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 22Diego"George, you and I both know Serene would never return to London after what happened following her father's death. I believe Charlotte is just toying with you," I said after careful deliberation."But, Sir, I saw them talking on a vi—I cut him off and quickly began talking about business. We researched a concept for which we intended to collaborate with the "Katarayo agency from London." I am not sure why their marketing agent shared the things Serene taught my agents too, but everything appeared to be nicely written and just like what my agent would submit to me."Uhmm, sir, this report appears to be succinct and to the point," George said after we had gone over the plan."Yes, I believe we will do well together if we can reach an agreement with them; their team works similarly to ours." I responded.My phon
CHAPTER 73Diego I felt my hands tighten into fists, and my chest burned with rage as I remembered that Serene had told me the flowers were from her boyfriend. So, all along, my uncle had been the man she was talking about. I know he doesn't love her; whatever he is doing is to gain access to her wealth and steal as much as he can from her, as he did with his wife until she vanished with no trace to date. We all suspected he was behind her sudden disappearance, but we could not gather enough evidence to fight him. I will not allow Serene to suffer the same fate. I went to my room and quickly changed to take a shower while Grace ironed the clothes I requested. When I finished, I walked out and saw Sonia in a bikini. "Hello, sweetheart," she said, walking towards me."What exactly are you doing here?" I asked in a serious tone."What is the meaning of this? I am with my boyfriend, so what is the problem?" she asked."Do not dodge the question, Sonia; what are you doing here?" I repeate
CHAPTER 72Diego Serene is so unbelievable that it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to resist her. I am not sure what is wrong with me, but every time I look at her, I start wishing things had not turned out the way they did between us, or rather that I had not behaved like an ass. I am now dealing with a new reality: another man has come into her life. No! There is no way I would let my son call someone else 'Dad'. I need to act quickly. I was still thinking when I noticed the lift close directly in front of me. “No!” I said, wishing I had walked out on time.It opened, and I found myself on the top floor again. A woman walked in with files in her hands, and I recognized her as Rina Serene's PA. "I thought you were gone, Mr. Myers," she said, smiling."That is correct, but I had something else to do before I left," I replied."Oh, I see; have fun then," she said as she was about to walk out of the lift, but I interrupted her with a question."May I have some coffee with you
CHAPTER 71SERENE I know Diego must be happy that I hugged him. It is not like I had a choice; making sure my son does not notice the distance between us is something I will have to keep doing until he is old enough to understand things. I do not want to fall for anything Diego is attempting. I was still deep in thought when Rina shook my shoulder. "Someone looks so lost that peck must have stimulated a lot, right?" She teased me."You must be crazy to think I kissed him," I said, jumping out of the car as the guard opened it for me.“Come on it's Mr. Myers after all,” she said and held her mouth when I gave her a serious look.I walked towards the main entrance, and everyone kept greeting me, with some even complimenting my outfit. "Ms. Bright's welcome; we expected to see your secretary," Mr. Simon said."Oh, that is correct, but important gatherings must not be missed at any cost; I am sure you understand how the game is played in the business world," I replied with a smile."Yes,
CHAPTER 70Serene What could be better than seeing the mighty Diego Myers cleaning up his messes? Maybe he was right; when I saw the blood, I felt bad, but not as bad as I would have back then. Covering my son's eyes was far too important since his fear of blood grows every time he sees it. I used to tell him that losing too much blood could result in hospitalization, which he despised. Just as Diego began cleaning, I walked out and went to the dining room to check on Miguel. "Mommy, where is Daddy?" he inquired, looking behind me, likely hoping to see Diego."Your father is—is on a phone call," I responded, knowing he would not want to disturb Diego."OK, I will go wait for him to finish," he replied and was about to leave when I gently held his arm. "Wait, sweetie," I quickly said.“Mommy is everything OK?” he asked."Yes, I just wanted to give you a kiss before you leave," I said, kissing him quickly and signaling Rina to go make sure Diego finished the cleaning. There is no way I
CHAPTER 69 Diego "Sweetie," Serene said, quickly releasing my shirt. I was going to die if my son had not come to my rescue. "Are you fighting with Daddy?" he asked, approaching us.“No, not at all I was just —”"Fixing my collar," I cut her off because she ran out of words."Yes, I was fixing Daddy's collar; where have you been?" Serene questioned him while holding his cheeks."I was in the toy room waiting for Daddy," he explained.“What?” "Daddy promised to play with me in the morning, but he did not come," he explained, and Serene turned to look at me, possibly regretful.“Oh, I'm so sorry I forgot I had —”"Blood," Miguel interrupted me as he noticed my hand was bleeding.“What!” Serene replied, looking in the direction Miguel had pointed."Oh, sweetie, I am sorry," she said, covering his eyes as he started to shiver. “Is daddy going to be OK?” he cried."Yes, Daddy will be fine, sweetie; do not cry," Serene reassured him.The maid quickly brought her the first aid kit, but sh
CHAPTER 68Diego What else could I do? I tried to stop her from signing those papers, but she was too ignorant. To top it off, she was romantically holding that beast of an uncle I so detest. A touch I wished she could have given me, or something I was about to explode in anger over, but I had to hold it in because the Serene I have come to know is not the woman I once married, and believe me when I say she isn't. I remember coming home from work and changing my expression as if she had done something wrong, even though she hadn't; all I wanted was to get her out of my sight. But now the tables have turned, and karma is a bitch.I poured myself a glass of whiskey and drank it. "Uh," I let out a sound due to the burning sensation in my throat."Take it easy, son; what is bothering you?" my uncle inquired, taking the chair in front of me."Nothing, just being disappointed by someone," I said, punching my fist against the table wishing I gave it in his face.“Oh, I see ladies or busines
CHAPTER 67Serene "Calm down, everyone; this one appears to be heartfelt," she said with a smile.‘Read the damn message I sent you,’ I said in my head."Okay, here it says sweetie. At first, I thought I would never see him, but fate had other plans. I know you missed me, and I truly missed you from the bottom of my heart. Happy birthday, your hero," the MC said, and my heart returned to place.'Wow, that was close,' I thought to myself.It was finally time for everyone to give their gifts, and I was overcome with emotion as I saw how many wishes and gifts everyone had for my son. I stood there watching, trying not to cry because it would ruin my makeup. "Madam, are you okay?” Mia asked as she stood beside me."Yes, I am fine; look after Miguel for me; I will be back soon," I said, heading upstairs. I closed my room and attempted to call Charlotte and Neina, but both of their numbers did not go through. I approached the mirror and looked at myself. 'You need to stay strong, Serene; t
CHAPTER 66Serene It was not like I did not have a choice; I just had to let him come because Miguel would be upset with me. When Miguel called Diego out loud at the barbershop, I knew my worst fear had come true. If it were up to me, he would never have seen my son, but fate had other plans. I will have to pretend to be in a happy relationship with him to convince our son that we are happy. I entered my room and closed the door behind me. So many thoughts were racing through my mind, so I took a deep breath and quickly looked in the direction of the door that had just opened. "Mommy," Miguel said, pulling Diego into my room."I brought Daddy after our house tour, and I am going to get ready for the party," Miguel said as he ran out of the room.What the hell is going on? He had no right to be in my room. He must believe this is the Myers Mansion or something. "Look —”"I did not come here on purpose; in fact, I had no idea this was your room," he interrupted me."Whatever, I will ha
CHAPTER 65Diego It was my son's birthday, and I could not let my uncle wish him before me. I quickly called Rina and asked her to learn more about my son's preferences from his nanny. She was hesitant at first, but eventually found out and told me everything. Since he had always wanted his car, I quickly bought him one and asked the maid to keep me updated if Serene went out. When she told me Serene was taking my son to the barbershop, I went there first and waited for them. When I was certain it was safe for me to enter after them, I walked in and noticed Serene on her phone while our son was looking at how the barber was styling his hair when our gazes met. "Daddy!" he exclaimed, jumping up the chair and into my arms. I was surprised and could not believe he knew what I looked like; Serene must have shown him pictures or something. I could feel his tiny arms around my neck. I put my hands in his curly hair as I picked him up and gave him a proper look. To my surprise, he looked e