Vanessa sat on the couch, watching the morning news. The TV's soft light shone on her face. She wore a cozy grey sweater and a black pants, her dark hair tied back.Xavier walked out of the guest room, stretching his arms and yawning. His worn-out clothes showed he'd just rolled out of bed.Vanessa glanced back, smiling warmly. "Good morning, Xavier. You're finally awake." She said.Xavier rubbed his eyes. "I overslept. Why didn't you wake me?" He asked, heading towards the kitchen."You needed rest." Vanessa replied, her eyes still glued to the television.Xavier smiled slightly. "Thanks." He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of cold water, and drank it all.Soon, the coffee smell caught his attention. "You made coffee?" he asked.Vanessa nodded her eyes still on the TV. "Thought you could use it."Xavier poured a cup, took a sip, and closed his eyes, enjoying it. "Perfect." He said, he walked out of the kitchen and proceeded to the living room to seat beside Vanessa on the couc
Riccardo scanned his eyes through the documents spread across his desk. His fingers flying across the page as he scrutinized every detail. The soft hum of the air conditioner faded into the back ground as his focus remained solely on the financial reports.The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, but the coffee remained untouched and it was beginning to grow cold.His suit jacket slumped over the back of his swivel chair. There was a knock on the door, and a minute later, the door creaked open and his assistant Marco walked in."More files, sir." Marco announced his voice low and professional.Riccardo nodded his head, not looking up. Marco approached his desk, the soft rustling of papers accompanying his steps."Signatures required, sir." Marco continued, placing the files beside Riccardo's elbow. "The Johnson acquisition and the quarterly tax reports."Riccardo finger paused, his gaze flickering to the new stack of files. "Leave me." He muttered, already immersed in the do
Leila was quick to dirvert her gaze away from them, she glanced at Lucas and he didn't seem to notice their presence, and she felt grateful for that.Her eyes gently wandered around the Luxurious hall, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Long tables were adorned with an exquisite array of delicacies.Lucas with his calm demeanor, paused beside one of the lavish displays, he picked up two glasses filled with wine, offering one to Leila with a smile.She took it from him, her hands brushly slightly against his hands. She whispered a small thank you and he responded with a hum.Soon, Lucas was now engaged in a polite conversation with a well dressed group of business associates. Leila stood beside Lucas, listening attentively and gaining some ideas."Let's find a place to seat, shall we?" Lucas asked, as the conversation came to an end.Leila nodded her head as Lucas guided her towards an unoccupied table in the hall.Leila returned his gesture with a grateful smile, settling into the
Vanessa walked out of her kids room after putting them to sleep. Emily had already gone home earlier, she was not sleeping over today. She proceeded to her room, pushing her door open, she walked in and pushed her weight onto the bed with a small sigh.After seating on her bed for a while, she stood up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Few minutes later, Vanessa walked out of her bathroom and just then, her phone binged signifying a message.Picking up her phone from the nightstand, she saw that it was a message from Lily.'Check your Email' The message read.***Vanessa sat on her chair in front of her table, her eyes scanning through her email for Lily's message. She finally saw it and then clicked on 'open.'The message stated that her personal Doctor who attended to her in Spain was currently working in America and she could go to the hospital for her monthly check-up.Vanessa sighed in relief as she read the message. It was a good thing that she was here now. She picked up
HUDSON'S MANSIONLucas brought his car to a stop in front of his family house. He turned off the engine and stepped down, quickly running to the other side to open the door for Leila."Thanks." She muttered as soon as she stepped down.Lucas placed his hands behind her back as he led her in. As they entered the living room, Leila saw the woman she guessed to be Lucas's Mom. She quickly sprang to her feet as soon as she laid her eyes on them."Oh, Leila, darling! It's so wonderful to finally meet you. Lucas has told me so much about you." Mrs Hudson said with a wide smile."Nice to meet you too, Mrs Hudson. Your home is beautiful." Leila smiled.Mrs Hudson beamed. "Thank you dear. I've heard great things about you. Lucas says you're a great match for him." She gushed.Leila smiled as she glanced at Lucas who was also staring at her."I've just prepared lunch, come join me." She invited, gesturing towards the dinning room.They followed quietly behind her, as they approached the dinning
It's been two months, two months since the death and burial of Riccardo's Grandfather. Vanessa had attended the burial to pay her respects to the deceased. Riccardo had not been his usual self since his death. It sounded weird for Vanessa to say, but she understood his plight. He had lost his parents at a very young age, his grandfather was the only family member he had left, so loosing him was definitely a hard blow to Riccardo.After the burial, Riccardo had been staying in his Grandfather's house for the time being, until one day, maybe he couldn't take it anymore, he left. No one could find him anywhere, not even his family's butler, not even his best friend Lucas, his PA Marco wasn't even aware.Lucas later found out that he had left the country, it's been two months and Vanessa had not set her eyes on him. She wondered how his company was doing, wondered how his grandfather would feel seeing him that way... So sad and broken.It felt stupid, but Vanessa also wondered if he felt
"Is that how you welcome me?" He asked with a small smile, his both hands tucked into the pocket of his trouser.Vanessa creased her brows. "Welcome you? What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, not finding it funny."Nothing, it's not supposed to mean anything. I just came to tell you that I'm back. You can go ahead and schedule a meeting for our partnership." With that being said, he turned around and walked off before Vanessa decides to chase him out.Vanessa on the other hand looked stunned as she stared at his retreating figure. 'Did Riccardo just come all the way here to tell her that?'Pushing the thought aside, she stepped away from her door and shut it, making her way back to the dining room to continue with her lunch.Her kids and Emily were already done with their meal."Alright, Alright." Vanessa clapped her hands."Go get dressed, we'll be going to the cinema today." She informed her kids."Really, Mom?" Ethan asked, a hint of anticipation in his voice."Of course, baby
Luckily for Riccardo, his driver arrived almost immediately and quickly guided him into his car before some reporters decides to use him as the headline tomorrow.The ride to his home was a quite one, because Riccardo who was now looking drunk didn't utter any words, he just kept staring out of his window. When he finally looked away, his hands reached for a bottle of water beside him.As he uncapped the bottle, he gulped down the water in one go. And that seemed to help him a little.He glanced at his driver who was focused on the road before him."Drive me to my penthouse instead." He requested, before gently placing his head against the headboard.His driver took a peek at him from the mirror with a small nod.An hour later, they arrived at garage of his penthouse. His driver quickly alighted from the car, and proceeded to the other door, to open it for Riccardo."Thanks, you may leave me." Riccardo muttered as soon as he stepped out of his car. He began making his way towards his
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
The restaurant buzzed with quiet conversation, and the ambient lighting made everything feel intimate yet professional. Vanessa stepped inside, her tailored navy-blue dress exuding confidence. Her sharp heels clicked against the polished floor as a hostess guided her to the reserved table.Mr. Kenwood stood when she approached, offering a polite smile. “Ms. Rodriguez, always a pleasure.”Vanessa extended her hand. “Mr. Kenwood, thank you for meeting me.”He gestured to her chair, and she sat gracefully. A waiter appeared, pouring wine into their glasses and presenting the menus.“You’ve been keeping quite busy, I hear,” Kenwood said, sitting across from her.Vanessa nodded, her fingers resting lightly on the menu. “That’s one way to put it. Expansion doesn’t happen without a bit of chaos.”“Chaos is an understatement in your case.” He chuckled. “I’ve seen your numbers. Impressive growth, but it comes with risks, doesn’t it?”Vanessa met his gaze, her tone steady. “It does. But calcula
Diego brought the car to a gentle stop in front of the company building. Vanessa stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. Lily followed closely behind, carrying a tablet and a folder, while Emily trailed them with an eager smile. Diego nodded and drove off to park the car in the designated lot.The glass facade of the building gleamed under the morning sunlight, and Emily tilted her head up to admire it.“This place is stunning,” Emily said quietly, taking in the sleek design and bustling energy of the entrance. It was her third visit here, but she still felt a sense of awe.Vanessa smiled at her enthusiasm. “Ready to get to work?” she asked as they walked through the rotating glass doors.Inside, the lobby buzzed with activity. Employees moved with purpose, their voices mingling with the faint hum of computers and phones.Vanessa glanced at Lily as they headed for the elevator. “Lily, what’s my schedule for today?”Before Lily could respond, Emily piped
Vanessa woke to the warm rays of sunlight streaming across her bed. She blinked a few times, her vision clearing as the golden light bathed the room in a soft glow. Stretching her arms over her head, she let out a long sigh and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.Padding across the cool wooden floor, she made her way to the large window. She pulled the curtains open fully, letting the sunlight flood in. The view of the busy city stretched out below, alive with the early morning hum of cars and distant chatter. Vanessa stood for a moment, taking it in, before turning toward the bathroom to start her day.The scent of lavender soap filled the air as she finished her shower. She wrapped herself in a soft towel and stepped out, her skin still damp and cool from the water. Dressing in comfortable jeans and a light sweater, she tied her hair into a loose bun before heading to the kitchen.The kitchen smelled faintly of coffee from the day before, and Vanessa immediately set to work. Th
Vanessa adjusted her coat as she walked out of the hotel room. Emily followed closely, her steps quick to match Vanessa's pace, while Lily and Diego trailed behind. The morning air was crisp, and the sound of their shoes echoed in the quiet hallway.Emily had been staying with them ever since her school closed for the year. Her parents were constantly traveling, leaving her alone in their large house. So, when Vanessa suggested Emily come along to her company, she jumped at the chance.Outside, Diego opened the door to a sleek black van parked in front of the hotel. Vanessa helped Emily climb in before settling into her seat. Lily slid in beside her, while Diego took the driver’s seat. The van purred to life as Diego drove out of the parking lot, blending into the light traffic of the morning.Emily turned to Vanessa, her voice hesitant. “Ms. Rodriguez, are you sure this is a good idea?”Vanessa glanced at her and smiled softly. “Trust me, it won’t be bad at all,” she said reassuringl
Vanessa pushed her chair back slightly and turned to her kids. “Emma, Ethan, how’s the food?”Ethan, with his mouth full of bread, gave her a thumbs up, while Emma nodded enthusiastically. “Grandma’s food is the best!” she declared, grinning at their grandmother, who beamed with pride.Vanessa chuckled softly, shaking her head. The warmth in the room was almost enough to make her forget her troubles. Almost.Her mother sat down, smoothing her apron as she did. “Vanessa, are you staying long this time?”Vanessa hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “No. I have a lot things to take care of." She replied with a small sigh.Her mother studied her for a moment, her sharp eyes catching the tension in her daughter’s posture. “If there’s anything you need to talk about, you know I’m here,” she said gently.Vanessa forced a smile, nodding. “I know, Mom Thank you for being here."Ethan piped up, breaking the somber moment. “Can we go to the beach tomorrow, Mommy? Please?”Vanessa ruffled