As I stand in front of the teleprompter, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It's my first day in the journalism studio, and I'm rehearsing for the evening news. I can hardly believe that I'm here, in this prestigious newsroom, after being approved by Abel, himself. I feel a mixtur
“Why is the studio so full?” She asks, her tone sharp and accusatory as she is walking in with a laptop in her hands, and her makeup looks freshly retouched. I was glad that I haven’t had an encounter with her today, but I had forgotten that with Abel having me work from this side of the building, i
It has been a couple of days since I started working in the studio and in the last two days, Abel hasn’t asked for my help at all. I see he really was serious when he said he would call on me only when he needs me.Since Toni gave me trouble the other day for being in the studio, Tracy said she will
I walk back into my office, feeling a mix of relief and discomfort after my meeting with Lilian. Tracy notices my expression and asks how the meeting went."Hey girl, how did your meeting with the client?" Tracy inquires, her eyes curious. I had informed her earlier of the appointment so she would c
I stand in front of my mirror, putting the final touches on my outfit. I can't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness. Tomorrow is Ellis' wedding, and as much as I have a bone to pick with her for putting me in the weird position where I have to ride with Abel to the wedding, I a
I try to adjust the seat so that I can lean back and rest comfortably, but I can't seem to find the handle. That's the thing with never handling such high-class cars in my life."It's on the other side," he says, and I chuckle in embarrassment."Right." I try to reach for it, but I still can't. So I
"No, we weren't... don't you have a wedding tomorrow, Ellis? And Clay, aren't you supposed to put your son to bed?" I try to change the conversation, and they both laugh."The kids went home with the nanny, and Ellis can still gossip even if her wedding is tomorrow," Clay says, and now I wish someon
"It's none of your business, Abel," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "Dylan and I went on a date, but it's not something I need to discuss with you."I glance at Abel, and I see a mix of emotions in his eyes – concern, uncertainty, and something else that I can't quite pinpoint.Before I can
“Abel, you are proposing…” The words tumble out of my mouth in disbelief, more of a statement than a question. He nods, and then, to my utter shock, he gets down on one knee. I feel the world around us blur and slow down, my pulse pounding in my ears.“Mildred Turina, will you marry me?” His voice w
She scoffs playfully, giving me that familiar look that says she’s still got it all under control. “I know how to take care of children, honey. We will be fine. You two go have fun.”Relief washes over me. Even though we’re leaving them in the best possible hands, the part of me that has grown attac
We’re heading to Abel’s lake house for a weekend getaway—just the two of us. He said he got the place a few years ago but rarely gets to use it. He has only taken the twins there a few times because the only time he gets enough time to spend with them without many distractions from work is during th
Epilogue"Come here,” I call her over, and she reluctantly pulls her fingers off her brother’s chubby cheeks, then walks back to where I am. I crouch down to be at her level, trying to mask the amusement I feel at her little pout.“If you keep harassing your brother, I will have him stay with me at
“Did I?”“You bitch!” I burst out laughing. He has definitely been holding that back.“I was busy dealing with a concussion to see anything, oh, and my mom has way more money than you, you know, and her money combined with the money my dad left me, which I just found out was a lot by the way, then A
“Mom, I…”“I should have taken you with me when he died, but I thought you were already a grown woman and you wouldn’t need me anymore, and I will never forgive myself for that because if I did, then you wouldn’t have ended up with an abusive man. I could have protected you from repeating the cycle.
"Abel, he is good for you," she repeats, this time more firmly. There’s a strange sadness in her eyes, as if she’s remembering all the times she wished someone had said those words to her. I nod, acknowledging her observation, but I don’t want to delve into a discussion about Abel with her. "I feel
"Are you ready to go home?" Abel asks, and I nod eagerly. The sterile scent of antiseptic clings to the air, making me desperate to leave this hospital room and everything it represents. My heart pounds with a need to escape—to feel the cool air outside, untainted by the trauma that haunts these wal
“Oh…”“I love you, and I would want you in my life and the twins too, but you need to accept that fact about me. I don’t even know if I can be a mother to your children or a stepmother. I just don’t know if I have it in me, even though I love them, and I love you,” I say, and I’m nervously waiting f