Vanessa's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to face him. For a moment, the world around her seemed to blur, leaving only the familiar, kind face of Riccardo's grandfather in focus. He looked older than she remembered, but his warm eyes and gentle smile were the same."Grandpa," Vanessa breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.He took a few steps closer, his cane tapping lightly on the ground. "Vanessa, my dear," he said, his voice filled with affection. "It’s been too long."Vanessa swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to cry. "I didn’t expect to see you here," she said, her voice wavering. "How have you been?""I could ask you the same," he replied, his eyes searching her face. "But first, come here. Let me take a good look at you."Without hesitation, Vanessa closed the distance between them, feeling a lump in her throat as he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "You’ve always been like a granddaughter to me," he said softly. "And I’ve missed you.""I’ve missed you t
The cool evening air of New York City welcomed Juliet as she walked down the airplane stairs. Despite her mixed emotions, her steps were steady, echoing against the ground beneath her. She took a deep breath, allowing the city's lively spirit to fill her, as she prepared for the challenges ahead. She continued forward.It's been five years since some tragic events made her leave the country.But now she was back, and she planned to stay here after the burial of her father.She didn't plan on leaving sadly this time around. She'll fight for her happiness, whatever it takes after all, she had nothing else to loose. All her loved ones were already gone."You're the driver right?" She asked a middle aged man, as she stood in front of the black car. She recognized it as the one she booked online."Yes Ma'am" he nodded. "Let me help you with your bag" he walked over to her side as he put her luggages inside the boot of the car. The cool air was still hitting her across her face gently.She
As Juliet pushed the door open, her gaze fell upon a terrifying scene, a man, his hands wrapped around the lifeless legs of a woman, shoving her body beneath the bed. The grim scene left little doubt, he had taken her life and was now attempting to conceal the evidence.His head snapped up, eyes locking onto Juliet's and she found herself face to face with a cold, merciless expression that seemed to freeze the blood in her veins. Panicked, she spun around, desperate to escape the horror she had just witnessed. She needed to flee this room, to leave behind any trace of the nightmare unfolding before her.Before she could reach the safety of the doorway, a strong hand grasped her arm roughly, jerking her backwards. The door slammed shut with a resounding thud, and her back collided with the solid wood, forcing the breath from her lungs. His arms rose, caging her between his muscular forearms that pinned her against the unyielding surface.His eyes, filled with a darkness that made her s
Leila's eyes fluttered open slowly, the remnants of her dream, still clinging onto her consciousness. She felt disoriented, her surroundings seemed Blur.But as her vision cleared, the stark reality of her situation came crashing down around her like a tidal wave. She wasn't in her room, she was in a hospital bed, surrounded by sterile white walls and the quiet hum of medical equipment.Panic surged through her, making her heart race in her chest as she struggled to make sense out of what was happening.How had she ended up here? And more importantly, was she okay?"I'll go get the doctor," a voice broke through her thoughts, drawing Leila's attention to the figure standing by her bedside. It was a nurse, she realized, her voice calm and reassuring despite the urgency in her tone.Leila nodded weakly, her throat dry and scratchy as she tried to form words. "Thank you," she managed to croak out, her voice barely above a whisper.With a gentle smile, the nurse disappeared from view, lea
Vanessa walked into her company, with Lily beside her. She was dressed in a blue cooperate gown and a pair of black heels. The sound of her heels resounding as she made her way towards the elevator that led to her office. As she passed by, her workers kept greeting and complimenting her, and she replied with a slight nod of her head."Good morning, Ms. Rodriguez.""Welcome, Ms. Rodriguez.""You look stunning, Ma."Vanessa smiled at all their greetings. "Thank you." She replied with a small smile. Standing in front of the elevator, she pressed the button and waited for it patiently."Ms. Rodriguez. I just received a mail from the office of Mr. Carter." Lily informed.Just then, the elevator doors swung open, and they both walked in."They informed me that Mr. Carter had just passed away, and you are being invited for the burial, which is being held tomorrow." Vanessa's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as the unexpected news hit her. She felt her heart skip a beat, her
Tears rolled down uncontrollable from Leila's cheek as the reality of her situation dawned on her.Her grandmother was dead. Her friend was alive but now deaf. She'll never let the ROYALS go scout free after ruining her family like this! Her once peaceful life had suddenly turned to a tragedy overnight.She stared up at Hayley and tears were rolling down her cheeks too as she sobbed. Leila brought her hands towards Hayley's face and began wiping her tears away."Don't Cry, Alright." She coaxed, but more tears slipped down her own eyes, knowing her friend coudn't hear her.But she made up her mind not to keep crying. The ROYALS weren't crying when they ruined her life like this. And Crying wasn't going to help her or Hayley recover from the damage they've cost them.She couldn't help but wonder what would have been their faith if Lucas hadn't found them.She suddenly removed her hands from Hayley's own, and she wiped her tears away with the back of her palm. She then stood up with det
Three Days LaterLeila stood in front of Hayley's ward as she recalled her conversation with Lucas.FLASHBACK "What do you mean by that?" Leila asked, confusion etched on the features of her face."I believe that you fully understood what I meant," Lucas shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. Leila stared at him in surprise. Well, what did she expect? After saving her life and paying for her hospital bills, she didn't expect him to let her go freely. If you're wondering how she knew, she had asked a nurse the previous day, and she said it was Lucas that brought her here and also paid for all the expenses, including the emergency surgery. "He must really have a lot of money to be able to afford all these," Leila thought inwardly."I'm talking to you," Lucas said as he waved his hand in front of Leila's face, and she blinked her eyes before facing him."Huh!, What did you say?" She asked"Take your time and think about my proposal; I'll be waiting for your response," he sai
Leila heart thumped loudly against her ribcage as she dashed out of Hayley's room. Her mind swirling with worry as she frantically searched around the Hallway for her. Before she could fully make her way out of the hallway. She came face to face with Hayley and a nurse. Relief washed over her like a wave.The tension that had gripped Leila earlier released in a rush as she exhaled deeply. She let out the breath she didn't know she had been holding. She had not realized how tightly she had been holding on until that moment."You're here," Leila muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her words carrying the weight of her apprehension.The nurse nodded her head gently, acknowledging their unexpected encounter. Her Calm demeanor provided a sense of calm for Leila. Her presence reassured her that her friend was safe, admist the Chaos of her swirling emotions."Yes. She wanted to take a stroll." The nurse replied, her tone professional, yet tinged with a hint of concern, as she gestured