Taking a moment to compose himself, Mateo launched into his story, his words flowing with excitement and nervousness. "You remember Ariana, right? The girl I met back in Fashion school, the girl's name I wrote in every part of my book?" he began. "Well, something incredible happened. After years apart, It's as if fate brought us back together, and we reconnected."His parents listened intently, their expressions alternating between surprise and curiosity. "And...?" his father prompted, unable to contain his curiosity.Taking a deep breath, Mateo continued, "Ariana is pregnant, and I'm going to be a father." The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.For a brief moment, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix were speechless, their minds grappling to comprehend the magnitude of the news. Then, a wide smile spread across Mrs. Hendrix's face, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. "Oh, Mateo!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with happiness. "That's the most wonderful news ever!"Ov
Ariana stood there, her mind swirling with shock and uncertainty. Julia, sensing her friend's unease, pressed further. "Are you sure that was Mateo's mom?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.Ariana nodded, her voice trembling slightly. "Yes, Julia. It was his mom," she confirmed, her words laced with a hint of disbelief. The weight of the situation began to sink in for Ariana.Julia's eyebrows furrowed as she contemplated the implications. "Mateo must have informed his parents about the pregnancy and Child custody," she suggested, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension.Ariana's eyes widened slightly as the gravity of the situation became clearer. "You're right," she replied, her voice filled with worry and realization. "Mateo is their only child, and this child I'm carrying is their first grandchild."Julia's words took on a more serious tone as she continued, "What if Mateo's mom wants you to give birth to the child and hand it over to them? The law might favor Mateo in
Julia nodded approvingly, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad you're starting to see the bigger picture, Ariana. It's never an easy decision, but by considering the feelings and well-being of both parties involved, you'll be able to solve this situation with more compassion and wisdom."Julia gazed intently at Ariana, her eyes searching. "Ariana, I need you to be true to yourself," she said softly. "Do you have any feelings for Mateo?"Ariana's eyes met Julia's, and a moment of hesitation hung in the air. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes," she admitted, her words laced with vulnerability. "I... I do like Mateo."Julia furrowed her brow, her voice gentle yet inquisitive. "Ariana, if you have feelings for Mateo, why don't you want him to be a part of your life? Have you considered having a relationship with him?"Ariana shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting away momentarily before meeting Julia's gaze. "I've thought about it," she replied, her vo
Julia nodded, a hint of understanding crossing her features. "Alright if you say so" she responded, her tone conveying acceptance. She knew how important this moment was for Ariana.As Ariana prepared to leave, a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. She turned to Julia, her brows furrowing slightly. "Do you have any advice for me?" she asked.Julia paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she shook her head gently. "No, I don't," she replied honestly. "You've made your choice, Ariana. Now it's time to embrace it and see where it takes you."Ariana absorbed Julia's words, her brows furrowing in frustration. Anger simmered on her face as she turned to Julia, her voice laced with indignation. "Such a spoilt brat for a friend," she muttered under her breath, unable to contain her frustration any longer. With a heavy sigh, she flung the door open and walked out.Arriving at Likb restaurant, Ariana stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. The ambiance was warm and inviting,
With a sigh, Mrs. Hendrix replied, "Talking to Ariana wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. She's made up her mind about the child custody issue. She's accepted that you both have to take care of the child together, but she doesn't want a relationship with you."Mateo nodded, his expression disappointed and understanding. "I did my best to explain to her and show her that I truly love her and would never hurt her. But it seems like she didn't hear a word I said."Mrs. Hendrix observed her son's dejected demeanor and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know how much you care for her, Mateo, but sometimes people make decisions based on their own fears and insecurities. It's not easy, but we have to respect Ariana's choice and focus on you both supporting each other and raising the child together."Mateo looked up at his mother, gratitude shown in his eyes. "You're right, Mom. Our priority should be the well-being of the child. I'll do my best to be there for the child"
Ariana sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "Whenever I hear the doorbell ring or my phone notification sound, I find myself rushing to check if it's Mateo. But there's nothing. No messages, no gifts, nothing."Julia's brows furrowed as she tried to grasp the weight of Ariana's words. "Why would that bother you so much, Ariana like you said you don't like him and you don't want to get hurt by a man again?"Ariana looked down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. "Because I can't get Mateo off my mind. I can't stop thinking about him, and it hurts to realize that he might have given up on us after I meet with his mom.""Julia," Ariana began again, her voice laden with uncertainty, "I don't understand why he's acting like this. It's been two weeks since I met his mom, and everything seemed fine that day I talked to her. But now... it's like he's a different person."Julia looked at Ariana empathetically, realizing the weight of the situation. "Why don't you ca
Interrupting the tender moment, Ariana refocused on her objective. "Can I get your address now?" she asked Mateo, determination ringing in her voice.Concern flickered in Mateo's response, his words tinged with an underlying sweetness. "It's risky, sweetie," he cautioned, his concern for her well-being shown.Ariana's heart skipped a beat at the endearment he used. "Sweetie?" she repeated, her voice filled with delight and a newfound sense of hope as she said the word "sweetie" again in her mind.Julia, eager to support her friend, quickly interjected. "I will drive her there," she offered, her voice brimming with enthusiasm."Thanks, Julia," Mateo expressed his gratitude, appreciating the support. "My pleasure," Julia replied, a sense of fulfillment shining in her eyes.Ariana leaned forward, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Mateo, I need your house address now. It's important." She fixed her gaze on the phone, waiting for his response.Mateo nodded even when Ariana couldn't
Mateo's eyes met Ariana's, gratitude and determination shining within them. "Yes," he replied, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll finish what I can, and then I promise to prioritize resting and taking care of myself."Ariana nodded, her worry mingled with admiration for Mateo's commitment. She squeezed his arm reassuringly before stepping back, allowing him to focus on the remaining work.Concerned about Mateo's well-being, Ariana turned to him with a gentle voice. "Have you eaten anything, Mateo?" she asked, her eyes filled with care.Mateo shook his head weakly, a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "No, I couldn't eat anything," he replied, his appetite seemingly nonexistent.Ariana's brow furrowed with worry, her nurturing instincts kicking in. "Is there anything you want to eat? Maybe something light?" she asked, hoping to find a way to nourish him despite his lack of cravings.Mateo sighed softly, his eyes searching for an answer. "I'm not really craving anything or feeling like
Prison authorities swiftly responded to the disturbance, rushing to the scene. The sight that awaited them was one of grim and chilling brutality. Susan lay motionless, her life snuffed out by the senseless act of her fellow inmate. The drug addict, overwhelmed by regret and the harsh reality of what she had done, stood trembling amidst the aftermath of her impulsive violence.In the aftermath of this tragic event, the prison was thrown into disarray. Investigations would be launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding Susan's death. Whispers would echo through the prison corridors, carrying tales of a life cut short and the consequences of a life marred by conflict and addiction.Susan Miller's journey had reached an abrupt and violent end, serving as a stark reminder of the repercussions that can arise from a life of turmoil and deceit.Kelvin and Julia found themselves in Mateo's home together to visit with a gift brought for the newborn baby. As the delicate infant lay in the
The nurse, enticed by the bribe, reluctantly agreed to carry out Susan's nefarious scheme. With a wicked smile, Susan instructed the nurse to swap the newborn baby in Ariana's room with a deceased male child, a macabre plan designed to further manipulate the unsuspecting couple.As Ariana, exhausted from the labor, finally succumbed to sleep, unaware of the looming threat, the nurse seized the opportunity. She discreetly made her way to the neighboring ward, where a male baby lay, destined to be taken to the morgue. In the darkened corridors, the nurse's footsteps echoed with a chilling purpose.Mateo, feeling exhausted himself, reluctantly obeyed the doctor's advice and left Ariana and their newborn alone to rest. Ariana, completely drained from the birthing process, finally succumbed to sleep, unaware of the tragic events that were about to unfold.In the silence of the dimly lit room, the nurse, carrying the lifeless baby, stealthily entered. She carefully placed the tiny, motionle
"Susan, it's me, Mateo. We need to talk."Startled, Susan opened the door, thinking it was her mom since she never fathomed that Mateo would come to her place but then her face instantly contorted with surprise after saying. "Yes, Mom?" she began, but then attempted to play innocent.However, Mateo saw through her facade. He swiftly pushed past her, entering the room and closing the door behind him, cutting off any means of escape."Susan, enough with the act. I know it was you who sent me those photos. I know you planted doubts in Ariana's mind," Mateo confronted her, his voice laced with anger and disappointment.Susan's eyes widened, her composure crumbling under Mateo's accusation. She desperately tried to shut the door, but Mateo's determination prevailed as he overpowered her, pushing it back open.Trembling, Susan met Mateo's gaze, her voice filled with unease and admission. "Yes, it was me. I sent you those photos. I wanted to create doubts in Ariana's mind. I approached her
It was a weight she couldn't bear alone.In the midst of her frequent anguish, Ariana's best friend, Julia, burst into the room, concern etched on her face. "Ariana! Oh my God, what happened again why the tears?" she exclaimed, rushing to her side.Ariana looked up, her tear-stained face a reflection of her shattered heart. "He... he accused me of betraying him, Julia. It's all falling apart, everything has fallen apart," she choked out between sobs.Julia wrapped her arms around Ariana, holding her tightly. "I'm so sorry, my dear. But remember, you are strong, and you have a support system who loves you," she whispered, her voice filled with empathy.Ariana's mother, stepfather, and sister, Ava, soon joined them, their concern shown on their faces. They enveloped Ariana in a cocoon of love and comfort, their presence a soothing balm to her wounded soul.Her mother gently brushed away the tears from Ariana's cheeks. "Darling, you are resilient. You have faced adversity before, and you
the hurt and anger in her eyes as she pushed Derek away and demanded him to leave.Mateo sat in his office, his mind racing as he desperately tried to find a way to make Ariana understand that he had never cheated on her. He replayed their argument in his head. her accusation crushed him, and he felt frustration and helplessness.As he stared at his phone, lost in his thoughts, a notification suddenly interrupted his inner turmoil. His heart skipped a beat as he saw a photo message from an unknown number. With trembling hands, he hesitantly opened the message, unaware of the shock that awaited him.The image slowly loaded on his phone screen, and his eyes widened in disbelief. It was a picture of Ariana, wrapped in the arms of another man. The world around him seemed to fade away as the truth hit him like a tidal wave. Betrayal and confusion washed over him, leaving him paralyzed.Speechless, Mateo muttered to himself, "No... it can't be." He stared at the photo, desperately searching
Kelvin wasted no time and dialed Julia's number, hoping to gain insight into the reasons behind Ariana's sudden departure. Julia picked up on the first ring, her tone laced with disbelief and disappointment. "I can't believe your friend would do something like this," she vented to Kelvin, her voice tinged with anger. "Ariana loved him, and she is carrying his child. How could he cheat on her not once, but twice?"Kelvin's eyebrows furrowed, his heart sinking at the accusation. "Julia, that's not what happened," he countered earnestly, desperately attempting to defend his friend. "There must be some misunderstanding. Mateo wouldn't do something like that."Julia's voice remained firm, her words cutting through Kelvin's attempts to reason. "Mateo has already caused enough damage," she retorted sharply. "There's no need for him to try and lie his way out of this again."Kelvin's mind raced, torn between loyalty to his friend and Julia's accusations. He knew he had to solve this delicate
Ariana shook her head, her voice breaking with sadness and resolute decision. "No, Mateo. It's too late. I can't bear this pain any longer."Feeling helpless, Mateo watched as Ariana turned away, her attention now focused on her phone. She dialed a familiar number, and within seconds, Julia's voice filled the line. "Hello, girl, what's up?" Julia's cheerful tone was replaced with concern as she detected Ariana's sobs. "Babe, what is it? What's wrong?"Ariana's voice hitched as she struggled to speak through her tears. "Please, Julia, come pick me up at Mateo's place. I can't stay here any longer."Julia's voice brimmed with urgency and support. "Of course, I'll be there soon. Hold on, okay?"Ariana sniffled, her voice filled with gratitude and desperation. "Alright, thank you, Julia." With those words, she hung up and wiped away her tears, her resolve renewed. Grabbing her luggage, she made her way towards the door, leaving behind the remnants of a love that had crumbled under betraya
The flickering lamplight cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the turmoil within Ariana's heart. The evening stretched on, seemingly endless, as Ariana remained motionless on the couch, lost in her thoughts and consumed by the rawness of her emotions. The tears continued to fall, each drop a testament to the shattered dreams and the love that had turned to ashes.Mateo gripped the steering wheel tightly, his foot pressing down on the accelerator as he sped through the darkened streets towards home. The distance from the hotel to his house seemed interminable, each passing mile elongating the guilt that weighed heavy on his conscience. His heart raced with anxiety and anticipation, unsure of what awaited him.Finally, Mateo arrived and the imposing gate swung open, revealing the familiar sight of his residence. He parked his car in the dimly lit parking lot, his hands trembling as he turned off the engine. Taking a deep breath, he mustered the courage to face the consequences o
The clock has just struck 9 p.m. already, casting a dim very dark glow across the airport's arrival area. Weary travelers shuffled towards the exit, eager to leave the confines of the plane. Among them emerged Tony, stepping onto solid ground after enduring the lengthy delay. Spotting Mateo waiting patiently, the weariness lifted from both their faces as they embraced each other warmly. "I'm really sorry for making you wait for hours, Mateo," Tony apologized sincerely, his voice filled with remorse.Mateo, in his response, simply shook his head and smiled. "No problem at all, Tony. We've weathered storms together, both literally and otherwise. This is just another bump in the road."Tony's eyes softened with gratitude, appreciating Mateo's support. the delay and the strain it had caused began to dissipate as they exchanged a few lighthearted remarks, easing the tension that had accumulated during their separation.Curious about Tony's accommodation plans, Mateo inquired, "Have you