1 year later...“Isabella, Amara really an beautiful baby!" Rose gently touched the cheek of Amara who's now sleeping peacefully into Isabella's arms. "For sure, when he grow up, plenty of girls will be trying to date her," Dalia said as she sat next to Rose on the couch. “She looks exactly like you and her dad," Dalia even added, a soft laughed escaped Isabella's lips. "Of course, Dalia. Amara is our daughter, so it only makes sense that we would look after him," Isabella said, as she stood up from sitting. "I am just going to put her in the crib. I still need to prepare some food for Mateo. I am going to visit him in the company," Isabella stated. "Oh, how sweet!" Dalia exclaimed. "We are just going to look for baby Amara while you are busy at the kitchen, Isabella," Rose suggested, making Isabella nod her head in agreement. "Alright then," Isabella gave one last smile to both girls before heading on the kitchen. It's been a year since they got married and she has been busy wi
"You're really adorable, baby Amara..." Isabella whispered as she ran her fingers through her baby's hair."You got your father's eyes and lips," she continued to whisper as she lightly rubbed his head."Ahm, what do you think is the best gift for your Dad?" she giggled a little, the same time Dalia and Rose walked towards the living room where Isabella was sitting with Amara on her lap."Isabella, here's Rose too!" Dalia exclaimed excitedly. "Thank you, Dalia. Please sit down. I am just going to put Amara on his crib," Isabella replied in a soft voice as she stood up. And as she returned she started to explain the reasons why she called both of them. "Isabella, Dalia already told me that you requested our presence to plan, Sir. Mateo's birthday," Rose replied in a cheerful tone. Isabella nodded in agreement. "I need your help with something special. My husband's birthday is coming up, and I want to surprise him at his office. Do you have any ideas?" Isabella questioned softly whi
As Mateo reached his office, he get his phone and try to dialed Isabella's number. He's planning to invite her with a simple dinner later, to celebrate his birthday and also to make it up for her since he hadn't been able to spend more time with her this past weeks because of continuous business workloads. "Hm, maybe she's trying to make Amara sleep again this moment," he thought as he tried to keep up the call. Isabella just greeted him with a sweet message before he goes at the company, but he really still want to spend this day with her more. "Mateo? Can I go inside?" He then heard Nerissa's voice. "Yes, come in please." Nerissa walked in the office and greeted him. "Nerissa—"Happy birthday, Mateo!" He stood up, the same time Nerissa handed him a paper bag with her gift inside. Mateo smiled at her, as he open it carefully."I bought that fragrance for you. It just really smell so sexy that I couldn't stop myself from buying it for you," Nerissa said, giggling."Hm, thank you
"The major problems in the company are already on its way to a full out meltdown, and I'm glad because for sure I'll get more time to spend my time with you and our baby, love..." Mateo's words came out muffled. They're now at the mansion's garden. Isabella, who's gently rocking Amara on her arms lovingly look at Mateo. "I am happy to know that love. You know that I don't want you feeling so stress because of your work. And like what I always told you, you deserve a rest also, don't set aside your health," she said softly to him. Mateo gently squeeze her shoulder. "I just really want to do all the things fastly, love. I don't like the idea of not getting enough tume for our family," he replied."I know, I understand you, Mateo. But love, you don't need to worry about me and Amara too much. I can take care of our baby and myself. I just want everything to go smoothly for you, okay?" She gave him another reassuring smile before she turned her head towards their baby who's sleeping p
Nerissa put an additional foundation on her face, and brushed out her hair while she's staring at herself on the mirror in the restroom. "You are really beautiful, Nerissa! Mateo's will never get tired of seeing your face in his office!" she said with a wider smile on her face as she walked outside and headed towards the cafeteria. ~As the morning sun filtered through Mateo's office window, his smile grew bigger when Isabella send him a picture of herself and their baby. He's about to type a reply when someone knocked the door. "Mateo?" It's Nerissa's voice, its been weeks since she started to work as his secretary."Come in, Nerissa." "Oh..." "Yes! It's for you, Mateo!" Nerissa then carefully arranged a tray of freshly brewed coffee and a plate of warm croissants. "I just heard that you like warm croissants to go with your coffee, so I also bought some for you." "You're really spoiling me with these treats, Nerissa. Thank you," he chuckled, looking up from his phone. "You
"I knew it..." Nerissa said as she face Nicholas who was surprising looking at her."N-Nerissa, have you been there the whole time?" Nicholas stuttered, now feeling tense and scared at she heard everything. "Did you—""Oh yes! I heard your conversations. So... you and Aunt Linda, how could you betray the company, Mateo, especially Aunt Cynthia who believe in you and treat you very well?" Nicholas swallowed hard as he looked around before he gently pulled Nerissa inside his office and she just let him do that. "Nerissa... I... I didn't want things to turn out this way. But my mother, she's always had a hold on me. I didn't know what else to do." Nerissa stared at him and laughed. "Come on, Nicholas! I understand that you feel trapped now, but there's no use of denying or covering up the truth. I am your friend right? Then... why would you tell me instead what's the reason why you are planning those things?" She smirked at him, and Nicholas doesn't has a choice but to sighed and tell
The city lights blurred past as Isabella sat in the backseat, her gaze fixed on the small velvet box in her hand. It's a gift she'll give to Mateo as a token for this another year together. The streets were usually quiet, on the way through the Elmer's Restaurant, their favorite place for dinner. After some time, her phone ring, it's Mateo who's calling"Hello, love?" she smiles softly and picks up the phone. "Love, I just finish settling some things on my clients, I am on my way through the restaurant," he informs her. "I'm on my way also. It's Roman who's driving me," Isabella calmly said. She knows that Mateo tries to convince his cousin Nicholas to be the one to drive me now, but then she doesn't want Nicholas to put his time for her, so she really insisted that Roman be the one to do that."Well, you insisted already. Nicholas also told me about it." Isabella sighed, she feels like Mateo's jealous when it comes to Roman, she's just thinking that maybe Mateo's just overthinking
Mateo burst through the door, his face etched with worry, while he's still holding his phone. "Mom! Have you seen Isabella? She never showed up." Mateo's mother who's emerged from the living room, a look of concern quickly replacing her initial surprise. She didn't expect that his son will suddenly came back home with that kind of expression on his face. "No, dear. I thought you two were enjoying your anniversary dinner." Dalia and Rose also approached them as they heard about it. "Sir. Mateo? Why you are here? I thought that you're with Isabella," Dalia asked in concern. Mateo turned towards them. "Yeah... But did Isabella say anything to you about changing plans? Don't you receive any message or call from her?" Both Dalia and Rose shook their head, own worry mirroring theirs. They can't believe that for the first time Isabella's the one who's late on their date. "No, Sir. Mateo, Isabella was so excited about tonight. She left saying she couldn't wait to see you," Rose responde
Their eyes met, as Isabella put the flowers and fruits on the cabinet besides the hospital bed of Mateo. "How's your feeling?" she asked, her eyes suddenly turned teary, despite holding it back. Mateo gently smiled at her. "Why did you do that? You shouldn't accept the gun's bullet to covered me!" He reached for her arm and squeezed it. "Shh... I even deserve to die to at least lessen all the pain I've caused you before. I-I'm really sorry, Isabella. I'm sorry if I'm so stupid to know the truth earlier." Mateo looked down in shame. His eyes were filled with guilt and regrets. "No... Maybe I shouldn't just give up also on telling and explaining you the truth," she said, tears falling from her eyes. "It's all my fault, Isabella., not yours. I just wish that we can still make our family complete, even just for Amara," he added. Isabella stared at him, looking sad. As months goes by, Nerissa was being brought into the mental hospital. She can't accept 'til the end that she didn't g
Isabella got shocked by the sudden coldness of water that's splashed directly across her face.She opened her eyes, trying to get her bearings back. And Nerissa's face greeted her."Wake up, bitch!" she screamed. "N-Nerissa?! You escaped from jail?" she exclaimed. Nerissa smirked at her. "Surprised!" Nerissa laughed. She was clearly pleased to finally see Isabella's reaction."Amara... Where's my daughter?! What did you do to her?!" Isabella shouted. The memory of Nerissa taking Amara away with her flashed in her mind once again."Daddy! Help!" It's Amara's voice from a distance, she could clearly hear her daughter crying, making her more furious towards Nerissa. "What did you do?! Let her go back to me right now!" As she said that, Nerissa slapped her face."You have no rights to demand me do such thing." Isabella tried to free her hands from her restraints but to no avail as they remained firmly secured and chained behind her back. "Why are you doing this? Aren't you reall
"Finally, we got the justice we deserve..." Carolina who's looking at the jar of Roman's ashes, accept the tight embrace of Isabella.Leonardo and Nerissa were already in jailed for their crimes they did, though Isabella still insist to support Leonardo's child, because she believes that the kid doesn't have anything to do with those shits. She also got the news that Nicholas also have case to deal with, after Nerissa revealed his secrets and telling that he's also aware about everything that Nerissa did to me.After fix all the things when it comes to Nerissa and Leonardo, with the help of Elijah, Isabella didn't waste anytime anymore to focused on getting the custody of her child. "Isabella... Thank you for meeting me here," Mateo started. It's two months after the shocking revelation that he realized all the bad things and regrets that he have for not believing to Isabella. Since then he's trying to get her forgiveness, even though he's aware that he can never make up for what he
"How dare you!" Nerissa's hand didn't reached her cheeks. "Isabella, what's this? What do you want? Please, stop causing trouble here. At least give yourself a little shame," Mateo said in a low voice. "Shame?" Isabella spat out sarcastically. "If there's a disgrace in this venue it's not me, but you and your wife, or much better if I say... your criminal wife." Everyone at the venue turned their heads towards Nerissa. A lot of people gasped."Stop telling bad words about my Mom!" Amara screamed as she was also pointing at Isabella, yet Ms. Cynthia quickly shushed her granddaughter. Her look for Isabella is questioning. Meanwhile, Nerissa swallowed hard but she still tries her best to look strong and tough."Criminal? How could you accused me of being one?" She raised an eyebrow. "Oh, maybe it's your false assumption, that I am the one who pay kidnappers to kidnap you?" Nerissa laughed mockingly as she crossed her arms. "Yes, Nerissa. But let me rephrase some part of your sentenc
Isabella continue to walked as fast as she can. She feels like someone is following her since she got of the building after meeting a client. She looked back again as she picked her phone amd dialed Elijah's number. "Hello, Isabella? Are you on your way back here?" Elijah asked as he answered his phone."N-Not yet. Elijah, I think someone's following me. I don't know who, but I really feel like I'm being watched." Isabella replied to him. Isabella tried to stay calm, but this whole situation was not going well for her today and it's just making it worse. It started raining heavily after all."Where are you, I'll try to be there as soon as possible." Elijah sounded concerned. "I am just going to sent you the location," she said. Isabella pulled up the GPS to show her where she is right now. "Alright. Don't panic, Isabella. Just find the nearest safe place or any police station there, okay?" Elijah told Isabella, trying to sound encouraging."O-Okay..." They hung up the call. And Isa
The cries of Carolina, Roman's brother echoed at the morgue. She can't accept that after almost four years she'll just see her brother's body that she can't almost figure out now. Isabella who's standing beside Elijah walked towards Carolina and give her a tight hug. "I'm very sorry for your lost, Carolina. I'm sorry that I failed to do anything to save his life," Isabella said softly, rubbing her back. "I want to know who really the person behind that crime. I want to find them and make them pay," Carolina whispered. Isabella nodded, patting her back comfortingly."We will, Carolina. But I want to ask for your permission. Elijah and I, as well as the investigators believe that it's better if we can do a test, like an autopsy, on your brother, so the documents can also add up to a solid evidence. That will make sure that after we find out who the suspect is, the case will be on success. We will find the justice, Carolina." Roman's brother nodded.As day goes by, the investigation co
"Who are you, and why you are disturbing us?" Mateo asks sternly while walking toward the intruder who has a smirk plastered all over his face. "Leave here now. Or we'll call a police! " Mateo threatened. Nerissa swallowed hard. "Mateo, let's go back inside," Nerissa whispered and pulled him by his arm, but Mateo didn't budge. From behind them Rose and Dalia seems to be exchanging suspicious glances. "Oh, Ms. Nerissa, why you are too excited to go back inside? Aren't you even gonna greet me first?" He sneered mockingly. Mateo looked at Nerissa, he's surprised that the man knows his wife."Nerissa, what's this? Why did he knows you? Do you know each other?" Mateo asked quietly. Nerissa's mouth fell slightly opened, but she can't think of anything to say right now. "Nerissa?" Mateo called again more firmly this time."Uhh...""Mr. Villanueva, your wife simply owe me something." Mateo turned to looked back at Leonardo. "What do you fucking mean?" Mateo spat."Well, your wife has
Isabella took a heavy sighed repeatedly. She poured a wine on the glass and sipped it carefully. It burned down her throat to her stomach as she swallowed it. She put her right hand on her chest part, feeling the beating of her heartbeats. "I'm sorry, Elijah..." she said out loud to herself, as she pick her phone and dialed Elijah's number to see and talk to him. ~The restaurant was busy tonight. People ate and enjoyed their food together while chatting about life, business or politics. The sound of glasses and plates echoed throughout the place, but for Isabella it feels heavy. "Sorry, if I'm late, Isabella. I just finished the deal with one of our client," Elijah explained apologetically from his seat across from hers at the table where they're sitting. "Are you alright?" he asked concernedly, after noticing the uneasiness in Isabella's eyes. "Elijah..." she paused, staring at the expensive meal on his plate before looking back up at Elijah. "There's something... something I
Mateo caresses the pictures using his fingers. It's a picture of himself, Isabella and their daughter, Amara, when they're still complete. He took a heavy sighed and put down the photo on his table, then he hold the wine and drank the wine there. Nerissa after arriving at the mansion late at night tried to find where Mateo is, 'cause she can't find her at their room. Her eyes then landed on the door of his office here at the mansion, and she pushed the door open. When she entered the room, Mateo sat at his desk with a glass in his hand, and soon enough she realized that he's already drank. "Mateo, why you are drowning yourself in alcohol again?" she asked, frowning slightly. She's about to help him get out from behind the desk but her eyes caught something else. It's the picture. She picked it up and examined its contents, and her blood started to boil instantly."Isabella..." Mateo croaked weakly. Nerissa crumbled the picture in her hand, while looking at Mateo with pure hate. Her