KonstantinosThe day drags on, and the damn feeling of discomfort persists. What's wrong with me? Why is the new intern occupying my thoughts in such an irritating way? I must be going crazy. I need to focus on work and put aside these senseless wanderings.Finally, the meeting is coming to an end, and my team starts to disperse. I can't let this obsession continue to dominate me. I need to concentrate on the day's tasks and not waste any more time thinking about an intern.Not only that, but I decided to leave my office for a bit and take a walk around the office. I pass by Madison's desk, who is chatting with some colleagues. My eyes look for Laura, but she's not in sight. Maybe she went to some other part of the building. Either way, that's good. I need to get rid of these thoughts that are distracting me from my responsibilities.While walking down the hallway, my secretary, Hannah, approaches with a paper in hand."Kon, here's the report you asked for. "She hands me the document.
Sofia I never thought this day would come. There he is, David, standing at the threshold of my restaurant—the same one I managed to reopen after numerous setbacks, and after he left me in ruins. It's as if the years haven't touched his skin, the same cold expression that always left me unsettled.Now he sees Saborear by Sofia, the elegant restaurant I built, flourishing in one of the city's best areas, and me, Sofia, rebuilt, renewed. He approaches the counter where I am and gestures to the chair in front of me, as if asking if he can sit. Surprised, I just nod mechanically.There's a mischievous smile on his face. His familiar red hair is tousled, and his gaze is admiring as he surveys the place, bustling with dinner guests.I confess I'm a little shaken. But not because he affects me. I don't think I ever harbored true feelings for this man. He was just good with words, saying what I needed to hear at the time."Hello, beautiful Sofia," David finally says. "Look at this place! It's
Sofia My days are busy, juggling being a mother, wife, and businesswoman. But I can't complain. I love every stage. I've been getting little sleep, but my energy is high. And Brandon… what can I say about this man? That he's perfect? That would be an understatement. He's my support, my safe harbor, my lover. Now that we have Aaron, our little bundle of joy, he has slowed down his work pace a bit, just to be with us more. He's a wonderful father! The best in the world! Loving, sweet. He even learned how to change diapers. He wants to be part of every moment. And he's been mentioning that he wants another baby. I confess the idea tempts me."I don't want Aaron to grow up alone. We could arrange a little brother or sister for him," he suggests, kissing my neck as I get ready to go to the restaurant.I smile and tilt my head, allowing him more access."Love! Aaron is only three months old! Isn't it too early?""And when he's six?" he insists, his hands around my waist.I burst into a lo
Sofia "The important thing is that you're safe, and Aaron too. And that this idiot doesn't show his face again. You'll have to see me. "Brandon pulls back a lock of my hair and looks tenderly into my eyes, kissing my forehead. I smile and hug him, leaning my head against his strong chest.I mentally thank him for having an understanding and supportive husband. I feel a little calmer in his arms, even if the episode with David still echoes in my mind. The restaurant, which used to be my refuge, has quickly become a battleground, and the battle isn't just in the kitchen. It's all because of endless jealousy, from an unfortunate man who doesn't know how to deal with his failure. "We'll get through this together, as we always do. "Brandon smiles at me too, trying to dispel the tension in the air.We go to the room where Aaron is asleep and watch him. He looks like an angel. Every day he looks more like his father and I love it! "I think we'll have to hire another babysitter. "I say to
Sofia Laureen, the new nanny, has been a great help. She has a knack for taking care of Aaron and is always very helpful. Beautiful and friendly, as she is often with me in the restaurant because I like to have my baby close to me, she quickly made friends with everyone there. However, Laura said there was something about her that didn't sit well with her."I don't know what it is," she said, narrowing her eyes and examining the girl rocking Aaron on the mezzanine to put him to sleep. "She's too perfect. And I don't like people who are too perfect. They always bring some trouble.""I think you're reading too much into it," I try to change the subject, not wanting to be influenced by Laura's suspicions. I have too many problems currently to look for someone else to help with my son. Besides, I really don't see anything that Laura claims to see. I see only a young woman of humble origin who needs to work and is doing her best. I hope my friend's sixth sense is wrong this time. "And how
Sofia "Unfortunately, the attack on Laureen made the restaurant a center of intense emotions," I commented to Laura, "The news of intentional poisoning shocked my team. The atmosphere is one of distrust and fear," I sigh. "I've increased security measures, and the police investigation is delving into the motives behind the targeted attack."What a mess, friend! I could say it was David, but he's still in custody, right?""Yes, although I believe he won't stay there for long.""Well, I don't completely rule him out, to be honest. He may have contacts.""At this point, I don't rule out anything. Laureen's recovery is progressing slowly," I say, holding my head in my hands. "I hope she'll be okay! Even though I know I'm not at fault and trust my staff completely, I feel responsible."Laura rubs my shoulder, trying to console me.While dividing my time between the restaurant and hospital visits, the weight of responsibility and concern for her well-being takes its toll. The resilience th
Sofia However, as the pressures at the restaurant persist, even my commitment to my promise to prioritize my relationship with Brandon begins to falter. The daily demands, unforeseen challenges and constant worries become a burden that is difficult to bear.At first, I try to keep the date nights and special moments going, but I soon realize that my intentions are being swallowed up by the demands of the restaurant. "I've been thinking. "Brandon approaches me, massaging my shoulders, while I'm in his office, examining samples of the new menu. "We could go away this weekend. You, Aaron and me. We could take Laureen to help us with the baby. "He pulls my hair, making me turn my head to the side, so he can get to my neck and nibbles on it, making me shiver. "This way we'll have a bit of time to ourselves. I bite my lip and swallow. I know my answer won't please him. "This weekend, we'll be adding the restaurant's new recipes. I need to be there, love… "I feel Brandon close his frown
BrandonSofia left for the restaurant. Since Aaron was a bit under the weather, we thought it would be better for him to stay home with me with Laureen's help. I'm in the kitchen, going through some documents, when Laureen approaches."Did Aaron manage to sleep?"I ask."Yes, but it took a while!"she smiles.The girl is pretty, communicative, and helpful. After recovering from the incident, she seemed even more dedicated to being helpful.I run my hands over my face."My God, my son's first cold! I never thought I'd be so worried! He's so uncomfortable."Laureen laughs at my reaction."It's how it goes,"she says, washing the small bottle in the sink. "My brothers used to get cranky when they were sick. It'll only last a few days. You'll see."She pauses a few steps away, thoughtful."You have such a dedicated way of taking care of him. It's admirable. You're a great father!""Thank you. "I'm just trying to do my best."The young woman moves a bit closer."Sometimes, I think you deserve
Isabella Aaron's expression turns serious as he absorbs the impact of my words. The tension between us escalates, fueled by our mutual stubbornness. "You know, Isabella," he retorts, frustration tinting his voice, "you're quick to judge without really knowing me. But I won't waste my time trying to prove something to you." I scoff, feeling a wave of anger. "Prove something? Why should I care? You're just another arrogant, spoiled man who thinks he can have whatever he wants." His eyes narrow, a flash of pain crossing his face. "You think you have me all figured out, don't you? Well, let me tell you something. There's more to me than meets the eye. And maybe, just maybe, if you took the time to look beyond your preconceived notions, you'd see that." I shake my head, unable to let go of my resentment. "I highly doubt that, Aaron. Actions speak louder than words, and so far, all I've seen is a man who thrives on power and manipulation." He takes a step closer, his voice low and inten
Meeting Aaron Reeves and Isabella FerraraIn this vibrant city, where the diverse aroma of kitchens fills the air, I, heir to the prestigious "Sabor de Sofia" restaurant chain, am constantly searching for new inspirations to maintain the exceptional culinary standard set by my mother. And then comes Isabella Ferrara, a talented and passionate chef known for her authentic and innovative restaurant called "Enchanted Gastronomy." I had heard of her before, but... damn! I had no idea she was so beautiful! Big, blue, speculative eyes. A mouth... I would pray to taste. Well-shaped, full, and in a heart shape. And the body. Oh, that body! She's not very tall, but she has curves that left me dizzy. Yes, she definitely shocked me with her appearance.Our paths crossed unexpectedly during a local culinary event, where we were invited to showcase our specialties. However, from the start, there was an antipathy between us, coming from her side. My familiarity with running a culinary empire clashe
Sofia"Good, but I have another reason for being here.""Tell me, because I'm dying to change the subject!" Laura declares, putting Aaron, still asleep, in the car seat and heading to the kitchen to get two glasses of iced tea. I follow her, leaning on the counter, as she serves us."I have a proposal for you."The girl furrows her brow and peeks at me."Proposal?""Yes. After everything that happened, I realized that my priorities were a mess! Especially after everything that happened at the restaurant. I owe a lot to my husband and son, and that needs to change.""And where do I fit into this story?"I smile, teasing, knowing that it annoys her because she's very anxious."Sofia!" she scolds, stomping her foot. "Spit it out, woman!"I laugh and speak up before the other person has a crisis in front of me."I would like you to be the manager of the restaurant.""Me?""Yes. You. My beautiful friend, whom I trust the most in this world and know will handle the job well.""But I know no
I have my lips pressed together as I observe Laura's reaction. I've just told her what we've been through in the past few days. She's motionless, her breath held, her restless eyes scanning my face as if processing the information she just received. Then she gives me a brief but tight hug and goes to the baby carrier where Aaron is peacefully asleep, picking him up and cradling him lovingly against her chest. Her eyes are now closed, and I notice a shiver running through her. "By God, Sofia! Why didn't you call me?" Her voice is deep and trembling. "I had no idea what you were going through!""I was already so scared, knowing I was at risk, with my house taken over by a battalion of police. I was terrified at the thought that David might find out somehow, and then I would never see my son again!" I run my hand over Aaron's back, who remains asleep, oblivious to everything that has happened to him. "And, to be honest, I didn't even have the mental capacity to think about anything else,
Sofia"We have to be careful. He might be armed," one of the officers cautioned the others, reminding everyone of the seriousness of the situation.Unaware of the shadow trailing him, David seemed to be searching for something in that abandoned place. Out of sight, we followed every move with bated breath, eager for any sign that Aaron and Laureen were nearby.Then, a murmur came over the police radio, indicating they had found something. The suspense heightened as we watched the team stealthily approach a rusty door. David, still lost in his thoughts, remained oblivious to the presence of the police.The door creaked open as the agents carefully opened it. The darkness inside swallowed their outlines, but their silhouettes moved with determination. A beam of light from a flashlight cut through the darkness, revealing a dirty and abandoned space."It looks like the scene of a kidnapping," one of the officers informed me."It does?" I asked, confused.Then the man's body camera reveale
SofiaThe police show us real-time images of what's happening at the location where I left the bag with the money. Hours have passed; David hasn't called again, but he hasn't gone after the money either. Both Brandon and I can't eat anything. Anguish takes over us. The worry about how our son is doing. Our little, fragile baby. I've decided that when I have him in my arms again, I'll dedicate more time to him, even if I have to hire someone to help me with the restaurant. I love what I do, but I love my family even more. It took being in this current situation for me to realize that these are my priorities. Aaron and Brandon. The two men in my life."Look!" One of the police officers calls our attention to the laptop on the kitchen counter. We approached quickly, realizing that a man, covered from head to toe, gets out of a car near the trash can where that fortune I took was. I recognize him, even if I can't see his face. The way he walks is unmistakable. It's David. He walks slowly
Brandon The minutes after that calmer moment felt somewhat suspended, as if we needed to recover from the strong wave that passed. We stayed there, embracing, my fingers tracing her back as she rested on my chest. The world outside returning to normal."Why did you mention David? Do you think they could be involved in this together?"She places her hands stacked on my chest and stares at me."Because I think it makes a lot of sense. I don't think all of this would come from her little mind.""Could they have been together from the beginning?""We'll find out. Tomorrow we're going to the police station to tell the detective in charge of our case about what we found.""Yes, we need to do that anyway. We can't let those two get away with this. - I hug her tightly once again. - We just can't let this shake our relationship.""Never, love! I trust you with my eyes closed.""I know I haven't set a good example in the past, but I trust you too. Completely." Sofia We go to the police statio
Brandon Still enveloped in the fog of sleep, I feel a gentle touch on my lips. A light kiss. Automatically, I smile, convinced it's Sofia because I catch a whiff of her perfume, finally back from her shift at the restaurant. Nights are long when she's away, and this kiss is like a relief, a temporary seal of connection broken by distance. Then, as if a fog is lifting, I realize something is off. The texture of the lips isn't quite Sofia's. And I know that mouth too well to be mistaken. Confusion takes over, and my mind, still half-asleep, tries to process this unsettling information. I open my eyes fully, and the sight that unfolds is entirely unexpected. Laureen is there, her silhouette softly illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window. My eyes widen in surprise and confusion as I reach for the bedside lamp, shocked to find the girl completely nude. My mind tries to comprehend what's happening. "Laureen?" I murmur, more to myself than to her. Her expression is a mix
BrandonSitting in the living room, I gaze at Sofia as she flips through a photo album. My wife seems engrossed in the memories captured in the images, perhaps seeking a temporary escape."Did you find any funny pictures of him?" I ask, trying to dispel the cloud of worry surrounding her.She smiles, finding a photo where Aaron is holding a stuffed toy almost his size."Look at this. It looks like he's challenging the bear to an epic battle."We laugh together, and for a moment, we feel lighter. Aaron wiggles his tiny fingers, and I feel an irresistible urge to get closer."Can I hold him for a while?" I asked, reaching out my arms.Sofia gently hands me our precious bundle, and I feel a wave of warmth and responsibility as I hold my son in my arms. It's a reminder that, despite everything, we have something valuable to protect and celebrate.SofiaI watch Brandon cradle Aaron with a tenderness that melts my heart. He's the anchor that keeps me balanced, even when waves of fear threat