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CHAPTER 10 Conundrum
Last Updated:
2024-12-23 04:39:49
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Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 11 Who Am I?
“Shit, shit, shit!” Matan kept saying the foul word while walking along the corniche. He did not know how he managed to cross the street without getting hit by a car. He didn’t care, all his life he thought Abdullah and Mariam were his parents, the Al Fahezi siblings his own. What an utter lie, what bull crap. He kept walking oblivious to the stares of people. A loud shout halted him in his tracks. Ali was running furiously towards him. “You mad man! What the hell do you think you’re doing? Are you out of your mind? Crossing that street with no care for yourself? You almost gave me a heart attack, man! Don’t you ever, ever do that again.” Ali gave him a shove that had him staggering back. “Bro, what’s gotten into you?” he snapped at Matan. “Don’t call me that, Ali. We know I am not really your brother. I was just a nobody left in your parents’ care. I don’t even know who I am right now? If he is really my father, why did he leave me? Why r
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 12 Alonzo Vittore
Back at the Al Fahezi apartment, after what seemed to be endless cups of coffee, Alonzo regaled his friends with his experiences when he left the UAE. It did not escape the couple’s notice that he did not mention which country was it. They knew he was protecting whoever kept him safe all these years away as he did them. They were grateful that he thought of their safety but it is time to fight with him. Their children are no longer helpless young kids, all of them were sent to martial arts schools hoping they would learn how to protect themselves should the need arise. That might come handy but hopefully nobody would be put in danger again. Ami and Mabel’s scary experiences were a bit closer to home and they wouldn’t like a repeat performance. Ami was Mariam’s former PA but she married her bff, the Al Fahezi Filipino business partner. She rescued Farina from the clutches of an evil man bent on harming another business associate of theirs who ended up marrying another of the
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 13 Forgiveness is a gift
Eliza couldn’t form a single coherent thought about what she just heard. Her own grandparents maybe indifferent but at least neither is as cruel as what Matan’s great grandfather is. That man is a monster, based on what wasn’t said, she had a niggling suspicion about the old man and his connection to Alonzo’s mother. This too, after Devlin’s rescue of Mabel and the other young girls from that villainous Carter, a member of a white slavery gang preying on young women. She felt bad for the woman but she felt worse for Alonzo. If this is what she’s feeling, what more for Matan? Annoying he may be to her, she doesn’t wish something like this for him. She dared a peek in his direction and was surprised to see that he was staring at her. When she met his eyes, she quickly lowered her head flushing from head to toe. Matan didn’t mean to look at her, it was just an accident that when he turned his head, she turned hers as well. Though in truth, he kept looking in her d
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 14 United we stand
It has been a month since Matan met his real father and a plan of action has been made. They finally convinced Alonzo not to go back to Italy not until a full report from the investigative team Devlin hired came through. Devlin was introduced to Alonzo right after the father and son reunion. He was more than willing to help saying that without the Al Fahezis, he wouldn’t have been able to meet the love of his life. Sometimes Matan was envious of the obvious affection his friends have for their lady loves, even Ali, who he considers his real brother has fallen for his wife. Before he married his wife, Ali had feelings for Ami, Mariam’s former PA who is now happily married to Rain, her childhood best friend. But due to his vow to honor his family and his duty, he married the woman chosen for him long before Ami came to the UAE. Still, looking at them now, Ali and his wife, Devlin and his Mabel whom he just married a few months after the kidnapping, then Abdullah and Mariam; mad
Last Updated : 2024-12-30Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 15 Family first
“You dummy!” Eliza muttered to herself. She could have easily escaped Matan while on that couch but for some annoying reason, her body couldn’t move whenever in close proximity with that man. It’s like he has a hypnotizing power over her which she hated. Liar. Get yourself in order, her brain told her. Men such as him are not for women like you, you were burnt once, never again, remember that. She growled into her pillow while pounding on it. She couldn’t sleep and she needed to be early for work the day after. Despite not wanting to check on her phone, she switched it on, something was urging her to check her messages and so that was what she did and groaned. “Sister, Mama is in the hospital. She has been admitted this morning.” The message read. Panicking now, she didn’t know what to do. It is past 8 in the evening which means past 12 in the Philippines. Why didn’t she check her messages earlier or better yet, why haven’t they called her? She couldn’
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 16 Disappearing diner
The Fashion Show was a success and no one was more relieved than Eliza. A percentage of the proceeds was given to her for her mother’s treatment back home. The biopsy result came back confirming Eliza’s fears. Her parents were very hardworking farmers and most of the time, she knew that her mom suffers from abdominal pain constantly but always ignores it until it couldn’t be ignored anymore. Torn between wanting to go home to care for her or remaining to keep working for the needed funds, she was stressed to the point of not sleeping well. Her flat mate noticed the dark smudges under her eyes but she brushes her concern away. Meera said nothing but made it a point to talk to their boss if she could catch their busy employer. A week has passed since Matan picked Eliza for work so he thought of repeating the same. When he saw her that morning, he saw the strain on Eliza’s face but was not sure how to address it so he opted to be honest. “Good morning,
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 17 Mischief Mirella
Mirella Mora was in fits. Although she scored that deal of modelling for the Al Fahezis, her real target was as elusive as it could get. The older Fazzini is a very handsome man even in his fifties but she is after the younger man who she thought was an Al Fahezi before she learned the truth from that chatty Matteo after plying him with drinks to loosen his tongue. He was so drunk that he forgot to collect on her part of the deal, which is a good one as she didn’t really want him tupping her. Sure, Matteo is a handsome guy but he doesn’t have the charisma that Alonzo and Matan have. At first, she had her eyes on Ali but that got away by marrying another Emirati and so she attempted to reel in Matan which was more difficult than the former. She thought getting acquainted with Alonzo would be an advantage but it seems the man has no sway on his son. She heard that someone is after Alonzo so he went in hiding all those years ago. That someone is a very rich man in Italy, she wi
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 18 You can't fool me
Skeptical Eliza may be but not wanting to be rude, she met up with Mirella at a cafe in the mall near her office. It wasn’t Mirella she saw there, however, but a European-looking guy quite as tall as her employers’ sons but not as well-built. She wasn’t sure who he was so she sat a bit further away. The guy approached her, nonetheless. “Good evening, Miss Bastian, I am Eni, a friend of Mirella’s. She sent me a photo of yours that’s why I recognized you immediately but your photo does not do you any justice.” Eni gushed obviously trying his best to charm her but due to her past, Eliza was instantly wary. “Ahhmm, great to meet you, I guess.” Eliza hesitantly tried to shake hands with him but instead of shaking her hand, Eni kissed her knuckle. Eliza quickly pulled her hand from his and surreptitiously wipe it on the back of her blazer. “I beg your pardon Mr. Eni but I do not understand the purpose of this meeting. I thought Ms. Mirella is the one meeting wi
Last Updated : 2025-01-03
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Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 28 You or your son?
Three months have passed since Matan and Eliza went back to the UAE but after that airport pickup, the former got so busy with work that he wasn’t able to sustain his vow of picking Eliza for work. They were both so busy with their work that neither noticed until she overheard her employer talking with someone over the phone. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop but sharing the office with Mariam means hearing her conversation with people over the phone. “How long will you be gone? Who will run your businesses? Oh well then, I guess that is alright. I didn’t know that Devlin’s brother remained in Italy. It has been what, almost five months now, hasn’t it? Eliza? Yes, yes of course, that you would even ask. Take care of yourself and of your father, we hope you’ll come back safe and whole. You’ll always be my son, love you. See you when you get back.” Mariam ended her call and waved at Eliza when she noticed her hovering by the door. “Do come in habibti. That was Matan, he and his f
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 27 Double Trouble
In the don’s villa, Vigo and Brio were able to corner Greta on her way to her bedroom. Vigo laid out his plans to Brio beforehand so that he would be assured of his brother’s cooperation. Greta upon seeing them wanted to flee as no good can come of this meeting as usual. “Come va?” Greta asked warily? “Cut the pleasantry woman!” Vigo snapped. Even though you were able to twist the old man’s hand and convinced him to propose to you, admit it, with his heir found, our chances at his riches are nil so you better work with us if you know what’s good for you.” Planning to play along as she ran out of ideas on how to proceed after getting the don to finally propose to her, Greta ushered the brothers into the attached parlor to her bedroom where she served them each a finger of brandy while she poured champagne for herself. Why relegate champagne to special occasions only when the don has an abundance of it. He has a winery and a vineyard after all. Brio wa
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 26 Reality bites
Matan ended up going back to the UAE by himself as Eliza’s ticket didn’t coincide with his. Their talk at the Gonzales Manor proved enlightening. He managed at least to get Eliza’s consent for him to formally court her as she deserves. The courtship is all but a formality for Matan because she is already his despite her objections. He laid her concerns to rest. Her spouting gibberish about her lack of virtue was no concern to him as he jokingly teased her that he himself is no longer a virgin as well. Eliza was torn between laughing and angry with him but at least he was able to make her smile. Although he did not get his heart’s desire that they would fly back together, he could at least pick her up at the airport with no awkwardness whatsoever between them or so he hopes. He brought Eliza back to her house so she could pack up. Her brothers agreed to Claudia’s plan of having Eliza stay with them at the manor until it was time for her to fly back. Her brothers and her niece
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 25 Love over grief
That kiss during Eliza’s vulnerable moment emphasized her susceptibility to temptation in the form of a handsome man named Matan Mansour Vanni Vittore. But who is she kidding, despite Matan’s not saying anything, she fell for him, hard. How couldn’t she, she felt safe around him, safe and cared for. Her mother has been buried and all the customs and traditions had been dealt with so she can now go back to the UAE. Matan’s offer still stands, he extended his stay and was awaiting her decision. Dare she hope for more? He mentioned that he won’t say anything until they got back to the UAE and that he respects her mourning period, but what does it mean? He heard her confession to her family about her past but he doesn’t seem bothered by it. Her grief over her mother’s death is still too much but for her family, she must remain strong. With that in mind, she opened her social media account and read loads of messages of sympathy. She was busy responding to some of the
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 24 Clipped wing
Aware that they were left alone, Eliza looked at Matan with questions in her eyes. “What is it habibti?” Matan asked refusing to let her out of his embrace. “When did you arrive? And how did it go with your travel? Is your great-grandfather dead?” Eliza asked in succession but not moving away from his embrace although her rational mind was wanting to. Her heart’s desire won. She wanted to be held by him longer than what propriety entails. “One at a time, sweetheart.” Matan didn’t regret using the endearment. God knows they both need it now. “As you can see, I am as whole and hale as the last time you saw me, although to be honest I was quite upset when I found out you weren’t there when I got back. I know, I have no right to be, but I was hoping that my previous gallant gestures would have given you a clue as to what I feel towards you. But that matter could wait, what matters is I am here to offer you a shoulder to cry on and sturdy arms to hold you should y
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 23 Forgive me?
“Mama, what did you get yourself into this time?” Eliza teased her mother as soon as she arrived at the hospital trying to mask the pity she felt for her. She went straight to the hospital from the airport. Her father embraced her as soon as she arrived, it was unexpected as her family isn’t very showy when it comes to emotions. She only just noticed how her parents have aged most specially the matriarch of her family. She looked so gaunt and emaciated in her hospital gown. Her parents have mutually agreed on a beneficial separation instead of the legal process. Not because of another family but because of bad habits that never changed. “The usual I guess.” Her mother replied in a weak voice. She too seemed to want to ignore the pain she is currently feeling. “Glad you could come home, my daughter. Were your employers unhappy that you came home? I hope they are not giving you a hard time, we do not want that for you. But really, you didn’t need to come home for my sa
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 22 Heartless Heir
After the old man was beaten into submission somewhat, what with a broken nose and jaw, Alonzo accompanied by his son and Devlin went to the don’s villa. Tiernan decided to stay in the rented cottage to watch out for trouble. He believed that the old man’s surrender was too easy and as Tiernan was once the leader of a gang, he knew, the don was hatching a dangerous game for father and son. Still having contacts in the underworld, he solicited their help for his brother’s friends is how he described the situation. Upon arriving at the villa, the don’s guards immediately secured him inside asking for his long-time mistress, Greta to call for a doctor. Greta after being kept by the don for a long time developed an affection for the don or for the luxury, he afforded her, nobody really knows but she stayed. Upon seeing the don’s bloodied and bruised face, she cried with sincere horror. “Amore mio, what happened to you? And who are you?” She glared at the three men and
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 21 Flee now confess later
The week passed by without so much as a hi or hello from Matan and Eliza was truthfully feeling awful. After waking up in the morning after that distressful night and finding his note under her door, Eliza felt like crying again. She knew in her heart that the man she thought at first to be annoying and unfeeling turned out to be a knight in shining armor. She noticed the hurriedly folded blanket by her feet and deduced that he never left her that night possibly sleeping on the couch in the salon. The scent of his aftershave or cologne was her clue. Not feeling particularly up for a very professional look, she opted to go smart casual. She was hoping he’d pick her up that morning but his note said, he’s off to Dubai. Feeling melancholy all of a sudden, she decided to walk and went straight to Devlin’s Cafe. She ordered her usual coffee but had no appetite for food and decided to just bring the coffee to work. The staff probably noticed her mood so they just waved and smiled at
Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series) CHAPTER 20 Keep your enemy closer
Matan awoke early and grumpy. He knew the reason but he couldn’t act on it not until everyone is safe. He treaded quietly towards Eliza’s room and tried to open her door as noiselessly as he could wincing at the little creak it made. He returned the blanket and was thankful that she was still fast asleep. He stole another kiss like he did last night and hurried out lest she awakens. He found post it notes on the coffee table beside the couch he slept in. He scribbled a note to Eliza and slid it under her door. After washing his face and rinsing his mouth, he left Eliza’s accommodation. Alonzo was waiting for him expectantly but Matan said nothing. The lesser he knew the better, with a smile, he just greeted “Good morning, Pops, ready to go tackle the enemy? “Boungiorno son. You better go shower first, I think. You look like you’ve been partying all night.” Alonzo returned. “Were that the case, t’would been fun.” Matan smirked. “Like what I told you in my messa
