ELLIEI rolled on the bed, feeling reluctant to stand up. In addition, my head was throbbing like crazy. I wasn't sure what caused it, and I was too overwhelmed to think of anything."You must be awake?" I heard Diego's voice, making me snap my eyes open. The tiredness and throbbing head disappeared at once."What's going on here?" I asked, breathing heavily as I scanned the place. It was our room, but how did I get here? The last thing I remembered was stepping out to meet Marley and then.....A gasp escaped my lips as the scene replayed in my mind. "Did you really say that?" I asked, my eyes widening at each passing second.He grunted deeply, tucking his hands in his pockets. "What's that?""Something like I should stay with you...." I let my voice trail off, my brows meeting in confusion. "Or was it a bad dream?""A bad dream?" He repeated with a dark chuckle. "What do you mean? If I say something like that, then it's a nightmare?" "Of course! Why would you say something so cring
My face contorted with a frown. If he thinks an apology cuts it, then he was in all shades wrong. He had humiliated me, suspended me, slashed my pay by half, fired me unjustly, and even threw me out of the apartment. "Why are you suddenly apologizing? When you hung up the phone on me, you didn't sound this docile. What changed?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. Of course, I knew the answer already, but still wanted him to answer. I had a pretty ring on my finger from Diego Fernandez and was officially recognized as his wife. Truly, a person's status defines him. "What do you mean? I have to apologize for how I treated you. You are one of your best staff. If you want, I can approve your contract and make you a permanent staff," he said, all in a bid to falter me. I puffed out air from my mouth, getting pissed at how he was beating around the bush. "Here," I said, pointing at the ring on my finger. "It's because of this, right? It's because I'm married to Diego Fernandez, righ
My mouth dropped open in shock. Did she just say grandkids like children? Like Diego and I having sex and producing babies?"Is there another meaning to it, Ellie? That's exactly what she meant," my subconscious mind pointed out."Actually, I want five grandkids," she continued, staring into space dreamily. I didn't think she noticed the reaction I had."About four boys and a beautiful girl," she added almost immediately.I blinked my eyes. This woman was unbelievable. Everything about her was. She never ceases to amaze me with her words. We just got married, and she was talking about kids already? Who does that? And it's not even one, but five?!"Scratch what I said. I already have two boys and they are handfuls. How about three girls and two boys?" She asked, looking at me with a wide grin.It was then she finally noticed the look on my face. She took my hand, her eyes searching mine. "Sweetie, what's wrong?" She asked."Nothing," I replied, forcing a smile."What do you think?" Sh
I felt the hairs on my body rise at the ends. The idea of wearing lingerie cringes me out. I tried picturing myself in it, but damn! So uncomfortable and awkward. "What do you think? Do you want to try them out?" Scarlet asked, her voice jolting me out of my thoughts."Huh? No! Of course not!" I replied almost immediately. Scarlet looked surprised at my retort, so I added to clear the air, "I mean, I don't think I need that. Diego and I are good." "What's with the blush on your cheeks though? Are you shy, sweetie?" She chuckled, giving signals to the attendant, who came to my side. "Let's go to the dressing room, ma'am," the attendant said. I turned to Scarlet, shaking my head and putting on a pitiful look. "How about Jade? She needs one too," I said. "Jade and Marley have been married for a long time now, I don't think that is necessary. But I can still get one for her," Scarlet answered. "You and Diego are new couples, you need to keep the romance fresh," she added, grinning al
My breath caught in my throat. "Why will I take breakfast to him?" I asked before I could stop myself. Her brows met in confusion. "Isn't he your husband? Is there something wrong with taking food to him?" She retorted. "It's just...sudden, and I haven't been to the company either. I don't know my way around there," I covered up, a smile slowly forming on my face. "His office is pretty easy to locate. It's just opposite Marley's on the eighth floor," she answered, taking my hand. "You can spend your day there too, instead of coming home to an empty house."I wanted to scream that I preferred the empty house to spending a whole day with a psychopath. I bit the inside of my mouth, trying to keep my emotions in check."Alright, mom," I said, sucking in a deep breath."You should get ready while I make something quick for him," she said, rushing off without waiting for a reply from me.I shut the door, resting my back on the wall as I squatted on the floor. I'd planned to do thorough r
A whimper escaped my lips before I could realize it. The sound of Diego's footsteps halted, making my heart skip a beat. Was this the end? Will he seize me and kill me? "Who is there?" He asked in his usual deep voice, sending shivers down my spine. "I just asked a question! Who is there?" He raised his voice a little. "You should step out if you don't want to drop-dead the moment he catches you," my subconscious mind said. I wanted to take a step, but my legs suddenly felt too heavy to move. I shut my eyes tightly, clutching at my dress as I expected the worst. My whole body shook in dread. "Wifey?" He called and I snapped my eyes open. He was nowhere in sight, but how did he know that already? Was there some kind of hidden camera in the room? "Come out. Now," he commanded. I bit my bottom lip, knowing fully well that I had been caught by him. Dragging my legs, I stepped out of the corner I was hiding with my eyes on the ground, unable to meet his gaze. "What are you doing h
I stretched my body tiredly as I struggled to stand up. Thanks to Diego, I barely slept last night. I dragged my stressed self to the bathroom, cursing under my breath. Wasn't it ironic? I barely slept when he was around and now, I was losing sleep in his absence too. "That's because you'll get questioned as his wife," I muttered, trying to justify my irrational thoughts. I mean, there are several reasons I should be happy he slept out - I have a whole king-size bed for myself, I have the whole space, peace and privacy. What more could I possibly want? After getting showered and dressed, I went down the stairs to meet Scarlet in the kitchen. I narrowed my eyes as I didn't see Jade anywhere around, she was always with Scarlet, especially in the kitchen. "Where's Jade?" I found myself asking. "Oh! She goes away on Wednesdays like this, so I prepare breakfast by myself," Scarlet answered. She quickly added with a smile, "It's a good thing you are here. You can help out.""Where doe
Staring at the sick boy, who had his eyes fixated on me, I furrowed my brow, throwing him a questioning look. "W- why did you ask?"He paused his lips, his eyes rolling back slightly as if he was thinking of a response to give. He finally replied in a low voice, "Mom said those who like me would take care of me and want to be friends with me."I was damn confused! The first question that swirled in my mind was; why would Jade say such to a child? Her own child? Clint's voice broke me off my thoughts. "Do you like me, Aunt Ellie?" He repeated. "Of course, I do! Why would I hate you?" I said with a nervous chuckle, forcing a smile at him. "And you aren't lying? You barely know me, how can you claim to like me already?" He asked. How old was he again? His question made me feel cornered. And for a moment, I was lost on what to say."It's fine if you don't like me, I'm used to such treatment. My mom and dad don't like me either." He shrugged, sitting up on the bed. The towel fell fro
Cursing under my breath, I walked briskly away from Derek. What did I just do? "You must be crazy, Ellie," I muttered, biting the inside of my mouth. Somehow, Matteo's words played in my head. I shook off the thoughts, not believing I just said that.Proudly saying that I was Mrs. Fernandez was something I least expected. I mean, I had agreed with Diego, according to his damned rules, not to show off our marital status in public.I must be going crazy.A groan escapes my lips as I bumped into Jade. "Who is he to you?" She asked, looking ahead.With a grimace, I narrowed my eyes at the direction she was looking at. Derek again. Hadn't he left already?"He's no one," I murmured in response."Really? Why am I not believing that?" She asked, her lips curling up with a mischievous smile."I said he is no one. Believe it or not," I retorted, my voice strained. I wasn't about explaining my history with Derek, tsk, long story.I moved away, leaving her with her thoughts. "Mom!" I called, wa
I stammered, struggling to find the right words. "You knew?" Jade's eyes widened like she was surprised at her utterance. She covered her mouth in shock.The cold look she had on was replaced with a smile. I could tell instantly that it was a forced one. "My husband tells me everything you know. He told me he needed someone to get married to Diego, someone who would also be helping him and whatnot. I didn't quite understand what he meant, but I believe you are on our side," she said further, taking my hand in hers.She went on, "You see, Marley asked me to keep it a secret so I don't want you to act like I know about you. Don't even tell him we had this conversation. I'm sure you know how Marley can be sometimes. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"I was stunned to respond so I just stared at her blankly. "Ellie? Please say something," she urged, staring into my eyes."It's fine... Marley and I rarely talk. He is...." I paused, my eyes narrowing. Judging by her words, I gue
ELLIEI rolled on the bed, cursing under my breath. Again, I broke the promise I made to myself. This wasn't good.I'd promised to stay away from alcohol, but somehow it just seemed like the perfect way to let go of disturbing thoughts."My head hurts so much," I muttered, struggling to open my eyes. "Then you should learn to stay within your limit. You like getting drunk so much, don't you?" I heard Diego say, startling me."What are you doing here?" I muttered, sitting up at once. "How did you get in?" I questioned."This is my room, remember?" He retorted, reminding me that my question was lame."Really? I'd almost forgotten the room is yours," I muttered, my tone dripping with sarcasm. In a voice barely audible, I added, "After all, you've decided to start living in your office."He gave no response, but just continued staring at me intensely. Creepy. I adjusted, moving away to avoid his eyes, the duvet fell in the process. My eyes widened at once upon seeing the clothes I had
DIEGOI looked up from my system as the door abruptly opened. There were only two people with such a gut; Mom and Marley. They were capable of barging in- Mom, due to her inquisitiveness and Marley out of anger.As expected, it was mom. She glared at me as she came closer. "What's up with you, Diego? I really don't understand you anymore. What changed?" She questioned. My brows furrowed in confusion. The last time I checked, we were good. What was she talking about? "How about your wife? You left her alone for two whole nights. Did you forget that you are newlyweds and you both need to be all-around each other? Why haven't you gone for your honeymoon yet? What's so important about work? You claimed that you love her!" She added. Reclining well on the chair, I threw my head back in frustration. Here we go again. "You'd better come home tonight. Clear your schedule for the next two weeks and get ready for your honeymoon. She's a sweet girl, don't keep her waiting for too long," she
Staring at the sick boy, who had his eyes fixated on me, I furrowed my brow, throwing him a questioning look. "W- why did you ask?"He paused his lips, his eyes rolling back slightly as if he was thinking of a response to give. He finally replied in a low voice, "Mom said those who like me would take care of me and want to be friends with me."I was damn confused! The first question that swirled in my mind was; why would Jade say such to a child? Her own child? Clint's voice broke me off my thoughts. "Do you like me, Aunt Ellie?" He repeated. "Of course, I do! Why would I hate you?" I said with a nervous chuckle, forcing a smile at him. "And you aren't lying? You barely know me, how can you claim to like me already?" He asked. How old was he again? His question made me feel cornered. And for a moment, I was lost on what to say."It's fine if you don't like me, I'm used to such treatment. My mom and dad don't like me either." He shrugged, sitting up on the bed. The towel fell fro
I stretched my body tiredly as I struggled to stand up. Thanks to Diego, I barely slept last night. I dragged my stressed self to the bathroom, cursing under my breath. Wasn't it ironic? I barely slept when he was around and now, I was losing sleep in his absence too. "That's because you'll get questioned as his wife," I muttered, trying to justify my irrational thoughts. I mean, there are several reasons I should be happy he slept out - I have a whole king-size bed for myself, I have the whole space, peace and privacy. What more could I possibly want? After getting showered and dressed, I went down the stairs to meet Scarlet in the kitchen. I narrowed my eyes as I didn't see Jade anywhere around, she was always with Scarlet, especially in the kitchen. "Where's Jade?" I found myself asking. "Oh! She goes away on Wednesdays like this, so I prepare breakfast by myself," Scarlet answered. She quickly added with a smile, "It's a good thing you are here. You can help out.""Where doe
A whimper escaped my lips before I could realize it. The sound of Diego's footsteps halted, making my heart skip a beat. Was this the end? Will he seize me and kill me? "Who is there?" He asked in his usual deep voice, sending shivers down my spine. "I just asked a question! Who is there?" He raised his voice a little. "You should step out if you don't want to drop-dead the moment he catches you," my subconscious mind said. I wanted to take a step, but my legs suddenly felt too heavy to move. I shut my eyes tightly, clutching at my dress as I expected the worst. My whole body shook in dread. "Wifey?" He called and I snapped my eyes open. He was nowhere in sight, but how did he know that already? Was there some kind of hidden camera in the room? "Come out. Now," he commanded. I bit my bottom lip, knowing fully well that I had been caught by him. Dragging my legs, I stepped out of the corner I was hiding with my eyes on the ground, unable to meet his gaze. "What are you doing h
My breath caught in my throat. "Why will I take breakfast to him?" I asked before I could stop myself. Her brows met in confusion. "Isn't he your husband? Is there something wrong with taking food to him?" She retorted. "It's just...sudden, and I haven't been to the company either. I don't know my way around there," I covered up, a smile slowly forming on my face. "His office is pretty easy to locate. It's just opposite Marley's on the eighth floor," she answered, taking my hand. "You can spend your day there too, instead of coming home to an empty house."I wanted to scream that I preferred the empty house to spending a whole day with a psychopath. I bit the inside of my mouth, trying to keep my emotions in check."Alright, mom," I said, sucking in a deep breath."You should get ready while I make something quick for him," she said, rushing off without waiting for a reply from me.I shut the door, resting my back on the wall as I squatted on the floor. I'd planned to do thorough r
I felt the hairs on my body rise at the ends. The idea of wearing lingerie cringes me out. I tried picturing myself in it, but damn! So uncomfortable and awkward. "What do you think? Do you want to try them out?" Scarlet asked, her voice jolting me out of my thoughts."Huh? No! Of course not!" I replied almost immediately. Scarlet looked surprised at my retort, so I added to clear the air, "I mean, I don't think I need that. Diego and I are good." "What's with the blush on your cheeks though? Are you shy, sweetie?" She chuckled, giving signals to the attendant, who came to my side. "Let's go to the dressing room, ma'am," the attendant said. I turned to Scarlet, shaking my head and putting on a pitiful look. "How about Jade? She needs one too," I said. "Jade and Marley have been married for a long time now, I don't think that is necessary. But I can still get one for her," Scarlet answered. "You and Diego are new couples, you need to keep the romance fresh," she added, grinning al