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 23Serene The day began out really hectic, and I have not left the office since I arrived. When I raised my head, I noticed that all of my agents were not at their workstations, and their seats were vacant. That was strange because I do not remember anything like that happening. Just as I was ready to go investigate what was going on, the agent in love with Mr. Cruz strolled in. Before she could say anything, I asked her what was going on, and she just stated that the boss and everyone were waiting for me. I hurriedly grabbed my notepad and went to the boarding room.When I walked in, everyone was sitting, except for my chair, which was unoccupied. As I took my seat, the CEO rose."Thank you everybody for attending. I think we all understand why we are here. Max Cruz, our largest shareholder, has called an emergency meeting. Mr. Cruz, you have the floor,” The CEO said, taking his seat."Thank you. I will get straight to the point. Mr. Cruz remarked, before continuing ,"Over t