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
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