“We’re here.”The sight of the vast Montes from the hilltop left me speechless. I couldn’t help but notice the two stones that were in front of us.“This is where I buried Don Ignacio and Lady Stella.”I couldn’t speak and just stared at the two stones with their names.“Are you ready to hear what I have to say, Ana?”I looked at the Detective who was gazing into the distance. The wind picked up, so I held on to my hair. I didn’t know why, but my heart was pounding so hard.I knew I was ready, but… why did I feel like I wanted to go back to the hacienda?“Ana.”I blinked and turned to the Detective who was looking at me.“I want to tell you the truth about the tragedy that happened 28 years ago. When they removed the Montes family.”I just stared at the Detective as the wind blew.“Tell me everything,” I said. He just smiled and looked back at the town.“In 1980, Don Ignacio Montes became the town’s second leader because Don Martinez selected him to follow in his footsteps. Don Ignaci
I couldn’t speak when he said that. I don’t know why, but I faced him and saw his smile.“That was made by Don Ignacio, made for his wife, and when they passed away, Don Martinez took it because he knew how important Lady Stella was to his wife and his close friend. I just never expected him to display it at their hacienda. It seems like Don Martinez already knew this would happen,” he said with a shrug, looking back at me. It surprised me to see a tear welling up in his eyes.“D-Detective…”He just shook his head at me. “I’m sorry, okay? I looked for you, believe me. But I found out that the orphanage where I left you was already burned down.”I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening.W-what does he mean?“W-what…” I stopped and looked at his hand holding mine.“Ana… Anastasia Montes is your real name. You are the missing child of Don Ignacio and Lady Stella. You are their child.”I pulled my hand away from him in shock. I-I couldn't understand what he was saying. I shook my head.“H
Ana locked herself in her room for days after learning the truth from Detective Paul. Her anger towards the Villalobos only intensified.The election was approaching, and she couldn’t wait to bring down the family responsible for her parents' death. She was determined to get back what was rightfully hers.Standing up from her bed, she pulled back the curtain and noticed that the guards outside the mansion had doubled.She grabbed her shawl and wallet and descended from the terrace of her room because she had somewhere she needed to go. When she left the mansion, she quickly hailed a tricycle and told the driver where she wanted to go.The tricycle driver hesitated because they needed permission from the mayor to go to the Montes' hacienda, but Ana insisted and offered to pay a large sum.They arrived at the entrance of the hacienda de Montes, and Ana paid the driver all the cash she had before signaling for him to leave, fearing that Levi might still be watching her every move…***“Y
“Martin, please?” I pleaded with him on the other line because he is currently in Spain but will be coming home tomorrow.(“I said no. We already discussed this,”) he replied.I kicked in frustration because he would rather not agree to my plan.“I have to do this, Martin… Please, babe?”I didn’t know how to persuade him. I might have to kneel and unzip his zipper. Annoying!(“Shut up. You can’t manipulate me like that, Ana,”) he said.I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Fine! I hate you!”(“What the hell—”) he didn’t finish his sentence because I’ve been annoyed with him since earlier. He’s the one flirting with others. Damn you, Martin.I glanced at my phone, and he was calling again, but I ignored his call and turned off my phone to make him feel my annoyance. He’s the one stressing me out, not Mateo.“We’re here,” Alexis said.I just nodded to Alexis and got out of the car. It’s been a long time since I last visited them.I placed the flowers I prepared for Alexis and lit a
CHLOE’S POV“Where are you going again, Mateo?”“You don’t care!”I fell silent because I didn’t want to ask any more questions that might hurt me.“We need you here! The election is coming soon!”He glared at me and pointed at my head. “I don’t care whether Dad wins or not!”“Come on, Mateo!”He ignored me and just went down the stairs. He seemed rushing. I looked at my watch and grabbed the keys to my car because I was going to follow him, maybe because of Ana again, why he was rushing.I bit my lip as I followed Mateo’s car and wondered why he was going to the falls. Damn. Perhaps he’s with another girl again?He parked the car, so I stopped mine not far away. I got out of the car and took heavy steps to make sure that girl knew she could fight for Mateo.When I reached the falls, I could hear the water flowing.“Ana! Sorry, I’m late!”Ana? My eyes widened when I saw Ana in a two-piece bathing suit bathing in the falls. I stepped back a bit behind the bushes so they wouldn’t know I
With tears in my eyes, I faced the man who would be my partner for life.“I love you, my husband,”“I love you even more…”And we were met with applause from our loved ones. While some may not approve of our marriage and there have been many obstacles and people involved, we have overcome them all.I know his parents are against us; they do not want me because I am an orphan, and they believe I am only after Mateo's money, but that is not true.I did not marry Mateo for his wealth; I married him because I love him and believe he is the man I deserve.“What is happening? Are you out of your mind, Mateo?”I simply bowed my head, unable to meet Mrs. Caridad Villalobos’ gaze, the mother of the man I love.“I know plenty of women who would be more suitable for you! Just don’t be with that woman if she doesn’t have a family!” She yelled at Mateo, and I bowed even lower.She is right. I come from an orphanage, and I am unsure if I have any family left.“No! I love her! We are getting married
THIRD POV“Don Martin has arrived!”“Respect for Don Martin!”“Don Martin, the patient is awake.”Martin stopped in front of Doctor Aragon.“How is she?” he asked, glancing at the woman in the bed.“As you can see, Don Martin, after five years, the patient has woken up. But she hasn't spoken. She seems stunned, as if there's no life in her. It’s because of the severe trauma she experienced,” the doctor explained to Martin.He nodded and returned his gaze to the woman, who remained in a state of shock. “Alright, let me handle her. You can leave now.”The doctor nodded and bowed before leaving.Martin looked around before entering the room and closing the door. Then he faced her. “That’s enough,” he said to the woman, who immediately turned to face him.“How long will I be here, Martin?” she asked. “I need to get out of here because Mateo needs me.”He gave her a serious look before sighing. “You can leave. But for now, you need to pretend because we still don’t know who is trying to ki
THIRD POV“Mateo, please wait for me!”“Mateo!”“Huh?” He abruptly turned around upon hearing his name being called.Suddenly, he remembered that he was in a bar with his friends. He scanned the room, trying to regain his senses, which were tingling slightly.“We’ve been calling you for a while, but you seemed lost!”“Are you sure you’re okay?”He took a deep breath, nodded, and ran his hand through his hair. He was confused about what was happening. Earlier, he had also heard his ex-wife's voice. He didn’t understand what was going on, but he knew he had been dreaming about her for several nights. He couldn’t tell if it was just a vision or a memory.Even now, he regretted the mistakes he had made in the past. One single mistake had cost him his wife.If he were to ask for forgiveness from his wife, it would only be to atone for his sins.“Ana, I’m sorry,” he whispered.DON MARTIN was greeted by many business executives upon his arrival at the Royale. After many years, he was back in
CHLOE’S POV“Where are you going again, Mateo?”“You don’t care!”I fell silent because I didn’t want to ask any more questions that might hurt me.“We need you here! The election is coming soon!”He glared at me and pointed at my head. “I don’t care whether Dad wins or not!”“Come on, Mateo!”He ignored me and just went down the stairs. He seemed rushing. I looked at my watch and grabbed the keys to my car because I was going to follow him, maybe because of Ana again, why he was rushing.I bit my lip as I followed Mateo’s car and wondered why he was going to the falls. Damn. Perhaps he’s with another girl again?He parked the car, so I stopped mine not far away. I got out of the car and took heavy steps to make sure that girl knew she could fight for Mateo.When I reached the falls, I could hear the water flowing.“Ana! Sorry, I’m late!”Ana? My eyes widened when I saw Ana in a two-piece bathing suit bathing in the falls. I stepped back a bit behind the bushes so they wouldn’t know I
“Martin, please?” I pleaded with him on the other line because he is currently in Spain but will be coming home tomorrow.(“I said no. We already discussed this,”) he replied.I kicked in frustration because he would rather not agree to my plan.“I have to do this, Martin… Please, babe?”I didn’t know how to persuade him. I might have to kneel and unzip his zipper. Annoying!(“Shut up. You can’t manipulate me like that, Ana,”) he said.I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Fine! I hate you!”(“What the hell—”) he didn’t finish his sentence because I’ve been annoyed with him since earlier. He’s the one flirting with others. Damn you, Martin.I glanced at my phone, and he was calling again, but I ignored his call and turned off my phone to make him feel my annoyance. He’s the one stressing me out, not Mateo.“We’re here,” Alexis said.I just nodded to Alexis and got out of the car. It’s been a long time since I last visited them.I placed the flowers I prepared for Alexis and lit a
Ana locked herself in her room for days after learning the truth from Detective Paul. Her anger towards the Villalobos only intensified.The election was approaching, and she couldn’t wait to bring down the family responsible for her parents' death. She was determined to get back what was rightfully hers.Standing up from her bed, she pulled back the curtain and noticed that the guards outside the mansion had doubled.She grabbed her shawl and wallet and descended from the terrace of her room because she had somewhere she needed to go. When she left the mansion, she quickly hailed a tricycle and told the driver where she wanted to go.The tricycle driver hesitated because they needed permission from the mayor to go to the Montes' hacienda, but Ana insisted and offered to pay a large sum.They arrived at the entrance of the hacienda de Montes, and Ana paid the driver all the cash she had before signaling for him to leave, fearing that Levi might still be watching her every move…***“Y
I couldn’t speak when he said that. I don’t know why, but I faced him and saw his smile.“That was made by Don Ignacio, made for his wife, and when they passed away, Don Martinez took it because he knew how important Lady Stella was to his wife and his close friend. I just never expected him to display it at their hacienda. It seems like Don Martinez already knew this would happen,” he said with a shrug, looking back at me. It surprised me to see a tear welling up in his eyes.“D-Detective…”He just shook his head at me. “I’m sorry, okay? I looked for you, believe me. But I found out that the orphanage where I left you was already burned down.”I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening.W-what does he mean?“W-what…” I stopped and looked at his hand holding mine.“Ana… Anastasia Montes is your real name. You are the missing child of Don Ignacio and Lady Stella. You are their child.”I pulled my hand away from him in shock. I-I couldn't understand what he was saying. I shook my head.“H
“We’re here.”The sight of the vast Montes from the hilltop left me speechless. I couldn’t help but notice the two stones that were in front of us.“This is where I buried Don Ignacio and Lady Stella.”I couldn’t speak and just stared at the two stones with their names.“Are you ready to hear what I have to say, Ana?”I looked at the Detective who was gazing into the distance. The wind picked up, so I held on to my hair. I didn’t know why, but my heart was pounding so hard.I knew I was ready, but… why did I feel like I wanted to go back to the hacienda?“Ana.”I blinked and turned to the Detective who was looking at me.“I want to tell you the truth about the tragedy that happened 28 years ago. When they removed the Montes family.”I just stared at the Detective as the wind blew.“Tell me everything,” I said. He just smiled and looked back at the town.“In 1980, Don Ignacio Montes became the town’s second leader because Don Martinez selected him to follow in his footsteps. Don Ignaci
I woke up because of the noise of my phone. I glanced at the person next to me and Martin still seemed asleep. Furthermore, I smiled and got out of bed to reach for my phone, but I was stopped when I saw a message from an unregistered number.“Let’s meet at my hut, Miss Ana.”I glanced at Martin and slowly got up from the bed to grab my robe. And I just replied to Detective agreeing to meet, in case he had further information or evidence that could further incriminate the Villalobos.I went through my routine and got dressed, in case Martin woke up and found out where I was going. When I came out of the bathroom, I noticed that Martin was still fast asleep, so I quickly grabbed my bag and left the room. And I also noticed that Martin’s whole squad was here.F·ck. I didn’t know how to get past them, especially since Alexis had the keys to our car.“Oh, Ana! Good morning!” they greeted me with a smile. Paris pulled me to the dining area to eat. I sighed in relief, hoping they wouldn’t n
I finished the remaining alcohol and went back to my room to sleep, but I forgot that Martin was there.I stumbled onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling, feeling the effects of the alcohol. Furthermore, I must have had too much to drink. Maybe that’s why Rio and the others were drinking it, to give them energy for whatever they were planning to do. TSK.It startled me when Martin hugged me and widened my eyes when he put his hand inside my lingerie. “M-Martin…!” I covered my mouth as he touched my chest.Isn’t he sleeping? Is he dreaming? Fuck.I looked at Martin and was surprised to see his eyes wide open, staring blankly. I couldn’t deny that women fall for Martin. His gaze seemed to dig deep into your soul.“Martin?”He didn’t speak and continued to touch my chest. I wasn’t even wearing a bra! Damn it, Martin! He was asleep earlier!He continued to touch my chest, and I couldn't help but moan. “Aghn… M-Martin… T-that’s my weakness!” I struggled to say as I pushed his hand away.
I woke up and was surprised by the scenario because it seemed like I no longer had a car.“My husband.”“Stella…”My eyes widened when I saw Lady Stella and Don Ignacio. I knew them from the old newspapers.Is this a dream?“What are we going to do? The Montes are not guilty of what they are accusing them of.”“I don’t know, my love. I don’t know what to do anymore. Don Martinez left the town to me.”I just covered my mouth and cried when I saw their situation. If this is just a dream, please… Wake me up. It hurts to see them like this.I was then transferred to another scenario where chaos was happening at the Montes' hacienda.W-what’s happening?“No! Not my husband! He's innocent!”Oh my god. No… Please!“Stella, take care of our future child. Remember, the truth is on my side.”“N-no…! Ignacio!”***“Ana, wake up!”I woke up and noticed that I was in Martin’s car.“Hey,”I held my chest because it was tight. I didn't know why, but I ended up crying in front of Martin, who I knew w
ANA’s POV“Hey,” I blinked and looked around, realizing that we were at the town hall. I stifled a yawn, as I hadn't had a proper sleep in a week. I tried to read Lady Stella’s diary again, but I couldn't focus due to my business responsibilities and the upcoming election.“Martin,” I called out softly to Martin, who was listening intently to the conversation. “Martin,” I tugged at his sleeve, causing him to turn towards me. “What are you discussing?” I asked.He glared at me, so I just smiled, as I hadn’t really been paying attention, my mind preoccupied with Lady Stella’s diary.“About business and the funds for the citizens,” he replied.I fell silent and leaned back in my chair. I glanced at the Villalobos, who were acting as if they were saints in front of the investors. Furthermore, I couldn’t believe that they could still carry themselves so confidently after what they had done to me, as if they had nothing to do with what happened to me. It was obvious that they were hiding ev