Thank you for waiting, ladies. Sorry for the late update. I was so tired from my weekend, I just had to rest. The next chapter will be after 6 hours.
Kate flinched, feeling the sunlight seep through the glass window of Carlos’ room. When she opened her eyes, she realized how the curtains were slightly open. She concluded how Carlos must have gotten up in the wee hours because he already had the necklace around his neck. Before they made love last night, he had taken it off. Kate looked up at his sleeping frame. She smiled mesmerizing at his handsome face. Slowly, she climbed higher on his bare chest to study his features. She had to admit it; maturity did Carlos well. The way part of his cheeks has sunken just a little, highlighting his chiseled jaws and adding to his charisma. She closed the gap between them and pecked on his cheeks. When Carlos merely hummed, clearly still fast asleep, her eyes landed on the compartment pendant. Kate squinted, studying the details of the same pendant. Her hand slowly held the pendant, carefully assessing how she would open it. When she finally assumed how it could be opened, she adjusted h
Kate was going through her bag, deciding on what to wear for their late brunch. Yes, they skipped breakfast altogether, since she and Carlos went for their third round, making love in bed. After which, they dozed off, exhausted from their morning exercise. When they awoke, it was already past noon. Carlos was already downstairs, checking the kitchen when Kate took her long bath. “This one or this one?” She asked herself, choosing between a crop top blouse paired with denim shorts and a casual dress. However, just as she was contemplating, her eyes wandered to Carlos’ closet. A smile formed on her face, saying, “I know what to pair with my shorts.” *** In the living room, Carlos had his hands folded against his chest, his forehead creased. He huffed, watching the news on TV. Hailey Mckenzie was being interviewed by F9 TV, a French TV network. She was crying as if deprived of something that belonged to her. “They won’t let me see Carlos, my boyfriend. Where is the justice in th
“Thank you for returning my daughter,” Ethan said while welcoming Carlos to the dining table. “Although we don’t mind if Kate stays with you until tomorrow. When are you leaving again, Carlos?” Samantha asked. “I’m leaving tomorrow, aunt,” Carlos revealed. “Kate will see me practice tomorrow morning, and I’ll leave for New York in the afternoon.” “Will you be back?” Samantha asked. “Yes, aunt. I will return after my New York trip, but I might not stay long. I still have to wait for instructions from the French Open organizers, but I am certain they will not delay the tournament for long. It can’t clash with the Wimbledon finals,” Carlos explained. “Yes, and we still need you to win the French Open Cup,” Ethan said before pointing Carlos and Kate to their seats. Observing the frown on Kate's face, Ethan asked, “Why are you looking grumpy?” “I’m not grumpy, dad. Pfft!” Kate denied it by faking a laugh. The truth was, Kate was disappointed that she did not get her reward from
Kate: [I miss you already] Reading Kate’s text made Carlos smile. Carlos was in his New York penthouse, ready to leave for his meeting with Officer Baker. The other day, when he left, he gave Kate a secured phone, and the same gadget already had his new number saved. Before taking the lift, he took the chance to send Kate a text back: [I miss you too. I’ll be back before you know it.] The sound of the elevator doors opening caught his attention. His eyes landed on Lemuel, his head of his security. “Sir, this way,” Lemuel said, guiding him to the back entrance of his penthouse building. “Have you added bodyguards to follow Kate around?” Carlos asked. Lemuel cleared his throat and replied, “Sir, um. Miss Wright has six soldiers following her around. She doesn’t even realize it. Plus the two we have commissioned from the security agency, she now has eight protectors.” “Good,” said Carlos. “Nothing is more important to me than Kate.” “Understood, Sir,” Lemuel acknowledged.
“We think… your father may be alive.” The words that left officer Baker's lips echoed in Carlos' head. He did not know for how long he sat there, thinking. His mind wandered back to his father’s wake. Carlos recalled how his mother never let him see Manuel’s face because of his father's injuries. He felt a headache coming his way, trying to identify those who peered inside his father’s coffin. The accident that resulted in his father's death was a head-on collision with a truck and resulted in a fire, barely recognizing the bodies of both vehicle drivers. ‘Uncle Ethan and aunt Sam, I’m sure they had a look,’ Carlos thought. Then, Carlos's voice came through with the recollection of how the police went to his mother about the accident. He stammered into his reply, “I think… the police identified him properly. I remember how, aside from his private things, there was a DNA test done -” “Teeth. I already checked,” said officer Baker. “They identified your father’s DNA through his tee
“Miss Mckenzie, what do you have to say about the statement that Carlos Ronaldo’s party released? According to his statement, you are not in a relationship,” the news reporter could be seen on TV asking Hailey as she walked to the airport in Paris. Kate watched the news while having lunch with her colleagues at CSK Apparel. She narrowed her eyes at the sight of Hailey and waited for her reply. She thought, ‘You better tell the truth, Hailey.’ “I’m sure there is a reason for his denial. This is just a misunderstanding. Everything will be cleared up very soon. You'll see.” Hailey smiled and said, “Thank you. I need to catch my flight and return to New York.” Kate’s lips twitched in irritation. She thought, ‘How dare she?’ “Wonder why Mister Ronaldo denied their relationship. Weren’t they always seen together?” Linsey, Kate’s marketing associate, said. Molly, their store manager, replied, “Yes. Even during his early tennis career. Maybe they are going through a rough patch. Every c
[I’m sorry, Kate. Don’t worry, everyone will know that you are my girlfriend when this is all over. Have a good sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. I love you, and I miss you terribly.] Carlos replied to Kate’s text while at the dining area of Alexander’s home. For over an hour now, Carlos, Alexander, and Kendra had been enjoying their meal while occasionally drinking red wine. They chatted about their previous tennis matches while sometimes talking about the other players. Kendra also injected conversations about models dating tennis players, allowing her to be thoroughly part of the discussion. Kendra picked up the bottle of wine from the ice bucket and poured the remaining contents into Carlos’ and Alexander’s glass. After which, she said, “Oops! Looks like we need a refill, guys.” Carlos checked the time and said, “Nah, I think it’s time for me to go -” “Go? Oh, my god, Carlos. It has been so long since we had so much fun, don’t you agree?” Kendra asked, winking at Carlos.
Earlier that evening, in the kitchen of Alexander's home. Lemuel’s brows met, seeing how Kendra appeared to be preparing glasses of wine, but more than that, she seemed to be concentrated on one glass alone. “Excuse me, ma’am. Mister Jenkins said I could get a beer?” Kendra was startled when he made his presence known, and her face looked liable. Oh, he was familiar with that guilty look, alright. He was a former marine, after all. Another thing he noticed was how Kendra's eyes scanned the floor when she answered him, searching for something. As she did, Lemuel's gaze returned to the three glasses on the tray and an open bottle of wine, and he squinted. The wine was already chilled, and Lemuel saw Carlos and Alexander holding a wine glass each. He thought, ‘There was no reason for Kendra to prepare more glasses when they were drinking the same kind of wine… Unless... she was spiking the drinks.’ Kendra had those bottle service tray-type which allowed her to carry everything inde
My Dear Readers, Thank you for supporting Kate's and Carlos' story. This was my first sports romance story and my first, second chance novel at that. To those who supported me from Book 1 to Book 5 of the Wright Family Series, thank you. I am forever grateful for the encouragement you have given me. Your reviews, comments, suggestions, and messages keep me going every day. You have no idea how it makes me smile and pushes me to do better. Q1: So what's next for Author LiLhyz? Answer: I will write the grandchildren's stories, but not all of them. At the top of my head, I am sure I will write about Kenneth and Liam. Q2: When will the next book be out? Answer: I will first take a break and then start writing again in mid-November. Once the book is out, I will put out an announcement on my social media pages. Thus, I encourage everyone to follow me there. It is the best way you can receive an update from me. Q3: Will you write about the supporting characters? Answer: Sadly, no
Years passed. “Let’s welcome back the former number one players on the court, Carlos Ronaldo, The Devil, and Alexander Jenkins!” A year after Alexander retired from his tennis career, the two former star athletes were invited for an appearance match at The National Tennis Center Complex, sponsored by a famous sports drink. The stadium was filled with the Devil’s fans, including Alexander’s. It may only be an appearance match, but they missed their favorite tennis stars dearly. “Devil!” “Devil!” “Alex!” “Devil!” “Alex!” “I miss you all!” Alexander claimed, waving his hands. Carlos also waved at his supporters, then he turned to his family and blew them a kiss. Kate and the children stood in the VIP seats with Savannah and her own kids. The Devil and Alexander took their respective side of the courts and shook hands. Carlos said, “Good luck.” “I could say the same to you, my friend. I won’t hold back,” Alexander claimed. A chuckle escaped Carlos' lips. He replied, “No
One year and a little over seven months passed. Castle backdrops surrounded the grand ballroom of the Third Diamond Hotel, where each side was made to appear like stone walls in medieval times. Arch windows were painted on the same backdrops, and royal guards stood in between white columns. At the front, royal seats were prepared for three; a king, a queen, and of their small little princess. Above them, the ceiling was decorated with hanging candlesticks and huge chandeliers. That day was Sami Amari Ronaldo’s first birthday, and the Ronaldo couple had a princess-themed party for their only daughter. The sound of trumpets altered all the visitors. On the left side of the venue, the Jenkins snapped their heads, their eyes gleaming at the soon arrival of Carlos’ and Kate’s princess. They brought Saoirse with them and their son Spencer. The Knights were also invited to the event, which allowed Savannah’s parents to have a short vacation and a chance to visit their grandkids. “Hi
Kate caressed her body as she rested her back on the side of the jacuzzi tub. She delighted in that cucumber melon bath scent, which she surprisingly loved. It had been half an hour since she had soaked herself under the tub. When she knew the scent would already linger on her skin, she got up and dried herself. Walking out of the bathroom, completely naked, Kate found Carlos looking out into the sea, his bare and well-defined back facing her, his tight ass inviting her to grab it. “Carlos,” she called. A hint of sultriness exuded in her voice. She climbed up the bed, flashing her white and silky smooth two-round flesh before laying down sideways, giving The Devil a good view of her crack. A hiss left Carlos’ lips as he turned. He wound up palming himself, checking his hardness as he walked over to the side of the bed. He held pieces of black cloth and declared, “Today, I want to take full control.” Kate did not know what he meant. She simply allowed him to do whatever he pleas
“Hwuah! Hwuah!” The sound of a baby’s cry echoed throughout the delivery room, and just like her first delivery, tears stung Kate’s eyes. “Baby boy Ronaldo is out,” announced the doctor. The crying baby was placed in Kate’s chest for her and The Devil to cherish. “Ah, what an angry little one,” Carlos said, seeing how Andre wasn’t hushing down his cries. The time came and went. At thirty-eight weeks, Kate delivered her second son, Andre Pete Ronaldo. “Congratulations on having a healthy baby boy, Mister, and Misses Ronaldo.” The couple relished seconds of caressing Andre’s head before Carlos indicated, “I am happy with our two sons, Kate, but… we should still keep trying. Who knows, we’ll have a mini-Kate.” Kate nodded, saying, “There is no harm in trying.” She gazed at her son, mesmerized. She studied his cute lips, saying, “I love you, baby!” “And daddy loves you, Andre,” Carlos echoed. It was another year to celebrate as The Devil maintained his number one ranking. He
Months passed. “Till this very day, Carlos Ronaldo is still number one and had been consistent for 426 days, more than 60 weeks, and counting. The Devil had claimed both the Wimbledon and the US Open. Erik Berg is still behind him, and Alexander Jenkins is next. Roger Murray fell to the 4th rank after the US Open.” “How long will the Devil be on top? With his growing business, until when will The Devil keep playing?” On a Sunday, Kate and Carlos were watching the national TV recorded news from within their home's living room. After the reporter’s initial statements, The Devil answered an interview. On the monitor, Carlos could be seen walking out of a tennis training camp in New York. He said in front of the camera, “I will still keep playing, but I’ll be on court on and off. If fate would have me to remain number one for a longer time, then that is a blessing, and I am happy to take that role and be a model to many tennis aspirants out there.” “However, I am not pressuring myself
"Alexander and Savannah, have you come here of your own free will and without a compulsion to marry each other?” the officiant asked. Immediately, Alexander and Savannah said together, “Yes.” “You may kiss the bride.” Applause could be heard at the wedding, held in the countryside of Savannah’s hometown. The wedding was celebrated in front of a historical castle in Tipperary. Tables and chairs were spread across the green lawns surrounding the castle. Tents covered the guests from the sun. Steel frames rose to twenty-feet high, decorated with various purple and white blooms. Everyone in the Wright family attended the Irish wedding. Samantha and Ethan were present. Carlos and Kate came with Manuel, Kaleb brought his son, Liam, Kyle and Gaby made a side trip from Freedonia to Ireland, and Kenzie came with her husband, Andrew. A trip to the countryside of Ireland was not something they would miss. The views were just breathtaking. The mountain and greenery slopes could widely be
Kate and Carlos watched as Kyle held Manuel’s legs up, and cleaned his dirt. They observed how the CEO of the Wright Diamond Corporation turned Manuel’s delicate frame, gentry, from side to side to clothe him with his top. After effectively pulling up the baby’s pants, Kyle claimed, “See! It’s easy! Like a walk in the park." “That was very fast,” Carlos had to admit. “I’m a natural at caring for babies,” Kyle claimed. A confident grin formed on his face, adding, “It also comes with experience.” Kate looked past her brother and saw Gaby giggling while carrying her one-year-old daughter, Gale. She wasn’t sure what to believe, but, nonetheless, they were thankful for Kyle’s help, showing his best technique to change an infant. “Let me hold my nephew for a while,” Kyle asked, carrying Manuel from the stroller. “You carry him like this. Listen to your older brother now.” “What about my style? Do you want to see how I change my nephew?” This time around, Kaleb offered. "No. No, he i
Scoreboard:Ronaldo: 6, 6, 5Murray: 4, 4, 4 In the third set, Carlos was ahead by five games, and in the final game, he was leading by a point. “Thirty, fifteen,” the umpire announced the scores. Carlos’ face was red from all the running he had done. He was chasing his breath as he bounced the ball against the hard court, ready to serve. He had been giving his finest, not letting Roger Murray score a set. After he thrust up the ball, he hit it with his racket. “Out!” Letting out a sigh, Carlos was relieved he still had a second try to serve the ball correctly. After serving it again, Roger ran to the far right of his court and returned the ball. Carlos quickie volleyed it back, and Roger missed another point. “Forty, fifteen, championship point.” Ready to serve, Carlos pecked his pendant. He wiped the sweat off his face with his wristband and threw the ball up in the air. Carlos served once and twice, but he hit the net in both instances. The crowd was barking, both angry