CHAPTER 14Serene It is Saturday, and I need to finish off all the cleaning. My flat is not huge, but I am delighted it will be plenty for my child and myself. There are also two spare rooms available for Neina and Charlotte to stay in during their vacation. I stood on the sofa and turned on the television. A wonderful video of a renowned family on vacation was aired, and I could see how happy they were, only to find myself wishing it was us. I promptly changed the channel and switched to watching some cartoons for a time. I checked the clock and it was almost 4 p.m. Max Cruz and I are going to meet. He may assume it is a date, but I just want to make it obvious that I do not want his presents or any of the drama that comes with his trying on me. 'Maybe I should tell Neina about it,' I thought to myself before dialing her number."Hello," she said from the other end."Hello, how are you?" I remarked to her:"I am OK; I just miss you, and Charlotte has already left for the market, Ser
CHAPTER 15Serene "Ms. Brights, come down," he said, beckoning the waiter to come.I did not come to have long chats; I just wanted to return his presents and make it plain that I am very uncomfortable with how he is acting. I cleared my throat and could not dispute that the meal delivered by the server smelled excellent, but I could not bring myself to touch it."Is everything okay?" he questioned, twisting his pasta and looking at me."Yes, everything is good, Mr. Cruz. I just wanted to tell you something.""Oh, I see; I would rather that you call me Max," he insisted."Okay, Max, I would like to explain things," I said sincerely."You sound serious, Ms. Brights; what is bothering you?"“Mr. Cruz I would like to tell you that I am quite uncomfortable with the way you have been acting around me lately," I said, taking a deep breath."What?""I am not interested in getting things from you," I said, staring into his eyes."Come down, Ms. Brights; I think you are taking things incorrec
CHAPTER 16Diego 'I am not sure if I am overreacting or Nelly is not simply keeping up with making the room look presentable. Everything is simply laying about, and it is so untidy that I sometimes have to look for spoiled food in the room. Things like these make me wish she had some of Serene's attributes, like how she always made sure the room was beautifully organized and everything was in its place. I told myself this while I sat in my library."Diego!" Nelly called while I was in the library.I found her comfortably situated on the couch, I raced to find out what she needed. "Look, I wish it was just the two of us," she said, pointing to the television, which showed a family joyfully smiling in the Himalayas. "What do you mean, we should start a family?""No, not at all—I mean, not right now; I simply wanted us to travel there for our honeymoon," she answered."Uhm OK, I thought you wanted us to start a family," I responded."Diego, please do not start; you know what my reacti
CHAPTER 17Diego It is 2 a.m., and Nelly has not yet come home. I realize that she enjoys freedom, but she didn't have to leave until this late. Every day, New York becomes more dangerous, and it is no longer safe to go outside. Being with Nelly appears to be a source of stress, but what can I do? I do not want to lose her for the second time; I am confident she will change with time. I walked downstairs and watched my favorite series, hoping to hear a knock on the door, but there was none. I attempted to make some breakfast despite my dislike for cooking, but for Nelly, I began to compromise somewhat.I strolled into the bedroom and put some items back in the closet as I remembered how Serene did it. I straightened the vase of flowers at the window and packed Nelly's shoes where Serene normally placed hers. Time was passing, and Nelly had not yet returned home; perhaps I should go check where she is, I reasoned, and grabbed my vehicle keys. Just as I approached the main door, I coul
CHAPTER 18Serene I am far too late for work. I only hope my agents did all I requested them to do. I instantly got up and requested that the driver pick me up within the next 40 minutes. I dashed into the shower and opened the faucet, allowing the warm water to flow down my skin. I could sense my baby's movements. 'Calm down, little one, mother is going to get ready for work,' I whispered in my head. I finished quickly and grabbed a towel to dry myself. I promptly went to my room and sorted through my clothing. My hair was still wet, so I hurriedly blew it dry and attempted to curl it. My makeup was almost done, so I dressed up and applied it fast. I stepped in front of the dressing mirror and could not believe how beautiful I looked.I could not help but smile when I realized I looked like a model. 'Seems like it is starting to show,' I said, referring to my pregnancy. I picked up my heels and put them on. Since all of the paperwork I needed was downstairs, I went to the kitchen an
CHAPTER 19Serene "Thank you both for coming. There is a problem that has to be addressed," the boss stated, clearing his throat and focusing on me.I gave myself a quick peek. unsure about where that is going. I tried my hardest to tell Mr. Cruz I was not interested in whatever he was attempting to do with me, but he kept sending gifts."Oh? Is it about business or something else?" Mr. Cruz inquired of the boss, very likely anticipating the direction of the conversation.The boss' eyes narrowed slightly, and his attitude remained calm."Mr. Cruz, I believe you are aware of the situation at hand. Your... conduct toward Miss Brights has created worries."The sound of it made me feel slightly uncomfortable since I knew this wouldn't have happen if Mr. Cruz had stopped when I first refused, and none of this would have happened at all."Sir, I sincerely apologize if this is creating any problems. I have tried to be courteous about it,” I explained "Courteous? Ms. Brights, come on. A sm
CHAPTER 20Serene I now see why Sir was so protective of me at the meeting with Mr. Cruz; the manner he held me conveyed an entirely different message. Two men are now in love with me. I do not even understand what this is about anymore; maybe I should simply resign my work since I can not be a trophy. The idea of quitting my job doesn't appeal to me because I had been wanting to work for this firm for nearly three years. I will simply get myself together and concentrate on what I need to do.I opened my computer and reviewed the document that my agent had provided me. I rectified certain errors and returned them to them. My door opened, and the agent who likes Mr. Cruz entered. I could tell she had gossip or really nasty recommendations, so I asked her to go because I was busy, but she assured me she was not coming to make trouble."Should I bring the quarterly reports you requested?" She inquired as I continued to focus on my task. "Just leave them on the boss's table. I will get
CHAPTER 21Diego It has been 9 months, and living with Nelly seems like a huge mistake. I am doing everything I can to make our relationship steady, but she only gives me red signals. How do I go about becoming a maid in my own home? I can't even see the love and devotion she had anymore, except when she comes to demand money for unnecessary items; I have spent almost $5 million in just 9 months of being with Nelly. I do not recall the last time I came home and felt loved; it was either I stayed at work late or went to sleep in the hotel room. Back then, with Serene, I did not have to think about anything but business."Sir, is everything okay?" George inquired while searching through some files."Yes, I am OK; I am just a bit fatigued," I replied, taking a sip from my drink."That is intriguing; the night must have been long, Huh?" He teased me."No, it's not what you think; I have just had a lot on my mind recently.""I see so much weight on a man's shoulders," he observed, bowing
CHAPTER 158 Serene The next day, I awoke in a hospital bed, knowing that the worst news was waiting for me. I stood up and looked at Charlotte and Neina, who were nervously looking at each other. "Did I lose the babies?" I asked my ears, knowing fully well that they were unprepared for the answer. "No, you didn't. The children are fine, but we are not sure if you will want to attend Diego's funeral," Charlotte said. "I am fine, I will go," I said, but I could tell they were both concerned that I would not be able to handle the pain. We arrived home, and I was able to change. I was sitting on my couch, trying to remember all the times he managed to create memories with me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I remembered how I hugged him from behind when Miguel was kidnapped. "Tell me you do not want to see me again, and I will leave forever," his words echoed in my mind. “I don't," I recalled saying before running to give him that hug. Why did you leave me so soon? I
CHAPTER 157 Serene The gunshots continued to echo in my head until I saw Diego fall in front of me. I was unable to speak, and before I could reach out to him, everything went black. "Diego!" I exclaimed, waking up in a hospital bed. "Calm down, Ms. Brights; you are safe and sound," I heard a strange woman say. "Who... Who are you, and where is Miguel?" I asked the woman, who appeared to be smiling at me. “Miguel? I don't know who that is but I —" "What do you mean, you have no idea who my son is? Where is Miguel?" I cut her off, attempting to sit up straight at the prospect of possibly losing my son. "Oh, your son," the woman said with a smile, and my heart rate finally slowed. “Where is he?" I asked her again. "He went to bring you some clothes from the mans
CHAPTER 156Nelly“Mina!" I heard Max exclaim when I opened my eyes in shock. How was she still alive after what Max had done to her? I looked around and could not believe I was actually in jail. "Hello, Nelly; you appear surprised to be in your new home," Mina said, smiling at me."Mina, my love, I can not believe you are still alive; I have missed you,” Max said, trying to hold her hand."Max, please hold it there. Are you even listening to yourself right now?” Mina cut him off."Of course, sweetie; I can not believe you are here with me every day and night. I wish you—”"Shut up, you idiot," Grace interrupted him as she walked in, looking different. She had lipstick and heels on."Grace, you have arrived," Max said, smiling with hope."Hello Max," Grace
CHAPTER 155SERENEI could not believe what I just heard and could not even tell Neina. I knew going to sleep in my room would be dangerous, so I locked the door and asked the guards to come upstairs in groups while armed, as the future was unknown at the time. “Is everything OK?" I heard Max ask the guard."Yes, everything is fine, Mr. Cruz; you can sleep," I said, attempting to appear calm."OK, thank you for letting me stay," he said, and I just smiled as I went into my room to grab my coat before returning to Miguel's room. After what I just heard, there was no way I was going to leave my baby alone all night. My thoughts were scattered, and I was having trouble reaching Diego. I was sure he was drunk by now.“What happened?" Neina inquired about why I had decided to have us sleep in Miguel's room.I cou
CHAPTER 154SERENEWhen Diego learned Miguel had been kidnapped, he dashed out, promising to bring him back, but I knew I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my son. I tried to relax and think positively, but couldn't. I suspected Charlotte was playing a prank on me, but when I called her, she had already left for Dubai with Andrew. My heart was not in the right place, and I knew Grace had not taken him without permission.Who else could have done that?Nelly was the only one who raised a red flag in my mind; I would never use a gun on anyone before, but after all the techniques I learned in self-defense classes with my guards, I did not mind pulling the trigger for Miguel, so I quickly asked the guards to get the car ready and take me to Max's mansion. My instincts never lie, and Miguel would undoubtedly be in the hands of Ne
CHAPTER 153NellyMax had gone shopping with Sonia and Grace, while I remained behind to make a very strategic move. There is no way Diego just decided to leave and go to a hotel. I have been following him for a while now, and I can not help but outwit him before he outwits us. When I found out that he had gone to see Serene, I used the plan I had devised to get their child and got my hands on that little boy. Knowing Serene would give anything to have that child back, I would play my cards right. I was about to leave my bedroom when I bumped into Max."Nelly, where have you been?" he inquired, his face untidy."What happened and is the shopping already done?" I pretended to ask."Do not act surprised; you know exactly what I am talking about. Where is Serene's son?" he inquired, his tone filled with concern as if he were the father
CHAPTER 152SereneI was on my way to check on the current status of my hotel when I noticed a waitress attempting to force herself on Diego. I was so furious that I almost fired her for being so unethical with our customers. I told them to treat everyone with respect, and given Diego's state, I could not help but rush to his aid, even though a part of me wanted to back away. He was always drunk when things didn't go well, so I knew something was up.When he told me what had happened, I called George to learn more and see how I could help. I realize it sounded stupid, but I was not doing it for Diego. I could not bear the thought of his late father's time being wasted on Myers Enterprise. Even after assisting him, something else made me nervous—lab results.I just found out I am pregnant and have no idea what will happen next. I am not sure whether I should be
CHAPTER 151Diego Waking up on Serene's couch is so comfortable, and getting to make breakfast for her and my son is something I want to do every day. When I returned to Max's mansion, I only came to get my bags, so I moved into a hotel; I could not leave under the roof over a wolf who might kill me one day. I greeted Grace, who appeared to be both sad and happy that I was moving out. "You better get them for me," she whispered, hugging me.“I will not worry," I responded."Do not lose focus, Sonia," I said, hugging her too."I won't you take care,” she said, kissing my cheek when Nelly walked in.“Diego, are you leaving? I mean what's with all these bags?" she asked."Nothing, Nelly; I am just going to get some privacy," I replied."Where? I mean, this mansion is large enough to accommodate everyone. Where are you going?" she asked.“Yes, Diego, where are you going?" my uncle asked, as he walked in."I am moving out to have my privacy," I explained."What? No, you know we have all
CHAPTER 150Serene I walked away since I could tell Diego was uncomfortable and Sofia appeared to be excited. I stood back and just admired how happy Charlotte and Neina appeared to be with their partners. Could such joy not locate me? Max smiled and blocked my way, so I considered walking away since I didn't want to be around him. "Ms. Brights, you look adorable tonight," he commented. "Thank you, Mr. Cruz; you do not look bad either," I said, about to walk away as he held my hand.“Uhmm sorry, how about we have a dance?" He said, but I was not in the mood, so I refused."Some other time, I have to get to something," I replied, walking away.Why would Max want us to dance when I do not want anything to do with him? Rina should have come here to dance with him because she likes rich men. I had not even finished thinking when I answered her video call. " Hey Rina, what a surprise?” I said as I didn't expect her to call."Calm down, madam, I know that reaction; did you turn down Max?"