Alana smiled faintly once she settled down, and Joslyn stared at her with a surprised expression. “What? I thought you knew?” Alana said as her smile doubled. It was unfortunate that Joslyn had to walk in on her kissing Ricardo. Not what she planned, but things were happening so fast.“No, I mean, I didn't know…he's your husband?” Joslyn said in pure shock while sipping on some wine to cool off. Both had been friends for a long time. They were three, and Alana was closer to her friend Nia. However, her parents were always strict with her. “Well, he's the one…thanks for last time…you saved him,” Alana remarked sincerely, she and Ricardo fought that night and Joslyn saved him from driving while drunk. “It's nothing… I didn't know he was married, and the wife turned out to be you,” Joslyn was still in a daze. After she found the two in a passionate moment. Alana introduced Joslyn to Ricardo and decided to have lunch with her at a nearby restaurant. “It's good to see you happy…he seem
The water was warm, and immediately Alana was lowered into the tub with bubbling water. She bit her lower lip as her eyes closed. Her wound stung a little, it was the worst ever. However, what was worse was having Ricardo in the room?Ricardo stared at Alana's back, her skin was flawless. He noticed she had a birthmark near her left ear. This was wrong, he wasn't supposed to look; hence he closed his eyes right away.“I said I can handle this, there's no need,” she felt uncomfortable having Ricardo bathing her. She wasn't a child, and she certainly didn't want him to bathe her.“You can take care of yourself…and I'm not looking,” Ricardo muttered and tightened his eyes shut. Whatever it was, he had no idea how he was going to do this. He was already holding the soap and the soft sponge for her body. Alana closed her eyes and graced herself to endure the humiliation. He started by tying her hair in a bun. Alana couldn't ignore his long fingers brushing on her skin. He was careful, she
(Alana)The first thing I did when morning came was preparing myself for a busy day. With Rocco calling me nonstop. I knew I was going to be busy for the rest of the day.“It's the VFL magazine…and I want our company to be on the front page,” Rocco said as he slammed one of the files on the desk and glanced at everyone's presence in the room. I was sitting beside Rocco. The other employees present nodded, and I saw how happy they were. The same magazine was the one Ricardo's company was preparing for.“Sir…this is our chance to prove our worth…and we need to hire a top model for the job,” the chief supervisor and manager Claude said. She was one of those classy women, and she didn't like me very much.“Yes sir, this is important to us as the top fashion agency…and I'm sure the spot is ours,” another one chimed in. I noticed, Rocco had a lot more female employees than men. “Ms Mendoza…what do you propose," Rocco said, startling me from my trail of thoughts. Everyone turned to look at
“Ha, so sad… I thought it would be you…but who knows the boss's wife was chosen instead,” Eva said with a lazy yawn as soon as she entered the room, Joslyn was checking out some exquisite designs in the vault. Joslyn didn't bother as she continued talking to Brigitte, who was busy showing her.“Isn't it lovely, of course, she got the part… She's the boss's wife, after all…she's privileged,” Eva added as she stood beside Joslyn and touched the gold necklace Joslyn was holding. Her cat-like eyes met with Joslyn's while Brigitte stared daggers at her.“Eva, what's this, huh…you can't go a day without causing trouble,” Brigitte said, sounding irritated. Evan ignored her and picked up another necklace. This one was silver and had a diamond ring attached.“Ha, Bri…it's the truth, Joslyn was hired as our company model…she's beautiful and liked by millions of people out there,” Eva started saying as her sharp gaze darted around the room and fell on Brigitte. Her smile doubled as she tossed th
(Alana)Madam, madam…it's time,” I could hear a woman's voice calling out to me, unfortunately, I was too tired to lift a finger.“Go away,” I moaned and covered my head with a pillow. I would rather not wake up. My body was in complete agony that all I wanted was to sleep without any disturbances.“Madam, we will be late. It's time for the shoot,” the same woman said, this time she sounded as if she was taking things holding plastics judging by the noise.“Shoot?” I jerked up in fright when she mentioned the shoot. I sat up and glanced up only to find the woman staring at me with a smile.I forgot about the shoot. The woman led me out of my bedroom and kept telling me what was needed. Of course, I was nervous, especially when I recalled what happened the previous day when Ricardo and I went out for lunch.The mansion was huge, to be honest, I did explore all of it. The side where we were going was unfamiliar to me. It was beautiful and showed the back rear of the mansion. The gloriou
Ricardo went crazy when he found out the servants were careless enough to leave the oil on the stairs.“Sir…we cleaned the house just like every time,”“There…there was no oil on the stairs,” the servants said, defending themselves. They cleaned the house.“Sir… I can assure you they did a great job… I don't know how the oil got there,” Mrs. Marks said, lowering her gaze. Her boss was angry, it was scary to deal with him in such a situation.“So, all of you are telling me…the oil got there itself…” Ricardo asked sarcastically, he hired pathetic servants. He didn't even know why he was bothering them.“P-ease sir…we…”“You are all fired!” Ricardo growled out, scaring the living daylight out of the servants. Other than Mrs. Marks, the rest dropped to their knees begging him. Their job was the source of their income. If their boss fired them, then they would suffer“Ricky, calm down… I'm sure there's a powerful explanation," Camilo said, trying to calm Ricardo. “Their job is to make sur
(Alana)“Are you shy?” Ricardo's deep voice broke my trail of thoughts and I glanced up at him. The sizzling cold water caressed the bare skin that only his warm hands on me seemed to be the key source of heat.“N-no,” I muttered, shaking my head lightly. Both of us were supposed to be posing as the photographer was taking pictures of us in the water. Ricardo held me by the waist, while his other hand pressed on my back, holding me firmly. “Alana, do I make you uncomfortable,” he whispered while looking at me with a questionable gaze. I didn't understand why we were having this hushed conversation. My brain was screaming to run away before something happened. But I was trapped. The waves of the ocean gave a melodic sound which echoed in my ears, making a sweet rhythmic canopy.“You don't… I…” I tried to explain, but unfortunately, I couldn't voice out anything. There was a glimmer of amusement in Ricardo's eyes. A smile threatened to resurface on his face, but he seemed controlling h
(Alana)I helped Ricardo serve dinner. It was just the two of us. We sat in the lounge and he turned the TV on. We sat on the same couch and chatted while we ate."What movie is it," I asked while stuffing my face with more pasta. It was raining heavily, so I asked him if we could watch a movie."No idea…just chose the first one," he replied nonchalantly and the room was just utter silence, only the sound of thunder roaring could be heard. Even swallowing was audible.My eyes were fixed on the large flat-screen TV. The movie was about a single mother and the owner of the bank. Her husband divorced her and left her with a three year old little girl. The bank owner loved her but she didn't. Understood she was getting hurt for the second time."Do you think she should accept him?" I asked Ricardo, he seemed startled. He was probably into the movie as well."She doesn't like him, why lead him on," Ricardo replied, surprising Alana. It seemed he didn't understand feelings at all."But she
Alana and Ricardo snuggled in bed together, despite the doctor telling Ricardo to go to his room. He refused and wanted to be beside his wife. Alana was happy to be in the man's arms.“But it was untraceable…” Alana said with a frown. She was still confused about how Ricardo and the doctor managed to know exactly the poison Rocco used on Santiago. “We did a few tests, and apparently, he was injected with succinylcholine. It's a paralyzing agent that can cause respiratory arrest and is quite difficult to detect,” The elderly doctor explained while Ricardo nodded. “It's acquired through a black market…it's illegal and quite difficult to get the current,” Ricardo chimed in as well, and Alana was stunned. “I had Dario and Dennis watching Rocco. He met with some men who provided him with it,” Ricardo added, and Alana now understood everything. It seemed Ricardo knew something was wrong. She held on to him, knowing she was so lucky to have him.“We had the team male neostigmine, which rev
Ricardo slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the harsh hospital lights. The throbbing pain in his body intensified as he tried to sit up, only to be met with a firm hand pushing him back down. Startled, he turned his head to see Marcus standing by his bedside, a look of concern etched on his face.“Lie down, Ricardo. You're badly hurt,” Marcus urged, his voice filled with worry. Confusion clouded Ricardo's mind as he tried to piece together what had happened. Why was he in a hospital bed? And why was Marcus here? Then, like a bolt of lightning, a memory flashed in his mind, and he jolted upright, ignoring the protests of his body.“Alana! Where is she? Is she okay?” Ricardo's voice trembled with fear as he frantically looked around the room, his heart pounding in his chest. Before Marcus could respond, Ricardo swung his legs over the side of the bed and attempted to stand, his body protesting with every movement. Ignoring the pain, he staggered towards the door, determination in h
“You're shameless, forcing a woman to be with you,” Alana was in disbelief. By now, Rocco was only in his boxes. Threatening to have his way with her.“I've always loved you, Alana. I've always cared about you and wanted nothing but to give you the world!” Rocco made a low yell, the fact that he fancied her since the first day he set his eyes on her hurt him.“I'm a married woman!”“And I'm a man who deeply loves you…what does he have huh…what does Ricardo have that I don't…” he questioned. This time, his voice was low and held emotions. "I have money just like him, good looks, you name it…but he's nothing but a criminal!” “You're insane Rocco, you need help,” Alana refused to give in, despite how sorry she felt for him. She wouldn't forget that he poisoned a child.“I'm insane because I love You, you're the first woman who makes me feel this way…Alana please give me a chance,” Rocco's voice softened, he was nearly begging her to love him.“I don't love you… I love my husband…”“He's
At the sight of Ricardo. Rocco lost it as he grabbed Alana by the hair and pointed a gun to her head. Ricardo's eyes widened in horror as he watched Rocco grab Alana by the hair and point a gun to her head. The guests gasped in unison, and their faces pale with fear.“Let her go this instant!” Ricardo growled as he took a step forward. Several guards rushed forward and surrounded him with guns pointing at him. “Let my wife go Rocco!”“Oh, shut up Ricardo…no one wants you here,” Rocco said lazily as he gripped Alana's hair even more tightly. The cold weapon connected to her skull frightened her.“You're courting death!” Ricardo snapped, taking a step forward. His fists clenched at his sides, his eyes blazing with anger. But before he could take another step, many guards rushed forward, surrounding him with guns pointed at him. “Hold it right there, Ricardo,” one of them warned. Rocco sneered, his grip on Alana's hair tightening. “Oh, shut up, Ricardo. No one wants you here.” Rocco re
Rocco was in the master bedroom humming to a tune as he selected a tuxedo to wear. He couldn't hide his happiness. The room was filled with several boxes, and all were custom-made tuxedos specifically shipped for his wedding. The door creaked open without his realization, and it was Stacey who walked in.“Oh for goodness's sake…. Is this charade even necessary,” Stacey scoffed as she jumped over a box, careful enough not to hurt himself. Rocco heard her, but he was too overjoyed to pay her any attention. “You're really enjoying this, aren't you?” Stacey said with a smirk as she came to stand beside Rocco. He threw her a lazy glance and continued humming to a romantic tune.“Nothing will ruin my day, except a witch, like you,” Rocco retorted mockingly, Stacey rolled her eyes in annoyance and picked up a white tuxedo.“You should thank this witch for coming up with a brilliant idea to separate Alana and Ricardo,” Stacey smirked even more while Rocco's facial expression darkened.“One m
Alana and Ricardo were stuck in an intense staring contest. Ricardo didn't dare let her go as he kept her in his grip. She seemed unhappy as she fought to keep him off her.“We are married…whatever the problem is, I'm here to solve it,” Ricardo whispered desperately. She just walked out on their marriage without any explanation. “And don't you dare say you feel nothing for me…don't,” he murmured as he leaned forward, their faces an inch from each other. Alana tore her gaze from him, her breath coming in short.“Please, babe, don't do this…” Ricardo cupped her face lovingly and tilted her back until she was facing him. Her eyes were closed shut, and when she opened them. Ricardo saw that cold gaze from the day she gave him the divorce papers.“Let me go!” She made a low yell and managed to get out of his hold. Before he could hold her, Alana pushed him away.“I don't care what you think, but it's over between us…” she slowly walked to the sitting area and leaned on it. “Leave me alone
Alana stood by the window, her stunning red dress shimmering in the light. The strapless gown hugged her curves, showcasing her bare back and thigh through a daring slit. Her hair was sleekly pinned up, and diamond jewelry sparkled around her neck and ears. As she gazed out at the city lights, the cold breeze whispered across her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. Despite the chill, she exuded warmth and sophistication, a true vision of beauty at night.“Are you ready?” came a deep male voice. She didn't have to turn to know who it was. Her hands tightened on the purse she was holding. “It's our engagement at least smile,” it was Rocco who came into view, Alana was doing everything possible to keep her emotions in check. She glanced at Rocco with a stern gaze.“Rocco, stop this… I did what you asked…give me the rest of the antidote,” Alana said, her voice laced with emotions. Rocco stood beside her and shoved his hands in his pockets.“You are not entitled to make demands
Ricardo's heart raced as he parked his car in front of the hospital. He practically sprinted through the doors, his mind filled with fear and anxiety. His only child had been lying in that hospital bed unconscious and fighting for his life. The doctor's grim prognosis had shattered Ricardo's world, leaving him feeling utterly helpless.As he rushed down the sterile white hallways, he couldn't shake the feeling that the doctor was keeping something from him. How could Santiago suddenly be awake and eating when just yesterday he was on the brink of death? Ricardo's mind raced with questions, but he pushed them aside as he finally entered Santiago's room.The sight that greeted Ricardo stopped him in his tracks. There, sitting up in bed with a tray of food in front of him, was his son. Santiago looked pale and weak, but there was a spark of life in his eyes that Ricardo hadn't seen in days. Tears welled up in Ricardo's eyes as he rushed to Santiago's side, engulfing him in a tight embrac
Ricardo sat beside his son, and he held his son's hand. He watched him connect to various tubes and machines. His heart ached, and his son was always healthy, so what exactly happened to him.“Hey,” someone said from behind, Ricardo regained his senses, realizing there was another person in the room. It wasn't Alana, but Chloe. “He's going to be fine,” Chloe muttered softly as she walked closer to him. Ricardo only nodded and kept his gaze on Santiago.“We can try a different hospital… I have a friend who is a good doctor… I can ask for her help,” Chloe added when Ricardo didn't reply. The room was in utter silence. Chloe knew Ricardo was hurt. He loved Santiago more than anything. “I'll take care of that. You can leave now… I don't want my wife seeing you,” Ricardo said coldly. She knew Alana never liked Chloe. Having her around would make things awkward “Ricardo, I know I did some pretty bad things…trust me, I've changed, and I just want our old friendship back,” Chloe remarked wi