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“Daddy, I’m sorry!” Aby sobbed, her tears falling almost immediately as the urine running down her legs. “Oh my,” I whispered softly and rushed to cover her up or at least clean her from the mess. Even though I was still in panic stage, my heart reached out to her. I wanted her to be okay and not feel guilty about anything because truthfully, I only used her feelings to get in here in the first place.“Its not her fault,” I started as Hudson rushed to her without a word, “Its mine. Sh- she wanted to show me where she hid her toys, and I-“Stop saying it” he cut me off, his expression stoic but quickly switching as his eyes turned to face Aby. “Are you okay, baby? Did I scare you?” he asked softly, wiping her eyes and hugging her tight when she did nothing but cry.“I’m so sorry, Aby. I really am” he turned to face me again after those words left my lips, his eyes accusing. “I just wanted to drop her home and-“I don’t want to hear anything more, just leave” he said curtl
HUDSON’S POVIt’s a wonder how fast the day ends. How fast the weekend seemed to come. It’s like one minute you wake up on a Monday morning, all ready to go to work and then the next thing you know, it’s a Friday already. Marking end of the week, at least for 9 to 5 like myself, even though I was the CEO.And you know the most dreadful thing about this weekend? It means it’s a Saturday tomorrow, and the very weekend Val had invited me to a tango performance. In as much as I didn’t want to and would have actually preferred to tell myself I had forgotten about it, I still very much remembered her bold, daring, reckless and yet! exciting invite right in front of my company building that evening.I couldn’t stop thinking about, and the address I received as a text from her only fueled my thoughts about it all. But while I was at it, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly she was doing at the house that day. My house, Valerie was at my house for the very first time ever since she divorced
VALEIE’S POV"EUI, Emotional Urinary Incontinence. Abrille Rodriguiez, a five year old patient suffers from involuntary urination caused by emotional stress, anxiety and psychological distress. Shows signs of long term personality changes if improvement doesn't show up in three months";Those were the words that kept replaying in my head over and over again. I couldn’t get them out and I couldn’t shake off the dreading feeling that Abrille might actually have a mental disorder…like me. But she’s so small, her parents are okay and treats her well. What could have happened?Now the entire display that happened at the school previously, made sense. Everything made sense now, and I didn’t know how to deal with the guilt I was feeling. Unintentionally, I had put the child in harm’s way and for that, I was sorry about it.I guess I just had to make it up to her next time she visits and when Hudson gets to know about our kids. But as for now, I had a guest to entertain. Only through him will
VALERIE’S POVI missed feeling someone’s skin so close to mine, pressed up to my body and just giving me pleasure. I missed it, and having the same man that first made love to me, kiss me now, all over again… it brought memories. Memories of those nights we spent in endless passions when he would come to my room. Those nights I would spend crying out his name at how good he made me feel. I was pretty sure it was one of those nights that birthed our babies that he currently knew nothing about.And just as quickly as it started, it ended. Hudson pulled away from me, his eyes wide as he realized the position we were currently in. And in a flash, he sent me landing on the floor in an unceremonious manner.Shock, dishevelment and anger were what I felt as the next words left his lips. “You! - How dare you cross the line? What makes you think you have the right to test me?!” He bellowed, his words coming out in ragged breaths as he stared wide eyed at me like he didn’t just kiss me.“You’r
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Is it really that bad?” Lucia asked, “It can’t be that bad, maybe you’re reading too much into everything here.” I adjusted on the couch I was currently seated on so I could face her directly as she fetched freshly made juice for the both of us.“Really? Reading in too much? That’s not it at all! I’m sure of it!” I retorted, sighing deeply at the memory of how Hudson dismissed me without a fight last time. “I know so much has been going on recently between us, lots of arguments and all…but now, it’s different.“How different?” Lucia probed as she settled down on the couch after handing me my drink. “Normally, he would scold, ignore and pick a fight with me whenever there’s an issue with Abrille or I stayed out late or attended a party…but now, he doesn’t even bother to do any of that. Like… it doesn’t affect him anymore, as if he doesn’t find it worthy enough of his time. He doesn’t find me worthy enough… you understand?” I said, looking to Lucia with hopeful eyes.B
VALERIE'S POV“Did you put this here, daddy?” Aby voiced the question in my mind. Her eyes filled with amazement as she joined the kids in yet another run towards a Santa Claus structure that was made of literally glass! Just like all the others we’ve seen so far.“THERE’S A HUGE CANDY CANE OVER HERE!!” I heard Miley’s voice yell out with enthusiasm; her joy clear as day. Causing Hudson to chuckle loudly as he stood watching as they moved to the remaining structure which was a Christmas tree that had extra gift packages underneath it.“The packages have names written on them!” A maid announced as they circled the tree. And gradually, squeals of happiness filled the air. Each person obviously happy with what they got.“I got a puppy!!” Miley shrilled loudly, her voice echoing everywhere and twice as loud as every other person present that had screamed. “A puppy! A really furry puppy, mommy!!”I simply chuckled at her reaction, my eyes soaking a bit with joyful tears as I watched her ra
VALERIE’S POVMoving on! It was now time for the Hernandez’s to present their gifts, and honestly, I was surprised to see them do it.Not to be a buzz kill, but i half expected my uncle and aunties to have left the event already after staying for a couple of minutes. But they surprised me instead, staying until the very end, and even getting extreme gifts for the kids. I had to say, aunt Barbara did surprise me the most. “I don’t like you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like them. They’re cute, unlike you!” were her words to me after presenting an entire collection of expensive brand shoes for the kids. Not one color I knew was missing!It was… a lot. A whole lot!She wasn’t all bad after all.I was still busy smiling at her retreating presence when the kids blasted with excited screams all over the place after retrieving keys from encased gift boxes.Keys.Keys! Fucking keys, I repeat!And to what? That question of mine was quickly answered as a drop down behind the supposed stage w
VALERIE’S POV“Good evening, everyone! Thank you so much for coming, despite the messy weather and cold evening. Thank you so much!” I started, smiling as I scanned every single person’s face in the living room.Everyone looked actively warm and relaxed, no toxicity sensed at any point, which was good. Let’s just hope this lasts until the evening is over. My eyes met Amelia’s briefly as I continued speaking, but I moved on. Until finally, Liam- our speaker for the evening took over, and the party began. Several strings of laughter filling air in no time, Liam was good at this so it wasn’t even hard work for him.And then, finally, the main focus of our gathering was invited in. All eyes moving to the spiral stairs that ran down from the rooms upstairs, and when Aby showed up at the top of the stairs. Her white knee length pearl stoned dress shining with the lights as she slowly descended. Smiling sweetly as she did, just as I taught her so she wouldn’t get tensed and trip in front of
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