Lara was supposed to call Uncle George to pick her up. But at midnight, she found herself sitting next to Chester, crying her heart out.She was to be with Tasya, but her friend was out of the country. So, here she was, with Chester, who was patiently waiting for her to finish crying. He was waiting, even knowing full well that no matter what questions he asked, she wouldn't reveal the reason for her tears."I feel weird watching you cry," he said, his patience running thin as he handed her one tissue after another. "It's the first time I've seen you cry, and I'm dying to know who the fvck made you like this! This isn't you, Lara!"She felt weird crying in front of him too. But what could she do? It seemed like her eyes had turned into endless wells of tears.Heaven knew she wanted to tell Chester why she was crying. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. She knew him well; they'd been close friends for many years. She trusted that he wouldn't mock her or judge her.However, for som
Surprisingly, Miguel didn't confront Lara the next morning. Uncle George said he left early.Lara secretly thanked her stars. She couldn't think of any excuse for coming home late the previous night. She just hoped he wouldn't reprimand her at the office.After breakfast, she headed to work. Her eyes weren't as swollen, which was a relief. She only looked tired, and not because she had cried last night."Lara, take this to the boardroom," Ashley ordered, her hand trembling as she handed Lara a folder.Lara glanced up from the report she was working on."Hurry up," Ashley added.She sighed and accepted the folder. On her way there, she ran into Leonie, whose head was bowed after leaving the boardroom where the executive staff briefing was ongoing before the quarterly Board meeting later in the day.Seeing Leonie and Ashley, Lara felt hesitant to enter the room. She hadn't even reached the door yet when she heard Miguel's shout.Her heart raced as she stepped inside and found an employe
It was Saturday.Lara's loneliness led her to Lena's grave once again. Just like before, she sat in front of the tombstone, pouring her heart out to her departed sister."I didn't know that if we met, he would scold me every day. Am I a bad girl, big sister? Did I fail to make him proud of me, that he treats me this way?"She wiped away the tears that escaped her eyes."I'm not a crybaby. You know that, right? Even if Mama didn't take care of me, it was fine as long as you were beside me. I miss you…"And just like before, she lost track of time. She found herself staring blankly, her grievances poured out to her sister.So she was surprised when she felt another presence inside the mausoleum.It was Migo. He had just taken off his sunglasses when she glanced in his direction. It was as if it was her first time to see a handsome man and she was momentarily stunned before secretly scolding herself and hastily standing up."What are you doing here, Lara?" he asked. His tone was gentle e
Migo's apology left Lara in disbelief.Had the world come to an end? She couldn't help but stare at the man whose attention was focused on the road."What? Cat got your tongue?" he asked, casting her a glance."I'm not sure if I heard you right," she replied, her disbelief obvious."I think I really need to tell Rosette to schedule a visit to your ENT doctor," he said, shaking his head with a chuckle."I'm not deaf, Migo," she defended herself. "I just wasn't sure. This isn't like you. Aren't you always mad at me? Why are you saying sorry?""What do you remember of me when you were young, Lara?"With that question, Lara's mind automatically went back sixteen years."I wasn't angry at you," he continued when she didn't reply. "I wouldn't have taken care of you for so long if I was angry."She allowed him to talk while her mind lingered on the past. She remembered how he used to be a sweet big brother to her. Because she was like his sister's child, she always took her along whenever he
"All of these came from Migo?" Lara couldn't believe it.It was already her birthday, and several delivery vans had arrived at the mansion early in the morning. They were filled with various supplies for the orphanage she was going to visit later. She felt a mix of disbelief and overwhelming happiness. She had already purchased many items in the past few days, but this gesture from Migo made her even more excited. She knew these supplies would be a significant help to the orphanage, which didn't have many benefactors."They're your husband's gift to you," Auntie Rosette said with a smile, just like her, she was also busy with preparations as they were about to leave to distribute cookies to the children on the streets.This time, she had added packed meals from a popular fast-food chain to the goodies. Since Migo had told her not to be frugal, she spent a significant portion of her savings on her birthday celebration this year. They had also packed groceries for the less fortunate."W
Lara had already changed into her dress.While looking at herself in the mirror, she couldn't believe the woman staring back at her.She had never worn anything fancy before. Despite growing up under the guardianship of a billionaire, she had always led a low-key life. She firmly believed that she didn't own anything – everything was Miguel's.Tonight, however, she had agreed to wear the dress. First and foremost, Migo had said so. For a while, she returned to the old Lara who wanted to always please him. She didn't want to disappoint him, not tonight."I really look like you, big sister," she said after staring at herself in the mirror for a long time.It wasn't that she disliked it. On another occasion, she would be ecstatic to have grown to resemble the sister she adored so much. However, her face would keep reminding Migo of Lena.Again, it wasn't like she hated it. She just thought she would not have her own identity in the eyes of Migo. She sighed.Instead of letting her hair d
Lara thought that after that night, things would improve between her and Miguel. But nothing changed. He remained formal with her in the office. In fact, he seemed even more formal now.They didn't get a chance to talk again, as they both had a lot of work to catch up on the following Monday. Even Lara was struggling to keep up with her tasks.But the two other secretaries seemed to have plenty of time to flirt with Miguel's male assistant.Lara remembered him as Jaxen Gordon, the man who had arrived on the day of her wedding to Migo. He had come from the US, where he had attended a two-week business summit on Miguel's behalf. That was why he hadn't been present to welcome her when she was promoted to be Miguel's secretary.When he saw her earlier, he didn't seem surprised. Instead, he politely smiled at her. He probably knew every decision his boss made, including her promotion.When they had a brief moment to talk without Leonie and Ashley around, he addressed her as Mrs. Villareal.
"It's the company's anniversary this Friday, are you coming? What am I talking about? Of course, you must come."She had just passed by Jaxen, but he had already said two sentences at once. She had just walked Wendy and Migo to the elevator.The thick-faced woman had the nerve to ask her to carry her bag while she clung to Miguel's arm.She almost smacked Wendy if she hadn't restrained herself. Besides, Migo's eyes told her not to do anything stupid."Aren't you going to the business party with them?" she asked him. She knew why Miguel's assistant was talking to her.He was trying to pull her thoughts away from the couple who had just left the office together."Nah. But I'm following later. Mr. Villareal needs me to bring his gift to the host.""Why didn't you go with them and bring it now?""So I can keep an eye on them?""No," she denied his guess. "I just thought it's fuel efficient.""Fuel efficient?" he teased.He had the audacity to tease her because, first of all, Migo wasn't t
Seventeen years ago, Lara did not understand why she survived a massacre and her family didn’t. Even when her mind was etched with the face of their killer, all she ever thought of was giving justice to their deaths. She knew she would see him again. And she was not wrong. Almost two decades passed, their paths crossed again.Now that she stood at the witness stand and she could see the horror in Stefano’s eyes, Lara was convinced that God allowed her to live for that very purpose. To make Stefano pay for the crimes he committed.Earlier, when the man saw her, he was greatly surprised. Perhaps he had assumed she was dead. Well, she couldn't blame him. He saw her condition back then because he was the one responsible for her gunshot wound. But he had miscalculated. It wasn't her time yet.Lara swore an oath to only tell the truth. And that was exactly what she did. But she was surprised by her own composure. She didn’t break down even when she recalled everything that happened many yea
"Stop crying, I'm not dead yet."Lara couldn't decide whether to laugh or be affected by the emotional outpouring of her two friends.After a week and a half since her near-death experience, Miguel finally allowed her friends to know what had happened to her and visit her."Shut up!" Tasya wiped her tears away. "You always do this to us! I'm scared that next time, we'll just be mourning over your dead body!""Lara, how could you not tell us? We get it that we might not be able to protect you like your husband could, but aren't we your friends? At least let us know what's going on with you," Chester said, his expression serious. His eyes were red from earlier tears."I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean not to tell—""I asked you!" Tasya cut in. "You didn't tell me! If I had known how dangerous your plan was, I should never have agreed to help you! I regret letting you do something without knowing the whole plan!""Tash, I'm sorry... I didn't want to tell you because I knew you wouldn'
"I think our baby is moving..."Lara laughed softly at what Miguel said. His hand was on her belly, feeling the movements even though she wasn't even showing yet."Is that so?" She knew it was impossible because their baby was just a few weeks old. But she didn't have the heart to correct him. Migo was just excited. "Then get ready, Migo. I'm sure when he comes out, he'll be a playful and active child!""Also beautiful, kind, smart, brave, and takes after his mom..." Miguel smiled gently at her.That warmed her heart. Lara was happy, so happy."You want a daughter?""Whether it's a son or a daughter, it's fine. What's important is that both of you are healthy and well," he said, moving closer to cup her face. "I love you, sweetheart...""I love you too, Miguel..."Miguel bent to kiss her lips softly.Lara wanted to cry. She could feel her husband's love for her, and she felt ashamed that she had caused him so much worry. But despite her reckless decision to meet Stefano and falling in
"Sometimes I wonder why I am still alive. Is it for you to spoil me with visits like this?" Meredith rolled her eyes at him. She was propped up against the headboard of her hospital bed when he approached her. "You're here every day, Migo.""It's for you to realize that there's someone who is not yet ready to lose you," Miguel answered, lightly pinching his friend's cheek."As if!"Her gunshot wounds weren't fatal because she was wearing a bulletproof vest. However, she was hit in the arm and shoulder. She was recovering from her injuries, but her sickness persisted and worsened."Have you made up your mind yet?"Meredith sighed. "I made my decision a long time ago, you know it. So, I don't understand why you're still trying to convince me every day.""Mer, until you've tried everything, it's not over. Besides, do you really want to leave me now?""Cut it out," she chuckled, scolding him. "You can't guilt-trip me like that. I know you're happy now. You don't need me anymore, Miguel."
“You should’ve just killed me,” Stefano said bitterly yet unremorsefully.“We’re not the same, Stefano. I am not a killer,” Miguel replied.His cousin had just come out of the hospital, but he was immediately brought to prison. Stefano’s arms were both gone. However, the man did not show any remorse for everything he had done.“You are so full of yourself, Miguel. Your day will come!”“What matters is that your day has arrived. Show even a little remorse, Stefano. You killed not only the woman you claim to love but also your own blood!”Stefano laughed bitterly. “You killed them.”“I didn’t. It was your selfishness and love for money that killed them. You killed them, Stefano.”“I’m the bad guy now?” He seemed to find it impossible to believe.“You’ve always been,” he replied. “Even before we met, you had already ruined Grandfather’s trust in you. I had nothing to do with the changes you claimed to have made. You made all the changes yourself.”He laughed again. “You can refuse it, Mi
"Lena… It’s you… Lena!"Lara was utterly confused. Stefano, who had been a madman, suddenly turned into a meek lamb, kneeling while he held her hands. He was repeatedly calling her by her sister’s name."Lena, I’m sorry. I’m sorry!" He held her hands and kissed them. "Are you hurt?"Lara felt repulsed, but she was too afraid to do anything that might trigger Stefano to become violent again."I know that you’re alive!" He stood up and hugged her. "They all lied to me, Lena!"When he embraced her and gently moved her hair, Lara realized her hair was down. She hadn't noticed it had come loose from the bindings earlier. And with her hair down, she looked exactly like her sister.Stefano couldn't differentiate her from her sister for some reason unknown to Lara. What was going on with him?"I knew you would come back!" He cradled her face in his hands.Lara couldn’t say or do anything but stare back at him with fear in her eyes. Stefano was seeing her as Lena, and that was enough to terrif
"Stefano!!! Leave my wife alone!!!!!!!!!!"Stefano only responded with laughter."Do not hurt her!""I'll say it again, Miguel. From this time on, you will obey everything I say. I'll call you again."Then he ended the call.Miguel slammed his hand on the steering wheel. Stefano had Lara in his grip. It was his fault! He should have been with his wife. He could have protected her!"Location, Jaxen?" he asked his companion in the backseat. His assistant was monitoring their distance from Lara's last known location.When they reached the safehouse, they found his men barely hanging on. The traitor knew where to shoot to kill. But what he didn't know was that one of his comrades had managed to plant a tracking device on him.That was what they were following now, hoping Stefano hadn't noticed it and removed it to mislead them. It was stationary at the moment, indicating they weren't moving. Based on Stefano's call, confirming his wife was with him, it matched the tracker's signal."We're
Lara was beginning to feel uneasy in her seemingly comfortable situation. She was being treated well, and despite waiting for several minutes, there was still no sign of Stefano.There were five guards inside a spacious room in a safe house. Two were by the door, keeping watch. One, who seemed to be the leader, was positioned near the window, occasionally scanning the surroundings with binoculars. The other two were in a corner, playing cards. Meanwhile, Lara sat quietly on the sofa, shifting her gaze between them, looking confused.The address Stefano had sent her was different from this place. However, it could mean that he was intentionally trying to confuse her. After all, only the two of them knew about her plan. But the question remained: where was Stefano? Why was he keeping her waiting?She had been calm a while ago, but when one of the guards at the window suddenly pulled out a gun and started scanning the area, Lara felt her heart in her throat.Earlier, she had asked about
"Are you sure you are going to do this?""You're worrying now? Please, Miguel, I'm not a child."He could almost see Meredith rolling her eyes, though he only heard her voice. She was indeed not a child, but he couldn't help but worry. She was going on a dangerous mission for him and Lara."Remember to prioritize your safety, Mer.""You know I have nothing to lose anymore. This might just give meaning to my life...""I want you back safe and sound," he replied.He understood what Meredith meant. A few days ago, she had confessed everything to him, and he was profoundly saddened. He was losing a friend to a terminal disease. Meredith had fought it, but she fought alone. She didn't tell anyone until the doctors had given up on her."If I come back, I want you for myself, Migo. So, don't ask for it," she teased.He let out a low chuckle, but inside, he was deeply sad. When she had told him about her condition, he felt shattered. Meredith was his closest friend. He couldn't bear the thoug