It was still early when Nigel went to Nathalie's company, he went straight to Armando's office. As he walked in, he was surprised to see Nico and Nathalie already there. Armando's assistant, Eman, was also present."Good morning, Uncle. Good morning, Nat... Good morning, Mr. Andeza, Mr. Joselito."When Nico caught sight of Nigel, his eyes landed on the bandage on his forehead. He felt an inexplicable feeling, he looked down and seemed lost in thought."Good morning, Nigel. Come in." Armando instructed his assistant to get a chair. "Uncle, is it true that the person who rammed into us last night got away?" Armando let out a disappointed sigh. "Yes. Unfortunately, there aren't many CCTV cameras in the area where that car exited." Nigel thought for a moment. "May I see the footage?"They all headed to the monitoring room and watched the only footage of the vehicle that was caught on their CCTV. Nico's face scrunched up in disappointment. "Is that all? Aren't there any other reco
"Where are you off to so early?" Mr. Davis asked while sipping his coffee in the living room, as his daughter was about to leave the house."Oh yeah, Dad, I forgot to tell you that I'm actually going an an out of town trip with my friends.""Out of trip? Where's that? Why are you telling me this now?" Just then, his cellphone rang. "Hold on, don't go yet.""Why? I might not make it on time for our meeting," His daughter's protested as she's getting impatient.Mr. Davis ignored her and answered the call. "Hello?" He suddenly had a surprised reaction. "Oh, Mr. Sarmiento! Yes?... Are you inviting me? Really?... Okay. Alright, I'll go. Now?... Alright."A flash of shrewdness appeared in Mr. Davis' old face after the phone conversation. "Just look at it, It looks like things are going in my favor.""Dad, can I leave now? My friends might be waiting for me.""No, you're not going anywhere. You're coming with me," "What?! I don't want to! I have a commitment.""Stop complaining, Franchesc
"Dad, tell me more about Nigel." Franchesca asked while her dad was driving them home."Why do you want to know about him, do you like him?" "Kind of. Is he's taken?" "No. What do you like about him?" "Well, he's handsome, his tanned skin look good with his demeanor as a businessman." "That's it?" Her father asked."Well, yeah..... Is there anything else?" "Okay, I'll help you. But make sure you will really get him, don't disappoint me.""Sure!"When Mr. Davis got home, he started investigating Nigel's connection to Armando and Nathalie. He was curious about why Nigel seemed so concerned about them. So, he got his private investigator, who worked at Armando's company, to dig up some dirt. But what he found out left him stunned - Nigel used to be Armando's former son-in-law and he is Nathalie's ex-husband! "Are you sure about this? This is complicated..... Okay, I trust you on that. I'll wire the money to your account tomorrow."Mr. Davis paused for a moment before call
"Hi Mr. Sarmiento~" Franchesca chimed in. She inserted herself between Nigel and Nathalie, deliberately blocking the latter from Nigel's view. Nigel scowled at her rude behavior, but he didn't want to give her attention. He glanced at Nathalie, who was now behind Franchesca. She was partially hidden because the foreign woman was taller than her and had a more huge frame. "Let's go, Nat. Let's talk somewhere else," Nigel suggested."You're leaving with her? No!" Franchesca exclaimed. Nigel furrowed his brow while Nathalie went speechless because of the woman sudden appearance and attitude. "Excuse me, miss?" "Let's just ignore her, let's go." When Nigel grabbed Nathalie's arm to lead her away, Franchesca immediately reacted. She swiftly removed Nigel's hand and secretly pushed Nathalie. The latter lost her balance and her body pressed against the wall. That's when Nigel's disposition turned bad.He intend to ignore Franchesca, thinking she was acting like a kid seeking attention,
After dinner, Nigel took Nathalie to the outskirts, according to him, to help their digestion. While they strolled along the lake's edge, both of them were quiet because they didn't know what to talk about. Nathalie felt awkward, wanting to break the silence but not knowing what to say. Little did she know, Nigel was feeling the same way. He walked behind her, his eyes fixed on her as she walked ahead. His gaze was almost as if he was guarding her. "Nat..." he called out softly."Nathalie stopped and slowly turned around. "About Mr. Davis, I feel like he has something against you and uncle Armando. Be careful around him."Nathalie became puzzled "Why did you say that? I don't recall doing anything he wouldn't like. Did he and my dad have conflict?"Nigel shook his head. "I don't know. Just keep your distance from him and don't let him get close to you.""How about his daughter—""Same. You saw what she did earlier, didn't you? Just avoid them." "Um, okay."After that, Nathalie
"Oh, Nigel!" Armando exclaimed with a smile as the man walked into his office. "Good afternoon uncle. I hope I'm not disturbing you."Not at all! Why would you say that? You're welcome here anytime... By the way, Nathalie mentioned that she came from your place last night. How's your mom?" Nigel took a seat first. "She's doing fine, thank you." "I think, we should have dinner together sometime, just a simple one, so we can catch up personally.""Sounds good, uncle. Then I'll wait for your call," Nigel agreed."Anyway, why are you here, do you need something? Just let me know." Nigel seemed hesitant. "Well, um... I know I haven't been asking for your permission whenever I invite Nathalie out, even just for simple dinners, but... I feel like since... um, since I'm courting her, it's only right that... that I ask for your permission whenever I invite her out somewhere."A sudden silence took place. Nigel slowly raised his eyes, as Armando didn't respond. His heart began to beat
Nathalie quickly stood up, the sudden chaos also drawing attention from the other diners. "Nigel!" She hastily approached him, almost embracing him just to prevent him from charging. She looked at his face, his brows were furrowed and he had a dark and gloomy expression. This was the first time she had seen him this mad. "Co-cousin?.... Nigel, wh-what's going on here?" Asked Nigel's cousin, who owned the restaurant. He was immediately informed by the waiter that a commotion was happening, but he had no idea that it was his cousin who was involved as they rarely saw each other due to their busy lives.Nigel completely ignored the guy on the floor, he quickly grabbed the paper bag and its contents, and then yanking Nathalie's wrist to pull her out of the restaurant. Just as they stepped out, the guy's phone suddenly rang. He was still wincing in pain as he struggled to pull out his phone from his pocket. "H-hello... They... They went outside... The man punched me and I think I got o
Lucille went puzzled when Nathalie suddenly rushed downstairs. She followed her and caught up to her by the phone. "Nat, who's this Mr. Davis guy and why are you in such a hurry?" Lucille's eyes widened as a realization dawned on her. "Wait a minute, don't tell me you're actually dating him? Nat, he's old! If I'm not mistaken, he's probably around your dad's age." She approached Nathalie, who was busy on the phone. "Come on, spill the beans - who's Mr. Davis really?""Mom, can you just relax? I'm not dating him, no. Mr. Davis is the representative of the foreign investors in our company." Nathalie replied without looking at her, too busy with what she was doing. Lucille finally calmed down. "Good thing it's just that. Oh, Nat, I don't think I could handle it if you had a boyfriend that old." Meanwhile, on the other line: When Mr. Davis saw the number from Armando's residence on his caller ID display, he cleared his throat for a moment before speaking. "Yes, Mrs. Andeza?""Goo
Elaine tossed the medicine bottle aside when she realized it was empty. Her head was throbbing and aching as she made a call to the pharmacy to deliver the medication she needed. She had planned to follow Nigel to the hospital where Nathalie was, but not to comfort her, but to mock and ridicule her instead. However, karma seemed to have caught up with her as her migraine suddenly flared up, forcing her to rush back to her hotel.When the medication delivery arrived, she immediately took it. Once her migraine subsided, she grabbed a glass of red wine and sat down on the chaise lounge. She then called Nigel, but he didn't answer. She gulped all the wine in the glass and headed to visit him at his office instead."Ma'am, we're here," the taxi driver said to Nathalie. After being discharged from the hospital, she had taken a taxi home, despite Andy's offer to drive her. She had declined because she wanted to be alone; she also hadn't told her family what had happened.Upon reaching thei
"You're really quiet today, don't you have anything to say? You didn't even greet me or ask if I've had breakfast," Elaine said to Nigel, who was driving. Nigel didn't respond, like he hadn't heard her. If only Elaine knew how much he wanted to kick her out of the car, but he knew he had to play nice. "Where should I drop you off?" "You want to get rid of me already, huh?" Elaine moved closer and unexpectedly hugged Nigel. She almost jerked forward when Nigel suddenly slammed on the brakes.Nigel pulled over for a moment. "What the...?! Can't you see I'm driving?!" he snapped. Elaine fell silent, pouting like a scolded child. "Sorry, Nigel... why are you being so grumpy with me? I remember you never used to raise your voice at me before, you were always so gentle when we talked. But now, just a little mistake and you're already yelling?"Nigel continued driving. "Are you still holding on to the hope that we'll go back to the way we are before? Don't day dream. Don't you still get
Elaine happily chooses her outfit for the day. She chooses to wear her expensive branded dress, paired with heavy makeup, as if she's going on a date. She likely forgot what the meeting is all about.Her hips sway as she heads to the VIP suite she booked. She asks the person she's going to meet to wait there. Before entering, she takes out her expensive perfume from her pouch and gives herself a quick spritz.When she opened the door, she saw a man standing by the window. She knitted her brows when he didn't give her even a single glance, acting as if she wasn't there. "Nigel," she called out loudly to get his attention.When Nigel faced her, she swayed her hips as she approached him. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he was about to push her away when she warned him, "If you stop me, I won't cooperate with you."Nigel froze. He just endured the discomfort he felt. As the woman was almost hugging him, he asked, "Where's Nathalie's heart? Is it still at the hospital?" "I do
When Nathalie woke up, she jolted upright, disoriented. The events from earlier immediately flooded back to her. She had been heading to the restroom at a gas station when someone suddenly attacked her from behind. They grabbed her and dragged her somewhere, while one of them made her inhale something from a handkerchief, making her pass out.When she looked around, she realized she was in an abandoned place. Fear enveloped her as she wrapped her arms around herself. A question formed in her mind: was this a kidnapping for ransom? Thinking that might be the reason, her fear slightly diminished. If that was the case, they would definitely ask ransom money. As long as the kidnappers didn't think of doing anything inappropriate to her, she will be fine.She jolted as the creaky, rusty door swung open. Two men, both wearing hoods and face masks entered. "Oh, she's awake. Maybe we can start now and get this job done?" One of the men asked.Nathalie's fear returned. What did the man mean?
Nigel suddenly grabbed Elaine's neck. "Do you really want me to be a criminal, Elaine? Do you really want me to be forced to kill someone?" Elaine struggled and angrily broke free from his grip. "Can't you just accept me, Nigel? Why is it so hard for you to do what I'm asking? Didn't you love me once–" "Yes, but I was blind back then!" Nigel snapped, silencing Elaine. "I made a mistake! I chose the wrong person. If you hadn't lied to me and pretended to save me from the fire, do you think I would've even noticed you?" Elaine froze, feeling like she'd been slapped as she was reminded of her deception and lies."Actually, it's also my fault for being deceived. I didn't even think you were fake. You know, you're one of the mistakes in my life. I wish I never met you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have hurt the person I love." "Enough!" Elaine interrupted, somewhat hurt by his words. "You don't truly love Nathalie, it's me..." She pointed to herself. "I'm the one you truly love, N
When Elaine finally unleashed her pent-up frustrations, she suddenly realized that she became the center of attention. She fished out some money from her clutch bag and slapped it on the counter, then she walked out without looking back. She leaned against a wall, feeling the effects of the alcohol kicking in, and now she felt dizzy.She grabbed her cellphone and dialed Nigel's number. She tried ten times, but it kept going straight to voicemail. "Why can't I reach him? Did he block me, or did he change his number?"Then she called someone abroad. "Hello, dear? I just want to confirm if I'll be okay if I expose myself - won't I be throw in jail?"The man on the other end replied, "You're good, they can't touch you. Besides, isn't your boyfriend some big-shot international lawyer?"Elaine felt a wave of relief. "Really? Thanks, dear. I feel so much better now.""No worries, babe. Anything for you.""Alright, see you." Elaine replied."Bye, I love you.""I love you too."When the call
"Nat, are you happy?" Nigel asked, squeezing Nathalie's hand as they walked holding hands through the park. They'd ditched their work to spend some time together."Of course, I am. But you know, I'm not sure if I'm going to regret this or what. I admit, at first, it was tough for me to accept Lyka and her pregnancy. But then I thought, it's my brother's child after all and he's innocent. But... it turns out that's not the case anymore. I don't know, it's just that... when I finally accepted everything, we then found out...""Nat..." Nigel interrupted, stopping in his tracks and smiling at Nathalie. "Are you regretting that the wedding won't push through? You know, we could still go through with it.""What–"Just as Nathalie was about to ask a question, Nigel dropped to his knee. He pulled out a ring box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a beautiful ring. "I know this might catch you off guard, but I just can't help how I feel. My heart is telling me not to let you go. Nathalie.
Nico didn't answer his mother, instead, he turned to the pale Lyka. "Where's your aunt?" Lucille was getting confused. "Wait, what's really going on, Nico?" Nico pulled up a chair and sat down. "I'll answer your question later, Mom. Please wake up Dad and call her aunt. I'm going to expose something." Lyka seemed to have figured out what was about to happen, and she started crying out of worry and fear. It was over for them; this was what she was talking about. There were no secrets or lies that wouldn't be exposed, but she never thought it would happen this fast. Lyka tearfully called her aunt, and since Rina could sense that something was wrong, she immediately excused herself from her friends at the Mahjong game. She arrived, panting, and as soon as she entered the villa, she loudly called out to her niece, forgetting that they were just guests in someone else's home. "Lyka! Lyka! What happened? Why did you call me?" Lyka had already mentioned that she was in the living ro
"Uh, hello... Brother Nigel? It's Lyka." Nigel's brow furrowed as he realized who was calling him. He was about to hang up, but Lyka stopped him: "Wait! Don't hang up yet. Sorry for calling you at this hour, but I'm too embarrassed to admit this to the people here." Nigel's response was curt: "Speak. What do you need?""Um, it's just..." Lyka was about to confess to Nigel when Rina suddenly appeared, causing her to jump in surprise and drop her cellphone. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you sleeping yet? Don't tell me you're trying to cool off when you have air conditioning in your room." Rina pulled Lyka by the hand. "Come on, it's not good for a PREGNANT women to stay up late." Before being dragged away by her aunt, Lyka quickly picked up her cellphone from the lawn. Meanwhile, Nigel was left wondering on the other end of the line when Lyka suddenly went silent. He turned off his cellphone to avoid any further distractions and drifted off to sleep...........A month l