I watched with anticipation as Enzo spoke to that man. The man’s face twisted with fear, and before I could understand why, he got up from his seat and headed outside. Enzo came back to the table with a neutral expression, making sure nobody suspected anything. Once he was seated, I turned toward him to ask, “What did he want?” He shook his head, “He was someone from the press. He wanted pictures of us together.” “Press?” I frowned. He didn’t look like he was from the press. Why would he ask me to take care of Enzo if he was a journalist? “I don’t think so…” “He was under a disguise so he would look like a tourist.” He said, “It’s fine. It’s nothing we should be worrying about. I warned him to not bother us anymore.” I nodded, but somewhere deep inside, I knew that the man was not telling the truth. There was more to the story than he let on. But for now, I let it go. If I saw him again, of course, I would confront him. Right then, Enzo touched my forearm. When I looked toward h
As I walked along the pavement of the busy streets of New York, I couldn’t help but miss the smell of the ocean, the humid air that added curls to my hair and the fresh breeze that kept me alive. Miami turned out to a perfect escape for Enzo and I. After spending our days by the ocean, strolling through the streets and exploring beautiful cafes, flying back home left a longing in my heart. I couldn’t wait to go back to Miami. “Hello, dear.” Mrs Ashford said as she saw me approaching her. Opening her arms open for me, she welcomed me into a warm motherly embrace. “You look wonderful. How was your trip?”“It was perfect.” I said, pulling away from her hug. “When have you come back here?” “Just last night.” She smiled. “I promised I would help you pick the dress, didn’t I?” “Oh, you didn’t have to come all the way here for that. I could’ve asked one of my friends to help out.” “But I wanted to be here.” She said, “I never got to celebrate my daughter’s wedding. Life’s giving me a se
I folded my arms across my chest, glaring at her. Did they plan this? Of course they had to. There was no way they were here by coincidence. They were so eager to kick me out of their lives back then, so why did they want to speak to me now? “Fiona?” Mrs Ashford said, “What are you doing here?” Right. I forgot they were friends. Great. “Mrs Ashford, I just came to meet my daughter-in-law.” She said, “I wanted to see how she was doing. I heard there has been a lot going on in her life after the divorce…” “First of all.” I said, “Calvin and I are divorced. I’m no longer your daughter in law. And you never treated me like one when I was married to your son, so I don’t get why you’re talking to me now. If you’ll excuse us, I need a lot-” “Oh, don’t be so upset, Cassie.” She said, “What has happened is in the past. You know we don’t have to remember everything. Why can’t we make a fresh start?”“A fresh start?” I scoffed, “I’m already doing that and I urge you to do the same.” “No, C
I couldn’t believe this woman. She didn’t change a bit. Every time she finds an opportunity to exploit, she makes sure she gets it by hook or by crook. And that’s exactly what she’s doing now too. I clearly underestimated how smart my mother could be when she wanted something.“Of course you are, Mrs Harper.” Mrs Ashford said. “You’ve raised Cassie all these years. You must attend her engagement.” Mrs Ashford was not familiar with my mother’s game. She probably thought she was meaning well, but the truth couldn’t be farther from it. “Thank you, Mrs. Ashford.” She said, “I wouldn’t miss her engagement for the world.” “Of course, you won’t.” I said, walking away from her. Mrs Ashford followed me as I got the dress packed. As expected, the two evil women left us alone after they got what they wanted with victorious grins on their faces. Shaking my head in dismay, I walked out with Mrs Ashford and got into the car. She noticed my troubled face and reached out for my hand. “Don’t wor
The morning of our Italy trip, Raymond called us for an emergency meeting. Enzo and I had already finished our packing for the trip, so we were able to find time to go to his office. I had an idea about what this meeting was going to be about, and my suspicion was proved right once we arrived there. “The bidding for our new project in the UK is just a week away,” Raymond announced, a tired look claiming his face. I could tell that he must have endured many sleepless nights over this. “I have a feeling that Calvin Anderson is going to win this one as well. Like he always does.” “That will be what, his third time in a row?” I asked. He nodded, “He bids the lowest amount for every government project that he wins. If you look at the numbers, it’s practically impossible to finish the project with that budget. Forget breakeven, you will run into losses with that amount. I don’t know how he’s making profits from it.” “Well, do you have the data of your last three biddings?” I said, “I ha
The meeting went on for another half hour before we decided to call it a day. Enzo and I were about to head out when Raymond called my name. “Yes?” I said, turning around. “That software you used…” He started, “Is that your company’s?” “Nope. It’s mine. It was my project in college.”“I see.” He mused, scratching his jaw. “Well… I think we would benefit from it. Do you have any plans of selling it?” I smiled, “Sell? Raymond, I’d give it to you for free.” His brows went up, “Seriously?” “Of course.” I said, surprised that he even thought I would accept his money. “How about I rent it then?”I scoffed, “No, I’m not accepting any money from you. I never created this to make money off of it. Use it for as long as you want. I’d be glad that it is of some use to someone.” “Well. I don’t know what to say.” He said, giving me a grateful smile. “Thank you so much, Cassie.” “As long as you don’t regret hiring me, I’m happy.” He laughed, “Never.” Wearing a smile I got into the elevato
We were having breakfast in their backyard this morning, and my eyes were just wandering around as Enzo conversed with my grandparents. The Ashford’s estate back in the states was one thing and here in Sicily was completely another. To say it was magnificent would be an understatement. It was a huge property amidst which lay the house that we were staying at that could easily house 250 guests I think. It was built in a true European style with no compromise on the size and the quality.“Cassie?” I heard Enzo's voice, and when I turned toward him, he was already giving me an amused smile. I guess it was not the first time he was calling me. “I’m sorry, yes?” “Mr Ashford has some good news to share with you.” “Is it?” I said, turning toward him. “Yes, dear.” He said, “Turns out, your mother and mother-in-law are not going to make it to the engagement.” I widened my eyes at that, “What? How did you manage that?” “Well, all thanks to your father, I must say.” He said, “He learned
“Axon.” Mr Ashford boomed. “Boy, why are we discussing that now? We’re not here for that.” Axon’s jaw was tightened as he continued glaring at me. And then, he looked at Mrs Ashford, his face softening, “I’m sorry, Grandma. I was just… taken aback seeing him there.” “Well, he is soon going to be your family.” Mr Ashford said, “What’s in the past better stay in the past. He might have been your business rival then, but now, he’s the man marrying your cousin. Don’t you forget that.” “I know.” He said, “As long as he doesn’t come after me, I’m fine with having him around.” “Well, it was part of his profession.” I said, “I’m sure things will be different now. Why don’t we just forget what happened and make a fresh start?” “Of course, that must come easy to you, right, dear? Making a fresh start everytime life gets inconvenient.” Alfred chimed in, “Just like your mother. What a dear soul she was.” Although his words were intended to be kind, nobody missed the hidden undertone of it.
Enzo watched me as I got ready for work.It was my first day back at the office and I couldn’t be more relieved. To say the past few days have been difficult would be an understatement. I needed a distraction from everything, and what was better than going to the office? With Enzo unemployed, I had to make sure that I could put some bread on the table. Although my grandparents have been continuously calling me, offering me help, or in their words - letting me have what was mine, I simply could not let them. That would be the last straw for Enzo. He was already beating himself up as he saw me working day and night to make ends meet. “Did you speak to that friend of yours you were talking about?” I said, “The lawyer. He was offering you a job, wasn’t he?” “I lost my license to practice, Cassie.” He said, “I can’t practice law anywhere else.” I turned around, puzzled. “But Raymond told me that he offered you a position of a legal advisor. You can’t be an member of the bar, but surel
On Monday, all our boxes were packed and shifted to transport. I cast one last glance at our house. I remember the time I first moved in when Enzo gave me the freedom to redo the entire apartment. I was so overjoyed and spent an entire day working on it. And now, as I watched them tear down and remove everything we had in there, I could feel my heart break. I could only imagine what Enzo must be going through. Enzo refused to stay for the final take over of the house. He left downstairs with Emmy while I waited upstairs to finish all the formalities and paperwork. Once I was done, I went down to join them. “It’s done.” Enzo nodded, “What’s the plan now?” He asked, “We could… go to a hotel.” “No.” I said, holding his hand, “Come with me.” We loaded our luggage into a cab and got in. Once I gave him the address, Enzo frowned at me, “Where are we going?” “I got us a house last week.” I said, “We’ll be staying there from now on.” “A house?” He asked. “Where?” “In Brooklyn.” “How
I anxiously waited outside the conference room. Enzo was in there talking to all of his clients in an attempt to explain to them that this was not his doing. Raymond was out here with me, pacing around the room. For the past few days, Raymond has been a tremendous help to us. Since Enzo was not in the right position to take care of everything, he stepped in to do all the negotiations. Today was the day that would decide our fate. Although I knew what was coming for us, I couldn’t help but hope that something miraculous would happen today and turn the odds in our favor. And then finally, Enzo came out. And his expression revealed that the meeting didn’t go well. “They’re taking everything.” He said, “Every single penny I own.” My heart sank. “Is there no other way?” “The clients think I betrayed their trust, so they’re seeking a higher compensation.” He said, “And since they’re doing me a favor by not pursuing this criminally, my lawyer thinks I should settle.” Criminally? Oh, G
“Who did it?” I asked, treading him carefully. In all these years of knowing him, I never saw him like this. This broken. This helpless. Enzo built that firm with his own blood and sweat. It was everything to him, and to have it all be taken away - it was a nightmare for me. Suddenly, I was enraged. The mere thought of Trent Dalton was making me shake with anger. But I knew that this was not entirely his doing. To pull off something like this, he needed someone on the inside, a mole, to give away such sensitive information. If the transactions are portrayed to be made by Enzo, then it must be an insider that had access to such sensitive information. “I don’t know.” Enzo said, “Whoever it was, they altered the firm’s accounting software to move client funds, trust funds, into my personal account. I had no idea of this, and nor did I receive any messages from the banks regarding giant transactions. Trent must have paid them to be silent as well.” “If they could get into accounting
“How old is your baby?” The nurse asked as she handed a crying Emmy back to me. “Four months now.” I sighed, patting her. “Oh, Emmy. Calm down. It’s over, isn’t it?”She just received her vaccine shot and came out of the doctor’s office bawling her eyes out. “She’s so adorable.” She mused, handing me my file. “I would agree but she’s throwing too many tantrums lately.” I said, “She could be a handful when she wants to.” “I wish I could say it gets better but it truly doesn’t.” She laughed, “But that’s what we signed up for, right?” “Yes.” I said, kissing my daughter’s tear stained cheek. “Let’s go home, shall we? Daddy’s waiting for us in the car.” Emmy just replied with another sob, burying her face in my neck. As we went out, I spotted Enzo’s car in the parking lot and headed toward it. I quickly got in. “These vaccination visits are so difficult.” I said, as I closed the car door. “I just can’t see Emmy crying so much. I just walked out of the doctor’s office today, can you
After the party, Enzo, Emmy, Sara and I headed back home. Sara was shook from the entire episode that played out and remained silent the entire journey home. As we went in, I looked at her. “Take the guest room. You can rest there.” She didn’t move an inch until Enzo looked at her. And then, she said, “I can’t live here.” She sighed, “I… I can’t… I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.” “Sara, you’re not a burden.” I protested, patting a sleeping Emmy on my chest. “I will be if we continue this arrangement.” She said, “I don’t want-” “How about this?” Enzo intervened, “I’ll give you a house. It’s right by your workplace. That way you won’t have to live with us, nor with your scum of a dad.” “A house?” She said, “I’m sure I can’t afford the rent.” “You can live there for free.” He said, “I just… I don’t ever want you to go back to that house.” Sara stared at him for a long while, as though she was trying to figure him out. “Why are you doing this?” “What?” “You didn’t even wa
Enzo looked at me and then back at the crowd, and then finally, a grin broke out on his face. “Wow.” he said, running his eyes over everyone. “That’s… my friends from college and my… how did you get them all together?” I shrugged, “After a month of thorough planning.” “I can’t believe you did this.” He said, “This is brilliant. Thank you so much, Cassie.” “You’re welcome.” I smiled. ”Now, let’s go.”One by one, Enzo’f friends and colleagues came up to him to meet him, but my eyes were looking for Sara. I found her at the far end by the bar, enjoying a drink with Mark, but her eyes were set on Enzo. She deserved to be here with us. “Oh, Emmy.” I heard Kelly’s voice coming from my side, distracting. I grinned as Emmy effortlessly slipped from my arms into hers. “Look at her, she looks like a darling.” She then looked toward, impressed, “Cassie, I must say. You completely transformed this place. Well done.” “Sara was of tremendous help, really.” I said, “I could not have done thi
Enzo’s POV I felt a small nudge on my stomach as I woke up. Assuming it to be Cassie’s limb, I ignored it. However, the nudge soon tickled it and then I felt something wet. My eyes opened to look at Emmy crawling on my chest, trying to bite my skin. A smile tugged at my lips upon the sight of her adorable face. Picking her up to my face, I placed a kiss on her cheek. “How did you come here, darling?” I mumbled as I shifted to my side. And right then, I saw it. A small cupcake was resting on the bed with a note that read: Happy Birthday Daddy. I widened my eyes in surprise and grabbed my phone to check the date. Damn. I really lost track of time. “Happy birthday, baby.” Cassie grinned, leaning down to kiss me on the lips. “First birthday with our daughter, aren’t you thrilled?” “Absolutely,” I said as I watched Emmy. She was making weird, excited noises now, eyeing the cupcake. Her hands were reaching out toward it, and I scraped off the frosting on top to place it on her lips.
As I went back home, I wondered what all of that was about. The man seemed weird, but should I tell Enzo? I was worried that he was already so stressed with everything at work. I was sure he would be overthinking with this even more. The last thing I wanted was to burden him, so I guess I would have to keep this one to myself. What Kent Rover said could’ve been a result of a massive ego hurt and nothing at all. In that case, there was no reason to alert Enzo. If he approached me again, then I would talk to Enzo about it. As I went home, I found Sara and Emmy playing in the living room as usual. However, what was strange was that Mark, Enzo’s associate, was added to the mix. And from the way Sara was laughing at whatever he had to say, I could tell that they were having a rather good time. “Hello.” I said as I walked in, “Didn’t expect you here, Mark.” He gave me a casual smile as he looked at me. “I’m sorry. I’m running errands for your fiance, please don’t mind.” “Not at all.”