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
HUDSON’S POV“Huddie? Your phone…” I blinked as I noticed her pointing beside me, “Your phone has been vibrating,” she explained and I quickly got my shit together and took hold of the object from the glass frame housing my watch collection.Swiping the screen open I saw that I have had multiple calls and texts from one person-Grandpa. The last one read; “When are you free, young man?! You either come to me or I come to you!”Ugh, what was the need for such threats? It wasn’t like I had been free all these while and refused to go see him. I had been very busy lately… busy drowning myself in more workload than I could possibly take just to erase that memory. The memory of what I did that evening.I should have just waited in the audience like everyone else did. What was the need to ask around for her and ended up in that private backstage that then led to the temptation of kissing her?!Jesus! That was uncalled for! And most definitely not the plan I had in mind when I decided to go th
HUDSON’S POV“I love the spirit! You must feel confident in her services, don’t you Rodriguez?” I took a deep breath, nodding as I opened my mouth to speak for the first time since Val came to the table. "Yes, I feel very confident. She has been doing excellently so far and I have no doubt she would exceed my expectations by the time everything is finalized.” I said, my tone formal, not betraying the agitation i felt on the inside.My words earned corresponding grunts of praise from the men and that was when I noticed it. She finally looked at me. She finally saw me for the first time since spending almost 20 minutes at the drink stand and the thought alone had my heart racing all over again.And just like that, she looked away. "It was nice meeting you, gentlemen but you will have to excuse me" she said, smiling warmly at the table before leaving.I literally let out a breath of relief after she left, my heart rate slowly reducing to the normal as I took a glass to help calm my nerv
VALERIE’S POV“So, that man has agreed to go 50/50?”“Yes boss! I’m sure of it.” Another voice responded; his tone submissive like that of an underling.“Hmm, that is strange. Why the sudden change of heart? He has been hell bent on 60/40 from the start, what changed?” the previous voice asked. “Maybe he just wants to hasten things up, I heard his son is taking charge of their side from now on. That means he will be working directly with us”“Hmm, I don’t like new faces, Julio” the voice seemingly belonging to the boss grumbled and before the conversation could continue, I cut it off. Myself and Rob sighing deeply as we dressed back on our seats. “This is huge, ma’am. From the records, we can clearly see whatever business deal they are on about isn’t genuine, especially as they are trying to speed things up!” Rob said, taking the words right out of my mouth. I just nodded in agreement as he continued giving his analysis.“But the man in question runs a wide range of illegal activiti
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Now lift your legs, turn and put it back down, slowlllyyy” Mr. Modrich, the instructor said as he walked round, assessing everyone.“Good, good! Perfect job, Mrs. Charlotte!” he praised, his voice ringing loudly in the quiet space as the music came to a halt. And soon after women chatters filled the air. “Honestly though, you look beautiful when you dance." he added, coming to the front where I stood. "Like I can see that zeal, that power and confidence…ah! it just radiates from you, Mrs. Charlotte. You should consider performing at the club!” I smiled bashfully at his praise.“Oh c’mon, I know I’m good but what is the club?” I asked and Lucia appeared in front to explain. “The club is where fellow tango lovers gather to enjoy the presence of excellent performers such as your selves!” she said with a smile as she scanned everyone present.“Oh my, I just looked it up!” A lady’s voice ran out, turning everyone’s attention to her. “The women dresses are so pretty! Aww,
HUDSON’S POV“I will pick a place for us to meet, come see me on Charlotte’s birthday” were the words that replayed in my head as I stared at the door swipe in my hands. The address attached to it was familiar. I knew the place; it was the same place where she agreed to meet Grandpa for the first time.The place I first saw her vulnerable as she cried with Grandpa. The memory was still fresh actually, every memory I had of her was fresh. Addictive even, leaving me wanting more and more anytime I met her. “Boss, we are here” James’s voice called out from the front, snapping me out of my thoughts as I looked around in surprise.We were clearly at the VIP parking lot of the company and I didn’t even realize it. But nevertheless, I swiftly tucked the card in my breast pocket, just like how I had been doing this past week after meeting Val at the Socialist’s Gathering. “Everything alright, boss?” James asked, staring at me through the rear-view mirror. I just nodded before getting down and
THIRD PERSON POVIs there such a thing as over expectation? Like where one places or imagines so much from a particular situation or something… an overly expectant person… Even the words don’t sound right. Anyone could clearly see nothing good ever comes out of being overly expectant over something or someone… so, how is it that Charlotte couldn’t see it too?There she sat, in all her regal… seated like some important figure of the society, glamoured in her perfectly sown white flowing dress that just screamed center of attention in the practice room. Eagerly waiting and anticipating the doors of the mini hall to open up, presenting the persons she had plans with.It was her birthday today. Her 30th birthday but popularly known as her 28th birthday to those who knew her but that wasn’t what made this day special. But rather, today marked 10 years that her plans at making a life for herself outside her father became a reality. It was 10 years of careful planning, flawless acting skills
HUDSON’S POV“PLEASE!”“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Hudson! I AM SORRY!!!” her screams echoed everywhere, loud enough to wake even the dead at this point. But somehow, none of it could bring any sort of calmness to my internal turmoil.If anything, it only irritated me all the more! My nose scrunching in distaste as I glared at her overly reddish skin. It was a wonder how they weren’t pilling off at this point, it was already her fifth dip today. And I still wasn’t satisfied.Normally, coming here and hearing her scream brought me some level of satisfaction. Soothing my mind even. But somehow today, that didn’t seem to be the case. The exact opposite was happening instead. Anger, irritation, disgust, boiling hot displeasure and a really tight scowl to top it off were all I felt watching this absurd scene of her crying and pleading.“It hurts…” she sobbed, hanging breathlessly on the iron bars as visible shock waves ran through her muscles. “Please… please I’m begging you, I’m begging you Hud
VALERIE'S POV“Just one? One heartbeat this time?” Papa inquired with a big smile, moving even closer to the screen as his teary eyes stared intently at them. The doctor just let him, chuckling even at his silliness.“Here, this is a print out of her. You can stare at her all day, sir!”“I can’t believe this, I can’t believe that bastard got you pregnant again without wasting time! Just what is he planning? To steal you away?!”Oh my goodness.His words made me to actually chuckle now as I watched him. My heart lifting, “Alright, that will be all!” The doctor announced, wiping off the jell on my belly as the smiling nurses wrapped up to go.Several do’s and don’ts were issued out for me, Nanny Beth actively taking notes too. While I just laid on the bed, relaxed with my hands wrapped around my belly. Papa just beside me, making calls to Toberto. Some excessive pregnancy routine coming up for sure, with these two warriors of mine.Looking at it now, I could actually feel a little bump
VALERIE'S POVWhat?“Oh my God!” Nanny Beth exclaimed excitedly, turning to Papa as a smile broke on their lips. “Pregnant? Sh- Valerie is pregnant?! Woah!”Elated chuckles soon filled the air, mostly from Nanny Beth and Papa though. Myself on the other hand, I just laid there unmoving. Frozen even, as the world suddenly slowed down. My heartrate instantly quickening as the words repeated in my ears. Ringing over and over, until I finally found it in me to speak.“Pre-pregnant?” I altered slowly, my words a confused stutter. I could feel myself literally going into panic mode as it is, looking to the doctor for clarification. That seemed to catch Papa’s attention too, cause in no time, “Are you sure about this, doctor?” Papa asked, taking the words right out of my mouth. “Are you certain? I mean, the other doctor didn’t mention this when she came by and-“I’m certain, Sir.” The doctor assured, not letting Papa speak any further. “I saw her reports before coming here. The blood work th
VALERIE'S POVIt’s been days.Daysss, since Rob died. I didn’t’ even know what day it was or what said the time. All I knew was hurt. Hurt and guilt, that seemed to have remained permanently in my heart. Never leaving, and never letting me forget.I couldn’t forget, no matter how much I wanted to. No matter how much I needed to! Nanny Beth said I should fight it, that I was getting depressed… Rob wouldn’t want that. But then, how could I even bear to imagine what he wanted and didn’t want when I was the one that caused him to die? I didn’t have that right, and I didn’t want it.Life was already difficult enough, everyday was a drag, everything was a struggle. Getting out of bed, eating, drinking even water… taking a shower seemed pointless these days. Everything felt pointless.I mean, what was the need anyways? Why did I need to? What was the point in having people around you? What was the point of caring and loving someone, when they could so easily be taken away all in a matter of
VALERIE’S POVIt’s been days.Daysss, since Rob died. I didn’t’ even know what day it was or what said the time. All I knew was hurt. Hurt and guilt, that seemed to have remained permanently in my heart. Never leaving, and never letting me forget.I couldn’t forget, no matter how much I wanted to. No matter how much I needed to! Nanny Beth said I should fight it, that I was getting depressed… Rob wouldn’t want that. But then, how could I even bear to imagine what he wanted and didn’t want when I was the one that caused him to die? I didn’t have that right, and I didn’t want it.Life was already difficult enough, everyday was a drag, everything was a struggle. Getting out of bed, eating, drinking even water… taking a shower seemed pointless these days. Everything felt pointless.I mean, what was the need anyways? Why did I need to? What was the point in having people around you? What was the point of caring and loving someone, when they could so easily be taken away all in a matter of s
VALERIE’S POV“Day 500, Valerie just got her very first partnership deal!”“Isn’t that great? And she was so nervous about it, not knowing she would do so amazingly well.” his words read, echoing in my ears like he was right beside me. “You need to believe in yourself more often, Val.”“Day 730, we celebrated the kids one year birthday today! Can you believe those cubby cute balls are already a year old? It’s so fast! Time really runs fast, wow” “Day 952,” I turned yet another page, my teary eyes capturing the words that were carefully written in his neat hand writing. “Valerie looked so beautiful today. So lovely, and warm. Like a ball of light that you just can’t help but stare at since she’s so shiny… You are shiny to me, Valerie.”I blinked at those words, a tear rolling down as I flipped yet to another page of this blue journal. His journal… a close personal belonging of his that I was sure only he knew about. Only he used.This was where he shared all his thoughts, those time
HUDSON’S POV“Boss,” the men around greeted as soon as they saw me, pushing open the thick barrel door for me to walk through as I managed a nod their way. The scent of fresh water hitting my nostrils the moment I stepped into the partially lit room, my heavy steps echoing in the space as slowly movements filled the air. Movements similar to the sound of my boots, combining with the loud trail of a chair been dragged on the cold floor. “Boss,” the hoarse voices of the men around greeted harmoniously, their tone rough and monotone, exactly how I have felt these past few days. Most especially after I started driving down here this evening.I could feel my anger curling around in my stomach as I stared right ahead in the mini darkness. My eyes gradually adjusting, in other to make out the form of the very person I wanted to see.“Wake her up!” I ordered darkly, taking my seat in the dead silence that was soon interrupted by the sound of a bucket of water splashing. A frightened gasp fo
HUDSON’S POV“I think you should return back home for now, Hudson”Huh?“Why?” I found myself asking, rising from my seat as the very form of Henry Hernandez slowly approached me in the living room of his mansion.“We just got here, it hasn’t been too long” He just sighed at my words, waving me to take a seat as he did as well.“It’s past 4pm already, you’ve been here for a while. And Valerie, she…ugh…” he sighed again, this time even deeply than before. “She looks terrible!” I could see he was worried as well, just as we all were for her. “She’s just sad,” I voiced calmly, sighing quietly as well. “Anyone in her situation would be too,”“Yeah, you’re right. Rob was… they were always together, much like Toberto is always around me too.” Henry said slowly, his tone soft as his deep meaning of his words settled between us. “ I couldn’t imagine Toberto dying on me to be honest. He is my longest staff, and does…everything! Much like how Rob was to my pumpkin, he was strong and resilient.
VALERIE’S POV“May he be welcomed into your arms oh lord,”“May he find peace,”“And love, that we send him off with,”“Robinson Clark, may you rest in peace! Amen.”And just like that, he was gone.Right before my eyes. Right before my very eyes he was lowered into the ground, his casket numbing my soul as I watched more and more soil get thrown on him. Continuously, unrelenting… as though to prove to me that this was all real. It was all real and true, that I wasn’t just having any terrible nightmare.But still, no matter how much I stared at the fully covered soil, the freshly dug grave… I just couldn’t. I couldn’t believe it.No matter how much the incidents from the nights before replayed in my head, the gunshots, my cries and screaming, Rob’s bloody body been wrapped up… no matter how vivid the memories… I still couldn’t believe it. Not a single thing!I mean, how could i? This was Rob we were talking about! How could he be… be… dead. How could he be dead?! Just like that! How?!