It was late in the night and as they have been doing every single night for the past month and a half, the two ladies kept chatting back and forth between each other. And these ladies are none other than Isabella and her dearest Maama; Angelina!Right from the first night she left the mansion, Angelina had been communicating with Isabella via the new number that the latter had gotten for her which no one else except the two of them knows about. They chose to be having their daily chats at around ten pm in the night because that's the perfect, secretive time since Lucy is fast asleep and Maxwell had already done his nightly routine of checking up on Isabella and returned to the west wing.Tonight, Angelina had a worried look on her face as she typed a message to Isabella which read, 'But Bella, don't you think we've taken this too far? Let us not punish so many people for the mistake of just one. I'm really worried about Alicia and Jeremy. I heard that she has been missing her lec
Two more weeks slipped by and just like that, it was already two full months since Angelina disappeared with no trace of her at all. Neither Maxwell nor the couple; Alicia and Jeremy wavered on their search for her as they kept working hard day and night along with their private investigators. But as usual, all their efforts proved to be in vain since they were searching in all the wrong places. Never in their wildest dreams could they have ever imagined that Ethan, who had been steadfast and very actively involved in searching for her, is actually the one keeping her in his house!Even though it pained him a lot to see his best friend and two other people suffering unnecessarily, Ethan had no choice but to let things be as they were. Isabella had approached him on that fateful day two months ago, explaining everything that happened and pleading with him to help her with her plans. Of course Ethan had been reluctant at first, but once Isabella told him that she had a hidden motive beh
Maxwell was seated on the cold marbled floor in Angelina's bedroom with his back pressed against the wall. To a casual onlooker, he looked exactly like a statue as he just sat there not moving, not saying a word, not blinking his eyes— just not doing anything but staring blankly at a paper in his hands. His usually cold and steely eyes held no emotions whatsoever at the moment. They looked lifeless and empty while his strikingly handsome face looked so pallid and ashen. Anyone with eyes can clearly see that he was in a state of extreme shock and despair.His eyes robotically moved over the words in the letter that Isabella had written for him one after the other, just like a kid learning how to read. It read, 'Hi Dada! Firstly, please forgive me for keeping you in the dark. Hope you are not too mad at me? And please don't blame Dr. Ipkins, he had no choice in the matter as I kinda forced him. So please I beg of you, spare the innocent man.Secondly, do you know that quote— 'If y
Much later in the day, Angelina's two friends said their goodbyes and left, leaving only her and Ethan with the grieving father. Maxwell was trying his best to hide his emotions but it was quite obvious to anyone with eyes that he was hurting so much over the tragic loss. Even though Angelina was hurting too, she's aware that her pain is nothing compared to Maxwell's who had known and loved Isabella ever since she was born.Therefore, she kept her own feelings at bay and joined forces with Ethan in trying to at least get Maxwell's mind off the gloomy, depressing thoughts. Afterall she made a promise to Isabella to be there for him when he needed her and at the moment, he definitely does so.Presently, they were seated in the living room with cups of hot coffee in each of their hands. Even though Alejandro had prepared lunch earlier, none of them had been able to take anything down, despite trying hard to do so. The grief was surely eating at all of them. And so Angelina had made coffe
As the wise ones say, time heals all wounds but indeed the scars remain. And in Angelina and Maxwell's case, the scar that remained after the pain of losing Isabella was a very huge one. It's already a month after the sad loss and by this time, things still haven't exactly gone back to normal. That's almost impossible after such a great loss. But at least, a semblance of normalcy had returned to their lives. Even though none of them voiced it out, they were both trying their best to fulfill Isabella's wish of moving on with their lives.Gradually, things were returning back to how they were before Angelina's departure. Maxwell had finally resumed his duties as the CEO of M.J Tech. And while he's away, Angelina occupies herself by preparing their meals, spending time with Honey and Lucy who still remained even though her services were no longer required as Maxwell didn't have the heart to fire her. All in all, everything was slowly and gradually getting back to normal— as normal as it
Spain?!" "Yeah. Nanna might be thousands of miles away but her heart and mind is here with us in London. And so since she can't come to us, why don't we go to her?"Maxwell is absolutely right. Ever since the unfortunate loss, there's no day that will pass without Nanna calling the couple at least twice or thrice a day. Sometimes even more, especially when she notices a sign of gloominess on their faces no matter how small it is. That's why most times when she calls, they school their features to look as cheerful as possible so as not to make the older lady worried.Angelina remained quiet for a short while, staring at him with a pondering look, as if trying to decipher him. "That's very thoughtful of you."Maxwell had never been a vain person and always feel awkward whenever he's being complimented. However, Angelina's compliments, no matter how vague, mean a great deal to him and so he always look forward to them.He quickly turned around so she wouldn't be able
"Dios mio! Que estoy viendo?! Estoy sonando? Chico, chica, ¿eres tú?!"(Oh my God! What am I seeing?! Am I dreaming? Chico, chica, is that you?!)Nanna never babbles or speaks pure Spanish except in the presence of her immediate family members and so hearing her doing both at the same time, Maxwell and Angelina knew that their plan was successful. Nanna is indeed surprised. Utterly, totally and completely surprised. And in the most pleasant way!She engulfed both of them in a group hug, smothering both of their faces with unending kisses. Despite himself, Maxwell had to smile while Angelina kept giggling cheerily. There isn't any doubt about it, they had just made Nanna's whole day!************ "Chico, I didn't want to ask you this over the phone but is it true what I heard? Is it true that you've gotten Janette arrested?"At the mention of that name, Maxwell's face instantly turned menacingly cold, making Angelina to steal a furtive, curious look at him. Who was this Janett
Nanna and Angelina exchanged wary looks. Curious, Angelina walked over to where he dropped the paper, picked it up and read, 'An amazing father'The curious look on her face turned into a bewildered one. Why would he react that way just because he's asked to act like an amazing father? Is it because it reminded him of Isabella? Or something else?Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Angelina turned to see Nanna looking at her with a worried look on her face. "Go to him, chica. His wound is still fresh so you have to bear with him. Please."Angelina nodded before assuring Nanna. "Don't worry Nanna, it might be impossible for him to completely get over the great loss but I'm sure that with time, he'll gradually adjust. So don't stress yourself too much, okay?"With that, she pecked the older woman on the forehead before turning and hurriedly going after him. Watching her go, Nanna sighed. Isabella had told her everything before her demise and so she's aware that Angelina
Six months later… In the just concluded bakery section of the state of the art buildings of Isabella Gallagher Memorial Foundation, a heavily pregnant Angelina waddled around, inspecting the ultramodern baking equipments. Even though Lucy had volunteered to be the caretaker of the London-based foundation center, from time to time, Angelina goes there to inspect things, especially when a new project has been completed or when some newly- bought equipments have arrived. That's not because she didn't trust Lucy's capability of handling things superbly. No, far from it. She knows she's quite capable and just goes there to make sure things are running smoothly. After all, the foundation is her pet project and her lifelong dream and she loves it just like her own baby! So far, apart from the basic infrastructures that had already been established in both the American and London-based foundation centers, a culinary school, sewing and knitting center, sports arena, arts school for painting
Over the moon with joy, Maxwell hastily slipped the ring unto her finger and as he got up to seal it with a kiss, Angelina's hand suddenly appeared in front of his lips and pushed them away from hers. "Not so fast, lover boy! We have a score to settle first."Maxwell's eyes instantly widened in trepidation. What score do they have to settle? He thought they have already crossed that bridge earlier. He thought she had already forgiven him! But before he could voice out his fears, Angelina's melodic voice reached his ears. "You came here, wowed me with your mind-blowing confession, went ahead to steal my breath away by telling me I'm the one for you, your peace of mind, your bane of existence, your home, your soulmate and so many other mind-blowing things before going down on one knee and proposing to me. You did all that, without even giving me any chance to state my own feelings. Oh I forgot, I don't suppose to have any feelings. After all, 'you know I don't share your feel
Maxwell couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing. And he knows for sure that he isn't dreaming so could this mean…He looked towards Ethan who was standing behind Angelina for confirmation and just as he nodded his head to confirm that indeed she has regained her memories, Angelina's voice rent the air once again. "Pfft! Can you believe this, bro? I thought that your friend would be a little more excited about seeing me but it seems…"Angelina never got to finish saying what she intended to as she suddenly felt her body engulfed in a very tight hug against a warm, tall, hard and familiar body. In a flash, her own hands automatically wrapped themselves around the tall, imposing figure. At the same time, her eyes fluttered close on their own accord. Their joined bodies reverberated as in unison, both she and Maxwell released very huge, deeply felt sighs of relief. Home, at last! At long, long last they are finally where they rightfully belonged; in the most blissful home ev
Ethan and Robert had just finished having an early dinner together and were on their way to the airport when the former received a call. Upon checking the caller id on the screen, a frown materialized on his face. But that notwithstanding, he swiped and answered the call. "What's up Dr. I-know-it-all? Have you perhaps forgotten your stethoscope with me? Or is it your brain?"From the other end, Dr. Nick sighed. "Look, Mr. Marlowe, I haven't called you for another round of bickering. We need to talk. Urgently. Where are you now? Since you're answering your calls I can tell that you haven't boarded the plane yet, so where can I meet you?"It was Ethan's turn to frown as he instantly became alert. "What's the matter? What happened? How is Angie? Don't tell me anything happened to her! M.J would kill you if anything happens to even a single hair on her head!"Dr. Nick huffed. "Relax, dude. Jolie is perfectly fine. Well, I guess she'll be if only you keep quiet, listen t
Dr. Nick clamped his eyes shut as out of nowhere, sudden pain, sadness and gloom overcame him. How could he have been so blinded? How could he have let his feelings cloud his rational thinking? He had fallen for a woman who is way beyond his reach! He knew right from the onset that she belonged to someone else, that she was someone else's wife but he still let his guard down such that his hidden and long-suppressed feelings for her gradually resurfaced!And now, she is pregnant. What cruel game is this that fate is playing with them all? Here he is, deeply and passionately in love with his childhood buddy but he can neither express it nor even think of acting on it because she's carrying the baby of another man. Another man whom she has absolutely no memories of at all– the man she believes is nobody but a complete stranger to her! God! What kind of mess is this?!What is he supposed to do now? How is he going to break the news of her pregnancy to her when she doesn't even remember h
Angelina grinned widely at him. "Of course! You're my best friend so of course you can't just like me! And you know the feeling is mutual too, right? You're the bestest best friend in the whole wide world and so I love you too!"Once again, Dr. Nick gave her that strange, intense look and cleared his throat. "Erm…Jolie, I have something that I want to tell…"Just then, the shrill sound of his phone interrupted him and as he looked down at the caller id, his entire demeanor instantly changed. Without answering the call, he abruptly got up from his seat while saying to Angelina, "Shit! I completely forgot that I'm supposed to meet someone by two pm today and it's already a quarter to two now."Perplexed at his reaction to the call, Angelina, who had also seen the caller id before he silenced the phone, frowned up at him in confusion. "Who is this Mr. Blondie whose mere call has gotten you so worked up like this? You don't even behave this way when the hospital medical
Maxwell stood in front of the large painting of Angelina and himself in his exquisitely furnished living room, slowly tracing the outline of his wife's gorgeous face with misty eyes and a forlorn and wistful expression on his face.All of a sudden, he felt a hand on his shoulder and even before her gentle, soothing voice rent the air, he knew it was his mother. "You know that staring at her picture will not magically conjure her up, right? Why are you doing this to yourself, son? When will you stop punishing yourself? It's been almost two months now since we left Croatia. Since you left your wife with a complete stranger! All you do is keep sending money, stuffs and either Ethan or Robert to go check on her while you remain here torturing yourself with depressing thoughts. Just take a look at yourself. You haven't just lost a lot of weight but also look so haggard! Arnold told me that once I'm not here, you don't eat at all and hardly sleep at night. And now you're standing here
When Dr. Nick had given Angelina the two gadgets that Maxwell sent over for her, she had only accepted the laptop and refused to accept the phone, claiming that she had no use for it since she had no one to communicate with.Even though that's what she claimed, the real reason is because she doesn't want any reminder of her past life at the moment, the past life that she has no memories of as at present. She knows that once she has a phone, someone connected to her forgotten past might call her and that will inevitably push back those depressing thoughts which she had shoved away to the forefront and hence, make her sad and gloomy. And that's the last thing she wanted at the moment. All she wants is to pretend as if all is well, to live in the moment, to be happy and keep having great fun with her best friend. Therefore, she surely doesn't want a phone as of now! If her memories return in the future, then she'd surely require a phone. But as of now, she had no need for it!When Dr. Ni
Dr. Nick didn't get a chance to return to his office until much later in the evening when he had rounded up all he had to do for the meantime. And after having one look at his tired face, Angelina abruptly got up, took the lunch basket in her left hand before holding Dr. Nick's hand with the right one. "You're coming home with me right this second, Dr. Lifesaver!"However, instead of letting her to pull him along with her like she intended to, Dr. Nick stayed put in his place while shaking his head and saying, "No Jolie. I can't leave now. I just performed surgeries on two of my patients and I have to be there when they eventually come to. I need to assess them and…" "Oh no, Dr. Lifesaver, you have already done your part. There are other doctors who can do whatever needs to be done. Besides, you look so tired and dead on your feet and as far as I know, you can only save lives when you yourself are alive and well! So like I said earlier, you are coming home with me now