SELENAThe elevator beeped as we reached the top floor, and the doors slid open to reveal a stunning rooftop terrace. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the city skyline, and the air was filled with the scent of jasmine and roses. A single table was set in the center of the terrace, candles flickering in the breeze. Christopher took my hand and led me to the table, pulling out my chair for me. As I sat down, I felt a shiver of anxiety run down my spine. Whatever was about to happen, it would be unforgettable for me, and what I was going to do would be unforgettable for him."Th—this is beautiful," I stammered, my eyes taking in the stunning view of the city skyline. "The atmosphere is incredible." I wiped my clammy hands on my dress, trying to calm my nerves. What was happening here? What did he have planned? I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and fear, unsure of what was to come."You're right," Christopher said with a proud smile, his eyes sparkling as he gazed out
CHRISTOPHER I watched in horror as Selena fell to the ground, her body hitting the metal railing with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the ground, blood pooling around her. I stood frozen, the ring box slipping from my hand. In that moment, the fireworks began, exploding in the night sky. I had wanted them to form a heart, but now all I could see was the red, like the blood on the ground."Selena!" I gasped, falling to my knees next to her. I cradled her head in my lap, her eyes fluttering closed. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, a crimson stain on her lips. "Selena, please," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. "Please…just hang in there for me.”Without thinking, I gathered Selena in my arms and ran to the elevator. I left everything we'd brought with us behind, my only thought was to get Selena to a hospital. I jabbed the button frantically, the doors taking an eternity to open. I pushed past the people waiting to get in, racing to the street. I hailed a taxi, th
PEDROMy mind was racing, my body shaking as I drove aimlessly, heading to the only place I could think of - to the only person who could calm me down. How could my father threaten me with Mother? How could he bring her up like that, to scare me? How could he still have that file, when he promised me he had destroyed it? My thoughts whirled, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me.I pulled up to the apartment building a few minutes later, letting out a pained groan as I dropped my head onto the steering wheel. I gripped it tightly, my hands shaking. I knew I shouldn't be showing up to see Selena like this, in such a state of distress. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it didn't seem to be working."F*ck my life!" I cried out, hitting the steering wheel with my fist. "F*ck my stupid, f*cked up life!" I screamed, my emotions spiraling out of control. Anger was blinding me, clouding my thoughts. I felt like I was losing control, like I was about to explode."My father alw
PEDROIt had been three days since Selena had been hospitalized, and she still hadn't woken up. After the heated argument with Christopher that night, the doctor had came to tell us news about Selene’s state. While the metal that had been embedded in her stomach wasn't too deep, and hadn't destroyed any vital organs, he couldn't say when she'd wake up. I felt hopeless and afraid that I might lose her.Christopher was adamant about staying with Selena until she woke up, but I knew it was because he wanted to keep me away from her. I was relieved, though, when the doctor suggested that he couldn't stay at the hospital with Liam for that long. That meant I could bring him home with me, where he'd be comfortable and cared for.Christopher was clearly unhappy about the prospect of me seeing Selena, and he was reluctant to let me take Liam home with me. But with the doctor's insistence that he couldn't stay at the hospital with the boy, he had no choice but to let me bring Liam home. It was
PEDROAfter the phone call with my father the previous night, I'd been on edge around Liam. Every time I looked at him, my stomach turned over with guilt. How could I smile at a little boy I was so interested in his mother when another woman would be staying in my apartment in a matter of hours?I was so lost in my own dark thoughts that I didn't notice the tug on my sleeve. I looked down, startled to find Liam gazing up at me with his bright purple eyes. It was like looking into a mirror - his eyes were so like mine."Hm?" I croaked, my voice a little hoarse. Liam frowned, a little crease forming between his brows. I raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what was on his mind.He didn't respond, and I looked down at my hand - still gripping his hair, the dryer held tightly. Oh no, had I pulled too hard? I let go, a wave of worry sweeping over me. "Is your hair okay? Did I hurt you?" I asked, a frown tugging at my lips.Liam shook his head, and I let out a breath of relief. Maybe I hadn'
SELENA"You can't go in there," I heard Christopher's voice, loud and angry. I groaned and turned my head, wincing at the movement. The pain at the side of my stomach was beginning to ease a little, but the pounding in my head was still strong. I tried to get up, but my body wouldn't cooperate. Christopher's voice continued, "Let her rest, Mr. Lopez. She doesn't need you bothering her right now." I blinked, my mind racing. "Pedro's here?" I gasped, trying to sit up. But the IV line in my hand pulled taut, and I winced in pain. I was still too weak to get out of bed. I could only listen to the conversation taking place in the hallway. "I know you're concerned, Mr. Lopez," Christopher said. "But I need you to leave. Selena needs to rest and I also don't want you here." I couldn't see him but I could tell that Christopher was angry and I silently prayed that Pedro should just go.When I woke up the previous night, I found Christopher sitting by my hospital bedside, holding my hand. H
SELENAAfter my discharge from the hospital over a week ago, I've received no contact from Pedro. No phone calls, no visits, and no word from him about his whereabouts. When I try calling him, my calls go unanswered, and it's leaving me feeling increasingly anxious. I'm concerned and want to know if he's okay."I could attend the meeting alone while you rest," Christopher said, groaning as he descended the stairs. "You only just got discharged from the hospital last week. There's no need to rush back to work, Lena."Ever since the incident at the dinner that landed me in the hospital, Christopher had been extra overprotective of me. He wouldn't let me lift a finger, and even his temper had mellowed, despite my attempts to reach out to Pedro. And I have to admit, I was grateful for his control over his temper."I appreciate your concern," I said, offering him a reassuring smile. "But the doctor has given me the all-clear, and I feel perfectly capable of attending the meeting today."As
SELENA"Why didn't you tell me?" I snapped at Mitchell, who stood frozen in shock. "You knew about this, and yet you said nothing? I could have been prepared! I could have known what to expect!" I was furious, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, the anger bubbling up inside me, threatening to spill over. I gripped the railing of the rooftop, trying to steady myself.When I went to Pedro's apartment the night before and saw Louisa with him, everything clicked into place. I realized why he'd been avoiding me, why he didn't come back to check on me in the hospital, why he never called. I was furious, hurt that he would never love me the way he loved Louisa. I felt so foolish for ever believing that I could be enough for him. I felt betrayed."You think I knew about this?" Mitchell scoffed, rubbing her baby bump as she sank onto the empty bench on the rooftop. "If I had known, you think I wouldn't have told you? I'm your best f