The next chapter will be tomorrow morning.
“Were you followed?” Ethan asked Carlos. He was frowning after learning about Carlos’ current predicament. He rose from his seat and turned his back on Carlos. Ethan looked distantly through the windows, taking it all in. “I don’t believe so, uncle. The French gang still believes Alexander and I are in Paris, preparing for the French Open,” Carlos answered. “And the driver who drove me is a company employee. Like all my employees, he had signed a privacy clause. He won't say a thing.” “I understand you, Carlos. I understand your reasons for leaving, for chasing your dreams, for going after the reason for your family’s downfall, but it should not have been reason enough to cut us completely,” Ethan berated. “I.” Carlos gulped. “I regretted not explaining my side. Again, I am sorry, uncle, but when it all got complicated, I was already stuck in the situation and… I wanted to be man enough to handle everything.” Hearing his defense, Ethan sighed. He replied, “Carlos, dealing with ev
'Who is my girlfriend?' Carlos pretended to ignore her question and asked, "I haven't seen Kaleb. Where is he?" "Are you avoiding the matter here?" Kate suspected. "Why aren't you answering my question?" "Why are you interested in finding out who is my girlfriend?" Carlos asked back, and he could see Kate's stunned expression. He swore; he saw her clench her jaws as a reaction. "I - I just figured I want to know who I am working for," Kate reasoned. "What's wrong with that?" "Really?" Carlos pursued. He folded his arms across his chest, looking intensely at Kate. "You don't have any other reason for asking that?" Carlos caught how Kate struggled to reply. She wound up snorting, letting out a laugh before answering, "No. That's it. What other reasons would I have?" "I don't have a girlfriend," Carlos finally cleared the misunderstanding. "I don't know why Catrina thought I had one, but no, I don't, and you will eventually meet the company's third owner." Before Kate could ask m
*** FLASHBACK: During One Of Carlos’ Highschool Tennis Practices. *** After tossing the ball up in the air, Carlos’ knees flexed, and his trunk rotated at a forty-five-degree angle in a pro-drop position. “Arrghhh!” He grunted as he hit the tennis ball with his racket in a powerful serve. The ball landed on the opponent’s service area, garnering Carlos his last points. “Game Ronaldo!” The referee announced the win, making Carlos’ supporters jump in their seats, cheering him on. When Carlos took the side bench to rest, Kate rushed across the court. “Here, let me get your water.” “You did such a good job! I’m so proud of you, Carlos!” Kate squeaked in excitement. She was so happy for Carlos that she unwittingly helped him wipe the sweat off his face. “Kate!” Carlos groaned. “My team is looking at me now.” “So, what?” Kate replied, her eyes wandering to Carlos’ opponent for that practice match at school. “I can’t take care of you?” When she saw Tyler walking in their directio
“You take a lot from Manuel Ronaldo,” Hugo Bonnet said, his eyes studying Carlos cautiously, waiting for a reaction. While Carlos felt rage running throughout his entire body, he swallowed all his emotions down his throat. He quickly formed a sneer as if revolted by being compared to his own father. Carlos replied, “I am… nothing like my father.” Carlos turned to his friend, Alexander. Then he shifted his attention back to Hugo. He said, “My father was selfish. More than that, he failed to manage his finances and left mother and me in a helpless situation.” “I would appreciate it, Mister Bonnet, if you don’t mention him before me,” Carlos requested. While his eyes were filled with fury, they were bitterness secretly meant for Hugo and not for his father, Manuel. Hugo’s former mischievous grin turned into a wide beam. He declared, “Well, I think… we can get along just fine." “I hope so, Mister Bonnet. I am here for money and money only. I know making business with you is the fast
“Hello, Catrina,” Kate greeted, entering the door of the CEO’s office. She extended her hand, giving Catrina a copy of her marketing proposal. “This is the marketing plan my team and I have devised. I also sent you a soft copy of the entire outline as well.” “I understand that Carlos’ endorsement contract with Rolex ends in two months, so my suggestion included for him to wear the watches even before our official launch -” “Carlos?” Catrina raised a brow and said, “You are on a first-name basis now with Mister Ronaldo?” “Kate, I don’t mind that we call ourselves on first name bases, but our boss remains to be our boss. Unless he says otherwise, you will address him as Mister Ronaldo,” Catrina directed. “Is that clear?” Kate fell silent. She gulped, realizing how the entire office was not yet aware of her connection with Carlos. Her father, Ethan, had specifically reminded her to keep it to herself, given Carlos’ involvement in an undercover police operation. In response to Catrina
Kate’s eyes fluttered open. She winced, realizing her phone was vibrating. Still half asleep, she checked the time. When Kate realized it was still four in the morning, she groaned, complaining, “Who calls at this time?” She was about to cancel the call, when something in her, call it an unknown force, urged her to answer her phone. When she slid the home screen open, she mumbled, “Do you know what time is it?” “It’s nearly noon here in Paris.” Hearing that voice, she longed for; Kate was wide awake in a flash. Her voice broke in and out as she called his name, “C-Carlos?” “It’s the first day of the tournament today. I’m sorry I woke you up. I was just… wondering if maybe… you’ll wish me luck?” Carlos said on the other line. Kate’s heart was already racing, thrilled at the unexpected call. She replied, “Of course, good luck with your game. I know you’ll do great. As usual.” There was a second of silence, but soon Kate heard Carlos say, “I miss you, Kate.” ‘Oh, my god!’ In her he
Second Round of The French Open. Stade Roland Garros, the complex hosting the French Open, had its tennis courts' surfaces made with white limestones and covered with red brick dust. Crushed bricks were pressed onto the limestone surface with rollers, then drenched in water. Every step, every glide, and every ball landing left a mark on the tennis courts. They say, in the French Open, there were few miscalculations on whether the ball went in or out, but that day, Hugo Bonnet made it a point to let Carlos know how he had control over the French games. Hugo attended the game for the first time since Carlos went undercover into the match-fixing schemes. “The ball was in!” Carlos yelled at the referee, and many of his supporters inside the stadium did the same. They were booing the referee for having counted the ball out. Carlos’ face was red in resentment. Everyone could feel the heat throughout the entire stadium. When the organizers tried Hawk-Eye's assessment, the findings c
Earlier that day in Braeton City. “Yes! Yes!” Kate squeaked after Carlos won his match. She was at a coffee shop across the street from her office building, ordering an excellent strong drink to wake her up. She almost missed Carlos’ game, but thankfully, she witnessed everything through her mobile, all while ordering her drink. It had been two days since Carlos first called her. The first time it happened, her phone died. Earlier at dawn, she missed his call because she was fast asleep. Kate was so exhausted that she failed to hear her phone ring, despite having her mobile next to her. The time difference between Braeton and Paris wasn’t helping at all. Recognizing she still had an hour and a half before work would start, Kate sat at an empty table and sipped her coffee lazily. Just then, a woman with wavy honey hair walked up to her. The woman gripped on the empty seat next to Kate and asked, “Can I take this chair?” The woman was none other than Hailey Mckenzie, and she ga
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