know what I was thinking. Seeing you so close, feeling your concern, I couldn't resist...." I calculatedly trailed off, letting the unspoken words hang in the air. "I shouldn't have done that." I peeked at him through my fingers, wanting to see other reaction my action might have sparked. Sergio remained completely still, then a ripple of confusion washed over his face. His brows furrowed. He hummed; his intense gaze still fixated in mine, seemingly searching for something. The kiss had indisputably ignited something in him. "I'm sorry..." I apologized again, looking everywhere but him. "It's fine," Sergio finally broke his silence. "I will speak to the receptionist." And with that, he was gone. striding out of the room. I let out a chuckle. I couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so shocked and confused by the k
"Missing you?" I furrowed, feigning confusion. "Why would I miss you? I just saw you a few hours ago." "Exactly!" he replied and turned to Diego. "You're just rambling. There is nothing like that." His last words stung a little. The dismissal was certainly not what I was expecting from him. I thought he was already considering a relationship between us. It seemed I still had a lot of work to do. "Please tell him." "Why are you both defensive?" He asked, squinting his eyes again. Sergio chuckled. "What did you eat? You're suddenly acting out of character." Diego threw him head back in laughter. "Don't mind me. I was just pulling your legs. I'm just so happy that Nicole is finally awake. I can finally sleep peacefully at night, knowing that you didn't die saving dad." he joked. I grimaced at that. Sleep peacefully at night? After his family killed mine? I forced a smile. "You will need it." He should enjoy the peace for now because I was going to make sure his future sleeps are fi
Sergio's lips were firm, yet hesitant. The collision of our lips sent a jolt of mixed emotions through me— confusion, anger and a scorching wave of irritation. I was a tad confused be cause the action ignited a desire I hadn't anticipated. Angry and irritated because I was kissing the son of my enemy. He pulled back slightly; his eyes searching mine. "Sergio..." I whispered.. "I—" "Don't say anything," he demanded, cutting me off. "Not here. Let's talk inside. Someone might see." Why was he hiding? The question echoed in my mind. Walking further into the room, I took a seat on the edge of the bed, while Sergio's tall figure hovered over me. "This..that..." Sergio stammered, looking everywhere but her. "Wasn't supposed to happen." "What wasn't supposed to happen?" I asked, raising a brow questionably. There was no way I was going to allow him back out. The pace of the plan had already been set. "The kiss," he rasped. "Back in the hospital and," he pointed to the doorway. "Just
The sharp knock on the door sent a jolt through me for I wasn't expecting anyone that late at night. Just as I was about to ask whom it was, the masculine voice echoed in the room."Nicole!" it was Mr. Fernandez. "Are you awake? I want to speak to you." "Oh," I muttered to myself. Mr. Fernandez had returned. I was prepared to face him. "Just a minute, please," I yelled back and straightened my pajamas, making myself look a little more presentable before walking to the door and throwing it open. "I can see you've healed completely," he rasped before I even got the chance to speak. "Not really," I forced a smile. "but I'm healing fast. The wound doesn't hurt that much anymore. I will be completely fine in about a week or so." "That's great to hear," he nodded his head. "I wanted to visit you in the hospital but I didn't get the chance. I'm glad the bullet just scratched you, and also, I want to thank you specially for what you did. I didn't think you were bold enough to take a bulle
A sly smile spread across my lips as Sergio sat beside me. I loved the fact that he sounded so angry. "What did he say to you?" I wiped away the nonexistent tears from my face and shook my head. "He didn't say anything." "Nicole!" Sergio's voice was firm. "Look at me. Talk to me! Tell me exactly what he said to you!" That was my chance. I averted my gaze to him, making sure to fixate my gaze in his. Air fanned my eyes making tears instantly well up in them. "I don't know why Diego dislikes me this much. I thought we were getting along. I thought he liked me, but I've been wrong. This isn't even the first time he's treating me like I'm a nobody," I swallowed. "I know I'm not, but it still hurts when he reminds me of that all the time. He always finds ways to make sneaky remarks about me. Why? What's my offence? I didn't want to take your card but you insisted I do, I went shopping to get a few essential things I needed, and I end up being called a golddigger and a socia
"I don't know what you're talking about, Diego," I insisted. Diego shook his head, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I'm your brother, Sergio. I know you better than anyone else. Besides, I saw you leaving the room." Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't afford to be caught. Not now or ever. "I went there," I began, my voice steady. "because like she said, she had a breakdown and I went there to comfort. That was it." "I believe you," Diego said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You'd never do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Scarlett. You're also not that kind of person to cheat on anyone, let alone Scarlett. It's Nicole that I don't trust." His words sent a pang to my heart. Despite being guilty, I couldn't fathom Diego harboring such thought about Nicole, especially after she'd risked her life for our father. "Why don't you trust her?" I asked, anger creeping into my voice. "She saved Dad's life!" "I'm sorry to say t
SERGIO'S POV Nestled in Scarlett's arms, I couldn't help but remember the illicit thrill I had experienced with Nicole last night while Scarlett was busy sleeping. Last night's kiss with Nicole had been a betrayal of everything I claimed to be, yet the memory lingered. I felt extremely guilty, but I couldn't stop myself. The thought of doing it again wasn't repulsive. In fact, just thinking about it made me suck my bottom lip involuntarily. This wasn't me. I wasn't a cheat. But there was something about Nicole that I couldn't put my finger on. Something alluring. I wanted to stay away, but the more I tried, the more I became drawn to her. It was as if I was trapped in a magnetic pull towards her. Scarlett's voice, soft and soothing, broke into my reverie. "Babe, I've been talking to you. Where has your mind traveled to?" The question was innocent, but it felt like she'd seen through me. I leaned in, my heart pounding a guilty rhythm as I placed a quick kiss on her lips. How
Rosa's squeal sent a jolt through me as she crushed me in a bear hug. "Oh my God, Nicole! Where have you been? Do you know how worried I was? I've missed you so much!" My arms snaked around Rosa's back, returning her hug briefly before I pulled away, a smile tugging at my lips. "I've missed you too." Rosa's eyes scanned me from head to toe, particularly my outfit. "You look different, Nicole! What's the secret? Tell me you've hooked a rich billionaire, babe!" I rolled my eyes. Rosa would always be Rosa. A golddigger through and through. I loved her though. She had been a good friend to me from the first time I started working at the coffee shop with her. Her heart was as big as her dreams. Her eyes widened in excitement. "It's true, isn't it?" I chuckled. "You could say that." She gasped, her eyes sparking with excitement. "You're lying!" "Of course I am," I playfully pushed her away. "Do these things even happen in real life? I have told you before to stop watchi
Last night was like a dream. Waking up the next morning, the remnant of his cologne on my nightie filled my nostrils. I still couldn't believe Sergio was in my room, his lips meeting mine in a desperate and undeniably passionate kiss. A kiss that defied his pleas, his warnings about not jeopardizing his long term relationship with Scarlett. Now, who was the traitor? My reflection in the bathroom mirror barely registered as I splashed cold water on my face. The events of last night couldn't stop playing over and over again in my mind. For a fact, I knew Sergio had feelings for me. It was pretty glaring, the lingering gazes said it all — I was also certain that even Diego could tell. I had seen the way he looked at us whenever Sergio and I were in the same space, Interacting. It was always almost as if he had something to say to us, but always kept it to himself. Or at least always tried to keep it to himself — but I didn't know he was going to act up on it. I had always been a
I felt shivers run down my spine as his lips moved against mine softly at first, then, his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to his body and evoking sensations that I never knew I was capable of feeling before. My arms instantly wrapped around his neck, savoring the taste of his plump lips. I was kissing him back with the same passion. Then, he stopped, and stepped back. In his eyes, I could see a mix of regret and satisfaction? "I'm sorry," he started, breathing deeply. "I shouldn't have..." I scoffed, taking a few steps away from him. It was my turn to give him a dose of his own medicine. "Then leave, Sergio." "Are you okay though?" he asked, closing the gap between them. "I just want to make sure." "I am," I answered, wiping nonexistent tears from my eyes. "I'll be okay." "Nicole..." Sergio began to speak but the rest of his words died on his lips. "We shouldn't—" I rolled my eyes, annoyed at his indecisiveness. One minute, he was saying someth
I was jealous, Sergio. Despite how hard I tried to get those words from Nicole out of my head, I couldn't. They kept repeating themselves like a mantra. I heaved a sigh of exasperation and shut down my laptop. I couldn't even have any work done. I reclined against the chair, the image of Nicole's disappointed face flashing in my mind and my heart tightening against my chest. "Stop!" I gently slapped my face. "Are you out of your mind, Sergio? What the heck!" "Talking to yourself?" Scarlett's voice instantly sent a wave of guilt over me. She was my fiancee, yet I was preoccupied with the thoughts of another woman. I felt even trashier when I recalled the times Nicole and I kissed. It felt like I didn't only cheat on her physically, but emotionally as well. Scarlett was the sweetest person I had ever come across, and that was the reason we could maintain how relationship for so long. Betraying her was the one thing I never saw myself doing. She always put up with my workaholic
As soon as the words emerged from my lips, Sergio stepped into the room and shut the door behind him, his eyes cold. I stilled. I could literally feel his breath on face. "Don't ever say something like that again. Someone could have heard!" I rolled my eyes. "You asked me what was bothering me, and I replied. What would you have had me do? Lie?" "Look, Nicole," Sergio's breath uneven. "I know we've..." he trailed off. "Kissed," I completed his sentence for him. "More than once." He nodded in acknowledgement. "But that was a mistake," he paused, studying my demeanor. "I'm sorry of you thought it might degenerate into a relationship or something. You're a wonderful person, Nicole." Why did his words feel like a breakup? I almost teared up listening to him say those words to me. "Fun to be with and to converse with. I enjoy your company, I won't deny it, I do. I care for you. As a person," he added with emphasis. "You're like a little sister to me," he paused ag
"Scarlett!" Helen squealed, throwing her arms around her in a tight hug. I was too stunned to speak. I looked at Sergio, but he seemed to be in another word. He wouldn't look at me, talk more of talking to me. His attention was on his 'fiancee' and the little reunion they were having with his family. I suddenly felt out of place. "I have missed you so much, Mom," Scarlett said in a singsong voice. "I'm so glad to be back!" "And we're so glad to have you back, sweetheart," the mother said, untangling herself from the hug. "Dad!" Scarlett walked over to where he was standing, her smile widening. "I've missed you so much too, my governor!" Mr. Eduardo pulled her into a fatherly hug. "Welcome home, my daughter." Based on what I was witnessing, how she was interacting with the family, I could tell the family were fond of Scarlett. She was like the perfect daughter-in-law in their eyes. The excitement in their eyes were like none I had ever seen. Scarlett, on the other h