58 BRIARWOOD SCHOOL***"She's coming.""Did you hear? The Cyber Boys missed a game for the first time in their careers, and I heard it’s because of her."Two girls whispered as they walked past Isabella, throwing her dirty looks. Isabella rolled her eyes and headed to her locker. A girl using the locker beside hers slammed it shut and rushed over to another friend."Isn’t she the one who caused the fight between Ace and Elijah?""I heard she’s a two-timer. She was seeing Ace and Elijah at the same time, and after ruining their friendship, she cheated on Ace with Brett.""And she’s not even that pretty!"Isabella angrily slammed her locker shut, fed up with the constant gossip. "If you’ve got a problem with me, why don’t you say it to my face?" she demanded harshly."Let’s go," the girls muttered, scurrying off."That’s what I thought," Isabella scoffed, letting out a sigh as she heard familiar footsteps approaching. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Valeria and her former
59“Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz!”“It’s wonderful to have you both here again!”“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz!”The employees of Ruiz Royal Estate greeted Alejandro and Camila as they entered hand-in-hand.“Boss, welcome back,” Diego said, stepping forward to take Alejandro’s briefcase. “Mrs. Ruiz, it’s lovely to see you again,” he added, turning to Camila before escorting them to the office.Camila smiled, inhaling deeply, savoring the familiar atmosphere. It had been a while since she was last here, and she realized just how much she missed this place.“Good news, Boss. While you were in Mexico, we handled most of the business, but there are a few exclusive deals we’d prefer you review yourself,” Diego explained, handing Alejandro a laptop.Alejandro skimmed through it. “I also noticed we’ve lost some sales to Marcus Ventures,” he murmured, frowning.“I’m sorry, Boss,” Diego apologized.“You don’t owe me an apology, Diego. We just need to work harder and faster. Schedule all
60 MARCUS GLOBAL VENTURES***Sandra strolled into Marcus Global Ventures after leaving Ruiz Royal Estate at the end of the day.“Hello, ma’am. Welcome to Marcus Global Ventures. How may we assist you?” the receptionist asked politely.“I’d like to see Mr. Rafael,” Sandra replied, confidently adjusting her posture.“Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked, her smile faltering as she glanced at Sandra with disapproval.Sandra rolled her eyes. “Just call him. Tell him it’s Sandra Rivera.”The receptionist sighed but made the call. “Hello, Julian. Please inform Mr. Marcus that someone-“Sandra Rivera” Sandra cut her off, reminding her.“Please inform Mr. Marcus that someone- named Sandra Rivera is here to see him.” The receptionist said, twitching her lips.A few moments later, she hung up. “His office is—”“I know the way. I’ve been here before,” Sandra interrupted with a smirk, walking off.“I hate her,” the receptionist mumbled under her breath.•••••Sandra entered Rafael
61LAST NIGHT - LANDON'S RESIDENCE(FLASHBACK)**"You're getting married soon, Lucia," Mrs. Landon announced, dropping a bombshell that made Lucia’s fork slip from her hand."What?""Your mother said you're getting married," Mr. Landon repeated. Lucia glanced at Chandler, who seemed as taken aback as she was, though he maintained his usual calm demeanor."Why do I need to get married?" she asked, her voice strained."Honey, you're not getting any younger. And this man is really good; he's the son of a trusted friend. He’s wealthy and handsome, just like the type of men you like. We know you’ll like him," Mrs. Landon said confidently.•••"Did you ask your mom who he is?" Camila asked, staring at Lucia through the phone screen."I was too shocked to ask, but I bet I’ll meet him soon," Lucia replied."So, are you going to marry this guy? What about George?" Camila probed."I'm not marrying him. When I see him, I’ll tell him to forget about me because I’m seeing someone else. I’m not read
62 RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE**"Are you going?" Sandra asked Diego, who was frantically searching his desk for some files, barely paying attention to her."Are you going to the party? Camila’s father’s birthday," she asked again."What would I want to do there?" Diego responded angrily."I mean, you’re Alejandro’s personal assistant. You’re supposed to be with him wherever he goes, especially for events like this," Sandra replied."I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. This is the boss’s wife we’re talking about. I don’t involve myself in his family affairs, so why would I want to go to her father’s birthday party? And do you even think she’d give me an invite?" Diego replied, still searching for the file."She’s so mean. She can’t even inform you after everything you’ve done for her," Sandra rolled her eyes, then looked at Diego, narrowing her eyes."What are you looking for?" she asked. Diego didn’t answer at first. "I believe I just asked you a question."Diego sighed. "I’m lo
63Sandra paced back and forth in the women's restroom, her phone pressed to her ear. After several rings, the person she was calling finally picked up.“Hello, Julian. Can you put Rafael on the phone? I need to speak with him,” Sandra demanded impatiently, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.“I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that. Rafael is busy,” Julian replied curtly.“It’s urgent! I need to talk to him. Put him on the damn phone!” Sandra fumed.“I don’t need to repeat myself. Mr. Rafael is busy. If it’s that important, leave a voice message,” Julian said flatly.“Julian, don’t you dare—” Sandra’s words were cut off as Julian hung up. She cursed under her breath and dialed another number.“Sorry, this customer is not available at the moment. Please leave a voice message. Thank you.”“Rafael, I’m warning you, don’t play games with me. Alejandro is conducting a massive search at the company. I’ve helped you for so long, and if you abandon me, I’ll bring you down with me. I
PEREZ MANSION***Isabella was lying in her bedroom when a soft knock sounded at her door. She sighed, pulling the blanket over her head. Her mother had been knocking non-stop.The door opened, and Sofia entered, her face filled with concern.“What do you want this time, Mom?” Isabella asked tiredly.“Your friend is here to see you,” Sofia replied.“I don’t have friends,” Isabella scoffed, rolling her eyes.Sofia stepped aside, and Chappell slowly walked in. Isabella leaped off the bed, glaring at both her mother and Chappell.“Mom, what is she doing here?” Isabella demanded angrily.“Sweetie, calm down. She just wants to talk,” Sofia said softly, trying to soothe her.“I don’t want to talk to her or anyone! Tell her to leave!” Isabella shouted, turning her back to them.“It’s okay, Isabella. I understand I’m not the person you want to see right now, but hear me out. I’m sorry about everything. I never really liked Valeria,” Chappell said apologetically.“It doesn’t matter now. Why are
65"Fernando?" Lucia called out, looking surprised at the man seated with her parents."Peanuts," Fernando smirked, causing her to glare at him."You two already know each other? That's wonderful!" Mrs. Landon smiled. "Why don’t you sit down so we can discuss everything?""No!" Lucia shook her head."No?" Mr. Landon gave her a disappointed look."I’m not marrying Fernando or anyone else!" she declared firmly. George, though trying to seem disinterested, couldn’t help but glance at her, surprised to hear about the marriage."Why not? You’re not getting any younger, sweetheart," Mrs. Landon gave her a sympathetic look."I know, Mom, which is why I brought him here." She grabbed George’s arm and pulled him forward. "Mom, Dad, Fernando—this is my boyfriend, George Williams. I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want you to judge me. I know you always wanted me to marry someone wealthy, but George makes me happy," Lucia explained, while George looked at her, confused."Interesting," F
99 (Final)SOME DAYS LATER: RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE**Alejandro sat at his desk, engrossed in his work, ignoring the persistent knocking on his office door. Finally, Diego stepped in."Good afternoon, boss. I hope you had a good night," Diego greeted, holding an envelope in his hand. "I won’t take up much of your time. I just came to drop this."Diego placed the letter on Alejandro’s desk."I promised that once I helped take Rafael down, I’d leave right away. Now that I’m finally reunited with my family, I—""Look at these three dining options and tell me which one looks best," Alejandro interrupted, turning his laptop toward Diego.Diego blinked in confusion. Was Alejandro not even listening to him? He leaned closer to inspect the screen."They all look great, but this one in the middle stands out," Diego replied, pointing."Good. I want you to book it for tonight," Alejandro ordered, his tone dismissive."But, sir—" Diego started to protest, but Alejandro cut him off with a stern look."Y
98Alejandro paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his anxiety growing with each passing second as he waited for the doctor to emerge from Camila's ward."You should sit, Alejandro. She's going to be fine," Sofia said softly, her voice filled with reassurance.He glanced at her but didn’t reply. Just then, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped out. Alejandro’s face lit up with a mix of worry and hope."Mr. Alejandro Ruiz," the doctor called."What's wrong with Camila, Doctor?" Alejandro asked, his voice laced with panic."She's going to be a mother, and you're going to be a father. She's four and a half weeks pregnant," the doctor announced with a warm smile.Alejandro froze."What? Can we see her?" Isabella asked eagerly."She's sleeping right now, but you can visit her once she wakes up," the doctor replied before walking away.Isabella and Sofia hugged each other joyfully, their faces glowing with happiness. They turned to Alejandro, who still looked stunned."Come
97SOME DAYS LATERThe alarm blared endlessly, and to Camila, it sounded like wedding bells. But instead of excitement, it brought a heavy sense of dread—a nightmare she wished she could wake up from.“Miss, it’s time,” the maid said softly, gently tapping her shoulder.Camila groggily opened her eyes. A wedding gown stood prominently on a mannequin, and hairstylists and makeup artists were already bustling in the room, preparing for the day.“Congratulations, ma’am, you’re getting married today,” they greeted her in unison. She forced a smile in response, though her heart weighed heavily.Dragging herself to the shower, Camila let the water cascade over her. She tried to gather her thoughts but couldn’t stop the questions swirling in her mind. How did it come to this? How did everything go so wrong?Realizing she had been in the bathroom longer than expected, she quickly turned off the shower and wrapped herself in a robe. As she stepped out, the room was empty—the dressers had gone.
96"Yes, I’m pregnant, and I came here to see George’s family. It’s a long story, Mom. Please, let me explain later," Lucia replied, cutting the call despite her mother’s protests.She met George, who was chatting with his mother."Lucia, my dear, you’ve been standing for a while. Would you like to sit?" Juliana asked with her attractive Polish accent."I’m good," Lucia replied."No, dear, please sit," Juliana insisted, guiding Lucia to a chair. "Pani Karolina, please bring Lucia some tea," she instructed, and Karolina appeared moments later with a steaming cup of tea."Hang in there, Mrs. Lucia Williams. The food will be ready in a moment," Karolina said kindly."Thank you," Lucia smiled and turned to face George."Darling, can I talk to you for a second?" she asked."Sure, I’ll excuse you both," Juliana said, stepping away.George sat beside Lucia. "Honey, what’s the matter?" he asked."My friend Camila isn’t doing well. Her family is being held captive by Rafael Marcus, and she’s g
95FEW DAYS LATER**A few days had passed, and a lot had happened. Alejandro left Camila with Rafael and returned to his company. The place was desolate; nearly everyone had resigned, and he had lost most of his contracts but couldn't do anything about it.It was the usual, uneventful day. Alejandro stood in front of his window, staring into nothingness. The company was empty. He had no idea where to start or how to convince anyone to return, but that wasn't what was truly bothering him.He still couldn't believe he wasn't with Camila. He had signed the divorce papers and left her with Rafael. Even now, he still questioned whether he had made the right decision. He wasn't a fool; he knew why she said what she did. Rafael probably had her family under his control in some way, and Alejandro wouldn't be selfish enough to let him hurt them."Boss," a familiar voice called. Alejandro didn’t bother turning to look at the person."You should be lucky I haven’t had you arrested yet you still
94"Is she really worth it, Alejandro? Everything you’ve worked so hard for—your company—does it mean more to you than her?"Alejandro glanced at Camila, then at the documents, torn between two impossible choices."You're wrong, Rafael! I didn’t just think about it—I worked hard for that company. I deserve everything. Every damn thing!" Alejandro yelled, his eyes reddening with rage."No, you didn’t, you bastard! Everything belongs to me! Grandpa was supposed to give it all to me, but I don’t know why you came along and ruined everything!" Rafael shouted, then turned to Camila."He didn’t tell you much, did he? He never told you how he barged into my life, stole the affection of my family, and convinced them to change the will," Rafael said angrily."I didn’t have anyone change anything!" Alejandro shot back. "Everything happened because apparently, everyone was okay with it. I did more good for your family than you’ll ever admit."Even though Camila was gagged, her confused and curio
93Camila felt her head pounding as she struggled to open her eyes. She realized she couldn’t move her hands or legs and felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort. Her eyes finally fluttered open, and her heart nearly stopped.She was tied to a chair, positioned dangerously close to the edge of a steep cliff. Before her, several men knelt on the ground, their faces familiar from earlier."Baby, you're awake," Rafael said, stepping closer to her. He gently touched her face, his fingers brushing the bruise beneath her eye."Does it hurt?" he asked softly.Camila remained silent, too terrified to respond, her mind racing to guess what Rafael had planned."Which one of these men hit you?" Rafael asked, his tone icy as his gaze shifted to the men.Camila hesitated, her eyes slowly scanning the group. The man in the middle looked petrified, but she reluctantly pointed at him.Rafael smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately before grabbing the man by his collar and yanking him to his feet."W
92 George turned, his face lighting up with a mixture of joy and worry.“Baby,” he greeted, walking over and giving her a quick peck on the lips.Perri scoffed audibly and looked away.“Why are you up so early?” George asked, concern lacing his voice.“I’m not that early,” Lucia said, pouting slightly.“You should still be in bed, resting like the princess you are,” he said, touching her stomach gently. “Are you hungry?”“You’ve been feeding me so much lately, George. I might lose myself,” she teased.George smiled. “You could never lose yourself in my eyes. Look at your skin—you’re glowing already,” he said, leading her to the kitchen.“So, what are you up to?” Lucia asked as they entered.George sighed, setting water to boil. “I’ve been thinking about what your dad said—about whether I can provide for you and the baby—and I’ve made a decision.”“What decision?” she asked curiously.“I’ve always wanted to be a chef, and I’ve been saving for years. I’m planning to open a small roads
91 THERESA'S HOUSE***“Careful,” George said, holding Lucia’s hand as she stepped out of the taxi.“I’m fine, George. I can manage,” Lucia replied, smiling softly. Since discovering her pregnancy, George had been overly protective, not even letting her handle simple tasks.As they entered the house, George began, “Mom, we’re—” but stopped abruptly when he saw Lucia’s father seated on the couch. Instinctively, he positioned himself in front of her.Mr. Landon smirked. “Hiding my daughter from me, George? You didn’t think I’d find you?”“I’m not going anywhere with you, Dad. I’m surviving just fine without you,” Lucia said through clenched teeth.“Surviving? Look at yourself, Lucia! Your clothes, your skin—you’re barely holding on,” Mr. Landon retorted, disgusted.“I don’t care! I look better than ever, and I’m staying here,” Lucia snapped, standing her ground.“You don’t belong here, Lucia. It’s not too late to come back home—where you belong,” Mr. Landon insisted.“If she believes st