Keeping his distance, Christian watched the girl intently as she peered around anxiously. Soon an irritated man strode over, barely acknowledging her before grabbing her case and striding off without a backward glance. The girl trailed dutifully after him, still clutching her ticket distractedly. In the next queue, Christian noticed the blonde woman from the hotel also checking in solo. Her eyes met the other man's briefly in apparent recognition. Yet he seemed oblivious, focused only on his boarding pass.Christian observed it all closely as they boarded. The couple took seats in First Class whilst he and the blonde woman were seated in Economy. Next to the wide-eyed girl was an empty seat. As the lights dimmed, Christian understood why as the man slipped into it nonchalantly. Unable to resist, Christian made his way forward to glimpse inside the First Class cabin. Curled up asleep with a book lay the man's new wife, looking so sweet and innocent. It was his first view of the woma
Upon returning home, Adele's first move was contacting James' younger sister Christie. Only a year apart, the girls had been friends though Christie was far more astute than her appearance suggested. Adele knew securing her blessing was essential to ensnaring James. Dialling a number, she adopted her sweetest tone. "Hello Christie, it's Adele! I wondered if you fancied meeting up?" "Hi Adele! Funny you called actually. I'm just shopping if you'd like to join me for a coffee?" Christie responded brightly. "Wonderful! See you shortly," Adele smiled before turning to the naked man lounging on her bed expectantly. "I must go. The hunt begins!" He raised an eyebrow sardonically. "So soon? You must succeed this time I take it?" Adele laughed throatily. "Oh yes! Daddy is getting quite impatient, so from now on, I must play the blushing virgin convincingly!" Her lover snorted inelegantly. "You? A blushing virgin? That will take some acting!" Adele swatted him playfully. "Hush you! B
Isabella awoke with a start to see her grandparents arriving. Jumping up, she hugged them warmly. "I didn't expect you tonight Grandfather! You really mustn't drive so late." Her grandfather chuckled indulgently. "Well your grandmother has been cooking up a storm again, convinced you girls are being starved here!" Isabella laughed, circling her grandmother affectionately. "Please don't fuss Mima! We eat very well, just tired from studying. Marta and I hope to win that prestigious publishing internship." Marta stepped forward, blushing as Mr. Sardino embraced her. "It's true Sir," she admitted shyly. "We work very hard." Mr. Sardino studied both girls fondly. "You do look pale and drawn," he mused worriedly. "Very well, no more late night revision then! Now come, Mima wants to feed you both up..." The two girls exchanged rueful smiles. Mr. Sardino was very protective, investigating everyone in Isabella's circle thoroughly. But he approved of studious, gentle Marta and treated
Christian was the eldest son of a wealthy, eminent family, with a beloved sister just eighteen months his junior. The pair were the closest of allies, not just siblings, but friends and confidantes too.So Christie greeted her brother joyfully that day, leaping into his arms despite their brief separation. Laughing, Christian caught her exuberant embrace."Get down now Christie!" he scolded without heat, swatting her affectionately. Still she smothered him in kisses until finally releasing her hold."Well?" she demanded eagerly. "Did you succeed?"Christian sighed heavily. "I arrived too late. She's wed another." Christie gasped. "What?! But you were with her!" "I followed the honeymoon trip," Christian admitted. Seeing his sister's astonished expression, he added defensively, "I wanted to be sure I'd really lost her and that she was content.""And is she?" Christie asked gently. "With that beast?"Christian had
Meanwhile in Paris, some time earlier… Isabella sat motionless, eyes downcast, watching her grandfather's shoes pace relentlessly before her in the hospital ward. One question echoed through her shocked mind, how could this happen? Finally his polished Oxfords halted a metre away. Santiago's voice was strained with the effort to remain calm. "Tell me Isabella, was it love? Or hate? Explain what drove you to such an action."Numbed, she raised her head slowly. His expression mingled disappointment with frustrated incomprehension. Isabella's thoughtsThree months had passed since that night when I gave myself to a stranger!Three months of disappearing!Three months in which I became someone else!Free, determined, joyful. In that, little by little, my dreams were beginning to come true. And here I am, in front of my grandfather's inquisitive gaze.“Answer me, Bella.” He insists. “ But, first think very well, wha
Bella was left reflecting on everything that happened, until she saw her grandfather enter with a nurse, who took the serum and said that she could leave. Noticing her grandfather very quiet."How are you feeling Bella?" Mr. Sardino asked softly."Grandpa, I'm sorry I fainted. I didn't mean to scare you." he replied, sitting down."Come on, we have to go." she said, helping her granddaughter.So they did, but instead of leaving the hospital, she walks hand in hand with her grandfather until she finds a solitary place and that's when he sends her to sit down and begins to walk in front of her, until he tells her the terrible news."You are pregnant!"Then they return to their apartment, where their grandmother is anxiously awaiting them when she hears what has happened. When she sees her, she asks her how she is feeling. She tells her not to worry, that she's fine. But her grandfather sends her to sit in the livi
Her grandfather was very excited and expressed his joy with a big smile. Grandma hugged and kissed her in the same way. Then they hugged each other. Isabella smiled nervously, but seeing them so excited, she began to feel excited about the news of her twins as well. Although she was still terrified of the responsibility it meant. “We're done,” the doctor announced. “Would you prefer to continue with me or do you have another doctor?” “We will continue with you, if possible,” replied Grandfather as they left the room together. Isabella got dressed, still frightened. One child already filled her with fear, but the thought of having two terrified her even more. If one was already enough to fill her with fear, two made her feel terrified! She was a single mother of two children - two children! The echo of those words resonated in her head as she did the things the doctor told her to do. Finally, she sat down in front of the doctor, who was writing
There they went, Isabella, accompanied by her grandparents, following the nurse who led them to a room. A beautiful doctor greeted them with a smile. Isabella watched everything with trepidation. Only once had she gone to the gynaecologist with her grandmother, and at that time it was to accompany her. Now, it all seemed terrifying to her. She took a seat in the chair her grandfather indicated. Her grandmother sat in the chair next to her, while her grandfather sat between the two of them. “Good morning, who is the patient?” asked the doctor kindly, looking at Isabella's grandmother. It was unusual for grandparents to accompany their granddaughter; usually, it was the other way around. Then Isabella raised her hand. “Me, doctor,” she answered. “You?” asked the doctor, half astonished. Perhaps she had gotten the idea that she would be attending to the grandmother and that would be the reason for their presence. Isabella smiled shyly, feeling the blush rise to
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