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
VALERIE'S POV “$30 million!!” My head did a 360 degree turn to that round table few feet’s away from mine, and my lips turned upwards in a malicious smile. “It’s game time people!” I squealed excitedly in my mind. I could hardly keep the smile off my face after his bass voice saturated the room like a smoke, keeping everyone locked in and brimming with a new type of excitement. The Frugal CEO aka ‘I don’t invest in things that don’t generate income’ was joining the show! That was huge! I’ve got him right where I wanted. “Oh! I see you’ve angered the lion out of the cage Val, now this is what I call interesting” Mama Joyce said with a raised eyebrow as she sat up on her seat. “Okay people!” The auctioneer called out. “I’ve just been informed that we have some new shiny items have been added to the list, so take out your cards and GET. READY!” The crowd cheered and haut in anticipation, everyone hyped by both the auctioneer’s announcement and fresh competitors. I scanned the h
Valerie's POV "Val! What is it?" Mama Joyce worried voice filtered into my ears, drawing me back to the present situation. "Huh?" I managed to let out, blinking my eyes to fully take in her panicky face."What's wrong? You just zoned out," I squinted my eyes, the sound of more and more figures getting called out heightened my senses. "$600m!! going!"That jewelry set belonged to me! Hudson's Grandpa gave them to me when I married Hudson. It was meant for the daughter in law of the family, which was in fact me. After signing the divorce papers I didn't think to take it with me. Not like I took much of my belongings anyways.I only took what I brought with me before our marriage. Everything else I left them behind. There was only one person that would have the authority to bring it here to be sold off, and that was Grandpa himself!I turned to Hudson's table again and a bitter chuckle left my lips, "Looks like Grandpa doesn't approve of your union, Charlotte." Charlotte's emotions we
VELERIE’S POVI strolled out of the elevator, the tail of my dress sweeping through the empty parking lot as I walked towards my white Rolls-Royce Spectre at the far end of the space. The night had gone surprisingly well, better than I imagined it would. The look on Hudson’s face should be framed!Ah! The man looked like I had poured sand into his meal. Highly comical! Just before I could reach my car, I heard my name again. For the second time this evening, I turned around just in time to evade an incoming slap from… Charlotte??What! This b!tch got balls!“What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked, alarmed at the sudden attack. She moved again to grab my hair but this time I was prepared, and I pushed her off with my clutch as support. She stumbled to the ground and groaned in irritation before moving to stand again to attack me.I readied myself, this time it won’t be just a push dumb ball. But suddenly she stopped halfway and fell back to the ground, clenching her foot. “Ouch! My a
Valerie's POV Aunt Barbara's face twisted in rage as she shouted, "How dare you?!" Patricia struggled to steady her, but Barbara's anger amplified from Patricia’s very effort and she pushed her away, a scowl deep in her features. Rob stepped forward, his spotless white suit a stark contrast to my fiery red dress as he partly shielded me protectively from their view with his frame. A warm feeling spread throughout my body at his gesture, filling me up with a comfort I didn’t even realize I needed in the face of these sharks. He greeted my aunties with a respectful bow and tight smile, "It's nice to see you too, Madame Barbara, Madame Patricia." Barbara's scowl deepened, her breathing heavy with unbridled anger as she stood awkwardly on one foot, her ankle already swelling from Rob's push. Argh, that must hurt a lot. "Rob, you shouldn't have done that," Patricia scolded softly, casting her sister a pitiful glance. "Look, she's sprained her ankle." I winced at the sight of Barbara'
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
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