"As you all know, after the betrayal by my so-called fiance, I can't trust anyone. My father worked so hard to build this empire. I can't let it fall into the wrong hands. So from now onwards, I'm going to handle the business on my own." I said, and everyone nodded in understanding.
"We are glad that you finally decided to follow your father's step," one of the shareholders said.I heard the door open, and someone walked in," Sorry for being late, I hope I didn't miss anything important. " I was shocked to see him."What are you doing here, Mr Rodriguez?" I asked through gritted teeth. He is the last person I would expect to be here."To attend the meeting, obviously," he said amusingly."Excuse me?" I raised my brows at him."You are excused, Miss Martin. I'm also a shareholder of your company. I've purchased 20% of the shares, so I've every right to be in this meeting,"he announced to my utter shock."So, let's continue," he said and settled on an empty chair.The whole meeting was so suffocating for me because of his presence. I just hate him a lot. He is no better than Natasha and Lucas.After the meeting, he tried to talk to me, but I simply ignored him.I've more important things to do rather than wasting my time talking to him.I got into my car and drove to Lucas's house. I'm sure I can get some evidence related to my dad's murder there. But I have to be careful. They are so furious about losing everything because of me.I sneaked inside from the backdoor, being his ex-girlfriend is working as an advantage here, I'm well aware of each corner of this house.I tiptoed to his bedroom and started checking all the drawers and closets to find anything that could be used against him. I didn't find anything, and it's so disappointing.Then I heard the sound of Natasha shouting at him, and I walked downstairs. I was hiding behind a pillar, and from there, I could see and hear them clearly, but they wouldn't notice me."My father has thrown me out. I won't even get a single penny out of his wealth. It's all because of that bitch. You are so useless Lucas, you couldn't even control that bitch," she shouted.I decided to record this because both of them were blinded by anger so maybe they would end up saying something that can be used against them."Are you serious? You think all because of me and what about you. If it weren't for you getting horny and pulling me for that make out session, we wouldn't have caught Natasha. Learn to accept your faults," he yelled back at her."Yeah, so now I'm at fault for everything. You have no idea how hard I worked to get you together with Alina. And by the look she was giving at the wedding, it didn't seem like she felt betrayed by you cheating on her. That feeling of betrayal and heartbreak was not visible in her eyes," She was saying and he interrupted her."What are you trying to say?" He asked."All I could see was pure hatred and disgust in her eyes. It was more than what she was showing. It was as if she wasn't shocked at the news at all. As if she knew everything before. I'm sure you must have made some mistake to make her doubt," she accused him."Wow, Natasha. Just look at what you've made me. Because of you I had to get close to a girl I never liked. I had to play all the dirty moves and you made me a murderer too. You made me kill her father and now I'm useless to you," He growled at her. I felt sharp pain at the mention of my father."Don't act like a Saint, you also wanted her money and power," Natasha said and pushed him a little."Natasha, stay in your limits. I'M ALREADY LOSING MY MIND BECAUSE OF ALL THE SHIT THAT HAPPENED. " Lucas shouted loudly, and Natasha was taken aback by his tone."You are not the only one who lost something. I am also suffering. All my hard work to set you up with her is in vain. Because of you, I did that to Anton Rodriguez......"Suddenly I saw a cockroach near my leg and it made me jump. The phone slipped from me, and it made a sound that caught their attention .'I'm so fucked up now,' I thought to myself."Who is there?" Natasha asked and walked towards my direction.'What do I do now? They will definitely kill me. What was she saying about Anton? '“Sir, we saw Alina entering Lucas's mansion secretly.” My bodyguard informed me. I sent a team of my men to keep an eye on Alina to make sure she is safe, she is so stubborn that she won't ask my help.“Okay, I'll be there and make sure that she is safe.” I told him.“Zack, get the car ready. We are going to Lucas's place.” I ordered my assistant.“Yes, sir.”Zack drove us to his mansion.“Zack, I'm going inside and you stay here I'll call you if I need you inside.” I said and entered the mansion through the back door. ‘ I hope you are safe Alina.’I was searching around to find her. And finally my eyes landed on her. She was hiding behind a pillar and eavesdropping on the conversation between Natasha and Lucas. Before I could reach her, she suddenly jumped and her phone fell. It created a sound that got their attention. Before they could see her, I dragged her by her arm.“Zack, we are coming. Get the car ready.”I instructed Zack over the call.As we were out of the mansion, she
"Find out that girl Maria and bring her right here." I told my bodyguard."Okay, sir."All these years, I was not even aware of all the shit that happened behind my back. I couldn't figure out why Alina started avoiding me suddenly. I thought she must have figured out that I liked her and she wasn't comfortable about that fact. That's why she was ignoring me. Only if I would have mustered courage to confront her about that.I want to meet her, I should get going, probably. I probably don't know what I would do if she won't believe me, but I can't just let go of her just like that. I drove to her place and rang the bell."What are you doing here?" She asked."We need to talk ." I said ."I don't think there is anything to talk about." She replied coldly. " Alina, believe me, I had nothing to do with Maria. She was lying to you." I tried to persuade her."I don't believe you anymore, Anton Rodriguez. " I growled. "Alina, just give me a chance to explain. " I requested her." You had
"What are you planning to do next?" Anton asked Alina. "Right now, my focus is to find evidence against them for killing my father." She balled her fist.On the other hand, Anton was shocked at this revelation," What? Did they kill your dad?" "Yes, they killed him because he got to see their real faces." She replied with gritted teeth. "I heard Uncle died because of cardiac arrest." He mumbled. "No, they poisoned his drink. I was the fool to believe them. Because of my foolishness, my father died. I failed to be a good daughter. " Her eyes moistened. "No, you didn't fail. You don't have to blame yourself for the deeds of others. " He hugged her and patted her back in a comforting manner."They will pay for what they did to my dad and my b..." She stopped herself when she realized that she was in the past right now. There is no existence of her marriage to lucas and her baby.Anton furrowed his brows, " Your what?"" I was about to say my bestie. They did wrong to you and tried to
"Can I really do this?" Alina was very nervous as she had an important business meeting. She has no experience in the business field, so she is not confident enough. "You can do it, Alina. I'm here with you." Anton tried to encourage her."But I don't know anything about business. After Lucas's betrayal, I decided to take over business without even realising that it's not my cup of tea to handle it." She said. " I can help you with this." Anton said confidently. "Really?" Her eyes lit up with hope."But I have one condition. " He said. "What?" "You won't shut down your art gallery. " He replied. "But I have to focus on business now." Alina said. "Alina, your real passion is art, and your dad would have never wanted you to give up on your passion, so please don't give up. I can help you manage the business as much as I can." Anton said. Alina hugged him tightly, " Thank you so much for supporting me. ""It's my pleasure. "Then Anton guided Alina about the business and how to h
"I have asked my men to keep close eye on them. Even their mobile phone and telephone lines are being tapped. We will find the evidence soon." Anton said. "No matter how many times I thank you, it's never enough. " Alina said with a gaze of admiration for him. "Stop thanking me, Alina. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for uncle. After getting his letter, I promised him to take care of you for the rest of my life." He said while squeezing her hand a little. Alina was deeply touched by his words. She felt guilty for misunderstanding him and hating him. She treated him badly. This made her a little sad. "Why are you sad?" He asked. "Nothing, I treated you badly in the past." She admitted. "Your sad phase is not going to make it up. You should do something else instead. " He said. "What is it?" "You should also make the promise to take care of me for the rest of your life." He winked at her. She lowered her head and smiled shyly. "You said that you liked me before.
"Thanks for dropping me home." Alina bid goodbye to Anton."Take care." Anton said. "Are you going to stand here?" She asked."I'll go after watching you entering the door safely. " Anton said. "Why are you being so sweet all of a sudden?" She chuckled. "I was born sweet. " he smirked. "Not again." She rolled her eyes and walked towards the door.When she was about to unlock the door, it was already unlocked. Anxiety rushed in her.She quickly stepped in, and her eyes widened in horror. She quickly stepped out and went to Anton. "What happened ? Are you missing me already?" he was teasing her, but her expressions made her worried. "What's wrong, Alina?" his voice softened. "There-there..." she was sobbing hard pointing towards her house. "Shhhhh, calm down. It's alright, don't cry." he hugged her."I'll just go inside and check on it." He said."No, you are not going. Don't leave me. Please." Seeing the pain in her eyes, his heart was aching. "Okay, fine. I'm not leaving you.
"This is Francis. She is head of the maids. If you need anything you should inform her." Anton was introducing me to the househelpers."Hello, Ms. Martin, it's a pleasure to meet you." Francis greeted. And I greeted her back."That is Barbara and Daisy. They are in charge of cooking. " He continued. "If you crave another anything, don't hesitate to inform us." Barbara said."For sure." I smiled."You had already met my assistant Zack and my bodyguard Jason . Other than that, meet my butler, Mr Parker. The middle-aged man bowed down, "Hello Ms Martin. ""Hello, Mr Parker. And I would appreciate it if you guys call me Alina instead of Ms. Martin. " I said, and they turned their heads towards Anton. "It's fine. Do as she says." Anton said. " I have prepared the room for you. Please let me know if you want any changes according to your comfort. " Francis said. "Sure. ""Come, I'll show your room." Anton said.I nodded in response and followed him upstairs."This is your room, and the
"Master seems to be in love with Alina." Barbara was whispering to the other maid, Lucy."Yes, his eyes always shine and hold so much affection when he looks at her." Lucy replied. "I wish to have a lover like that too." They were giggling together, unaware of the fact that Anton was listening to their conversation. "What's so interesting? Talking about your master behind his back is not good." He said with a cold gaze. Both their face ashen ."Master, we w-ere just." Barbara was stuttering."You better be aware of your surroundings. What if Alina heard all this? You wanna expose me to him." He left with that without waiting for their response. Both of them were left speechless. They didn't expect this. They were waiting for him for shouting at them, and Barbara even thought they would get fired."Am I dreaming? Can you pinch me?" Lucy said with her jaw dropped. Barbara pinched her, and she hissed in pain."It is not a dream. Master literally forgave us so easily." Barbara said .
The villa was a picture-perfect scene of Christmas cheer. Twinkling lights adorned the exterior, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted garden, while a large Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments glinting in the soft light. The scent of fresh pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. Alina held her one-month-old daughter close, cradling the tiny bundle in her arms as guests arrived. She smiled, watching as Linton and Gabriel practically hovered around her, peering down at the baby with wide-eyed wonder. “Is she really my sister?Sometimes it feels like a dream mommy.” Linton asked for the tenth time, his voice filled with awe. Alina chuckled softly. “Yes, sweetheart. She’s really your sister. You got exactly what you asked Santa for last Christmas.” Linton beamed, reaching out a cautious hand to touch his sister’s tiny fingers. “Hi, baby sister,” he whispered. “ I’ll always protect you.” Gabriel,
The doorbell rang, and Alina smiled, knowing exactly who it was. A few moments later, Linton’s excited voice echoed through the hall as he raced toward the door to greet his best friend, Gabriel. “Gabriel!” Linton yelled, throwing the door open and giving his friend a high-five. Gabriel grinned as he stepped inside, holding a little gift bag in his hand. “Hey, Linton! Hi, Aunt Alina!” Gabriel greeted, his eyes wide with excitement as he approached her. “How’s the baby?” Alina chuckled, patting her belly. “Getting bigger every day, Gabriel. And she’s quite active today.” Linton immediately perched himself beside his mom, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Can I talk to her again, Mommy?” he asked with a shy smile. “Of course, sweetheart.” She smoothed down her shirt and leaned back so the boys could get closer. Gabriel scooted onto the couch beside Alina, looking both curious and excited. He handed her the little gift bag, inside of which was a small stuffed bunny with floppy ea
Alina rested on the couch, a blanket draped over her legs and her hand resting on her rounded belly. At seven months pregnant, her baby bump was unmistakable, and it was a joy to see how much it had become a part of the family’s daily life. From Anton’s frequent hand resting over her belly to Linton’s fascination with “talking” to his baby sibling, the whole house seemed to radiate warmth and anticipation. Linton, bursting with excitement, had clambered up onto the couch beside her, his small hands gingerly placed over her belly as if holding a fragile treasure. He leaned in close, his expression serious as he started whispering to the baby. “Hi, baby sis,” Linton said, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “It’s me, Linton, your big brother! I can’t wait to meet you, and I’m gonna teach you everything I know. We’re gonna play so many games, and I’ll teach you how to draw dinosaurs and superheroes. And… and I’ll share my toys, too!” Alina chuckled, resting her hand over his.
Alina gently ruffled Linton’s hair, nudging him awake. Anton was already up, sipping his coffee in the kitchen, as she whispered to their son, "Wake up, Linton. I have a surprise for you today." Linton’s eyes fluttered open, and he rubbed them with his small fists, his face brightening instantly at the word “surprise.” “A surprise? Where are we going, Mommy?” Alina smiled. “You’ll see soon enough. Go get dressed, and we’ll be on our way.” As Linton scrambled out of bed and rushed to get ready, Alina made her way to the kitchen. She kissed Anton on the cheek, feeling a surge of excitement about the secret she was about to share. She had been working on a special painting for weeks, pouring her heart into every brushstroke, and today, she would finally reveal it. “Where are we off to this morning?” Anton asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity as he sipped his coffee. “Just a little outing to the gallery. I have something special to show you both,” Alina replied, her eyes twin
Alina and Anton pulled into the driveway of David and Isabella’s home. Their hearts were light, filled with the warmth of their recent trip to Paris and the excitement of reuniting with their little one. As they stepped out of the car, Linton’s energy was palpable; he bounced on his feet, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he saw his parents getting down the car. "Mom-dad I missed you so much." Linton hugged their legs. Anton picked him up in his arms. “Are we ready to see Gabriel?” Anton asked, ruffling Linton’s hair. “Yes! I want to show him the new toys you brought!” Linton exclaimed, practically dragging his parents toward the front door. Alina chuckled at her son’s enthusiasm. “Hold on, buddy. Let’s not rush too much. We’ve got to make sure we greet everyone first.” They rang the doorbell, and moments later, David swung the door open, a wide grin lighting up his face. “Welcome back, you guys! We missed you! Literally ever since Linton got to know you are coming he h
Steam filled the bathroom, the warm mist clinging to the glass walls of the shower as water falling softly. Alina leaned against the cool tiles, her body relaxing under the hot spray. She felt a gentle touch at her waist, and without opening her eyes, she knew it was Anton. "Mind if I join you?" his deep voice rumbled softly in her ear, a smile evident in his tone. Alina smiled and turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "Of course sweetheart. You never need permission." Anton chuckled, stepping closer, his hands slowly trailing up her arms, pulling her back against his chest. The heat of his body mixed with the warmth of the water, enveloping her in comfort and safety. "I thought I’d be polite today so I was asking for permission," he teased, his lips brushing against the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. Alina leaned her head back, resting it against his shoulder. "You? Polite?" she teased back, the warmth of his breath tickling her skin. "Hey, I c
David's house was alive with the sounds of giggles and shuffling papers as Linton and Gabriel sat side by side at the large wooden dining table, their books spread out before them. “Got it!” Gabriel declared triumphantly, holding up his math workbook. Linton, still scribbling away on his own page, glanced at him with a smirk. “You think you’re fast, huh? Let me check that.” He leaned over, playfully scrutinizing Gabriel’s work. “Hmm... looks right, but I bet I can finish mine faster.” “Oh, it’s on!” Gabriel grinned, and they both dove back into their homework with renewed energy. Isabella stood at the kitchen counter, watching the boys with a fond smile. She was whipping up pancake batter for their afternoon snack, the aroma of freshly made batter already filling the air. The kitchen was warm and inviting. She glanced over her shoulder at David, who was reading on the couch, occasionally glancing up to chuckle at the boys' competitive banter. “I love how determined they are,
The next day, Paris greeted us with a warm breeze and a clear blue sky.Anton was already up, sipping on his coffee by the window as he admired the view. I walked over to him, still in my pajamas, and leaned against his arm, taking in the sight of the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance. “We’re really doing this, huh?” I asked, smiling as I looked up at him. Anton grinned, setting his cup down on the table. “Absolutely. Are you ready for a day of cliches and tourist photos?” I laughed, nodding. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” An hour later, we were standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and despite the crowds around us, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement bubbling up inside. Anton had his camera ready, capturing moments before we even started climbing. Every few steps, he’d stop, turn to me with that teasing smile, and snap a picture—of me laughing, of us together, of the view. "Okay, one more,” Anton said, holding up his phone, getting us both into the fram
Anton’s hand brushed softly against the small of my back as we entered the suite, his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary. I looked around, taking in the breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance. Everything about this place felt perfect—luxurious and romantic. The door clicked shut behind us, and the sound echoed in the quiet, intimate space. I placed my purse on the plush chair near the window and took a deep breath, letting the atmosphere of the city sink in. “We’re really here,” I said softly, more to myself than to Anton. Anton chuckled behind me, his arms sliding around my waist. “We are. No distractions. No meetings. Just you, me, and Paris.” I leaned back against him, closing my eyes and enjoying the warmth of his embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, we had no obligations pulling us in different directions. Just us. I turned in his arms, looking up a