I walked away, happy and in disbelief that it had all been so easy. I accomplished my task with hardly any effort. Grandpa Sardino had the same goal as me. So now I have to strive to make Isabella fall in love, or at least make her accept this deal for a long time. Ha ha ha ha... I can't believe I got rid of Adele's harpy! Ha ha ha ha...
Isabella is very beautiful; I like her, and maybe I'll make it. I'm not bad looking. Yes, I will make an effort to make my marriage real, and that's it. She's not doing it for my money; she has plenty of that. This way, I got my parents off my back. I should have done this a long time ago. I can't say anything to them yet, though. I'm sure they'll be screaming their heads off, and I can't let them scare Bella. I could tell she didn't want to do it, and she's still hesitating. I better wait until we are closer. Ha ha ha ha... I have a cute millionaire wife and two amazing kids that look like they are miI offer my arm to Mum to get as far away from Adele as possible. But when I get to the table, Dad has arranged it in such a way that Adele is next to me. Not minding, I sit down and talk about the company with Dad, who is very excited about the accomplishments I am having. I completely ignore the person sitting next to me. Mum catches my eye and asks me."Chris, do you think you can take Adele home when you leave?" Mum's question feels like a trap, but I've come prepared for all her tricks."Sorry, Mum, I rented a room here at the hotel to stay longer with you. Seriously, I need my parents on a day like today, no one else, except my sister," I reply in a distressed voice, staring fixedly into her eyes. I add, so as not to seem rude, "I'll ask my driver to take Adele. But today I really need your company.""No need, Christian. I can call mine to pick me up. I don't know if you heard that Dad left me working in his company's office here," Adele says, a bit upset.
After Christian left, I entered the house and went to see where my children were. I find them playing happily with Marta, who upon seeing me, immediately comes to meet me."Tell me what happened, where did it end up?""My grandfather just married me off to Christian for real," I tell her. "I told you at lunch! I thought it was all going to be a simple deal a few times, but I seem to have fallen into a trap. My grandfather colluded with my boss to trap me!""Ha ha ha ha..., you don't change, Bella. Don't start with your insecurities, it's just a deal so Mima can see your daddy!"She tells me firmly, and she might be right, I don't know. It's just that I saw a weird glow in their eyes, as if they were communicating without speaking. It's something I can't explain, and the way he kissed me when he left, it was different. I don't want to imagine anything, but I hope it's a mistake."So stop seeing ghosts where there are none
"So if you noticed at dinner, they weren't my ideas?" I ask as I hear what she tells me. "She was very happy watching us together. You said I was paranoid. Well, maybe I am a little bit, and I'm imagining all this stuff I'm telling you. Now tell me how you think I should behave tomorrow at work?""You just play along with Christian; he looks like he knows how to treat women. He's already started by kissing you on the face, hee, hee, hee...""Don't make fun, Marta. You created the script, but I'm the one who has to carry out the action. And I don't like being an actress!" I yell at her as I throw a pillow at her, seeing how amused she is. "Now how do you think I should dress? Because I'm not just going to be the new editor who just started. I'm going to be the wife of the owner of the company! I'm sure my nerves will get the best of me, and I'll mess everything up.""I'll find you some clothes, and I'm sure Mima will help me. You just concentrate on going
After finishing dinner, they retired to their respective rooms, with Grandpa and Grandma settling into theirs. She gently touched his shoulder to capture his attention and asked, "Did you truly marry Christian and Isabella, or is it merely a ruse to deceive Santi?""Yes, I did indeed," Grandpa responded earnestly. "I couldn't let that opportunity pass by, and you must assist me in making this marriage a reality. We couldn't have found a better match for our Isabella!""Does Bella know about this?" she inquired further."No, she's unaware of anything, which is why I'm confiding in you. It's precisely as you heard. Christian, despite his memory loss, is an ideal match for our Isabella. I don't believe that aspect has altered his true character; he's still a remarkable man. And you witnessed how he embraced the children and expressed his desire to be their father. This is an opportunity we can't afford to miss!""I'm not so sure about your interpretation
"Yes, and he had accepted. He simply told her that she had to do the same for him. That's why I'm telling you, he's just as keen as we are for this marriage to become a reality, and we must assist him.""Do the same for him? What do you mean?""She'll have to accompany him to his house, introduce herself as his wife, and present the children as his own.""Did Christian really ask her to do that? Do you think he remembers Bella?""I doubt it. He seems to have forgotten all about it. Didn't you notice how excited he became when he remembered your cake?""Yes, poor thing, he was genuinely thrilled. Losing one's memory must be dreadful. So, do you reckon he's taken a liking to her now?""What I believe is, Christian has found Bella attractive since they met. He saw an opportunity to marry her and seized it. You can't deny that Bella is a very beautiful woman, and perhaps he feared that if he fell in love with her properly, she wouldn't accept hi
"I hope so too, my dear. That's why we're going to fight as we have been to make her happy. How are you feeling? You look much better than you did this morning.""I won't deny it, dear. All this with Bella has given me courage to go on living. And the news that I'll see my son on Sunday has made me very happy.""I'm glad to hear that. I think you haven't recovered because of the depression you're experiencing, not because the treatment didn't work. Go to sleep now, dear; tomorrow will be another day. Good night."At six o'clock in the morning, I opened my eyes to the sound of the alarm clock. I was surprised to find my grandma in my room, selecting clothes from my closet. Next to her, Marta was communicating with her through sign language."What are you doing?" I asked, seeing that they hadn't noticed I was awake."Good morning, Bella," my grandmother greeted me with a wave. "We're choosing what you're going to wear. We know you hav
I hung up the phone and informed Marta, who was bathing the children. Leaving the milk on the table, I returned to my room to dress. "I'm going to look splendid today," I reassured myself. The attire Mima had chosen for me was indeed elegant. A white blouse adorned with frills hugged my frame, paired with a black skirt that fell to my knees, complemented by matching shoes and purse. My grandmother entered at that moment, gesturing for me to let my hair down. After applying my usual makeup, with just a touch of blush, I prepared to embrace my new role as a wife."Do I look alright, Mima?" I inquired, already anticipating her response."Beautiful," she signed back, her hands conveying the message eloquently. "From now on, you should dress like this. I'll purchase more clothes in this style for you.""I trust your taste, but let's not go overboard," I replied, giving her a warm hug. The blare of Christian's car horn jolts me from my reverie. I scramble to catch up with Lucia and Lucas,
Christian quickly covers my mouth, indicating that the driver might overhear. I realize the risk I was about to take and turned my head, staring out of the window. Arriving at the restaurant, I notice everything is perfectly arranged. Our table is reserved, and the food is exquisite. Christian keeps regaling me with tales from his life and inquiring about my children's preferences, but my mind wanders elsewhere. How can I enjoy a meal with my boss after what happened and Luis's ominous threats? Reporters snap pictures of us, yet my boss seems pleased with the attention. Is he relishing my discomfort? Despite my silence, a creeping fear grows within me that a certain woman will uncover the truth sooner than expected. We returned to the company after lunch and resumed our work. We had already prepared two more presentations for our new project, but my thoughts were elsewhere. As I was preparing to leave, my phone rang. I listened to the caller, feeling a shiver run down my spine. I
Two cars were hidden opposite the Sardino mansion. In another, further away, Eva, in disguise, supervised the operation. They had initially planned to go directly to Christian's house, but after learning that Isabella took the children there every day, they decided to follow her and kidnap all three on the way."I say, Ruan, doesn't this house look familiar from the telly?" asked one of them who had never been to the place before."From the telly? What do you mean by that?""I reckon this house was on the telly. It belongs to the Sardinos.""Which Sardinos? The millionaires?""Yes, those very ones. Are you certain that woman isn't deceiving us? Whose children did she say they were?""Now that you mention it, she's never told us whose children we're nabbing. She just keeps saying the family has enough money to pay a hundred million for them without batting an eyelid. That she'll give us fifty, and the rest will be hers. Are you sure it's the Sardinos'? Haven't they sold it?""I don't k
Everyone was deeply shaken by what was happening. It was something they hadn't expected."Spare no expense," Mr Thompson interjected, embracing Christian. "I'll give my entire fortune if necessary, but they must return them alive, do you understand? All I care about is saving my grandchildren!""Unfortunately," Grandfather Sardino said, "we haven't yet received any news from the kidnappers. We've alerted all our contacts and police agencies. However, no one knows anything, no one saw anything. It happened in a very strategic location near the house, where there are no traffic cameras. It was fortunate that Bella managed to call before she lost consciousness.""Dad, it looks like the doctors are coming out. Let's go," Santiago said, walking to meet the doctor emerging from the operating theatre. "Well, doctor, how are my daughters?""The operations went well," the doctor began to explain. "Marta had some severe fractures in her legs, but we managed to reconstruct them. Fortunately, the
It was Saturday, and Christian sat with his family in the living room, sharing happy stories about the children who often stayed with them. Christian's eyesight had improved slightly; he could now see light and some blurry shapes."Hey Chris," his sister called, "why don't we ask Bella to let Lucas and Lucy stay tonight and pick them up tomorrow? It's quite late now. She said she'd bring them after the supermarket, but they haven't arrived yet. It's dark already; perhaps she changed her mind about bringing them.""No, Marta warned me they might be late, but said they'd come even if it took an hour. The children say they have a surprise for me. It's a good idea, though. I'll ask Lucas—he's the negotiator. I don't know where he gets his intelligence from.""Ha ha ha," Mr Thompson laughed. "Listen, dear, did you hear what your son said about not knowing where Lucas gets it from? Don't our grandchildren remind you of those two when they were little?""That's right, love. Chris, when you w
Marta stared at her now-sister for a moment. Bella seemed to go through life without understanding anything, which is why she said, somewhat irritated:"Do you still call her mum? That woman isn't your mum, Bella. Goodness knows who she stole you from!""Look, Marta, even though Dad showed me that paternity test, I don't believe it. And do you know why?""Why?""Because if Eva isn't my mum, then who is? How could Dad not know who my mum is?" Bella asked very seriously and added, "That's why I suspect he wants me on his side against Mum in the divorce mess. That's why he wants me to think I'm not her daughter, so I won't object to him leaving her with nothing.""Bella! How can you believe such a macabre thing about Dad? Listen, and I'm telling you this for Lucas and Lucy's sake! Wake up, because that woman is wicked and capable of doing anything to your children and to us! Dad isn't capable of deceiving you like that. Just look at the way he looks at you and loves you; he wouldn't do s
Christian lay on his bed after emerging from the bathroom, where he had indulged in fantasies about Isabella. He was seriously considering visiting his psychologist, as he believed his current state wasn't normal. Could he truly not live without her? It had all seemed so real-her body in his hands, how he had plunged into her repeatedly. Was Isabella actually visiting him, remaining silent so he wouldn't realise it was her? Did she know he was blind and accept him as he was?At that moment, the bedroom lights switched on as his mother entered. He sat up abruptly."Mum, I think... I think I saw the light when you turned it on. You did turn it on, didn't you?""Yes, son, I just did. Are you regaining your sight as the doctor said? David... David... come and see Chris, David!""What is it, Mother-in-law? I'm here," David said, rushing into Christian's room, followed by his wife Christie and Mr Thomson, who had come in response to Mrs Thomps
After all the commotion surrounding Marta and Rodrigo's relationship, everyone in the house is delighted that they are a couple. They hold the young man in high regard and know he is very responsible. They are particularly pleased that he respected her throughout and that, had Marta not essentially won his heart, he wouldn't have pursued the relationship.The following day, Mrs Tania invited Augusto, her lifelong bodyguard, and his wife Leila for lunch. She wanted to quickly formalise Rodrigo and Marta's relationship, as the couple couldn't stop gazing at each other happily. Since Marta's arrival with Isabella, she had initially remained very quiet, and although everyone loved her and made her feel like family, they could sense that she felt inhibited in many ways.Now she is brimming with happiness, constantly smiling and allowing others to embrace her, something she didn't commonly do before. This is especially true after managing to have Rodrigo assigned as her bo
Santiago and his father stared intently at the girls, who were at a loss for what to do or say. Despite her earlier words, Marta had quickly released Rodrigo's hand, and he too seemed unable to react. Isabella looked at her father and, seeing his reproachful head shake, hugged her grandmother, hiding behind her."Seriously, Bella? Are you going to pass your sister off as Rodrigo's girlfriend?" Santiago asked, trying to coax Isabella out from behind her grandmother."Dad, it's not what you think!" Marta stepped forward, attempting to defend Isabella, who was silently pleading for help. "Dad, it's not Bella who's with Rodrigo... it's me!""This is the limit, Isabella," he said, to the astonishment of all three women. "Now you want to pass Marta off as your lover's girlfriend to deceive me?""Dad!" Isabella exclaimed, emerging from behind her grandmother, who was chuckling at the mess unfolding before her. "Dad, I swear on everything sacred that I have nothing to do
He didn't know that I couldn't cash the check here. Although, about Eva's money, I think you're right. I remember hearing my father saying that Santiago's company is frozen, because it's going bankrupt. If the Sardino patriarch doesn't step in, he'll be left with nothing. So it's true what you're saying. Where's Eva going to get money from? Although, she might have her own stash hidden away."Now I understand why Eva is so agitated, although it seemed she didn't know. She says she has a good plan, it might suit us, what do you think?""Do you trust her, Luis? I don't like Eva one bit. When have you ever heard of a mother plotting to kidnap her own daughter's children? I don't like that woman, I don't. Let's hear what she's planned. But if we don't like it, we're leaving, agreed?""I don't trust her either, but she's still someone we can get money from, and right now I'm going to cash this cheque Santiago gave me to pay for Luisito's hospital bill, we can't get him out
After rescuing Adele, they had decided to leave the country for good, but to their surprise, upon returning to the house that belonged to Luis' maternal grandparents, they found a surprise. Upon opening the door, there was Vivian and her mother with the child."Mum! Vivian! What are you doing here?" Luis asked, genuinely surprised."We're so sorry, son, but the little one didn't take to the climate and had been unwell since we arrived. The doctor advised us to return to a warmer one. As we had no idea where to go, we came to stay here for a few days, so you could help us find another place. And by the way, as we couldn't send money, we collected them to come with us.""Mum, you shouldn't have done that. Dad found out about everything and he's fuming. You should have called me and explained, I would have sorted everything out from here.""Luis, it's just for a few days. Besides, I need to sort something out with my account, it won't let me withdraw the money Santi