Ricardo paced back and forth in the conference room. After a heated meeting with the board of directors. Ricardo was irritated with what was happening. He was angered by Rocco's sudden appearance. Especially when he was trying hard to ruin him. Rocco had the guts to approach men who didn't supply diamonds to him“Chill man, I'm sure we can solve this… I already informed Marcus about this,” Camillo said assuredly. It was funny to watch Ricardo being all worked up. Yes, Rocco was trying to provoke him, but they were other ways to deal with this“He wants to die,” Ricardo muttered and stopped pacing, rage flashed in his eyes as he rested, he bent down a little and rested his hands on the table. Camillo saw a predator seeking its prey.“Whatever it is…don't give him the pleasure to destroy what you've worked hard to build … it's clear he wants you to make a mistake,” Camilo said, knowing full well, Rocco was playing dirty. He knew Ricardo had left that life of killing. Even Ricardo knew h
(Alana)“Are you certain, Alana…did he want you to work with him?” Brigitte asked while we ate lunch, I just explained to Brigitte what Rocco did, the guts he had to propose a job to me. Not just once, but a few times. It had been a week, and I was getting irritated. First, he pulled a lousy stunt by giving me that dress“He's pathetic, I wonder why he's highly praised,” I saw all the reviews about his company and work. And they were extraordinary, it seemed he was more than successful. Brigitte frowned and ate her food. We were having lunch at a reserved restaurant. After a long day of work. I was free since Ricardo didn't need me“Forget him, you are better off working with our boss…” Brigitte remarked with a smirk and stared at me questionably, like everyone else. She also suspected me of having a relationship with the boss“Don't tell me you think, I'm so loose,” it was hard to say anything when all the employees kept talking behind my back about going out with the boss. Only if t
Alana concentrated on bandaging Ricardo's hand. She could feel his intense gaze on her. The penetrating stare piercing through her soulHer heart raced even more. How she wanted to stop breathing because she could feel her heart thumping loudly. As soon as she was satisfied with her work. She glanced up, only to catch Ricardo staring at her. He averted his eyes awkwardly and pretended to be looking out the window“It's done now, next time be careful,” she whispered and discarded the used cotton. Ricardo nodded and stared at his hand“It's nothing, you didn't have to,” the wound was small, yes he was careless, but he was used to such things“I guess dinner is canceled, are you sure they won't be upset… We didn't go?” Alana asked staring at Ricardo, he shook his head hesitantly “I told Marcela, I'm unwell… I'm certain she won't mind” he muttered and silence fell between them. Alana didn't know why he hugged her earlier, he was acting strange and sitting on the bed so close to him didn'
(Alana)Ricardo had a blank expression on his face, he too seemed stunned by what just happened. I wanted to look away, knowing the image before I would forever haunt me. Unfortunately, my brain swarmed with thoughts.“You should excuse me… I need to shower,” Ricardo's low voice slapped me back to my senses, only to realize I was staring at him shamelessly. He seemed to have realized that too because he grabbed a white towel nearby. And slowly but surely wrapped it around his lower part “Please,” he muttered again, and I was agitated “I'm… I'm so…sorry… I didn't mean,” I regained my wits and turned away from Ricardo. Ricardo quickly rushed out of the bathroom before slamming the door shut. I didn't understand why I entered the bathroom without knocking. It wasn't my room. I should have knocked“Oh gosh, Alana…now what,” I scolded myself and sat on the bed. But then again I rose to my feet. I could feel my stomach twisting from being nervous. It felt awkward; hence I decided to leave
(Alana)I stared at Rocco sipping on water. His expression was bright, as if he were happy to see me. I took time from my busy schedule to see him. He chose the restaurant and I obliged“So, you came to talk to me about your husband?” Rocco asked sarcastically and placed the glass on the table. His eyes narrowed coldly as he looked at me. I didn't care what he thought, I had an agenda for seeking to meet him.“Whatever it is, stop it now…is this about hurting him or what?” I asked, trying to understand why Rocco was hell-bent on causing Ricardo so much pain. Rocco shifted in his chair a little and stared at me blankly“Little angel, I want you to work for me… I'm not concerned about your husband….” He simply said and crossed his arms over his chest, the mischievousness in his eyes didn't sit well with me. He was a shrewd man. It wasn't hard to under him because he said his opinions openly“I'm a married woman…if you are an honest man… you wouldn't do anything to ruin my reputation," I
Ricardo stirred in his sleep due to the noise of a blow-dryer, his body felt tense, he tried shifting, but he failed. His eyes flickered open. He shifted a little until he was lying On his side, the deafening sound made him feel frustrated. Why would someone make so much noise in the morning? His sleepy eyes darted around the room until they stopped on a blurry image of someone sitting in front of the dressing mirror.Blinking a few times to regain his senses, Ricardo prompted on his elbows. His eyes greatly fixed on the woman. She was drying her hair, and Ricardo couldn't look away. He was angry, yes, that Alana interrupted his sleep, but what was she doing?He tried to look away, but he couldn't, she was only wearing a white towel exposing her slender legs. Her arms were exposed, and her hair was pushed to one inside, showing her neck. Ricardo lowered his gaze awkwardly And climbed off the bed, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. It was hot right, he chuckled silently, he
(Alana)“Here, it's a bit cold…have some coffee,” Felix said and placed a coffee mug on the desk. I glanced at him and nodded with a smile.“Thanks, Felix… you should get going now,” I said with a smile, hoping he wouldn't bother with me. It was late, I asked Dennis to let me stay for a bit longer, and he agreed. Felix suggested staying as well. I saw how he was glancing at his watch now and then.“No, I can't leave you here… I'll drive you home once you are done,” he said with a grin and sat down across my desk. I didn't want that. I could see he had somewhere to go.“That won't be necessary, I'll take a long time…you should leave I'm sure you have somewhere to go,” it was best he left, I didn't want him driving me home and seeing where I lived. Felix seemed to have understood my point, he was hesitant, but when he glanced at his watch one more time. He agreed.“Fine, but if you need a ride…just call me, and please don't stay for long…” he said, shoving the hot coffee mug to me and I
When Alana woke up the next morning, she was surprised to find herself in bed. She looked around and found the room empty, and she was lying in Ricardo's bed. Pushing herself up, she ran her hands through her hair. Trying certainly to recall anything. “How did I get here?” She muttered and slowly climbed out of bed, she scanned herself, and she was wearing her nightgown…strange as it was, Alana wondered who changed her. The thought of Ricardo doing it made her hug herself in fear. Suddenly, the door opened, startling Alana, thinking it was Ricardo. But to her relief, it was Mrs. Marks who came in carrying a tray.“Good morning madam, it's good you are awake… I brought breakfast," Mrs. Marks said with a smile and walked to the sitting area. A confused Alana was disturbed. She scanned the tray Mrs. Marks came with and there was a heavy breakfast. “Mrs. Marks, this wasn't necessary," Alana said, wondering why Mrs. Marks was treating her like a special person. Mrs. Marks grinned and dr
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