"Am I adopted?" I asked him, feeling a sense of losing myself. I heard his laughter for a moment.
"You're just an unfortunate one, that's all," he teased, as if he was lifting my spirits, so I playfully pushed him. I noticed the glances from other employees around us. He looked like a model. Only now did I see such a handsome and professional man once more. The man I knew appeared gentlemanly but, in truth, was rude. Speaking of, Hector never texted me again after his last message last night. I wondered what could have happened to him.
"Where are we going?" I inquired as we reached the parking lot. He tilted his head to look at me.
"Dad wants to see you. Your mom's older brother. He's in the office nearby."
Before I could react to what he said, he ushered me into his car
"Are you sure you'll be okay? I'll let you talk to him first if you want, I'll wait for you here," he said, his eyes fixed on me with a mix of concern and curiosity.I flinched, briefly catching Abraham and Hector in a conversation from the corner of my eye. Hector's unwavering stare sent a shiver down my spine, compelling me to avert my gaze."It's okay, sir. We will talk later," I replied, mustering as much composure as I could.Earlier, I had been forced into an uneasy encounter with Hector, who seemed ready to unleash his wrath at any moment. Luckily, Abraham's attempted jest saved the day – although it was a joke he couldn't handle, bringing about unnecessary tension!"Stop calling me sir, Anastacia. I'm your mother's brother, hija. You can call me uncle," Hec
I fell silent, lacking the energy to spar with him. As we strode to the elevator, I scanned the faces around us, noting their fleeting states. In that cramped elevator, it felt as though there were countless eyes watching us. My hand, still clasped by his, was damp with sweat."Any plans for tomorrow?" he asked suddenly, the enclosed space amplifying his voice.I met his gaze and responded curtly, "I'm busy."His penetrating look made my pulse quicken."I knew you'd say that," he muttered before falling silent. Just then, my phone buzzed, disrupting the charged atmosphere.ELENASomeone's asking for you, Ana. How did they find your place?
"Why now? Why'd you come back? Where's my granddaughter?"Her questions struck me, drawing my focus to her, my heart racing. Fear melted away, replaced by a fierce resolve."She's not your granddaughter. Don't burden her with the resentment you harbor for me," I asserted firmly, seizing Matthew's attention, his gaze sharp."Your tongue's as cutting as ever, Ana. Is it because you've missed the taste of my fist all these years?" His angry tone alarmed me, prompting me to stand."I didn't return because of you. I avoided going home straight for that very reason. I want no part of you. So why are you here?" Anger surged within me, boiling over.Amid the crash from Elena's room where Via and Riley were, Mama rose abruptly, fixing me with a piercing stare, striking at my core."Ungrateful selfish brat! Just heard about your dad's legacy and now you're acting high and mighty? What's there to be proud of?"Her words stunned me, realization dawning. Ulysses was right. They know about my inher
"Quit talking like that, Ana. I know your marriage is legit. Why don't you spill the truth to him so he can put an end to that fool, Matthew," he said, his voice fraught with nervous tension as I lightly tapped his arm."Quit it. Apollo wouldn't go to such lengths just for me," I said, clutching the envelope he'd given me earlier. I sensed his smile more than heard it."You can't be certain. You don't really know Apollo. You don't know what he's capable of. Trust me, once he spots that bruise on your face, he'll take care of Matthew, no questions asked. That hot-headed fool won't stand a chance against his anger," he spoke with unwavering certainty, sparking irritation in me.Maybe not. That man, I believe, wouldn't meddle in something that isn't his concern. He's not that kind of person, I reckon.
I gazed up at the towering building before me. Blinking as I faced the dazzling sunlight, I felt a surge of nerves as I glanced back at the building's entrance. Adjusting my corporate attire, I let out a heavy sigh before finally stepping into the lobby.This was the place Ulysses directed me to, the company where I could encounter my grandfather: the Alcantara Estate. My mind was in disarray as I entered without a concrete plan.I simply wanted to see them, to have them see me, hoping for some assistance. Ulysses mentioned their desire to meet me for quite some time, but they had been cautious since Papa's passing, considering the seriousness of our family's adversaries. I struggled to grasp the reason behind everything."Miss, I'm looking for—" I began but stopped short, sensing the woman's intense scrutiny.
His whispers of wanting rest, of finding solace in my company, felt like pleas tinged with vulnerability.I understood his desire for comfort, for reassurance. But the stakes were high; Amari's privacy was paramount, and I was willing to go to any lengths to ensure it.I bit my lip, trying to comfort Hector with a gentle pat on his back. Sensing his genuine distress, I gently moved away from his embrace, noticing the deeper furrows on his forehead."If you're looking for rest, why not head home and get some sleep—""You're my solace, Solei. Please... just for today. Let me be with you," he implored, his plea sounding almost childlike.Before I could respond, his phone abruptly rang. I waited for him to answer it, observ
It was exactly five o'clock when I finished. Despite not having seen my overall appearance yet, I felt reassured by Riley and Elena's reactions."Social party, isn't it? I'm sure your ex and your brat sister will be there too. You look exactly right. The face of revenge!" Riley nodded and ushered me towards the large mirror.When I saw myself, my mouth fell open. My makeup was simple, and like my gown, my lipstick was red. My hair remained loose but curled at the ends. I almost didn't recognize myself."Apollo's outside, Ana. Shall I let him in?" Elena asked me.I quickly turned to her and shook my head. I didn't speak anymore and went to the room where Amari was. I excused myself to her teacher first, and when we were left alone, she smiled upon seeing me."You're beautiful, mommy," she said and hugged me."Mommy will go somewhere for a while, baby. Behave here, okay?" I told her softly. She looked up at me, and her smile widened."I will sleep too early so I can dream of daddy again
"Are you sure? We can go home if you want," he said so I immediately shook.I was about to speak when suddenly other well-known personalities arrived and immediately greeted Hector. He stood up right away and supported me as well."It's so nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Real. It's good that you made it despite your busy schedule." Hector greeted them and shook hands. The two just smiled and glanced at me so I kept my wide smile even though I was embarrassed again."It's our pleasure, hijo. We actually came here to see you. We heard that you have been married for a long time," said the Real woman and turned to me then smiled. "I guess she's the lucky wife of yours.""Yes, Mrs. Real. This is my lovely wife, Anastacia Solei Alcaraz…" said Hector and turned to me