A Normal Woman

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Valentina opened her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep, her long lashes fluttering against her cheeks. The world came into focus slowly, and she found herself gazing at the face of the man she had loved with all her heart for nearly three years.

The morning sun filtered through the gauzy curtains, casting a warm, golden glow on his features, accentuating the sharp angle of his jaw and the gentle curve of his lips. In this light, he looked even more attractive than usual, if that was possible.

She marveled at how they had managed to stay together for so long, considering the numerous fights and arguments they had endured. Each disagreement had felt like a tempestuous storm, threatening to tear them apart, but somehow, they had weathered them all. Their relationship was like a ship that had sailed through rough seas, battered but still afloat.

He was, without a doubt, a handsome man. His features were chiseled, as if carved by a master sculptor - high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips that could curl into a devastating smile.

To add to that, he was rich, his wealth evident in the luxurious penthouse they shared, with its panoramic views of the city skyline and designer furnishings. The allure of his wealth and charm meant there were countless women who would leap at the chance to be with him, even for just one day.

Valentina had seen them at parties and events, their hungry eyes following his every move, their laughter a little too loud whenever he spoke.

Yet, he chose her.

A normal woman, or so she had thought.

Valentina Rodriguez.

22 years old.

She came from a family that she preferred to describe as middle-class, though the truth was slightly different. It was a lie she told herself and others, perhaps out of a desire to seem more relatable, or maybe to distance herself from the expectations that came with her true background.

Her father, Andrew Rodriguez, was the owner of a successful tech company, a visionary who had risen from humble beginnings to create an empire built on innovation and cutting-edge technology.

Her mother, Lovy Arden, ran a thriving fashion business, her designs gracing runways from New York to Milan. After their marriage, they had merged their companies, creating a powerful conglomerate known for its innovation and prestige.

The Rodriguez-Arden Group was a household name, its logo a symbol of quality and luxury.

She had four siblings, each as unique and complex as the facets of a diamond.

When her parents announced their intention to retire, Valentina felt a wave of relief wash over her, almost as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. The thought of stepping away from the family business was both liberating and exhilarating. The constant pressure, the endless meetings, the cutthroat competition - it had never been her world.

When Mason and Peter were chosen to take over, she found herself rejoicing internally. She’d wanted to shout her gratitude to the heavens, “Thank you for keeping me away from this busy world!” Instead, she had smiled politely and congratulated her brothers, all while her heart danced with joy.

Kayden stirred slightly in his sleep, drawing Valentina’s attention back to him. He was a good man, with a physique that seemed to embody every woman’s fantasy. His sculpted abs, visible even through the thin sheet draped over him, were the result of countless hours in the gym. They were the kind of abs you could grate cheese on, as her friend Nancy often joked.

She couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her stomach at the sight of them. Those abs were his reward for his dedication to fitness, even on days when his schedule was packed with meetings and conference calls. She admired his discipline, even if it sometimes came at the cost of their time together.

That dedication was one reason for their frequent arguments. Even if he was busy, it didn’t excuse forgetting her birthday or their anniversary. She put effort into their relationship, despite her own demanding schedule at the non-profit where she worked. She would leave little notes in his briefcase, or surprise him with his favorite meals after a long day.

This didn’t mean she didn’t understand his stress. He was from a wealthy family with a global presence in several industries, and the K Tech Company was at the forefront of technological innovation. As the CEO, the weight of thousands of employees’ livelihoods rested on his shoulders.

He was the boss of K Tech Company, a position that came with immense pressure and responsibility. So, what was one day off for him? One day to celebrate their love, to remind themselves why they were together amidst the chaos of their lives?

They didn’t work at the same company—she preferred working in human relations at a local non-profit, which was more fulfilling to her than the cutthroat business world. The irony wasn’t lost on her. Here she was, from a family of business tycoons, working to help underprivileged communities.

Pfft. The irony indeed.

He had once offered her a job as his personal assistant, a position that would have placed her under his direct supervision. The offer had been tempting - working alongside him, being part of something big. But she loved her current job, despite her dislike for her boss.

Adding to the complication was the fact that her boss, Mr. Thompson, was a friend of her father’s. She didn’t understand why her father would befriend someone like him - a man whose smiles never reached his eyes, whose compliments always felt backhanded.

He had a clear disdain for her, perhaps resenting that she had gotten the job through her father’s connections rather than her own merit. She returned the sentiment, working twice as hard to prove her worth.

Her family had accepted Kayden as her boyfriend, though it had taken some time. He underwent their scrutiny and came through with flying colors, quickly winning their approval. Her father had been impressed by his business acumen, her mother charmed by his manners, and even her brothers had grudgingly admitted he wasn’t “half bad”.

He was a charmer.

A charmer from the first glance.

Valentina had bumped into him at a well-known coffee shop one morning. In her usual clumsy fashion, she had slipped on a wet patch of floor, spilling her expensive latte all over his immaculate coat and crisp white shirt. The hot liquid had seeped through the fabric, staining it an unsightly brown.

Realizing who he was, she had been mortified. The sight of the young, successful businessman in a casual setting had caught her completely off guard. She had seen him in magazines and on TV, but in person, he was even more striking. His presence seemed to fill the entire coffee shop, drawing every eye to him.

Long story short, he gave her his number and instructed her to replace his ruined attire. His tone had been stern, but there was a twinkle in his eye that hinted at amusement rather than anger.

Embarrassed and reluctant to ask her parents for a large sum of money - she had been trying to make it on her own - she turned to Mason and Peter for help. They were furious. They advised her to ignore Kayden’s demands and forget the incident, warning her about men who used their wealth and status to take advantage of women.

However, she pleaded with them to help her, promising that once the suit issue was resolved, she wouldn’t be involved with him again. It was a promise made in desperation, one she had no intention of keeping even as the words left her mouth.

They reluctantly agreed, but the promise was short-lived. Kayden’s charm proved irresistible. He began sending flowers to her workplace - beautiful arrangements that filled the office with fragrance and her colleagues with envy.

Gifts would appear at her apartment - a first edition of her favorite book, a delicate necklace that matched her eyes perfectly. He took her on romantic dates - candlelit dinners at exclusive restaurants, moonlit walks in the park, weekend getaways to quaint bed and breakfasts.

Slowly but surely, she found herself falling deeply in love with him. It wasn’t just his wealth or his looks - it was the way he listened when she spoke, the passion in his eyes when he talked about his dreams, the gentle way he held her hand.

When her brothers discovered what had happened, they were outraged and gave her the cold shoulder for the next two weeks. Perhaps that was why they remained hostile toward him, their protectiveness clashing with her newfound happiness.

Valentina’s thoughts drifted to her family:

Mason Rodriguez, 26 years old. The heir apparent to the Rodriguez-Arden Group. His life was a whirlwind of business meetings, strategy sessions, and networking events. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for family dinners on Sundays, a tradition he insisted on maintaining.

Peter Rodriguez, 24 years old. The black sheep turned marketing genius. His wild parties and escapades had been the stuff of tabloid fodder, but recently, he had channeled that energy into revolutionary marketing campaigns that had boosted the company’s profile among younger demographics.

Anne Rodriguez, 20 years old, who was staying near her college to complete her design course. The baby of the family, she was determined to make a name for herself outside of the family business. Her unique designs were already gaining attention in the fashion world, much to their mother’s delight.

Her parents were eager for her to marry Kayden as soon as possible, despite her own reservations. They saw it as a perfect merger, both of hearts and empires. But Valentina wanted more than just a business arrangement. She knew she needed to discuss this with him soon, to ensure they were on the same page about their future.

His family had treated her with kindness and respect from the start. It was reassuring to know that her parents had met them during various business meetings and charity galas. The Ilmantos were known for their philanthropy as much as their business acumen.

Kayden had been a constant source of support, caring for her through both good and bad times. After he convinced her to move in with him, their life together had begun in earnest. The penthouse became their shared space, a blend of his minimalist taste and her cozier style.

Just like her parents, both of Kayden’s parents were businesspeople. River Ilmanto and Nova Larsch had an arranged marriage, a fact that always fascinated Valentina. Despite the unconventional start, they had built a strong partnership, both in business and in life. Kayden was their only son, the apple of their eye and the heir to their vast empire.

Her parents were overjoyed when they learned she was dating him. Marriage would bring not just financial security but also an enviable position in high society. The joining of the Rodriguez-Arden and Ilmanto fortunes would create a powerhouse that would dominate multiple industries.

But for her, it wasn’t about the money. She was after his love, the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her, the safety she felt in his arms. The Valentina who had once dreamed of making it on her own had been replaced by a woman who had found her home in another person.

Name: Kayden Ilmanto, 24 years old. CEO of K Tech Company, heir to the Ilmanto fortune, and the man who had captured Valentina’s heart.

“Done staring?”

Valentina’s thoughts were interrupted by his voice, low and husky with sleep. She had been lost in admiration, while his eyes remained closed, savoring the moment. A blush crept up her cheeks at being caught.

“How did you know I was staring at you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Well, I have my ways,” he said with a smirk, his eyes still closed. There was a hint of playfulness in his tone that made her heart skip a beat.

“That’s impossible. Plus, I’m not staring at you,” she retorted, though her blush deepened, spreading down her neck. She was grateful his eyes were still closed, sparing her the embarrassment of being caught in such an obvious lie.

“Okay, keep telling yourself that,” he said playfully, finally opening his dark brown eyes to meet her light brown ones. The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch in her throat. She gazed back at him with undisguised affection, losing herself in the depth of his eyes.

He scooted closer, closing the small gap between them, and planted a tender peck on her lips. What started as a chaste good morning kiss quickly turned into something more passionate. His hand cupped the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair, as he deepened the kiss.

And so, they were once again running late for work, lost in each other and the cocoon of their shared bed.

The shrill ringing of his phone abruptly interrupted their intimate moment. Kayden groaned in frustration, his light blonde hair tousled from sleep and their activities. He reached over Valentina to grab the device from the nightstand, his movement bringing their bodies flush against each other.

Valentina chuckled softly as he answered the call, his voice gruff as he spoke to whoever was on the other end. She took this opportunity to slip out of bed and into the bathroom for a quick shower.

As she emerged, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, droplets of water still clinging to her skin, Kayden was just finishing up his call. His eyes roamed appreciatively over her form, a look that still made her blush even after years together.

“So, it’s tonight, right?” he asked the caller, his eyes never leaving Valentina.

“Alright,” he replied, ending the conversation and tossing the phone aside.

Valentina moved to the walk-in closet, a room almost as large as her entire first apartment. She began sorting through her clothes, fingers brushing against silk blouses and tailored suits as she looked for something suitable for work.

“My friends are holding a party tonight. Want to join us?” Kayden asked, his voice closer now. She turned to see him leaning against the doorframe of the closet, still gloriously shirtless.

She looked at him and smiled, then shook her head. A flash of relief crossed his face, quickly replaced by understanding. She was glad he didn’t press the issue. He knew her well enough by now to understand her aversion to such events.

Valentina wasn’t particularly fond of parties, getting drunk, or dancing with strangers. The loud music, the forced small talk, the constant networking - it all felt exhausting to her.

She’d only do it if she needed to unwind after a particularly stressful week, was coerced by a friend (usually Nancy, with her puppy dog eyes and promises of “just one drink”), or had a specific reason, like celebrating a friend’s achievement.

With her evening now free, she contemplated using the time to indulge in her little secret. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through her, mixed with a twinge of guilt.

A sudden thought struck her, giving her pause as she reached for a blouse. Did she truly enjoy it? This secret part of her life that she kept hidden from everyone, even Kayden?

The question lingered in her mind as she finished dressing, a seed of doubt planted in the fertile soil of her thoughts. It was a question she wasn’t sure she was ready to answer, but one she knew she’d have to face sooner or later.

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