Jasper POVHe opens Vera's gift first, revealing a pair of cufflinks, each one engraved with his initials. "Oh, these are lovely!" he exclaims, holding them up to the light.Next, he unwraps my gift, revealing a bottle of an expensive whiskey. "Ah, my favorite!" he Exclaimed.In hours the time struck 5pm, and uncle Santos got ready. Vera and I did the same.Inside the car Vera and I join him."Let's go!" We arrived at the venue, the lights dimmed and the music pumping. Guests are already filling the hall, laughing and chatting over glasses of champagne. Uncle Santos greeted with cheers and applause, his smile wider than ever as he made his way through the crowd."Thank you all for coming!" he said, holding up his glass."I am honored to have you all amazing people in my life," Uncle Santos continues, his gaze on everyone as he turns "Each and every one of you has played a part in making me who I am today.”He turns to Vera and I, "And to my two favorite people in the world thank yo
Jasper POV" I don't know where she leaves." I lean back on the chair, not interested in taking her home." Take her to our home, she'll be fine there" Uncle Santos suggest." Vera can take her there herself. I still need a lot of time to enjoy the day before it ends"." Vera is busy, she has a lot to do before the day ends. just take her home you can come back to enjoy the day" Uncle Santos add.Faced with no other option, I reluctantly agreed to take Valerie home. I helped her to her feet, surprised at how unsteady she is on her feet. Shaking her head sideways, dancing to the soft music played. Frustrated I pull her closer. And then felt her hand on my arm."Waaa, you're so strong," she murmurs, her eyes barely open. Uncle Santos chuckled.I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to control my growing anger. I thought I'll begin having my life to myself at this point then decide my next move but this...this...drunk... She pushed backwards and I had to drag her closer again."Come on!
Selena POVMom and Dad found out about my separation with Jasper and hell went loss. But I made them understand why and why I needed to heal. It's been a month now and I'm much better. I no longer dream of Theo's demise. I've taken a long break from modeling and I'm still contemplating if I will go back or if I won't.Knock! Knock! I heard a knock on my door. " Come in" I called out, looking at the door's direction.My door got opened and the maid walked in. " Your dad wants to see you!" She inform me." Where is he?" " At the living room with your mom, they told me to call you".I got up from my bed, smoothing out my dress as I head to the living room. My mind races trying to think of what my parents might want to talk to me about.I entered the living room, and my parents turned to my face, their expressions unreadable."Selena, we have something important to discuss with you," mom broke the silent motioning for me to take a seat on the couch. " Is there any problem? why the sudde
Selena POVFor a moment, I frozed in place, my mind racing as I tries to process this unexpected encounter. I felt emotions swirling through me: surprise, anger, confusion, and even a hint of nostalgia.I tear my gaze away from Jasper and took my seat, My heart still racing. As Mrs. Gonzalez begins the lesson, I try to focus on the lecture, but my mind keeps wandering back to Jasper.What is he doing here? I wonder. Is he here for the same reason I'm here? And why is he looking at her like that?I glanced at him out of the corner of my eyes, trying to read his expression, but his expression remains unreadable, his gaze fixed on the professor.Realizing he isn't bordered like I was I decided to face the class, I brought out a note and a pen and started joting. Not giving any attention to him by telling myself he's just a seat mate am meeting for the first time.I focused on the professor's lecture, jotting down notes with intense concentration. But despite my best efforts, I can't comp
Jasper POV I got home to find Vera and Uncle Santos talking in the living room, I threw my bag on the couch and sat down, leaning back on thr seat in thought." What is it?" Uncle Santos asked, exchanging glances with Vera.I sighed then let out " I met Selena today!" I broke the news " Selena? Where? isn't she in Boston Hills? Is she here to plead with you? Or need you back?" Vera asked." I don't know, I met her today in class,"" You mean at the business school?" Uncle Santos asked and I nod. I clenched my jaw, the frustration of the day's events still fresh in my mind."I can't believe she's here, I was trying to move on with my life, and now she shows up out of nowhere?"Vera shakes her head. "Maybe it's just a coincidence," she offers, “ maybe she will leave soon!” "Yeah, right," I scoff. "What are the odds of her enrolling in the same school, at the same time as me?”"Even if she does, that shouldn't be a problem"." Or should I leave the business school?" I asked." You ca
Colin POV I've gotten a little better although I've been in the hospital for weeks and the doctor advised I stay for some extra weeks. Olivia has been with me all these while, she has been the best, my rock and everything taking care of me, attending to my needs and making sure I get better soon.And I kept falling for her each day, I think she will be my last bus stop...maybe. But I hope it comes true. I lay on the hospital bed while she sat close to me, cleaning my skin with a wet towel…My heart flutters as I watch Olivia tend to me with such care and gentleness. "You're so good at this," I said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Are you sure you're not a nurse in disguise?"Olivia chuckles, "Nope, just a girl who cares about you." She pauses for a sec. "And I'm glad you're getting better. You really had me worried for a while there.”My eyes meet Olivia's as she suddenly leans over me, her hand gently brushing my hair out of my face."I was worried too, I thoug
Colin POV " Mom, please! Dad help me talk to her!" I could hear Olivia's screams.The thoughts of not seeing Olivia again felt like the world would end. Despite the pain in my back from the drill pipe incident at the crude oil Industry I tried my best to sit up, I took deep breaths several times to ease the pain a little then I took the walker aid. Stood up with all the strength I have and followed the voice, I could still hear Olivia's voice. Determined I grip the walker aid tightly and take slow, measured steps down the hallway, following the sound of Olivia's voice. With each step, the pain in his back intensifies, but I grit my teeth and push on, unwilling to let Olivia face this battle alone.As I round a corner, I caught sight of Olivia's mom, her back turned to me, still gripping Olivia's arm tightly."Mom, please!" Olivia pleads, wiping the tears on her face with her shoulder. "You're hurting me!”Olivia quickly pulled her hand away moving backwards but her Dad pulled her ba
Colin POVI grip the bed sheet and my knuckles turned white, I stare at the receptionist for a while "How much?"The receptionist looked down and flips through the booklet in her hands. "It's, um, three thousand dollars, sir," she replied“Three thousand dollars?!" I Exclaimed, "I don't have that kind of money! I'm just a laborer, remember? I stated it on the file"" I'm just doing my job sir, you need to pay up before 3 days time, if not your treatment will stop and you won't want to see side effects!" "Side effects? What kind of side effects?" I demands, his hands balled into fists. "You've been undergoing physical therapy, sir. Stopping that treatment suddenly could lead to muscle weakness, decreased mobility, and even more severe pain. You need to finish the course.”I lay there with my back still hurt. " Is there any way I can be treated so after treatment I'll work the money and pay?" I asked." So sorry sir, we don't allow that, I'll take my leave now." She said and took her
Aviva POVI took the hospital card from her, with my hands shaking. What had happened to my mother? And why had Levi been taking care of her? I thanked the neighbor and rushed out of the building, hailing a cab to the hospital. The ride was rough, my heart almost out of their place as I tried to process everything that had happened.When I arrived at the hospital, I rushed to the reception desk. “I’m here to see Leah Rogers,” I said, trembling, “Can you tell me which room she’s in?”“ Leah?” she glanced at the system before staring at me, “ No one named Leah Rogers here,”“ Sorry, Olivia Rogers not leah.”“Olivia Rogers is in room 208. I can show you the way if you’d like.”I nodded gratefully and followed her to the elevator. As we ascended to the second floor, my heart felt like it was going to explode. I had no idea what I would find in room 208.The receptionist led me down a quiet hallway and stopped in front of a closed door. “This is it,” she said, gesturing for me to enter.I
Aviva POV“About 48 hours before someone realizes that money is missing,” Armstrong replied, tensed up. “Or will we have no choice but to find a way to return the funds before then. Or better still we will place a fake amount there if we can't get it before then but I pray we can, let's continue!." We spend the next hours working tirelessly, our eyes red from lack of sleep and our fingers cramping from typing.But with every lead we followed, every strategy we tried, we were met with dead ends. The money was gone, vanished. And then, just as we were about to admit defeat, Armstrong’s face lit up with a sudden realization. “Levi,” he exclaimed. “Levi might have a backup. If anyone had the foresight to protect ByteForge’s finances, it would be him.” " It doesn't matter now, we are almost there" Nieves continued, " let's get over this in less than an hour guys focus!"Determined, we set to work, our fingers fixed on the keyboard. And finally, after hours of work, we saw it. A hidden a
Aviva POV “Please, Aviva,” Levi pleaded, “There has to be another way. You don’t have to do this.”I stared at him, “I’m sorry, Levi, But this is the path I’ve chosen. I won’t betray Elara.”, deep down I know fully well I can't place my mom's life in danger. I turned away from Levi, my heart in pain I couldn’t quite place it. I knew I’d hurt him, but I couldn’t back down. I owed Elara too much for that.Elara had promised me so much, a new life, a fresh start. But at what cost? Was it worth sacrificing my relationship with Levi? Was it worth the risk of losing everything I’ve worked for?For days I threw myself into my work at Global Reach, trying to bury my doubts and misgivings beneath paperwork and meetings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. But at least, I got to give mom the better life she had given me. my phone rang and i glanced at it to see the caller Id Levi but i avoided the call. for days Levi had been
Levi POVI left the cafe, my mind was racing. I knew that Armstrong was right. I didn't have much time. Global Reach Enterprises was circling like vultures, waiting for ByteForge Technology to fall.But there had to be another way, a way to save my company without giving in to Thier demands.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's contact, i had promised myself i would never asked Dad for help but i guess i need to break my promise. “Hello Dad,” I said when he answered. “I need your help." “Levi?” Dad asked in surprise, “What is it, son? What’s going on?”I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “Dad, I’m in trouble. ByteForge is in trouble. I’m about to lose everything.”There was a long pause, and then Dad spoke. “I see. And what can I do to help?”" I want to know the real owner behind Global reach Enterprise, they want ByteForge , like there are desperate and any silly move from me might ruin everything, i want to know who i'm fighting not shadows" “T
Levi POVI sat in my office, replaying all that Aviva had said to me a while ago. For the past months my company ByteForge Technology has been going through a severe rough patch, is the breach thing Aviva talked about the cause? I sat down wondering.I paced around my office. Aviva’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The security breach she mentioned could be the work of a disgruntled former employee? Or could it be something more sinister? As the CEO of ByteForge Technology I have to take this seriously. If someone was targeting our company, we needed to be prepared. But was Aviva telling the truth? Or was she part of something more nefarious?My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.“Come in,” I called, returning to my desk and trying to appear composed.My assistant, James, entered,“Sir, we’ve been contacted by Global Reach Enterprises. They want to speak with you about a…potential collaboration.”“Potential collaboration?
Aviva POVElara’s laughter faded away as she walked out, I could practically feel the tension in the room. We all knew what was at stake, what would happen if we failed.“Okay,” Parker said, breaking the silence. “So we get in, find the backup server, and get the info. Sounds simple enough.”I knew it wouldn’t be that simple, not with the high stakes and the security precautions in place. But I also knew that Parker was trying to lighten the mood, trying to keep us focused.The three of us left the conference room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel my legs getting heavy, making every step feel heavy and slow.“Don’t worry, Aviva,” Armstrong said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. We’re going to get the information and get out, no problem.” I nodded, trying to smile. But I couldn’t help but feel creeped out. Something about this mission felt…off.Soon it got dark and we made our way towards Byteford Technology headquarters, disguising ourselves as janitors
Aviva POV“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rutherford,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you.”“Indeed,” Elara said, her gaze assessing me “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve reconsidered your application after all this time.”I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I am curious, Ms. Rutherford.”“Have a seat,” she gestured for me to sit. I sat down in the chair across from her, feeling as if I were being measured and weighed, Elara leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. “I’m not going to lie to you, Miss Rogers. We’re desperate. Our recent ventures haven’t been as successful as we’d hoped, and we’re in need of new blood.”A chill ran down my spine at her words. “And you believe I’m the right person for the job?”Elara smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “I believe you have potential, Miss Rogers. You impressed us during the initial interview, and your determination to find employment even after we
Aviva POVThe disciplinary committee was a panel of three stern faced executives, each with a folder of documents in front of them. Bianca took her seat at the head of the table.“Aviva Rogers,” she said, her voice clear and authoritative. “You stand accused of falsifying company records and conspiring with other employees to undermine the authority of your superiors. How do you plead?”I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. I knew it was useless. Bianca had made up her mind.“We have compiled a significant amount of evidence,” one of the disciplinary committee interjected, “But we’re willing to offer you a deal. If you confess, we’ll let you leave with a slightly more favorable recommendation.”I glared at him, my hands balled into fists under the table. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied instead of pleading, “I refuse to confess to crimes I didn’t commit. I was set up!”The committee members exchanged glances, “Very well,” Bianca smirked,“We will proceed
Aviva POV" She would not if we all work together, we can cover for you. Divide up the work so it looks like you’re doing it all yourself, but we’re helping behind the scenes. i promise we would do it just like you and no one will notice" Jeff advised.I hesitated. It was a risky plan, and part of me worried about the consequences if we got caught. But the alternative of failing to meet Bianca’s impossible deadline was even worse. I nod at least I'll be able to get a good night's rest. Feeling renewed with hope, I returned to my desk and began sorting through the files, dividing them up among Jeff, Clara, Dana and Sarah who suggested she would help. We’d have to work quickly and discreetly, and we can do it.The hours passed, we passed the files around, each of us working on different sections. We didn’t talk, didn’t even look at each other. Finally, the clock, near midnight, the last file was finished.“Are you sure no one will notice?” I whispered to Jeff as I placed the files ba