VALERIE'S POV I woke up the next day to an empty house and the scent of a very much mouth watery lunch. Yes, lunch. I woke up unbelievably late today, like 2 pm in the afternoon kind of late. And you know what else I woke up to? Messages!Tons of them! All from Hudson.He had been trying to convince me to meet up with his Grandpa throughout the night and this morning. From the messages, after I dropped my phone last night , he had sent about 6 to 7 messages that went without replies before he stopped.I guess it finally dawned on him that I had gone to bed. But that didn't stop him though, cause he resumed again this morning, dropping more and more messages. There should be at least almost 90 unread messages all from Hudson.He just wasn't giving up. At first he was being forceful and seemingly intimidating but when he saw it wasn't getting any reaction out of me, he opted for much nicer words, pleading even.The very last ones I read was what resulted to this dull ache that was cu
VALERIE'S POV "Aby," I repeated, trying out the name on my tongue before smiling at the bright faced little girl. She seemed like the quiet type though, with her sleek blonde and big brown eyes that seem to shine the more she stared at my kids.Anyone could see she loved being around them. Well, I had to issues letting little kids mingle and become friends, plus she looked around their age judging from her height. "Aww, what a cutie pie..." Nanny Beth gushed and pinched her cheeks a bit. Not too hard, just a soft pull but the little girl smiled even more at the gesture."Alright people, let's all have lunch" I said, standing up to my normal height and soon we were all seated at the dinning table, Aby included. We said a bit of prayer and everyone digged in. We were having pasta & spicy chicken sauce, stepped down by chilled pineapple juice. The kids were loving it, and I couldn't help but notice how much Aby ate. She didn't look or had any signs that she was starved or anything b
HUDSON'S POV *Knock on the door* and a voice followed after, "Boss,""Boss, the other Sim cards you used have been taken care of. Nothing to worry about," James stated as he walked deeper into my office until he was standing directly in front of it.But even at that I did not acknowledge him. I could not acknowledge him, I mean how could I? When my entire focus had been ensnared by the sleek rectangle on my desk, all day!"Boss, you know staring at your phone all day won't make her reply to those texts, right?" I immediately scowled at those words, did he think I didn't know that already?Of course I knew that! I knew exactly how stupid and ridiculous I looked staring at my phone all day, but yet, I just couldn't help it.It was as though one moment away from my screen would make me miss a text from her. I mean, what if she sends a text and then deletes it. How would I know?I know these all sound like excuses but I just couldn't stop staring at my phone. As though reading my mind,
VALERIE'S POV After handing over Aby to the red faced maid, the kids and I decided to stroll for a bit before going back home.We even got to know the exact house that was Aby's in case of next time. I actually allowed it simply for Miley's sake, she clearly liked the idea of the little girl coming to visit us. But despite all that, I couldn't shake the weird feeling that the maid was staring at Mason a bit too much. It was so bad that I took him in my arms to shield him away from her sight, leaving the other two on the ground. A lot of protest came as a result of that but all is good when you have a bowl of chocolate ice cream laying and waiting in your fridge, and not a single complaints was heard after that bowl.So therefore, I used that opportunity to secretly text Hudson of my approval to meet his Grandpa. Infact it was that very decision that landed me here. Standing in front of a portable family duplex on the other part of the City. I had gotten this duplex the first time
Valerie POV I couldn't believe it.Hudson Rodriguez, the most arrogant man you could possibly find on the surface of the earth was crying??But what for? I knew he felt no guilt as to what happened between us. Not for the way he treated me or the way he let his family members treat me when Grandpa wasn't close by.So why was he crying?I admit, I brought whatever happened to me upon myself. I was just too delusional back then and asked way too much from a man that had blatantly told me to my face he wanted somebody else.That he loved somebody else and would never love me, not even if his Grandpa forced me on him. But I didn't believe it, I refused to see it. I was literally the only person back then, that couldn't see Hudson and I wasn't working.And hell, did I learn.I blinked out of my thoughts and realized I was still staring at him. I should have pulled away immediately and focused on the reason I came here in the first place but I didn't. I just sat there, taking in his featu
Hudson POV It's been a few weeks since I secretly arranged a meeting between Grandpa and Val. A meeting that was clearly needed by both parties and me inclusive. I didn't even realize I needed it until I saw how they both expressed themselves. How touching and surprising emotional it was. It was like a couple who had lost each other at sea and finally meeting each other again, reuniting. And honestly, I don't think I've ever seen Grandpa cry, like ever! The only memory I had of him crying was during Grandma's funeral and that on it's own was a long time ago, I hadn't even gotten into college at that time. Ever since then, Grandpa had always been a ball of ice and stone to everyone, only excluding me that is. So seeing what I saw that day just left me speechless, his emotions were all over the place. He kept crying and apologizing for things I didn't even realize had been troubling him. And I was the closest person to him. Not even my father was as close to Grandpa as I was,
Charlotte's POV I let out a breathy sign from my lips as I watched him take brisk steps towards his black Bentley already parked and ready to go. The sun reflecting off his perfectly styled blonde hair as he walked, making him glow in his brown suit.Even without a smile, he still looked so good. "Ugh," I sighed again, murmuring as my eyes squinted against the blazing sun. "why do I feel like he is still mad at me?" I turned back to watch him, just in time to see his car speed off to the entrance gate.The sun was really coming down hard today and the spot I currently occupied at the front porch of our mansion didn't help matters at all. It was directly pelting down it's harsh rays on me. Soon both cars, Hudson's and Aby's vanished from view.And then, I was thoroughly left alone with my thoughts. But before I could begin thinking anything Maria, my close maid appeared at my side. "You should go back in Madame, your skin doesn't need this harsh sun rays" She said, moving to shade my
Charlotte's POV "Hey! What's nonsense are you on about?" Maria snapped at Kate before I could even fully process anything. "How can another kid look like Madame's husband? What are you insinuating?!" She demanded, her voice rising."Bu-but it's true!" Kate stuttered, her eyes darting to mine in panic. "Please believe me Madame, I saw him with my own eyes!"Maria scoffed loudly, her eyes blazing with malice as she glared down at Kate from the stairs."I knew you were trouble, but I didn't realize how dumb you are! Do you even understand the implications of your words? You're accusing Sir Hudson, the very man that pays your bills and our Madame's husband of cheating on his wife!" She bellowed, hoping the words registered on a panic strikened Kate.What? Cheating?That... is that... he was cheating?That's impossible!Kate's face paled instantly, her skin loosing its usual redness as she dropped to her knees, shaking and begging, "I-I... Madame! P-please believe me, I won't lie to you, e
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