VALERIE’S POVStepping deeper into the living room and around the ground floor area, I noticed broken furniture’s all over the place, torn couches and even broken light bulbs! Everything was a mess with no maid in sight!And unconsciously, I held Aby’s hand that was in mine tighter, as though to protect her from the gloomy atmosphere. “Charlotte?”“Rosey? Anyone?” I called out but still got no response. The loud hammering had stopped at this point and soon after loud footsteps echoed from upstairs as someone stormed down the stairs, Lucia’s voice following behind in distress. “Oh, my goodness, Char! Wait up!”They hadn’t arrived downstairs yet and I could already sense the nasty mood at which the witch was coming down with and Aby squeezed my dress in fear as we both watched as her figure appeared at the top of the last flight of stairs. Her expression was already not good but as soon as her eyes landed on me, they turned even sour and she ran down the stairs with malice written all o
HUDSON’S POV“Oh my, Aby are you okay?” I heard Val ask with concern as she looked over at my little girl protected in her arms. Her movements forced me back to reality and to finally process the severity of the situation. We hadn’t even finished checking for injuries and that God damned woman was already at it again.Just what the fuck is wrong with Charlotte?! Why did she keep behaving like a crazy person?!“Abrille, go to your room now!” She ordered, not caring how her actions affected others. Fuck that, she didn’t even see anything wrong with what she just did. “Aby, stay right here. You will get hurt” I countered Charlotte’s command as I glared at her form, while leaving Aby in Val’s arms.“What the hell is wrong with you?!” I yelled at her, “What is all this mess?!”It’s been days already and she was still throwing tantrums all over the place. Destroying things?? At this point I didn’t even know what to think of her.But instead of reflecting on herself like a normal person woul
VALERIE’S POV“You know, you shouldn’t be doing this” I mumbled softly as I watched him apply ointment to the slash on my face with so much gentleness that I didn’t know he could possess. “What if someone sees us? Or Charlotte comes here right now?”He paused in his movements, bringing his blue eyes into my view from the side of my face. And right there I could see the sincerity shining in those blue depths, “Then why did you do this to me?” he asked, his voice almost a whisper. “Why did you come to me?” I remained silent at his words, just letting the gentle atmosphere and his pained words float into my ears.“I hope this doesn’t scar…I hope you never get hurt because of me, ever!” he whispered, his eyes telling me he meant every word. It made me smile. His sincerity and openness about how he felt, it warmed my heart to see him behave like this. Even if I knew I shouldn’t. “Okay,” I responded warmly, smiling at his still worried expression.“I won’t get hurt again. You don’t have to
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Happy Birthday to you,”“Happy birthday to you, happy birt-“Enough!” I cut them off, narrowing my eyes at their cherry faces as they smiled at me with those overly sweet smiles of their that I knew were mocking me. They were all enjoying my misery and gossiping about it with whoever cared to listen while they were at it!A beautiful package I was so going to return to them in double folds. “Aww, what’s wrong, Charlotte?” Mrs. Thompson’s voice rang through amongst the other women that attended this last-minute gathering for the school’s performance that was to happen in two days from now.“We felt bad we didn’t get to do anything for your birthday, so we arranged this specially for you. Don’t you like it?” she added, looking to the others for support as they gave out concurred grunts.These bitches…. I knew all about what they have been spreading about me. About how Hudson left me all alone too because he couldn’t stand me and I had to spend my birthday waiting foreve
VALERIE’S POV“And it worked?” Lucia asked in surprise.“Well, I’m sitting here with you and have a child that attends this prestigious school bearing the Rodriguiez surname, aren’t i?” she asked, throwing the question back at Lucia. “Of course, the plan worked! It painted the perfect image of a pitiful young girl that had nowhere else to go, had to bury her dead parents and also pay huge medical bills for a strange medical complication she had gotten as a result of the accident! Old man Grandpa had no choice but to allow me stay at the mansion when Amelia forcefully took me there and so therefore, it gave me a chance to reclaim what was mine from that bitch Valerie!”I took a sharp breath at the end of her reveal. My hands trembling as a cold chill ran down my spine at the pure nonchalance at which Charlotte used to spew those words.How could a woman be so cruel? So heartless that she felt no atom of remorse for ruining innocent lives just to get what she wanted?!How did she become
ROB’S POV“I guess the surgeon did a really fantastic job on her face.” I mused, staring at the before and after pictures Val sent to me a few days ago. “A maid whose face was totally battered up with uneven third-degree burns… I guess she does look good. And the name Lucia seem to go well with her too”“You guess?” Val repeated, her tone questioning. “The doctor did do a fantastic job! And I’m glad he did. Lucia got another chance at life because of that. I’m grateful she decided to work for me after everything. This entire plot on Charlotte is as much hers as it’s mine. We both need this!” she said, her usual fierceness glowing in her eyes, replacing the uneasy look she had been wearing ever since she woke up.For one I was glad at the improvement but all that ended the moment I heard her phone vibrate again. It had been vibrating all night and I knew the exact reason behind it. Aside from Nanny Beth that I had spoken to last night, some other person also called. And I knew just who
CHARLOTTE’S POV“What do you think?”“Wow, you look stunning Madame!” One of the maids gushed brightly,“Yeah, the purple color really suits you!” Kate added, her eyes wide in admiration as she came closer to admire the purple stones on my dress. Today was the day! The day I would finally crush the smug smiles on both Mrs. Thompson’s face and her stupid minions!They had dared me for so long and finally, I would take the first step in crushing them, just as Lucia and I had planned a month back. The plan was to perform today at the school, captivate everyone present while making every other person’s performance look like child’s play the moment I step on stage. And then, at the end of the day, I take the heat of the performance back home to Hudson. To leave him wanting and begging for my touch for at least a month or so after today’s performance.But now, the plan was cancelled. At least, the Hudson’s part.We already had so much tension between us that I wasn’t so sure he would even s
CHARLOTTE’S POVShe swallowed, her eyes expressing her hesitance before she went on explain. “I know this sounds crazy but trust me. I don’t have these instincts for nothing! It was the same with me back then when my stupid husband left me for his mistress, and now I’m having the same feeling towards Hudson.”I blinked, not believing my ears. “What are you saying Lucia? How can you compare your useless ex-husband to my Huddie? That makes no sense!” I shot at her, truly offended.She sighed deeply as she looked at me, “Char, look, he came to your performance today, but he didn’t get you any gifts or flowers” she said, urging me to look around at other women that had flowers or gift boxes in their arms with their husbands standing close by, smiling with them.“He didn’t come to greet or talk to you either,” she added, her voice calm as I digested her words with a trembling heart. “I’ve been watching him all afternoon Char, he didn’t even glance at you once! And he is making no attempt t
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?!