JAMES POVEnough of showing vulnerability. I abruptly closed my MacBook gently as my thoughts rummage through my head. The alcohol, compounded with my thoughts, made me look weak in front of Ava, a rare occurrence everyone in my estate would probably agree on.I stare into the painting portrayed at the wall of my study.Respect before my emotions. Ava must not see the side of my vulnerability ever again.I briskly walked over to the mini bar. Opening the glass, my gaze was met with vintage wines and strong gins as I searched for other alternatives. I abruptly picked up a bottle of sparkling water, which I rarely drink.I took the deliquescent liquid in my hand and headed out.**********The sun was just beginning its climb, casting a golden glow over my sprawling Valquez estate. I walked into the sleek, modern kitchen, my steps precise, my expression blank. I wasn’t weak. I wouldn’t let emotions compromise me. Not now.As I stepped into the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffe
James Valquez sat in the passenger seat of Emma’s car, his expression unreadable as they drove back to the skydiving site. The café’s warmth had faded, replaced by the cool breeze of the open road and the distant hum of the engine. Emma, as always, was chatty, filling the silence with stories about her time in Paris, but James’s mind was elsewhere.He couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant loomed ahead—not a calculated deal or a meticulously planned event, but something entirely unpredictable. That nagging sense of unease had haunted him all morning, clinging to his thoughts like a shadow.Emma, oblivious to his turmoil, glanced at him with a grin. “You’re awfully quiet, even for you. Did the ice cream put you in a food coma?”James gave her a faint smirk, though his heart wasn’t in it. “Just thinking.”“About what?”“Life,” he replied vaguely, his voice tinged with a rare honesty.She rolled her eyes playfully. “You make it sound so dramatic. We just jumped out of a pl
The Valquez family mansion loomed ahead, an elegant reminder of a legacy forged through decades of relentless ambition. Its sprawling gardens, pristine white columns, and ornate iron gates stood as a testament to the life James Valquez had been groomed to uphold—a life that now felt like a gilded cage.James parked his sleek black Mercedes Benz GLE in the curved driveway, taking a moment to collect himself. His fingers tapped idly on the steering wheel as he stared at the front entrance, the weight of his secret pressing harder on his chest. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see his mother—Sarah Affleck was a woman of grace and warmth, the anchor of the family since his father’s untimely death. But today, his visit was a calculated escape, a bid to avoid the suffocating demands of Ava and Emma.“Alright, Valquez,” he muttered to himself, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored blazer. “Let’s make it count.”He grabbed the bouquet of white lilies from the passenger seat—a small gesture, bu
The penthouse bedroom was a symphony of quiet luxury. Plush white linens adorned the king-sized bed, and the faint scent of lavender from an essential oil diffuser lingered in the air. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the early morning sunlight spilled in reluctantly, as if afraid of disturbing the peace. But peace had long abandoned this home. I sat at the edge of the bed, already half-dressed in a tailored black suit. My phone was in my hand, the bright screen casting a cold glow on my chiseled face. My jaw was tight, my dark eyes unreadable, and my demeanor screamed control—a control that masked a simmering tension beneath. Ava suddenly walked into the room. Her soft, short brown hair splayed across the window glass as she blinked against the invading sunlight, her slender frame stretching languidly under the deflected rays entering my room. “Why are you already up?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She reached for her phone on the in her pocket, her nails clic
The streets of the city glimmered with holiday lights, every tree and lamppost dressed in sparkling décor. The crisp December air carried the scent of pine and roasted chestnuts, adding to the festive mood. James Valquez and Ava Affleck sat in the back of their sleek town car, the tension between them as sharp as the cold outside. Neither had spoken much since leaving the house, and the hum of the car engine filled the silence. The End-of-Year Elite Ice Skating Rink Fundraiser was one of the most exclusive events of the season, attended by the city’s wealthiest and most influential. For James, it was another networking opportunity—a chance to secure new business connections and reinforce his standing among the elite. For Ava, it was an obligation, a duty she performed as James’s partner and, for tonight, his carefully poised ally. She adjusted her shimmering silver gown, its sequins catching the faint light from the passing streetlamps. James, dressed in a tailored black suit wit
James Valquez sat in his private office, the crown jewel of his sprawling empire. The panoramic windows behind him overlooked the cityscape, a testament to his ambition and dominance. Everything within these walls was curated to perfection—the black leather furniture, the abstract art adorning the walls, the faint scent of imported wood polish. Even his presence in this room was orchestrated power. But today, the air felt heavier, the space more confining. A sharp pain twisted in his chest, forcing him to grip the edge of his desk. His pen slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the glass surface. He stifled a groan, unwilling to show weakness even in solitude. "Sir?" Rodri’s voice broke through the silence. The ever-efficient assistant stood by the door, holding a tablet loaded with the day’s schedule. His sharp brown eyes narrowed with concern as he stepped closer. "Are you all right?" "I'm fine," James replied tersely, though his voice lacked its usual commanding edge.
The storm outside mirrored James Valquez’s state of mind. Thick, swirling clouds painted the evening sky a deep gray, while rain lashed against the sleek black town car pulling up to an inconspicuous building in the heart of New York City. The structure didn’t bear the gaudy lights or flamboyant signs of its neighbors; it was a picture of discretion, nestled between two towering skyscrapers. James stepped out of the car, his tailored coat shielding him from the elements, and adjusted the cufflinks on his shirt. His striking features, chiseled jawline, and cold steel-blue eyes were often the subject of envy and speculation in high society. Yet tonight, there was a shadow in his gaze, a burden that seemed to weigh on his otherwise unyielding shoulders. He strode into the building, where a receptionist behind a polished desk greeted him with a respectful nod. She didn’t need to ask for his name—few people required appointments at this hour, and even fewer carried the presence of James V
James Valquez sat in his private office, the crown jewel of his sprawling empire. The panoramic windows behind him overlooked the cityscape, a testament to his ambition and dominance. Everything within these walls was curated to perfection—the black leather furniture, the abstract art adorning the walls, the faint scent of imported wood polish. Even his presence in this room was orchestrated power. But today, the air felt heavier, the space more confining. A sharp pain twisted in his chest, forcing him to grip the edge of his desk. His pen slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the glass surface. He stifled a groan, unwilling to show weakness even in solitude. "Sir?" Rodri’s voice broke through the silence. The ever-efficient assistant stood by the door, holding a tablet loaded with the day’s schedule. His sharp brown eyes narrowed with concern as he stepped closer. "Are you all right?" "I'm fine," James replied tersely, though his voice lacked its usual commanding edge.
Ava stood at the door of her mother’s home, the evening sunlight casting a warm glow over the manicured lawn. Lillian Affleck stood beside her, baby Sarah nestled in her arms, her expression hopeful yet tinged with disappointment.“I understand your choice,” Lillian said, her voice soft but sincere. “But I had hoped you might consider living with us, even just for a little while. We could really use this time to build the bond we missed out on.”Ava’s heart ached at the sincerity in her mother’s voice, but her decision was firm. She smiled gently, placing a hand on her mother’s arm.“Mom,” Ava began, her tone warm yet resolute, “these past weeks have been a gift. I never thought we’d get the chance to rebuild what we lost, and I’m so grateful for that. But my place is with James and Patrick. They need me, just as much as I need them.”Lillian nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I understand,” she said, her voice wavering. “But promise me one thing—don’t let too much time p
The day James Valquez woke up from surgery was one that Ava would never forget. The sterile smell of the hospital room was a stark contrast to the overwhelming mix of emotions swirling in her heart—hope, fear, relief. She had spent hours pacing the floor while the doctors worked tirelessly to save her husband’s life.When the surgeon emerged, his expression grave but tinged with a hint of optimism, Ava’s heart raced.“The surgery was a success,” the doctor said. “We’ve managed to remove the cancerous cells. However…” He paused, his voice softening. “There’s been significant damage to his spinal cord. Mr. Valquez will likely be paralyzed from the waist down.”Ava’s hand flew to her mouth as tears streamed down her face. Relief that James had survived mixed with the devastating reality of his condition. But none of it mattered to her as much as the fact that he was alive.****************When Lillian Valquez received the call, she was in her study, staring at a framed photo of James a
The tension in the Valquez mansion was palpable in the days following Mrs. Valquez dramatic exit from James’ hospital room. Ava watched her husband battle his illness while grappling with his mother’s cold distance. It hurt her to see James, a man who had always seemed unbreakable, crumble under the weight of both his physical and emotional struggles.Ava had tried to bridge the gap between James and his mother, urging her to reconsider her stance, but her efforts had been met with silence. Lillian’s refusal to talk to James was wearing on him, and Ava knew something needed to change.As she sat by James’ bedside one evening, holding his hand while he rested, her mind wandered to her own fractured relationship with her mother, Lillian Affleck. Ava had spent years harboring resentment toward her mother for leaving her as a child to start a new life with Peter Max. The bitterness had grown stronger when she discovered her mother had remarried and was starting a new family.But now, seei
The sun streamed through the large glass windows of the hospital room, casting soft patterns on the sterile white walls. James Valquez, multi-billionaire and patriarch of his family, sat upright in his bed, his body frail but his determination unwavering. The diagnosis of acute leukemia weighed heavily on his shoulders, but an even heavier burden pressed against his chest—he had yet to tell his mother. Mrs. Valquez was a formidable woman, known for her sharp wit and unwavering composure. She had been a guiding force in James’ life, shaping him into the business magnate the world revered. But their relationship had always been fraught with an unspoken tension—a quiet battle of expectations and disappointments. For weeks, James had debated whether to tell her about his illness. Part of him feared her reaction, while another part longed for her support. But now, as he sat in his hospital room, weakened and vulnerable, he knew he couldn’t delay any longer. Ava sat beside him, gentl
The city skyline stretched out before James as he sat at his desk in the towering headquarters of Valquez Enterprises. It had been a few months since Patrick’s birth, and his life was full of both joy and responsibility. He adored being a father, though juggling his growing business empire and newfound parenthood was taking its toll.Lately, James had felt an unfamiliar weariness settle over him. The fatigue was more than the usual demands of his relentless schedule; it clung to him like a shadow. His mind raced through meetings and numbers, but his body struggled to keep up.It was another typical day at work, filled with back-to-back meetings and calls. James sipped his coffee, trying to shake off the dull headache that had lingered all morning. As his trusted assistant, Rodri, entered the office with a file in hand, James felt a sudden wave of dizziness wash over him.“Sir? Are you alright?” Rodri asked, noticing the color drain from James’ face.“I’m fine,” James muttered, waving
The door to the delivery room opened at last, and James froze mid-pace. A nurse stepped out, her expression soft and full of warmth.“Mr. Valquez,” she began, her voice gentle but firm, “you have a healthy baby boy.”James’s heart stopped, then kicked into overdrive. The words echoed in his mind: healthy baby boy. His mouth went dry, and his chest felt as though it might explode with emotion.“And Ava?” he asked, his voice trembling.“She’s tired but stable,” the nurse reassured him. “She’s asking for you.”James didn’t wait for more. He brushed past her, pushing the door open and stepping inside the room. The sight before him took his breath away.Ava lay in the hospital bed, her face pale and damp with sweat but glowing with a quiet strength. In her arms, bundled in a soft blue blanket, was their son. The baby’s tiny hand peeked out, clutching at the air, and a soft coo escaped his lips.“James,” Ava whispered, her voice weak but filled with warmth as she looked up at him.James app
The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the bedroom as Ava shifted in her sleep. The city was quiet outside, and the rhythmic hum of the heater filled the room. But something wasn’t right.Ava’s eyes fluttered open, and a sharp jolt of pain shot through her abdomen. At first, she thought it was another of the false alarms she’d been experiencing over the past few weeks. She placed a hand on her swollen belly, her breathing shallow as the pain intensified.Her pulse quickened. This wasn’t a Braxton Hicks contraction—this was different.“James,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness. But he wasn’t beside her. He had been working late in his study, something about an urgent business report that couldn’t wait.A stronger contraction rippled through her body, and she gasped, clutching the sheets. Panic began to set in.“James!” she called out louder this time, her voice breaking.The sound of her cry echoed down the hallway, reaching James, who was hunc
The gravel crunched under James’ polished shoes as he hurried after Ava, his heart heavy with concern. She was already halfway down the long driveway, her strides purposeful but shaky. He knew her well enough to recognize when she was barely holding herself together.“Ava!” he called, quickening his pace.She didn’t turn. Her arms were crossed tightly, her head tilted downward. He caught up to her just as she reached the edge of the estate grounds.“Ava, wait.” His hand reached for her elbow, his voice soft but firm.She stopped abruptly, yanking her arm away as she spun to face him. “James, don’t,” she said, her voice cracking. Her eyes, brimming with tears, glared at him, though the anger wasn’t meant for him.He held up his hands In a gesture of surrender. “I’m not here to argue,” he said gently. “But you’re upset, and I’m not letting you walk out of here alone. Let me take you home.”Ava hesitated, her chest heaving with unspoken emotions. Finally, she nodded, her lips pressed int
James and Ava stood side by side, their polished shoes crunching against the gravel path that led to the grand countryside estate. The address Ava had received days earlier burned in her mind—a simple note signed by her estranged mother, Lillian Affleck. It was a summons Ava couldn’t ignore, despite the years of silence that stretched between them like an unbridgeable chasm. James, ever the poised billionaire, adjusted his cufflinks and glanced at Ava. “Are you sure about this?” His voice carried a mix of concern and reassurance. Ava nodded, though her heart raced. “I need answers, James. I can’t keep pretending the past doesn’t matter.” The massive oak door creaked open as they approached, revealing a man in his late fifties. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his tailored suit hinted at wealth, though his warm smile added a touch of humility. “Welcome,” he said, his voice deep but kind. “Mr. James Valquez? What are you doing here?” “Excuse me, where do you know