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
"The police are on their way, Mateo. They'll find her," Nerissa said. Mateo with his hands pressed on his lap take another heavy sighed. He didn't even still getting enough sleep after what happened last night. Mateo looked up, his eyes glassy. "I should have been with her. This is my fault. I should choose our date first before dealing with those clients! Fuck this!" he yelled, throwing off the blanket and standing up from where he was sitting. Ms. Cynthia immediately approached her son. "No, dear," she said firmly. "You can't think like that. We're going to do everything we can." Nerissa also did the same. "We're all here for you, Mateo. I am also worried for my sister, but I am trying to be strong," she said while fakely sniffling. After some time, Dalia and Rose told that the police is already there. And the police started the interview. Mateo recounted all what happened last night, while his hands are still shaking and the police officer's keep on jotting down notes. Detec
Mateo's mother, gently placing Amara back in her stroller, watching Mateo pace back and forth by the massive windows overlooking the mansion's gardens. "Dalia..." she called Dalia."Please, take a look at Amara for a while," she said softly before heading to where Mateo is. "Son...Can we talk?" Mateo whirled around abruptly, his eyes bloodshot and filled with emotionless frustrations. He didn't respond, yet he walked towards the living room at sat down on the sofa, Ms. Cynthia the. follow him. "I know what you're facing, Mateo. It's really not easy for all of us. If you are problematic, how about when it comes to Nerissa, right? She's Isabella's sister, yet she can still choosing to be strong for other important things," she tried to explain. Mateo just staring the the floor. "Mateo, son... Please, talk to me." "Talk? What's there to talk about? It's been days, Mom. Days without a single word about my wife or Roman. The police—" Mateo's voice cracked. "They have nothing!""You
Nerissa leaned against the mahogany bookshelf, her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips."And so?" she didn't even hesitated to tell him the truth now. "You can't be serious," Nicholas scoffed disbelievingly. "You... you orchestrated her kidnapping? But why? She's your sister. Even though you are not really blood related, she treated you well, right?" he asked, still can't believe why Nerissa got on this point. Nerissa's smirk faded into a cold, calculated look."Because she doesn't deserve the happiness she has. Not with him, not with their daughter," she hissed, her jealousy and hatred seeping through each word, as she continue."She has everything I've ever wanted – the perfect life, a loving husband, and that adorable daughter. I can't stand seeing her happiness while I'm left in the shadows." Nicholas sighed while shaking his head. "Then, what's the endgame?" "I want her to suffer. I want her to feel the pain of losing it all. Now that she's gone? I'll swoop in, taking n
In Mateo's office with the low hum of electronics and the occasional shuffle of papers. Detective Thompson sat across from Mateo, his expression grave, the lines on his face deepened by the burden of his badge.Mateo's hands were clenched, his knuckles white. His voice, when he spoke, was laced with a desperation that he could no longer hide. As days progresses without any updates about his wife, he ound it increasingly difficult to maintain the facade of calm. His nerves are frayed, his patience waning, the constant worry gnawing at him. "It's been days, Detective. Weeks without a single word. How is that possible? With all the technology, the resources—how can nothing be done?" Mateo asked for the umpteenth time, his frustration clear on his features. "About that Roman? Still no news from him? He's the only person my wife's with that night. So, I am sure that he was involved in this!" Mateo continued, his eyes darkening. Detective Thompson sighed, the weight of countless cases r
Isabella's wrists ached from the rough ropes that bound her to the chair. She had stopped counting the days, but the growth of her nails and the length of her hair suggested it had been weeks, maybe longer. She could hear the waves crashing against the shore outside, a sound that once brought her peace, now a taunting reminder of her isolation.A door creaked open, and two figures stepped into the room that she already called now as her cage. "How's your day now?" One of the man asked like they're just friends. Isabella glared at the man. She feel so tired, but she never stopped hoping that she can escape here one day and go back to her husband and daughter who are probably worrying sick about what happened to her."I don't know why you're doing this. Please, I need to see my daughter." Both man just laughed at her."Oh, dear. Still clinging to hope? You're not going anywhere. And your precious daughter? She's better off without you.""Why? What do you want from me?!" Isabella scream
Mateo stands in front of the mansion, a delivery man just handed him a nondescript parcel. He turns it over in his hands, curiosity etched on his face. He doesn't expect any other deliveries to arrive at this moment. "I wasn’t expecting anything. Who could this be from?" he muttered to himself. He slices the tape, unwrapping the parcel and As the contents come into view, his expression shifts from curiosity to shock. Mateo gasped, he almost dropped the present. "W-What's the meaning of this..." he mumbled as he held the picture in his hand. Her mother who's walking towards the door, notices Mateo's distress. "Mateo, what is it? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost." Mateo, without a word, shows her the photograph. Cynthia’s hand flies to her mouth in horror. ~Mateo can't still breath properly after seeing the photograph. His whole body trembles uncontrollably. Mateo can't bring himself to believe it. But the photo clearly shows that Isabella and Roman's both sleeping naked in one
In the sterile quiet of Mateo’s office, the only sound was the soft ticking of the clock and the occasional shuffle of papers. He's still struggling to keep his focus, the image of the photograph haunting every moment of respite. The door clicked open, and Nerissa stepped in a flash drive clutched tightly in her hand."Mateo, I have something for you. Someone left this at the front desk for you."Mateo looked up, his face etched with the burden of recent days. He took the flash drive, his gaze questioning."Did they say who they were? What's on this?" Mateo asked softly. Nerissa shook her head and he let out an exasperated sigh. "No idea. They just mentioned it was something personal and you needed to see it," she said. Mateo eyed the USB, a sense of foreboding settling over him. He inserted the flash drive into his computer, his heart pounding as he waited for it to load. Once it had, the file was an audio recording. He clicked play, and Isabella's voice filled the room, an apology
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