RyleeI woke up to a surprise tray and a lineup of housekeepers carrying gifts and presents. I looked confused as I struggled to cover my body with the duvet. The housekeepers were nowhere to be found when I was searching the mansion the previous night. I had thought they were intentionally avoiding me. Alice was specifically assigned to me but she disappeared the whole day. Yet they were lined up at my door the next morning.I sensed the day was different. The housekeepers only line up in the hallway when Leo buys a change of clothes or gifts for me. I was confused about what was going on. Surely, Mr. Leo was distant at the time and he witnessed Manolo flirting with me. He was pissed but chose to ignore it. Mr Leo isn’t one to please anyone. I looked at Alice for a cue but she smiled instead.Alice signaled the rest to bring in the presents. Before I could say a word, my room was filled with sort of boxed gifts. it had to be Leo. I never requested a change of clothes and shoes but I
RyleeAs the clock struck 5 in the evening, I moved to the bathroom and got ready for my birthday celebration. I called Lucas earlier that day and he informed me that the shop was crowded. My plans changed and I decided to go after the deliveries had been done for the day. That was the perfect moment to host any party because the employees and my manager would be free. I paid for a cake to be made and I was sure Lucas would make an extra effort to see me smile. I specifically told him I needed a red velvet cake with white designs. I had no idea what my sudden obsession with the color red was but I was craving it badly.With excitement dancing in my eyes, I did a full glam and wore a red shimmering dress with wine lips to match. The clutch purse gave the feeling of a dinner date but I wanted to feel and look special regardless of where I was going.Stepping into the car, I saw Leo at the entrance and looked away. He never bothered to ask where I was going or restricted my movement. I
RyleeMy eyes widened as I saw Manolo waiting at the door when I walked through the hallway. He was full of smiles and I showed a tired face. Manolo was cheerful and I wanted to give the same energy but I was tired to my toes. The intimate date I had planned for the group turned out to be a party. It so happened that it was converted into my farewell party. I had the time of my life with my colleagues. All I wanted was to sleep but I felt Manolo needed to say a few things. He wore casual wear with decorative footwear and a watch to match. I had the feeling he was going to engage in a lengthy conversation. I staggered to the door while trying to show the need for urgency in his speech. He giggled while I approached him and stretched out an envelope.“Here you go”“Your day wouldn't be complete without this” he smiled brightly.“C’mon Manolo”“You have done enough”“I’ve had the best birthday”“What more could I ask for” I expressed firmly“It's not over until I say it is. princess”“Op
Leonardo I was stunned beyond words. I stood in the hallway for a few minutes before I turned to leave. Manolo looked confident while Rylee’s eyes were filled with guilt. The words pierced my heart and I left straight to my room. I never uttered a word. Even when they tried to say something, I waved it off. My anger was shooting off the roof and I needed to rethink my words. Manolo was family and so was Rylee. She was carrying my child. I had no idea why I was pained but I needed to figure out what to do with the situation. My father wasn't the right person to go to as he was already pissed with Manolo. Neither was Adeline. I planned for them to stay and leave without getting involved with my private life. At least that was how it was for a long while. I knew I needed to handle the situation alone. William's call came in the next minute and I picked up.“Hi Leo”“Hi buddy”“I’ve been trying to reach out to your secretary regarding the paperwork your company was supposed to send to mi
RyleeThe popular model Montelle was in the mansion and I had planned to talk to her. She was an idol and taking a picture with her would mean everything. She was a lover of great parties and I was looking at working with her in the future. Montelle had quite a conversation with Leo and Adeline so I couldn't butt in. I waited for a while but it seemed the business conversation was going to take all day. She was looking great and I admired her soft voice and her mannerisms. Montelle spoke fluently and convincingly. I’d voted for her as a spokesperson if not a lawyer. Adeline seemed to be impressed about the deal while Leo was completely lost in her eyes.Adeline had left them and they continued to flirt with each other. I had passed by the living room a couple of times when Leo called me in. I was surprised about why he called because he had been giving me a cold shoulder for a while. I had silently wished he would introduce me to Montelle but he never blinked. He said a few words with
RyleeThe invitation for the charity ball spread like wildfire. The wealthy class knew how well to respond to events. They sent in their acceptance and Adeline got busy trying to prepare for the event. I did the little I could with Manolo and we got quite close. Things were beginning to get serious with Manolo and we spent our time helping Adeline out with the event. For whatever reason, Manolo wouldn’t go anywhere without me and I did enjoy his company. I could have possibly added event planning to my list of skills because Adeline made sure I got to meet all her clients. She promised to show me the ropes and the life of the rich but I never knew it would be that tedious.Meetings upon meetings, dinner, breakfasts to lunch. We attended all of them. I almost gave up but Adeline had a way of convincing me that we needed to reach out to a wider audience. The more people we met, the more we expected. The hall needed to be filled which meant more money for the less privileged. Adeline was
LeonardoThe charity night came to an end and I couldn’t be more relieved. Adeline had put together a great event and I had the time to meet colleagues I hadn't seen in years. Events for the elite had one way of bringing people together and I had the opportunity to meet more investors. I couldn’t turn down Adeline's request about the event. She planned on convincing and getting money for the less privileged while I wanted to get it for the company. Either Way, we both got something out of it. Charity had a way of softening people’s hearts and I took the opportunity to reach out to more clients.Rylee still had me in the neck and I was still thinking of what to do. I knew she had feelings for Manolo but it just wasn’t right. She was carrying me. No child of mine was ever going to be in the way of their lovemaking episodes. I was attracted to her but I knew I could never get her to like me too. I had lost but I was contented. No woman was ever going to make me beg for attention or love.
RyleeThe Kings were ready to leave and I had to go downstairs to bid them goodbye. I wasn't aware that they were leaving. It came as a surprise. Adeline must have been worn out after the event but I was shocked to see her. The charity event was the night before and most people would be resting but not the Kings. It looked as though they had business to attend to and I could only say my goodbyes. Mr Leo looked indifferent while Manolo was out of sight. Adeline looked pitiful. She was barely standing. Mr King was definitely on the clock. I met them waiting in the foyer as though they were waiting on someone. It was obvious it was Manolo. He never showed up. Mr King stormed out saying his last words. He had a weird expression on his face and I was about to ask Leo about it but he looked away.“Take care of yourself, Rylee”“We’ll see you soon ” Adeline added while reaching for a hug. I wanted to badly ask her what was going on but I had to keep mute. The atmosphere was gloomy already and
RyleeMy life was flashing right in my eyes as I was bleeding heavily. I saw fear in Leo's eyes when I was wheeled into the hospital. I had no idea I would be in that situation. I was on the edge of losing my breath. Manolo had ordered his boys to make me cooperate by all means. I was stubborn on purpose because I knew Manolo would never hurt me. We were once close. We did almost everything together. He only needed money and I knew he would never put me in danger. Under that hate and disgust, I saw the caring Manolo but I was wrong in the end. Manolo looked scarier by the second. The hatred in his heart took over him and he never blinked an eye when Leo called him to apologize and also offered to help him. It triggered him more. Manolo never wanted to be beneath Leo. According to him, he had been in his shadows since he was born and he was ready to step up to him.Manolo took the wrong turn. I was convinced Leo would never forgive him for hurting me. I was losing blood and I closed my
Leonardo Manolo had stepped on my toes and I wasn't going to let it slide. He threatened me with the woman I love and the child I was hoping to see soon. My heir. I considered it an insult when he called me to tell me he had taken them. I was about to lash out at my security when I remembered it was Manolo after all. He must have sneaked past them. The mansion was heavily guarded and I had my guess he didn't take Rylee from the mansion. In addition to that, no one knew what happened between us and he must have used that as an advantage. I left Los Angeles for Asia that week. We had a new product to be introduced into the market and I needed to be at our branch there. Our products were already in the US market so we decided to try them out overseas. I had no idea how Manolo knew about that deal. Did he do that because of how I was progressing or was it just to spite me? I couldn't wrap my head around it.I knew Rylee must have been so scared. My poor baby. I left that woman all alone.
RyleeLife became the perfect breath of fresh air for Leo and we were expecting Manolo to show up but he never did. I had to get used to staying with just Leo in the mansion. It wasn't so bad but I had a lot of adjustments to do. Going in and out of his room, eating any meal I craved, and occasionally bullying him into doing things he thought he would never do. I fell in love with my new life. Leo turned into a chef, a foot masseuse, a wardrobe manager, and a diet planner. With all the stress I put him through, he never complained once. He seemed to have been enjoying it more than I was. He went from a loner who had cigars as his buddy to a man with a date cooking up the storm. A playful man.A generous man.A caring man.An intentional man. I got all of it. It was incredibly beautiful to watch.Leo made me the happiest woman on earth. The glow I had was out of this world. It was evident I was in a happy place. From the days we took parenting classes to the ones we went out shopping, he w
RyleeWaking up in Leo’s bed felt surreal. I kept flipping my eyes and watched him sleep peacefully. He looked so calm while sleeping. He looked so gentle and I giggled when I recalled he was a beast the previous night. He was romping off of me like a tiger seeking his prey. I knew he had that vibe but I was still surprised he was jerking off of me. I never imagined I would be in bed with him. I was starved and I needed him so badly. Leo explored my body and satisfied me in the best way possible. I was already imagining what our lives would become after that night.I was moved to take a few pictures of Leo as he looked peaceful and had the look of a newborn. With the sound of the clicks, he woke up holding my phone while I covered myself in shame.“Hey”“What are you doing,” he said in a deeper voice and I responded by mimicking him.“Taking pictures of you”“You look good ““C’mon Rylee”“Don't be like that,” he said, stretching his back.“Should we take one?” I offered.“Go ahead but
Leonardo Recounting my family story and encounter with Williams gave me a sense of belonging. He was my best friend and my confidant. If he was there in times of celebrations, I figured he should be there when we were falling apart. I called him the night before and told him a bit of what had happened and he was ready to hear me out. I knew I could rant to him. He looked more serious with every passing second and became more concerned about Manolo. I was worried I made the wrong decision about letting him go but Williams convinced me it was the best thing to do. Williams had a degree in business but could read everyone as a book. I trusted his instincts and he assured me we were going to be fine. He gave me clarification on what my worries were and I became more relaxed about it. Talking to Williams on a normal day would always feel like a job but it was different that time. It was about my family and he knew I strongly needed him by my side. He was helping me out this time and I was
LeonardoThe arrival of my parents took me to the abyss. I was confused about how to address them. I had a valid reason why I avoided talking to them. I still had no idea how to go about the whole thing but I knew they wouldn't understand the dilemma I was in. I held my brother hostage and also let the company run on its own for a little while. Of course, no one died and I was being dramatic but I wasn't ready to face them yet. I wished they had understood that. My father's blood pressure was already off the roof and I never wanted to send him into an early grave. Adeline was sweet and I never figured out how to break the news of her son’s rebellion to her. My lawyers were quiet about it but I knew they wouldn't keep it in the wraps for long. I had to put on my courage pants and lovingly address my parents.I staggered towards the stairs as Rylee looked concerned. I had little to drink but it was holding me down way more than I had expected. I never wanted to see them in that state an
RyleeRudy's homecoming was exciting and healing. It was more like a party as everyone surrounded him with love. He got presents from Mr Leo and Emily. Rudy was a strong boy and needed to be celebrated. We got home to a banquet while Mr Alice and my parents received Rudy. They had prepared a feast and we couldn't wait to divulge it. Emily and Lucas had been with us all through the day. Since the first week Rudy was admitted they were still there till his discharge. We took wine, and pictures at the set up and it was another awesome day to remember.My parents were closer to us than I had imagined. The few weeks turned into a bonding experience. I had got tired of fighting with them. They promised to change their ways and I had looked out for positive changes. There were ground rules in the mansion. Mr Leo warned they weren't allowed to smoke in the mansion. They cleaned up and occasionally approached me but I declined politely. I avoided making contact with them on purpose. Mr Leo wou
Leonardo Rylee looked distraught. Her parents looked worse. I had never set my eyes on them after giving them money for Rylee’s surrogacy. For some reason, I never visited them. Rylee had never brought them to the mansion and whenever I asked her about them she would wave it off. I had no idea she went through a lot. I must have been an asshole for dragging her out of the life she was used to but they never seemed to have a parent /daughter connection.From the way she treated them, I knew they never had a good relationship. I had no idea what broke up their bond whether it was the surrogacy or they had an awful relationship before that. I must have contributed to Rylee's hate towards her parents. I bought her from the life she was used to and they never gave her the support she needed. The first instinct to find out who they were, would have been when they collected money in place of their daughter. Looking them right in the eye? I could tell they never used the money wisely. They r
RyleeOur vacation ended halfway and we were on our way to meet Lucas. The private jet took off the minute we entered it. Manolo and Montelle were being paraded to the plane While Manolo acted indifferent, Montele gave me a daunting look. I ignored them and walked by them, sitting close to Mr Leo. He never took a second look at them. My blood pressure was shooting through the roof and I almost had a panic attack. I had prayed silently for Rudy while Mr. Leo continually assured me everything was going to turn out fine. I was unstable and I blamed myself for not being by their side. Hell, my parents never did and I felt I failed as a sister. We had a good time together while they were at the mansion but I wished I did better. It was the heat of the moment that made me push them away. In the brighter view, I was glad they were never part of the drama.Rudy never had any underlying sickness. He was a cheerful boy. Growing up, the only health concerns he had were flu and occasional cough. A