"We'll try. I've just been informed that the journalists have left my grandparents' house and I came to find you so we could go there. Grandma just told me that she stored a lot of stuff in the attic, things that you and I made together when we were children."
"Really?""Yes, and perhaps, who knows, one of them might be the trigger that brings your memory back. Shall we go now?""What about the children?""Aunt Eugenia will look after them. Shall we go?"I spring to my feet, put away my laptop, grab my phone, and circle the bureau. I take her hand and gently pull, guiding her to walk beside me. Today, I won't take the chauffeur. We need to become very familiar and friendly, so I enter the garage and take Grandpa's old car that no one recognises. And off we go slowly, slipping past the journalists who don't even realise we're there, and continue on to our grandparents' house."It's good that the journalists have left," Bella says, looking a"I'll give it to Dad's friend at a lab he always uses for everything. If he confirms it, Dad will believe him blindly. It won't just be my word.""Do you really want to pass yourself off as the father of my children, Christian? Won't you regret it one day? What if you regain your memory and are madly in love with that Adele you said was going to be your fiancée? What will happen to my children then?""Nothing, I give you my word. They will still be mine. Accept me as their father, please Isabella. One day I'll tell you why I insist on this so much. If you allow me, I will be their dad for life.""And what if you have your own children?""That's not going to happen, Bella. So, if you agree, let's go ahead and get those tests done and while we're at it, stop by the company to pick up some things we need. We'll take all these boxes and go through them little by little. And we'll visit all the places we went to when we were kids. We'll do the sam
He explains to me, looking very serious. I understand; they have no reason to trust me, I contacted him over the internet. That's why I thought about writing him a check, but then realise that might not be the best idea."Do you know where there's a cash machine or a bank? I'll go and withdraw the money now. I was going to give you a check, but I think cash would be better. Am I wrong?" I ask the detective, who nods in agreement."There's both just around the corner," he replies."Let's go right now to settle your fee. Your services have been invaluable, and I want you to continue the investigation until we find out what she did. Agreed?"I stood up without waiting for an answer. They exchange glances and then follow me, pointing out the way."Wait here," I say, indicating a café next to the bank. "What operation does your wife need?""She has a tumour in her head." The detective answers, looking at me questioningly.I look at him with
We're at the company, entering without any trouble. What Christian says is true; Grandfather's car doesn't let anyone see who is inside. Nor does anyone recognise it, so we go straight to the lift and up to the top floor without stopping. Just like that, no one in the company realises either. We laugh because we look like two thieves hiding from everyone."Ha, ha, ha... I haven't had this much fun or laughed so much in a long time," Christian says when we reach the top."Ha, ha, ha... nor have I. This is new to me, ha, ha, ha... What do we do? I'm sure they'll see us when we leave.""It doesn't matter, by the time they realise, we'll be long gone. This week, I want us to work first on the speech I have to give for the company's anniversary, and second, on these new programmes. I've noticed that both Marta and you have done this before. Am I wrong?""No, it's with that style of programmes we worked with in France. Your phone is ringing.""My phone?" &nb
She was astonished to hear it and immediately asked him. "Didn't you say we could trust your sister? Are we going to deceive her about this?" I ask, stopping to look at him squarely."Never!" he says quickly, emphatically. "I trust my sister blindly; we'll tell her the truth about our relationship; she'll help us, you'll see. She also doesn't want me to marry Adele; she despises her because she says Adele used her to make me fall in love. And she was thrilled when the idea of marrying you came to me. Thank you for thinking of me to help you.""Are you thanking me for getting you into this mess?" I ask as I resume my work."Yes, it hadn't occurred to me when you asked me to pretend to be your husband; I immediately accepted and then realised it was the solution to stop my parents from wanting to marry me off to Adele. But there's something else I haven't told you, Bella."Isabella, intrigued by the seriousness with which he spoke to her, asked. "What's that?"
We were seated opposite each other, and it was apparent that David still harboured doubts about me, in spite of the numerous proofs I'd furnished. He scrutinised me intently as though attempting to decipher my thoughts. With a smile, I endeavoured to put him at ease and win his confidence."Could we draw up a contract?" inquired David once more."Indeed, that poses no issue, but I have a stipulation for you, David."Should he presume that I'll capitulate easily, he's gravely mistaken. I shan't depart without ascertaining my desires. If he is distrustful, then I am doubly so. It's becoming increasingly clear that our joint travel is no mere happenstance."A stipulation for me?" he queries with a hint of suspicion."Yes. Do you reckon receiving a substantial amount of money today would enable you to uncover that information?" Holding his gaze with a direct look, he swallows hard. "I assure you, it would suffice to secure your aunt's surgery with the preeminent
"Could you arrange it to be merely an informative consultation? And you'll stay with me? Invent any story about me that you like; I'll follow your lead. Say we travelled on the same flight, that you... well... you know. But make it clear that I'm engaged and must remain untarnished for my wedding, do you grasp what I'm saying?" I implore him because the idea of being alone with a gynaecologist terrifies me."Christie, this is your reputation we're talking about. Aren't you scared it might leak out once they discover who you are? That sort of news could fetch a fortune," he cautions me with what looks like sincere worry in his gaze."If that happens... if that happens..." I stammer, realising the risk involved, but my determination is unwavering. So staring him straight in the eye, I declare boldly, "If that happens, you'll have to marry me!" And then I laugh to ease the tension building inside me. "Ha! Ha! Ha!""Don't laugh; this is no laughing matter," he retorts as
I hope Isabella does her part and that she's prepared psychologically. Chris told me about the scene his mother-in-law caused and that he hasn't seen her since. And that his father-in-law only greets them from a distance. But at least his sick grandmother seems to be doing better.He says his wife adores her grandparents. I just hope Isabella isn't that girl; I remember her mother was a viper and how she mistreated her, she even scared me. Ugh! I hope that's not my brother's mother-in-law! Dealing with Adele the witch is bad enough; two would be unbearable.We're nearly there; with all these thoughts, time has flown by, which is probably for the best. Let's see what surprise my brother has in store for me. Finally, it's time to disembark and meet Christian and his wife. Here we go, ready for anything!"What are you looking at?" I ask my bodyguard, who laughs at hearing me talk to myself. He shakes his head and accompanies me to collect my suitcase. I
We spent almost the entire night talking with Christie; she hasn't tired of hugging me, kissing me, and thanking me for marrying her brother to save him from Adele. We didn't tell her that our marriage wasn't real. Christian fell silent when she asked, and then he took her with him. I don't know what he told her, but his sister now calls me sister-in-law."I'll help you, Bella, you'll see. Everything will turn out as my brother wishes. I promise you, don't be afraid, you have me and your husband," she said as she hugged and kissed me before going to her room. We did tell her that the children aren't his; she was amazed at how much they resemble her brother, even saying that Lucy looks like her as a baby. She thought Christian's idea to do parental tests with their hair was brilliant and offered to give more. She also carries hair from all four in a locket hung from her chest, just like her brother's.We continued talking a little more while we bathed, he outside and I insi
Days pass with shared laughter, warm embraces, and exciting adventures. Always supporting each other through good times and difficult moments, building a united and resilient family. Isabella and Christian found happiness in their love and in the beautiful family they formed. Time has passed, and they find themselves at a stage in their lives where routine and responsibilities intertwine with moments of tenderness and complicity.On a quiet afternoon, Isabella decides to climb onto a chair to reach a book on a high shelf. Christian, concerned for her safety and that of the baby she's carrying, calls out to her in an alarmed voice:"Bella, wait right there! You'll fall!" Christian shouted, trying to stop her. "You can't do that, eight months pregnant. If you fall, you could both get hurt. That's why I can't go to work at the office without making a fuss. You're always doing crazy things."Isabella smiles and jokingly replies, "You're exaggerating."They bo
Now seeing their parents hugging and kissing happily. Isabella gazes at Christian, her eyes brimming with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The air around them is charged with expectation as their friends and family turn their attention to Christian, silently urging him to follow suit. Christian, who had meticulously planned this moment with Rodrigo and David, stands there with a knowing smile, watching as events unfold precisely as he had envisioned.His eyes briefly flit to his parents, who are visibly moved, their faces etched with pride and joy. They offer him an encouraging nod, their silent approval warming his heart. The room seems to hold its breath as Christian, without further hesitation, gracefully drops to one knee before Isabella.With tender reverence, he takes her delicate hand in his, his touch sending a shiver of electricity through both of them. His eyes, pools of adoration and unwavering devotion, lock onto hers. In that moment,
Santiago bursts out laughing upon hearing his daughter's question. He knows her well, and when his in-laws asked to come, he agreed even against Susan's wishes, who thought they should give Isabella more time to adjust."Didn't I tell you?" Santiago says, watching Susan's eyes widen as she nods, then turns to her daughter to answer."You can meet them whenever you want, they're desperate to come!" She pauses to look at Santiago, who can't stop smiling. "You're right as always, Santi, they're in the car waiting, Isabella.""Dad, call them to come right now! I want to finally bring our whole real family together!" Isabella exclaimed, feeling that at last everyone was going to be happy.The emotion intensifies in Santiago's voice as he hears Isabella's words. He feels overwhelming happiness seeing his daughter's desire to bring their whole real family together. Without wasting time, he takes out his phone and calls his in-laws, telling them to enter the estate
Santiago is in a state of indescribable happiness seeing the woman he has loved all his life and knowing that she is the mother of his only and beloved daughter. The joy he feels is so overwhelming that it's difficult for him to express it in words.As he observes Susan, his heart fills with gratitude and amazement. Every familiar feature on her face reminds him of the shared moments and experiences they've had together. The emotion completely envelops him as he sees them finally together, making him feel as if he were in a dream come true.The smile on Santiago's face is radiant, his eyes shining with pure and sincere happiness. He can't help but feel a deep connection with Susan, knowing that together they have created the most precious gift of their lives: Isabella. The realisation that their love has borne such wonderful fruit fills him with immense joy."Dad, could you get me a glass of water, please?" Isabella calls him, smiling as she sees how his e
Isabella looks at her father, whose face is lit up with happiness. And she knows, her father will finally be very happy with the love of his life. She can't help but smile seeing him like this. And she knows he's waiting for her to finally accept Susan, which is why he confessed this to her."My real mother did that for me without even knowing me?" she now asks emotionally, feeling that it's true, she has a mother who loves her and was willing to risk her life to save hers."Yes, my daughter!" Santiago answers, letting tears roll freely down his cheeks without hiding them. "Your real mum is very good, she's the kindest and noblest person I've ever known in my life! You look a lot like her, Bella. Now she's there in the car, waiting for you to receive her. Do you want to meet her, Bella?""Of course, Dad! I'm overjoyed to know that I'm not the daughter of such an evil woman as Eva!" she exclaims, feeling the urge to see the person who brought her into the world."
After saying this, Grandpa leaves towards the garden. Marta moves forward to take all the tests that Isabella still has on her lap, reviews them unable to believe it's all real, then turns to Isabella and says:"Bella, I'm impressed with your life. It's truly a soap opera. I want the rights to write it," she says enthusiastically."Ha, ha, ha... Marta, stop teasing me," Isabella plays along happily, not letting go of Christian's hand.They both laugh with Marta, who keeps insisting she's not joking. She assures them she'll write their story. She'll make an incredible novel about their lives, she's sure it will be a huge success. And although she claims she doesn't usually write this type of romantic plot, their story has everything: intrigue, secrets, betrayals, mobsters, which makes it unique."I'll write it, I swear I'll write it as soon as I finish writing this book!" she declares as everyone looks on."Do what you want," Christian and Isabella say
"The grandfather takes it, intrigued, as Marta and Tina look on curiously. He opens it and pulls out the paternity tests, which prove that Christian is the father of the children. He looks up, staring at them in disbelief. Marta, seeing his surprised expression, moves her wheelchair forward and snatches the paper from his hands. She reads it and bursts out laughing."I knew it!" she exclaims excitedly. "Lucas looked too much like Chris!""What is it?" Tina asks in sign language."Grandma, Christian is Lucas and Lucia's father! He was the one who spent the night with me at the hotel! He was the one who got me pregnant!" Bella explains."But that's not all, grandfather," Christian adds. "I remembered everything! All my memories came back!""Congratulations, Chris!" Marta shouts again, excited. "Congratulations on both things!""Many congratulations!" The grandfather hugs him.He still can't believe that Christian is the father of the children. He sep
After Isabella asks that question, looking at him with a huge expression of despair and at the same time of pain, Christian hurries to answer."No, no Bella, nobody raped you," he says firmly, still looking into Isabella's beautiful and fearful eyes. "That child you're expecting is mine.""Yours? Don't deceive me, Chris, I know very well you can't have children!" Isabella asserts."I couldn't," he affirms as he stands up again, leaving Isabella confused by his words.Christian takes another yellow envelope and returns to the bed where Isabella has sat up, intrigued. He hands her the results of the tests he had done to see if his sperm were viable, and gives them to his wife, who opens her eyes, still unable to believe it."What does this mean?" she asks as if needing to hear it."It means I was the one who got you pregnant, when you came to sleep with me those nights and that afternoon when we made love in the shower," he explains calmly and confi
Slowly, she takes out the white papers under Christian's smiling gaze. Isabella finally finishes taking everything out and sees two paternity tests, but she doesn't read them. She still doesn't understand."What does this mean? Did you find the father of my children?" she asks immediately."Yes, I found him!" Christian exclaims, unable to contain his joy in front of Isabella's gaze, who doesn't understand why he's behaving like this."Did you really find the biological father of the twins?" she asks incredulously. "Who is it?"Christian looks at her for a moment that seems eternal to Isabella. Her heart races as she considers the possible consequences this fact might have for her and her children. Now that everything seems to be going well, she doesn't want to introduce a stranger into her children's lives. Above all, she'll have to face the truth and tell them she lied when she said Christian was their father when he wasn't. That's why she doesn't understand the