I exchanged glances with Brenda, who nodded softly. “I think for now, this is what’s best. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”“I don’t know,” I mumbled, fear gripping my heart as memories of my mother flooded my thoughts. No matter how much I loved Ivan or how much I wanted to be close to him, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the impossibilities in our lives.Ivan stepped forward and sat next to me, taking my hand gently in his. “I promise you, Vera, I’ll protect you and Kelly with my life. I won’t let anyone or anything harm either of you.”I looked up into his eyes. The sincerity in his voice sent a spark through me, and for the first time, I believed him. A part of me felt that the only place I could truly be safe was with him. Brenda stood in the corner, and I was sure if I looked her way, she’d be encouraging me to take the leap.I sighed, releasing the tension that had built up in my chest. Just as I was about to respond, Kelly walked into the living room. The moment she saw Ivan, sh
Brenda urged me, “Now go and tell him that you agree to move in with him,” as I walked over to the sink to rinse my hands. After drying them off, I turned to leave, but she called me back. “Please don’t ruin things. You can have your heartfelt talk or whatever later.”I gave her a thin-lipped smile, knowing she was doing her best to keep me from overthinking. I didn’t want to make things worse either. “Alright, I won’t.”She nodded encouragingly, a smile spreading across her face.She gave me an encouraging nod that was followed by a smile. I walked into the living room and saw Ivan sitting on the couch with Kelly lying on his chest, fast asleep. The sight softened my heart. Ivan's hand gently rested on her back, his gaze fixed on her peaceful face. For a moment, all the chaos seemed to fade away, replaced by a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time.I took a deep breath and stepped closer, my voice low as I spoke. “Ivan?”He looked up at me, his expression softening further. “Hey,” he w
“Promise me you’ll be fine,” Brenda said, her voice thick with emotion as we stood next to the limo parked in front of her house. Ivan and Kelly were already inside, waiting for me to join them.“I’ll try,” I said, giving her a soft smile, “but you know you can always come to see me.” We wrapped each other in a tight, comforting hug, neither of us wanting to let go.“I will,” she whispered, pulling back slightly to look at me. “Please, take care of Kelly.”“I will,” I reassured her with a nod. The bodyguard stepped forward, opening the door to the limo. With one last look at Brenda, I climbed inside. She waved as the car pulled out of the driveway, her figure growing smaller as we drove away.Inside the car, Kelly was curled up next to Ivan, her head resting on his shoulder. Ivan gave me a gentle smile as I settled into the seat across from them. The weight of the moment pressed down on me as the city blurred past the windows, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling in my chest.
As I stepped inside, the room seemed to envelop me in warmth and elegance. Kelly was already bouncing on the bed, her laughter filling the space with a joy that momentarily eased my nerves. I couldn’t help but smile at her, though my heart still felt heavy with uncertainty. “Mommy, look how big this bed is!” Kelly squealed, her tiny hands spreading wide as if to show just how vast the bed seemed to her small frame.I chuckled softly, walking over to her. “It’s nice, isn’t it?”She nodded excitedly before hopping down and running to the large windows that overlooked a lush garden below. “Can I play there tomorrow?” she asked, pressing her face against the glass.“Of course, sweetie. We’ll explore everything,” I said, though my mind was still buzzing with thoughts of how Kelly was taking everything, she was a happy girl a contrast to how I feel. And sometimes I feel she's the only reason I would ever smile, but now Ivan was part of it. “We'll check out the garden tomorrow, let's settle
After following Mirabel to the room prepared for Kelly, I sat down on the bed beside her, picking up one of the many books from the shelves to read her a bedtime story. We spent most of the time daydreaming together, my three-year-old daughter and I. Kelly, smarter than anyone would expect for her age, soon veered off into her own curiosity, asking questions that made me smile.“Wow, Mommy. You mean that handsome man is famous?” Kelly gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.“Yes, honey,” I replied, gently rubbing her back. “And he’s also your father.”Her face scrunched up in thought before she pouted slightly. “But why wasn’t he there when I was born?” She looked at me with wide, expectant eyes.I hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the depth of her question. “Who told you he wasn’t there, baby?”“Aunt Brenda,” she replied, her voice soft but curious. “When I asked her when he was coming to see us.”I sighed, feeling the weight of the conversation. Kelly’s curiosity, her need for
I knelt down to Kelly’s level, trying to calm my trembling hands as I wiped my tears. “Sweetheart, we’re leaving. We’re going back to Aunt Brenda’s.”Kelly’s lip quivered, her little hands clutching mine tightly. “But why, Mommy? I don’t want to leave Dad.”Ivan stood up, his voice desperate as he stepped closer. “Vera, please don’t do this. Don’t walk away, not like this. I can fix this, I swear. My mother won’t come between us again.”I stood up and shot him a warning look not to come close to me or Kelly. “I thought all this was you wanting me back in your life, but you lied to me Ivan.“Ivan stared at me, he was trying his best to prove to me, but there was no point. I won't fall for his lies again.Mrs. Carlos continued cutting her steak, completely unfazed by the chaos unraveling around her. “Vera,” she said, her voice calm and condescending, “you think you can just walk away and take my granddaughter with you? Ivan deserves better than this drama. If you take one goddamn step o
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. Her audacity to still control the situation infuriated me, even in her so-called apology. She may have admitted to burning down my shop, but the way she casually threw in that final demand about Kelly made my blood boil.“I’m not taking Kelly away from her father,” I said, keeping my voice calm though my body was trembling. “But you don’t get to make decisions for me or her. You’ve done enough damage, and no, a new shop won’t erase the pain you’ve caused.”Mrs. Carlos opened her mouth as if to retort, but I didn’t give her the chance. “I’m here for Ivan and for Kelly, not for you. And if you ever do something like that again—” I stopped myself, realizing my voice had risen.Kelly tugged at my hand, sensing the tension, her small face full of worry. “Mommy?”I exhaled, trying to calm down. “It’s okay, sweetie.”Mrs. Carlos took a step back, her hands clasped in front of her. “I’ve done what I can,” she said with a sigh, her expression
“You know I love you so much, Ivan. I just want us to be happy.” I mumbled as I felt his soft, wet mouth kissing a hot trail from my neck back up to my earlobe. “I want you always, I've miss every moment with you,” he whispered, before plunging his tongue between my lips. The kiss was sloppy, passionate and everything in between. His fingers worked their way under my dress, his rough fingers gently kneading the firm muscles there and I moaned, pressing my ass into his crotch.He took advantage of our position and lifted us off the ground, still holding me tightly against his chest. And carried me bridal style up the stairs to a room difference from the one at the top floor, he gently put me on the bed and slowly moving my dress up and exposing more of my smooth skin. The fabric covering my upper torso was thin enough and he used his thumbs to pull away the thin material. He leaned over me and pressed his lips to mine once again and my hands tangled into the thick, dark hair on his
He pulled out and put it in again, going faster as I held onto him, his mouth finding mine in a searing kiss. As his thrusts increased and I felt that wave of pleasure again washing over me, I could only grip him tighter and close my eyes, willing myself to come faster. My climax ripped through me and I clutched onto him, my whole body shaking uncontrollably as my release hit me hard, sending me into oblivion. I felt his warm cum spilling over my stomach, soaking into me as he held me tightly. His breathing slowed and his hands smoothed over my body, soothing and comforting, making sure that I was okay.He kissed me softly as he let me down, pulling out of me and laying me gently on the bed. When he got under the covers beside me. I smiled, snuggling into his warmth.He kissed me on my neck softly slowly the urge to have another moment came once again, and I leaned in kissing him my tongue diving into his mouth surveying his tongue. I climbed over him my body onto his erect as I bega
We spent a long time on the lawn that night, our bodies entwined as we lay side by side on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. The moon was full, its silvery light casting a glow over the world around us. A gentle breeze rustled the trees in the distance, carrying with it the scent of pine and fresh earth. I felt a deep sense of contentment, a peacefulness I hadn’t known in years.“I never thought a time like this would come,” I said softly, breaking the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “After all that your mom did to me.” I turned my head to look at Ivan, who still had his gaze fixed on the sky, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.He didn’t respond right away, but I saw the faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. After a moment, he turned toward me, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away. “I knew it would come,” he said, his voice steady, reassuring. “But I didn’t think it would be this soon.”He pulled me closer to hi
Brenda had her bags packed as we stood together at the doorway, holding each other in a long, tight hug. She had been my rock throughout all the madness, and now she was going on a vacation for her work trip.“I’m going to miss you,” I said, my voice heavy with emotion. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through any of this without you.”Brenda smiled, pulling back to look at me, her eyes filled with warmth. “You’ve been strong, Veronica. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. I’m always just a call away, and don’t you dare forget that. You're always welcome in Paris whenever you feel like seeing your Fav cousin.”“I won’t forget all you did for me.” I said, wiping a tear that had started to roll down my cheek. “Thank you for everything.”We shared one last hug before she picked up her suitcase. Mark, her new romantic interest, was waiting by the car, ready to drive her to the airport. She gave me a wink and a playful nudge toward the house.“Take care of that man in there and
“Yes, Alfonso, I'll come over today to give you the mansion documents,” Ivan said as I walked into the living room. He was sitting on the couch, phone in hand, his tone serious. “Make sure it's confidential. I don't want anyone knowing about it.”I placed the cup of coffee I was holding on the table and took a seat opposite him. His call ended, and he looked at me with a warm smile. “Thanks, my love, for the coffee,” he said, reaching for his cup.I smiled back, taking a sip from mine, but I couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in my mind. I lowered my gaze, and Ivan noticed the unease written across my face. He stood up, still holding his cup, and moved to sit beside me, his expression softening with concern.“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked gently, placing his hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it wasn’t enough to ease the knot tightening in my chest.I sighed, my voice shaky as I spoke. “I’m just thinking... since you're selling the mansion here in Pa
Ivan’s hand found mine, squeezing it gently. “I was blind, Veronica. I thought I was protecting my family, but in reality, I was only protecting their lies. I hate that it took me so long to realize.”I was silent for a moment, letting his words sink in. The hurt, the betrayal, it was still there, but hearing Ivan acknowledge his role in it, hearing him apologize with such sincerity, softened some of the walls I had built.“I just wanted to be enough for you, Ivan,” I whispered. “But your mother made me feel like I was nothing, and you… you never defended me.”He turned toward me, lifting my chin so our eyes met. “You were always enough, Veronica. I’m so sorry I didn’t make you feel that way. I was too wrapped up in my own fears, in trying to live up to what my mother expected. But that’s over now.”I nodded, my heart aching with a mixture of relief and sadness. “I don’t want to go through that again, Ivan. I can’t. Kelly can’t.”“I know,” he whispered, his voice full of regret. “I do
“Daddy, why's mommy over there is she trying you?“ Kelly asked looking up at Ivan. Her question seemed innocent enough, but it hung in the air like a fragile thread, threatening to unravel the delicate balance I was trying to keep.Ivan glanced at me, his eyes searching for some kind of permission or understanding. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not sure how to handle the moment. How could we explain this tangled mess to Kelly without breaking her heart?Ivan smiled down at Kelly and gently stroked her hair. “No, sweetheart. Mommy’s just giving us some time to enjoy our ice cream. She’s not avoiding me.” He tried to keep his tone light, but even Kelly could sense that things weren’t right.She wrinkled her nose, unconvinced. “But you should sit together. Like in the movies.”Ivan chuckled softly, though it was strained. “Maybe someday we will, princess. For now, let’s just enjoy our ice cream, okay?”Kelly, satisfied for the moment, returned her focus to her ice cream, but I coul
“Mommy, are they gone?” Kelly whispered, pushing open the door and making her way towards us.I turned towards her and scooped her up into my arms. “Yes, honey. They’re gone,” I said softly as I carried her over to the couch in the living room, placing her gently down.She looked up at me, her innocent eyes filled with expectation. “Is it Daddy?” she asked, her voice small but hopeful.I hesitated, glancing at Brenda, who was sitting on the couch, her attention fixed on her phone. The weight of Kelly’s question hung in the air. How could I explain everything to her, a child who only wanted to feel safe and loved by the people she thought should protect her?I opened my mouth to say something when the door creaked open. I looked up and saw Ivan standing in the doorway, watching us with a mixture of hope and regret. He was part of Kelly’s life, whether I liked it or not, but the complexities of our situation made everything more difficult.I sat down next to Kelly, brushing a hand throu
Mrs. Carlos’ face paled, her eyes widening in shock as the weight of Ivan’s words hit her. For the first time, her composed mask slipped, revealing the fear and desperation underneath. “Nathaniel told you…?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That ungrateful, how dare he?”Ivan released her wrist and stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief. “Yes, he told me everything. And I still can't believe you of all people would do that to me, I thought father was the bad one. Because he left when we were young, but now I see you for your true colors. I thought the problem was Nathaniel, all this time, I thought it was just him acting out of spite, but it was you pulling the strings. You did everything you could to make sure we would never be happy. And for what? Your pride? Your obsession with control, money? Did you stop for once your think about me?“Mrs. Carlos’ eyes flickered between Ivan and me, her face contorted with a mixture of fury and panic. “I did it to protect you!” she spat.
The loud banging on the door drew our attention, and I immediately stood up. "Wait here, baby. Don’t come out until I say so." I told Kelly “Okay, mommy.“ She nodded, her wide eyes filled with fear, as I closed the door behind me. My heart pounded as I made my way to the living room. The constant hammering on the door sent chills down my spine. Who could it be? The first thought that flashed through my mind was Ivan's fans. Maybe they hadn’t accepted my statement on the news and had come to confront me in person.Brenda appeared from the laundry room, her expression mirroring my own, fear. We were both terrified of who might be on the other side of that door. I stepped forward to check, but Brenda held up a hand, stopping me."You should go back," she whispered urgently. "I’ll open the door and see who it is.""It’s too dangerous. I can’t let you do that," I whispered back, glancing toward the kitchen as a possible hiding place in case it really was Ivan's fans."I’m scared, V," she