Valeria's heart ached as she witnessed Markus's turmoil. She knew that the pain she had caused him was real, but she also knew that they couldn't go back to what they once had. Their relationship had been poisoned by mistrust and betrayal, and she had made the difficult decision to leave for her own sanity and well-being."Tell me Valeria, why do you think I'm here?" She could feel herself longing for his touch, perhaps that moment was similar to what she had been imagining ever since her marriage with Markus.Valeria could potentially feel suffocated due to the realisation that she was stuck between two men. But she had to stay strong considering that Markus could not be trusted, and she had to stay put. Valeria pushed him but Markus pulled her again forcefully, she gritted her teeth and smacked him on the chest.
Markus kept his distance for a while with Valeria knowing that she was pregnant. He could not afford to get on her nerves at such a time. No matter whose child it was, he did not wish to harm the foetus at all.Whereas, Valeria spent the rest of the few hours of the afternoon in her room. She called the maids in her room to bring her fruits and the desired items. There was no way she was going to face Markus after whatever happened.It was already a shock for her that both of them were relatives. Though Markus was right in his stance that Valeria did not tell Adrian about her marriage. It was not that she hid such a big secret from him intentionally.They both met when Valeria was in the hospital and came to know about her pregnancy
“I mean if you are marrying her for the sake of the child then I can understand. You have always been the responsible type of guy.” Markus immediately shifted the conversation towards the main point. He settled back on the sofa and puffed once more.“Oh no. You are misunderstanding, Markus. We are absolutely a perfect duo and it is not about the child. The kid is our responsibility and I don’t deem my child as a burden or a forceful string between us.”Adrian explained in a firm tone to put Markus off as he grew annoyed of his constant questioning. “Okay, okay. I was just saying. No need to get so defensive, bud!” Markus immediately cleared the air between them for the time being.Adrian sai
Valeria became anxious and giddy when Markus pulled her closer. He twisted her arm after tucking it while her other palm rested on his shoulder. “Why? Did you want him to be here when he doesn’t even know things about you?” There was pain in his tone which made Valeria’s heart melt for a moment.Markus mocked Riche for not knowing such little things about the woman he was about to marry. When Markus’s father brought Valeria home to Brazil, soon after he left to study abroad. Valeria was kept from the media for her own safety.The old man thought that things for her would get difficult if people came to know about her. Obviously they would portray her as an illegitimate daughter, which he did not want to happen. Instead, the old man had already planned to marry her to his
Standing at the altar, James glanced at his phone and watched a video. “Where are you going, James? You cannot leave me like this." At the wedding, Valeria Hayden was in a panic. “It is our wedding day, James. What do you think you are doing?” As she grabbed James Moreno's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filled with pleading.The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. “Why don’t you understand, Val? This isn’t about you.” Just then his phone rang and his ex-fiance Clara called. James ignored Valeria and answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave."Clara knows about our wedding, she’s not happy. Now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression and craziness, aren't you? I have to go save her, Valeria." James explained impatiently and pushed Valeria aside.“Argh!” The push caused Valeria to sprain her ankle, and as she fell to the floor, she awkwardly stretched out her hand, trying to hold
‘What was that? How–?’ Valeria stood in front of the tall oak doors, her palms clammy as they rested at her sides. The grand hall behind her loomed with an eerie stillness, sunlight streaming through the arched windows and pooling across the polished floors.‘Who is this guy? Whom have I even married?’ She had been standing there for what felt like hours, waiting for someone from the Moreno family. Valeria saw the man whom she had married just an hour ago standing right in front of her with his head bowed. Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft shuffling of feet. Turning her head, she saw an elderly woman approaching her. “Pardon my late arrival.” The woman’s face was lined with the wisdom of years, her silver hair tied neatly into a low bun. Despite her age, there was a certain strength in her gait, the kind that came from a lifetime of grace and authority. She wore a warm smile that softened her sharp features. “Ah, there you are–” The woman said in a voice that was both gentle
Valeria felt a lingering uneasiness as she saw Mrs. Stella going out of the room. “Why are you not responding, Markos? Do you want to die this painfully and slowly?” She sat stiffly next to Markos and watched his striking features. “Respond to me please. I don’t want to do any of this but your silence is persuading me.” She stretched her hand out and waved it in front of his eyes."What's on your mind, Markos? Why aren’t you putting any effort into waking up?" She asked, but there was no response. Valeria felt a sudden pang of sadness. “Please, wake up. There are plenty of people wishing for your death. But I want you to wake up.” She whispered while caressing his cheek.Her suffering was nothing compared to what he had to go through. "I hope you wake up soon, Markos. If these leeches in your family get their cold sleazy hands on all your money, you won't be able to die in peace." Markos closed his eyes slowly after that.—-------------------------------------------------------The n
When Valeria returned to Markos' room, she was immediately taken to the hospital for a medical checkup by the doctors. “If you are ovulating, we would extract the eggs from your body. Otherwise, we would give you a shot to stimulate ovulation. And that will assure everything including preparing your body for the process.”"There is no need to worry, Mrs Moreno. This might hurt a little but the child will be healthy, sound and safe." Valeria was consoled by one of the female doctors. Valeria lay on the bed as her heartbeat quickened. "How long will it take to make that happen?""It's hard to say. If we're lucky, it would take three to four months maximum. Otherwise, it might take forever," said the doctor. She then paused before adding, " But don’t worry. You're young, so I'm sure this will go smoothly. There is less to worry about. Just eat well and stay healthy.”Once everything was over, Valeria returned to Markos's mansion. As soon as she reached home, the first thing she did was c
Valeria became anxious and giddy when Markus pulled her closer. He twisted her arm after tucking it while her other palm rested on his shoulder. “Why? Did you want him to be here when he doesn’t even know things about you?” There was pain in his tone which made Valeria’s heart melt for a moment.Markus mocked Riche for not knowing such little things about the woman he was about to marry. When Markus’s father brought Valeria home to Brazil, soon after he left to study abroad. Valeria was kept from the media for her own safety.The old man thought that things for her would get difficult if people came to know about her. Obviously they would portray her as an illegitimate daughter, which he did not want to happen. Instead, the old man had already planned to marry her to his
“I mean if you are marrying her for the sake of the child then I can understand. You have always been the responsible type of guy.” Markus immediately shifted the conversation towards the main point. He settled back on the sofa and puffed once more.“Oh no. You are misunderstanding, Markus. We are absolutely a perfect duo and it is not about the child. The kid is our responsibility and I don’t deem my child as a burden or a forceful string between us.”Adrian explained in a firm tone to put Markus off as he grew annoyed of his constant questioning. “Okay, okay. I was just saying. No need to get so defensive, bud!” Markus immediately cleared the air between them for the time being.Adrian sai
Markus kept his distance for a while with Valeria knowing that she was pregnant. He could not afford to get on her nerves at such a time. No matter whose child it was, he did not wish to harm the foetus at all.Whereas, Valeria spent the rest of the few hours of the afternoon in her room. She called the maids in her room to bring her fruits and the desired items. There was no way she was going to face Markus after whatever happened.It was already a shock for her that both of them were relatives. Though Markus was right in his stance that Valeria did not tell Adrian about her marriage. It was not that she hid such a big secret from him intentionally.They both met when Valeria was in the hospital and came to know about her pregnancy
Valeria's heart ached as she witnessed Markus's turmoil. She knew that the pain she had caused him was real, but she also knew that they couldn't go back to what they once had. Their relationship had been poisoned by mistrust and betrayal, and she had made the difficult decision to leave for her own sanity and well-being."Tell me Valeria, why do you think I'm here?" She could feel herself longing for his touch, perhaps that moment was similar to what she had been imagining ever since her marriage with Markus.Valeria could potentially feel suffocated due to the realisation that she was stuck between two men. But she had to stay strong considering that Markus could not be trusted, and she had to stay put. Valeria pushed him but Markus pulled her again forcefully, she gritted her teeth and smacked him on the chest.
[A few minutes ago] 'Dang! She is treating me like a stranger apparently, huh. But you can't trick me with that nonchalant look. I know you are affected by me, Valeria.' Markus stared at her butt as Valeria took her leave, she clenched her fist which indicated her anger and nervousness. And he knew every single gesture of hers, it wassomewhat easy for him to figure out that she was clearly troubled by him. Although it was already obvious. The man traced his thumb over his own lips while looking around for any spying eyes. Markus had been visiting Adrian every now and then, before he took over the business and became occupied. Since Adrian and Valeria gave his responsibility to the butler, Markus had to ensure no staff member of the house would catch him doing evil with Valeria. 'I want to know first whether you still have some soft spot for me or not. Oh, Valeria! You little sneaky hamster!' Seeing her suppressive panic Markus was elated, he was sure how to proceed now. But before
Nonetheless Adrian called him in by wrapping his arm around Markus's shoulder, Valeria on the other hand kept quiet watching the two guys who would perhaps soon turn into nemesis! After all, how could Adrian easily let her go when he truly loved Valeria? And definitely not when she was going to give him a child very soon."Here, meet my better half-to-be, Valeria Malcolm." After both of the men were done with their bickering, Adrian turned towards her and introduced Markus to Valeria. Whereas Markus winked at Valeria once again with a snickering expression,making her gulp the worst fears. She had already seen it coming and was definitely not ready to face him.However Valeria became alert at once when Markus openly challenged her nonverbally to save her marriage. Markus&rs
Valeria could not move from her place upon seeing Markus right in front of her. He was hugging Adrian and seemed elated to be there as a guest. However, the moment when Markus glanced at her Valeria immediately knew that his intentions were not good. The way he locked his gaze with her, it was a malicious stare.The woman was unsure how she should proceed with the whole thing. She had to greet Markus as a stranger because Valeria hadn’t told Adrian about him. It was obvious from her horror struck face that Valeria was caught red handed for hiding stuff from her husband-to-be.Markus could potentially see that and winked at Valeria to bring her back from the nightmarish reverie. However, he was deeply depressed upon seeing Valeria’s bulging 6 months old pregnant
[A few months later]"What do you mean by this, huh? Is this some kind of joke?" Markus yelled at the man who stood in front of him quietly, the atmosphere of the room had suddenly gotten chilly since the secretary broughtup the news. Markus had no clue why that would ever happen. The news had shaken him to the extent that he started wandering in the office."I'm sorry sir, but the news is absolutely true." He shot up from his seat and shouted at the man again, while Markus snatched the tablet from his secretary’s hand and smashed it into the wall. Howcould the man swallow the big news that the only woman of his life, precisely his ex-wife, was getting married to someone!
Adrian reached for the water jug, his movements smooth and practiced as he poured a glass and set it in front of her. Valeria watched him carefully, a peculiar feeling gnawing at the back of her mind. ‘There is something about him—something familiar but I don’t know what?’She picked up her fork as Adrian placed a serving of pasta onto her plate. The steam curled upward, carrying the scent of garlic and fresh herbs, but her mind wasn’t on the food anymore.Instead, she found herself tilting her head, eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him. “Adrian…be honest with me.” she began slowly, twirling the fork between her fingers. “Have we met before?” His hand stilled mid-motion. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but Valeria caught it.Adrian recovered quickly, placing the serving spoon down before leaning back against the counter. He crossed his arms, his usual confident smirk slipping into place, but something flickered in his eyes—something guarded. “We went to the same college,” he