Disregarding the message, Alexander set his phone down and focused on driving to the destination he had in mind for Emilio. His only goal was to tell Emilio a little bit about who he was to his mother, nothing more."Are you okay?" Emilio asked as soon as Alexander started the car."Yeah, I'm fine. I was just expecting an important message, but it turned out to be spam," Alexander replied. Emilio gave a quick nod, seeming to understand, and they began the drive."How would you feel about spending the night with me at Jake's place?" Alexander asked, briefly glancing over at Emilio, whose face lit up with excitement."Really? That would be awesome! Grandma Emma is so sweet. I wish I had a grandma like her," Emilio said with a bright smile."Yeah? You really like her?" Alexander asked, and Emilio nodded quickly, his smile still wide. But it soon faded as he slumped back into the seat."I don't even know if I have a grandma. Mom never talks about it," Emilio muttered, fiddling with the he
Marianne took a deep breath and forced a smile, trying to ease the tension in the air. She inhaled softly, preparing to address Michael’s mother, but before she could say anything, Michael yanked his mother away from her. His mother, however, shoved him aside and tried to lunge at Marianne. Michael grabbed her by both shoulders, restraining her from moving closer.“Can you just stop this madness? Stop embarrassing me! Isn’t what’s happening at home bad enough? Do you really enjoy seeing me suffer like this? What the hell do you want from me?” Michael shouted, his eyes filling with tears.“Oh, so you raised your voice at me over a girl?” his mother laughed mockingly. Michael squeezed his eyes shut, a tear slipping down his cheek before he opened them again.“Mom, have you ever really seen me as your son?” he questioned, his voice shaking. “Have you ever thought of me as your son? You never have. And now... I no longer see you as my mother. Just stay away from me.” With that, he turned
Alexandra pulled up to Jayson's mansion, just in time to see him preparing to get into his car for work. A smirk crept onto Alexander's face as he exited his vehicle and walked toward Jayson, who paused mid-step, noticing his approach. Jayson stood up straighter, his expression cold and unreadable, as Alexander drew closer with a measured stride.Taking a brief glance around, Alexander observed the mansion before turning his attention to Jayson, whose face showed clear displeasure. With a smirk, Alexander leaned casually against Jayson's car, folding his arms across his chest."Why are you here?" Jayson asked, his voice clipped."To talk about Anne," Alexander replied nonchalantly. Jayson opened his mouth to respond, but Alexander didn't let him speak."Let me get something straight first. No matter what you do—even if you tear your heart out and beg her to take it—you'll never win her back. Marianne is different; she’s my woman, and do you know why?" Alexander asked, eyeing Jayson an
"Who are you?" Javier shouted, struggling to free himself from the police but couldn't."Who am I?" Alexander responded calmly. "I'm Alexander, the kind of man who can't stand it when what's mine is tampered with. And if there's one thing you should know about me; I hold grudges, and I hold them well." A slight smile played on his lips as he made his way toward Michael. Once there, he sat down beside him."Michael, I swear, I’ll make you pay for this, even if it drains the last ounce of blood from my body. I’m going to expose you for what you truly are," Javier spat, his voice thick with venom. Alexander clicked his tongue sharply, cutting him off."Who said you're leaving prison any time soon? Even if Michael decides to have you released and I allow it, I’ll have you thrown back in the moment you pull any stupid stunt " Alexander shrugged nonchalantly.Michael kept his eyes down, refusing to look at his mother or brother as the officers led them out of the ward."Thank you, sir," he
As Marianne and Jayson stepped into Michael's hospital room, she scanned the space, searching for any trace of his family. When she didn’t spot them, her brow knitted in confusion. Where could they be? The room felt unnervingly quiet without their usual commotion. Just then, Michael opened his eyes, having been asleep since Alexander and Jake had left."Marianne," he said softly when he saw her. She smiled warmly and moved to sit beside him, her hand instinctively reaching out to check for any sign of a fever, but there was none."I’m fine," Michael assured her with a faint smile, taking her hand gently in his. "I’m sorry about earlier. My family can be a lot to handle...""Did you eat anything? I brought you some snacks," Marianne interrupted, not wanting him to continue. She had experienced his family’s behavior firsthand and didn’t need any further explanation. Her gaze wandered around the quiet room again before she turned back to him."Where’s your mom and your brother? I haven’t
"Elena..." Jake called, trying to reach for her, but she shot him a glare that made him stop in his tracks."Can someone tell me what's going on?" Elena demanded. Alexander said nothing, his gaze shifting to Marianne, who stood silently, unable to find her voice."We need to get to the hospital," Alexander stated, attempting to help Marianne into the car, ignoring Elena’s presence. But Elena grabbed his arm, stopping them in their tracks, her frown deepening."I just asked a damn question, and I expect a fucking answer... Is that boy yours?" she yelled. Alexander didn’t respond verbally, but his expression instantly darkened. He cast a cold, warning glare at Elena, making her slowly release him as she realized how much she had crossed the line.That look... she knew it all too well. This was only the second time Alexander had ever looked at her like that, a look that always unsettled her—as though she were the enemy. The first time had been back in school, when she'd soaked Marianne w
"Let’s say I did ask you out..." Elena started, blinking rapidly as she locked eyes with him. "Alex, I thought I meant everything to you. You told me you loved me." Her voice faltered, though she tried not to let his words get into her head. It hurt, but she wanted to believe he only said it out of anger—and she was right."It's getting late, Elena. You should leave. I had a hectic day," Alexander replied, taking off his shirt, not caring that she was still there. He knew his words had hurt her, and he regretted it a little, but her behavior had called for it.Elena closed her eyes briefly, trying to calm herself as she processed his words."So... the woman you’re chasing now is Anne? Really, Alex? How could you do this to me?" Her voice, trembling with disbelief, rose louder than she had intended. "What if people hear about this? It could’ve been anyone, but Marianne?""Elena!" Alexander snapped, his voice sharp, making her flinch. He inhaled deeply, then shut his eyes for a brief mo
Sophia slipped her phone into her pocket as she approached Jayson's door. Her gaze drifted to the apartment nearby, and a smirk appeared at the corner of her lips. “So that’s where she lives? They must be running into each other all the time,” she thought with amusement. "Jayson really does have an eye for beauty. Too bad she's now my target..." Sophia clicked her tongue in mock sympathy, knowing full well what she was capable of when she set her mind on something. She walked closer to Jayson's door, her lips curling into a smile. She knocked gently but received no response. She hadn’t planned on coming here today, but after seeing him that morning, she missed him. He had grown even more handsome over the years, and the thought of him made her want him even more. She knocked again, a little louder this time. After a few seconds, just as she raised her hand to knock for the third time, the door suddenly opened. There he was, standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable, his e
"Mhm... Jake..."Charlotte’s breathy moan pulled Jake out of the moment, and he broke the kiss, his mind snapping back to reality. He silently cursed himself, frustrated at how close he’d come to losing control.“No... this isn’t right. We can’t do this,” he murmured, his breathing still ragged as he tried to pull away. But Charlotte held onto him, shaking her head in quiet refusal.“I want you, Jake. I know you want this, too… don’t hold back… please.” She cradled his face in her hand, leaning in to kiss him again, but he turned his face away.He moved to stand up from the bed, but Charlotte pulled him back, this time straddling him. Without warning, she claimed his lips again, kissing it hungrily as her hips grinded yearningly on his hard member, igniting the desire he’d tried so hard to restrain.That was it—that was all it took for the last of his self-control to vanish.Jake grabbed one of her ass cheeks, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Charlotte’s fingers worked quic
“Alex… you’re hurting me!” Elena gasped, her voice strained and shaky. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled against his grip, but her efforts were in vain.Her face turned an alarming shade of red as she felt herself slipping towards unconsciousness—until a small, frightened voice broke through the tense silence.“Mommy!” Hailey cried, her eyes wide with fear and brimming with tears as she took in the upsetting scene.The sound jolted Alexander back to reality, and he immediately released Elena. She collapsed onto the floor, coughing as she struggled to catch her breath. Alexander stared at his own trembling hands, his chest tight with shock and shame at what he’d done.“Mommy!” Hailey’s voice was thick with worry as she rushed to Elena’s side.Elena forced a smile, steadying her breathing. “I'm okay,” she assured her, reaching out and gently stroking Hailey’s hair, though Hailey didn’t look convinced.Turning to Alexander with tear-filled eyes, Hailey spoke in a trembling
“Daddy?” Alexander called in disbelief, turning to look at Elena with a questioning gaze. "What is the meaning of all this, Elena?"He glanced briefly at the little girl, squatting down before her and gently patting her hair, a smile tugging at his lips. She was truly the same age as Emilio, but it made no sense that Elena had been pregnant with him and had even given birth to his child without him knowing.Elena shrugged. “I just wanted my daughter to finally meet her father. It’s always been one of her wishes.” She smiled, looking at Hailey, who was beaming.Alexander’s gaze shifted from the little girl to Elena, his frown deepening. “What are you talking about?”“I knew you’d act this way.” Elena began, rummaging through her bag before pulling out a piece of paper. “This proves that Hailey is your daughter.” She tossed the paper at Alexander’s face.Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as guests exchanged disappointed looks with Alexander.“How could Alexander do something l
Marianne returned home alone since Jayson had taken Emilio out for a bit. She wanted to get ready.It was her birthday, and though she didn’t have any extravagant plans, she still wanted to make an effort. She’d likely spend the evening with her son or maybe with Alexander. Tonight, she intended to look her absolute best, revealing a side of her beauty she usually kept hidden. Her goal was to leave Alexander breathless, to make him regret ever leaving and wish he’d come back sooner.After a relaxing bath, she carefully selected a beautiful outfit and applied a light touch of makeup—just enough to enhance her natural features, as she wasn’t one for heavy makeup.When she finished, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror and chuckled softly.“Look at the beauty Alex let go of five years ago… He must have been blind,” she murmured, with a smile.She picked up her phone and dialed Jayson’s number, wanting to make sure Emilio was dressed up for the evening, too.The phone rang,
“Mom will listen to you, all right?” Marianne whispered as she wrapped her son in a warm hug, gently running her fingers through his hair. She was determined to follow his instincts. Beyond wanting to make him happy by fulfilling his wish, she trusted that Emilio wouldn’t say such a thing unless he truly meant it. “Don’t worry, he won’t work here,” Marianne reassured Emilio before pulling away from the hug. She cupped his face tenderly, bringing it close to hers before planting a kiss on his forehead. "Does that make you happy now?" she added. He nodded, blinking away the tears that had gathered in his eyes. Marianne stood up and approached Jayson and Donovan, a small, apologetic smile playing on her lips. Donovan watched her expectantly as he waited for her to speak. “Van, I’m really sorry, but I can’t—” “You’re not giving me the job because a kid said so?” Donovan interrupted, his expression sincere but filled with disbelief. Marianne felt a spark of annoyance at the way he re
"I bet you're missing Michael, Jake, and Alex," Vincent said as he walked into the restaurant with Charlotte, catching Marianne’s attention.It had been nearly a month since they all left. Alexander had accompanied Jake to China for a business meeting as promised, while Michael had been busy with his music career, reaching out only when his schedule allowed."Charlotte, you're here," Marianne said warmly, waving as Charlotte returned a faint smile and searched for a seat. Marianne moved to the counter to grab a drink for her."I'm afraid all I can offer right now is milk," Marianne said apologetically. Charlotte waved it off with a smile, indicating it was fine. Marianne sat down across from her, watching in silence as Charlotte took a sip."So..." Marianne began, hesitating. "Are you still not over Jake?" The question made Charlotte choke on her drink, causing her to cough. Marianne quickly leaned forward, gently patting her back."You noticed that too?" Vincent interjected, and Mari
After dropping Marianne off at her apartment, Alexander, who initially planned to head straight to Jake’s, decided instead to make a stop at the hospital where he had taken a test earlier that day.Once there, he exchanged a polite greeting with the doctor and collected the physical copy of his results. Without saying a word or listening to what the doctor had to say, he left the hospital and returned to his car, now heading to Jake's house.Arriving at Jake’s, he keyed in the access code and stepped inside. He spotted Grandma Emma preparing to head to bed and offered her a warm goodnight.“Xander…” Grandma Emma called out, just as Alexander was about to enter Jake’s room. He paused and walked over to hear what she wanted to share.“Aren’t you going to be honest with Jake? You’re close friends, but the two of you couldn’t be more different. He never takes anything seriously,” she said.“Grandma, you know how Jake is. He hates being pushed into things. If you don’t pressure him, he’ll
Alexander released a deep sigh, shutting his eyes momentarily as if to control his anger. Just then, Elena’s call came through, and he picked up without delay.“What’s this nonsense you sent me?” Alexander asked, his voice composed, though Elena only responded with a laugh.“Still so calm after everything? Don’t you realize Marianne is just trying to manipulate you by claiming the boy is yours? Why can’t you see that?” she said, her voice growing sharper.“You’ve been acting incredibly foolish, Lena,” he replied, massaging his temples slowly. “I didn’t know you were taking extra lessons in stupidity,” he added, prompting a grin from Elena on the other end.“Well, the girl who majored in stupidity and even got a master’s took Emilio’s hair sample to confirm if he’s really yours. And guess what? Don’t get too excited, darling. The kid might look like you, but he’s not yours. And just so you know, your daughter will be coming to visit as soon as her school break starts,” Elena said, maki
Winter stood in the kitchen, watching Marianne move effortlessly as she prepared dinner. The party had ended about an hour ago, and now they wanted to eat something before going to bed.The aroma of simmering sauce filled the air, but Winter’s thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn’t stop thinking about Michael and the other guy she had seen him with.“Anne…” she called softly.“Hmm?” Marianne replied, not taking her eyes off the task at hand.“You and that guy... I mean, the celebrant. You both seem close,” Winter said, trying to sound casual, though her words came out more pointed than she intended.Marianne’s hands paused briefly, the knife hovering over the cutting board. She turned her gaze toward Winter, not surprised, just tired, as if this conversation had been inevitable.“Michael’s with Dylan,” Marianne said quietly.“It’s not like I didn’t notice. They seem close, sure. But that’s not what I’m asking,” Winter replied.“If you’re thinking anything stupid, you should drop it. He