HUDSON’S POV“Okay baby, sweet dreams”“Sweet dreams too, daddy. I love you” she said happily, her adorable tone making me chuckle as I responded I love you back to her but she pressed on for more. “You love only me right, daddy?” she asked, “I will always be your princess, right?”“Hmm, let me think” I mumbled, made a thinking face even though I knew she couldn’t see me since this was a call. “Huh? Daddy!” she exclaimed, complaining loudly with a pout that I knew would be on her lips right now, even if I couldn’t see her. “You’re no more my prince charming, I take it back!”“Woah, okay, okay princess,” I chuckled, thoroughly amused and happy with how much of a talkative she was becoming.“I apologize my princess, you’re the only one I have! And I will love you forever!” I assured her, smiling as she said she would think about forgiving me later on tomorrow. “Tomorrow? Isn’t that a bit too harsh, princess?” I argued.“Your princess says tomorrow daddy, why are you insisting?” she reto
HUDSON’S POVRather, when I reached for her hands, she quickly snatched it away, avoiding my eyes as she addressed me. And this time, her tone was like that of the Valerie I had met before all the times we’ve spent together recently. “No, that’s not what I’m talking about. You’re mistaken”But I didn’t relent. Since I had decided to take responsibility of the way she made me feel, it included having difficult conversations like this. If I couldn’t understand her struggles then what was my reason for being in her life? How would I prove I was ready for what was going on between us? How could I proof I was ready for us?“Val,” I called her softly, moving myself so I would close the distance between us. “Please look at me,” she refused at first but did a moment later, and when my eyes met her green ones, I could see the hurt floating in her eyes. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, why she hurt herself that day and why she was so worried but she beat me to it. “You cannot let Aby do that
CHARLOTTE’S POV“The number you’re trying to call, is not available at the moment. Please hold on or call back later” those words, those same words were what my phone kept saying each and every time I dialed his number. I didn’t stop trying and the robotic voice didn’t stop telling me the same words either.“Ma-Madame,” Maria stuttered behind me, “He is not picking up?” I asked, turning to face her. The white walls of the living room speeding past my eyes with how fast I spun around. “Why won’t he pick up? Are you sure he’s not at the office?”She bowed in disappointment before nodding her head as a yes. “But he said he has work, that he will be going to the office. If he is not at the office then where is he?!” I asked out loud, my voice shaky as I looked to the maids for answers but no one would respond, each of them shuffling on their feet as they mumbled amongst themselves.I have to keep trying. I have to keep calling, he would have to take my calls at some point! It was almost m
VALERIE’S POV“I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry!’ he cried out, his blue eyes glistening as tears rolled down each of them. “I didn’t know… I did not realize how bad my actions affected you. It was all my fault! I was stupid, young and very foolish, Valerie!”“I didn’t wan to lose to Grandpa because he had said I would end up loving you, so I was mean to you. I was cold and rude! I had thought that, if I was like that it would’ve made you give up and backed out of you and Grandpa’s deal! It was foolish! I am so ashamed of myself, Valerie. I am so ashamed” he explained, tears rolling down his cheeks as he held my hands, desperately trying to explain himself.And I didn’t know how to feel about that.When I started talking, I had no intention of evoking this reaction from him. I never even imagined he would behave like this! Crying, apologizing and begging for me not to leave him. They were all I ever wanted from him back then. Every day, I would stay up in my room and wished for him to do th
CHARLOTTE’S POVLucia was right. Hudson could decide not to come home but that doesn’t mean I can’t go to him here at the company. He may ignore me but he would most definitely not cause a scene at the office where public eyes could see. Hence, making Lucia’s plan to go to his office very efficient.How didn’t I think of this before?“Excuse me Ma’am, but who are you?” the security just outside the elevator on Hudson’s office floor asked, blocking my path. “What?”“Without a pass you can’t get through Ma’am” he said, looking unapologetic as he literally stopped me in front of the few staffs present. What sort of embarrassment is this?! “What the hell are you doing?” I spat in disgust as my eyes ran down his form, “Don’t you know who I am? What kind of sick joke is this?!”“No offense Ma’am but noise is restricted on this floor” he retorted, sparking my irritation as he communicated to God knows who on that communicating device seated on his waist. Soon after more security came rushing
CHARLOTTE'S POVAs if my day couldn’t get any worse, she just had to show up! To pop up out of nowhere just when I was losing my shit over finding out that Hudson cheated on me. “You’re here to mock me, aren’t you? To gloat in my face just like all those other bitches, aren’t you?! Beat the dog while its down, eh?” I sneered, my eyes glaring daggers as I equally approached her incoming form.“Charlotte, are you well?” she asked instead, her overall expression nonchalant like she couldn’t be bothered by my approaching form. “What are you talking about?”“Admit it!” I spat angrily, my temper rolling as I moved even closer to her. “You’re here to laugh at me. You think I’m pathetic? You think I’m stupid, right?! So stupid that I couldn’t see Hudson was cheating me!” I sneered in her face, each word leaving a bitter taste in my mouth as it further confirmed that this was truly happening and to me, of all people!But sadly, my inner turmoil only brought joy to the face to the brown-haired
VALERIE’S POV“G-get lost?”“H-how can you be so mean to me?!” she shrilled; her brown eyes red rimmed from shedding so much tears and more still continued to drip. Her mascara was far gone as it had already formed a long streak down her both cheeks since I stepped into the office. I already knew she was crying.She had most definitely seen the makeup stain on his suit, just like I had planned and now nothing will hold back her doubts and fears. I knew she wouldn’t accept that Hudson was cheating on her so easily if she hadn’t seen it with her two eyes. He was after all loyal to her all these years, not once having a scandal or looking at other women. A man with such devotion, what woman would believe he was cheating without concrete proof? No one!And as such, I had to create one for her.I couldn’t show myself just yet so telling her about it was out of the question. Hence, my reason for intentionally applying a bit of my makeup on his suit earlier this morning before we came to his
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Kiddo, hold on!”“I will look into it okay? No need to disturb the boss”“But I saw it with my own eyes, Raymond! There was eyeshadow stain on his suit!” I insisted, my voice rising from both anger and frustration as I tried to move past him so I could go into the living room. “That eyeshadow didn’t get there on its own, some woman was busy rubbing herself on him! He is seeing another woman under my nose! We need to find her!”“Kiddo! Wait!” he yelled, hurriedly running after me after I had pushed my way through. “Yes, we need to find her and we will! But the boss is meeting with an important guest right now, you can’t go there”“What? Even you too?!” I shot at him, my fury rising at his words as I paused to glare at his aged face. “My father is meeting with important guest, and so what?! Am I not important? Is my matter not more important?! His soon to be son- in law is now seeing another woman, shouldn’t that be a problem for him?!” I yelled, my voice rising and ech
CHARLOTTE’S POV“This lady cannot be discharged just yet, just look at her!”Silence followed after those very words, and in no time, I felt eyes on me despite my eyes still fully shut and drowsy from whatever those nurses gave to me. “Hmm,” Another voice sighed loudly, and in no time I knew it was one of the cops that came with me. “Doc look, we understand that she looks critical and all, but you also need to understand that we need to take her back! She can’t stay here until she’s well! That’s not part of the rules.”Rules my foot! What kind of rule allows me to be assaulted and yet, does not permit treatment.“I don’t know about all that,” The doctor responded, his tone serious. “But what I do know is that this woman here needs rest! She doesn’t LOOK critical, she IS critical. And if you take her back tonight you will be basically sentencing her to permanent fractured ribs, and even brain tumors in the nearest future! She just had surgery to stop a bleeding in her brain for heaven’
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Fucking bitch! Hit her!”“Arghh” I groaned weakly, squeezing my eyes shut as yet another round of pain radiated throughout my back.“I said hit her, asswipe! Hit the damned blonde bitch!” the stupidly thick voice that I knew belonged to Beatrice continued to yell in the air. Cussing out and increasing the fervor of the very women whose boots repeated assaulted me. Smashing my face, my hips, my sides… even my back as I remained curled on the floor in my very poor attempt at protecting myself. “Please… Please stop!” I pleaded, begging now that I’ve realized that I stood no chance against their force.I mean, it wasn’t even possible to begin with! How many were they again? 5? 6? Against one of me?! Fighting back was impossible!“Yes, that’s it! Curve her ugly face out!” Beatrice yelled some more, her voice ecstatic as I groaned in pains. Hoping for some relief that I knew won’t be coming. At least not anytime soon.You see, around here… no one really does anything. No on
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