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 “Daddy look! Is this, okay?” Mason called out, pointing to the assessment booklet he had been working on. I quickly leaned closer to check and amazingly, his calculations were just excellent! “Vey good, Mas!” I complimented loudly, my heart swelling with pride as I high fived him. “Very good! You calculated this nicely! Smart boy!” He smiled bashfully at my praise, the boyish features lighting up splendidly. “Aww, Masse is blushing!” Miley cooed from her spot not too far from us, her voice taunting. “No, I’m not!” Mason insisted hotly, cupping his cheeks with both hands. “Yes, you are! Look! His ears are turning pink!” Miley continued, making everyone look at Mason’s ears in that moment. And truthfully, they were indeed pink! His blue eyes turned to me in alarm, silently begging me to come to his rescue and I did just that. But after joining in on the giggles from the others for a bit, “Okay, okay that’s enough! Let’s not tease our smarty pants anymore” I voiced out,
ROB’S POV“You?”“What are you doing here? How did you find here?” He asked, his surprise mirroring mine as we faced each other right in front of the gates. With him standing inside, blocking the entrance and I, outside like a mail man.To say I was surprised would be an understatement at this point but still, I composed myself, acting as comfortable as possible. “Mr. Rodriguez, pleasant surprise!” I commented, stretching my hand for a handshake. It took a moment, but he eventually took my hand before ushering me inside.Once inside, I noticed just how different everywhere looked.Everywhere was all lit up and felt used. Like someone actually lived in the building unlike how it was before. Only after I heard the kids’ running upstairs that I fully understood what was going on. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Rodriguiez” I started, getting comfortable on the living room couch.“Neither did I!” he retorted, his face blank and yet his tone gave off hostility. Just like all the othe
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
VALERIE’S POV“Hmm, so that’s what happened!”“Things really got out of hand like that and yet, you didn’t mention a thing to me!” He scolded, frowning as he faced me. “I didn’t even know anything and I just let you be. What if something had gone wrong? Or that wicked woman had gotten something on you and turned the tables even before you realized?”A deep sigh left my lips at his words, my shoulders sagging. “What if she had managed to turn everything on you and that man of yours believes her again like before?! You were too reckless, Pumpkin! Too reckless!”“That wouldn’t have happened, Papa! C’mon, I’m not that stupid!” I complained, sighing as i tried to remain calm as possible rather than get flustered by all his accusatory questions. But the truth was that, the disapproving look painted on his features right now was not helping. “Pa, I had everything under control and-“It was all part of your plan?” He offered, his tone mocking as he cut me off. “It was all part of the plan an
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