Alison Pov...
As much as I hate it, I have to go back where my heart was torn apart. I cursed LA that I would never step foot there, especially that city, but here I am booking a flight going to Los Angeles."Laude, do I really have to go there?" I asked him, dejected. I can't understand my emotions keep on flipping me this time."I'm sorry sweetheart, but you really have to." He replied, desolate."But how about my business? You know I can't leave like that." I retorted."Ali, you know you can not fool me. I can take care of your business here. I am sending you there because I can trust you. My company needs someone like you that I fully trust to handle all the matters there. Besides, I'll be there after three months. I just can't leave my business here right now." He clarified, not leaving me any room to complain."Fine! I'll try my best, Laude." I still replied, dejected. He smiled, coming closer to my desk."I know you will, Ali. Thomas Corporation needs you." He emphasized, showing his cat - like eyes. I laughed, pinching his cheeks. He hated that, but I am exempted.Laude has already left my office, but still I am not comfortable with going back. There are a lot of reasons to be uncomfortable with it. Just thinking that our world is too small makes my stomach churn.I blow air as I walk out the airport wearing my favorite big dark sunglasses. Cali promised to fetch us today. I'm on my way to the waiting area still engrossed in my phone when I accidentally bumped into the guy standing in front. I heard him curse. Great!"I'm sorry! I didn't notice you." I said, lowering my head. As much as possible, I don't want to create a ruckus. I still want people not to notice me."Next time, look around before moving. You even ruined my clothes." He hissed, complaining still on the phone."I will." I replied gently before turning my heels when I heard a familiar voice screaming like a banshe."I"m sorry babe. I hope you didn't wait too long." She uttered majesticly. Aw! Classic."No. I didn't babe. Let's go. I still have a meeting to attend before our lunch date." He replied enchantingly before intertwining their hands to walk out.I laughed mockingly, staring at their retreating figures, laughing and cuddling. So, she didn't lose her legs, quietly intact. Those pumps would hurt her badly if she's leg was really harmed that day. Oh! Pain of yesterday. What a first day to welcome me. Indeed, LA is not my favorite place. After 4 years, it's still not welcoming. Why do we have to open a business here? I know one of these days our path will cross not that I want to, but I'd rather don't. It's a shame of all the people who would first welcome me. Why them? It's not welcoming at all!"Alison!" I smiled, meeting her halfway, as if my mood wasn't tainted a while ago."Thanks Cali." I uttered delightfully.We hugged before she helped me get my baggage. As usual, we didn't have a smooth ride since she kept on asking me a lot of things. For four years we parted. She only had a few times to visit. Our schedules always conflict, but this time I'll be staying in her place for the meantime. I will wait for the place Laude chooses for us to stay. If I will stay here for more than a month, I need to find a place where Daniel will stay and study for a while."Ali, my house is already big. I can accommodate you all. You don't have to find another place." Cali objected while she is staring at the house Laude sent me."I know that Cali, but you know Laude. He loves his privacy so much." I ranted no choice."By the way, Alison. Can I ask you one thing?" She asked seriously, scaring me."What is it? Do you need to look like a scary mom asking her daughter if she has a boyfriend?" I quoted bemused. She frowned, trying to analyze what I had just said."Hey! Still no feelings for Laude?" She questioned, blinking while putting her chin on her palm."I thought, what are you gonna ask? Laude and I were really friends. He already knew." I replied, a little gloomy.She looked at me with a forced smile. Everyone was hoping that we would end up together, but I can't force myself to enter another relationship. I want to focus on my business and my family."Let's tour the neighborhood this afternoon. A lot of things change. You will both love to stay here for a while. There is a convenience store nearby as well as coffee shops. The park was the latest because of the private primary school that was opened." She informed."Really! It's a wow. I think it's a sign for you to get married and have a child." I cheered, winking at her. She laughed, throwing all my clothes that she had just folded, scattering everywhere." You're unbelievable, Cali! Why did you do that?" I howled, throwing back."Because you ask me something that is already obvious. How can I get married when I don't have a boyfriend clinging to me." She ranted, kicking like a child. We stopped and laughed maniacly, staring at the mess we had just made."God I missed this Ali. I don't remember when was the last time I laughed like a child." She uttered sorrowfully. Likewise, I don't remember.I help her pick up all my stuffs and put it on the shelf. Tomorrow I will visit the Thompsun building to check where the Thomas Cuisine is located. I also need to go to the nearby city. The new branch Laude opened will open after three months."Linda, we are going to the Thompsun Building tomorrow at 10 am. What other itineraries do I have tomorrow?" I texted my assistant."Nothing Madam A, just a quick visit to Thomas Cuisine." She immediately replied."Cali!" I called her to talk about my plans tomorrow."Why?" She shouted back."Cali, are you free tomorrow afternoon?""For you, I am. I am the boss Alison, remember!" She cried teasingly. I chuckled, looking at the bathroom door."Then, let's party tomorrow." I said excitedly.Alsion Pov... The night was almost fading when we decided to leave the bar. I am a woman who stayed faitful to her husband even though he didn't care about me. I have lived as a gracious woman and incapable of anything before when I am married. No one will expect me to become who I am right now. I'm used to all the inevitable crossing my path. I asked Cali to drive since I was already tipsy. I'm still learning to hold on longer not to get wasted. I can just be who I am when I am with Laude. He will never get me into trouble nor let me see wasted and pitiful. He always wants me to become someone feared, but in a gracious way. This strong will I had was because of his undying help, but even though I have the guts now, I am still not ready to face my estranged husband. "Cali, we need to leave now." I pleaded, dragging her out. I felt she needed this more than I did. "Just a little more time Ali." She cried, but the beer isn't her best friend today. She keeps on drinking but she is sti
Dwight Pov...I woke up still exhausted and undefinable, rolling on my bed. Shit Dwight! Pull yourself , it's just Thursday and you have an important meeting at Thompsun today. I ranted to myself, getting up, still limping. How much did I drink last night to look pathetic like this?I stared in the mirror while brushing my teeth. The glimpse of the past suddenly appeared, startling me, falling on my knees. What the fuck was that! I roared, picking up myself, glaring at the mirror. I grab my throbbing chest, still shaking. If there's someone who should be embarrassed and bothered like this, it wasn't me. It creeps me into seeing Alison's face all of a sudden. It's been four years since we parted, but the pain of yesterday isn't gone, still lingering around. I shrugged it off and prepared myself to go to work. She is not worth the sacrifice and moments to remember.I prepared my food quickly, sitting in front of Jack, who was almost done with his food. He is still wearing his outdoor cl
Alison Pov... I asked Linda to organize everything before visiting the restaurant and attending the conference later. Laude asked me to represent Thonas Group as he can't fly right now. I don't want to be here, but I can maximize my time representing the Thomas Group. I don't want to disappoint them. They help me when I need help, and so do I. Representing them is a piece of cake since I know about their business too. The fact I love kitchen work makes it easier for me to move and navigate things without Laude. I studied what the conference would be all about. I didn't know this was a bidding for the rising of downtown city. Why would Laude want to get a piece of the city? It is just a small city. I ask myself confused. "Linda, do we have spare time later to visit the downtown city?" I asked while still engrossed in reading tons of paper on my desk. The Thomas Group is famous because of their cuisine and later they added to invest in hotels with a mix of traditional and modern Medit
Alison Pov...I am not comfortable and easily get shock after that terrifying incident at Thompsun building. All I want now is to finish everything and run away. Another two months is like a ticking bomb cringing on my nerves. The grand opening of Thomas Cuisine in Thompsun building will be on Saturday, just hoping Dwight won't be there! I don't want to miss this day and mostly to ruin this beautiful day.I leaned on my chair closing my eyes to calm myself while waiting for Linda."Madam A, we are ready to go!" She called out.I followed her out of my office vigilantly. I don't want anyone from the Smith family to recognize me here. My business is not done yet.Our ride going to the Downtown City is quiet enough to help me calm. Linda notices how I am uncomfortable and disturbed."Madam Alison, are you sure you are alright?" She asked, skeptical."I am now Linda. Thank you!" She nodded and looked outside again, watching every place we passed by. I look at the opposite to have a glimps
Alison Pov... I dumped my body on the sofa curled like a child who lost her favorite toy. Alison, can you not forget him and start a brand new life? Isn't four years enough for you to bury that fucking feeling? I muttered to myself dejectedly. "Alison!" I was startled, falling on the sofa. "Oh fuck Cali!" I roared, picking myself and touching my nose. "Ouch!" I cried, touching my nose again. "Why do you look like someone dumped you?" She asked, frowning. "I think our small world is starting to collide now, Cali. I saw Dwight at the Thompsun building today. Luckily he didn't recognize me!" I elaborated, not missing a tiny bit of what happened. "What? Really! Isn't too early for you to see him. It's just a month, but something is starting to shake you up!" She uttered unbelievable at the same time horrified. "I don't know what happened here after I left, but something is bothering me. I'm not just scared to see him, but terrified enough to make me shiver." I cringed. She sighed.
Jack Pov...I still can't get over the other night. I saw Alison that I used to know but she is somewhat changed. She wasn't the Alison who was to be my sister - in - law. She has a fierce and bold identity. Unlike before, she was simple, quiet and obedient. Whatever my family told her, she wouldn't budge but complied. The thing that I saw her at the bar and at Downtown City is already a big change. Something might have happened to her in those four years she was gone, but why is she here? Is she planning to get back with my brother since he is still single or is she here for revenge? There are things that are puzzling me, but I know Alison will not do such a thing. Being called the murderer and boyfriend stealer wasn't true, that's for sure.I need to quickly work out my plan now to save them both. I know Georgina is hiding something else. I saw her the other night talking on the phone terrified. The fact she has a hidden phone is something to be bothered about. I need evidence to sh
Dwight Pov... I'm not just terrified about what happened to the bidding. I caressed my forehead to reduce the pain as my anger flared. What the fuck happened out there? I mumbled, cursing. I did all my best to meet their required standard but I still lost that bid. Who owns that Flavors of Asia anyway? What do they have to win? We are famous here in Los Angeles. We own almost all the functional kinds of businesses here, but why? I had never heard that name and yet they won the bid. Fuck! I cursed loudly, kicking the wall. I knocked on my table, furious about losing the best city to do business. "Felicia!" I roared, impatient. "Sir Dwight!" She responded scared. "Find who owns the Flavors of Asia and don't miss anything about that company." I ordered. I should have asked Devon regarding this matter but he has a lot on his sleeve already. I should have checked all the contenders. Damn! I growled, throwing my stuff. "Hey! What's the matter?" My brother exclaimed. He was shocked to
Alison Pov...I find myself keep on stopping in Downtown city for no reason. That place is really something to die for. Every time I walk there, I feel like I am always enlightened and refreshed. Whatever magic charm that place has, it doesn't matter to me as long as I am comfortable and happy. Jacks Coffee shop is one of my favorite now. I will stop by at his branch in California when I come home.Last night I brought Linda with me. I asked her to find if they still had a better place to lease or for sale. I feel at ease staying there and I'm sure Dwight will never step there now that we win the bid. I plan to bring my brother and Cali there tonight."What is beautiful today that you keep on smiling out of nowhere?' My brother asked, joining me."I just fell in love with Downtown City. We should visit tonight so you will see what I am talking about. Ali, I can't believe there is a place like that here in Los Angeles. I have lived here for two years but never been there. I exclaimed,
Alison Pov... After 10 Years... The vast of happiness immense in every one of us was undeniably blissful. Though the ten years have passed was not all about happiness. We also feel sorrow, grief, loss of love once, a twist of jobs, and changing family status! Dad Maximo died five year's ago because of prostate cancer and mom died of a heart attack three years ago. Danica had a miscarriage on her third child as well and mom Leslie right now is sick too. The most interesting part of our circle was Laude and Elisa's love story and family. It's quite interesting and funny. Ethan is the spice in their hurricane love story. They decided that it wasn't just a love affair but true love and were serious about it after Elisa give birth to another baby girl. They have four children now and they just tie the knot five years ago and it was so beautiful wedding that we ever witnessed. Maybe a BArd Pitt and Angelina Jolie style but they don't like to be compared to them as they get divorced afte
Laude Pov...When I choose to let go of Elisa it wasn't easy but I can't see her every day crying secretly in the room missing our children. I wasn't there when they grew up and I already feel attached just staring at their photos and watching their videos every day. How much to her who is attached from the very start. I admit to pretending everything is fine as the days pass by but actually I am dying inside to kiss and hug them. I'm reflecting on my past attitude toward her and I know she is punishing me. I will take her punished without remorse if this is the only way she can take me in soon.Pride can really kill us big time. I was late to mature feeling young that I don't need her when she showed how she needed me. I don't have the right to get even to her or even complained or nagged. It's the price of my arrogance! I don't know what his family is telling my children about me but I am sure they didn't even tell them I am the father.I came to work today shutting out all my worri
Alison Pov..After 5 years..A lot of things happened in our family but it was fun and interesting at the end of the journey. At least we have learned from it and know how to deal in the future. We can't also inevitably stop our family keeps on growing as well. It just started with me wanting to be loved and love with revenge until we find our branches and learned that a big family was better. It doesn't matter if it's by blood or not related as long as you know the value of love and family. We become family as we trust and love each other no matter what.Our stories can be shared for others to learn from because some stories don't have happy endings but not all bad endings are bad! We can still learn from that and know how to navigate in the future. Don't be afraid to let go of people who are toxic and keep those who value who you are!After Windle and Karla's wedding that day they moved to Italy to help daddy Maximo and build a beautiful home. Laude and I manage LA and Alejandro and
Windle Pov...I've never been excited in my life before. Georgina and I wedding before was not like this. What I genuinely feel right now is happiness from within uprooting depth in my heart. I wish I can feel what others feel like sweating, nervousness, and nauseous but no, it's a different feeling, and it's overwhelming.I love her and I can't live without her. I am excited to build a family with her just like my siblings and friends. I know Karla will be surprised by what I prepared for her. I maybe didn't say I love her too in words but I show it with my actions. I want to make sure of my feelings before I will say them. It's easy to say I love you, but hard to uphold. I'd rather be shameless at first sight and responsible at the end.I know now that I love her and I needed her in my life. No hesitation and questions it was a peaceful feeling. I can smile thinking of her and what life's stored for us to unfold in the future. Whatever it is I am already ready to face it because I a
Dwight Pov...It's been two months since Windle find out about Karla and he chose to love and protect her which we didn't expect. Uncle Maximo was also elated to find out that his son finds a woman who understand and loves him. He comes over and asks them to get married while he still breathing scaring Windle and bring uncle Max to the hospital even though he said his fine! He will just be comfortable and relaxed if he finds out. Fortunately uncle Max was really fine and his prostate cancer never come back. Windle scolded him for scaring him. Uncle Max just laughs at his outburst, luckily he found a wife who can control him. They are a match made by the heavens!We didn't have a problem setting their wedding day and Karla isn't embarrassed to walk the aisle pregnant. Dad and uncle Maximo sets the date in June and find a resort. It was just a repeating scene with Cali and Alejandro, the difference is Karla wants a church or beach wedding. Windle just give in to what her woman wanted as
Windle Pov... I admit that I like Karla but my past and our age are the hindrances to why I keep it myself but I didn't know she will do something to hold onto me for a lifetime. I was crazy mad when I know she was the culprit that night but the back of my head laugh that a slender and soft woman like her can do that.I've been fighting with myself not to cross the line every time I almost forgot our boundaries but then she already build up that's why I am fucking not giving up on her. Acted like a good man to help her but actually, it's my heart's call to help her.My heart finally decided to give up the wall I built for her when I saw my babies and heard their heartbeats for the first time. It was an unexplainable feeling sweeping my soul and singing to me. I'm elated and don't know how to actually react to it but one thing is for sure. I can't live without them. Karla was the cutest and sweetest woman who crosses my path even though I am too harsh and hard on her. The boundary she
Alejandro Pov...After that terrifying incident. Cali didn't come home and chooses to live in her house for a while and I am in my house too. I want to be alone as well. I called Anicka to see what is going there. My baby girl is now a lady!Karla did not come to work for two days and Windle never called me as well. I don't know what is going on but I'm sure he is fixing this mess. He will finally have his happiness, just forget mom!I heard mom left yesterday as Cali gives her the cold shoulder she ever had from her daughter. Cali knows I am not pleased with what she did that's why she is waiting for my call but I will let her know her place also and be the first to say sorry and find me if she really loves me and misses me. Though, I miss her so much! I could sleep without her beside me, her hugs were my comfort!I hope soon mom will understand things that she can't control everything that already happened. All she needs to do is grasp on it and give the best advice she could give
Karla Pov...When Aleajdnro came into the office kicking the door my breath hitched. His aura was too dark, intimidating, and eerie. They say you can read someone through their eyes but what I saw was madness! I was frozen standing there looking at him as he walk towards me. I'm scared that he will hurt me or more than what a naked eye couldn't see but it was the opposite. I was struck dumbfounded when he lash out and checked on me. I couldn't speak shocked just staring at her. I didn't expect mom to lash on him without asking me what exactly happened. When mom slaps me I felt Windle's body shiver in anger as his grip on my arms expresses the strength of his annoyance and anger. I don't want him to flip out that's why I spilled the truth that no one should know but I wasn't aware that some of the people in the room already knew.When I said I rape him! The room becomes as quiet as the wind passes by. They were all dumbfounded and mouth agape staring at me. Mom didn't expect me to do
Cali Pov...It's my first time seeing Windle growl like a beast. I heard about him before but it didn't give justice to what I saw today. It seems he is ready to eat us alive, especially mom who accused her of something he didn't do! I feel like all the hair in my body was raised shocked and traumatized. I just realize only Alison and Alejandro know Windle. If I don't know anything probably Karla hasn't yet.I was pissed at Karla that's why I called mom but didn't expect mom to come over and straight to her office and so something beyond. If mom is inconsiderate and forgets the proper way how to interrogate then Karla is out of the blue as well. Why would she curse and yell at mom because of him? How deep is her love for Windle that she wants to sacrifice everything even her beloved career just to have a grasp of it even a bit of him?I can't still move on the word I rape him! Every time I remember it, I feel goosebumps shivering. She's really insane and scary! What happened to her wh