"You look so happy," Mother says out of the blue as she settles down on her chair."Look how things turned around for us. Of course, I'm extremely happy.""God loves us so much. My new place is so big that when I talk, I hear myself echo.""I'm sorry it's been a bit lonely. I'll come over more often.""Baby, I know how busy you are and besides, you know how I love my solitude. Although, Albert comes to say hi from time to time.""Mother..." I say winking at her.She swats my lap, frowning."What did you do that for?""That was a naughty wink. We are barely just friends. Now, going back to my initial statement.""Which?""Of you looking happy.""I thought I mentioned the reason already.""This kind is familiar.""Tell me about it.""Baby, I hate to bring back old wounds but this is the kind of happiness you had when you were dating Marco."I choke on my coke, and Mother rushes to massage my back."I'm good.""I'm sorry I brought him up," she says, feeling sad."You don't have to be sor
"Son, your father and I need you. The company finances are going down, and your father said Isabella's father wanted nothing to do with him when he went to pay him a visit just the other day. Aren't you getting back with Valentina?" Mother sneers, her tone dripping with disdain."Mother, I tried, but she wants nothing to do with me, and Isabella won't even pick up my calls." I lie. If this is what I need to do to get both of them off my back, so be it."I thought she was crazily in love with you?""I thought so too.""We should have stuck with the bird in our hands. I'm petrified. You should have seen how she looked at me with disdain that day. Someone once from the slum has suddenly become high and mighty. You could have made use of that opportunity when you people met at the party.""A party filled with press and people?""I don't know. You could have found a way to get her away from the crowd if you tried. She was hopelessly in love with you. I don't think feelings like that die o
Frustrated with Marco's excuses, I pace my office, my mind racing with thoughts. "Argghhhh.. I'm quite busy, can I call you back Valentina?" I mutter, mimicking one of his many excuses.Glancing at the magazine cover featuring Marco and Sandra, I scoff. "This is the reason Marco has been ignoring my texts. She's not even pretty," I mock, my gaze fixed on the image.But my concern goes beyond jealousy. I fear a new woman like Sandra Santiago could disrupt my carefully laid plans. "What happens if a new woman comes into the picture?" I mull over the possibilities, feeling the urgency to act fast.I need Mr. Pierre to hasten presenting the proposal to Leonardo. He sees Mr. Pierre as a savior, unaware of the trap I'm setting. "I don't think Leo will think twice before he jumps on it," I plot, envisioning the outcome.Desperate to reach Marco, I devise a plan. I text him, feigning illness and urging him to meet me. "I don't feel too good. Please meet me at our usual place," I send, hoping
"I know I said I wanted to act all busy, but Mother Nature took me seriously and piled tons of work on my desk. I hate that I wasn't there when she needed me. So much for wanting to right my wrongs.""Don't you think you are taking this thing too far?" Giovanni asks, his concern evident."What if she was your sister? Are you going to help or not?" I retort, frustration creeping into my tone."I want to, doesn't she have a name or something?" Giovanni probes."She doesn't want to be revealed. That's why I need to know if he has harassed any other person," I explain, my voice determined."Although I have one of the best lawyers, Russell can't be pulled down that easily, especially with no evidence," Giovanni cautions."I'm so pissed. I wish I could throw him a punch in the face," I growl, my fists clenched in anger."And end up spending your prime years behind bars? Marco, I suggest you just let sleeping dogs lie. If this person without an identity agrees to make herself a bait to get e
As Mr. Pierre recounts the successful acquisition of Leo's signature on the contract, my mind drifts away. Despite the satisfaction of my plan unfolding, I find myself haunted by memories of Marco's laughter echoing from our past."Are you listening, Ma'am?" Mr. Pierre's voice breaks through my reverie."Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment," I respond, pulling myself back to the present."I said with this, we can start to strike," he explains, motioning towards the contract and the incriminating photos of Leo inspecting a transparent drug sachet."So, we now own two-thirds of shares in their company?" I confirm, seeking clarification."Yes! Leo is such a greedy man. He believes we'll sell back the shares to him once he's profited enough from his drug dealings. But you've made it clear you don't mind losing the money if we expose him to the authorities. I doubt he'll be able to repay us before we act, I don't know what he would do with such am out of money from his shares sales,"
Leaving Valentina's place, a heavy burden of guilt settles on my chest, dragging me down with every mile I drive. I can't shake the feeling that I've overstepped the boundaries of our friendship and the memory of her tear-stained face steadily haunts me with each passing moment.Seeking a distraction from my inner restlessness, I drive along the familiar streets to my father's house. With every turn of the wheel, questions flood my mind, especially about how he managed to return the money he borrowed from work at once.Arriving at my father's house, I park the car and steel myself for the confrontation that lies ahead. Approaching the front door, I feel uncertain, but I push aside my doubts and ring the doorbell, determined to find the answers I need."Marco, you're home early," my father remarks, looking up from his book as I enter the living room."Yeah, just felt like dropping by," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.Before I can say anything else, my mother's voice cuts through t
"Valentina Luca, come see," my mother's voice echoes through the house, its urgency pulling me away from my thoughts and into the present moment. With a sinking feeling in my chest, I hurry to where she stands, bracing myself for whatever news awaits."What is it, mother?" I ask, my voice tinged with apprehension as I approach her."Look," she gestures towards the television, her expression grave.I turn my gaze to the screen, my heart pounding in my chest as I take in the unfolding scene. A picture of Marco and Leonardo flashes across the screen, accompanied by law enforcement officials. It's a sight that sends a chill down my spine, one that I never expected to witness.The scene changes, and a reporter's voice fills the room, delivering the devastating news with a sense of solemnity."Tragedy strikes the Lorenzos. First, their arrest for involvement in the sales of illicit drugs. Then the revelation that Marco Lorenzo is an adopted child. And now, Marco's involvement in a car accid
In Marco's embrace, I spin with joy, his arms wrapping around me securely. Suddenly, he pauses, dropping to one knee with a grace that takes my breath away. From the depths of his tuxedo pocket, he produces a small box, its significance palpable in the air."Valentina Luca, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend eternity with. I may not be the best at expressing love, but I promise to give it my all. Anything you desire, even if it's the universe itself, I'll strive to make it yours. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?""Marco, yes! A thousand times yes!" I exclaim, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks as he slides the ring onto my trembling finger.His smile lights up the room, filling me with a warmth that I never want to lose. But just as quickly as our happiness blooms, a darkness descends. From nowhere, a sinister black smoke materializes, engulfing Marco in its grasp before my very eyes."Marco!" I scream, my heart shattering into
6 years later………I roll up my hair, tying it into a bun as I prepare what the children will eat on their way to Mother’s place after Gabriella’s ballerina performance. Since the twins came along, our lives have been overwhelmed with intense joy.“Drop that floss, Gabriella!” I yell, running after her.“Daddy said I can have them,” she squeals, running outside with it.“I’ll go get her, Mama,” Gabriel says, running after her.“Thanks, baby.”Just then, Marco strolls into the kitchen.“Why are you giving me that look?”“We agreed on no sugar today, but you went behind my back and gave Gabriella permission to have cotton candy.”“What cotton candy?” he asks, trying to feign ignorance.“Marco, don’t play dumb.”“Okay, babe I’m sorry. When she asked, I intended to say no, but those big eyes got to me. It won't happen again,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist.I gently push his hands away and reach for the children's food pack.“Baby, I said I'm sorry.”“Marco, this has to stop. Yo
As we gradually shift from autumn to winter, the smell of fallen leaves fills the air. The crisp, cool November breeze gently brushes against my bare skin as I stand outside our home, taking one final look at it before we move to our new place. I gather my last bag, smiling as many special memories here with Marco begin to play in my head.“I'm going to miss this house. We have so many good memories here.”“Me too,” Marco says staring at the house.“I know Becca is going to care for this place just like we did.”“I know she would.”“Look how far she has come. Buying her own cars and house.”“Business has been good and also, she suggested it was time to show my face.”“I agree with her. I know this isn't goodbye goodbye because we will obviously come and visit but it feels like it.”“Don’t worry, you will fall in love with this new place.”Marco drives us to our new place in Florence with our things already in place. With this new place, He went over the top. In this new home, it is l
Since Nonna learned about my bleeding, she has stopped me from going to work and instructed Mr. Thomas to step in until I give birth, which he agreed to without hesitation.Everyone went wild about the news, especially Mother and Nonna, and we all can't wait to find out their gender next month. Now that I'm showing, the general public now knows.With Mother’s wedding coming up, everyone aside from me has been super busy preparing for the big day, which is tomorrow.The only duty I’ve been given is to pick up Chiara’s dress because she wasn't around to take her measurements when we did. Once I pick it up, I drive down to the resort Nonna booked for the wedding.Nonna insisted she sponsor the wedding, and knowing Nonna, no one could argue with her. If you didn't know about our family history, you would mistake Alberto and Mother for her children.“That took you forever, sexy preggy,” Chiara says, opening the door.“Is this the thank you I get from crossing the Mediterranean Sea to get t
I pace up and down Giovanni’s corridor, seething with anger at what I witnessed hours ago. I had planned to surprise Valentina by picking her up from Nonna’s place for dinner, but I got surprised instead. I was so confused about whether to reveal myself or not. In the end, I turned around and headed for Giovanni’s place.Just a few nights ago, I was appreciating how well our marriage has been going and how open we are with each other, but what I saw today casts doubt on that belief.“So you saw her with James and?”“I didn’t like the way he was all over her. To make matters worse, she told me she was going to greet Nonna and Mother but didn't mention James would be there too.”“Okay? What if she didn’t tell you because she knew you would react like this?”“You are supposed to be on my side.”“Marco, tell me what you want me to say or do. Beat him up? Besides, you knew about his connections with the Matteos before you went in. Why do you have a problem with him all of a sudden? If you
Maintaining my pregnancy a secret till I start to show ended the moment I walked into Nonna’s place. Mother and Nonna simultaneously chorused it the second I stepped foot inside the house. Ever since Marco, Nonna, and mother found out about my pregnancy, I've been treated like an egg. With Marco, it's even worse. This man won't let me do anything at home. Mother and Nonna have made it their sole mission to stock up my house with food. Now all I do is go to work, peruse documents with my legs crossed and eat junk.It's a miracle that my clothes still fit. Preparing for the Pure Beauty Award global ceremony tonight, I put final finishing touches to my look before I slip on my heels. I wish father was here to see to witness this moment. His beauty and skin products were nominated for the Pure Beauty Award ceremony. “How do I look?” Marco asks stepping out of his closet.“Handsome as always.”“You look ravishing my love and I know you will bring home all the awards. You've shown nothin
I'm amazed at how much progress my parents and I have made. Visiting them frequently and vice versa without anyone bickering. Valentina and mother's laughter erupts from the kitchen filling the entire place as they organize lunch. “Marco, how has business been going?” Father asks, stretching a plate towards me.“It's been good, and how are you adjusting to your new line of business?”“Adjusting fine. Never knew I could do so well in supervising building projects. I'm taking that class you recommended.”“That's beautiful.”“Enough of business talks,” Mother announces, walking in with Valentina as they set the rest of the food on the table.“This smells so heavenly,” Father compliments, and I nod in agreement.“I can't take all the credit, your wife also assisted.”“Thank you both.”As we dish our food, I notice Valentina dishing a smaller portion of what she would normally eat, an occurrence that's been consistent for the past two weeks now. Also, lately, she has been easily irritated
“See that glow, you weren't this good-looking before you stepped on that plane last week. Despite the workload you came to handle after you got back, you are still looking flawless. Hmm, must be the marriage glow and the other reason why women glow,” Chiara gushes, offering me a plate of cake.“Your place just keeps getting better. I love what you did to the wall.”“Thanks, it is sad no man is surprising me with an aquarium in my home simply because I can’t get over moments from my trip.”I flush, remembering how I came home from Bora Bora to a gigantic aquarium nestled in a corner of our living room. A gift from Marco because I couldn't stop talking about our glass-bottom boat tour.“Stop being dramatic.”“I want my man too. Is there something I'm not doing right?”“Soon, you'll find your perfect match.”“I know, I just need to know how soon. I may have noticed you’re overly bubbly these days? Are you pregnant?”“What? No. Chiara, you are way too observant for my liking. You used to
These past few days in Bora Bora have been some of the best moments in my life so far. I can’t get over the beauty of the underwater world. The beautiful, colorful fishes and the coral reefs were breathtaking. I took so many pictures to last a lifetime.The thrill, fear, romance—everything—we experienced it on this trip, and I hate that we have to leave tomorrow. I don’t want it to end. My highlight has to be seeing Marco scream like a child when we went skydiving. Who ever knew that a day would come when I would see Marco Lorenzo scared of something?The lingerie Chiara and I shopped for has been nothing short of a game-changer. Chiara was right when she said they had the power to make a man lose his senses.Can the world just pause for another week so Marco and I can continue having so much fun without coming back to a truckload of work on our desks? I shudder at the thought of the workload piled on my desk right now.Cristos! Yesterday was Mother's date with Alberto, and I forgot t
Surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning beauty of the coastal waters, I feel completely refreshed and renewed. The peace here is unmatched, providing a perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Tuscany. I’m still yet to get over the Mahi Mahi and rice from yesterday—so divine.After our long flight yesterday, we chose to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. I place a gentle kiss on Valentina, who is still sleeping soundly.I connect to the resort’s Wi-Fi and just as I'm about to start preparing for the day, Giovanni’s call comes in.“I’ve been away for how many days and you suddenly can’t breathe?”“Good day to you too, and last I checked, you are not Flora. Unlike you, I’m a good brother always wanting to check up on you and you, on the other hand, forget your brother once you are lost in love. How’s the honeymoon going?”“Wonderful, it’s such a beautiful place to be.”“I’ve been told. How’s your wife?”“Sleeping soundly. Yesterday’s flight was a bit overwhelming.