VALERIE’S POVA moment of silence passed after Mason’s question. Everyone keeping quiet and looking expectantly at, well… Hudson. He was the daddy here, right? His son just asked him a question then. “Daddy?” Miley pressed, blinking her green eyes at the screen.“Err-I-” Hudson stuttered, seemingly speechless at the moment as he shared a surprised look with me. But eventually, “No. I’m not married, Mason” he responded, his voice firm.“I told you!” Miley announced immediately, her eyes fixed on Mason. “But he took so many pictures with the shiny hair lady and none with mommy!” Miles argued and just then I realized what was going on. “Daddy, why didn’t you take pictures with mommy?”I felt Hudson suck a breath as he tried to come up with answers for these curious trio of mine. They had most definitely surfed the internet again despite my warnings. But then again, these things were bound to come out one day. No matter how much we wanted to avoid it, it would find a way to show its ugly h
CHARLOTTE’S POVCold.That sensation right there, was what I felt through out my body. Its unrepentant poison coursing through every nerve on my skin as I laid there in the slightly reddish water of my bathtub. Caused by the deep cut on my arm. An injury I had inflicted on myself after knocking down the hand dryer in the bathroom as a result of my anger and frustrations.Who wouldn’t be in my situation? Who? I would love to see that person!Just then, I heard footsteps approach the bathroom and my head rose from its bent position, my eyes hopeful as I waited for the man that I wanted to walk in. The only man that could make all these heartaches go away… But all hope came crashing down as a lean physique man rather, walked in. His movements skeptical and his eyes scanning the bathroom before settling on me.Alarm shot up in his eyes as he took in my condition, “Madame!” Ethan cried out, rushing to me.“Are you okay? You’re bleeding… can you hear me?” he probed, fussing around in the ba
CHARLOTTE’S POV The sun had hung up high in the sky by the time I had arrived at the mansion. Today was to be the old man’s classic ranch day! Another one of his practices where he made everyone gather in the fields for his amusement. I call it; the mud day! A day you should get prepared to be attacked with the unpleasant smell of horse pop and other animals that he reared for fun. You get stained and do stupid chores while he relaxed at a spot on his wheelchair, watching you make a fool out of yourself. An eerie way to have fun if you ask me, but what do I know? I after all wanted to become his granddaughter in law, so I guess I had to endure. Which was why I was seated here, under a very stylish canopy with individuals I would rather not even glance at on a normal day. “Ah! Such a great weather today, isn’t it?” Coco, Hudson’s elder cousin commented, letting out a sigh as she took off her sunshades to bask in the morning sun. I just discreetly rolled my eyes at her, yeah the we
VALERIE’S POV“Grandpa!”“Daddy!” my babies squealed out, each of them racing to the different men in delight. Their excited laughter filling the air as I slowly joined from behind, a flawless smile on my face as well the moment I took in the floored expressions on literally everyone’s face at the table!Every single person had stood up from shock, their eyes bulging, their stylish yet comfortable outfits making the table look colorful as they watched those oblivious trio of mine, that simply couldn’t be bothered as they switched hugs between their daddy and Grandpa. It truly was a funny sight to be honest. “Valerie,” Grandpa called out, my name rolling of his lips breathlessly as he spread his arms wide open for me.“My dear, welcome!” I smiled back, unable to resist his contagious smiles as I took off my sunshades to hug him.“Good morning, Grandpa. Sorry, we are late!” I apologized, pulling back from his warm hug just in time to watch him wave it off like it was nothing. “What? What
HUDSON’S POV“Daddy look!“I got one, I got one!” My boy squealed; his excitement palpable as he relentlessly pulled at his fishing rod that was currently halfway into the water. My lips spread to an even brighter smile as I rushed to him, cupping his small hands as we wheeled the fishing reel attached to the rod until finally! A medium sized fish popped out from the lake!“Yay!” We screamed loudly, high fiving ourselves as the others raced to us. And when I say the others, I meant; Mason, Miley and Aby! Yes, Aby.My little girl had been the most excited so far ever since we started hopping around different sections of Grandpa’s ranch. Shocking I know, I mean I almost couldn’t believe it as well but she totally had no problems when I told her about the possibility of her having siblings.The thought that she wouldn’t be able to take it truly was terrifying but I was glad I mentioned it. Otherwise, what would I have done today? How would I have explained things?“Wow, its huge Miles! I
HUDSON' POV“Sweetie, I’m sorry but we can’t take it home”“Why?! But I want to, mommy! We can’t leave him here, he needs me!” Miley argued, her voice breaking as she pleaded earnestly with Val.“But if we take him home, he will die! He needs his mommy too” Val retorted, trying to make our princess see reason with her, like she had been doing all this while. They have actually been a it for 20 minutes straight now and yet, no improvement.“He won’t…” My princess whispered, a little sob escaping her lips at the thought of it alone and soon her tears began to flow.“Ugh goodness! Miley… sweetheart, why are you crying?” Val groaned, bending to her level to calm her down. “We cannot take your pony home, where we will keep it? It’s not a dog, it can’t sleep with you on your bed! You can’t help it shower and-“But I want to take care of him! He will be all alone here, he will be scared without me, mommy!” Miley still argued while sobbing seriously now to prove the conversation was not headi
CHARLOTTE’S POV“Let’s breakup!” he pronounced with every bit of finality that it had my entire body coming to a halt right in the living room. What? Breakup? How?Or did I hear wrong? I must’ve heard wrong right? I mean, he couldn’t be serious!Choked with disbelief, I turned to face him. My movements slow as though scared that any sudden movements would make the words true. But just as I faced him, he repeated it. Those very words that just seemed to knock the breath out of me, “I’m done, Charlotte. Let’s breakup!”I took a sharp inhale, barely making a sound as I struggled to process what was happening at the moment. Everything seemed to slow down, seconds turning into minutes as I stood there, blinking repeatedly, trying to catch my breath. But eventually, I found my voice. “Wah…what?” I said breathlessly, “What are you saying Hudson?”My legs moved on its own bringing me closer to him as gradually, my brain registered the situation. This was real. This was actually happening
VALERIE’S POV“Watch out for his neck, Papa!” I cautioned; my tone soft as I slowly relaxed back on my seat after he properly angled Mason’s neck on his seat. “They are all so tired! Must have had too much fun running around all day” Papa complained with a light chuckle, making me smile as well.“They did. Too much actually…I’m thankful for that.” I responded, cuddling a sleeping Miley more to my chest. “I was worried things wouldn’t go well, but thankfully, it did.”I felt Papa heaved a breath next to me after those words, “Pumpkin,” he started, his voice calm and I knew what this was about already. “Why did you…what were you doing with that girl? That little girl”A sigh left my lips as the scene was referred to came to mind. I had just reached the front of the mansion while cooing a crying Aby to stop when Papa drove into the estate. Just in time to see me, Aby and Miley. The expression on his face wasn’t great, that much I can tell you.“That little girl, isn’t she his child? She
HUDSON'S POV“I can’t believe this!” Aby praised, smiling brightly too.“Better start to! Cause it’s all ours now! It’s our new home!” Mason squealed, jumping around with Miley as they screamed in delight.Wow, Mason was squealing with Miley! Now, that was new.Hahaha! He always complains of how noisy Miley was and yet today, here he was doing the exact same thing he normally complains about! And with her of all people! Hahaha!“You like it?” I called out, smiling and they eagerly nodded.“Yes! I can’t wait to tell Papa all about this!” Mason responded eagerly, mirroring his sibling’s reaction.“Really?! Then I can’t wait until you see your rooms!” I said, and immediately dramatic gasps filled the air. Excited squeals following after as I chuckled before leading the way. Taking the elevator instead of the stairs.“The 3rd floor?” Miles asked, watching as I pulled back from the button.“Yes my boy! Your rooms are on the third floor, Nanny Beth and the maids are on the second, while mom
HUDSON’S POV“Woah”“Look at all these buildings…” Miles mumbled softly; his green eyes wide with wonder as he stretched to look around despite been locked in place by the seatbelt in the backseat. “They are so tall! So tall… are they connected to the sky?”At his words, the others joined in stretching just a bit. Shuffling in their positions as they looked around, “Daddy, look! That one looks like a star!”A chuckle left my lips at the comment, a proud unwavering smile lingering on my features as I took in the sheer serenity and excellence of the environment, while my gaze flickered ever so often to the rear-view mirror so I could get a clear picture of the wonder in their eyes. Every one of them had their eyes wide as they stared out the car windows, curiosity swimming in their depths.Now I know how big of a mistake I have been making all this time that I haven’t taken them to my office or even to any one of our sites. I should’ve done so at least once! That way I would have seen j
HUDSON’S POV“Wow!”“Wowww!“WOWWWWW!” the kids gushed dramatically, their voices echoing all over the place as big smiles graced their faces. Causing everyone present to chuckle in delight and Aby to smile shyly as she concluded her final walk therapy for the day. Her every step slower than her usual steps but it was still a progress compared to not moving at all!And the kids were most supportive, simply ecstatic just watching her!“Amazing! You can walk now, Aby! You can walk now!” Miley gushed cheerfully, her happiness clear and very much contagious. Just as she had been ever since hearing Aby speak last night. A very eventul night might I add, we barely had any sleep at all! As the kids wouldn’t stop asking series of questions over and over and over again.They were surprised, that much was obvious. But above all, it was the sheer happiness they displayed that really got me. Their innocence and just pureness of heart… it was truly amazing. Just as I had thought, and even better!
HUDSON’S POV “I will- I will take care of you. I will take care of you Aby, you can stay with me! You can live with me, even if your mommy doesn’t want you!” her voice sounded softly. But yet, with just the right amount of sincerity, that had my head swiping up at her with wide eyes. Because I knew. I knew the very implications of her words.I understood them all!Even she did, but yet… here she was. Her eyes teary as she knelt to Abrille’s height, a child that wasn’t even hers or had anything to do with her in any way! She was here, holding her hands, holding the world for her as she uttered words that no woman I knew would ever say.Not after understanding everything that she had experienced ever since our paths crossed.“I want you, okay? I want you, Abrille Rodriguiez.” She continued softly, “Even your daddy wants you too! Miley wants you, so do Miles and Mason! And grandpa! We all want you, Aby. We love you, and we want you. We are right here and you can also come to my room too
HUDSON’S POV“Val? “Valerie!” I called out, my heart throbbing in my chest as my mind went on an overdrive. It was the same thing. The exact same thing that happened that day! That day when the accident occurred and I was too late to stop it!It was happening again; Val’s call, talked about Aby and then-“Oh God!” I breathed, my legs moving on their own accord and before I knew it, I was storming out of my office and down the hallway! Heading for the elevator!If only this thing could move faster!“Argh! Move dammit!” I cussed harshly, pressing on the down button more than necessary. Just so I could get down faster. To which I eventually did, just after wasting nearly 2 minutes of precious time!The drive, like that day was swift. Like really swift and probably dangerous as well for anyone that was on the road but, I had to do it. It was the only way to get home faster and I so wanted to do just that. I didn’t want a repeat of the last incident when I was several hour
VALERIE'S POVWait for her, for her mind … because that is where her problem is. The accident and the suddenness of everything that happened left a scar on her, it was too much and her already delicate mind couldn’t take it. So, it shut down completely. Like her brain went on an overdrive on the day of the accident and something just snapped. Her mind only did what it thought as necessary to save itself and that was shutting down.There was no medicinal cure for it, everything just depended on her. The only thing we could do was take care of her physically, help her with her therapy sessions and try to make her life as normal as possible in other to trigger her normal self back home. The situation really was… sad.So sad, that I couldn’t stop imagining the level of shock such a little girl must’ve gone through when she found herself flying through the windscreen of a car that was on high speed and getting smashed against the iron bars of the estate gates. I couldn’t imagine… it was he
VALERIE’S POVA FEW MONTHS LATER“Mommy?”“Mommy where are you? I’m going to be late again!” Her whiny voice complained, causing me to hasten up a bit amidst the pile of colored ballet shoes.Purple slippers… purple slippers, purple slippers… where are you?Ugh, goodness me!“Where is it?!” I grumbled, totally exasperated by this absolutely annoying search that I had to do right now. This is a pair of shoes I would always see here, amidst all these other shoes but somehow, today when I actually need it, I can’t see it anywhere!“Mommy!”“I’m coming!” I sounded out, groaning in distress as I quickly grabbed a white pair before rushing out of the room and down the stairs. Anything was better than nothing at this point. Besides, white goes with any color, right? A white on purple wasn’t so bad right?“I’m coming, sweetie. Mommy is coming!” I called out, taking the steps two at a time just to get down in time before Miley would bring down the entire building with all her impatient screami
VALERIE’S POV“I will go first,” he said, facing me completely on the seat. I just nodded, relaxing my right arm on the seat so I could face him too. This position left little distance between us, but it was comforting. It felt warm, and I loved it too.I really have been loving a lot of things these days, haven’t i?“I- I want to apologize to you” he started,“For?”“For been such an idiot. For been unreliable, childish, the worse possible husband you could have gotten when we were younger! I was… you were a victim, a victim of my family’s messed up ways. It was like everyone had an agenda 5 years ago; mom wanted to pair me and Charlotte, Grandpa wanted to pair you and I, my father… my father wanted to save his ass and let the rest burn, and me… I wanted to prove Grandpa wasn’t right about everything concerning me! Everyone had a game plan, everyone except you.”“You were just yourself and so real… that’s why we couldn’t stand you. You became the victim, an innocent victim in all our
VALERIE’S POV“Is everything ready?”“Yes Val, she’s leaving now. Like right now” Rob droned, obviously tired of my repeated calls in the past 30 to 40 minutes. But could you blame me? I was the worried one right here. I mean, with Hudson aggressively sweeping through everything that has to do with or had somewhat any connection to do with Drake and Charlotte, I was bound to get worried for Lucia!I couldn’t let him get to her now he was in his beast mode.He hadn’t even come to the hospital ever since he left that morning after walking in on my conversation with Rob at the cafeteria. I admit, his features did seem gloomy but that was to be expected after receiving so much information about those around in a short span of time. It was a lot.Just a lot! And right now, he seemed to be pouring all his anger in a different direction. And that is by raiding every possible lair Drake could be hiding, taking anyone in his part too! But the crazy thing is, these people weren’t going to the p