I remained silent, as I felt that he was right in what he said. That shouldn't have happened in a closed place where they ask for so many IDs to enter; I'm not going to argue with him about that. Better to leave it like this and let my boss fix it. We reached our destination.
"I don't know if I'll be able to make the presentation, miss. I'm so angry and unfocused that I won't be able to." Christian tells me, visibly angry.
"Calm down, sir. If you allow me, I can do it and you can help me." I offer myself determined that because of me the work will be affected.
"Do you? Do you believe you can?" he asks concerned and I understand. After all, I have just started working.
"Yes, sir. I already explained to you that this was my job in France. Give me all the papers and c
I don't know what to think, everything is so confusing and at the same time so familiar between us. It's as if we were old friends or acquaintances. But as far as I remember, apart from Marta, I never had another friend."Oh, how sad! But you can find another woman, sir!" I respond, trying to concentrate on the conversation."At the moment, I prefer not to think about it. And you, did you remarry after Luis?" And I see that my questions opened the door for you to ask me about my life."No, sir, but I have two children." I answer as honestly as he did."From Luis? Didn't you say your marriage was a lie?" I see that my boss does not forget what I tell him. Despite his illness."No, they are not Luis's!” God forbid, I think. “ A night of spite and madness, sir!"I don't know why I'm telling my boss this right now. It must be because I feel that I must sincerely correspond to his story. He stares at me as if he can't believe what I
I almost laugh when I see how furious she is. I'm sure that if she had Luis in front of her right now, he would have a worse time than he did with me. That's why I hurry to tell her everything, or she is capable of going to look for him to settle accounts."No, it wasn't that. I just didn't have the chance to respond. Because my boss appeared at that moment and whisked me away." I tell her, without ceasing to move forward. "I was fine until later, when I went down to sign the contract at human resources. When I came out, he was waiting for me in the elevator hallway. He cornered me against the wall and squeezed my face so hard; look at the marks on my face."She looks at me with a mix of pity and fury. During my stay in Paris she forced me to learn self-defense, so that I could defend myself when something like what happened to me today."And what did you do, Bella? Didn't you defend yourself? Why didn't you ask for help if you were afraid of him?""I
I know that right now my friend's imagination is running wild imagining a thousand scenarios. I'm not going to deny it, I'm also very impressed with my boss's story."Yes, he says he saved a child who ran into the street and got hit by a car. He was in a coma for a year! When he woke up, he couldn't remember anyone. Not even his family! He recognises them from photos but has no recollection of his life with them before the accident," I reveal, still shocked by this terrifying revelation."Terrible!" She exclaims. "I can't imagine living without any memories!""That's why I can't abandon him. Even though I have to face Luis every day. But I don't want Grandpa to find out. Because I suspect the bankruptcy my boss mentioned relates to the transport company Luis's parents' business. It is my grandfather's work" It's true, I believe it. I remember how furious he was when he saw my face all bruised from the blows Luis had given me.Although I didn't a
I can see that Marta is really happy about her achievement. She immediately informs me that the job is with a French company. The same one we were looking at yesterday and she asked me to help her translate the ad into French."Of course. What happened? Is that the one? What role is it for?" I fill her with questions, happy for her, and at the same time worried that she's been cheated. I should have gone with her, I think."An Illustrator! Can you believe it?" she exclaims, brimming with excitement. "This company specialises in marketing. They are expanding to France and needed a native French speaker. And who is a native of France? Me! Ha, ha, ha... I called them, and they immediately invited me for an interview. Grandpa drove me there, and they accepted me on the spot when they learned about my work experience and qualifications."I can't believe she was so lucky. We hugged each other jumping up and down and laughing happily that she was accepted into a
I walked away, glancing at Isabella in the rearview mirror as she watched me depart. That girl is perceptive, opening up to me like that. So, a wild night? She doesn't strike me as the type to have a fling with a stranger. She mentioned she's not married; what led her to make such a decision? "A night of recklessness and madness." Those were her words.I continued towards my house on the outskirts. As I passed the doorman, he informed me of a visitor. Who could it be? Two cars were parked in my driveway; one I recognised as my parents'. The other remained a mystery. Resigned, I anticipated another challenging encounter with them.Unlocking the door with my keys, I headed towards the voices coming from the terrace adjacent to the dining room. My tension spiked when I identified the guests. It was my parents, accompanied by Adele, who approached me eagerly, attempting a kiss as a greeting. I sidestepped her advance, avoiding her attempt to cling to my arm.
I look around the room at the faces of my family. They all look so worried and concerned. I know they want to help me, but I don't think they can. This is something I have to figure out on my own."Don't behave like that, Rafael," My father interjected and spoke to Adele's father. "Let's give it a bit more time, as they agreed. We can continue working together as before. You need to understand.""I won't let my daughter linger without hope any longer. If Christian don't make a decision within a year, I'll consider the engagement terminated. Come, Adele." He says firmly.I smiled openly, it's just what I wanted to hear. I am determined to end this farce and the persecution they have with me to force me to declare Adele my fiancée, so hearing her father say that I immediately added."The engagement is over; there's no need to wait a year, Mr. Rafael," I asserted firmly and assuredly to dispel any doubts. "Adele is free to pursue any relationship
"Alright, let's put an end to this," Dad interjected, gesturing for Mum to cease speaking. "But son, you're excelling in your company, which suggests you could return to ours and even assume control alongside your sister.""Dad, that's not on the cards for now." I rush to stop him in his attempt to get me to return to work for him."Son, you need to come back to your family, to your life." He insists, I know he's saying it because he thinks it's best for me, but I refuse."I'll only do so when I feel the time is right, not now, alright?” I answer and change the subject immediately. “ How long do you plan to stay here?""One week. Don't fret, we won't encroach on your space; we'll lodge in a hotel in the city centre. This place is too far. Have you considered purchasing a flat closer to your workplace?" My father again wants to interfere as usual in my decisions."I like it here. The commute doesn't bother me. It feels familiar, and I enjoy the drive each day." I explain, trying to mak
Eva was taken aback. It was the first time Santiago had threatened her with divorce, and that couldn't be a positive sign. Dr. Alfonso undoubtedly had something to do with this, she was sure. Santiago was beginning to realise what she had been doing to him for years, she reflected. However, his recovery was rapid. She concealed her embarrassment behind a hypocritical smile that barely touched her lips."Don't be like that. I'm sorry for what I said before. You know that if she doesn't love me, I don't love her either. But that doesn't mean I wish her harm. It wasn't today, it was yesterday when I saw her. She appeared to be emaciated, although not entirely bad," Santiago explained. Santiago sank into the chair slowly, his gaze fixed on Eva. Something was being concealed, he sensed it, and was determined to uncover it. He vowed to rise early and visit the doctor without delay; he promised himself not to let any more time pass before seeing his mother and daughter. Yet, a nagging conc
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