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
"I'm going to kill you, motherfucker!"Hector's voice echoed through the air as Don Damien pulled them apart. Ares smirked, wiping a bit of blood from his lips. His left eye and lip were both marked."Really, huh? Then let's bet who will be six feet under after tonight," Ares threatened, casting a glance in my direction."You two, cut it out! What's happening? What did you do, Apollo?!" Donya Valeria was furious, restraining Ares, while even Agatha held onto him."I can't believe you'd be ready to kill each other over a woman! What's gotten into you?" Don Damien asked, turning to me.There was no response. Instead, I felt Hector gently lifting me up, facing everyone once again."W
"If you don't want this, you can just tell your family about it, especially Lola Andrada because she is the one who wants this event to happen the most, Ana. Grandpa Leoncio is against it honestly," said Ulysses so I looked at him."But why do they even want to show Solei to everyone after a decade of hiding her?" Hector asked him.Ulysses scratched his head. "If only your mom is still alive, she'll be the one to explain everything to you clearly."My forehead furrowed. "Grandma said mom had been dead for a long time. What happened? And why did she and papa die almost in the same year?"As soon as it came out of my mouth, I noticed Hector's sudden silence. He also suddenly let go of my hand so I caught a glimpse of him. His expression darkened and it remained to stare at
Hector just drove me quickly to the condo and then said goodbye and seemed to be in a hurry. When I asked him why, his answer was that he just needed to go somewhere so I didn't stop him, especially when I saw in his expression that it seemed like an emergency.I lazily went straight to Amari and I's room when I didn't reach anything. Elena has not yet returned from the grocery store and I only caught up with Via with Amari. She has no work today that's why I'm very thankful to her about Amari."How are you? Are we going to fix everything for you later? Just tell me," she greeted me as I sat down next to Amari who was busy watching. I just looked at her for a moment and grinned."I don't know if I will continue. I'm nervous, Vi. I don't know what awaits me there. Also, what if I put myself in more danger, especially
I stopped walking and looked up. I saw the full moon that served as a light to us at those times. We were both quiet so I could hear the noise coming from the party going on in my family's vast land."Solei…" He called me in his hoarse voice so I immediately turned to him."Hmm?"He frowned and turned to face me. I could see the extreme fear in his eyes so I was surprised. Is this about what I saw earlier?"Why, Hector?""Please, be mad. Aren't you mad at me for what you saw earlier?" His voice was full of pleading so I almost laughed. He grabs my hands."Should I be mad?" I simply asked him. The wrinkle on his forehead disappeared but he remained seemingly confused. His ja
I was just looking at Maureen's table, his secretary, I saw her immediately stand up and seemed even more surprised to see me."Ma'am Ana, you're here." She greeted me. My forehead furrowed."Ah… Hector knows I'm coming," I replied to her.Her expression became even more confused and she glanced at the door of Hector's office for a moment."Ah, sir is still talking to someone inside, eh," she answered me with her hand so I nodded."It's okay, Mau. He knew I was coming. I'm coming in," I told her directly.I didn't wait for her to answer and left. I knocked for a moment and then went inside. The cold room greeted me and the voices of two people.