FIVE YEARS LATER
Vanessa walked briskly out of her office, with Lily behind her. "Alright. What's on the Agenda for tomorrow?" She asked, her steps not flattering. Lily hurried to keep up with her pace as she replied. "Your first meeting is at 9AM with the marketing team, to discuss the new campaign. Then at 11:00 you have a conference call with the new York's office to go over quarterly report." Vanessa nodded her head. "Got it. Anything else?" She asked, sliding her bag onto her shoulders. "Yes, at 1:00 PM, you have a lunch meeting with Mr. Reynolds from Green Tech about the partnership deal. In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, you need to review the budget proposal with the finance team." "Busy day. What about the contract for the supplier?" She asked as she glanced at her wrist watch. Lily handed a file over to her. "Here it is. It needs your signature before the end of the day. Also don't forget you have a dinner meeting at 7:00 PM with the board members." Vanessa took the file from her. "Thank you. Anything else that's urgent?" She asked. "Just a heads up, there’s a staff meeting at 4:30 PM today to discuss the upcoming product launch." Lily replied. Vanessa sighed. "Noted. Make sure I'm prepped for everything" "Of course, Ms Rodriguez. I'll have all the documents ready for you." "Thanks. I appreciate it" Vanessa smiled briefly. Vanessa was now standing outside the company in front of her car. Diego opened the door for her. Vanessa turned towards Lily. "Anything else?" "That's all for now Ms Rodriguez. I'll send you an email summary just in case." She replied "Perfect. Make sure the reports are on my desk before 8:00 AM" "Absolutely. Have a great afternoon Ms Rodriguez" Lily replied. Vanessa got into the car and Diego shut the door. "Drive Safely" Lily urged him, he gave a small nod acknowledging her words, as he made his way to the driver's seat. He opened the door and got in, the engine's him soon filling the quite Air. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS ACADEMY Diego brought the car to a stop in front of the school. Vanessa got down and made her way inside the building, she met her kids standing just in front of their class room, with their backs turned on her. "Ethan, Emma. Your Mom is here" Vanessa called out, a small smile spreading across her lips. Hearing their mothers voice, they quickly turned around and ran towards her in a speed of light and Vanessa opened her arms, welcoming them warmly. "Mommy!" Emma squealed, throwing her arms around Vanessa's legs. "Hi, sweetheart! Did you have a good day?" Vanessa asked, kneeling down to their level. Ethan nodded enthusiastically. "I painted a dinosaur, and Miss Parker said it was really good!" "That's wonderful, Ethan! And what about you, Emma?" Vanessa asked, turning to her daughter. "I made a new friend," Emma said proudly. "Her name is Rose, and she loves unicorns just like me!" "That's great, Emma! I'm so happy to hear that," Vanessa said, giving them both a hug. "Now, how about we go get some ice cream to celebrate your awesome day?" "Yes, please!" the twins chimed together, their faces lighting up with excitement. As they walked towards the car, Diego, stepped forward and opened the door for them. Vanessa ushered Ethan and Emma inside, then climbed in after them. "Hi, Diego!" the twins chorused. "Hey, kids," Diego replied with a smile. "How was school today?" "I painted a dinosaur!" Ethan exclaimed, his eyes shining bright with excitement. "And I made a new friend named Rose," Emma added proudly. "Sounds like you both had an amazing day," Diego said, starting the car. "Now, let's get you all home." "We'll stop by to get some ice cream" Vanessa informed as she glanced at Diego. "Sure Ma'am." As they drove, the twins continued to talk about all they did at school. Eventually, they reached a cozy ice cream shop across the street from where Diego parked the car. "Alright, I'll be right back with the ice cream," Vanessa said, unbuckling her seatbelt. "What flavors do you two want?" "Chocolate!" Ethan shouted excitedly. "Strawberry for me, please," Emma added with a grin. "Got it," Vanessa said with a smile. She stepped out of the car, and Diego watched her cross the street and enter the shop. Inside the car, Ethan and Emma turned their attention to Diego. "Did you ever paint a dinosaur when you were our age?" Ethan asked curiously. Diego chuckled. "I think I did, but it probably wasn't as good as yours. I wasn't much of an artist." Emma leaned forward. "What was your favorite thing to do when you were little?" "Hmm," Diego mused, "I loved playing soccer with my friends. We'd play for hours in the park." "Maybe we can play soccer with you sometime," Ethan suggested. "I'd like that," Diego said warmly. "Maybe one day soon." A few moments later, Vanessa returned with two ice cream cones in hand. She handed them to the twins, who eagerly took their treats. "Thank you, Mommy!" they said in unison. "You're welcome, my loves," Vanessa replied, settling back into her seat. Diego started the car again and drove off from the area, heading towards the Rodriguez Mansion. Vanessa walked out of her mother's room. She just dropped her kids there because she had somethings to finish up with her work. She met her Dad in the short Hallway that led to the Living room. "Good Afternoon Dad" Vanessa greeted as she gave him a side hug. "Evening my dear. How was your day at the office?" He asked as he guided her towards the living room. "It was Good." "I have something important to discuss with you" he informed. "Sure. What is it?" Vanessa asked curiously. "You're aware that I opened another branch in America few months ago?" He asked. "Yes, I remember" she nodded her head slightly. "I need you to go over to America and take charge of the office there. If it performs well within a year, I'll promote you as the CEO of all my branches in that region," he said. What? America of all places? The name always left a hole in Vanessa's heart, because she could still remember what she had to go through there. It was still fresh in her memory like it just happened yesterday. Even though she had tried her best to forget about everything. "What do you think dear?" Her father's voice brought her out of her reverie. She stared at him in silence, her jaw tightening.Vanessa stared at her father, not knowing what to say."But Dad...""You don't have to worry about that. I'll surely protect you this time" he reassured her."Why did you suddenly want me to work there?" She asked. She could remember that her cousin was in charge there."Your Cousin...I have some intels that he's laundering the companies money and selling some of our information to our rivals" He informed, his face now scrunching up in anger."What? Why would he do that?" Vanessa asked as she took a step closer towards her dad."I don't know yet. But you'll help me find out right?" He asked, staring at her hopefully."Dad..." Vanessa drawled as she sighed."Please my dear"Vanessa stared at her father right in the eyes. He only adds the word 'Please' when things have gotten really hard for him. He was someone who always liked doing things himself, not depending on others.And over the years, she's learnt to fight for her survival and fight her way to the top. Just like her father had a
Vanessa's heart pounded as she hurried through the bustling lobby of the hospital, her heels echoing on the tiled floor. She dodged around people, her eyes fixed on the receptionist desk.Reaching it, she leaned slightly against the counter, trying to catch her breath. The receptionist looked up, giving her a polite questioning smile."I'm here to see Veronica Rodriguez." She said, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.The receptionist finger flew over the keyboard."Are you family?" She asked glancing up."Yes. I'm her daughter." Vanessa replied."Take the elevator to the first floor and turn to your left. Room 102 will be on your right." "Thank you" Vanessa replied already moving towards the elevator.As she stood in front of the room, she took in a deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.She met her Mom lying on the bed, with an IV drip connected to her. She looked pale, but her eyes were open. Her dad seating beside her on a small chair."Mom" she called
A wave of Anxiety washed over Vanessa, her eyes seemed to be stuck on the figure. As if on Cue, he also looked her way. His eyes seemed to widen for a moment. They both stood there, staring at each other. The whole world seemed to Blur behind them.Vanessa felt the rapid thumping of her chest, that she feared her heart might pop out. Slowly, she folded her hands into a fist, her gaze turning Dark.Riccardo on the other hand stood motionlessly on the street at he stared at the woman through the Transparent glass doors of the Grocery shop. It felt as if he had just seen a ghost and for a moment he doubted if she was actually the one. His breath became erratic as he struggled to keep himself composed. He closed his eyes and took in a long deep breath. When he opened it, she was still there staring back at him. So, his eyes weren't deceiving him, she was really there. His Ex Wife, who he had dirvoced unfairly. Why was she back after all these years? He had searched for her for months, bu
"Hi, thank you for coming. Please have a seat." Vanessa ushered her in, gesturing at the couch with a small smile plastered on her face. They both settled down opposite each other and Lily stood behind Vanessa. "Thank you, Ms. Vanessa. It's nice to meet you." "Likewise. So, tell me a bit about yourself and why you're interested in this babysitting position." She requested, her smile not faltering. "Sure. My name is Emily, and I'm a senior in high school. I don't have any formal babysitting experience, but I love kids and have often looked after my younger cousins. I'm really responsible and eager to learn." She explained, with utmost enthusiasm. "That's good to hear." Vanessa nodded her head. "How do you think you'd handle challenging situations, like if my kids throw a tantrum? "Well, with my cousins, I usually try to stay calm and figure out what they're upset about. I distract them with their favorite toys or activities and try to talk to them in a calm voice." "If they nee
Diego brought the car to a halt in front of a building. "We're here." He informed her, and Vanessa looked up from the files she was busy reading. She stepped down from her sleek black car, adjusting her cream shirt as she took confident strides towards the building. "Lily, make sure we have all the contract details. This negotiation is crucial." "Of course, Ms. Rodriguez, I've reviewed everything twice. Mr. Harris is expecting us in conference room B." Lily replied, following closely behind her carrying a tablet. Vanessa nods, her heels clicking against the marble floor of the lobby. "Good. What are their key concerns?" She asked. Lily quickened her pace to match Vanessa's, glancing at the tablet. "They’re primarily focused on pricing and the length of the contract. They want more flexibility." Vanessa reached the elevator and pressed the button. "Perfect. We'll emphasize the value we bring and find a middle ground on the contract terms." Lily let out a small smile, a
"Vanessa, How have you been?" Riccardo couldn't stop himself from asking as he stared at the woman who sat opposite him.If he wasn't mistaken, he saw the look of hatred flash across her eyes. It was just for a split of second."I'm Sorry. Have you known me previously?" She raised her brows as she questioned.Riccardo's stared at her wordlessly. She was behaving strange. Wait! What was he expecting? That she'd say 'I'm fine. It's been a very long time' He mentally faced palmed himself for asking such question. But still, why was she pretending not to know him."Hello. You seem lost!" She snapped. "I guess you have a lot of things going on, on your mind. I'll get going. We'll reschedule the meeting for next time." She added rising up from where she sat.Without giving him a chance to speak, she walked out of the room. Lily glanced at Riccardo before following Vanessa outside.Riccardo's stared at her retreating figure. She carries herself with so much Poise and Elegance.But he could
LUCAS'S MANSIONRiccardo's stood in front of Lucas's door and rang the bell. Soon the door was opened and it revealed Lucas' face."Riccardo. Come in." He ushered, stepping away from the door."Good evening" he greeted, making his way inside the house.Lucas replied with a slight nod. As they walked inside the living room, Riccardo saw Camille seated on the couch with a big bag in front of her."Camille. How are you doing?" He asked, walking closer towards her."Hey, Riccardo." She stood, and they both shared a short hug."What did you buy this time?" He asked staring at the bag in front of her."Facial products." She replied, seating back down on the couch.She brought one out and showed it to Riccardo."Wow." He muttered."I thought you liked fancy products?" He asked, now taking a seat beside her on the couch."Nope. I go for quality." She replied, as she twirled the Jar in the hands."So. How do you know it is?" He asked."One of my friends recommended it." She handed one to him.
"You don't have to be so sarcastic, Damien." Vanessa turned around to face him."I was sure that will grab your attention more." He took a step closer towards her and gave her a side hug which she returned."How have you been doing?" She asked, staring up at him as she took a step away from him."I'm Great. You?" He asked."Good. This is the contract deal from Mr Harris." She stated, turning back to take a bunch of files from Lily before handing it over to him."Wow. That was fast." He muttered, taking it from her."I guess that's all. I'll be heading to my office now." With that she walked off with Lily.Entering, her office it was already neat and well arranged. She settled down on the swivel chair in front the table. She placed her bag on the table.She turned on her system, they were a lot of pending works that needed approval. She quickly got down to her job with utmost concentration.Vanessa didn't know how much time passed because she was so engrossed in her work, until Lily wa
Vanessa’s OfficeVanessa sat at her sleek glass desk, her fingers tapping softly against the keyboard of her laptop. The hum of the air conditioning filled the room, blending with the faint rustle of papers on her desk. The muted city sounds filtered through the large floor-to-ceiling windows behind her, casting long shadows across her pristine office. Despite the calm around her, Vanessa’s mind was anything but at ease.A sharp knock broke through the quiet. She paused, lifting her head as her dark eyes flickered toward the door.“Come in,” she called, her voice steady.The door creaked open, and Lily stepped inside, her beige blazer slightly wrinkled as if she had rushed up the stairs. Her usually bright demeanor was replaced by something more subdued, her expression careful.“What is it? Any news?” Vanessa asked, her voice clipped and to the point. She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest as she studied her assistant’s face.“Yes,” Lily said, hesitating for a
LUCAS’S MANSION: LIVING ROOMLeila sat in the middle of the plush leather couch, her eyes fixed on the large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The headlines flashed in bold letters: ROYALS ARRESTED FOR MULTIPLE CRIMES. The images accompanying the news showed Monica and Robert Royal being led out of their mansion in handcuffs. Their faces, once filled with arrogance and power, were now masks of shock and humiliation.Leila’s face was unreadable, her expression cold and distant. Her hands rested on her lap, fingers loosely intertwined, but her knuckles were slightly white from the pressure she didn’t realize she was applying. The faint hum of the air conditioning filled the silent room, but her mind was elsewhere, consumed by the events unfolding before her.She had expected this moment for a long time, and now that it was here, it brought her no joy. The Royals were getting what they deserved, but she knew this was just the beginning. The evidence leaked online was only a fraction of
ROYALS MANSIONMonica adjusted her blazer in front of the full-length mirror, her polished heels clicking against the marble floor as she paced the room. The quiet hum of the central air conditioning was the only sound as the grand clock on the wall ticked steadily. Her handbag rested on the arm of the plush leather couch, ready for the day ahead.She took a final look around the living room, the modern decor gleaming under the soft glow of the crystal chandelier. Everything about the Royals Mansion screamed wealth and status, from the white marble floors to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.With a deep breath, she grabbed her bag and turned toward her husband, Robert, who sat leisurely on the couch. A steaming cup of coffee rested on the glass table in front of him, untouched, as he scrolled through his tablet with a calm demeanor."I'm heading out now," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nervous energy. “Wish me luck for today.”R
VANESSA'S OFFICE : NINE A.MVanessa paced the length of her office, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor as she held her phone to her ear. Her reflection in the large window showed her furrowed brow and the way her fingers tugged at the hem of her blazer.“Lily, make sure everything is set up. I don’t want any surprises at this press conference,” Vanessa said sharply, the tension in her voice was unmistakable.“Understood, Ms. Rodriguez,” Lily replied on the other end of the line. “The venue is ready, and the media has been briefed. You just need to arrive.”Vanessa let out a breath, nodding to herself. “Good. Thank you.” She ended the call and set the phone down on her desk.Emily, who had been sitting on the couch, looked up from her phone. “You okay?”Vanessa paused, her hands resting on the back of her chair. “Not really. This press conference could make or break the company. If I don’t handle this right, we’re done for.”Emily stood and walked over, her confidence
NEXT MORNINGThe shrill ringing of Vanessa’s phone jolted her awake. She groaned softly, rubbing her eyes as she tried to push herself up from the warm cocoon of her bed. Squinting at the screen, she noticed three missed calls from Lily.A quick glance at the clock on her nightstand confirmed it was just six a.m.“Why is Lily calling me so early?” she muttered, her voice heavy with sleep.She sat on the edge of her bed, her bare feet brushing against the cool tiled floor, and dialed Lily back. The phone barely rang twice before Lily picked up.“Good morning, Ms. Rodriguez,” Lily greeted, though her voice lacked its usual cheerfulness.“Morning, Lily. What’s wrong?” Vanessa asked, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach.“Ms. Rodriguez, you need to check the trending news,” Lily said, her tone sounding more serious than usual.Vanessa frowned. “What news?” She asked calmly, trying to braze herself for whatever Lily had to say.“It’s all over the internet. I think it’s better you see
FEW MINUTES LATERVanessa grabbed her bag and cast one last glance at Riccardo. His face was unreadable, his dark eyes steady as he stood by the doorway."I'm leaving," she said, adjusting her bag on her shoulder."I’ll come back to pick Emily later," she added firmly."Sure," Riccardo replied, his voice calm and steady. "Stay safe."Vanessa gave a small nod, muttered, “I will,” and headed out the door.Outside, the cool evening air greeted her. Diego stood near the car, his posture straight as ever. The moment he saw her, he moved quickly to open the car door."Thank you," she said, stepping inside. The faint scent of leather filled the air as she settled into her seat.Diego climbed into the driver’s seat and glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Where’s Emily?" he asked."She’s staying at Riccardo’s for now. I’ll pick her up later," Vanessa replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked out the window.Diego nodded silently. After a moment, he asked, “Where to?”
Vanessa pushed open the door to the guest room. The bright overhead bulb illuminated the space, making the white walls appear even more pristine. She expected to see Emily fast asleep, curled up under the neatly folded comforter. Instead, Emily sat cross-legged on the bed, her phone in her hands, scrolling leisurely.Vanessa paused in the doorway, tilting her head. “Why did you say you needed a nap if you’re not even sleeping?”Emily looked up, a playful smile on her lips. “I realized you both needed to talk. So, I gave you privacy.”Vanessa blinked, taken aback by the bluntness of her response. She stepped further into the room, closing the door gently behind her. “Wow,” she said after a moment. “That’s... unexpected.”Emily shrugged, setting her phone aside. “It wasn’t a big deal. You both looked like you had things to say.”Vanessa sat down at the edge of the bed, her movements slow as she processed Emily’s words. “Well, thank you. That was thoughtful of you.”“No problem.” Emily’s
Vanessa glanced around the house as Riccardo led Emily toward the living room. She had only been here once before, and that was under far different circumstances, desperate and frantic, begging him to help find her missing kids and Emily. The house still felt foreign, despite its warm lighting and elegant decor. The scent of polished wood and faint cologne lingered in the air, a reminder of Riccardo’s presence everywhere.She followed them into the spacious living room. The walls were lined with tall bookshelves, the shelves neatly filled, and a large painting hung above the stone fireplace. Vanessa took a hesitant seat on the soft gray couch, her posture stiff. Emily, on the other hand, settled in comfortably, running her fingers over the plush throw pillows.“Ms. Rodriguez, this house is so beautiful,” Emily said, turning her head to glance at Vanessa with wide, admiring eyes.“Yes, it is,” Vanessa replied simply, her gaze briefly flickering to Riccardo, who was pouring tea from a s
Two hours later, Vanessa leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she glanced at the time on her laptop screen. It had been a long day, and the weight of it was beginning to settle in. She was just about to shut her laptop when a soft knock came at her door."Ms. Rodriguez, are you done for today?" Emily’s voice came through as she peeked in.Vanessa glanced up with a small smile. "Yes, dear. I’m just about to wrap up."Before she could finish, the door opened wider, and Lily walked in with Emily now standing beside her, both carrying the faint energy of people eager to leave for the day. Vanessa clicked her laptop shut and rose from her swivel chair, picking up her jacket from the back of it. She took a moment to stretch, rolling her shoulders as she approached them.But as she moved, her mind drifted back to Riccardo. She’d been curt with him earlier, perhaps too curt. A twinge of guilt poked at her chest.Was I too harsh? she wondered. He had helped her find her children, a