After hours of waiting for the media and Ivan fans to leave, I pulled out a pair of blue jeans and a black hoodie from my closet. I slipped into them quickly, pulling the hood over my head and grabbing a pair of sunglasses from the table.With everything that had happened recently, the internet scandal, and the hate I was receiving, the last thing I wanted was to be recognized. Any slip-up in my disguise would only attract more attention. I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my hoodie as I prepared to leave the house.I had to see Ivan. I had to explain everything. Brenda had suggested it, and I could only hope it wouldn’t turn out badly. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” I mumbled, looking at Brenda, who was doing her best to encourage me. “What if he doesn’t listen to me?”“You have to try, at least,” she replied gently. “If he really loves you, I’m sure he’ll forgive you.”I lowered my gaze, feeling tears welling up as I tried to convince myself that everything would be okay.
“V, please, you need to come out of the room. I’m begging you,” Brenda pleaded, knocking softly on the door.I stared at the door, too drained to even move. My body ached, and I had spent the entire night torturing myself with thoughts of what to do next. Where would I even begin? How would I tell Kelly that her father no longer wanted anything to do with me?Brenda knocked again, more urgently this time. I forced myself up from the bed, each step feeling like a mountain to climb, and made my way to the door. As I opened it, Brenda rushed in, her eyes scanning me, then the room, as if she was expecting the worst, that I had hurt myself. But I hadn’t.Not physically, at least.Brenda’s face softened with relief, but her concern didn’t fade completely. She closed the door behind her and led me back to the bed, sitting beside me.“V, you can’t go on like this. You have to fight for yourself, for Kelly,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “You’re stronger than this, I know you are. You’
"Mommy, I don't feel so good," Kelly called out as she walked into the room.I rushed toward her, but before I could reach her, she collapsed, falling unconscious. "Kelly, baby!" I cried, trying to wake her, but she didn’t respond. Her skin burned with fever, and her small body felt weak. "Please, baby, don't do this to me. Please wake up."Brenda hurried over, touching Kelly's hand to check her temperature. Her eyes widened in alarm, and without hesitation, she scooped Kelly into her arms. "We need to get her to the hospital. Now."We rushed to the car, Brenda still holding Kelly close. She gently laid her on the back seat, and I slid in beside her, cradling her in my lap. I was trying to hold myself together, but I felt faint, my head spinning from fear and anxiety.Brenda pulled out of the driveway and into the main road, speeding towards the hospital. I held Kelly close, my heart pounding with fear. Her small body felt so fragile in my arms, her face pale as her breathing came in
We sat in the car for a while, the silence thick between us. I leaned back in my seat, my mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. I couldn’t step out into the world without people noticing, without cameras flashing or videos being taken. Starting over or returning to Canada seemed impossible now.“Looking for Ivan feels impossible,” I said softly, frustration seeping into my voice. “I don’t even know where to begin. I can only hope he comes back to me.”Brenda gave me a reassuring smile, her voice steady. “He will, V. I believe he will.”She always tried to find the light in the darkest situations, even when I couldn’t see any hope. But this time, everything felt overwhelming, and my mind was too clouded to think straight.Brenda started the car, pulling away from the hospital. The streets were quiet as we drove, neither of us speaking. The rhythmic hum of the engine lulled me, and before I knew it, I closed my eyes and drifted off into a restless sleep, the weight of the past d
He clicked his tongue. “You know that’s not possible. I can’t leave at this moment, not when I know you need me most in your life.” His voice was firm, but there was something unsettling in his tone, a hint of control disguised as concern. “Come back to the Carlos mansion, and I promise it will ease the stress.”I stared at him, my heart pounding. His words sounded like a lifeline, but I knew better. The Carlos mansion wasn’t a sanctuary; it was a cage. What’s the point of going back to the only place in the world where I’m not clearly wanted? “I don’t need to go back there, Nathaniel,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “That place isn’t where I belong anymore.”His eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of impatience crossing his face. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be, Veronica. Everything can go back to normal if you just let me help.”“I don’t want your help,” I snapped, finally letting my anger surface. “All you do is manipulate everything around you. You don’t care abou
The news anchor’s voice pierced through the room, her tone cutting deep. “They say behind every successful man there’s a woman, but in the case of Ivan Carlos, this story takes a different turn. Ivan, the gifted author and actor, who took his time to write something so amazing and no one plays the male lead role in his movie better than him. Despite his encounters with several women during his career, none have caused more controversy than the Canadian woman who entered his life four years ago.”I could feel my stomach knotting as I anticipated what was coming next.“Veronica Carlisle,” the anchor continued, her words dripping with venom. “Her name has now become synonymous with betrayal. Many believe she’s the reason Ivan’s life has spiraled out of control. After the shocking revelation that she had an affair with Ivan’s brother, which came to light in front of the world on what was supposed to be their wedding day, Ivan Carlos has been missing for several days. Authorities are still
"I'm glad you came to check up on her. She was awake a few minutes ago and was asking for her mother," the doctor said as he walked in, glancing at Kelly's chart."How's she doing now?" Brenda asked, standing up to face him.The doctor sighed, flipping through the notes on his clipboard. "She's stable, but her fever was quite high earlier. We’re running some tests to figure out the exact cause. Right now, rest is the best thing for her. If all goes well, we’ll have more answers by tomorrow."I felt a wave of relief wash over me but couldn’t fully relax. "Is she going to be okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.The doctor gave me a reassuring smile. "She’s a strong little girl. With the right care, she’ll pull through. Try not to worry too much, but I understand that’s easier said than done."I nodded, squeezing Kelly’s hand a little tighter. "Mommy will always be here for you."The doctor paused for a moment, studying the scene with a soft smile. Then, stepping closer, he a
The ringing tone of my phone woke me up. I fished around for it, finding it on the table where Brenda had placed a basket of flowers and a teddy bear for Kelly to play with when she woke up.I grabbed the phone and brought it to my ear, rubbing my eyes to clear the sleep from my face. “Hello?”“Veronica Carlisle,” Mrs. Carlos’s voice came harsh and cold through the phone. “I’m at the café waiting for you. I know you're not the type to keep me waiting unless you want me to come to you tomorrow.”I stood up, glancing over at Brenda. She had her headphones in, softly singing along to a song. “Don’t threaten me, Mrs. Carlos. It’s my choice, and I can choose not to come.”She chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “As it is now, my dear, you have no choice. So, unless you want me to think up something even nastier to do…”“I’ll come,” I said, feeling defeated. “Give me some time.” I walked over to tap Brenda on the shoulder, and she pulled her headphones off, looking at