(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 arrived at the office, she found everyone busy, and she was informed Ricardo had visitors. Hence, she took some files and some coffee to Brigitte.“You look tired, are you sure you slept fine,” Alana asked with a chuckle and handed Brigitte a cup of coffee. Brigitte let out an exhalation and took the coffee.“Well, when you stay up all night nursing an old drunk man,” Brigitte said with a frown and slammed a file on the desk, Alana chuckled and took a seat. Brigitte was indeed tired, she had dark circles around her eyes.“Well, just admit it… you want that man, he's handsome you know,” Alana remarked with a sly grin and Brigitte rolled her eyes in annoyance. “No, he's a fool… tell me is the boss done, I saw Rocco and his men rush in,” Brigitte said while flipping pages of the file Alana delivered. “I didn't see…what is he doing here?” When she came she went straight to her office, surprisingly, Felix was avoiding her. “I'm sure something is up…how on earth do you explain? Roc
Everyone was shocked, Brigitte was the most shocked. She followed Ricardo to the hospital, and so did Camilo. Alana was in critical condition. Ricardo kept yelling at the doctors to do their jobs correctly, or they would face his wrath.Brigitte felt guilty, she didn't know what to do besides to pace in the waiting room. Camilo entered the private waiting room and Brigitte stopped.“Did you give her anything?” Camilo walked up to her and asked coldly, she stared at him in disbelief. How could he ask her such a question? She considered Alana her friend. Why would she do anything to harm her?“So you knew about this…why didn't you tell me,” Brigitte asked, ignoring his question completely. She wanted to know if Camilo was aware that Alana was Ricardo's wife.“Does it matter…she's his wife,” Camilo scoffed and walked right past her. Brigitte was furious as she turned around to look at him.“You two are just the same…this is what you do huh…she's his wife, but he treats her like a strange
Ricardo was certain, Alana getting sick wasn't a coincidence. He asked Mrs. Marks back home if Alana ate anything bad or had said anything about getting sick. And Mrs. Marks explained everything which transpired before she left. The doctor told him, it was either food poisoning or she ate something she was deathly allergic to. All of it led to her fellow employees. He called three of them to his office. They knew any better than to lie to him.Brigitte was relieved to hear what happened wasn't her fault. Ms hart who normally baked pies for her fellow employees had stated exactly what happened.It turned out the supervisor was busy making the pies; hence she entrusted Eva with the task. Eva admitted to making the pie and adding peanuts. But she defended herself and said it wasn't intentional. That she had no idea that Alana was allergic. “It's not my fault, okay… I didn't know she was allergic to peanuts,” Eva said defensively, she only told the boss what happened. Brigitte was busy
Alana pouted cutely and ate her soup peacefully. In actual reality, she was trying to avoid Brigitte's angry stare. Of course, Brigitte wasn't happy as she waited for Alana to speak up.“So, aren't you going to explain why…you lied to me,” Brigitte finally spoke and Alana licked her lips for a while and glanced up with an innocent facial expression? “Well, it wasn't a big deal,” Alana muttered more like to herself and Brigitte frowned even more.“He's your husband, and you didn't bother to tell me… Alana, I thought you considered me as your friend,” Brigitte lashed out and turned away from Alana, “Seriously, I didn't think it was necessary… and well, I was at peace working there without anyone knowing I'm his wife,” Alana replied hesitantly, Brigitte came to the house to see her after a few days of getting out of the hospital. She didn't stop scolding her for not telling her the truth about being married to Ricardo.“Everyone including me thought you were having an affair with the b
Alana fixed her eyes on Ricardo. He was hesitating. She wanted to know why he did it and saw his blank expression. She guessed he was due to an impulse or something. “Mrs. Romero, are you perhaps expecting a certain answer from me?” Ricardo asked, narrowing his eyes shrewdly, he didn't move but kept his questionable gaze on Alana. She seemed stunned by his reply, but Alana wanted to know.“You didn't answer the question… I'm sure there has to be a reason for you, to break the rule you made,” Alana replied with a mischievous smirk and slowly held the edge of the bed hard enough to push herself up. Until she was on her feet. Ricardo stared at her for a while, then cleared his throat.“It's not a big deal…you are married to me…and if I decided to let everyone know…then why should I explain,” he whispered, leaning down to her, compared to him. Ricardo was a little taller, just seeing how he was towering over her. Alana bit her lower lip awkwardly and tried to move, but she had no way to
"It's just a three-month contract, you'll work for me for three months," Rocco said and placed a file on the desk and half sat near Alana. She adjusted her skirt and shifted a little away from him."What exactly will you achieve huh?" Alana asked, wanting to know what exactly was his problem. Rocco let out a chuckle as his lips quivered upwards."I want you Alana…just say yes to being my wife and I promise to give you everything you desire," he muttered softly looking straight into her eyes. Alana felt uncomfortable under his gaze, hence she averted her eyes from himAfter he forced her to have breakfast with him. He brought her to the headquarters and gave her a tour of the place."I'm a married woman, is it too hard to understand," she only said yes to him because she wanted to protect Ricardo and his company from getting ruined by Rocco. The man was so shameless as to openly say something so shameful. "What do you know about him?" Rocco asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously and
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