Julia sighed softly, her fingers nervously intertwining. She met Ariana's gaze, her eyes reflecting uncertainty and hesitation. "No, Ariana," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of sadness, "I don't think I like him."Ariana furrowed her brows, studying Julia intently. "Then why are you feeling so conflicted? If you don't like him, what's causing all this internal struggle?" she pressed, concerned for her friend.Julia took a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly as she prepared to share her inner turmoil. "I understand why you might think that Ariana, but it's not about me liking him," she explained, her voice softening. "It's just... complicated."Ariana leaned in closer, her curiosity growing. "Complicated? How so?"Julia's gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on her lap. "Well, it's true that Kelvin has expressed his interest in me," she began, her voice wavering, "but there are other factors at play. I know him well, and I care about our b
Julia's eyes gleamed with warmth as she reached across the table and squeezed Ariana's hand. "I'm happy for you, Ariana. Love is a beautiful thing, and I can see the happiness it brings to your eyes. Embrace it fully and cherish every moment with Mateo."Ariana's voice carried a hint of vulnerability as she shared her hopes with Julia. "I really hope Mateo doesn't break my heart like my previous exes did," she admitted softly, her eyes searching for reassurance.Julia's gaze softened, her voice filled with sincerity. "I hope that too, Ariana. From what I've seen, Mateo seems different from other guys. He has shown kindness and care for you."Ariana nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, exactly. I've noticed the same thing, Julia. There's something about Mateo that sets him apart. It's as if he carries a sense of integrity and loyalty that assures me he won't betray my trust."Julia's eyes sparkled with understanding as she nodded in agreement. "It's rare to
As the meal came to an end, Mateo playfully inquired if there was more. Ariana shook her head, a playful pout forming on her lips, and revealed that it was all finished. Mateo couldn't help but express his enjoyment of being fed by her, earning a radiant smile from Ariana. "You're really funny," she remarked, appreciating his lightheartedness.Curiosity sparked within Mateo as he turned his attention to her baby bump. Concern and excitement danced in his eyes as he asked Ariana about their little one's well-being. Ariana's face lit up, and she shared the joyful news that their baby was doing well. She confessed that she had forgotten to mention that the baby had started kicking so slightly.A sense of wonder on Mateo's face, as his smile grows wider. "Wow," he exclaimed. "I love that."Ariana's smile lingered as they continued their conversation, discussing various topics that bridged the gap between them. Their words intertwined effortlessly, weaving shared experiences and dreams. T
After ensuring their customers were taken care of, Vera and Zhang Chen delegated their work to the capable hands of their employees. With their duties momentarily set aside, they led Ariana and Mateo through a door that connected the restaurant to their home, guiding them into the cozy living room. As they settled into the comfortable surroundings, Vera and Zhang Chen turned to face the young couple.Ariana's smile stretched across her face as she looked at Zhang Chen. "It's been too long since we last saw each other," she expressed warmly, gratitude shown in her voice. "Thank you for taking such good care of my mom." Zhang Chen's eyes softened, filled with affection and sincerity. He responded, "Even without you asking, Ariana, I will always take care of the love of my life." His words elicited smiles from everyone present, a joyful smile that filled the room.Vera couldn't help but blush, her gaze fixed lovingly upon Zhang Chen. The depth of their emotions became so obvious, a test
A hushed understanding settled over the room, a collective empathy for Ava's need for respite. Vera, knowing that Ava needed space, nodded softly. "Of course, darling," she said, her voice filled with love and acceptance.As Ava stood there, her gaze locked with Mateo's, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. She settled herself down on one of the couches, her eyes still fixed on him. "Who is he?" she inquired, her voice filled with curiosity. "He looks really familiar". Ava's gaze intensified, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall where she had seen him before. Then, in a sudden burst of realization, she exclaimed, "Mateo Luca-Hendrix?!"All eyes turned to Ava, their expressions of surprise and amusement. Ariana glanced at Mateo, then back at her sister. "Yes, Ava he is," she confirmed, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Mateo is my boyfriend." Ava's astonishment was both shock and happiness as she continued to stare at Mateo, her eyes wide with disbelief. "I c
After a day filled with joy and celebration, the following morning brought a sense of relaxation and leisure. The restaurant remained closed, granting everyone a carefree day for fun and relaxation. Zhang Chen, ever attentive, made sure Vera's day was enjoyable and memorable.As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow throughout the living room, Vera motioned for Mateo to join her. Ariana had followed Zhang Chen to explore the source of the goods they had obtained, their laughter echoing from a distance, while Ava found solace in her own space.Seated comfortably on the couch, Vera looked at Mateo with curiosity and concern. With a gentle tone, she initiated a heartfelt conversation, her words carrying the weight of a mother's love and care."Mateo, I want to talk to you about something important," Vera began, her eyes filled with warmth. "Ariana shared with me the story of how she became pregnant, and she mentioned your involvement. Are you truly serious about her?"Mateo's gaze me
Vera's gaze turned distant as she was transported back in time, her mind traversing the painful memories. She began to recount the tragic events, the words flowing from her lips in a hushed, haunted tone.*******Flashback*****David Wyatt, Ariana's father, had been a constant source of trouble before Ariana was born. He had a chronic drinking problem and would frequently assault Vera Wyatt, Ariana's mother, whether he was drunk or not. Additionally, he engaged in several violent sexual intimacies with Vera Wyatt, his wife forcing himself on her whenever he wanted. Growing up in this environment, Ariana found it increasingly unsettling. She couldn't understand why her mother never left David, despite Ariana's repeated pleas for her to divorce him and escape from the situation. Vera would dismiss Ariana's concerns with laughter and choose to remain in the marriage.One fateful day, filled with anger, David forcefully entered the house. Ariana's younger sister, little Ava, was just five
Mateo nodded a soft smile on his lips. "I'll make sure to invite you, Ariana. I want you by my side," he assured her, his voice resonating with a deep affection.With the suitcases in hand, Mateo led the way up the stairs to his room, Ariana following closely behind. As they entered the room, Mateo gently dropped the luggages onto the floor, careful not to disturb their contents. He turned to Ariana, a warm smile on his face, and motioned for her to sit on the bed."Come, Ariana. Take a seat," Mateo said, his voice filled with tenderness. He extended his hand to help her find a comfortable spot on the bed.As Ariana settled onto the soft mattress, she looked up at Mateo with a grateful expression. "Thank you, Mateo," she murmured, her voice filled with appreciation. "I'm just so tired from the journey."Concern etched across his features, Mateo leaned closer, his eyes searching Ariana's face. "Is there anything you're craving, Ariana? Maybe something to eat or drink?" he asked, his vo
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