Ximena/Angela’s POV
I broke down in tears, wailing. None of the women’s HLAs matched Tristan’s. What do I do? Where should I go from here? I can’t let my baby die. “God, please help me.”“What happened, ma’am?” Rita rushed over.“None of them matched, Rita. I’m losing my child,” I sobbed, feeling my heart pounding in my chest.“Don’t say that, ma’am. Nothing will happen to Tristan. I truly believe it,” she tried to comfort me, but her words couldn’t reach me.“Call any advertising agency. Tell them to find donors for me. Nothing must happen to Tristan, please.”“I will do that, but please stop crying. Remember the story you told me about Tristan’s birth? You said you had a terrible accident while pregnant with him, one that almost took your life. But nothing happened to the pregnancy. It was a miracle, ma’am. God saved Tristan back then, not to take him away now at five years old, but for him to grow into a great man. This is jusAttention ❗❗❗ Ximena is a Spanish name pronounced as Himena. In Spanish, it is known as Jimena, with the J being pronounced as an H. Ximena’s POV Pushing my bag across the floor, I shuffled into my aunt’s abode. I paused suddenly, my gaze fixated on the opulent Mercedes-Benz GLA-class parked in the compound. A man in a white dress shirt and black trousers stood beside it. My heart skipped a beat. Could this be another potential suitor? It wouldn't be the first time Aunt Sadie has tried to arrange my marriage to wealthy men. She wants me out of her home and possibly out of her life. I still remember my last potential groom, who called off the supposed union when I informed him of my modeling career. Since then, Aunt Sadie has forbidden me from attending any modeling gigs. "Are you alright, Miss?" the man's question snapped me out of my reverie. I looked up to find him staring at me. "I'm fine," I replied curtly and made my way inside before he could say anything else. As I e
Ximena's POV Having put forth an attempt to alleviate Mila's crying, I offered words of comfort in the sterile confines of the hospital. We both occupied seats, awaiting the doctor's report. Despite Aunt Sadie's less-than-ideal character, she remained a member of my family. The one who fulfilled my basic needs, providing nourishment, clothing, and shelter. Should I dwell on her attempts to trade me off to men and harbor resentment towards her? Or should I focus on her acts of kindness, inviting me into her home and empathizing with Mila's tears? I believe the latter option would be more suitable. "Don't fret, Mila. Aunt is a resilient woman. She will pull through," I assured her. Mila nodded, her tears showing no signs of stopping. “Mila?” the doctor called, walking toward us. “How is she, doctor?” we inquired, speaking in unison. "Unfortunately, her condition has deteriorated over time, Ximena," the doctor reported. "She requires immediate surgery, or we might lose her." "No, do
Ximena's POV As I accepted the current state of affairs, it had been a little over a week since Aunt Sadie's collapse. Thankfully, she had been discharged and was now under good care. However, my own life had been thrown into turmoil. I found myself in my room, dressed in all-white attire, with a makeup artist perfecting my hair. Today was my wedding day, a moment that most women eagerly anticipate, but for me, it was a different story. I was destined to marry the most despicable man I had ever heard of - Hudson Miles Lucas. Despite never meeting him in person, his name was often on everyone's lips in California. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I had to admit that the makeup artist had done a decent job. My long, wavy black hair was styled in a way that secured my veil on top of my head. The cost of my wedding dress alone could sustain my family for generations to come. This was the reality I was facing today. If only my mother could be here to witness this day. Not the fac
Ximena's POV Refraining from any musings on the ongoing events, I finally uttered the words "I do." As much as I would like to escape this situation, I have come to terms with my fate. It is best for everyone if I accept the inevitable. After all, I have willingly signed my life over to this marriage. Yes, you heard correctly. My cunning, so-called mother-in-law manipulated me into signing an agreement stating that I must marry her son if I want to receive the promised money. There is no way out of this predicament.Blah blah blah. The familiar phrase, "You may now kiss the bride," resounded in the room. But wait a minute, who is supposed to be kissing whom? My gaze shifted to Hudson, his expressionless face now twisted into a look of disgust. Do I disgust him? Well, newsflash, baby boy, you annoy me too. And kissing you will certainly not be on my to-do list. At least I didn't agree to that in the contract.I could hear murmurs among the guests, most likely my Aunt Sadie, fuming with
Ximena's POV "Who are you?" I inquired, propping myself up. "One moment. Aren't you the woman who defended me from the bully at school while I was waiting for my driver?" she asked, her tone bright and her puppy eyes genuine. "I don't recall what you're referring to, young lady," I responded, reclining on the bed. Perhaps this is her way of embracing the madness that runs in her family. "Come on, I never got the chance to thank you for that day because you ran away," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. She took hold of my hand and I gazed at her as though she were an alien sent to make my life a living nightmare. "Thank you so much for that day. When I told my father about those hooligans, he made certain they were dealt with," she added. The excitement in her voice was still evident. "I see," I murmured. "The girl in the black suit with the white undershirt, standing in front of St. Michael Academy?" I asked, trying to recall. "Exactly, Miss. I didn't realize you were the
Ximena's POV"Excuse me," I exclaimed, urgently trailing after Harper as we finished breakfast. She turned, her cheerful smile still plastered on her face."Hello there. Is there something you need?" she inquired."Um, may I ask you a question?" I hesitantly inquired. I hope this isn't a mistake."Of course, what is it?"I quickly scanned our surroundings, feeling like a criminal on the run. I stepped closer to her, whispering in her ear, "Could we talk in private, in my room?""Okay, that's fine," she agreed, leading the way as if she owned the place. I followed suit and we shut the door behind us."I realize this may seem like a far-fetched inquiry, but I'm simply curious," I stumbled through my words awkwardly. She simply shrugged, giving me permission to continue. "So, um, were you coerced into marrying Alberto?" I finally blurted out.Her brow furrowed in a frown, her smile disappearing from her face. I knew this was a bad idea."Um, never mind. Please forget I asked, I understand
Ximena's POV "I can help you for a small price," I turned my head towards the person.Alberto Miles Lucas.I raised an eyebrow, glaring at him. He was studying me from top to bottom, and the most bothersome part was that he was licking his lips. Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into?"What do you mean?" I inquired, standing up.He reached out his hand and ran it through my hair. He licked his lips and smirked. "How about we put Adeline in her place?" he breathed in my hair. "We can work together, you know?""Get your hand of me!" I swatted his hand away from my hair. "Are you intoxicated, Alberto? Do you realize you are speaking with your cousin's wife?" I challenged, shooting daggers at him.He chuckled. "You and I both know you don't view him as your husband. And it so happens that you two share mutual feelings," he stated."Leave my room!" I groaned, pointing at the door."Playing hard to get? You and I both know you require me. Just say it. When you come to your senses, you know
Hudson's POVThe following weeks have been a nightmare for me. Had it not been for my respect and obedience towards my Mother, I would never have consented to marry that maniac. How can a young lady be so fiery and foul-mouthed?"Good morning, Sir," my secretary, Elizabeth, greeted as she accompanied me."Morning, Elizabeth. Any appointments for today?" I inquired as we stepped into the elevator."Yes, Sir. You have a meeting with the F & R representative at 10 am. Additionally, the Fitzgerald Group Of Companies has arranged for a client to visit at 1 pm today," she promptly informed me.We got an arrival sound from the elevator and it opened, revealing top level working space."Okay," I acknowledged as I made my way to my office. Despite the greetings from my staff, I ignored them. "Anything else?" I asked Elizabeth, who continued to follow me."Uh, sir. It's regarding Christabel," she hesitantly spoke and closed the door behind us. I didn't respond until I settled into my desk chair