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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
An Elegant, modern conference room with glass walls overlooking the city. The room was quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioning. Riccardo was already seated at the large table, reviewing some documents. Vanessa walked in, dressed sharply in a Fine black suit, her expression neutral as she walked in and takes a seat across from him.She had given Lily some extra tasks, so that she wouldn't come with her. Just Incase Riccardo decides to do anything unusual. She was not ready to tell anyone about her past with him. And she's grateful that they've never asked.Riccardo glanced up with a slight nod."Good to see you, Ms. Rodriguez, Thanks for coming."Vanessa let out a polite smile as if she was meeting a stranger. Well, to her, she was."Thank you. Let’s get started, shall we?"Riccardo paused for a moment with furrowed brows."Of course." He cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "I trust you’ve gone over the details of the merger proposal?"Vanessa nodded her h
A NEW CHAPTER Three years later. Ethan and Emma were running around, playing tag with Riccardo, who pretended to struggle to keep up with their speed.“Daddy, you’re too slow!” Emma giggled, darting away as Riccardo reached out to catch her.“Oh, I’ll get you!” Riccardo teased, his playful growl making both kids squeal with delight.Vanessa leaned against the doorframe, cradling her six-month old daughter in her arms. The baby cooed softly, her tiny hands grasping at the edge of Vanessa’s blouse.“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, Sofia?” Vanessa whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s soft hair.The past three years had been a journey of hope, love, and healing. Vanessa’s diagnosis had been a heavy weight, but with Riccardo’s unwavering support, they’d found the best doctors and treatments. Through hard work and a little luck, her. condition had stabilized.“Mommy, come play!” Ethan called, his dark curls bouncing as he ran toward her.Vanessa smiled, walking over with Sofia in
TWO DAYS LATER Vanessa’s heels echoed on the marble floor of her office as she paced back and forth, her phone pressed to her ear. Her movements were sharp, her mind racing. For weeks, she had been gathering evidence against Alexander Grey.He had done too much harm, kidnapping Ethan and Emma, orchestrating the failed attempt on her life, and lurking in the shadows, ready to strike again. But she wouldn’t let him win.Her phone call ended with a click, and she stared out of the large window overlooking the city. The evidence was solid. It wasn’t just a small victory, it was the beginning of the end for Alexander Grey. She took a deep breath, her hands clenching at her sides.“Ms. Rodriguez?” Diego’s voice interrupted her thoughts. He stepped into the office.She turned to him, her voice calm but firm. “It’s time, Diego. I’ve sent everything to the authorities. The files, the recordings, everything. We’re moving forward.”Diego nodded, his respect for Vanessa clear in his eyes. “They’
ONE MONTH LATERThe sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light through the windows of Vanessa’s office. She sat at her desk, focused on reviewing a stack of reports. The past month had been hectic. Riccardo had recovered, Lucas had been relentless in tightening security, and life was slowly falling back into its usual rhythm. But today felt... different.Vanessa glanced at the calendar on her desk. It was her birthday, but she had no plans to celebrate. Birthdays had never been a big deal for her, especially not now when there was so much work to do. She sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as she reached for her pen.A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. “Come in,” she called, expecting Lily or Diego with an update.The door opened, and Emily poked her head in. “Ms. Rodriguez, sorry to bother you, but can I steal you for a moment? There’s a small problem with Ethan and Emma.”Vanessa frowned, setting her pen down. “What’s wrong? When did they get back?"
The warm sunlight streamed into Juliet’s room, touching her skin and making her stir. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking at the brightness filling the space. For a moment, she stayed still, letting the peace of the morning calm her. Then it hit her, like a storm rolling in.She remembered.Her heart began to race as memories came rushing back. She could hear her stepmother’s cold voice, the cruel words that had shattered her world. Juliet had overheard her stepmother plotting to kill her, all for her father’s money and property. The betrayal still burned deep in her chest.Her breathing quickened as more came back to her. The fear. The panic. She could see herself running, her steps fast and desperate as she tried to escape. She had been so scared that she hadn’t noticed the car. She remembered the blinding headlights, the screech of the tires, and the sharp pain when she hit the ground.And then... Romeo.He had been the one to save her. She saw his face in her mind, calm and stro
The quiet hum of the machines filled the room as Vanessa sat by Riccardo’s side, her fingers gently brushing against his cool hand. Each second felt like an eternity as she waited for Lucas. The sound of hurried footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Vanessa glanced up just as the door opened, and Lucas stepped in. His tall frame filled the doorway, his dark eyes scanning the room until they landed on Riccardo. His face, usually composed, twisted with worry and anger.“Vanessa,” Lucas said, his voice low but steady. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, his gaze fixed on Riccardo. “How bad is it?”Vanessa stood, smoothing her hands down her blazer as if it would steady her nerves. “The doctor said he’s stable,” she began, her voice quiet but firm. “The bullet missed his vital organs, but he lost a lot of blood. He hasn’t woken up yet.”Lucas nodded, his jaw tightening. He pulled a chair beside Riccardo’s bed, his hands curling into fists on his lap as he stared at his unconsci
Vanessa paced outside the operating room, her heels clicking softly against the sterile tile floor. She kept her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of her blazer like it was the only thing keeping her together. Lily and Emily sat on the nearby bench, their faces pale and somber. Diego stood close by as he watched the hall for any sign of the doctor."I can’t believe this is happening," Vanessa muttered under her breath, her voice thick with emotion. She stopped pacing and turned toward the small group. "He took a bullet meant for me.""Ms. Rodriguez," Lily said gently, her voice trembling. "It’s not your fault."Vanessa shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "How can it not be? If he hadn’t been there..." Her voice broke, and she quickly looked away, blinking back tears.Emily, sitting with her hands folded tightly in her lap, glanced up. "He’ll pull through," she said, though her voice lacked confidence. "He’s strong, isn’t he?"Vanessa n
The faint sound of the ambulance’s siren echoed in the distance, fading as it disappeared around the corner. Vanessa’s heart raced, a knot forming in her stomach as she turned sharply to face Diego. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper, a mixture of fear and urgency."What hospital is the ambulance heading to?"Diego hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on her before he quickly checked his phone. The seconds stretched painfully. He didn’t need to ask why. Vanessa’s face was pale, her eyes wide with worry, and she was already halfway to her car."The nearest hospital," Diego finally replied, his voice calm but urgent. "Saint Anthony’s.""Let’s follow them." Vanessa’s voice was steady, though the tightness in her chest made her words feel like they were being dragged from her.Before Diego could protest, she was already inside her car, the engine roaring to life as she slammed the door shut. The sleek black vehicle peeled out of the parking lot, its tires screeching against
The workday finally came to a close, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft orange glow over the city. Vanessa stood in her office, the final task of the day weighing on her mind. Emily and Lily had just walked into the room, the slight shuffle of their shoes breaking the silence.Vanessa smiled as she looked at Emily. "Emily, dear. You did well today."Emily blinked in surprise, a soft smile crossing her face. "Really? Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez. I’m happy to help with whatever I can."Vanessa’s eyes softened. "I appreciate it, truly."Lily cleared her throat, her expression eager. "Are you ready? Let’s go."Vanessa nodded, the last-minute decision still fresh in her mind. "We won’t be using the same car today," she said, her voice firm but calm.Lily raised an eyebrow, and Emily’s face faltered for just a moment, but they both said nothing."I’ve already told Diego. He’s brought another car for me," Vanessa added.As they made their way to the parking lot, the evening air wra
Vanessa paced her office, the tension in her chest growing heavier with every second. She couldn’t let this drag on. The mole had to be identified before the end of the day. Picking up her phone, she called Damien.“Vanessa,” Damien’s voice was brisk.“Get to my office now,” she said without preamble. “We have a serious problem.” She added.“I’ll be there in two minutes,” he replied and hung up immediately.Few minutes later,“What’s going on?” Damien asked, shutting the door behind him. “We have a mole,” Vanessa said bluntly. “Someone leaked the designs for our new product to Grey Enterprises. They launched it ahead of us this morning.”Damien’s jaw tightened. “Do we have any leads?”“Not yet,” Vanessa admitted. “But we don’t have time to play detective. I want this person caught before the day ends.”Damien nodded. “Alright. Let’s start with the basics."He pulled out his laptop and placed it on Vanessa’s desk. “We’ll need to narrow it down. Vanessa, do you know exactly which files