Evelyn's POV
Mariam finished her birthday party at midnight and landed in bed next to me, exhausted and happy. The next morning, while brushing my teeth, she entered the bathroom to brush her teeth as well. “One of your guests trespassed yesterday, Mariam,” I still was upset about the matter. “What?” Mariam appeared surprised about my statement. I looked at my best friend and realized how beautiful she was. Her brown eyes weren't as big as mine and they were gorgeous. I fall in love with her over and over again when I look into her eyes. “Your guest,” I mentioned after cutting out of her mesmerizing gorgeousness. “What did she do?” “He was a he.” After my remark, Mariam spat the foamy paste in her mouth and glanced at me. “A he?” She made that face of trying to remember something after being startled. I expected that reaction. “Don't tell me something happened,” she quit remembering and widened her eyes at me. I pressed my lips into a thin line. “He was drunk,” I began to explain. “And as I got into a conversation with him, I got distracted by his lips when he kissed me. I should have pushed him away but it went on and on and…” “You had sex with him?” Mariam, looking at me with so much interest, asked. “That didn't happen and I'm grateful that it didn't,” I walked out of the bathroom. She followed me. “I'm sorry about that. I didn't know a guest would go to our room,” Mariam began to sound very sorry about it. “No, it's not your fault,” I faced her. “He was just careless and drunk,” I felt like insulting and cursing the drunk man but I knew that it was wrong. Just while we were preparing for the day, we heard knocks on the door. Mariam informed me that she was going to check who was at the door while I stayed in the kitchen, cooking. “Hello, Miss beautiful,” Mariam came back and announced that I was the one the person sought. “I know nobody, who's that?” I asked as I wiped my hands on my apron. Mariam made me more curious by shrugging. “Is it Nathan?” “Do you believe that he'd come here?” That was true. Why would Nathan come for me? But who could be at the door waiting for me? “He called you Miss beautiful and wants to see you. I don't know who he is but he could be a secret admirer who will love you better,” Mariam teaseed me. “That's just a fantasy. It doesn't exist.” I removed my apron and went to the person at the door. I wouldn't know the person without checking so I had to go out there without having a single clue about the person's identity. I walked out of the door to see a man resting against his car, looking around and using his phone. “Hi, Mister!” I called out so he would turn around to look at me. While he appeared so delighted to see me, I was shocked to see him or maybe I was surprised about the fact that he came looking for me after what happened last night. I hope he wasn't thinking I was the type of woman he could have a night stand with. Having it at the back of my mind that he could have a bad motive I went to him. “How are you doing, Mistress?” He took my hand and kissed my knuckles. I didn't expect him to do that but I wasn't going to let his sweet gestures get to me. “Very well, thank you,” I answered without asking about him because I didn't want to care. “Why are you here?” I asked. “Is it because of what happened last night?” “Partly,” he said to me. “What do you think of me?” I frowned harshly at him. “No, no, princess,” he shook his head. “Why else would you be here?” I inquired. “I mean you have no other reason to be here!” “Can we start by introducing ourselves?” “I don't do old men so will you leave me alone?!” I almost yelled at him and began to walk away. “My name is Mateo and I hope you tell me yours some other day!” He raised his voice so I could hear him as I walked back inside. I didn't want to view men as good people anymore. My husband cheated and I've always heard about how men could be such a jerk. I thought my fate would be different but I guess it was inevitable because men will always be men and I was not interested in getting laid by that fine old man; not so old but he was way older than me. “I don't hope to see you,” I muttered, entered the house and went straight back to the kitchen. “So who was he?” Mariam asked. “The jerk who kissed me last night. I think he wants us to be close because he thinks I'm some woman he can just turn into a pleasuring machine!” I was furious. “If that's the way you feel, then I support your decision. Don't let the bastard get into you. But I still don't know this man you are talking about. What's his name?” “He called himself Mateo.” “Mateo? He must be a friend of a friend because I don't exactly know him.” I didn't respond and continued cooking. I spent the day in the amusement park, watching children play happily. Then I thought about my baby because I knew that one day he or she would smile and love this place. I came to the park for inspiration since I wasn't able to design any dress. After the park, I went to the beach but I was still not getting the spark so I went to a thrift store to check on some clothes. Perhaps I'd get inspiration. Looking at some dresses, I wondered why they couldn't be made in another way and appear differently. Since they weren't the way I imagined, it became an idea. I got some ideas and went back home to get to work. I slept late that night because I wanted to get something beautiful and stylish out of my designs. The next morning, Mariam left early for work. After breakfast, I cleaned up the house and returned to my design. A moment later, I heard knocks on the door and went to check who was at the door by asking. Mateo exclaimed, saying he wanted to have a word with the beautiful young lady he saw yesterday. “She's not home,” I lied. I hated lying but I did not want to have a conversation with Mateo even though he calls me beautiful most of the time, which I secretly liked but refused to believe. “Come on, beautiful I know your voice, especially after…” he paused and I knew what he wanted to say. “Please let's talk.” “I don't want to.” I declared. “I'm leaving so it's better you do the same because if you keep hoping, you'd just be wasting your time.” After concluding, I refused to hear what he had to say and left to continue my work. I didn't know why I loved designing and what would come out of it but I hoped that something was coming for me; something better.Evelyn's POV Designing required more money and I couldn't help but worry when I looked at my savings account to see that I had used almost sixty percent of it. I finished designing the dress I had been working on since morning and decided to check what I had in my account because I was running out of some resources and couldn't design with them. When I saw my savings, I got easily discouraged and went to the kitchen to cook something delicious for dinner before Mariam returned. I needed to do my best to make her comfortable with my stay. She was providing shelter and food, I should at least do some things like cooking and cleaning up. Mister Mateo didn't come to plead for a conversation with me for three days. I wondered why he gave up too soon but I was glad he knew better because I was never going to say yes to him. It was a Saturday evening when I left the house to stroll the street. As I went down the street, I perceived something delicious. I was bewitched by the smell, that
Mateo's POV I watched as that stubborn lady with long brown hair left me alone at the table but her stern attitude toward me did not stop me from admiring her, especially when I saw how good she was at designing. Her designs were fire and I loved the ones I saw. I wondered how great were the designs of hers that I hadn't set my eyes on. I didn't mean to stop persuading her to work with me, but I suddenly became sick and was eventually diagnosed with malaria. It was serious and I had to take more than just tablets. I didn't expect to meet my nephew's wife at the restaurant I just wanted to check out while I was on my way to her house. My plan was to get something for her; perhaps she'd give me a chance to have a conversation with her if I bought something like food. But as fate would have it, we discussed the matter but she didn't give me a straight answer about it. I recognized that she was Nathan's wife after kissing her that night. I didn't intend to kiss Evelyn that night. My
Mateo's POV Could Nathan be the reason she never smiled? I know I mentioned that I didn't want to get involved, but I just…yes, I just hated how stressed and unhappy my little designer always looked. When she looked at me as if saying in her mind, ‘It’s that man again,’ I came out of the car and handed her one of the cold cans of Coca-Cola I bought when she was taking a long time in the thrift store. “Is everything okay?” I asked after she collected the drink. It seemed like she was really thirsty. I didn't expect her to receive the drink from me. After drinking it to her satisfaction, she heaved a deep sigh and let her shoulders down. Evelyn was sweating. I could see beads of sweat on her face and neck enlarging and streaming down to her body. I brought my handkerchief to help her but she only glanced at me as if she suspected that I sprayed something poisonous on the hanky. “Thank you,” she referred to the Coca-Cola and was about to walk away, but I didn't let her do that. I gr
Mateo's POV I brought out the sheet of paper and showed her. “This is a piece of marvelous art, Evelyn, believe me.” “So this is what you have that belongs to me?” She received it. “It's beautiful. Wait, is it because I'm not involved with any famous fashion industry you don't…” “No, Mateo,” she cut me off and I secretly melted because she called my name with that lovely voice of hers. “Why then?” She looked at me as if she was thinking of what to say. Then she went ahead and opened her mouth. “You won't understand.” “Are you scared that we'll fail?” She nodded hesitantly. “That's the worst that could happen and if we do lose, we can start all over again,” I said.“But I don't have money for all that, Mateo,” she finally declared. “And were you thinking you would be the one to take care of the bills?” Her eyes queried me. “No, you are not. What do you think of going to London with me? I was planning to ask you that after asking a doctor if it was okay for a pregnant woman to
Evelyn's POV Sometimes, sailing without a map can lead someone to the place they belong and I happen to be one of them. It feels like yesterday when I kissed a stranger. Oh, right, I shouldn't recall that moment. It started when my best friend, Mariam, had a birthday party. I met a man named Mateo, and I hated him for kissing me when he was drunk, but he eventually happened to be a man sent from God to help me after my ex-husband divorced me for my cousin. I never imagined being this famous. He kept calling me his future famous fashion designer, and now his words have become a reality. I am a well-known designer in London, and gradually, the whole of the United Kingdom is coming to know of my existence and designs. Mateo, the man who showed up when I was at my lowest and made me this famous, named our brand after my surname. The bags, shoes, scarves, designs, and more are named Roce. I love how it has been going; the ups and downs made us stronger and capable. Now, I'm a billion
Evelyn's POV It shouldn't be a big deal that Mateo won't be coming with me to the mall. That is what I thought before going to sleep last night. It happens suddenly. My daughter enters my room while I am still in bed sleeping. Her birthday is to take place on the 5th of February since that was the day I birthed her. It is Thursday today and we need to visit the mall as promised, which is why she won't be going to school as I had informed her teacher that she won't show up today. Chloe must be so excited about today, that she enters my room at around seven in the morning. She grew up so fast that she is now able to climb my bed, enabling her to disturb me even more. I know it is time to wake up when I hear her tiny girly voice ringing in my head even though my eyes are still closed. “What is it, princess?” I grumble because I'm not ready to leave my bed. “Go to your godfather,” I usually do this when I want some time to myself in mornings like this. “He left,” she says, causing
Evelyn's POV “Sh,” I face my daughter with my index finger against my lips, gesturing to her not to say that word. “Don't say that word, baby. It's bad,” I instructed her. “But she calls you bad,” Chloe is persistent. “Why will she do that? You are a good person,” she comes closer and hugs me tightly. “I'll handle it, don't worry,” I respond as I pat her back. Then I face Rachel and then my ex-husband, Nathan. No one knows how my heart is pounding so loud and that's a total relief. I have to summon the courage to talk to them without trembling. “Hi, Rachel,” I fake a smile and turn to Nathan. “Nice to meet you once more and wow! You guys are together,” I am not happy to see them but I have to be polite. I didn't want to share any conversation with them so, “I hope we catch up later. Enjoy your time,” I begin to hold my daughter tight so we can leave the mall. There are many other malls in London to shop at. “How unfortunate though!” Rachel's voice reaches my ear so I turn aroun
Mateo's POV She drives me crazy almost all the time. I find myself being so concerned about her and wanting to be her savior at all times. I was in my office going through some documents when I recalled how I was polishing her nails yesterday. Remembering that moment only made me crave her presence. I tried to focus on my work but images of her somehow ended up appearing in my head, even if I tried so hard to get it out of my head. Eventually, I left my workplace and located the mall we usually go to for shopping. When I got into my car, I did have second thoughts about going or not. I was indecisive at that moment but I found myself starting the engine and leaving my office premises. Upon reaching the mall, I saw my housemate facing someone, which made me confused for a moment. I thought she came with her daughter but she seemed to be talking to. As I was interested in what she was doing, I walked closer to where she stayed. Fortunately, I showed up at the right time because I
Mateo's POV She drives me crazy almost all the time. I find myself being so concerned about her and wanting to be her savior at all times. I was in my office going through some documents when I recalled how I was polishing her nails yesterday. Remembering that moment only made me crave her presence. I tried to focus on my work but images of her somehow ended up appearing in my head, even if I tried so hard to get it out of my head. Eventually, I left my workplace and located the mall we usually go to for shopping. When I got into my car, I did have second thoughts about going or not. I was indecisive at that moment but I found myself starting the engine and leaving my office premises. Upon reaching the mall, I saw my housemate facing someone, which made me confused for a moment. I thought she came with her daughter but she seemed to be talking to. As I was interested in what she was doing, I walked closer to where she stayed. Fortunately, I showed up at the right time because I
Evelyn's POV “Sh,” I face my daughter with my index finger against my lips, gesturing to her not to say that word. “Don't say that word, baby. It's bad,” I instructed her. “But she calls you bad,” Chloe is persistent. “Why will she do that? You are a good person,” she comes closer and hugs me tightly. “I'll handle it, don't worry,” I respond as I pat her back. Then I face Rachel and then my ex-husband, Nathan. No one knows how my heart is pounding so loud and that's a total relief. I have to summon the courage to talk to them without trembling. “Hi, Rachel,” I fake a smile and turn to Nathan. “Nice to meet you once more and wow! You guys are together,” I am not happy to see them but I have to be polite. I didn't want to share any conversation with them so, “I hope we catch up later. Enjoy your time,” I begin to hold my daughter tight so we can leave the mall. There are many other malls in London to shop at. “How unfortunate though!” Rachel's voice reaches my ear so I turn aroun
Evelyn's POV It shouldn't be a big deal that Mateo won't be coming with me to the mall. That is what I thought before going to sleep last night. It happens suddenly. My daughter enters my room while I am still in bed sleeping. Her birthday is to take place on the 5th of February since that was the day I birthed her. It is Thursday today and we need to visit the mall as promised, which is why she won't be going to school as I had informed her teacher that she won't show up today. Chloe must be so excited about today, that she enters my room at around seven in the morning. She grew up so fast that she is now able to climb my bed, enabling her to disturb me even more. I know it is time to wake up when I hear her tiny girly voice ringing in my head even though my eyes are still closed. “What is it, princess?” I grumble because I'm not ready to leave my bed. “Go to your godfather,” I usually do this when I want some time to myself in mornings like this. “He left,” she says, causing
Evelyn's POV Sometimes, sailing without a map can lead someone to the place they belong and I happen to be one of them. It feels like yesterday when I kissed a stranger. Oh, right, I shouldn't recall that moment. It started when my best friend, Mariam, had a birthday party. I met a man named Mateo, and I hated him for kissing me when he was drunk, but he eventually happened to be a man sent from God to help me after my ex-husband divorced me for my cousin. I never imagined being this famous. He kept calling me his future famous fashion designer, and now his words have become a reality. I am a well-known designer in London, and gradually, the whole of the United Kingdom is coming to know of my existence and designs. Mateo, the man who showed up when I was at my lowest and made me this famous, named our brand after my surname. The bags, shoes, scarves, designs, and more are named Roce. I love how it has been going; the ups and downs made us stronger and capable. Now, I'm a billion
Mateo's POV I brought out the sheet of paper and showed her. “This is a piece of marvelous art, Evelyn, believe me.” “So this is what you have that belongs to me?” She received it. “It's beautiful. Wait, is it because I'm not involved with any famous fashion industry you don't…” “No, Mateo,” she cut me off and I secretly melted because she called my name with that lovely voice of hers. “Why then?” She looked at me as if she was thinking of what to say. Then she went ahead and opened her mouth. “You won't understand.” “Are you scared that we'll fail?” She nodded hesitantly. “That's the worst that could happen and if we do lose, we can start all over again,” I said.“But I don't have money for all that, Mateo,” she finally declared. “And were you thinking you would be the one to take care of the bills?” Her eyes queried me. “No, you are not. What do you think of going to London with me? I was planning to ask you that after asking a doctor if it was okay for a pregnant woman to
Mateo's POV Could Nathan be the reason she never smiled? I know I mentioned that I didn't want to get involved, but I just…yes, I just hated how stressed and unhappy my little designer always looked. When she looked at me as if saying in her mind, ‘It’s that man again,’ I came out of the car and handed her one of the cold cans of Coca-Cola I bought when she was taking a long time in the thrift store. “Is everything okay?” I asked after she collected the drink. It seemed like she was really thirsty. I didn't expect her to receive the drink from me. After drinking it to her satisfaction, she heaved a deep sigh and let her shoulders down. Evelyn was sweating. I could see beads of sweat on her face and neck enlarging and streaming down to her body. I brought my handkerchief to help her but she only glanced at me as if she suspected that I sprayed something poisonous on the hanky. “Thank you,” she referred to the Coca-Cola and was about to walk away, but I didn't let her do that. I gr
Mateo's POV I watched as that stubborn lady with long brown hair left me alone at the table but her stern attitude toward me did not stop me from admiring her, especially when I saw how good she was at designing. Her designs were fire and I loved the ones I saw. I wondered how great were the designs of hers that I hadn't set my eyes on. I didn't mean to stop persuading her to work with me, but I suddenly became sick and was eventually diagnosed with malaria. It was serious and I had to take more than just tablets. I didn't expect to meet my nephew's wife at the restaurant I just wanted to check out while I was on my way to her house. My plan was to get something for her; perhaps she'd give me a chance to have a conversation with her if I bought something like food. But as fate would have it, we discussed the matter but she didn't give me a straight answer about it. I recognized that she was Nathan's wife after kissing her that night. I didn't intend to kiss Evelyn that night. My
Evelyn's POV Designing required more money and I couldn't help but worry when I looked at my savings account to see that I had used almost sixty percent of it. I finished designing the dress I had been working on since morning and decided to check what I had in my account because I was running out of some resources and couldn't design with them. When I saw my savings, I got easily discouraged and went to the kitchen to cook something delicious for dinner before Mariam returned. I needed to do my best to make her comfortable with my stay. She was providing shelter and food, I should at least do some things like cooking and cleaning up. Mister Mateo didn't come to plead for a conversation with me for three days. I wondered why he gave up too soon but I was glad he knew better because I was never going to say yes to him. It was a Saturday evening when I left the house to stroll the street. As I went down the street, I perceived something delicious. I was bewitched by the smell, that
Evelyn's POV Mariam finished her birthday party at midnight and landed in bed next to me, exhausted and happy. The next morning, while brushing my teeth, she entered the bathroom to brush her teeth as well.“One of your guests trespassed yesterday, Mariam,” I still was upset about the matter. “What?” Mariam appeared surprised about my statement. I looked at my best friend and realized how beautiful she was. Her brown eyes weren't as big as mine and they were gorgeous. I fall in love with her over and over again when I look into her eyes. “Your guest,” I mentioned after cutting out of her mesmerizing gorgeousness.“What did she do?” “He was a he.” After my remark, Mariam spat the foamy paste in her mouth and glanced at me. “A he?” She made that face of trying to remember something after being startled. I expected that reaction.“Don't tell me something happened,” she quit remembering and widened her eyes at me. I pressed my lips into a thin line. “He was drunk,” I began to expla