Alicia was looking everywhere to avoid Bryan’s eyes.“Does it matter now,” she said softly, “I mean… how I feel about you? Why talk about something that doesn’t matter?”Bryan didn’t let her run from the question. He reached over gently, cupping her face, turning her head until her eyes met his.“I love you, Daniella Smith,” he said. “That is what matters. But I won’t force you. I will still stick to our deal. After these three days, I’ll try to stay away from you. I know it’s going to be difficult… but I’ll try. And if I can’t…” he paused, letting the words sink in. “I will come back. This time around, I’ll win your heart.”He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he opened the passenger side door, motioning with his hand.Her fingers curled into her palm as she stepped into the car. She folded her hands tightly on her lap. Bryan had a profound effect on her, one she didn’t understand, one she couldn’t stop. She tried to keep her eyes forward and tried not to look at h
Zoe sat still, waiting for Diego’s voice to rise. She braced herself for him to scream, but instead, what he did surprised her.Diego didn’t raise his voice. He spread his arms and let her sob quietly. He didn’t rush her, didn’t push her with questions. He just sat there, watching her tears run down her face, giving her space to let it all out.When the crying slowed down and she was left with small sniffles, his tone was softer than she had ever heard.“It’s my fault,” he said quietly. “And I am so sorry. If I didn’t drag you into all this, you wouldn’t have ended up in this position. Do you want us to talk about it?”Zoe wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, then gave a small laugh through her tears. “Why do I feel like this isn’t you? It feels so strange seeing you this… caring and nice.” She shook her head, a little smile breaking through. “Now, where is the Diego that I know?”Diego chuckled too, a small one. “He’s still right here.” He leaned back, grabbed a throw pillow, an
Becky was waiting to hear that he was joking. She hoped Lucas would laugh and tell everyone it was just a prank. But no words came. He just went back to his chair, sipping his wine, with a calm smile on his lips.Her whole body shook as Mrs. Judge’s voice suddenly broke the silence, making the night even worse.“Oh, finally. The charade of marriage is over. Thanks for the dinner, son. I need to go back home to my husband.”Mrs. Judge stood up without hesitation, leaned over, and pecked Lucas on the cheek before heading for the door. She didn’t even spare Becky a glance.One by one, the rest of the guests left. Becky’s so-called friends, who had been giggling and admiring her outfit minutes ago, now whispered among themselves as they excused themselves, pretending to be polite.Becky didn’t even realize her livestream was still on until notifications and comments started popping up quickly on her phone screen. Words like “Is this real?” “Oh my God, " her caption said, dinner with my hu
After splashing her face with water and staring at her reflection, the thought refused to leave her head.Without thinking twice, she quickly pulled on a plain dress and a sweater. Her hair was messy, but she didn’t care. She grabbed her purse, slid into her slippers, and rushed out into the night. The streets were quiet, with only a few cars passing here and there. She hugged her sweater tightly as if it would calm her nerves.The bright light from the pharmacy hit her eyes as she pushed open the glass door. The man behind the counter looked half-asleep but still managed a polite, “Good evening.”“I need… a pregnancy test,” she muttered, avoiding his eyes.He handed her the small box. She paid quickly and hurried out.Back in her apartment, Zoe sat on the bathroom floor for several minutes, staring at the box. Her heart was racing. Finally, with trembling hands, she opened it, read the instructions three times, and did the test.Now, the small strip lay on the sink. Zoe squeezed her
“Hold on, hope is not what I am thinking. Did you collide with this woman to seduce Lucas?”Becky’s eyes kept moving from Alicia to AmayaAmaya let out a short laugh and shook her head slowly, her arms crossing in front of her chest. “You must be delusional to think you and Lucas are worth it,” she said, her tone dripping with mockery. “Just look at her. Does Daniella look so cheap to you? News flash, she can buy both you and that stupid Lucas without breaking a sweat. What are you even doing here?”Alicia didn’t speak. She folded her hands, quietly enjoying the drama.Becky turned again, now facing Amaya with a pleading voice. “Please… can I talk to you in private? It won’t take much of your time.”Alicia finally broke her silence. “I’ll go inside and see what your staff are up to.”“You have two minutes,” Amaya said coldly. “Be fast.”Becky’s lips trembled, but she spoke anyway. “I know we didn’t start on the right foot. You never liked me, and the feeling is mutual. But you do agre
Tonia stood stiff at the doorway, staring at the strange woman who had just arrived. Before she could even ask who she was, Captain Smith’s voice came from inside.“Who’s at the door, Tonia?”Seconds later, he appeared in the living room. His steps slowed when his eyes landed on Camila.“Oh… you’re back.”Tonia moved aside politely, letting Camila step inside. She walked in with her luggage. Her eyes went around the house, scanning everything like she wanted to uncover secrets. She studied Tonia from head to toe, then turned her eyes to the little boy sitting on the couch. He was still glued to his cartoon, kicking his legs on the sofa.Tonia bent down and said with a gentle voice, “It’s past your sleeping time, son. Come, mummy will tuck you in.”The boy ran into her arms happily, and she carried him off toward the bedroom. The door closed behind them, leaving Captain Smith and Camila alone.Camila dropped her bag on the couch and crossed her arms. “Who is she? I never knew you had a