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30. Embers of Farewell
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Inside Marissa's Heart 31. Finding Light in Darkness
It had been a week since the passing of Miguel Valiente, and the family was still struggling with his absence. Stella and Pedro had stayed at the hacienda for three days before departing, providing Marissa with much-needed support during her time of need. Marissa was deeply grateful for their company; her best friend's companionship was a comforting balm in the midst of her grief.As the days passed, Marissa discovered, to her surprise and dismay, that Juan and Daniella had been married for two years. The news struck her deeply, leaving her questioning how Juan could have proceeded with the marriage despite her warnings and concerns. The lack of communication about such a significant event left her feeling bewildered and hurt. Nobody had informed her about Juan and Daniella's marriage.Carlos and Danna had been engaged for four months, eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to exchange vows and begin their life together. Carlos had always dreamt of a grand celebration with all their love
Inside Marissa's Heart 32. Embers of Passion
The next day, the Valiente family gathered in the living room of the hacienda, accompanied by their family lawyer, Rogelio Ramírez. He sat on a single sofa, his plump figure and gray hair framed by a pair of glasses as he opened a file and retrieved a letter, preparing to read its contents aloud.Each family member found their spot, their faces reflecting sadness. Daniella clasped Juan's hand, while Ignacio and Paula sat close, offering silent comfort. Carlos watched with worry and deep thought.Marissa sat next to Rosairo, holding her mother's hand as tears flowed down Rosairo's cheeks. A hushed silence fell over the room, each member of the family clinging to one another as they braced themselves for the reading of the will, unsure of what the future held in store.As Rogelio Ramírez began reading the contents of the letter."I want to ask everyone's forgiveness before anything," the letter began, its tone apologetic and sincere. "I couldn't leave anything for any of my children. I'
Inside Marissa's Heart 33. Embracing the Unknown
Marissa walked through the hacienda, memories of her encounter with Efrain at the bar flooded her mind. She couldn't shake the way he had ignited every nerve in her body with his touches. Even though she was taken aback by her strong response, she desired more, longing for the sense of wholeness she had experienced. It was unexpected, but she couldn't ignore the strong attraction she felt for him, awakening a fresh desire within her."Marissa!" Carlos's voice rang out, pulling her out of her reverie as she turned to face him."What?" she replied, slightly startled by his sudden appearance."I've been calling you from a distance. What are you thinking about?" Carlos inquired, his brow furrowed with concern."Nothing, what's up?" Marissa asked."I just wanted to apologize for what happened over a half decade ago. I made a huge mistake by not standing by your side and being there for you," Carlos apologized.Marissa's smile softened at his words. "It's nothing, Carlos. I've already moved
Inside Marissa's Heart 34. Light of the Future
The first rays of dawn painted the room with a soft glow, Marissa woke up from her sleep, feeling warmth from within. Thoughts of Efrain remained, his influence having colored her dreams and now her waking moments.With a contented smile curling her lips, she rose from bed and made her way to the bathroom, where the promise of a new day beckoned. The gentle cascade of warm water in the shower enveloped her, washing away the remnants of sleep and leaving her feeling refreshed and invigorated.Emerging from the bathroom, Marissa dressed in her beloved pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a stylish brown jacket, each outfit a reflection of her unique style and personality and it made her feel confident and ready to face whatever the day had in store. Marissa's smile blossomed like a delicate flower unfurling its petals under the morning sun as Rosairo entered the room. "Marissa, we need to talk.""Of course, Mother," she replied.Rosairo closed the door behind her, the soft click ech
Inside Marissa's Heart 35. A Day to Remember
Marissa trailed behind Efrain, drawn toward his kitchen, each step revealed a world of minimalistic elegance, where rustic charm met modern simplicity. As she crossed the threshold into the kitchen, She found herself mesmerized by it's elegant. where sleek countertops and brushed steel appliances seamlessly melded with the warm, wooden surroundings. Every detail, from the pottery on open shelves to the soft, diffused light through linen curtains."I had no idea you knew how to cook?" Marissa asked, sounding slightly surprised."I do," Efrain replied, a small smile on his lips. "Living alone has taught me to be self-sufficient. Plus, there's something special about homemade meals. As for you, Miss Valiente, I wouldn't be surprised if cooking isn't your forte."Marissa giggled. "You're right. Before I left town, I was clueless in the kitchen. But when I returned to the city, I had to fend for myself and learn the ropes.""Why? I thought Ignacio live in the city too," Efrain inquired."We
Inside Marissa's Heart 36. Embracing Desire
They rested entwined after their lovemaking, basking in peace and warmth, savoring their close bond with slow breaths, as they fell into a peaceful sleep and woke in the evening, Efrain pressed his lips against hers for a kiss. When he withdrew, Marissa's eyes were soft and half-closed, filled with affection.She rested her head against his bare chest, sighing with contentment, relishing the coziness of their closeness."Why don't you go home, it's already late," Efrain suggested.Marissa looked up, her dark eyes shimmering with a glimmer of sadness, like moonlit pools. "I want to stay the night with you, Efrain. We don't need to do anything else. I just want to feel your arms around me." Efrain kissed Marissa's forehead, enveloping her in his comforting hold. "Sure. So, when was the last time you made love?" he asked softly.Marissa chose not to disclose the identity of the man who had broken her heart, knowing that revealing the truth about Juan Valiente, Efrain's close friend and t
Inside Marissa's Heart 37. Entangled Hearts
Marissa entered the hacienda to find the family almost done with breakfast. Their eyes turned to her, and Carlos greeted her with a smile.Ignacio chimed in with a teasing remark, "They say if a woman doesn't spend the night at home and wears the same clothes the next day, she must have had a passionate night."Marissa sat between Carlos and Ignacio, unaffected by the playful teasing. "I can assure you that the saying is wrong. It's not always the case," she replied with a smile."I know exactly where she spent the night," Carlos said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.Marissa shot him a glare and stomped on his foot, No one saw her, but her frustration was clear in her intense stare.Juan, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke, "Marissa, could you clarify where you were last night?""Boss, my personal life is my own business. As for my whereabouts, I can only provide professional updates. I'm an adult and perfectly capable of looking after myself," Marissa asserted,
Inside Marissa's Heart 38. Lost in the Tempest
Marissa stepped into the house, aware of Efrain's presence just behind her. With a swift motion, he shut the door with his foot and his hands already beginning to roam as he peeled off her jacket, kissing her neck, she tilted her head back, enjoying his kisses on her sensitive skin. Efrain pushed her against the spotless white wall, his hand caressing her breast through her shirt as his mouth found hers in a passionate kiss. Each movement, he reminded her of his skill as a kisser, his confidence that left her breathless.Giving in to the moment, Marissa leaned against the molding, yielding to Efrain's control as he unfastened the top button of her shirt. "Come on," he murmured, his voice a soothing pull on her senses as he guided her up the wooden stairs to his bedroom.As he pushed the door open, she was met with the sight of a made bed and a tidy room, unlike the way they had left it in the morning. Efrain slowly removed his jacket, his movements deliberate as if giving her time t
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Inside Marissa's Heart Epilogue
Marissa stood before the tall, ornate mirror, her reflection bathed in the soft glow of the dressing room lights. The wedding gown she wore enveloped her in a cascade of ivory silk and lace, a vision of bridal elegance she had once only dared to imagine. In her wildest dreams, she never envisioned herself as a bride, let alone a mother of two, preparing to wed the love of her life, Efrain Guerra. Stella, looking stunning as the maid of honor, gazed at Marissa with admiration. "Do you remember when I told you that one day you'd find an extraordinary man and walk down the aisle in a breathtaking gown, just like this?" she reminisced. Marissa's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she surveyed her reflection. "Do you believe it will all work out? That I can truly find happiness?" she confided. "Stop doubting yourself, Marissa," Stella admonished gently. A gentle knock resonated through the door, prompting Stella to invite the visitor inside. Juan entered the room, exuding confide
Inside Marissa's Heart 83. A Mother's Love
The sudden disappearance of their newborn baby sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned and panicked. Efrain's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening."What do you mean, someone took him?" Efrain demanded. Marissa's eyes widened in horror as she clutched the sheets tightly. "Who would take our baby?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.The nurse's hands shook as she tried to explain. "I don't know... I left the baby in the nursery for just a moment, and when I returned, he was gone. I've already alerted security, but..."Efrain's mind raced with a million thoughts, his instincts kicking into overdrive as he tried to process the situation. "We need to find him, now."Marcus stepped forward, his expression grave. "I'll get the security footage. We'll find whoever did this."Marissa clung to Efrain, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please, find our baby." Efrain held her close, his heart breaking at the thought of thei
Inside Marissa's Heart 83. A Mother's Love
The sudden disappearance of their newborn baby sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned and panicked. Efrain's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening."What do you mean, someone took him?" Efrain demanded. Marissa's eyes widened in horror as she clutched the sheets tightly. "Who would take our baby?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.The nurse's hands shook as she tried to explain. "I don't know... I left the baby in the nursery for just a moment, and when I returned, he was gone. I've already alerted security, but..."Efrain's mind raced with a million thoughts, his instincts kicking into overdrive as he tried to process the situation. "We need to find him, now."Marcus stepped forward, his expression grave. "I'll get the security footage. We'll find whoever did this."Marissa clung to Efrain, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please, find our baby." Efrain held her close, his heart breaking at the thought of thei
Inside Marissa's Heart 82. Stolen Innocence
A year had passed, and now the Guerra's and Valiente's stood anxiously outside the delivery room."I'm going in," Efrain declared to Juan, his anxiety evident in his tone. "If no one tells me how Marissa is, I'll find out myself."A doctor emerged from the delivery room."Doctor, has the baby arrived?" Efrain inquired, his voice shaky with anticipation."Not yet," the doctor replied."Is Marissa okay?" Efrain's words stumbled out.All eyes were fixed on the doctor, awaiting the news."Yes, she specifically asked for you," the doctor confirmed, "She wants you in the delivery room.""Is my daughter okay? I need to be there if there's any complication," Rosairo expressed her concern, with Valentina offering comfort by holding her arm."She's doing fine," the doctor reassured them, then turned to Efrain. "Let's go.""Let's go," Efrain urged."She'll be alright," Valentina reassured Rosairo, casting a supportive glance at Juan, who returned her smile.Marissa was in the labor room, surroun
Inside Marissa's Heart 81. Inside Marissa's Heart
"Will you hurry, please... we're going to be late," Valentina urged impatiently.Efrain descended the stairs with his luggage in tow. "Will you just relax? It's still afternoon," he replied, attempting to placate her.Ignoring his response, Valentina marched out of the house and settled into the back seat of the car. Efrain loaded his luggage into the trunk before joining her in the back seat, and the driver started the car, pulling away from the house.As they were driving, their path was suddenly blocked by a line of cars. "What's going on?" Valentina exclaimed, peering out of the window in confusion.Efrain stepped out of the car to investigate, only to find Stella, Ignacio, Paula, Danna, and Carlos waiting for them. "What's going on?" he asked, puzzled by the unexpected gathering.Marissa approached him with a serenade band and began to serenade him, her voice filled with emotion.Marissa came closer to Efrain, who looked surprised to see her, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Efr
Inside Marissa's Heart 80. Trust in Love
Valentina entered Efrain's room quietly, observing him as he slept. She couldn't help but notice how much he had changed. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine her brother would fall in love after all these years. Before returning to town, Valentina will ensure that both Efrain and Marissa realized how deeply they couldn't live without each other. They belonged together, and she was determined to make them see that.Valentina released the drapes, letting the morning sunlight gently fall on Efrain's face. Efrain rubbed his eyes as the sunlight poured in through the open drapes. "Damn it," he muttered, then noticed Valentina standing before him. "Why did you have to wake me up like this?"Valentina settled herself on the edge of the bed. "Listen, I came to take you back to town to stay with me for a few days, away from here. And you won't say no to me because... because you can't.""Vale, I won't say no to you because I can't keep living like this, with everyone seeing me this wa
Inside Marissa's Heart 79. Confronting Truths
Marissa sat in her bedroom, tears streaming down her face, when Juan entered with a tray. "Marissa, here's your dinner. You missed lunch with us," he said."I'm not hungry. I just want to be alone," Marissa replied."You know I never listen to you when it comes to taking care of yourself. That's why you're going to eat, and then we're going to talk," Juan insisted, his tone firm but compassionate.He placed the tray on the nightstand and offered his hand to help her sit on the bed. "So, what went down with Guerra?""He's aware of everything, maybe even more, and it's all twisted up thanks to Daniella. I don't know what she told him, but she mixes things up, making me feel insignificant. And maybe I made it worse because he proposed, and I turned him down.""Why? You love him, don't you?" Juan inquired."I do, so much that it's tearing me apart. I've fallen for him. I love that he's the one I love," Marissa confessed."Then why say no?" Juan pressed."Because I don't want to lose him,"
Inside Marissa's Heart 78. Fragments of the Heart
Efrain lay on the bed, his hand resting behind his head as he gazed pensively at the ceiling, lost in thought. When Marissa entered the room, her expression filled with concern, she approached him and sat down beside him. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, I just thought you would be staying at the hacienda tonight. Juan needs you," Efrain replied, his tone distant.Marissa reached out and took his hand in hers. "I'm sorry, Efrain, for what happened at the house. This is just how I can be sometimes—I act without thinking or considering the consequences. One day, I'll be able to share my story with you, the parts I'm not proud of," she confessed."I'm going to sleep now; tomorrow will be a long day," Efrain stated, withdrawing his hand and rolling over to face the other side."I'll take a shower first and then join you in bed," Marissa replied, rising from the bed and making her way into the bathroom. As she undressed and stepped into the shower, her mind was consumed with thoughts of the rece
Inside Marissa's Heart 77. Behind Closed Doors
Daniella entered a room, with Efrain following closely behind. "I'm sorry for calling you here. I just couldn't stand the way your girlfriend was insinuating that you couldn't bring justice between me and Juan," she began, her tone apologetic."Just tell me what you want to say," Efrain urged, his expression unreadable."Efrain, amidst all the drama outside because of Marissa, I've made a decision. Even though Juan may be guilty, I... I've decided to no longer press charges. I can't see how Marissa was humiliating you because of her feelings," Daniella confessed."I can understand, Juan is her brother," Efrain acknowledged, his tone thoughtful."No, Marissa has been deceiving everyone all this time. To her, you're just an escape, a distraction from her intense feelings for him that have never changed. That's why she's causing a scene outside," Daniella asserted."I don't get what you're saying," Efrain replied, his confusion clear in his voice.Daniella walked to her wardrobe, retriev
