Valeria was seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the calm sea scenery outside. She appeared lost in thought, a faint smile playing on her lips. The door creaked open, and Riche entered the room, his presence filling the room with a vibrant energy.
Entering with a confident stride he approached Valeria and asked her. “Valeria, my dear, are you ready to go home now?” He sat on the bed with Valeria and kissed her forehead.
Valeria turned from the window, her eyes brightening at the sight of Riche. She shot up gracefully from her seat, a sense of excitement twinkling in her eyes. She could not help but feel good at the thought of going home.
Valeria kept smiling warmly as he responded to Riche. “I've been ready since the moment you came here, richie.
The gentle sway of the cruise ship sailed Valeria into a state of relaxation as she reclined on a cosy couch in the private cabinRichie has led her to. The room was adorned with soft, nautical-themed decor, and the soothing sound of waves making her calm. Valeria yawned, feeling the exhaustion from pregnancy.Richie smiled tenderly at Valeria, noting her weariness. He gestured towards the plush bed nestled in the corner of the room. “You look like you could use some rest, Valeria. Why don't you lie down and take a nap? I'll be right here if you need anything. By the time you will wake up we will be at the shore.”Valeria nodded gratefully, feeling grateful for Richie's thoughtfulness. “Thank you! You are so concerned about both of us.” She stretched
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 clutched the edge of the wooden doorframe, her knuckles white as she peeked into the room. The faint glow of the evening sun streamed through the large, arched window, casting a golden hue across the spacious chamber. On the bed, Markus sat slumped forward, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands buried in his hair. His broad shoulders heaved slightly, betraying his frustration and turmoil. Near him stood Mrs. Stella, her elegant silhouette framed by the light. Despite her composed demeanor, there was a visible tension in her posture as she wrung her hands. “I only ever wanted what was best for you, Markus,” Stella said softly, her voice laced with both earnestness and desperation. She moved closer to him, reaching out but stopping just short of placing her hand on his shoulder. Markus lifted his head slightly, his sharp features twisted in a mix of disbelief and anger. “What you did… bringing Valeria here, putting her in the middle of all this—it wasn’t your decision
The next day soft light of late morning filtered through the lace curtains of Valeria’s room, casting delicate patterns across the wooden floor. The gentle chirping of birds outside was the only sound until the faint creak of the door opening broke the quiet.Mrs. Stella stepped inside, her elegant gown rustling as she moved. Her expression was calm but held a flicker of worry beneath her composed exterior. She held a small bundle of fresh herbs in her hands, their faint aroma filling the air.“Valeria, my dear,” Mrs. Stella began, her tone warm yet laced with curiosity. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Valeria, who had been sitting on the edge of her bed reading, set the book aside and stood up, smoothing the fabric of her dress. Her cheeks held a faint flush, whether from the warmth of the room or the topic she knew was coming, she wasn’t sure.“Not at all, Mrs. Stella,” she replied with a soft smile. “Please, come in.” Mrs. Stella approached her with measured steps, her eyes search
Once the soup was ready, Greta ladled it into a porcelain bowl and placed it on a tray with a cloth napkin and a slice of warm bread. “There you are, my lady. Perfectly done.”Valeria thanked Greta profusely, lifting the tray carefully and carrying it toward Markus’s room. With every step, her heart beat a little faster, anticipation mingling with a renewed sense of hope.When she reached his door, she hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath before knocking softly. “Markus?” she called gently. “It’s me. I… I brought something for you. I am sure you must like it. We didn’t get to talk much yesterday.”There was a pause, and then the sound of footsteps approaching. The door opened, revealing Markus, his expression guarded as he looked down at her.Valeria offered him a tentative smile, holding up the tray. “I made this for you. I thought… maybe you could use something warm.”Markus’s eyes flicked from her face to the tray, and for a moment, his expression was unreadable. Valeria he
The gentle sway of the cruise ship sailed Valeria into a state of relaxation as she reclined on a cosy couch in the private cabinRichie has led her to. The room was adorned with soft, nautical-themed decor, and the soothing sound of waves making her calm. Valeria yawned, feeling the exhaustion from pregnancy.Richie smiled tenderly at Valeria, noting her weariness. He gestured towards the plush bed nestled in the corner of the room. “You look like you could use some rest, Valeria. Why don't you lie down and take a nap? I'll be right here if you need anything. By the time you will wake up we will be at the shore.”Valeria nodded gratefully, feeling grateful for Richie's thoughtfulness. “Thank you! You are so concerned about both of us.” She stretched
Valeria was seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the calm sea scenery outside. She appeared lost in thought, a faint smile playing on her lips. The door creaked open, and Riche entered the room, his presence filling the room with a vibrant energy.Entering with a confident stride he approached Valeria and asked her. “Valeria, my dear, are you ready to go home now?” He sat on the bed with Valeria and kissed her forehead.Valeria turned from the window, her eyes brightening at the sight of Riche. She shot up gracefully from her seat, a sense of excitement twinkling in her eyes. She could not help but feel good at the thought of going home.Valeria kept smiling warmly as he responded to Riche. “I've been ready since the moment you came here, richie.
After bidding Markus and Richardson bye, Valeria made her way to her room. ‘Something is definitely not right with Markus.’ With each step, her thoughts swirled with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Valeria knew that things were not simple as they seemed because a man like Markus was not going to leave her alone.Entering her room, Valeria closed the door behind her and sank onto the edge of the plush bed, the events of the morning weighing heavily on her mind. As she gazed out of the window at the moonlit sea, her thoughts turned to Markus's unexpected surprise. ‘I cannot believe that Markus can change his mind. He certainly has something going on in his mind.’"Why did Markus call Richie," Valeria mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. "Especially when he initially wanted to ruin our weddi
Markus hesitated for a moment before replying, his gaze turning somber as he tried to generate some excuse for Valeria's disappearance. "I have no idea yet but I am looking into this matter.” Markus explained, her voice tinged with anger. “Don’t worry I am personally looking into this. You two relax and go back home together.”Richardson's jaw clenched with fury as he absorbed Markus's words, his mind reeling with the realization of the danger Valeria had faced. "I swear, I will find whomever is responsible and make him pay for what he has done," he vowed, his voice filled with steely determination.But even as Richardson spoke, a sense of gratitude washed over him as he looked at Markus. “You have to look into this matter, Markus. I want the names!” Knowing that without his intervention, Val
[Chapter 41]As the massive cruise ship finally docked at the harbour, a flurry of activity ensued on the deck. Richardson’s demeanour exuded confidence. “Finally! I am here for you, Valeria.”As he made his way down the gangway, his eyes scanning the shoreline for a familiar face.Waiting patiently at the edge of the dock was Markus, his gaze fixed on the approaching ship with a mix of anticipation and excitement. ‘Forgive me for doing this without asking you, Lily. But now I will only fix things for you.’As Richardson descended the gangway, his eyes locked onto Markus, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. With purposeful strides, he made his way towards his cousin."Markus!" Richardson called out as he reached by his side, his v
‘Ironic. Isn’t it? I want you now but it is too late.’ As she disappeared inside, Markus watched her go, a sense of peace settling over him knowing that he had been able to make her happy.With a smile of his own, Markus turned his gaze back towards the port, his heart filled with love and gratitude for the woman who had captured his heart. ‘Only if you had loved me this way truly, Lily.’ He saw her going inside when the elderly maid came to fetch her. Valeria’s responsibility was given to her fully and she fulfilled it effectively.As Markus stepped out of the car and onto the soft sand of the beach, he felt a sense of tranquillity wash over him. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore soothed
As much as she did not want to believe in him, something told Valeria that he was telling the truth this time. She reached out to gently caress his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. "Markus," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, "I never realized...I…"Markus silenced her with a tender smile, his eyes shining with love and affection. "I've never been good with words, Valeria," he confessed, his voice soft yet resolute. "But know that every moment I spent without you, after you were gone, away from me and all I had was those memory we created together, were the only things which made me see the depth of my love for you. Seeing you becoming someone else’s made me realise my true emotions for you. I know I am very late to confess all this but still I want to say this.”
Markus offered her a faint smile, gratitude shining in his eyes. "It's not your fault, Valeria," he reassured her, his voice warm with affection. "If anything, it made me realise just how much you mean to me, how much I never want to hurt you again."Valeria's question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. “Lily…I…” Markus's expression shifted, his features contorting with a mixture of guilt and anguish. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry, as he struggled to find the right words to explain his actions. "Valeria," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I... I don't have an excuse for what I did that night. It was inexcusable, and I regret it more than words can express. I still do regret doing everything which hurt you and made you cry.”V
Markus's gaze softened, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and sincerity. He took a deep breath, his grip on Valeria's hand tightening slightly as if seeking comfort. "Yes, it is," he admitted quietly. "I'm sorry, Valeria. I should have chosen a different place for us tonight. I didn't mean to bring back any painful memories."Valeria reached out and placed her free hand on top of Markus's, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay, Markus," she said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "That was in the past. What matters is that we're here together now. What is important is that we have moved on."Markus met her gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Valeria," he murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "You always know how to make everything better. And I promise to make everything