Smiling a small contented smile, Hope visibly relaxed for a moment, but then the nervousness seemed to take over her small body again, as Missy led them to the large counter, where the old man greeted them warmly.-We… Hmmm… – Hope stammered nervously, hugging Missy with more and more desperation – We wanted an ice cream… Huh… – Her little daughter was getting more and more insecure, looking at her as if she was begging for help.- I would like a strawberry ice cream, please. – Missy asked softly, as she remembered saying when she was a little girl so terribly shy that she could barely ask anything from people she didn't know – And you, my love? she asked Hope, with a smile full of encouragement, for her to keep talking.- I want chocolate... Please. – Hope whispered, completely blushing, before burying her face in her mother's shoulder quickly.- Well, what a polite little girl... – the gentleman smiled, while picking up some glass bowls – You must be very proud to have such a kind d
- Uncle, Logan! I can now take the training wheels off my bike! With a fond smile, Logan looked down at his bouncy little niece, whose huge smile on her excited little face was nothing short of infectious. Arranging yet another platter full of food on the huge wooden table in the middle of his parents' garden, he leaned down a little towards Eleanor, gently stroking the dark curls that swayed as she bounced happily. - I'm glad to see you so confident, dear. - He smiled proudly, even though a part of him was confused by that sudden determination - What happened to make you so sure you're ready? Ever since he'd given Ellie her first bike, a gift for her fifth birthday, two months ago, she'd been equally obsessed and terrified of taking the training wheels off – especially after nearly falling off several times, even the using. For weeks, the whole family had taken turns to continue teaching her and try to make her more confident in her new toy, but her niece seemed more and more convi
- I'm not mad at you, Logan. – Megan reassured him, giving a quick smile that soon disappeared to give way to a confused and even a little worried expression – But that's quite a cult of logic, don't you think? It's surprising how skeptical you seem to be about anything supernatural. – She assessed him curiously – After everything I've learned about the Knights, this was the last type of behavior I would have expected. - I didn't know that believing too much in science and logic was a bad thing. - Logan muttered, annoyed with the fact that that conversation had ended on that subject - But I think skeptic is a word that defines me well. I consider it a compliment, actually. - He forced a smile, even knowing that anyone could see his annoyance - I've had enough proof that the only strength that really makes a difference in this world is willpower. – with that statement, his yellow smile became convinced, almost satisfied, especially for knowing that that was the greatest truth that coul
- I'm not afraid of anything. – Logan snarled, trying to contain his temper, at the same time that anger took him when he realized that now not only Megan knew what the real issue was about there, but also her entire family, judging by the way they suddenly became tense and silent. Damn that deck of Megan's and those random cards that for some incomprehensible reason had landed right on her weak spot... No, he had no weakness. A long time ago, he had promised himself that he would never allow himself to have that kind of soft spot. - So that's what you want to avoid so much... - Megan ignored him solemnly, still looking worried and extremely concentrated on the letter on the table - Oh, Logan, I'm sorry, but these efforts are in vain. The second card is about the present and Os Enamorados represents some kind of relationship that is to come, which can also mean a romantic love... - after a moment pondering, she looked at him with intensity again, with her face almost pitying - What y
- The moon. Megan's eyes, instead of widening like the other two times, were now narrowed with doubt and concern. - It's the card that represents what can solve your problem... But its meaning talks about issues that are not yet well delineated and illusions... - now almost exasperated, Megan raised her distressed gaze to him - Logan, the The future of this situation is still very unclear. You have many mistakes in your past and they will impact your present soon. – Her sister-in-law chewed her bottom lip, as she watched the first two letters with pure uneasiness – You have to be careful. If you don't start fixing these mistakes as soon as possible, they will define your future and maybe you'll end up missing something very important. Maybe one of the most important things you can have in your life. – Megan spoke each word slowly, regret and concern permeating each letter, as if she really was revealing to him the greatest of prophecies. “Don't waste your worry on me, Megan. - With a
Why did she have to exist? Why mess up a lifetime of comfort and freedom he had built up after so much suffering? He was proud of who she was and the things he had done. Never in his life had he allowed life's pitfalls to stop him. He had struggled with poverty, fear, uncertainty... Why did that curse have to be stronger than all that? Why did that woman have to be standing right there, making him want to surrender to everything he hated the most? Why did she make him want to let himself be carried away by that imposition of fate? It seemed so easy, so tempting: he had only to hold out his hand and she would enter his life. They would form a family, as Diana had with Paul, and she would forever become the center of his universe, as Megan was Devon's—damn it, in just one second, she'd already become the center of his universe, no matter how much. he hated to admit it. He would come to believe in true love and magic, like his family. He would stop calling a curse a curse and thank the fa
- Missy, could you take a look at my brother's computer again, please? Laughing at her brother-in-law's rueful tone, Missy balanced her cell phone between her shoulder and ear as she quickly finished programming yet another detail into her project. “Of course, Devon, don't worry, that's what I'm here for. - But I hate asking you every single day. – she could almost see him pinching the bridge of his nose on the other side of the line, as he sighed – You're already doing us a huge favor by taking care of the technology part of this agency and my imbecile brother is wasting your time with these antics. - I didn't even create any of the programs, I just installed them. – Missy smiled shyly – And it's not your brother's fault for not knowing how to deal with technology. That's no reason to judge him so badly. - Don't talk like the marketing department hasn't been kissing your feet every day since you introduced that new graphic designer program. – Devon laughed, but then his tone becam
Like Jonathan in his youth, they wanted to fulfill themselves professionally. Their father had created a renowned engineering company and made it prosper for years, giving the three of them an extremely comfortable life, and only sold it after discovering that he was sick, in order to have more time to spend with his daughters and take care of his own health. And finally, when the doctors told him there was nothing more to be done, Jonathan had also made sure to provide them with the largest inheritance possible. It seemed almost disrespectful to use the money his father had accumulated after so many years of tireless work just to spend his life enjoying himself. So she and her sister turned to professions that involved what they loved, where they would be not only useful but also happy, as they always knew Jonathan's greatest desire was: Megan, who was born with the gift of communication, she had initially graduated in Publicity and Propaganda, but after creating several social media
Smiling a small contented smile, Hope visibly relaxed for a moment, but then the nervousness seemed to take over her small body again, as Missy led them to the large counter, where the old man greeted them warmly.-We… Hmmm… – Hope stammered nervously, hugging Missy with more and more desperation – We wanted an ice cream… Huh… – Her little daughter was getting more and more insecure, looking at her as if she was begging for help.- I would like a strawberry ice cream, please. – Missy asked softly, as she remembered saying when she was a little girl so terribly shy that she could barely ask anything from people she didn't know – And you, my love? she asked Hope, with a smile full of encouragement, for her to keep talking.- I want chocolate... Please. – Hope whispered, completely blushing, before burying her face in her mother's shoulder quickly.- Well, what a polite little girl... – the gentleman smiled, while picking up some glass bowls – You must be very proud to have such a kind d
Once in her arms, Hope lifted her tear-stained little face to look at her, initially looking surprised to see her mother there, but then her expression distorted into a sad sob and she buried her head against Missy's chest, panting.-Mommy... – her little baby wailed, making Missy's heart sink even more – Mommy... Mommy...- It's okay, my sweetheart. – Missy tried to console her, running her hands through her soft hair, while she continued to say, in a low and gentle voice, almost as if she were singing a lullaby to her, as she did every night – Mommy is here, don't worry. It's going to be okay... - she waited until Hope's cries went from copious to just a few sad sobs, before finally asking - Hope, what happened? – she caressed her cheek until she convinced her to look up – Why are you crying, little angel?Hope's little mouth quivered a few times before she finally sniffled, her little blue eyes filled with such sadness that Missy found herself kissing her little cheek over and over
Stealthily, Missy looked through the window.Inside, in the huge classroom, several children seemed to be copying something into their notebooks while chatting animatedly. And, of course, it wasn't hard for her to find her children, as usual, sitting in the chairs at the corner of the wall, not too close and also not far from the teacher, where she remembered also liking to be, when she was in the 4th grade. year, like them. Jonathan had his back turned in his chair, looking at his brother in the back seat, while Tristan was showing him something that looked very interesting on the portable video game he was holding. With an amused sigh, Missy tried to convince herself that at least they were doing that after they had finished their homework, as the open pages of their notebooks were visibly written all over the desks.In fact, she truly took pride in the fact that they were only ten years old and yet they were centered and obedient enough to keep up well in school, despite all the lo
Now, he was able to do so much more besides being afraid. He was capable of being brave. To face what he feared. Of fighting to live the joys that were to come, even in the midst of tragedies. And now, more than ever, he knew he was able to see his family's legacy for what it really was, not a curse. He would be able to spend the rest of his life talking about him in a hopeful and balanced way to his children, as he had that day, and as his parents and grandfather had done to him in his childhood.Even if there was still the fear of what could happen to their babies in the future.- Are you OK love?Surprised by that whisper, Logan turned to see Missy dressed in a long cotton Hello Kitty nightgown, already without makeup and with her long brown hair loose, approaching him and Hope, who began to babble softly and extend her little arms towards the mother. Smiling, Missy took her little girl and offered her the breast, leaving the baby immediately calmer as she watched Logan's face with
- And... - the desperation in Foster's voice was so deep that Logan almost felt sorry for her... Almost - How much exactly is this debt?- Come with me, Ms. Foster. - Mr. Ramzi sighed – Something tells me that your next fainting spell will not be false, when we finish talking.- H-hey, I'm sure we can work it out, right? - Logan thought she was trying to sound sensual, in the midst of dread - I mean, there are so many other better things in life than money... Why don't we go to a more private place and I...?- Oh, don't worry, Ms. Foster. - again, Mr. Ramzi interrupted her, perfectly calm and measured - The only person who will be where we are going is my wife, one of the main people responsible for the hotel's accounting.Still a little dazed by everything he had just heard, Logan remained staring at Missy's equally shocked face, until the voices of Foster and the hotel manager were lost in the night, leaving them alone again, hidden among the shadows .- Heavens, I had no idea that
- What? - Suzan repeated, seeming to be choking - No, that's impossible! His family has a lot of money! That's how we paid for the trip and the hotel!- Funny... - Stra. Kobayashi gave Suzan one more look from under his lashes - I could have sworn he told us he came to the hotel on account of a donation from one of his investors...- Investors? - Suzan gasped, irritated – But we came here so he could get investors and...! - Realizing that everyone was looking at her with interest, Foster suddenly stopped talking, getting up from the table with a sour expression - If you'll excuse me, I think the drink made me sick. I am a little confuse. I'm going to bed for the rest of the night. - and so, without saying goodbye, Foster stomped out of the hall, probably in search of the groom who apparently no one knew exactly who he was or where he came from, including Suzan herself.- What an interesting situation, isn't it? - was all that Mr. Montenegro commented, with a veiled smile, a second bef
- And, allow me to say, what a beautiful dress, Stra. Knight. - Suzan interrupted him with a mean smile - It looks so modern, with that rounded silhouette and that blunt skirt. Anyone with no aesthetic taste could even say that his seamstress deserved a scolding...- Suzan! - her companion gasped, looking suddenly possessed, before quickly recovering, putting that artificially sympathetic expression back on her face – Forgive me, Stra. Knight. My dear fiancée Suzan comes from a humble background and sometimes fumbles with the meaning of some words, causing some indiscretions. - solemnly ignoring the revolted look that Foster threw at him, the man made that criticism facing Missy directly, with a seductive smile that was making Logan increasingly enraged - Why don't we continue our conversation that afternoon about investments, Stra. Knight? It would be a pleasure to hear the advice of such a refined and thoughtful lady again. If I may say so, even a party as exquisite as this isn't en
- I perceived. - Missy laughed - But I'm relieved that you five are fine. I was worried when I got to the room and found no one. - taking Hope in her arms, she looked at him with curiosity - But, what made you so distracted?- A ghost of Christmas past. - several of them actually, but Logan didn't add that comment as he continued to explain, realizing that Missy had become even more confused – Newton and Foster are here at the hotel, too. – he added cautiously, with a sigh.- Liam and Suzan? - Missy choked, stunned.- Yes, unfortunately. He is one of the employees at the hotel and she is apparently here because she has become the mistress of a rich man. - Logan rolled his eyes full of contempt - A man who, by the way, was in the same meeting as you, apparently. - he shrugged, while Missy blinked a few times, still shocked.- Heavens... I confess that of all the things I thought could happen when we were invited to visit the United Arab Emirates, this was the last of them. - to his tot
He was selfish. It was malicious. It was a plan full of ulterior motives. Damn, it was even a new lie, as he wasn't being completely truthful with Missy that her main motivation was just to help her get revenge. Yet he had impulsively proposed it to her, letting himself think only with his heart for the first time in his life.And, as if his heart thought the situation wasn't already complicated enough, he had given in to the impulse to confess his physical desire for her and kiss her for the first time right there, in the middle of her kitchen, even though he knew perfectly well that that it was far from the right time for them to share that kind of intimacy. Still, none of those conflicting emotions had been able to erase the emotion of that moment, when he finally knew the sweet taste of her lips and the softness of the curves of her delicious body, feeling a powerful wave of emotion and contentment run through him as he realized that she wanted him too. Damn it, with his mind as c