The next day at work, Rita's table was filled with flowers of all sorts. At first, she thought Rodrigo was behind this but she remembered he wasn't rich enough to afford these flowers. She took one of the flowers, reading the note that accompanied it. Her second guess was correct, Edmundo was behind it.
"Trash them", she said to Yasmin who had followed her all the way up.Yasmin gulped, struggling to obey this instruction. She didn't have it in her to waste such beautiful flowers which she was sure must have cost a whole lot of money."Ma'am, are you sure?", She asked, picking one of the flowers."Yes, I'm sure. Now, do as you're told and let me be", she said, dismissing her."Alright ma'am. Please be reminded that you have a meeting with your chaffeur by ten and the investors from the Pearl bank by twelve noon", Yasmin said, walking out of the office with a large bouquet of flowers.Rita settled in her chair, closing her eyes for a minute. Rodrigo hadRita couldn't believe this was happening to her. She couldn't travel with Edmundo when she was so close to nabbing the thief who had been stealing from her company coupled with the fact that she was yet to discover who was behind that attack in Los Angeles. Rodrigo couldn't do it all alone, he needed her and there was no way she would leave him alone."I'm sorry, I can't go. I have so many things to do here that requires my attention", she said as politely as she could."There would be no excuses Rita. You must go with me, it's a must", he said, walking back to his seat."Why don't you tell your many concubines to accompany you", Rita screamed."Don't test my patience woman. You're coming with me and there's no argument about that", he said."And can you force me?",she said."I don't need to force you, I know just how to make you go", he said, stroking his beard."Which is?"."Your father", he smiled sadistically."You wouldn't", Rita sai
"How lovely to see you darling", Edmundo said, giving her a hug.There were just boarding his private jet, heading towards Madrid. Rita stilled, forcing herself to smile."It's not like I had a choice. You literally forced me to come", she said, taking the seat farthest away from him."Glad that you didn't invite your body guard. You know, I might have to transfer him somewhere else, somewhere far away", he said."Is that a threat Edmundo?", Rita asked, staring at him, dead in the eye."Call it whatever you like. Anyway, what would you have. Chicken, beef, turkey", he smiled."I'm not hungry", she said, quietly."Oh, you must eat"."I'm not hungry I ate before coming here", she said."Suit yourself", he said, going into the inner compartment of the plane.Rita was relieved at being left alone. She couldn't bare to stand his presence even for one moment. He was a despicable man and what's more, disgusting. She couldn't wait to get thi
When they landed in Madrid, a car was waiting for them, ready to take them to their destination which turned out to be Edmundo's penthouse. A lavish building that covered a wide expanse of land. The building was quaint with a transparent glass door that seemed to sparkle in the morning sun."Welcome to my private place", he said.Rita halted in her steps. That was the same name she called her private house back in Spain. She didn't believe in coincidences and she wondered if perhaps Edmundo knew about her building. She didn't know what she'd do if he discovered the place. No doubt, he'll look for every avenue to always visit her, disturbing the little peace she had managed to build away from him."It's... Nice", she said, walking into the building."Thank you, I bought it yesterday", he grinned.Rita halted in her steps, staring at him. She couldn't believe what she just heard, a building as big as this would take months before the purchase can be made but k
Rita burst into tears at the relief that flooded her. She couldn't believe that he wasn't angry like she had expected. This made her love him the more and she couldn't wait to be in his arms again."It's okay baby, please stop crying", Rodrigo said."I thought you'd never speak to me again after how I treated you", she croaked, wiping her eyes."No, I would never resent you for that. I know you were only doing that because you were scared and confused. That's why I told you to never allow him rule your mind", Rodrigo said."I didn't want him to suspect a thing. You fail to underestimate him, he's very smart and cunning. One small lie could make him do things that are much bigger then him. I was trying to protect you from his madness", Rita said, taking a seat."He's truly mad. Away from him, how are you princess?",he asked.Rita smiled, curling a strand of her hair. She never got tired of his hearing his sweet endearments. Most days, she desperately wis
"Do I really have to wear this?", Rita sighed, staring at herself in the mirror."Yes, you have to. You're my fiancee, soon to be my wife and dressing shabbily wouldn't speak well of me", Edmundo said, fingering the necklace on her chest.Rita had never worn a gown as revealing as this. The gown was really short with an open back that clung to her hips, bringing out all her shape. She felt uncomfortable on it but she persevered only because she didn't want Edmundo to suspect her. If reverse was the case, she would happily wear this gown for Rodrigo knowing that he would appreciate it more."Now, hurry up or we'll be late", he said.Rita stared at him through the mirror,. He adorned a navy blue suit over a white bow that made him look handsome. Rita wasn't fooled by his appearance. Deep within him, he was a gutter fighter, a ruthless man who never stopped until he got what he wanted.As they walked out of the penthouse towards a limousine no doubt belonging t
The next day of the wedding, Rita feigned illness. She couldn't being herself to attend a wedding that wasn't of benefit to her."Oh come, you want to tell me you're sick?", Edmundo said, pacing about."Edmundo, illness has no season. It could come anytime it so desires", she said, coughing for added effect."I see. Get some drugs from the kitchen. I'm going", he said, slamming the door behind him.Rita sighed, rising up from her bed. So much for being his fiancee. She made her way to the bathroom, using it as quick as possible.After the wedding yesterday, Rita decided to search Edmundo's room. She had a feeling that she would get one or two things concerning his recent attitude these past few days. When she was done, she made her way to his room, opening it with the spare key card she got from the table in her room. Before going to his room, she locked the main doors tightly incase Edmundo decided to come back earlier than expected.When she got to hi
The next day, at exactly one p.m, Edmundo's plane landed. Rita couldn't hide her joy at being back to Spain. She missed her parents but most especially, she missed Rodrigo. As the plane taxied to a stop, Rita couldn't wait to get out of the plane and finally meet the love of her life."What's got you smiling?", Edmumdo said, giving her a suspicious look."Oh nothing, I'm just happy to be back", she said."I see. I think we should do this some other time, you know me and you", Edmundo grinned."Oh no, I think I'll pass. I won't have time to do this again", she said."You always complain about not having time. What exactly do you do with your time?.A look of annoyance crossed his face but Rita ignored it. She didn't want anything to ruin her mood especially since she would soon see Rodrigo."Edmundo, I run an empire bigger than some countries. I'm always in meetings and different functions. The only reason why I went on this trip with you is because
As she walked into her home the next day, Rita answered to greetings from the workers. She was glad to be home. Rodrigo and her spent a lot of time in the private place the previous day, talking about how best she was to inform her father."Hey Dad", Rita beamed.Her father was sitting on a reclined chair, going over the morning's paper. He looked up and when he saw his daughter, he smiled."Darling, how are you? How was your trip", he said, sitting up.Rita took the seat beside him, placing her clutch purse on a nearby table. She stared at her father and couldn't help but give a sad sigh. Her father was getting on in years and it was evident from his behavior." How are you, where's mum?",she asked."She's fine. Went to gossip with Senator Brabra's wife yesterday evening, I'm expecting her this morning", he said."Okay. Father, there's something I would like to discuss with you. That's why I came this early before you go out", she said.Sensi
They got to Camille's house soon. Rita was surprised to see the cars that followed them all the way to her house. Rodrigo informed her that they were his, Rita was surprised but she loved this new him. Her parents went back home, promising to come by for dinner later in the Senator's house."Lord, I've missed this place", Rodrigo sighed.He and Rita occupied a car with two of the security details who sat in front."I'm sure she has missed you too", Rita said, snuggling in his arms.The car stopped in front of the driveway. Rodrigo climbed out of the car, pulling Rita with him. They made their way to the front door, Rita pressed the doorbell, waiting for a response.The door opened soon to reveal the beautiful face of Camille. When she saw who was with rita, her eyes widened."No... It can't be", she croaked."Mother", Rodrigo said, falling into his mother's waiting arms.Rita shed tears of joy at this reunion. She was moved to joined the
In all of her life, Rita had never felt so tensed up as she felt now. The room was dead silent as the only noise that could be heard were the chirping of the birds outside.By now, Magdalene's face was no where near how it used to be. Senator Brabra on the other hand had an uncomfortable look as he looked everywhere else but Rodrigo.Rita couldn't believe that ever since, she had been in love with the legitimate son of the Senator. It was hard to believe but staring at them now, Rita could see the striking resemblance between the both of them."How, Wilson what is this nonsense he's saying?", Lawrence said, pacing.Rita had completely forgotten that her father was still around as her whole mind was centered on Rodrigo. For the first time ever, her mother was lost for words as she stared at the drama unfolding before her."Would you like to explain or I should do the honours?", Rodrigo smirked.Senator Brabra remained silent, staring like he had lost his
In all of her years of driving, Rita had never drove as recklessly as she did now. When Rita heard the news, she flew out of her office. Even the security men had a hard time tailing her with the way she drove like a banshee.All of Rita's mind was focused on getting to Senator Brabra's house on time. Rodrigo was back, she could hardly believe it. Not until she sees him, she wouldn't believe it. Rita suddenly slammed on the brakes of her car when she nearly ran over an old lady who was crossing the road."You need to have your eyes checked", the woman hissed before hobbling away.Rita sighed, apologizing to the woman who flipped the bird. Rita drove away, a bit more cautious than before.She got to Senator Brabra's house soon, parking her car haphazardly at the entryway. Rita ran all the way in, halting in her tracks when she saw a group of people in the living room. Senator Brabra and his wife Magdalene were seated and Rita could tell that there was a frigid atm
The next day, Rita resumed fully at the office. She could see that a lot of changes had been made especially with the security system. Yasmin, her loyal secretary was now at the top floor, a few doors down from Rita's office. The other staffs of the organization each had a string of security men, stationed at strategic corners of the building.Rita's office was like a vault. The security system was improved and now, anyone who wanted to see her had to pass through both physical and mechanical screening. A device that read her fingerprints was designed and installed on her office door and she alone could access the office."Glad to have you back ma'am", Yasmin smiled.She had come upstairs to welcome her boss when she was sure she had settled down. She beamed as she took in Rita's appearance. She was glad to see that she was okay without any strain in her eyes."Yasmin, how have you been?", Rita smiled."Alright ma'am, thank you", she said."That's good
Rita left the Brabra's house with tears in her eyes. After Edmundo's conversation, she dashed downstairs, needing to be very far away from him. Now, she had a lot of evidence against him and she couldn't wait to put it in good use.First, she was going to break off her relationship with him before taking any other action against him. Now that she knew Rodrigo was alive, she was a bit confident to carry out her plans.She got downstairs, practically running towards the SUV. Ramirez could tell that something was definitely wrong with her especially with the agitated look on her face."Home, fast", Rita ordered.She wanted to catch her parents at home before they went for the charity dinner taking place downtown. Ramirez drove with all of his dexterity, sensing that whatever was going on was much ore serious than he thought.They soon got home under ten minutes as Rita climbed out of the car, running into the house. She met her parents in the living room
When she got to the Senator's house, everywhere was quiet, too quiet for comfort. She smiled politely to Louis who opened the large double doors for her. When she still lived under their roof, she had made a lot of friends with the domestic staffs."Good morning ma'am, it's really lovely to see you", Louis said, bowing slightly."Hi Louis, it's nice to see you too", Rita smiled.She was genuinely happy to see him. Louis had been a sort of companion even when she was still here."Thank you ma'am. You came to see Master Edmundo no?", he said.His Spanish accent was really obvious especially when he talked for a long period of time. Sometimes, Rita could hardly keep up with somethings he said due to his fast tongue."Urghh.. not quite but are the Brabra's home?", Rita said."Yes but I'm afraid things aren't looking good ever since the report came out about Edmundo's alleged murder", he whispered.His eyes darted about, fearing that he
A week had passed since the attack in Rita's office. She was grateful for being alive, grateful that despite everything she had faced, she could wake up each day and take in the morning air."Ramirez said it's okay to go back to the office now", Rita said over breakfast one morning."Are you sure? I don't want a repeat of that attack happening again", Lawrence said."I'm sure dad, it won't happen again. Besides, the man who did it is behind bars and wouldn't come out for a very long time", Rita said.Ever since she had gone to see Nicholas in his cell, she had been itching to tell her parents what he said. She didn't know what to expect if she told them. Murder was a serious offence and if her father was found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in jail. She shuddered to think what would become of her and her mother plus, the company would no doubt be affected by this.Over the years, Rita has come to learn that no one wanted to be associated with mu
Rita knew she had to tell somebody about what she heard but she didn't quite know who to tell. The issue was a very sensitive one and there was no telling what would happen if the information fell into the wrong hands.As she thought about it, Camille's name popped in her mind. If there was one person she could trust, it was her. She was also sure of getting good advice from her on how best to handle the case.Rita picked up her phone, deciding to call the woman whom she could proudly call her friend."Hi Camille", Rita said, smiling into the phone."Oh, hello dear. How have you been?", she asked."I've been good. Please, I need to see you. Are you still in your friend's house", Rita said."Oh no, I got back to my house yesterday. Is anything the problem dear?",she asked."I'm afraid yes, I need to talk to you about something", Rita said."Oh my gosh! Is it Rodrigo?", she croaked."No... No, it's not Rodrigo", Rita said.She co
"I won't allow you to go see the bastard who almost gunned you down", her father seethed.Rita hadn't planned on informing him but she couldn't keep something like this from him. He deserved to know at least even though they really didn't see eye to eye on certain issues."I need to go Dad, i need to find out other things about this attack. I have a feeling that there's more to this. Please, I'll be okay. Remember, it's a police station and nothing can really go wrong there", she said.Lawrence sighed, there was really no arguing with his daughter especially if her mind was already made up."Okay, just be careful. Go with Ramirez and at the first sign of trouble, please get out of there", he said."I will, don't worry about me", Rita smiled.She left the house soon, followed closely by Ramirez and three of the security men who all wore frightening looks.Rita climbed the SUV while Ramirez manned the wheels. There was another escort car behind her a