Vanessa quickly stood straight, she then pushed Ethan and Emma behind her, as if trying to hide them from Riccardo's gaze.The anger she had been trying to subside seemed to be rising, and she balled her hands into a tight fist. She stared up at him with a death glare."What are you doing with my kids?" She asked, her voice rising higher than she intended. "Mommy! We got lost, and he helped us find you." Ethan explained, tugging at Vanessa's dress. She spared him a glance before turning back to meet Riccardo's gaze. There was a look in his eyes that she couldn't quite decipher."So, you're their mother?" He asked slowly, his eyes remained on her kids, before he slowly moved his gaze back to her."Your kids said alot about you. Obviously, they are very proud of having you as their mother." He stated, his gaze expressionless.Vanessa knew her kids well. They don't normally talk to strangers, not to talk of having a conversation such as this one.Grabbing their both hands, she turned ar
"Are you okay, Bro?" Lucas asked, pulling Riccardo away from the box of gifts and leading him towards the couch in his office."Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." He replied, still in a daze.Lucas quickly went to get the first aid kit. He knelt down in front of Riccardo and began treating his finger injury. After putting some medications on it, he put a finger bandage on it."Do you think I deserve this? It's been years already." Riccardo asked lowly, a wave of sorrow washing over him. Lucas shrugged in reply."Words." Riccardo said."Yes, you do." Lucas said. Riccardo quickly stared up at him, a hint of surprise dancing across his eyes."You hurt her so badly, so you should allow her have her fun now." "Fun? You call this fun?" Riccardo raised a brow in a questioning manner."Yeah. This is one of the most iconic birthday gifts ever." Lucas muttered with a smile, walking back to Riccardo's table.He took out his phone from his pocket and took a picture of the gift."Why are you taking a pictur
She quickly snapped out of her trance and approached him slowly. Just then, the worker Riccardo was speaking with left."Hey, Riccardo." She called, now standing behind him.He turned around. "What are you doing here?" She asked lowly.The calm look on Riccardo's face had already dissipated and it was now replaced with a cold Icy one."I didn't realize that you were now keeping tabs on me." He stated."I'm not. I just happened to pass by." She explained."Better. I'll take my leave now." He said, turning around to leave but Tiffany held his arms.He stopped in his tracks and turned to stare at her, his Icy Gaze boring holes into her body. She shuddered as she let go of his arm."What are you doing here?" She managed to ask, a hint of anticipation in her voice."That's none of your business. And what are you doing here?" He asked with a hint of amusement dancing around his eyes.Tiffany took a step back in embarrassment as she finally understood his words. So, he was also here just for
Juliet stared at him with surprise etched on her facial features."Why?" Her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, staring up at him.He Straightened up, his face going back to being cold. "Because you're the perfect candidate." He stated, taking two steps away from her bed side."What makes you think that I am?" She raised an eyebrow."You're not here to question me, Are you?" He asked, his gaze piercing hers."I'll think about it." Juliet muttered.He smirked darkly. "You should take you're time." He said then paused.Juliet breathed out in relief but his next words caught her off guard."Outside the hospital.""What? Are you so Ruthless." She scoffed, the fact that she needed help didn't even seem to bother him."That's my nature." He shrugged, nonchalant as usual.Juliet slowly threw her legs to the ground, she stood from her bed, trying to keep her legs balanced. She took a step forward, but she fell and hit her head on the nightstand beside her bed."Ouch." She groaned
Juliet's eyes snapped open, and she gasped for air, her chest heaving as she struggled to breathe. Her heart racing, she tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillow. Panic set in as she found it extremely hard to breathe, her fingers trembled.Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, the door swung open, and a nurse rushed in, concern etched on her face. "Juliet, oh my goodness, what's happening?" she exclaimed, hurrying to the bedside.Juliet's lips moved, but no words came out. She pointed to at her IV tube, her eyes pleading for help. The nurse quickly disconnected it from her hand."I'll get the doctor, hang on!" the nurse shouted, already turning to sprint out of the room.Juliet's vision began to blur, and she felt herself being pulled under. She tried to call out, but her voice was barely a whisper. The nurse's footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing fainter as Juliet's world darkened.Soon, she felt something warm pour
LUMINA LUXE COSMETICSLeila sat in her office dressed in a black pants and suit, she left her hair to fall behind her shoulders, and she looked stunning with her light makeup.Different files were scattered across her table. She had a lot of pending jobs to take care of. Her Business was still new in the market, so she had to work extremely hard to be able to deliver the best.She wanted her Products to be Great and refreshing for her customers who would purchase it.After signing her signatures and uploading some files, she also had to go to the production department to see how things were going.She suddenly remembered what Lucas said about securing a deal with V&V ENTERPRISES. She quickly picked up the landline and dialed the receptionist number which Lucas had given to her."Hello.""Good Afternoon, this is Leila from Lumina Luxe Cosmetics," she introduced."How can I help you?" The receptionist asked."I want to book an appointment with Ms. Rodriguez.""I'm Sorry, Ms. Rodrigu
Vanessa's heart skipped a beat as she opened the door to find Riccardo standing there, holding her kids' hands. She felt a flutter in her chest, but quickly pushed it aside. She didn't want to show him how he still affected her. She stood up straight, trying to look calm, and forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes.Vanessa's hands gripped the door handle tightly, hiding her trembling. She didn't want to let him see how nervous he made her.For a moment, she thought that her eyes were playing a trick on her."Mummy!" But hearing her kids giggling voices, convinced her that it was real.She ignored Riccardo and crouched down to their level."Babies, What have I told you about talking to strangers?" She asked, removing their hands from Riccardo's."Mommy... He's not a stranger, he's our Da...""Shh. Baby, he's a stranger." Vanessa said, cutting Ethan off before he could finish his statement."How was school today?" Vanessa asked, smiling slowly."It was great, Mommy! We made new frien
ST. MARTINS HOSPITAL Romeo sat in front of the surgery room, patiently waiting for when the surgery would be over. He had been sitting there for more than an hour, and still, the doctor had not yet come out. It felt weird to see himself waiting at the hospital for his worker. This was so unlike him. He was supposed to be engrossed in his work by now, but here he was hoping that his new secretary doesn't die just after a week she started to work for him. After what felt like hours, the doctor finally stepped out with the nurses behind him. Romeo immediately rose from his seat. "How is she?" He asked, staring at the doctor, he could still perceive the smell of blood and drugs on him. "She's currently out of danger. Can we talk more in my office?" The doctor asked, gesturing in a particular direction. "Yes. Sure." Romeo replied, quickly following behind the doctor with his hands tucked into his pants pocket.Romeo wore a navy blue suit that fit him well. His white shirt and black
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