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82. Stolen Innocence
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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 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 1. Petals of Reunion
Marissa stood in their spacious garden, surrounded by flowers. A gentle breeze traced the fence line, causing her sleek black hair to spin and her long-sleeved shirt to tug out. Tugging back her shirt into her black jeans, she smoothed a stray lock from her face, bent down, and plucked a single flower from the ground, admiring its delicate petals in the bright light. It seemed like the final glimpse of this place. "Marissa... Marissa. Let's go. Everyone is ready for us to leave," her mother, Rosario Valiente, called out. Rosario's simple blue dress blew in the same breeze that had caught her daughter's hair, almost as if the land was pleading with them to stay and not leave. Walking down the lane toward the garden, she called out once more to Marissa, "Please, come and hop into the car. We'll be leaving soon." Marissa nodded, her expression concealed. Ignacio Valiente, the second sibling, leaned against a Hyundai Palisade, puffing on a cigar. Meanwhile, Carlos, the youngest of the
Inside Marissa's Heart 2. The Valientes' Struggle
With three chairs on each side of the antique ash dining table, the Valientes were seated around it. The table was full with a variety of delicacies that provided a feast for their shared supper. Miguel was seated at the head of the table, with Juan and Daniella sitting to his left, Rosario and Carlos to his right. Miguel set his cutlery on the plate and looked around, his eyes crinkling with excitement. "I can now proudly say my son has finally chosen a perfect woman to spend his life with." Daniella's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you for the compliments, Mr. Valiente," she replied with a smile. She held Juan's hand, leaning on his shoulder with adoration as she looked at Miguel. "I only speak the truth and nothing else," Miguel said. "But it still means so much to me," Daniella replied, giving Juan's hand another affectionate squeeze. "I hardly ever receive compliments." "Aren't you a model? I'm sure you get compliments all the time," Carlos remarked, taking a spoonful
Inside Marissa's Heart 3. Hugs, Tears, and a Splash
"It's night already, Marissa hasn't returned home, even Ignacio's come back," Rosario whispered to herself, nervously fiddling with her fingers, walking back and forth at the mansion's entrance. When Juan came downstairs, he noticed she was upset and went over to talk to her. "Mother, I hope all is well?" "I am worried about Marissa, Juan. Since the incident, she hasn't returned home, and I can't reach her on her phone." "Mother, I will ask the workers to help me go look for her. I'm sure she will be fine," Juan reassured her, giving a tight-lipped smile as he put an arm around her. "Let's go back in. I'll go out and look for her." Rosario managed a sad smile. "I hope my princess is alright." Miguel came down the stairs and noticed Rosario's pale face. "What's wrong?" Rosario hugged him, her tears streaming down her cheeks and soaking his shirt. "Marissa hasn't returned home yet." Miguel looked at Juan. "I'm going out to look for her with some of the workers," Juan said, then he
Inside Marissa's Heart 4. Unmasked Hearts
Juan stayed close behind Marissa as she fed the horses. Some stood by the fence, wanting affection, while others ran and played, bringing a smile to Marissa's sad face. Juan took her hand and pulled her away from the fence as a gust of wind blew her dark hair. "What the hell is wrong with you?" "I am sorry about yesterday, I... my phone disappeared inside the river. I swam looking for it, but I got stuck, and then you came," she offered flatly. "Marissa, can you tell me what is wrong with you? You know I care about you," he said, corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smile. "But not the way I want you to care... You care more about Daniella." "The way I care about you is different from Daniella. You are my sister; you know I care about you a lot. I love you," he replied, cupping her cheeks. She squeezed her eyelids shut against tears. He wrapped her in his arms, pressing her face against his strong chest. Again, the smell of leather soap and horse spurs warmed her chest. "I
Inside Marissa's Heart 5. Embers of the Heart
Upon entering Miguel's room, Marissa discovered him perched on the bed's edge, with his eyes locked on the wall with a mysterious expression that concealed his feelings. "Good morning, Father," she offered in greeting, receiving only a brief, sidelong glance from him before his attention returned to the wall. Undeterred by his lack of response, she took a deliberate seat, reaching out to hold his hands resting on his thigh. "I understand you don't want to talk to me, Father. I am so sorry for the way I have been behaving. I promise you from now I will change. Please believe me when I say I am truly sorry." He squeezed her hand, a loving smile spread across his lips. "I know you will never lie to me. I am offering you a second chance - just bring back my old happy Marissa." Juan strided in with a lopsided smile. "Don't fret, Father, you can trust Marissa." "Son..." Miguel's face registered shock. "Son... I know, and I believe in both of you. All my children are my pride," he s
Latest chapter
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
