CHAPTER 6: SUSPECTS
Twenty missed calls greeted me when I finally turned on my phone. They all came from the same number and I had a hunch who it was. Rex was also asking if I was going back to Hacienda Constancia.
I deleted the missed calls and put my phone back inside my bag. It was starting to get dark so the street lights of the driveways of Hacienda were already lit.
I slowed down my walk, I didn’t want the moment to end anytime soon. Because the moment I entered the mansion again, I knew I wouldn’t be able to breathe comfortably again.
Being around my ex-husband suffocates me.
It was six evenings when I finally arrived at the front door of the mansion. I recognized Alejandro’s car as I noticed how quiet the mansion was. There was no sign of Leticia nor Hordan.
“You came back.”
I looked over my shoulder and saw Nix’s brother just come out of the Master’s bedroom. He was looking at me with those cold intimidating eyes.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You left without saying anything to my brother. Doesn’t that mean you can’t bear around Nexus like we talked about?”
“I didn’t say anything like that. It came from your mouth, not mine.” Well, I did consider leaving and giving the money back but that was just a thought that lasted for a few seconds.
He looked at me for a moment before finally nodding his head. When he opened his mouth this time, there was a hint of haughtiness in his eyes.
“Heard you broke Hordan’s hand.”
“The asshole deserves it.”
“Same feisty Amara Stephanie I know.”
Before I could move away. He reached the top of my head and tousled my hair like he used to do years ago.
I complained loudly and was about to smack his hand when the door of the master’s bedroom opened.
Nix was surprised when he saw me but suddenly replaced by coldness as his eyes landed on his brother’s hand.
I pushed Alejandro’s hand away and faced them formally.
“Has he taken his medicine?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Rex answered and slightly bowed his head like I’m some kind of royalty.
“Good. I’m going to my office now. I have a lot of things to do.”
No one answered so I turned around. But before I could reach the door knob of the guest’s room door, my ex-husband had already grabbed my wrist.
“L-Leave us alone.”
Nexus’ voice was weak but enough for the two men to obey what he had said.
“W-Where did you go?” he asked angrily.
“Home.” I raised an eyebrow at him. I didn’t like his tone.
“W-Why didn’t y-you tell me?”
“I’m tired, Nexus.”
“A-Am I m-making you tired?” Bitterness was evident in his voice. “A-Are you getting tired of me because I am a burden?”
My patience was running out. It would be better if I followed my plan to come back here tomorrow.
“I’m not tired of your situation, Nexus.”
“I-I don’t believe you.”
“Then, think what you want to think. I don’t have time to argue with you.”
Pain crossed his eyes and my heart sank at what he said next.
“D-Don’t you love me anymore? Y-You didn’t call me Nix or any e-endearment that you used to call me.”
“We’ll talk about that later. I’m just tired, Nexus.” I said dismissively and grabbed the handle of his wheelchair.
To my surprise, he took my hand and kissed the back of them. “D-Did I do s-something wrong? I’m sorry.”
I ignored him and pushed his wheelchair towards the elevator. When we met Rex on the first floor, I left Nexus with him. I felt my ex-husband’s gaze as I walked back to the guest room. I grabbed my laptop to start the work I needed to finish. A few moments later, Miss Yeye knocked on the door.
She smiled at me and entered the room, a tray of food in her hands.
“I brought you dinner.”
“Thank you, Miss Yeye.”
The old woman smiled even more and came near me. She stroked my hair.
“Where have you been?”
“I went to my parents, Miss Yeye.”
“You didn’t tell me when you left. Nexus was so angry when he found out that you left Hacienda. I felt sorry for him. I know you don’t care about him anymore. After everything you have been through, I understand why you don’t love him anymore.”
“This mansion, his presence is suffocating me,” I answered honestly.
“I’m grateful. Despite what you are feeling, you’re still here. Did you know, that Nix kicked Leticia and Hordan out of the Hacienda?”
I looked at him, surprised.
“He blamed them for why you left. He asked the guards to drag them out of the property. He wouldn’t eat or take his medicine. Locked himself in his room and I saw him crying when I tried bringing him his food.”
I can’t believe this! I broke His brother’s hand, why does it seem like I’m the victim in my Ex-Husband’s eyes?
“LOOK after him, Teph,” Alejandro said as we sat together on the verandah on the second floor.
“It’s my job to stay by his side.”
“There is something wrong with my brother's accident. Millions of dollars were missing from the Almeradez Empire before the accident happened.”
Alejandro told me what he found out so far.
According to the police report, the brake of Nexus’ car was broken—intentionally.
“The former head of the financial department resigned. Until now, no one has been appointed to replace him but Mrs. Rebadulla is in charge. My theory was that Nix found out about the missing money before his accident.”
“I also received a call from one of his trusted friends and an international lawyer. Some of his properties abroad were being sold. Nix will not sell those properties. He doesn’t need money because he has a lot of it or he could ask me or dad. Those properties were his investments.”
Alejandro’s eyebrows furrowed. I didn’t make any comment because I knew he knew what he was doing. After all, Alejandro Almeradez was in the military, he knows how to analyze and respond to such situations.
“I have a hunch that those are related to the accident. His brake was intentionally broken.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I asked with my deadpan look.
He looked at me seriously. “I want you to watch over him from his own mother.”
“What?”
“Leticia and Hordan are on the suspects’ list. Before the accident, Nexus had a big fight with his step-brother. Many employees saw them brawl in the lobby of the Empire. The report of the initial investigation had Leticia’s name on the list as one of the owners of the bank account where the missing money goes.”
“I saw Leticia asking your brother to sign something.”
“What? Are you serious?” The look on his face seemed to confirm his suspicion.
I casually sipped my coffee.
“The witch hasn't cared about your brother ever since. She only cares about money. To my advantage because she gave me this job.”
“Do you know what the documents are about?”
“Projects in Almeradez Empire, a property that Leticia wants, and of course Hordan’s monthly allowance. ‘Til now, the assholes still sucking off your brother.”
“Damn those shits!”
I couldn’t agree more. I chuckled lowly and shook my head.
A moment later, Alejandro made a call and left.
I stayed for a while before going down to the kitchen. Miss Yeye and other servants were on the farm to deliver food to the workers. They were now harvesting fruits that will be exported to Europe.
My pace quickened as I went up when I heard the buzzing sound coming from the Master’s bedroom.
CHAPTER 7: FLOWERS AND A REWARD “Nexus!” I ran to him as soon as I entered his room. He was struggling on the floor, the wheelchair lying above half of his body. His eyebrows were furrowed and groaned in pain. “Nexus!” I called and shook him slightly to wake him up. I was startled for a moment when I saw his bleeding hand. Pieces of broken glass from a bottle of medicine were scattered on the floor. I cursed in a low voice and put my palm on his head. He has a fever and—where the hell was his private nurse?! Damn it! I repeatedly pressed the buzzer to get help but no one answered the intercom. “Shit!” I tried to lift him up. “S-Steph…” “I need to get you up. Come on, help me will you?” I said, relief that he’s awake. I winced as we almost both fell over as I dragged his heaviness towards the bed. He’s really heavy, bulky—damn! I wanna hit this guy! I was panting heavily by the time I finally settled him against the headboard of the bed. He was whimpering when I g
CHAPTER 8: SEEING HIS FORMER IN-LAWS My eyes widened and I froze in my seat. His soft lips caused an electrifying feeling that made my whole body numb—paralyzing my system. He pulled away as quickly as his lips touched mine. Ears and neck turned red before he buried his face in the curve of my neck. If it wasn’t for his hand touching my waist, I wouldn’t come to my senses. I swallowed a few times and gently removed his head from my shoulder. “Rest now. I’ll wake you up when the food is ready.” He must have sensed my avoidance because he gently squeezed my waist before slowly letting go. I helped him lie down in bed. The next day, the new chef arrived at the mansion. I knew her back in high school. Analyn was my friend together with Meimei. The woman used to be a troublemaker back then, but now, she’s one of the in-demand chefs’ in the country. She gave me the infamous ‘criminal offensive side-eye’ and I rolled my eyes at her, in return. Analyn laughed. Nexus l
CHAPTER 9: THE FIANCEE Cars were already parked in front of my sister’s house when I arrived. I could hear the laughter of the children coming from the garden of the mansion. I get out of the car after grabbing the large paper bag from the back seat. A maid from Rocc's family greeted me and led me to where the celebration was. The birthday celebrant, Sevi, excitedly ran towards me. “Auntie!” Sevi gleefully clung to my legs and looked up to me with his innocent green eyes. “Happy birthday.” I greeted and kissed my nephew’s forehead. He hugged the paper bag I was holding and smiled at me. “Is this for me?” I nodded and finally gave it to him. “Sevi, you’ll open your gifts later. Put it on the table with other gifts.” My sister let me sit at one of the tables when Sevi placed the paper bag with other gifts. “Dad is overacting,” I said, almost whining. “I told you, maybe this is a second chance for you and Nix.” “There’s no second chance,” I emphasized every word. Nes
CHAPTER 10: DÉJÀ VU Angel Love was nowhere to be found when Nexus had an accident, according to Alejandro. A month after the court granted our annulment, Nexus, and Angel Love’s engagement, was all over the TV stations, newspapers, and social media. Leticia liked her for her son. When Nix and I were still married, Angel Love clung to my ex-husband like a leech, sucking the positive energy of our marriage. I passed by her like I didn’t see the woman. And as if on cue, my sister approached me so I could say goodbye. “I saw Nexus’ fiancée. Do you want me to shoo her away?” she whispered while giving Angel Love a sharp look. “Let her be. Looks like she’s enjoying being a senator’s mistress.” It’s not a surprise to me that she’s cheated. “What about Nexus?” I shrugged and kissed my sister's cheek. “That’s their problem, not mine. Anyway, I have to go.” She and Sebastian accompanied me to my car. I waved at them and started maneuvering away from Northshire Village. I stopped
CHAPTER 11 (PART 1) I peeked into the pantry when I heard the familiar laughter of my ex-husband. His face was smiling as he picked up the rolling grapes on the floor. He wiped them on his clothes before putting them into his mouth and laughing again with my employees. He was far from the Nexus I used to know when he was dealing with other people. He’s now down to earth, laughing and getting along with others easily. Nexus looked happier than I could remember. I sat on the couch, tired. I visited two branches of Casa Amara. It’s still under construction and I am really meticulous, especially with the materials. “Steph, I brought our launch,” Nexus said sweetly. I looked at him and told him to come in. I put a big smile on my face as he placed the food tray on the center table. He reached for something from his back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when he handed me a one-stem pink rose. “I-I have my own launch.” Nexus walked towards my table to get my lunch box. I stopped
CHAPTER 11 (PART 2) It’s my fault too that I lost my baby. I am the mother and I should have been the first to know I was pregnant. “I didn’t remember anything but I feel like I need to say sorry.” “Your sorry can’t bring back my child. I hate you! I hate you so much!” I removed his arms from my waist as I stood up from my bed. He’s still kneeling and even bowed his head more. “Get up, Nexus,” I said, almost in a whisper. “You only hurting me more with what you’re doing.” The door opened. Alejandro and Rex were surprised when they saw Nexus' situation. I shook my head and went back to bed. I decided to ignore them and closed my eyes. My heart was numb and I didn’t want to deal with any of them. Alejandro forced his brother to get up and leave the room. Fortunately, they didn’t come back again. My parents arrived after. When the doctor gave his signal for me to go home, I didn’t waste any time. I don’t like hospitals; it brings me many painful memories. When we got home
CHAPTER 12 Pain crossed in his face but I didn’t budge. Who cares if he’s hurting. I’m just telling the truth. “Can you tell me now what you want? I still have a lot of work to do in my office.” “We need your help,” Alejandro said. “I’m wasting my time here.” I said grudgingly and took and took my handbag to leave, I was about to walk away when Nexus grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the chair. “I don’t appreciate your hand touching me, Mister,” I spat and glared at him. Reluctantly, he let go of my wrist. Alejandro spoke again in a serious tone. “This is not a waste of time, Stephanie. It is a death and life situation. You know what Leticia is doing. They are taking advantage of Nix’s situation to spend his money.” “What does it have to do with me?” “A lot! You will be the savior of Nix’s wealth,” he answered, which made me scrunch my nose. “Be Nix’s wife again.” My forehead furrowed in annoyance. “Are you out of your mind?” “We are serious, Amara Stephanie.
CHAPTER 13 (PART 1)FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO I was sure that the car parked in front of our house didn’t belong to my sister’s annoying ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. And definitely, it wasn’t to our neighbor either. Sevi ran to me when the little kid saw his beautiful aunt. He raised both of his hands, urging me to carry him. He’s still in his pajamas and just woken up like me. “Auntie, up!” he pouted. I picked him up and kissed the baby of the family on the cheek as he put his head on my chest. “Where’s your mom?” I asked as I walked down the six-step staircase, still carrying Sevi. “Don’t know. Is Daddy outside?” “The car outside isn’t his—” I didn’t get to finish what I was supposed to say when I saw who was sitting on the couch. “Hello, Steph.” Nexus Almeradez greeted and smiled at me. “Auntie, close your mouth.” Sevi laughed. “Why are you here?” I asked, telling him I was very surprised to see this one-night-stand man I chose to forget. “Am I not allowed to visit you?
CHAPTER 13 (PART 1)FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO I was sure that the car parked in front of our house didn’t belong to my sister’s annoying ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. And definitely, it wasn’t to our neighbor either. Sevi ran to me when the little kid saw his beautiful aunt. He raised both of his hands, urging me to carry him. He’s still in his pajamas and just woken up like me. “Auntie, up!” he pouted. I picked him up and kissed the baby of the family on the cheek as he put his head on my chest. “Where’s your mom?” I asked as I walked down the six-step staircase, still carrying Sevi. “Don’t know. Is Daddy outside?” “The car outside isn’t his—” I didn’t get to finish what I was supposed to say when I saw who was sitting on the couch. “Hello, Steph.” Nexus Almeradez greeted and smiled at me. “Auntie, close your mouth.” Sevi laughed. “Why are you here?” I asked, telling him I was very surprised to see this one-night-stand man I chose to forget. “Am I not allowed to visit you?
CHAPTER 12 Pain crossed in his face but I didn’t budge. Who cares if he’s hurting. I’m just telling the truth. “Can you tell me now what you want? I still have a lot of work to do in my office.” “We need your help,” Alejandro said. “I’m wasting my time here.” I said grudgingly and took and took my handbag to leave, I was about to walk away when Nexus grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the chair. “I don’t appreciate your hand touching me, Mister,” I spat and glared at him. Reluctantly, he let go of my wrist. Alejandro spoke again in a serious tone. “This is not a waste of time, Stephanie. It is a death and life situation. You know what Leticia is doing. They are taking advantage of Nix’s situation to spend his money.” “What does it have to do with me?” “A lot! You will be the savior of Nix’s wealth,” he answered, which made me scrunch my nose. “Be Nix’s wife again.” My forehead furrowed in annoyance. “Are you out of your mind?” “We are serious, Amara Stephanie.
CHAPTER 11 (PART 2) It’s my fault too that I lost my baby. I am the mother and I should have been the first to know I was pregnant. “I didn’t remember anything but I feel like I need to say sorry.” “Your sorry can’t bring back my child. I hate you! I hate you so much!” I removed his arms from my waist as I stood up from my bed. He’s still kneeling and even bowed his head more. “Get up, Nexus,” I said, almost in a whisper. “You only hurting me more with what you’re doing.” The door opened. Alejandro and Rex were surprised when they saw Nexus' situation. I shook my head and went back to bed. I decided to ignore them and closed my eyes. My heart was numb and I didn’t want to deal with any of them. Alejandro forced his brother to get up and leave the room. Fortunately, they didn’t come back again. My parents arrived after. When the doctor gave his signal for me to go home, I didn’t waste any time. I don’t like hospitals; it brings me many painful memories. When we got home
CHAPTER 11 (PART 1) I peeked into the pantry when I heard the familiar laughter of my ex-husband. His face was smiling as he picked up the rolling grapes on the floor. He wiped them on his clothes before putting them into his mouth and laughing again with my employees. He was far from the Nexus I used to know when he was dealing with other people. He’s now down to earth, laughing and getting along with others easily. Nexus looked happier than I could remember. I sat on the couch, tired. I visited two branches of Casa Amara. It’s still under construction and I am really meticulous, especially with the materials. “Steph, I brought our launch,” Nexus said sweetly. I looked at him and told him to come in. I put a big smile on my face as he placed the food tray on the center table. He reached for something from his back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when he handed me a one-stem pink rose. “I-I have my own launch.” Nexus walked towards my table to get my lunch box. I stopped
CHAPTER 10: DÉJÀ VU Angel Love was nowhere to be found when Nexus had an accident, according to Alejandro. A month after the court granted our annulment, Nexus, and Angel Love’s engagement, was all over the TV stations, newspapers, and social media. Leticia liked her for her son. When Nix and I were still married, Angel Love clung to my ex-husband like a leech, sucking the positive energy of our marriage. I passed by her like I didn’t see the woman. And as if on cue, my sister approached me so I could say goodbye. “I saw Nexus’ fiancée. Do you want me to shoo her away?” she whispered while giving Angel Love a sharp look. “Let her be. Looks like she’s enjoying being a senator’s mistress.” It’s not a surprise to me that she’s cheated. “What about Nexus?” I shrugged and kissed my sister's cheek. “That’s their problem, not mine. Anyway, I have to go.” She and Sebastian accompanied me to my car. I waved at them and started maneuvering away from Northshire Village. I stopped
CHAPTER 9: THE FIANCEE Cars were already parked in front of my sister’s house when I arrived. I could hear the laughter of the children coming from the garden of the mansion. I get out of the car after grabbing the large paper bag from the back seat. A maid from Rocc's family greeted me and led me to where the celebration was. The birthday celebrant, Sevi, excitedly ran towards me. “Auntie!” Sevi gleefully clung to my legs and looked up to me with his innocent green eyes. “Happy birthday.” I greeted and kissed my nephew’s forehead. He hugged the paper bag I was holding and smiled at me. “Is this for me?” I nodded and finally gave it to him. “Sevi, you’ll open your gifts later. Put it on the table with other gifts.” My sister let me sit at one of the tables when Sevi placed the paper bag with other gifts. “Dad is overacting,” I said, almost whining. “I told you, maybe this is a second chance for you and Nix.” “There’s no second chance,” I emphasized every word. Nes
CHAPTER 8: SEEING HIS FORMER IN-LAWS My eyes widened and I froze in my seat. His soft lips caused an electrifying feeling that made my whole body numb—paralyzing my system. He pulled away as quickly as his lips touched mine. Ears and neck turned red before he buried his face in the curve of my neck. If it wasn’t for his hand touching my waist, I wouldn’t come to my senses. I swallowed a few times and gently removed his head from my shoulder. “Rest now. I’ll wake you up when the food is ready.” He must have sensed my avoidance because he gently squeezed my waist before slowly letting go. I helped him lie down in bed. The next day, the new chef arrived at the mansion. I knew her back in high school. Analyn was my friend together with Meimei. The woman used to be a troublemaker back then, but now, she’s one of the in-demand chefs’ in the country. She gave me the infamous ‘criminal offensive side-eye’ and I rolled my eyes at her, in return. Analyn laughed. Nexus l
CHAPTER 7: FLOWERS AND A REWARD “Nexus!” I ran to him as soon as I entered his room. He was struggling on the floor, the wheelchair lying above half of his body. His eyebrows were furrowed and groaned in pain. “Nexus!” I called and shook him slightly to wake him up. I was startled for a moment when I saw his bleeding hand. Pieces of broken glass from a bottle of medicine were scattered on the floor. I cursed in a low voice and put my palm on his head. He has a fever and—where the hell was his private nurse?! Damn it! I repeatedly pressed the buzzer to get help but no one answered the intercom. “Shit!” I tried to lift him up. “S-Steph…” “I need to get you up. Come on, help me will you?” I said, relief that he’s awake. I winced as we almost both fell over as I dragged his heaviness towards the bed. He’s really heavy, bulky—damn! I wanna hit this guy! I was panting heavily by the time I finally settled him against the headboard of the bed. He was whimpering when I g
CHAPTER 6: SUSPECTS Twenty missed calls greeted me when I finally turned on my phone. They all came from the same number and I had a hunch who it was. Rex was also asking if I was going back to Hacienda Constancia. I deleted the missed calls and put my phone back inside my bag. It was starting to get dark so the street lights of the driveways of Hacienda were already lit. I slowed down my walk, I didn’t want the moment to end anytime soon. Because the moment I entered the mansion again, I knew I wouldn’t be able to breathe comfortably again. Being around my ex-husband suffocates me. It was six evenings when I finally arrived at the front door of the mansion. I recognized Alejandro’s car as I noticed how quiet the mansion was. There was no sign of Leticia nor Hordan. “You came back.” I looked over my shoulder and saw Nix’s brother just come out of the Master’s bedroom. He was looking at me with those cold intimidating eyes. “What do you mean by that?” “You left without