CHAPTER 102Serene I arrived home after spending some time at the hotel with Miguel. It is so sad that I can not even convince Charlotte that I am not happy with everything. It was the drug's fault, but she would not believe me. I walked into my bedroom and sat in front of the mirror, full of regret, wondering how I could have gone so far as to sleep with Diego. I certainly will not be able to face myself after what happened. "Excuse me, madam, why are you looking pale?" Neina asked as she walked in."It is nothing; are you here for anything?" I responded."No, I am just here to listen in case you want to vent; I will not judge you.”“It's OK. I think I want to be alone; just take care of Miguel for me," I said before she walked away.I got up and changed into something comfortable before Rina called to tell me they had brought the man who had drugged my drink. I did not think twice about going to meet them. I walked into the old dusty room where they had taken him and could tell he
CHAPTER 103 Diego “What were you doing there?” I questioned Sofia, who appeared to have added to my problems. "Nothing, I was on my way home from the mall and saw those guards throwing you out like trash," she said. "OK, but you did not have to do that," I explained to her. "Wait...if I had not intervened, those men would have broken every bone in your body, Diego. I thought you were supposed to thank me.” "OK, thanks," I said, wiping the blood from the corner of my lip. "Come to think of it, isn't that Serene Bright's house?" she said. “Yes it is,” I replied. “Are you and —” "No, we are not; it is all business.” I was not prepared for her interrogations, so I faked a meeting at home. "Can I come along?" she inquired. "No, not now, some other time; I believe you understand how business works, right?" I questioned. "Yes, but I have something I need to tell you, Diego," she said, taking a deep breath. It was not like I was new to the conversation, so I asked her to remain
CHAPTER 104NellyI can't stand watching all of my efforts fail, so maybe I should try something out of the ordinary, something that will bring me closer to knowing exactly where Diego is so I can go find him; there is no way I have been living in this mansion for over two months without him coming for me; he would get on the next flight from Colombia just to get me, so what the hell has changed? Okay, this does not even sound like me, but is absence supposed to make the heart grow fonder? Damn, maybe these writers are just playing with our heads, but one thing is certain: I am Diego Myers' weakness. I know I still have power over his heart, but that Serene bitch is probably a beggar or even dead. I returned to the house and found George waiting for me in the living room. "Ms. Mendoza, good evening. I have a message for—”"Can you tell me when Diego will arrive?" I asked with a smile."It is not that; I believe you have to—”"I know how to change the house or throw him a welcome part
CHAPTER 105 Diego I have not seen Serene or my uncle in days, and I don't know what he is up to right now. I am tired of hiding the truth; I need to stand up and confront him before he comes for my wife and child, I mean ex-wife, but it still feels like I never divorced her. Damn! I entered the kitchen and found Grace washing the cups. "Hey, are you feeling better now?" she inquired after I spent the entire day in bed. “Yes, I'm OK now, have you seen my uncle?” I questioned. "No, but I overheard him talking on the phone with someone.” “What did they say?” I questioned. "I do not know, but it has nothing to do with her or my grandson," Grace reassured me. “Thank goodness, I think it's time to —” "Unless you carefully plan everything, it will not be; I can not watch you risk them," she interrupted. "I do not want to; I wish I could tell her I was not involved in anything related to her drugging, but she will not believe me.” "I know the man who spiked her drink was found dead
CHAPTER 106 Diego “Charlotte look it's not what you think OK I can —” "Please spare me that conversation in which you appear to have found another Nelly. What a shame some people don't mend their ways," she said. “Charlotte, please, you got it wrong.” "Please excuse me and get used to limiting certain behaviors indoors. Pollution in the corridors is disgusting, especially when you have a reputation," she said with a smile before walking away. "Who the hell is that? And why do you not want me to respond to them?" Sofia inquired. "Sofia, I believe we should break the contract; I cannot help you overstepping your boundaries. What goes on in my personal life is not your concern, okay.” “OK, fine, I'm sorry. I will get going now; good luck," she said, walking away. What was I supposed to do? To run after her? No way, I have made it clear that our relationship is strictly professional, and nothing will come of it. I did not pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for her to try to ent
CHAPTER 107Serene My heart is racing and my breath is about to leave me. What games is Diego trying to play with me? Taking advantage of me wasn't enough—though the footage shows me approaching him first, clearly due to the drug he put in my drink. The car came to a stop, and as usual, the guard opened the door for me. I jumped out and was about to walk into the house when I was blocked by someone I did not expect to see: Max Cruz. "I apologize for coming uninvited, Ms. Brights, but I thought it would be fair to have a word. "Oh?" I responded."Yes, Serene you should listen to Mr. Cruz; I believe he has a lot to tell you," Charlotte said."Did you become his new PA, sweetheart?" I asked her."No, I am just someone who knows what happened," she said confidently."Okay, Mr. Cruz, you may come in," I said as I walked in.I gave the maid my bag to take upstairs while I went to the office with Cruz. Just as I was about to walk in, I felt a warm hug wrap around my legs. "Mommy," Miguel sa
CHAPTER 108 SERENE What am I supposed to say? Everyone has the right to live their lives as they see fit, especially once they reach adulthood. To be honest, when Charlotte said Diego was having a serious relationship with that actress, I felt like I was on fire inside. I am not sure if this is because I still love him, or because I am jealous. I know I shouldn't, but I still remember what I went through with his wicked love. Maybe all he needs is a perfect, sweet, and painful revenge, one that will put him in a better position to return to London with his sweetheart. "Get the car ready," I told the driver before leaving to get my coat upstairs. “Mommy, where are you going?” Miguel asked. "Hey sweetie, I am quickly leaving for something. Is everything all right?” I asked while lowering my body. "Yes, I expected you to take me to see Daddy. I miss him so much," he said, and I could tell he was missing his father. “OK, I'll see what I —” “Good evening,” a familiar voice cut me o
CHAPTER 109 DIEGO What should a man do when every move he makes fails him? I have been here for weeks, days, and nights, trying to prove my love to Serene, but—she ignored it. I had to belittle myself repeatedly to win her over; she may have become wealthy, but I—I am still the king of New York. She, of all people, should be aware that I am capable of taking that child if necessary. Perhaps I have been too nice and understanding. I sincerely apologized, but I only received mean and hurtful responses. I have no idea what happened to the Serene I knew, the one who would freak out if I did not talk to her for a day. Just the other day, I was thrown out of her house like a dog; I bet those guards have no idea who they messed with. Since the good way did not work well, I might as well consider other ways if Serene does not want to be in my life, I will do what I believe is best for my son. I was about to call George when I accidentally answered a call from the detective I had sent to Se
CHAPTER 235Serene “Diego is…is everything OK?” I wondered what had happened to have him cry like that."Why Serene...why?" he asked in a hurtful tone as I struggled to understand what was going on."I…I do not comprehend what you are saying, Diego. Is everything okay?” I asked, looking at him confused.“No!” He went down on one knee and said, "Nothing is fine unless you accept my proposal.""Diego,” I whispered."Serene Brights, will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the world?" he begged, tears streaming down his cheeks and his lips shivering.“Ye…yes I will…I will marry you," I murmured, helping him get up as we hugged.“Woo!" I heard Grace and Miguel.So they were pretending to be asleep.(Two days later)I stood in the center of the stairs, a veil enveloping my head like a breath of silk.My wedding gown was beautiful as dew, exquisite and unbending, just like I had weathered all storms.My babies clutching to the lace sleeves and chatting fast. Two similar gifts were
CHAPTER 234Serene Two weeks later Our home was filled with peace, and everyone had the smiles we had all been waiting for. The girls were preparing for their naming ceremony.The entire house was filled with balloons and flowers. Grace and Rina were racing up and down making sure nothing went wrong since this was a ceremony they did not want to ruin at any cost.Miguel exclaimed, "The priest is here!" and everyone moved to greet him."Be blessed, my kid," he whispered, resting his hand on top of Miguel and offering him a sweet.“Mommy, can I give the girls some?" Miguel asked about breaking the sweet."Oh no, baby, you'll give them plenty when they grow," I smiled.We went to sit around the fire as the priest started the ritual. He sprinkled olive oil on their foreheads and smiled at them."Great riches and power are within their destiny, and joy will always be a part of it, but dark times will come," he warned, causing my heart to skip a beat before he added, "But they are strong
CHAPTER 233Serene I awoke to the sound of a little scream coming from one of the cradles and rushed out of bed, only to find Diego already cradling the baby who had awoken.“Hey that was fast," I smiled."I know, madam, you can sleep," he said, carefully turning her from side to side."No, maybe I need to feed her," I said, preparing to take her from him when she began sobbing."I think she wants to remain with Daddy," Diego murmured, and I smiled, wondering how she had already taken sides.I am not sure how I fell asleep, but I woke up every time a small cry sounded from the crib. The next morning, we all prepared to travel to New York. "Mommy, I hope you will snap plenty of pictures of my sisters when we get on the plane," Miguel stated as we climbed into the Van."Yes, my darling," I said as I brushed his curly hair.We arrived at the runway and boarded the plane. "Goodness, I can not wait to get to New York," George said."Me neither," Rina murmured, going to rest on his shoulde
CHAPTER 232Diego "In other news, millionaire Diego Myers has been cleared of all charges following his detention in London, and some individuals have lately posted touching images of him and the Queen leaving a hospital after his release. Could he be the father of the two angels we saw?” The reporter remarked this as she zoomed in on a shot of Serene and me strolling with the girls."Gosh, these folks never miss an opportunity to create a trend," Serene commented, taking a seat next to me, but I had to ask if she needed anything since the prospect of her fighting an entire nuclear war alone terrified me.“No, I'm OK. You're acting strange lately, are you OK?” she asked."Yes, but I have been thinking about something, and you do not have to agree if you are not ready," I answered when she asked for my opinion."After everything you have been through, I was thinking about you going to therapy." You have been through a lot. I just want you to be OK.”“OK, I'll. Anything else?" She aske
CHAPTER 231Serene It was a Saturday morning, and I awoke with the sensation that something was missing. I am not sure what it is, but I know a part of me is not present. "Good morning," Diego said, strolling in with flowers in his hands."Hello, where have you slept?" Rina had informed me he had not gone home, so I inquired."Umm, somewhere safe. I can not go home until I know it is safe for everyone, but for now, we need to get your belongings together and go," he stated."Finally, they are going to meet their brother and grandmother," I grinned.I watched Diego prepare my bags as I calmed the girls down after they began weeping."Ms. Brights, you appear to be in for a lot of fun," observed the doctor as he strolled in."Definitely, but I will be around, so it will be fantastic," Diego said, as the doctor nodded and walked away.Pete walked in and assisted Diego with our belongings, as I made my way to the car behind them. I am not sure why they had to hire so many guards, but Dieg
CHAPTER 230Nelly Sofia raced to the door after hearing a loud knock.“You!" She exclaimed, and we all turned to see who she was referring to, stunned by what we were witnessing.Charlotte Brights What is she doing here after beating Sofia?“Move!" she pushed Sofia and made her way inside.We were all surprised, and Sofia was seething as she went after Charlotte, preparing to grab her by the hair, when Charlotte grabbed her firmly and twisted her arm."Do not even lift your unclean hands at me, okay," she told Sofia, who was crying in anguish."Let go of my arm, you bitch; I will call the cops. How dare you do this to me in my own home?" Sofia replied."You are stupid for not double-checking the property paperwork. This is a house Serene bought for me, but I asked her to give it to you because I knew I would need it on a day like today, so do not push it or I will kick your ass out right now," Charlotte said, flinging Sofia to the floor.Max, Sandra, and I looked at each other in sh
CHAPTER 229Serene It began to rain violently outside, and lightning streaked across the skies, while thunder boomed as if someone had turned on its top roar. I was lying on my bed with my kids next to me, unable to stomach having them removed.“Ms. Brights, that was amazing. We have not seen situations where women give birth two months earlier to healthy kids like these," the doctor stated as he strolled in, taking notes and looking at my girls while I smiled.Just as I thought stillness would reign, two small screams filled the room, and Rina whispered gently."They’re perfect," she whispered.Wow. Perfection is something I never expected to find again after all the relationships I had broken and the loved ones I lost. If Neina had waited a little longer before drinking, she may have seen the two angels she desired to see so badly.I sat up straight after looking at my beautiful pink-cheeked infants, who were deep asleep.“Would you like something?" Rina asked, standing up already.
CHAPTER 228Serene We were on our way home when the weather became terrible, and something unexpected raced through my legs.“I…I think my water broke…Take me to the hospital," I told the terrified chauffeur."What? Are you OK?” Kyrell as I nodded.The storm outside blew like my heart's sorrow, while thunder boomed and lightning left marked wounds over the night. Just as we were about to reach the hospital, a terrible pain struck me, and I could not help but scream as the pain intensified "We are almost there, Serene; hang in there," Kyrell murmured, pressing his palm across my back, but my body was crumbling, while my heart was already broken.Just as we were getting out of the car, George raced up to us and helped Kyrell hold me until the nurse provided a wheelchair. “Stay with us, Serene; You're going to be OK." Little did we know that trouble had already reached us. They took me inside as soon as I arrived at the maternity ward. Pete stormed into the room, revolver pulled and
CHAPTER 227Serene Pete found Charlotte's location, but before we could go to her, she requested me to go find her alone. I knew things might either go well or poorly, despite Kyrell's protests.The address she provided me was an abandoned warehouse outside of London where many criminals would hide from the police. It had rusty timbers and smashed window frames, and the stench of unclean water and rot permeated the air, indicating that many secrets and dead were likely buried inside.My footfall reverberated as I walked with one hand on top of my bump. Pete moved behind me, lurking near the holster beneath his coat. While Kyrell and the other guys guarded the exits.I entered the room, where Charlotte was clothed in gray from head to toe. I could see her luggage in a corner. I could also smell the gasoline from a tiny bottle beside her.“Did you come alone as I asked?" Charlotte shouted out, her voice reverberating off the empty walls."I am not dumb, Charlotte; concern should be th