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FORTY ONE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Hey sweetheart," Dad said as he stepped outside to join me on the porch.
I'd been estranged from both of my mom and dad for about a week. Zach hadn't been to the market in a week, either, or I hadn't started to notice him. I still felt so stupid for treating him that way and then fleeing. It terrified me that he'd gone to such lengths just to prove to me that he was deserving of me. All I wanted was for him to get sober. That was it.
"I noticed you've been a little down lately," Dad said as he sat and rocked a few times. "Boy problems?" ”
"How come you didn't tell me?" " I couldn't help but inquire. "That his mother died?" That he'd gotten sober? That he purchased the plaza? ”
"You went through so much when he overdosed. I didn't want to reopen old wounds."
"I assumed he died."
"He actually died for a few minutes."
"That's not the same thing."
"He was in a coma for a while. We assumed he would perish. Then he
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I crouch down and rapidly sweep the feather duster over the living room table's various knickknacks. I'm sure everything is already clean, but I have a routine and prefer to keep the property in tip-top shape.As I look across the room, a smile creeps across my face.I'm still amazed that I live in such a pricey property in Alabang's most renowned neighborhood. Never in my wildest thoughts could I imagine myself walking through such a place, let alone living here. Fortunately, Rachel, an old college friend, introduced me to Romina Martinez and suggested that I apply for the nanny post she had open.I didn't want to be a nanny, but I didn't have any other options at the time. The job market was tight when I graduated from college with an English degree in hand. If only I'd knew that before I took out all those student loans. But when I met Andrew, Romina's kid, I was completely enamored with him. There's no place I'd rath
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I try not to squirm as I watch Romina put on her shoes, take her handbag, and go out the door. I catch a glimpse of Romina departing the building via the glass just in time. The black Mercedes Benz Jonas usually send to fetch her is parked just in front, with the driver holding open the backseat door. As the tail lights fade into traffic, Romina takes her time going inside, and I shake my head.
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor THREE
I take a stroll around the apartment, pausing to admire the vaulted ceilings and exposed rustic beams. It doesn't get much better than a penthouse apartment under normal circumstances, but nothing about this situation is normal, and this place is a dump. To be fair, I'm sure this is considered upscale by someone with average taste and a few million dollars in the bank, but it pales in comparison to my mansion.Even as a child, I was fascinated by anything related to space, and my consistent cash flow has enabled me to invest handsomely in my little hobby. I wanted to be an astronaut, but once I discovered my talent for mergers and acquisitions, I had more than enough work to keep me grounded right here on Earth.I run my finger over my newest toy, a replica of a NASA telescope.I stoop down to adjust the focus of the scope's lens. I enjoy getting acquainted with my tools before putting them to use. I like pushing all the buttons and turning the knobs to figure o
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I took a deep breath and savor the delicious aroma of the herb-encrusted salmon I prepared for Romina. She said she wouldn't be able to make dinner, but I've always liked to be prepared just in case. Jonas has sent her home without dinner on a few occasions after their quick roll in the sheets, and ever since the first time, I've made it my business to have something tasty on hand."Could you please have some more spinach, Andy?" I inquired.He wrinkles his nose and spits out the green goo that I had just spooned into his mouth."Will you be a good boy and eat a few more carrots?"I spoon some puree into his mouth, and he eats a small amount before blowing bubbles. I deeply regret the day I taught him how to do that, because blowing bubbles and spitting are now his favorite hobbies.He laughs as I shield my face from the veggie onslaught he's unleashed on me. I clean him with a towel before attempting to wipe away the blended vegetables splattered across
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I take the elevator down to the lobby and take a quick look in the mirror at my outfit. Unlike Romina, I don't need high fashion, especially for my bi-weekly grocery store runs. My tank top, shorts, and favorite pair of sandals are ideal. I take a hold of my hair and wrap it around the top of my head in a knot. It's hot outside, and I despise being hot, especially when my hair is stuck to my neck.I reach into my pocket for a folded piece of paper to double-check my shopping list. Romina stays at home with Andy on rare occasions to go grocery shopping. It's a welcome respite, and I'm grateful she agreed to let me go grocery shopping on my own. I adore Andrew, but it's difficult to shop for fresh meat and vegetables while also caring for a fussy baby. I'm not sure how hands-on parents do it without the help of a nanny or other help. I guess my maternal instincts aren't quite as developed yet, because Andy is constantly grabbing things, trying to rub everything al
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I try to wave her off and sidestep Mrs. Morales. "Well, I can—"But before I can finish, she shoves the leash into my hands and waddles right past me."Thank you, darling; I'll be right back," she says as she walks inside and into the elevator.I look down at Trixie, feeling... duped. Romina only gives me an hour and a half to shop, and my time is already running out. I take out my phone to see how much time I have left.Shit.I return my gaze to the lobby, hoping to see Mrs. Morales, but it is empty.What is it that is taking her so long? Maybe I'll just tie Trixie to a post and apologize to Mrs. Morales later.Trixie begins to pull away from me, as if she can read my mind and knows I'm trying to get rid of her. Given her size and strength in comparison to mine, she easily wins the brief tug-of-war and the leash slips from my grasp
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My Hot Billionaire Neighbor FORTY ONE
"Hey sweetheart," Dad said as he stepped outside to join me on the porch.I'd been estranged from both of my mom and dad for about a week. Zach hadn't been to the market in a week, either, or I hadn't started to notice him. I still felt so stupid for treating him that way and then fleeing. It terrified me that he'd gone to such lengths just to prove to me that he was deserving of me. All I wanted was for him to get sober. That was it."I noticed you've been a little down lately," Dad said as he sat and rocked a few times. "Boy problems?" ”"How come you didn't tell me?" " I couldn't help but inquire. "That his mother died?" That he'd gotten sober? That he purchased the plaza? ”"You went through so much when he overdosed. I didn't want to reopen old wounds.""I assumed he died.""He actually died for a few minutes.""That's not the same thing.""He was in a coma for a while.We assumed he would perish. Then he
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor FORTY
"I can't believe you're going out with that lad again," Mom said as I arranged my artwork in a way that would allow me to transport it easily."I'm not going out with him," I said flatly. "He said I could sell my art at the tattoo shop where he works, so I'm going to do that.""He's just simply attempting to get a hold of you.""Well, if he sells all of this art, I think it's a pretty good ploy.""Honey, he works in a tattoo parlor.He's not much of a catch."I rolled my eyes and decided not to respond to her any longer. Dad sat on the couch, staring at us as we argued."Why don't you start leaving her alone, Maureen?" "Dad explained. "She's an adult now, and she's free to do whatever she wants."Mom turned to make an argument with him, and I took advantage of the distraction to sneak out of the house unnoticed. Dad nodded as he began to argue more vehemently to keep Mom interested in nag
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I stood at the deli cash register, staring out the window into the empty store. I'd been scheduled to train to bake bread at a ridiculously early hour. So far, it's not going well; my coworker, Gwen, is too busy rushing around trying to get everything done to teach me anything. Fortunately, I've done this before as a teenager, so I believe I'll be able to do it again."We're getting ready to open. Are there enough sandwiches? " Gwen inquired, terrified.“Yep. "We're full up there," I replied. "I even had time to brew some coffee."“Oh. So, did you pay attention to my training? ”“Yep.”“Oh. Okay. Then I'm going to take a break. "Could you please keep an eye on the last round of bread?"“Yep.”"Excellent, thank you."I didn't turn to watch her walk away. I think I have another five or ten minutes before I have to return to the sandwich grind. People usually don't start coming in un
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For a split second, my heart stops beating and time slows to a crawl. Everything around me is moving at a snail's pace, and my eyes well up with tears. I turnedaround to see if I'm dreaming or if everyone else is seeing what I'm seeing. My father has his arm around my mother's waist as she clutches Andrew in her arms, and Rachel gives me a positive reaction as she points her camera in my direction.The room has fallen silent, and all eyes have turned to me. Jordan coughs a few times as I turn my head to face him."This journey with you has been thrilling since the very first time we met. We've got to share so many wonderful moments together, and I want to continue sharing them with you as my wife. You've been everything I could have wished for: a supportive and loving partner, a wonderful mother to our son, and an ambitious and stunning woman in your own right. I don't deserve you, Aliyah; I've never deserved you. But I've always adored and loved you, and I don't
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a year laterIf you had asked me a year ago where I thought I'd be now, I'd have said curled up on the floor with Andrew having to play with a pile of toys. I might have even mentioned cleaning and cooking and doing other job that fell under my responsibilities as a baby sitter. Never in a million years did I imagine myself sitting on a stage with six other graduates, listening to my culinary mentor speak about how far we've come.More than that, I never imagined I'd have both. And understanding what awaits me after this celebration is almost as exciting as what I'm accomplishing today.Fortunately, I'm surrounded by friends who not only believedin my food, but also in me. Tanner and Ray have both been helpful in my development, and I would not be where I am today without them.As I look out at the crowd thathad gathered in our honor, I fidgetednervously. Rachel smiles and waves at me, and I reciprocate with a small wave. M
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor THIRTY SIX
Do I cling to the past, or do I let go and move forward with the man who has my heart? My mind is in an emotional fog, and I'm at odds with myself. Jordan's kiss is tender, but I can tell he's reading my body language. He's waiting for me to take the initiative. The last first move as I realize our relationship has progressed to a new level.I recline on the bed and pull Jordan to me in an attempt to begin the healing process. No man has ever made me feel the way he makes me feel, and I believe him when he says he and Romina had nothing in common.The realization that he is Andrew's father is both shocking and relieving. It broke my heart to think I'd never see the boy I'd grown to adore again. Knowing I'll be able to keep my relationship with Andrew is only a bonus to Jordan's reasoning, whether he realizes it or not.My body is craving a primal but necessary release right now. I reach for Jordan's shirt and unbutton it slowly. I run my hands down the front of
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor THIRTY FIVE
My plan is in shambles, and I can't stand listening to Aliyah sob into the phone like this. She requires my assistance immediately. I'm not sure what made me think I'd be able to straighten things over the phone, but I was completely wrong, and I need to think up a new strategy because I need her as well.I walk over to the elevator and press the button for Aliyah's floor, with no specific plan other than to get to her.“Aliyah? Hello? Can you hear what I'm saying? ”She's no longer screaming and shouting at me, but I can hear her crying in the background, so I know she's still there. This isn't what I had in mind. Hearingher cry and listening the pain in her voice twists my heart like a knife. I can only imagine what she's going through if I'm in this much pain.Romina clearly lied to her about the specifics, but I hope Aliyah will allow me to clear the air and set a record straight.I charge out of the elevator and down the hall
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor THIRTY FOUR
The sound of his voice on the other end of the phone ends up taking my breath away, and the cloud nine I'm riding on falls to the ground. My emotions come into conflict, and I'm not sure which one is correct. Part of me is happy to hear a familiar voice on the phone, while another part recalls everything Romina revealed.I'm on the phone with both the first and last people I want to talk to, and I'm not sure what to say. If he hadn't been the source of my grief, he would've been the first person I'd called for comfort, but he is the source. He is the sole cause of this disaster, and he had the ability to stop it at any time, but he did not. Jordan made his bed, and now he must face the consequences of his actions. He does not merit my time or attention."How did you come up with this number?" And why are you bothering to call me? " I yell angrily.It's suddenly difficult to breathe, and every breath I take feels like a labored exercise as I force myself to confr
My Hot Billionaire Neighbor THIRTY THREE
For the millionth time, I checked my phone, but Nathan had not responded. Despite the fact that my world was collapsing around me, I dragged myself to work every day, sitting through one boring meeting after another. Contracts and business transactions used to consume all of my waking hours, but now all I want to do is go out and find Aliyah. I can't even pretend to be interested in the proposals being put forward.Nate assured me that he would find her and that I should simply trust him and his abilities. He's never let me down before. I stare off into space, completely unaware that my name is being called and that everyone in my office is staring at me.""Wait, what?""We're still waiting from you to agree to terms and sign off on everything so we can keep moving forward," Joe says, waving a thick stack of papers at me. "Have you had a chance to review the documents? We were hoping to resolve this today.""As I sift through the massive stack of papers i
