Montana, USAInside the office of Don Augustus at Esquibel estate, he was meeting with detective Ivan Wright, a private investigator who worked for the Don.It was time to inform him about their newest lead and investigation."I've got some information and I think this is it." The man said in his usual professional manner. His voice held an edge of professionalism but also had an air of excitement. He was so excited, it almost didn't seem real as he spoke. The two men sat facing each other on the couch. Don Augustus looked up from his computer screen. "Please tell me what you have," he requested.In response, Detective Ivan opened his backpack that lay next to him and took out a file. He laid it on the coffee table between them. It appeared as if the document wasn't even in order. But it doesn't matter." We've finally found the family of the late Alejandro Vernon. We got our hand to one of his siblings that was processing the title of their land. He said that his family went back
Ever since Nicolo gained enough money and power, he immediately hired a private investigator to find Mirage.Yes.His 10 year old self doesn't forget that incident he and Travis saw with their own eyes. He swears to his young and powerless self that he will find his cousin no matter what and he will prove everyone who laughs at them wrong.He held onto that promise for 25 years and who would have thought that he, himself would find her?He knew that Ivan Wright was working with his grandfather. But as soon as he became the CEO of their company, detective Wright's loyalty fell on his hands. He owes him big time. He owes Nicolo his family's dear life.Detective Ivan Wright's wife and his 2 sons were driving home from school when they met with a traffic accident. At that time, Nicolo was heading back to the office after a meeting with all of their companies' presidents.His wife's condition is critical as the collision with another car hit the driver seat. The driver of the other car was
After Nicolo saved Mirage and Euphemia that day on the shore, he and Don Augustus had been flipping through their phone to make the investigation faster by all means. Calling each and every one who's involved and everyone who could possibly help.It was a lot of work, but it paid off as they began to get results. They finally found her husband's contact information at the local police station which led them to his home address and working place as well.Nicolo found out that he was a store manager of a huge and known hardware store at a very well known mall in the Philippines. He's only been there for two years since he graduated from university, however he did have quite impressive work that let him gain lots of achievements and that makes him the manager." This guy's a hard worker. " Nicolo muttered while reading the report." I think so, too. " Detective Wright said nodding slowly.Upon knowing about that, Nicolo started to make his move. He flipped his phone and make a call. He or
Nicolo ordered Adams to get the car and they drove right away to the hospital. Don Augustus ran outside his office as soon as he heard Nicolo shouting.They were thankful that she didn't hit her head on the floor as Nicolo was able to catch her before she completely fell. Nicolo calls Dr. Travis and tells him they're on their way. Detective Wright, though worried, bid his goodbye." What happened, Nicolo? "Don Augustus anxiously asked while he kept looking back and forth from the unconscious Mirage and the front of the car. He's terribly nervous.Nicolo rubbed his hand on his forehead and exhaled nervously too." I. I don't really know. She picked up a photo that slipped from the folder that Detective Wright had and she just stared at it. She gave back the photo and then she left. "He answered.Don Augustus was still trying to comprehend what is happening but he understands that Nicolo isn't making sense. He could feel that there's more. He just nodded and looked out at the road as
Elven decided to finally go back to work after 2 months of absence. After he left their house to his mother-in-law, he spent another month furnishing the house he bought to keep himself busy and his mind occupied. He was still sad. He had gotten so used to being alone, but he still missed having someone else around him. Even though they were gone for good, Elven knew they would always be a part of his life. His wife was a beautiful woman who gave her love freely. His daughter was sweet and loving just like her mom. He now fell in love with their memory and memories were what kept him going through these lonely days.The house he purchased before the accident was simple. And the place where it was, is comfortable and safe. It was located just outside the city. It was surrounded by large trees, and was situated on a hill. The view there was quite nice.There was a wooden bench where he could sit in the backyard as he admired the sky and enjoyed the warm weather. Or when he could look u
Nicolo Esquibel is talking with Attorney David Mendez on his phone while he's looking outside the window of his room. He's watching Euphemia play in the garden with her nanny. She's crawling on the grass, trying to catch one of the butterflies she's seen flying around the flowers. Her face shines with happiness. He loves watching her play, she's so happy all the time. Doesn't have any idea what's really happening around her and what's going on with her Mom. Just being pure and innocent." Where are you right now, Attorney? "" I'm on my way to meet Mr. Sanford, sir Nick. I'm actually here outside his office. " Attorney Mendez was about to knock when they both heard Harvey's voice." Wait, don't go in there yet. " Nicolo ordered the attorney." Sure, sir. This actually sounds interesting. " the attorney replied." I'm here to say that you're going to be fired. " Harvey said arrogantly." Wow. Who does he think he is? " Nicolo said. Attorney Mendez just quietly chuckled." I'll tell the
It's been a month already since Mirage succumbed to sleep again. It's been 2 months since the tragedy happened. Her daughter Euphemia was taken to her once in a while to avoid too much anxiety build up. Euphemia was comfortable enough with Nicolo that she always wanted to be by his side aside from her Mom. Or maybe she just misses her Dad? Who knows. It didn't matter, though. Because Nicolo and Euphemia are inseparable. He is the one who takes care of her while her mom is lying there in her hospital bed.Nicolo was happy to take care of his niece. He was tired but he made sure she ate and slept well. Nicolo would do anything for her even if it meant giving up sleep. He would make time for her no matter how busy he was from being the CEO of a huge company. He doesn't mind spending more time with her. In fact, he likes it! He loves seeing Euphemia happy and relaxed. It's what makes him feel content.She has grown so much over the months. She looks like her mother now, only smaller. An
" Nothing. I don't want any information about him. "Everyone in the room was surprised by Mirage's straightforwardness." Hey. Just take it slow. You don't need to decide about it right away. You've just woken up. "Nicolo said. His mind was wondering about her husband, Elven. The poor guy was already heartbroken and if Mirage doesn't want to do anything with him right now, Elven's suffering will take much longer." I've decided, Nico. " Mirage said while slowly shaking her head." I really want to remember him and everything that I forget. But if it's just gonna put me again to sleep, I don't think I would want it. Euphemia needs me. I don't want her to grow without me. Well, I don't want her to grow without her father but I really want us to be complete again. And if telling his Dad that we are alive and then it puts me back again to sleep, and it happens that I don't wake up anymore? I don't think he would also want that. I don't want to take that risk. "They fell silent. She has
' I couldn't take this anymore. 'Nicolo made up his mind. He will face Mirage head on and make her say whatever it is that she's been going through. Not knowing that Mirage, herself, doesn't know what's happening with her.He opened the adjacent door without knocking just to find out that Mirage's room is empty. He checked her closet and bathroom but she's nowhere to be found.His eyes wandered around the room and it fell on the coffee table. He walked towards it and lifted the cover of the tray. The food were untouched.' And now what? 'Frustration, anxiety and worries were eating Nicolo away.He quickly go out of her room just to be nailed on where he stands. He was surprised when he heard a faint sound of a piano. He even close his eyes to confirm that his ears weren't playing tricks on him. He knows where exactly the sound was coming. It sounded melancholic and emotional at the same time. He took one last look at his surroundings before he turned and headed towards the sound.
As soon as his car driven by Cris Adams leaves the Esquibel mansion, Nicolo calls Agatha, a maid servant." Call me immediately when something happens. Thank you. "He breathed out exasperately after the call. Then he dialed again." What's up? "" Something's off with her. "" Mirage? Tell me. "" She's... not herself. She's acting strange. She's unusually quiet. I'm sure something is wrong but she's not willing to tell me what it is. She even asked me to go out with Euphy today. "And Nicolo glances at the rearview mirror to look at Adams who's also busy making calls using a hands free device so he could still drive with caution. He's cancelling all their scheduled meetings for today." I'll come right away to check up on her. I'll call you later. Take care. "" Alright, thanks. "Nicolo ended the call with Travis. He looked at Euphemia who was enjoying the view outside the car window. She looked so happy. Her eyes are sparkling with amazement. Unlike the sadness that reflects thro
It's been a month since Mirage decided to enter college. She's been busy preparing for her college admission exam and everyone is showing support that sometimes ticks her off." I am fine. "" My wound won't open if I read for an hour or so. "" Stop being overly dramatic! "Those were her lines. But she gets tired of telling them off that she just glared at them whenever they tried to ask her if she's okay, at least hundreds or thousands of times a day.' Why do they have to be so annoyingly caring? 'She thought smiling inside but still slightly annoyed.And even though she's busy with studying and all, she still makes it a point to spend time and look after her daughter, Euphemia. She's her everything, after all.Her grandpa is always there, giving her advice and Chloe comes by often, cheering her up. Nicolo is always making sure she eats properly and explaining some lessons she's having a hard time to figure out. And her personal doctor, Travis, takes care of her wounds that are a
Manila, PhilippinesChristmas and New Year passed in a blink of an eye. Elven didn't have time to celebrate as he was too occupied with lots of work as the General Manager of MAZE Hardware. The new name of the company he's working with. The one that Nicolo bought under Mirage's name.He was busy going around to check and supervised the stand-alone stores and the stores inside MZ Supermalls, the chain of mall where Esquibels were one of the major shareholders and they own 5 supermalls at the least throughout Manila and nearby provinces.All successfully transferred to Mirage's name.He's schedule was always so hectic that Nicolo asked Attorney Mendez to hire an assistant for Elven." Good morning, Mr. Sanford. " Attorney Mendez greeted casually.Elven quickly glances up behind the tons of reports he was reading. He stood up startled upon seeing the smiling attorney in front of him. The attorney decided to give him a personal visit in his office at MAZE Hardware's main office located ju
Leaving the incident at Solstice behind, Mirage decided to just go home." I thought you were starving? " Chloe said while linking arms with Mirage who doesn't mind her at all." We can eat at home. " Mirage said softly." Just tell the chef what you wanted to eat. " Nicolo added calmly." Hmmm... I crave... Italian food. Ah! pasta! " Chloe beamed happily. She's so childish at times. Mirage finds her adorable and sweet but then she remembers how she dragged her here and then leaves her alone, she quickly changes her mind.' She's definitely a troublemaker 'They went home through Chloe's car. And they found Euphemia still fast asleep." See? She doesn't even know that you're gone for JUST 3 HOURS! " Chloe said while rolling her eyes." Whatever. " Mirage answered.Chloe gets the pasta that she craved for. They're in the middle of indulging the food when Dr. Travis walks through the door." Hey! That looks good. " Travis greeted." Come on, son. Join us. " Don Augustus asked the helper
Nicolo sighs as he looks at Mirage waiting outside Solstice." Adams. "" Yes, Sir? "" You heard her. I'm leaving, you clean those trash. "" I understand, Sir Nick. "" You gonna let them all go, Nick? " Chloe said surprised." That's what she wanted. Let's go. She's starving. "" But she didn't buy anything at all! "Nicolo wiped his face by his hand out of frustration. He can't really understand this woman." You decide what to buy for her. "" Really? Alright! " Chloe said beaming." Just make it quick, she's already pissed. "" Just go. I can handle this. "Nicolo turned around and went to Mirage while he slowly shook his head." Okay. "Chloe clapped and called the attention of Solstice's staff." Please, listen. I want you to wrap those 4 racks of new arrivals. The dresses, blouses, skirts, shorts and pants. "Those racks at the center of the store that hold at least 30 pieces each and are worth at least a thousand dollars per item. The staff and the customers around were all
Nicolo walked out of the office in his tailored pinstripe gray suit, exuding authority, confidence, and prestige. Everyone was taken aback when they saw his stunning face, which appears to be sculpted to perfection, but no one dared to approach him. After they had recovered from their surprise, the Solstice staff greeted him. He exhaled and combed his dark brown hair with his free hand while the other was in his pocket as his dark brown eyes scanned the people around him and came to a halt when they met Mirage's.She was sitting there, looking bored."What are you doing here?" he asks in a soft voice that contrasts with the rest of his demeanor as he walks towards her and comes to a halt in front of her.Mirage shakes her head and yawns before saying, "Nothing. I was just waiting for her," as she points her head in the direction of Chloe.Nicole nods slightly and looks outside, where he sees Chloe waving to them while still talking on her phone. He smiles as he looks back at Mirage."
" What's going on here? "A man in a dark navy blue suit came out of the shop's office. He was Mr. Rob Fuller, the shop's manager.Before he even gets closer, Chloe's phone suddenly rings and she turns around and takes a few steps away from Mirage to answer it. But then she went outside of the shop to answer the call." Mr. Fuller! "Lydia's face suddenly lit up and she felt relief upon seeing the manager. And then she acted up." Mr. Fuller, I made a mistake. I thought she's a thief so I confronted her. But she has the VVIP card. But I don't know who she is. "Mirage stood there looking bored as the time passed by and didn't mind what the saleslady just said. Lydia knew how to behave in front of him. She was professional and respected him so far. And when he saw that Mirage was not going to give an explanation as to what happened, he decided to talk some sense into Lydia.He walked toward where Lydia was standing and put his hand on top of her shoulder and smiled at her warmly." It's
" Do we really have to go now? "Mirage said reluctantly." Yes. And that's final, my dear. "Chloe said authoritatively. Mirage sighed. She doesn't really like the idea of shopping with Chloe." Dr. Travis said I am not supposed to be tired, you know? "Mirage said, trying to wiggle out her way of the situation she got in." We're not going to shop all day, my dear. And don't you give my husband your reason not to go out with me, I'll divorce him right here, right now if I have to, just because of you."Mirage mouth gape open.' Seriously? She'd do that just because I don't want to go shopping with her? What a nutjob this woman is! She's far worse than Nico! 'And Nicolo sneezed in his office while reading some documents." Who the hell thinks bad about me? " he muttered after wiping his face with a hanky and continued to read some contracts before signing." So, shall we? "Chloe smiles triumphantly. Mirage shakes her head, defeated." I don't want to leave Euphy. "" Oh, don't give