Kyla Eva."What happened?" I was shocked as I looked at Nay Meline, who was crying.I ran towards her and hugged her tightly. "Where's mom?" I looked behind her to see if mother was with her, but none. Nay Meline was alone but accompanied by Enzo's father's bodyguards."Your mother is fine, Kyla. I moved her to a different facility with much more secure security this time." Enzo answered behind me. I let go of Nay Meline and looked at him with worry.Today was supposed to be a visit to them earlier, but Enzo had an emergency, so we canceled. Instead of me going to where my mother is, Nay Meline came as a surprise, escorted by Enzo's father's security.I was afraid to ask him, lacking the courage to confront my fears. I didn't want to hear any bad news about my mother, Nay Meline, or the others."We're safe, Kyla. Diezel sacrificed himself to protect us, my dear," Nay Meline said, and I looked at Enzo in shock.What's happening? Why am I the last person to know what's going on?"I'm w
Enzo Denver."I understand…" After my conversation with my mother, I felt the weight of my destiny settles on my shoulders. Fear no longer held me captive. I knew I had to face it. This was my purpose, and there was no escape. If sacrificing myself was the only way to protect those I love, I was ready to embrace it.I remained passive, waiting for the operation to conclude. My mother was vigilant, monitoring everyone in the line, gathering information from my father. Meanwhile, my grandfather was on the move, ready to eliminate the Delamares clan. All I could do was wait, hoping that no lives would be lost in this high-stakes game.After two days, my grandfather won. This victory is not new anymore. I know my grandfather's capability. There's no way for them to stop him, and those who oppose him will have no chance of winning.Kyla is happy. At last, she will be seeing her mother today.My mother flew to my father's location last night, while Diezel returned under heavy security pro
Enzo Denver.One thing that is currently troubling me is the idea of meeting Nonno, my grandfather. I still recall that his realm is off-limits to my mother and me. My mother has chosen a different path in life. She married into the Mondragon family, who are noble but not royalty.My mother's love for my father is a testament to the power of love. She never regretted giving up her noble status, choosing to marry my father and creating a world where her love for him was her everything.Mum possesses a unique discernment. She can easily see through lies and pretense, a skill honed from dealing with the various personalities of high-status individuals during her time under her father's care.Today, only Kyla, my mother, and I are traveling. My grandfather ruled that my father was not allowed to set foot here."We are here!" My mother exclaimed calmly, and my head moved to Kyla beside me. She was resting her head on my shoulder, taking a little nap. Then she shifted, raised her head, and
Enzo Denver.Grandfather's mighty king chair, with its rich mahogany hue, faced the expansive glass window that overlooked the serene garden.When Mum's voice, filled with anticipation, called out to him, his chair seemed to pivot in slow motion, and his smile, warm and comforting, sent a wave of nostalgia through my entire being."Dad…" Mum hugged him immediately like a child who had missed her father for years. It's been two decades since they last saw each other, and I'm sure Mum misses Grandfather so much."My dear child," he said in his solid baritone voice. He stood up, opened his arms, and embraced mum.As my mother and grandfather hugged, I fought to keep a calm facade. Kyla, sensing my tension, squeezed my hand tightly. She looked at them with joy, unaware of the complexities of our family history."You look well, Dad," Mum complimented him."Is that so?" Grandfather slightly laughed and paused when his eyes darted on us. He then walked closer to me and Kyla."Milord Enzo De
Kyla Eva."You can't do this, Kyla! How dare you!?" Mum Corazon exclaimed in disappointment.After a quick vacation in Camberton, I made up my mind to fix everything. Enzo's grandfather helped us in many ways, and the heart-to-heart talk I had with him made me realize my worth.In a significant turn of events, I struck a deal with Enzo's grandfather.Instead of us staying in Camberton, we will return to the place we envision raising our children. In return, Enzo has agreed to shoulder half of his grandfather's responsibilities. This is a sacrifice he is making for us, for the people, and for the future. When the time is right, when his grandfather can no longer fulfill his duties as the Duke of Camberton, Enzo will step up and take charge. As for Kylie, I have made a decision that weighs heavily on my heart. I have chosen to reveal our existence to the media and announce Kylie's retirement from the showbiz and fashion world. It's a responsibility I must bear, a decision made out of
Kyla Eva.I headed out to get some fresh air and didn't notice that Enzo was already outside waiting for me. His sweet smile eased the pain and tension I had felt. He opened his arms, and I ran toward his embrace."Oh. . ." I buried my face against his chest and sighed, feeling the familiar comfort of his embrace.Enzo is not just a person, he is my home. He is my strength, my biggest fan who never fails to judge my mistakes and embraces me with all my flaws."How was it? Are you okay?" He rubbed my back gently, and I loved the sensation behind me."It's all good… Mama refused. You know her. She's stubborn as hell, like Kylie. Too bad I'm not the same sweet girl they know." I wrinkled my nose as I looked into his eyes.He slightly laughed. "That's great, darling. You are becoming more and more stronger. You probably didn't notice that, but that's yourself, and that's you. . . I'm proud of you, Kyla. You are changing, but it's not for the bad because it's for the better."I chuckled a
Enzo Denver.I have no choice, considering all of Nonno's conditions. This is his way of protecting his kind, according to him. My grandfather can be unpredictable at times. It's not easy being a Duke. It's something he was born into.My grandfather appears distinguished and well-maintained, but beneath his facade lies a ruthless dictator. That's why my mother removed me from that way of life.When my mother married my father, a Mondragon, she made a courageous decision. She willingly relinquished her societal status, her birthright, for the sake of love. I suppose my bravery when it comes to loved ones is a behavior I inherited from my mother.My father is ruthless as well, considering his Mondragon royal lineage, which grants them significant power. If my father were not a Mondragon, my grandfather would not have allowed him to marry my mother. But there was an agreement, a pact between the two powerful families, and that was me, the living symbol of their union.Grandfather is wis
Enzo Denver."Xav?" I answered him on the phone, stepping away from the boys. I walked over to where Rage and Dominic were and saw the boys following me. I gestured with my hand, indicating that Xavion was next in line. They all nodded and joined Rage and Dominic."How's everything?""All good here with me. Any news from Linus?"We are all waiting for news from Linus. After the big storm, we couldn't get his signal. We all hope he is okay and has found a spot for his safety."He's okay. I finally got him. Help is coming on his way. In a few weeks, he will be back. What about you? The media are going crazy after Kyla released a statement in public."I took a deep breath, and whirled halfway to check our bedroom balcony on the second floor. I didn't notice that Kyla was looking at me, smiling in the distance. She waved, and I reciprocated."Yeah, all good, Xav. There's not much I can do about public opinion and criticism. But at least we're safe here, unlike in that country." I sent a
Louise Rose.At times, you meet the right person when circumstances are not ideal. Other times, you encounter the wrong person when the moment is perfect. However, when you discover the right person at the right time in the right circumstances, it’s destiny. Fate has intertwined your paths, so hold on tightly and never let go.I still couldn’t believe it. After Hendrix’s proposal, the wedding took place.That was spot on. I wasn’t prepared. But when I saw Rosy in her wheelchair, I felt it was the perfect moment for everything. It was truly the right time for that. That night was perfect for us and everyone around us. Hendrix and I got married and were surrounded by our loved ones.It’s been a year, and everything around us moves smoothly. There are tough days alongside joyful moments. The silver lining is that we don’t argue. Even if we bicker over minor issues, we make sure that they are resolved by the end of the day.I’ve faced numerous challenges, beginning with Rosy, my father,
Hendrix."Is everything ready?" I whispered to Eleanor ahead. She gave me a thumbs-up.I took a deep breath and scanned my surroundings. I'm feeling anxious about this. I hope everything works out.This proposal is my second attempt. I chose to keep it simple. Eleanor will invite Louise to a Saturday event, which is my proposal for her.Rosy, my family, and a few of the boys will be here soon. I'm not sure what Reeve and Linus are up to, but I have a bad feeling about it. They've prepared something without telling me what it is."I'll return with Louise in two hours, okay? Everything is set. We have another surprise for both of you. So, no matter what it is, Hendrix, you cannot refuse. Understood?"I blinked. "Okay. . ." My forehead wrinkled."Don't worry. It's not going to harm you or Louise. It will be beneficial for you." She winked, patted my shoulder, and then walked straight ahead."Hendrix! What's up, bro?""Riley? What are you doing here? I thought you were still in Scotland?
Louise Rose.It feels like just yesterday, yet a month has already passed. As I glanced at my mother's name on her urn, I also looked at her picture beside it. I resemble her. She's beautiful, and I just look like her. For years, I have refused to look at her photos from Rosy's old albums. I didn't want to see her at that moment, nor did I want her image to linger in my mind. I didn't feel any anger towards her. I just didn't want to imagine what she looked like.Ideally, Rosy embodies the motherly figure I've always cherished, and during moments of hardship and solitude, it's her face I long for most.I have no regrets.If I were to look at old photos of my mother and notice how much I resemble her, I might feel resentment. Whenever I see my reflection, I see my mother, which prevents me from finding peace.As a child, I had many questions about why she left me with Rosy and why she never came back. But that was in the past. It’s all behind us now, and we are left with the answers
Louise Rose."Louise!"My heart lights in that last second before they toss me.I saw Hendrix running towards me. . . Stephanie screamed, and everything flew in the air.Splash!I held my breath quickly, and my hand automatically did the job. But the rope was tightly wrapped around my feet, and the bricks were heavy. I descended quickly at the bottom.I tried kicking, trying to get it out. I jerked my head up, trying to grasp the air. I can only hold my breath for thirty seconds at least. That was my best record when I went swimming with my friends back when I was only sixteen.I hate the waters. I'm scared of it. I can't breathe.Five, four, three, two, one. . .That's it. I can't do it. I can't untie myself. Am I going to die? Is this my end? Rosy…mum…Hendrix…***Hendrix.Damn it!"Louise!" My body was on autopilot. I run towards her."Oh my god!"I heard Stephanie scream and the rattles around.After extensive tracking, we finally caught them in the act. However, it seems too la
Hendrix.Reeve accompanied me when we arrived at El Puerto. A car was waiting for us. Xavion arranged it. He also contacted the authorities to check the area around. And because it's not yet twenty-four hours, they don't consider it as a missing person. So, we have no choice but to work out independently.The boys will be coming to help. Most of them were at the event, waiting for us, but the party was over. It hasn't even started."Mum, not now, please. I need to find Louise," I answer my mother in the line. She's been calling me non-stop."Look, son. Eddie and Marco are on their way. They might take a while, but they're coming."I sighed, feeling frustrated now. The camera recording shows not much. It did not even capture the face of the person with Louise. The area was quiet, too. They're making sure that they can't be seen. They prepare well for this and damn it. I will make them pay for this."Also, son, Eddie told me that Stephanie actually came back this morning. He doesn't be
Narrator's POV.Eleven hours earlier...Louise was supposed to call Shella, but that did not happen. Shella has been wondering all along why Louise hasn't called yet. "Why hasn't she called me yet? She was supposed to call earlier," she muttered before dialing Louise's number without any hesitation.Tot…tot…tot…"What the? Why is she unattended?"She attempted once more, but the result remained unchanged. After waiting another hour, she considered it might be the signal at that location. However, deep down, she realized it was unlikely. This area has a strong signal with telecommunications towers throughout. So, it's impossible.Shella then speculated that perhaps Louise's phone had a low battery.That's it!It was nearly seven o'clock, and Louise still hadn't arrived. She remained unattended.Shella felt a surge of panic. She realized that Hendrix would arrive shortly to pick up Louise. They needed to go to a surprise family event. This surprise was organized by Hendrix, of course
Louise Rose.I swear in my mother's name, I will make Stephanie pay for what she has done to me!"I'm busting! Hey!""Just pee on your pants. You're going to die anyway." She folded her arms across her chest while observing the two men getting ready for something.I chuckled. "I don't want to die smells like shit, at least! You should grant me some wishes, you know, bitch!"She twirled around, frustrated by my annoyance."Will you shut up! I can't concentrate!" She yelled like a maniac.I giggled at that. "Oh well, too bad. I will never leave you in concentration. So, better untie me, Steph, and bring me a moment of joy!"She disregarded me. She plugged her ears while waiting for the boys to wrap up.What the hell they're doing?I'm out in the dark, at least, and now the sun is shining brightly. I never had a wink last night. I've been thinking of many ways to escape, but I can't do anything.At least one of the boys is kind enough to let me use the toilet. But even there, there was
Louise Rose.I stepped out feeling confident about this. I already told Shella that I would be home before seven. It’s still early—it’s eight in the morning.A man dressed in black looked in my direction. I scanned around first, ensuring that no one matched his description.Last night, he messaged me that a man in all black would fetch me here in El Puerto.“Louise?” the man wearing all black looked at me.I nodded.“This way, please.”He led me to his car, which was only a short distance from where my car was parked. I glanced around again, ensuring it was really him. No one else was nearby, so it had to be him.He opened the sliding door of the van, and I climbed inside.“There are refreshments for you. Help yourself and enjoy the road trip,” he casually said before shutting the car door.I feel the van moving and become familiar with the road. I’m not hungry yet. I’m just enjoying myself while listening to music on the vehicle wireless. He remained silent while driving, avoiding e
Louise Rose.'Your mother… she has passed away a few months after she left you with me. That's why she couldn't come back for us, Louise…'Tears came rolling down my cheeks as I waited for Hendrix. I hugged my knees, crying in vain like a lost child.I laughed at Rosy's confession earlier. It was like a joke, and I didn't know how to take it in.I was speechless and shocked at the same time. Now that I'm all alone, here in the dark corner of Rosy's house, everything comes back haunted—my reality.The mother that I hated so much was long gone. Are you kidding me?I've been rehearsing a lot in the back of my mind, preparing myself for the day she will return for me. I have a lot to ask. Too many, to be exact. But what is it now? What will happen now? What will I do now…"Louise?"I gasped for air and stood up quickly when I heard Hendrix's voice outside. I wiped my tears, but my vision blurred, and my tears kept rolling down. It seemed like all the tears I had kept for myself for years