Valerie's POV The air seemed to shift as the door to the posh Bentley swung open. First, his squeaky-clean black dress shoe hit the ground with a thud, and all the workers stood still, every one of them pausing in their tracks as their eyes fixed on the luxurious car with a mixture of awe and reverence. I glanced around a bit and sure enough, even Rob had paused in his tracks, his usual composure momentarily replaced by a look of wonder. Heck, even the temperature felt different. There was this commanding chill in the air, one that seemed to make the temperature to rise in anticipation, and he hadn’t even stepped out yet! Then his imposing figure stepped out, clad in a perfectly tailored gray suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled features. I found myself unconsciously suck in a breath as my eyes ran through those sinful muscles that budged as he shut the door of the car. Then our eyes met, and without warning, a shiver ran down my spine from the sheer inte
Hudson's POV"Where is she?""Where is she?!" I thundered, my voice echoing through the white-painted halls of Jubilee high schools. I shouldn't be doing this, but I can barely think straight right now. "How can a 5-year-old little girl disappear under your watch?! Just how foolish are you?"I spat angrily at the class teacher, who was cowered in a corner, eyes wide, shaking with fear like a leaf. "I-I don't know, Mr. Rodriguez," she stammered.She looked just about ready to pass out. I can't believe this spineless thing was allowed to be the teacher in my daughter's class. "Mr. Rodriguez..."The proprietress of the school called out breathlessly as she literally ran towards me from the end of the hall. "Mr. Rodri—Sir--…". A bunch of other teachers were behind, all of whom looked equally panicked.They better be, because my child is missing! As soon as she came within range, she slowed down and tried to compose herself while still breathing heavily. "We're so sorry for...I cut her off
Hudson's POV The next few days were a blur of Charlotte trying to coax me into talking things through, but I remained resolute, spending more and more time at the office.To the outside I was mad at Charlotte but deep inside of me I knew what I was truly avoiding- that persistent thought that kept resurfacing again and again in my mind despite the workload. Who the hell would Valerie bring as a date? Some wealthy, older man, no doubt, who she could easily manipulate. Not my concern anyway, yet the thought lingered. There was still the issue with Charlotte that I had to deal with, and occasionally, I'd feel a glimmer of willingness to smoothen things over, but then the memory of Abrielle alone in the empty school yard would surface on my mind and reignite my anger all over again. Charlotte even went ahead to enlist my Mom's help, which is why I found myself standing in front of the house, taking a lecture on 'peaceful living' instead of actually getting into the car. I was already
Hudson's POVCan't they keep their eyes to themselves?! And why in heaven's sake was she dressed like that?! I was seething with frustration, could barely stay calm on my feet whereas, she was busy moving about without a care in the world. My mind raced with disbelief as she approached a small group of expensive dressed elderly women, the Capitalists! It was rumored that those women secretly ran the governments and she … she knew them? Her smile was radiant, sparkling with excitement as she hugged them affectionately. This was unbelievable. She moved on greeting more people, her every stride filled with grace and confidence, intensified by the mesmerizing glow that shun on her face from the lights hitting her jewelry. She was effortlessly commanding attention, and I couldn't help but follow her every move. Realizing I was staring, I quickly cleared my throat a bit and took a drink from a server passing by. Before I could take a sip, my eyes acted on its own and found her again, fo
Valerie's pov It took about an hour of convincing to stop my trio from coming with me to the event and an extra 30 to 40 minutes of assuring Miley I wasn't going to meet her daddy. The girl was a tough one, I wonder who she gets it from. But, I love her regardless. I of all people should know exactly how it feels to not have a father or someone to call that either, haven lost both parents to an accident all in one day at the tender age of 5. It opened me to harsh realities that I never even imagined possible. Growing up was almost traumatizing, painful even especially in a family like mine where no one gave a shit about you if they weren't gaining anything from you. But at least I had Nanny Beth, Liam and Grandpa. They were more than enough, something I should have realized earlier before stepping my foot in Hudson's family mansion. But my babies won't live like I did, they will have the love of both mom and dad, Nanny Beth and Grandpa of course. I won't deprive them of that b
Hudson's POVI turned around with furrowed eyebrows, and almost immediately my lips parted in absolute surprise, my eyes widening as my brain processed what was happening before my eyes.Charlotte, who I last saw shining and delicate looking in her fancy sky blue dress, was now bawling her eyes while half running towards our designated seat. Her sky-blue dress was now a dark shade of burgundy, purple and… cream? I couldn't even tell anymore, the colors were all mixed up in different shades all over her dress, even her hair!From the top of her head to her toes was dozed up with an unhealthy amount of wine.Even her makeup was running, mascara making long lines down her chin mixing with her tears as she increased her pace towards me. It was the spitting image of a crying child, only that Charlotte was not a damned child! My surprised expression slowly contorted to a deep frown and irritation as the people around burst out in a fit of giggles and outrage.By the time she got close to ou
Valerie's POVHave you ever felt like your heart light up like a firework and was exploding with joy, daring to touch the night sky? That was exactly how I felt right now.Watching Charlotte fall so dramatically on an entire array of champagne glass, bringing down a rain of various types of wine on herself and embarrassing Hudson, right in the hall of the event was the highlight of my evening!Oh, my... it was hilarious! Gosh! I couldn't even decide what I liked more, if it was watching Charlotte fall or her bawling out her eyes as she ran over to complain to Hudson or if it was watching the horror on Hudson's face while she drew everyone's attention!It was so good, I’m telling you! Although I was mad at first, because Charlotte definitely had other plans when she lounged at me. Maybe she wanted to doze my dress with a drink or two or probably do something even worse.I hadn’t moved a muscle and she was already striking at me, that’s very bold! Especially, for someone that always pl
Hudson’s pov “$25 million!” “$25 million!! Going once!” “Going twice, SOLD!” the auctioneer yelled excitedly. “A rare Picasso painting SOLD to Mrs. Johnson!” the audience cheered ecstatically, and Mrs. Johnson squealed like a child. The fund raising, which was the main part of the event had started full swing for about 30 minutes and these bloody folks weren't playing at all. “Next up!” everyone immediately quieted down, the atmosphere growing tense with anticipation. “A rare ancient Greek coin… going for $6 million!” A man yelled immediately, “$6.5!” “No, $7 million!” another yelled. “Woah! do I hear a $7.5?” auctioneer teased, smiling gleefully. “$10 million!” An elderly woman yelled, and the crowd gasped, turning to face her in surprise. “What will an old woman like her do with that coin! Argh!” the first man that placed a bid groaned and took a swing of his champagne, but the woman definitely had a spirit in her as she screamed, “Take that, Fuckers!” I chuckle
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
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