VALERIE POV “How do you know this plan of yours will make it? How do you know this isn’t just a trick you are playing with yourself and risking your life for nothing!” Papa boomed after at least the fifth time since I explained things for him. “I told you I don’t want you to have anything to do with that man! If you must then it has to be because of the kids! We agreed! C’mon Val, what is all this mess?!” “Pa, calm down and stop scolding me like I’m a child!” I snapped at him, raising my voice as well. “I already started it and there’s nothing you can do about it now. So quit shouting, watch your BP and come sit down!” I ordered like I was his parent. He stood there, stubborn as ever but after a moment he released a breath and reluctantly sat beside me on the couch in the living room. “Good. So, are you going to support me or not?” I asked firmly, staring him dead ass in the face. “Do I have a choice here?! You already went ahead to jump into the pile of shit without informing firs
VALERIE’S POVWith no assistance he walked towards them, his steps faltering but I let him be, not letting his close aid move to him either. A few steps away from them he stopped, just taking in the form of my very much oblivious kids with his eyes. I could only imagine the thoughts going through his mind right now. He most probably wouldn’t believe they were real; that they were right in front of his eyes. I remembered how he would always give me supplements that were good for child bearing back then, he couldn’t wait for me to get pregnant. Always wanting to know if I felt weird at any time, always so hyper when I say I wasn’t feeling good. He had wanted Great grandkids for a long time and his only hope had been on whoever Hudson would marry since he was his only grandchild.The thought of it all brought tears to my eyes. I had to repeatedly blink when I noticed Miley saying something. She had finally felt another presence other than her brothers, “Hey, do oldies’ also come to the
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Seriously? The company might be run by someone else soon?” Lucia asked in surprise as she placed her glass of juice down to focus on me. This was what I loved most about her, her absolute attention to me. So, I easily let out my concerns to her. “If I don’t give birth to a boy soon” I added with an eye roll.“Those greedy family members have been pitching it in for a while now. But this time, they have taken it to a whole new level, by mentioning it in front of Grandpa! It’s obviously to remind him of the family rules and cut off my arms and legs as well!” I complained, feeling my annoyance coming back to me just at the memory of it all.“Hmm, is there really no way around it? Maybe Grandpa can change the rules, can he not?” Lucia suggested, repeating the same question I asked Hudson yesterday as well. But unfortunately, that too was a dead end.“He won’t do that. If I can’t have a son, then company and all the family fortune will go to the next family. That is, the s
HUDSON’S POV“So, all of that has been dealt with?” I asked for clarification as I scanned through the documents in front of me. “Yes Sir, all of it except these copies over here” a suited-up man responded calmly before gesturing to a brown file.My eyebrows furrowed as I stared at the seemingly light looking file, compared to the ones I was handed earlier, that one looked almost empty. “What are those?” I asked, my eyes flickering back to the man that responded earlier. “They are…they are from De Hernandez Dreamz. It was sent over earlier today, in anticipation for this meeting” he said“And? Are we supposed to explain that to ourselves?” I questioned sternly, maybe a bit too stern actually. But it just came out. Hearing the name De Hernandez Dreamz alone had me on edge and I knew exactly why. But I was also trying to ignore that as well. “No-no sir!” another replied and I turned my attention to him, my expression stoic as I took him in.“A representative was supposed to arrive here
HUDSON'S POVGood thing Paul wasn’t present, else he would have sighted me.Taking a quick sweep of the surprisingly spacious room, I turned to the direction of where I remembered the glasses were kept and found Val just in time reaching for a glass on the top shelf. ‘Why reach for the one furthest from you?’ I grumbled in my head before walking towards her.Taking a stand behind her, I reached for the glass she wanted and just then, time seemed to slow as her fragrance wafted into my nose. My palm covered her slender ones in the process and instead of reaching for the glass like initially, she intertwined our fingers together. Her slender ones sending bolts of warmth through to mine.And slowly, she angled her body to mine. Turning to face me while still interlocking our fingers. I couldn’t say a word, they wouldn’t even form at this point as I realized just how close we stood to each other. She stared into my eyes without saying a word, her green eyes communicating with me, remindin
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Wow, Char, are you sure you haven’t learned ballet before? Your movements are so beautiful!” Lucia gushed behind me, causing a breathy smile to make its way to my lips, boosting my confidence. And I arched my back even more, my shoulders high as I stared back at my reflection that was cladded in a black bodycon jumpsuit, through the wide floor length mirror in the training room.We were currently at a dance training center to prepare for the new parent committee event that would be hosting in a month’s time. True to Lucia’s words, she had the tango dance performance included as the first thing on the list for an upcoming school event, and all parents in the classroom club were mandated to attend (Mrs. Thompson & her minions).Isn’t it just amazing? I was so excited and currently giving it my all as I practiced with my dance partner. “Oh please, Mrs. Lucia, don’t try to be funny. Anyone with eyes can see what a ‘great job’ Miss Charlotte seems to be doing over there!”
VALERIE’S POV“So, how was your meeting, ma’am?” Rob asked after a few moments of silence. We had just left the Green Land Holdings (Hudson’s company) building at about 30 minutes ago and Rob couldn’t just wait to pop the question that I knew he would bombard me with as soon as he got the chance. “My meeting was quite good, thank you” I replied, tapping my phone’s screen on.“Hmm, it was so good that you had to attend?” he probed, his words holding an underlying meaning. I angled my neck to him, raising an eyebrow to let him see I didn’t appreciate the questioning. “What, I mean you took a taxi here,” he defended,“Because I had a meeting to attend” I said, placing emphasis on ‘meeting’“The same meeting that the project supervisor could have attended” he insisted, “Or should I say, supposed to have attended. But he could not, simply because you had decided to go yourself at last minute. Even going as far as taking a taxi there! Not waiting for me to take you”“And what is so wrong wi
VALERIE'S POV "Err, good evening Ma'am""Good evening," I responded with a smile, hoping to calm her uneasiness at seeing a strange face at the door. "I came to drop off Aby, it's getting late and I thought I brought her home to avoid her mom, Charlotte, from getting worried." I started, still smiling and hoping I didn't sound too strange.I used Charlotte's name so she would at least know I wasn't just talking. "Oh, you're a friend of Madame's?" The maid asked curiously."Well, err...sort of. Our kids attend the same school and are in the same class, I live a few blocks down the street, Plus, Aby here, visits often. So yea, I guess we are friends" I explained, letting out breathy smile at the end.That seemed to do the trick because she smiled warmly immediately. "Please come in Madame, and thank you for bringing ma'am Aby home.""Would you like to see my room, auntie?" Aby asked with wide pleading eyes. Such a darling, just making my visit a whole lot more easier!I admit, I hadn't
VALERIE’S POV“Nice!”“This is nice, very good Rosey!” I praised wholeheartedly, sighing in pleasure as i doubled down on the absolutely mouth watery seasoned turkey that she prepared. You remember Rosey, right? Aby’s personal Nanny back then when they stayed at Hudson’s house.Well, when Hudson decided he was no longer going to remain there, I brought Rosey along. Because really, it wasn’t easy having a staff that genuinely display care towards you or your child. Whenever I come across such a staff, I make sure not to let them go because they are the true gems.So, that was how she ended up living with us, assisting Nanny Beth. That way, Nanny Beth wouldn’t have to do so much with the kids, like she wants. Because that old lady always keeps forgetting she was no longer young and needed rest sometimes.“I’m glad you like it, Ma’am!” Rosey beamed with happiness, “I will make more of it, and have it out even before Ma’am Miley gets downstairs!”“Miley. Miley, Rosey. Not Ma’am Miley.” I
HEY VALERIE’S POV“Mason!”“They are still sleeping” I provided for her, helping her down the bed as I did. And the moment her feet touched the floors; she bolted off to their beds.First, to Mason of course. “Mason,”“MASON!!!” She yelled out, shaking his form a bit violently on his bed and instantly, his eyes popped open. Confusion, terror and most of all, annoyance on his features as he pushed Miley off. Good thing the bed was wide enough, so she only got pushed to a side on the bed.Her excitement unmatched as she screamed in his face, “It’s my birthday! Today is my birthday, Masse!”“It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!!”“Hurray!!” she squealed, jumping down from his bed after successfully passing across her words to his sleepy self. He didn’t appreciate her eagerness of course, but a smile soon found its way to his lips as he watched her.It was after all his birthday as well.“Where is- Miles!” Miley shrilled, gasping with pure horror as her eyes flew to the still sleeping per
VAELRIE’S POV“How you doing over there, Mr. Rodriguiez?” I teased, an endearing smile on my face as I wiggled an eyebrow at him, “Loving the floor? Bet it feels even more comfortable than this soft, warm, and extremely inviting bed of mine! Ah!”He simply scowled at my remarks, begrudgingly turning himself over to another angle so I wouldn’t see his face any longer. A mocking laugh bubbled in chest at his behavior, my lips stretching to an even brighter smile as I struggled to remain silent in other not to look too mean.“Oh? Going to bed now?” I added still, smiling as a string of mumblings were all that came as a response from him. No doubt he was cursing at the extremely poor attempt of his to turn over so he wouldn’t face me anymore.I could imagine the pains already; with the way he was trying to not lean on his back. “Oh well! I guess it is way past bedtime anyways. So… goodnight!” I called out, sighing loudly so he could hear me before I relaxed back on the soft sheets underne
VALERIE’S POV“That’s it? If that’s the issue then you don’t have to worry at all!” His voice sounded seriously as he turned me to face him.“I got you! You and our kids! You don’t need to worry about their birthday this time, you’ve been doing it alone for 4 years. Let me handle it this time, let us handle it together this time. Me and you, us…”Us…The small smile that appeared on my lips at those words couldn’t be helped at all. It was almost on instinct, automatic even. “Now, here’s what I think about the Christmas celebration… I wrote it all down, look!”“On this part we would have the Christmas celebration and, on this part, will be the birthday itself”“Only family are invited, right?” I added, joining in on his plans as we checked out everything.“Yup! Only family is invited.” He concurred seriously, “We’ve been through a lot of surprises this year, but the kids still need to see the family all together and complete. Mine and yours, and I will handle it all, don’t worry. Now o
CHAPTER 266VALERIE’S POVLeaving Papa’s house didn’t exactly feel like all the usual times. All the usual times where I had come to just talk with him, or go strolling or even delivered good news! Or even dropping off the kids with him. All of that ended on good notes, happy notes… except today.The moment I left, sitting at the backseat as the driver drove out of the yard and back to the familiar estate that housed my place, I finally felt what was like to leave home. To leave that bubble created by a parent or guardian. Which was funny cause this was not the first time I left him.I had long been leaving home, especially that year when I married Hudson. So just imagine how long that is, plus all the time I had spent out of the country with three kids! for five years of my life.So you see, having this sudden feeling that I had finally moved out felt be confused. But at the same time tensed. Especially anytime my words to papa concerning my situation with Hudson replayed in my head.
VALERIE'S POV“You really have not thought of ending things, have you?” Papa’s voice filtered into my ears; his concern crystal clear. Even before I looked up to his face, his worried eyes earnestly hoping I wouldn’t utter the wrong words. The words even I, myself couldn’t believe I was about saying. But still, “I want to stay with him” I said finally, my voice soft as I took in Papa’s downcast look.“Pumpkin, no. No!” He disagreed weakly, his shoulders sagging as he retreated in his seat. His worried reaction broke my heart, I could tell just how concerned he was for me. “Papa,”“No. Don’t do it,” he insisted softly, blinking back a bit of tears that now swarm in his eyes. Breaking my heart further as I watched him. “You’re going to get hurt. You’re going to get hurt, Valerie. He is going to leave you again; he won’t take it from you. He won’t!”“Papa… I know, I know I sound crazy right now but… I still want to try.” I pleaded softly, “I-I don’t to end things. I don’t want to.” His ey
VALERIE’S POV“Hmm, so that’s what happened!”“Things really got out of hand like that and yet, you didn’t mention a thing to me!” He scolded, frowning as he faced me. “I didn’t even know anything and I just let you be. What if something had gone wrong? Or that wicked woman had gotten something on you and turned the tables even before you realized?”A deep sigh left my lips at his words, my shoulders sagging. “What if she had managed to turn everything on you and that man of yours believes her again like before?! You were too reckless, Pumpkin! Too reckless!”“That wouldn’t have happened, Papa! C’mon, I’m not that stupid!” I complained, sighing as i tried to remain calm as possible rather than get flustered by all his accusatory questions. But the truth was that, the disapproving look painted on his features right now was not helping. “Pa, I had everything under control and-“It was all part of your plan?” He offered, his tone mocking as he cut me off. “It was all part of the plan an
HUDSON'S POV“I can’t believe this!” Aby praised, smiling brightly too.“Better start to! Cause it’s all ours now! It’s our new home!” Mason squealed, jumping around with Miley as they screamed in delight.Wow, Mason was squealing with Miley! Now, that was new.Hahaha! He always complains of how noisy Miley was and yet today, here he was doing the exact same thing he normally complains about! And with her of all people! Hahaha!“You like it?” I called out, smiling and they eagerly nodded.“Yes! I can’t wait to tell Papa all about this!” Mason responded eagerly, mirroring his sibling’s reaction.“Really?! Then I can’t wait until you see your rooms!” I said, and immediately dramatic gasps filled the air. Excited squeals following after as I chuckled before leading the way. Taking the elevator instead of the stairs.“The 3rd floor?” Miles asked, watching as I pulled back from the button.“Yes my boy! Your rooms are on the third floor, Nanny Beth and the maids are on the second, while mom
HUDSON’S POV“Woah”“Look at all these buildings…” Miles mumbled softly; his green eyes wide with wonder as he stretched to look around despite been locked in place by the seatbelt in the backseat. “They are so tall! So tall… are they connected to the sky?”At his words, the others joined in stretching just a bit. Shuffling in their positions as they looked around, “Daddy, look! That one looks like a star!”A chuckle left my lips at the comment, a proud unwavering smile lingering on my features as I took in the sheer serenity and excellence of the environment, while my gaze flickered ever so often to the rear-view mirror so I could get a clear picture of the wonder in their eyes. Every one of them had their eyes wide as they stared out the car windows, curiosity swimming in their depths.Now I know how big of a mistake I have been making all this time that I haven’t taken them to my office or even to any one of our sites. I should’ve done so at least once! That way I would have seen j