Melissa Villar POVLike the previous month, the next month was a whirlwind of travel and activities. We eventually docked in Rome and remained there for two weeks while Joemar and Roman took care of some business; apparently their holding company was looking into purchasing some shoe factories near Milan. While they did that, Andre accompanied me to have alterations done on my dress.“I can’t wait to see you in it,” he said. “You’re going to be beautiful.”I grinned and kissed him, then felt a moment of sadness. It was a shame I had only one date to the wedding. I had grown so used to doing things with all three of them, that it almost felt strange to leave Andre and Roman behind.Once the business in Rome was completed—they chose not to purchase the shoe company—we sailed to America, then, to the Philippines. The journey took just under two weeks. After hopping around Europe, going from city to city, I had to admit it was nice to relax on the Majestic with nothing on the agenda. I ha
Two women hurried over to us. One of them said, “You’re the maid of honor? You’re already done.” She turned to Carly. “She’s already done.”“I didn’t know she would have her own stylist,” Carly muttered.“It’s fine! Less work for you to do. I’ll make sure you’re still compensated, it’s not a problem.”“Your hair…” the second woman said.“I had it done up! Just like Carly told me. Right, Carly?”“Yes, but… I suppose it’s fine.” The stylist turned around. “Ashley. You’re up.”I sat down with Mom and Carly while they had their makeup done. For a little while, we were all giggles and smiles and tears as we talked about Carly’s big day. It was so good to catch up with them after being away for months.The other bridesmaids didn’t seem happy, though. I caught one of them glaring at me when she thought I wasn’t looking. What was their problem?They’re probably jealous of Joemar. Not my problem.A little while later, the wedding planner popped in and whispered something to Carly. “You have bo
We stopped dancing as he answered the phone. He made a face, said okay several times, then hung up.“What is it?”Joemar closed his eyes and sighed. “I hate to do this, but I have to leave. There’s an emergency at one of our holding companies, and it’s time sensitive.”“No! Really?”“I’m afraid so.”“Does this have to do with your next big business venture?” I asked.“I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t an emergency,” he told me. “You know that, right?”“I know. But we were having so much fun!”He cupped my cheek and kissed me. Off to the side of the tent, one of the photographers appeared and snapped a bunch of photos.“I’ll make it up to you.” Joemar gazed deeply into my eyes. “I promise, Melissa.”Sighing, I said, “You’d better.”“I’ll send the helicopter back for you.” He gave me another quick kiss, then walked out of the tent. Linda and the bodyguards formed up on him, and the last thing I heard was him telling her that plans had changed.I went back to the bridesmaid table to retrieve my
“Why?” Roman asked. “Why can we not enjoy this while it lasts? There are two more months remaining on her contract, and given her lack of pregnancy progress, it is likely she will be extending the contract for an additional six months.”“Because I don’t want to wait until the end of the contract to have my heart ripped out!” I said, raising my voice. “You can do what you want, but I care too much about Melissa to let it bumble along like this without telling her how I feel.”“And what of Joemar?” Roman shot at me. “If he disapproves?”That had been my biggest concern up to this point. We had all agreed that our contributions to Melissa’s conception would be physical only. We hadn’t discussed emotions… and it was clear Joemar cared deeply about her. How would he feel about his valet falling in love with her as well?“If he disapproves,” I said, “then I’ll quit.”Roman flinched. “You would not.”“I would,” I repeated. “If Joemar disapproves, then being around Melissa would be too much f
Joemar Soriano POVI sat down in the study of the Majestic with Andre and Roman. They had been speaking for five minutes, alternating between them. Pouring out their hearts to me. Roman seemed almost reluctant to tell me all of this, but I could tell his words were genuine.“Wow,” I said. “I had no idea you felt this way.”“Originally, I had no interest in becoming a father,” Roman said. “I believe I still feel that way. However, if I were to biologically produce one, and one which would be in close proximity to me throughout its life… well, I am quite certain I would struggle with that scenario.”“I’m sorry for roping you into this situation without allowing you the time to process how you felt,” I said.Roman shook his head. “It is my fault for not considering my own emotions. You have always steered me on the right course, so I never doubted you for a moment. But perhaps I should have this time.”“I have no qualms about fatherhood,” Andre chimed in. “But Melissa… I can’t stop think
The cabin had a stocked whiskey bar, and I got good and drunk that night while watching reruns of Frasier. Despite being hungover the next morning, I went for a jog on the four-mile trail that circled the lake. That didn’t make me feel any better, but the throbbing headache and burning lungs during the last sprint felt like adequate self-flagellation.I was making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—I didn’t bring much in the way of food—when a car pulled into the driveway. From the kitchen window, I watched my dad get out and come inside.“I thought I was supposed to have a week of peace and quiet?” I asked, hugging him.“Peace and quiet is what I’m here to help you with,” he replied. “I’m taking you fishing on the lake.”“Dad, you know I hate fishing. I appreciate the gesture, but…”“You need some time on the lake more than anyone right now,” he replied. “Make me one of those sandwiches and put on sunscreen. I’ll meet you at the dock in ten minutes.”By the time I walked out there, D
Joemar shushed me and pointed at the video. Suddenly, I wished we were watching it on a screen larger than a phone.“Excuse me?” the host said. “I’m sorry, but I think I misheard your response…”“I don’t have a new idea,” Joemar said, showing his hands. “I’ve got nothing.”“Mr. Joemar, I don’t want to argue with you. But we’ve talked to dozens of venture capitalists and investors who claim they have personally discussed this new idea with you.”Joemar nodded along. “I’ve been lining up funding, this is true. I was hoping I would figure something out along the way. I considered all the industries you just mentioned, but there are already extremely smart people working in those fields. I don’t have any fresh ideas there; I wouldn’t be able to compete. So I’m not going to try.”The host seemed completely flabbergasted. “Then what are you going to do, Mr. Soriano?”“I’m glad you asked!” He grinned widely. “I don’t want to do anything. I’m done with chasing IPOs and maximizing profits. I’m
Melissa Villar POV I looked at each man in turn, searching for any doubt. There was none. They were certain. “Don’t you want to discuss this among yourselves first?” I asked.Joemar chuckled. “What do you think we spent the past two days doing?”Shared by three men. It was crazy. I tried imagining telling my parents about it, and the thought made me shiver. But like Andre said, they had already been sharing me up to this point. Why not continue doing so into the future?“There’s just one problem,” I said.“You already said a problem,” Roman pointed out.“There’s a second problem,” I corrected. “I’m still not pregnant.”Joemar shrugged. “Then I guess we’ll just have to keep trying. We’re not in any hurry.”“I am extremely amenable to trying for as long as it takes,” Roman said with an uncharacteristic grin.“But the contract…” I said.“Fuck the contract,” Joemar said. “We can extend it, or tear it up. It doesn’t matter to me. The only thing I care about is you, Melissa.”“That’s goin
Apollo stands up and pulls me into a hug, speaking softly into my ear. “Ellen, I love you. I know that if I don’t try to make amends and ask you to spend your life with me, I’ll forever regret that. So I’m asking you - and if the answer is no, I deserve that for how much I’ve hurt you. But will you marry me?”I pull back to look him in the eyes, worried he’s joking or messing with me or that this is some kind of prank. But he looks serious and genuine and maybe a little bit afraid.Standing in my apartment surrounded by flowers, I realize that the man that I love just asked me to marry him.I glance down at the ring.He continues speaking. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to grow old with you. I want to be with you until my last heartbeat, my last breath. You make me happy.”Emotions crash over me, disbelief, excitement, joy, fear, and overwhelmingly, love. I love this man, and I want to spend forever with him. Not because of the firm, or because of the flowers. B
I press the call button and let them know he’s awake and feeling some pain. They assure us they’ll be right in and I thank them.Dad, however, has already gone back to trying to figure things out. “An outside lawyer, huh? What are you up to?” he muses under his breath, correctly assuming I’m not about to tell him my secrets.There’s no way he’ll guess what I have planned. It’s so elegant, simple, and perfect. I know how I’m going to win Ellen back - if she’ll have me. I know there’s a possibility that I screwed things up beyond repair, but I’m going to hope for the best. And heck, this plan might just win her back even if she hates me now.I decide to toss my dad a bone. “I’m going to fire her.”He lifts his head, looking at me like I've lost my mind. And maybe I have. “I don't think making her hate you is the way to win her heart.”I can only hope that my gamble pays off exactly how I hope it will, and I lift a shoulder at my father. “I guess we'll see what happens, huh?”XXXEllen d
What do I have to lose by telling him the truth? Then again, I kind of just want to have fun and forget about everything. I lean in close to the guy. “Actually, I'm totally on the run from the cops right now.” I press my finger to my lips and he laughs.“Cute and funny, you’re dangerous. I’m Jack Xander.” He offers his hand and I shake.“Ellen.”“Cute name. What do you do for a living, Ellen?”“Why, you looking for a sugar momma?” I ask.He laughs again. “No, it just seems like a good icebreaker.”“I am... a librarian.” If the guy doesn't get the reference, he's not the guy for me.“I love that,” he says. “Have you come here before?”I shake my head no.“Do you want to dance?”A glance at him and hesitate. I don't want to dance. But I don't really want to talk either. “I think I've had a couple too many for that,” I say instead.“And you’re honest. Triple threat lady.” He gestures at me with his cup as if saying cheers and I try not to be bored. There’s nothing about this guy that mak
Ellen de Luna POVI can barely draw a breath.How could he just end things and worse, end them through an impersonal text?It's been several days since he dumped me, and I'm still trying to pick up the pieces of my emotions and broken heart.He hasn't come back to work yet, but I assume that he has been talking to other people about his plans. But I'm not the one that's in the loop anymore, and that kills me. I wonder if he's okay. I wonder why he chose now, of all times, to break up with me.Did Steven get to him? Or did he tell his dad about us, only for his dad to tell him he’s making a huge mistake? The last option is the most probable.I should have prepared better for this. Instead, I feel absolutely blindsided. The timing just doesn't make sense - his dad must be the reason. But I can’t imagine why Raul Soriano wouldn’t want us together. Would the man really make work a priority over his son’s happiness? And if Raul knows, why wasn’t I fired?There are so many questions that ke
No matter how I look at the situation, every outcome seems like some kind of disaster.Katie clearly doesn't see things the same way. “So what? You're both adults. You're both single. Other people need to mind their own business.”That's not the way any of this works. “It's not that simple, Katie. It's never that simple. There are consequences to everything, and I don't want to risk losing him or my job or my self-respect.”“I know,” she says, a false smile on her lips as she watches people go about their strolls in the sunshine. “It’s not fair, is it?”Nope.“You shouldn’t let fear hold you back. When you get one chance at life, don't do things that you'll regret.” I know she's right, but the thing she doesn't seem to see is that I'm not sure which decision will lead to the least regret. I’m going to have regrets no matter what I do.“Are you settling in well to your new office?” I ask, needing to change the subject away from myself in Apollo.Her animated expression tells me everyth
I didn't want to risk it. I didn't want to jeopardize our careers, our reputations, even our futures. But I didn't want to hurt her or let her ache without offering some warmth and safety when she needs it most. My father's words ring in my ears. Life is too short to waste on regrets. I should follow my heart and be happy. I should find love and hold on tight.He is right; life is too short. And what I feel for Ellen is deeper than anything I’ve felt for a woman before. Deeper than what I felt for my ex, even, who’d I’d forgotten about until this moment. Ellen had touched a place deep within me that I thought would be sealed off from people for good after the betrayal I’d suffered.And I make a decision. I stand here, patting her shoulder awkwardly, trying to act casual. Then I wrap my arms around her. I hug her tight, feeling her warmth and her heartbeat while whispering in her ear that I’m sorry for what happened and that I'm glad she's okay. I tell her that she's strong and that St
Ellen de Luna POVI'm sitting at my desk working on a case, when I hear a knock on the door. I assume it’s Apollo, though a second later I wonder why he’d knock.It’s not Apollo. When I look up, I see a delivery man holding a large bouquet of beautiful flowers; white Chrysanthemums with pops of color from pink and purple daisies.The delivery man flashes a handsome grin and asks me if I'm Ellen. I nod, and he walks over to place the flowers on my desk. “These are for you,” he says before leaving the room as quickly as he came.I'm surprised - and curious. Who would have sent me the flowers? I mean, Steven thinks red roses are literally the only kind of flower in existence, so he’s out.As I study the flowers, I'm impressed. They're beautiful, colorful, and smell delightful. I also have to give kudos to the flower company - the flowers are fresh, elegant, and cheerful.Suddenly, I know how to tell who sent these to me. I search for a card and find one. The small, white card simply read
“I meant what I said.” Apollo sounds confident as he doubles down. “No one's going to believe a word that comes out of his mouth after what happened in our office. Besides, how is he going to come tell anyone at our office if he's not welcome in the building? Security is going to see him at the door and escort him off the premises, and if he continues trying, he'll get slapped with trespassing charges.”The thought of Steven running to tattle on us at our jobs and getting charged with trespassing brings a smile to my lips.“Are we being stupid?” I ask, wondering what he’ll say to my concerns.“I don’t think so. Do you? If we let Steven dictate what we can and can’t do, that seems more stupid.” He lets out a soft chuckle and I couldn't agree more.“You’re right,” I say, letting the breath out of my lungs slowly. With it goes some of the stress and tension I’ve been struggling with. He’s so reassuring, and I’m grateful for this conversation.“Look, I like you. A lot. I don’t want Steven
Two hours later, I watch her walk into the park where I’d asked her to meet me. Her gaze meets mine and a smile brightens her face as she walks my direction. She reaches my side. I take her hand and lead her toward the little ice cream cart that I'd spied earlier. I know this particular vendor often hangs out near the park. “Ice cream?” I ask.“I love pistachio,” she says, and I signal for two cones as the vendor serves us up. The weather is warm and the sun peeks from behind intermittent clouds as we take our cones and go for a walk amongst the beautiful trees and plants.“You like pistachio, too?” she asks.“I’ve never had it and wanted to try,” I say honestly. The thought of a nut-flavored ice cream always steered me away but as I try the light green treat, I’m pleasantly surprised.“And what do you think?” she asks, angling her body toward me as we walk.“I think I have a new favorite ice cream flavor,” I respond.She laughs. “Okay, now honestly.”“Honestly,” I say, smiling at he