Samantha’s call came as a surprise to Mona. Where did Samantha get her number from? “Ms. Mayers, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Samantha’s voice was soft and raspy. “Excuse me, Ms. Ortega, but can I ask something of you?” Mona was dumbstruck. Ask? It was unlike Samantha to be so humbled. Finding it strange, Mona grew wary. “Just get straight to the point, Ms. Mayers, and I’ll see whether I can be of any assistance.” “It’s simple, really. I’m sure you can do it, Ms. Ortega.” Samantha cut to the chase and quit beating around the bush. “I’ve been in the hospital lately, and Thaddeus has been there for me. Unfortunately, he has to travel back and forth because of you. He seems rather weary every time he comes back from yours. It breaks my heart.“Ms. Ortega, I know the divorce is only recent, and you are having a hard time, but can you stop putting him through that? I can’t bear to watch him care for you. My heart feels for him when we hold each other every night.” M
“What do you expect? I’ve packed my things. Did you think I was putting up an act?” The others exchanged looks, unable to hide the joy across their faces. Mona swept her gaze around the room and sighed. She was not Ms. Popular for sure. Apart from Luke, these people would be beating on drums and celebrating if she were to quit her job. All the more she should not leave. She needed to prove these people otherwise. Mona walked out the door as if she had a tail between her legs under the crowd’s gloating eyes. She had not gotten far when Raymond, in the back, called her name. “Mona, I’ll drive you since I’m heading out anyway.” Everybody turned their attention to Raymond. Mr. Rockwell sure was a friendly boss, looking out for his fired employees.Mona asked, “Where are you going?” “The convention center.” “It’s okay. We’re not going the same way. I’m heading in the opposite direction.” “It’s okay. It’s just a detour.” Raymond turned around and instructed his assi
Thaddeus’ apathetic face with eerie vibes gave Raymond the creeps. Was Thaddeus… jealous?! Raymond was surprised by the possibility. There was no way of drawing jealousy out of a stoic man like Thaddeus. Besides, did he and Mona not split up? Unable to read his friend, Raymond got into Thaddeus’ Bentley with him. Thaddeus put on a pair of sunshades that covered most of his face. The sunglasses only added tension along his facial lines. Before stepping on the accelerator, Thaddeus curtly told Raymond, “Buckle up.”With Thaddeus flooring the throttle, Raymond jerked forward toward the front seats and rammed into Thaddeus’ arm. “Thad, are you trying to kill me? Slow down, will you?” Thaddeus took a sidelong glance at Raymond, who was holding onto Thaddeus’ arm for his dear life, and hissed through clenched teeth, “Get away from me.” “Ah, sorry about that.” Raymond moved his butt back on his seat and fastened his seat belt. Raymond took a gulp and heaved relief when Th
It would be a marvel if Mr. Dreamboat, popular among the socialites and ladies of Worchester City, was dumped by a woman in the end. Thaddeus pulled a grim look. He had never been the butt of a joke. Since this concerned the pride of a man, Thaddeus was quick to deny it. “No way. I asked for the divorce.” Raymond waved his arm. “I knew it. You only married Mona out of revenge. You gave your heart to the one that got away, didn’t you? The way I see it, you and Mona are a ruthless bunch. Mona, especially, is unattached and carefree.” Thaddeus turned his head and fixated on Raymond who just shrugged and smiled. “You don’t love her, and yet you were with her for years. She harbored many secrets while playing her role with you. She doesn’t seem in distress after your divorce. It’s like she’s unaffected. She’s still shooting commercials and raising her children like nothing ever happened. Any other women would be bawling their eyes out and threatening suicide.” Clutching onto th
“You’re awake, Eleanor.” Eleanor lifted her heavy eyelids open to meet Mona’s captivating face. She got a grip on herself and realized that she had passed out on the street. “Mona, it’s just an old habit. Can you grab my medicine from the car?” Mona pulled out the needle from Eleanor’s pressure points and grabbed her wrist to check on her pulse. Huh? That was strange. Why did Eleanor have a steady pulse as if she had a clean bill of health? “Let’s not rush things, Eleanor. The ambulance will be here any minute. We can get to the hospital for a full body checkup.” “No. Just retrieve my medicine. I don’t feel comfortable not taking it.” “But you’re healthy. You don’t need to take any pills.” Mona was sure about that. Someone in the crowd kneeled and tried to settle Eleanor down. “Take a breather for now, and let this young lady check your pulse. She’s good. You can trust her.” Eleanor shot Mona a skeptical look. It was hard to believe that Mona was proficient in the s
“Why did you drink so much, son?” Victor’s bloodshot eyes were vacant. “Let me out, Mom. I want to see her.” “Are you trying to piss me off, Vic? Mona is your uncle’s ex-wife. It’s morally wrong and embarrassing for you two to get together.” “No! They’re divorced! She’s my Susan.” Eleanor was confused. Susan? The name sounded familiar. What did it have to do with Mona? Before she could wrap her head around it, Victor added, “Mom, she raised our two children too. I need to carry out my duty and marry her. She’s the only one for me.” “What on earth are you talking about? Your uncle will come after you if he catches wind of this.” Eleanor told the butler to bring a basin of lukewarm water. To her, it must be the booze talking. Mona? Children? Impossible. Besides, the statement that her children were Victor’s held no water.“Vic, my silly boy. Stop acting the fool. Why do you put yourself in this position for a woman? How can I trust you to take on bigger responsibilities
The following afternoon, Mona brought along her homemade pastry and went to the Fontaines’ residence to visit Master Fontaine. The Fontaines built an empire from the commercial line. The old building structure held a lot of history in its walls and style. This kind of aged estate in Worchester City was a rare find. Hence, the property was worth a lot. By the time Mona got out of the cab, Master Fontaine had been waiting at the entrance for some time. She took quick strides over and opened a parasol to put over the old man’s head. “The sun is blinding, Grandpa. It’s hot out here. You should’ve waited inside.” “It’s okay, girl. I saw you the moment I came out. I didn’t wait for long.” Master Fontaine finally had a smile on his face when Mona turned up. A maid took the box of pastry from Mona and followed from the back with a smile. “Mrs. Fontaine, Master Fontaine really missed you. He told the kitchen to prepare a feast of your favorite food the moment he knew you were coming
“Thaddeus? He never mentioned you to me.” Samantha bit her lip. The radiance in her eyes dimmed. Did Thaddeus really decide against marrying her? “Grandpa, I have a boyfriend, and we’re dating with the intention to get married, but we hit a tiny snag recently. I’m fretting over it, so I came to see you.”“What brings you here?” Xavier frowned, getting the gist of what this was about. Samantha was not here to visit him. Instead, she was trying to shove marriage down the old man’s throat. It seemed like the girl meant something to Thaddeus since he told her everything.“What is your intention being here, Ms. Mayers?” Xavier pulled a solemn look. “I know about Thaddeus and Mona, Grandpa. Since he’s my boyfriend, I think this matter shouldn’t be kept hidden.” More than anything else, Samantha wanted to walk down the aisle with Thaddeus. To realize that dream, she must do something to change Thaddeus’ mind. Rather than adopting the passive stance, she might as well strike whil