Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series)

Puzzled Hearts (Book 3 of Precious Series)

last updateLast Updated : 2025-04-27
By:  Klayz AbunUpdated just now
Language: English
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Synopsis

Once bitten twice shy, wasn't that what they always say about love? Eliza lost her heart to someone while she was at university. She was always the responsible child but a very secretive one. Her secret made her lose all beliefs in love until the right man came along. Mansour grew up thinking he was an Al Fahezi until what he thought was his brother got married. The secrets behind his identity made him question all he knew about his life. Will he come to terms with his origins before he can claim the woman he loves or will secrets ruin them both?

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Chapter 1

PROLOGUE & CHAPTER 1

Most of the names here are made up specially the ones for the Emirati family. I could have used a real Emirati surname but I just made up my own, better to be safe than sorry. Some of the events here are close to my heart.

PROLOGUE

         Eliza looked up admiringly at Valeria and Regina who were both in their late teens. They were so pretty and tall, an impressionable girl of 8 like her would believe anything they would say. Valeria is the only child of their next-door neighbor and Regina who also lives next to Valeria’s house is the second eldest child of their other neighbor. Eliza thought they really think her cute so whenever the two young adults, Regina being 19 while Valeria just turned 18; ask her parents to bring her with them, she gleefully goes. She never suspected that they’ll be her downfall. One day, they tagged ger along to Valeria’s house and went into a forbidden room that contains adult magazines. As young as she was, she thought those magazines were okay to be viewed. Of course, they also told her not to spill their secret.

“You must promise not to tell anyone, Eliza, otherwise we will deny it and tell them that you did it on your own and we’ll not be your friends anymore.” Warned Valeria.

         More scared of losing their friendship, Eliza nodded. She more or less became a slave to their whims nearly losing her innocence in the process until she realized when she turned 14 that the things they had her do were not for children.  She found this out when they tagged her along to a wedding and a dancing was involved. Due to her height, people think she’s older than her actual age. An inebriated guy chose her as his dancing partner. It was quite innocent at first, the guy asking her questions until he closed his arms around her and attempted to kiss her in the middle of the dance floor to which she got scared and ran away with the guy in hot pursuit.

“Please don’t let him see me, Aunt.” She begged her aunt as she hid her body behind the lady.

“Don’t worry, he won’t see you and he won’t touch you!” her aunt said in outrage seeing what the guy did.

“Where is she!? She embarrassed me leaving me in the middle of a dance.” The guy almost shouted. Eliza was cowering behind her aunt while in her periphery, she saw Valeria and Regina giggling as they were pointing at her. Fearing that the drunken guy would find her because of them, she hid her face on her aunt’s back.

          From then on, she did her best to avoid Valeria and Regina. She never expected them to tell on her, falsifying facts which earned her parents’ wrath. She was spanked until she almost lost consciousness. Only her father’s pity saved her from more of her mother’s anger. The only bright side of that episode was the two older girls never bothered her again. She thought she was well-rid of the two’s mischief until one day while she was walking to school, she encountered the drunken guy only this time, he was quite sober but apparently, he never forgot her. He intentionally stalked her until she had to stop staring at him in horror while he mockingly looked around for some flowers to give her. Managing to pick some wild flowers growing on the side of the road, he presented them to her while giving her his leering smile.

“Pretty flowers for a delicious dumpling like you.” He mocked. Eliza was so scared; she could barely move. She was saved when her younger brother came upon them and saw her trembling on the wayside. The guy left immediately.

CHAPTER 1 Are you stalking me?

“Ami sure is lucky, Rain is quite a catch.”

“Do you think so?  I thought it is the other way around.” Eliza whirled around to see Matan smirking at her.

“Oh, it’s you! Why do you always intrude into my personal space?”

“I think you are the one intruding into mine.” Replied Matan sarcastically.

“Why, you, you, incorrigible beast!” Eliza fumed.

          "Are you stalking me?", Matan tried to snarl at Eliza but it came out as a low growl instead. He has been grumpy of late, it started when his closest pal, his best buddy, his brother Ali, got married. Gone were the days when the two of them would get into all sorts of trouble that pushes the limits of their mother’s patience. He wouldn’t deny his brother the contentment he seemed to have found, although Matan has his doubts. How can Ali be content when the woman he professed to love has married another man? If he isn’t stupid too, he thought as he attended said woman’s wedding. His reverie was broken by Eliza’s strong

        "You wish! My godmother invited me to her son's wedding so why the hell do you think I am stalking you? You may be my boss’ son but you aren’t my boss so get lost!" It irked Eliza that this man could easily rile her when she is an expert in masking her emotions thanks to her upbringing and her past experiences as a child. The Vicente’s like most of the farming folk in her hometown are not so showy with their emotions. Even a simple hug could prove awkward, a hug for Eliza would be a disaster; since that day at the wedding a long time ago. She summoned her courage and gave Matan her famous glare which usually cowered her younger brothers. It seemed ineffective to this man though as evidenced by his sarcastic reply

          "If that is so, why then are you always at the same place where I happen to be?"           

“Oh crap! You must be sick in the head if you think so. Do you own this place then, you odious man? I would never lower myself to that of a stalker especially to someone such as you. Ewww!” Eliza visibly shuddered.

             "What did you say?" asked Matan.

            " That you are so handsome!", replied Eliza in false sweetness before she bared her teeth and regally moved out of the kitchen forgetting what she was meant to fetch for Ami. Ami is her godmother's daughter-in-law now as she married Rain just that morning. Ami also happened to be another of Madam Claudia's numerous godchildren as the former was the daughter of Claudia's best friend and neighbor who passed away when Ami was younger. In truth, Claudia is in alt as she finally has Ami as her daughter by virtue of her marriage to Rain. She couldn’t stop saying in a loud voice,

           “Just get lost, will you!” and she swiftly turned her back on him escaping the confines of the kitchen that seemed so small for them both. She just couldn’t understand why Matan seemed so bent on unnerving her. She saw how he interacts with Ami and Mabel; it was no surprise as he was friends with them most especially Mabel. With that in mind, she hurried her steps away from the kitchen and from the horrid man.

            Matan watched Eliza's hips swaying gracefully as she swept out of the kitchen. For some reason, it bothers him that she seems the only woman who dislikes him immensely. he couldn't explain it as well, he enjoys annoying her just to get her attention. She has that unflappable facade that could fool others but not him. Living in the UAE with so many nationalities, one learns how to mask one’s expression to get a point across.  When he met her at the cruise ship, she was a bit reserved or aloof and only seemed to have eyes for Rain. What a waste, he thought at that time as Rain was already head over heels in love with his best friend Ami. True, Eliza wasn't as innocently beautiful as Ami nor as goddess-like as Ami’s cousin Mabel but she is a beauty in her own right. When Matan looked into her eyes during that time, there was vulnerability hidden in the depths. Despite all that he couldn’t stop looking at her, hair is jet black and her eyes, they reminded him of his coffee, not black but dare he say it, dark chocolate. Damn, am thinking like a poet, he grimaced. He should be tracking another beauty and see if they would match. he was thinking of another woman, Rain's ex-fiancée but for some reason his mind cannot conjure what Fiona looked like. In his mind he can only see a chocolate-eyed, long black-haired woman with fair and smooth complexion. He shook himself and followed Eliza out of the kitchen. He nearly laughed; he might be the one stalking the irksome woman after all. 

           Now, where are these people hiding their booze? He wants a drink right now, where is the harm in that? This is a wedding after all, consequences be damned. He has loads of practice dealing with consequences after all, what could one more hurt? He didn’t even mind Devlin ribbing at him telling him even to mind his own business.

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31 Chapters
PROLOGUE & CHAPTER 1
Most of the names here are made up specially the ones for the Emirati family. I could have used a real Emirati surname but I just made up my own, better to be safe than sorry. Some of the events here are close to my heart. PROLOGUE Eliza looked up admiringly at Valeria and Regina who were both in their late teens. They were so pretty and tall, an impressionable girl of 8 like her would believe anything they would say. Valeria is the only child of their next-door neighbor and Regina who also lives next to Valeria’s house is the second eldest child of their other neighbor. Eliza thought they really think her cute so whenever the two young adults, Regina being 19 while Valeria just turned 18; ask her parents to bring her with them, she gleefully goes. She never suspected that they’ll be her downfall. One day, they tagged ger along to Valeria’s house and went into a forbidden room that contains adult magazines. As young as she was, she thought those magazines were okay to be v
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-14
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CHAPTER 2 How it all began
Five moths ago.... "You will do well, trust me. The Al Fahezis are good people, I wouldn't leave them if not for Rain. We agreed that it would be best for us both to return home and start our lives together. I have wasted my life pining for things that were not possible until he came", Ami paused then continued with a laugh, "to his senses." Eliza laughed with her but she was all jitters inside. From what she heard, Ami did an amazing job as Madam Al Fahezi’s PA. What if she failed miserably. She owes this job to her godmother, Rain's mother, and to Ami as well as she was the one who referred Eliza as a replacement. They were meeting with Mariam in one of the cafes along Abu Dhabi corniche. It was the first week of July, the hottest month of summer in the UAE. The cafe is owned by Ami's cousin's husband, Varick Devlin. and thankfully the AC is working nicely as the cafe is cool and comfy compared to the outside. He saved Ami's cousin, Mabel from a white sl
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-15
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CHAPTER 3 Mister Arrogance and Miss Innocence
"You must be Eliza, Madam's new PA," a voice said behind Eliza in the elevator on her way up to the office. She turned around and met the eyes of a tall gentleman with laugh lines around the eyes which are currently twinkling with admiration as he looked at her. She didn't notice him when she entered the elevator as she was so focused on not stumbling. She was wearing her heels today in a dark blue skirt suit, purchased by Ami as a gift upon her arrival in the UAE. She wanted to give a good impression on her first day as Mariam’s PA. She smiled at the gentleman warily and replied, "I am sorry Sir, but how did you know? I don't even know you" " I beg your pardon Miss, I am Theo. We will be seeing each other a lot as I also work for Madam." "Oh, Mr. Theo Matthews? The Manager?", suddenly she recalled reading his name on the website when she was looking it up last night. "A pleasure to meet you, sir", Eliza gushed. "Oh, nonsense my dear.
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-15
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CHAPTER 4 Training Day
Eliza schooled her features although her heart was beating erratically at the sight of Matan all suited up and looking so handsome in that seat. How did she fail to notice his outfit earlier? She was so busy fighting the sensations he caused in her body, that's why. Damn, he really is so bothersome, but also too handsome for his own good, she thought. She suppressed the shiver that coursed through her body when Matan gave her body a sweeping glance before returning to her eyes as he spoke, " I believe you wanted to get started Ms. Vicente, so why don't you take a seat and write this down." In his mind he was not dictating the words Madam Al Fahezi gave him but things he wanted Eliza to do starting with her discarding her clothes in front of him. What? Where did those thoughts come from? He slapped his head unconsciously which got Eliza's attention. "I'm sorry Sir, are you okay? Am I supposed to write that down, take off your clothes? Whose clothes, Sir, a model?
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-15
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Chapter 5 Apologies long past its due
After a long day, Eliza was grateful to be home. Her training lasted a month and thankfully, after that first day, Mariam continued training her with the help of Theo. As she is a quick-study, it didn’t take her long to learn the ins and outs of the business. It also helped that Ami was so organized that all the documents she needed were filed meticulously both soft and hard copies. Matan just pops in every now and then, considering he has his businesses to run but even if she hates to admit it, Eliza misses him to her extreme annoyance. Although she yearned to walk by the Corniche as the water looked so refreshing and inviting, she just wanted to rest. Home was the accommodation provided by the company. She doesn't really care as long as she can lie down on her own bed. Meera treated her to dinner despite Theo inviting her first. She declined for the reason that other employees might put meaning to the special attention he seems to be giving her. She may be naive but not tha
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-15
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CHAPTER 6 Dinner date?
One morning, Eliza went ahead of Meera as the latter was not feeling well. She just said it is her monthlies so though a bit apprehensive, Eliza took the bus to work. She has a transportation allowance but she did not really mind taking the bus, besides it afforded her a view of the city while travelling. She could also use the extra money to send back home. She promised herself that she would go walking during her off days should her employer not require her that is. She was already oriented by Ami so to speak. She was wearing her second pair of heels this time black to go with her black ensemble. Yesterday was a skirt, today trousers. Although there was no specific dress code so long as it is professional, the employees enjoy the freedom to choose what they wear, besides it is a fashion industry. More often than not, some employees are asked to wear some of the clothes they will be selling in stores. It is their marketing strategy. If people give positive comments on what
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-15
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CHAPTER 7 Can we start over?
Is the woman trying to annoy him? Can't she even find a decent clothing to dress herself? Those were the thoughts currently running in Matan's head as he beheld the vision in black coming into the restaurant. He was more annoyed to see Theo with a smug smile on his face while Eliza's hand was on his arm as they were ushered in. Noticing the admiring looks she was garnering, he slowly took off his coat and swiftly covered her with it all the while whispering "Are you intentionally attracting attention to yourself?" Eliza was shocked and incensed with his action and whispered words that she stopped, flung his coat back at him and and said aloud " Ain't your damn business. You're not my keeper!?" Matan was taken aback by her response that he nearly dragged her out of the restaurant if not for Theo managing to lead her away before their altercation escalated further. To be fair, Eliza was attired appropriately compared to some of the lady diners present. It was just
last updateLast Updated : 2024-09-22
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CHAPTER 8 Desperate Dad
Thirty years ago, to this day, Alonzo left his son to the care of his good friends, Abdullah and Mariam Al Fahezi. The mother of his son just left as soon as she delivered their child. Alonzo couldn't believe she could just leave them after her sweet promises. He couldn't blame her though; she thought he was just an ordinary expat with an extraordinary face. Of course, Alonzo had to be secretive about his life otherwise, his grandfather could track him down and bring him back to Italy where he'll be under lock and key. So, fearing for his son's life, he had to leave him to the care of his friends promising to be back for him once he secured a safe life as far away as possible from the clutches of his grandfather. He can't go back to Italy because he'll be easily discovered, nor can he go to the US, he doesn't know anyone there. "Where are you planning to go, habibi?" Abdullah asked. " I would rather not tell you but I will contact you as soon
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-19
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CHAPTER 9 Dawn of the Don
“Have you found my grandson?” the don asked the two men sitting tensely across him in the courtyard of his villa. Though the question was asked softly, it held a menace to it. The two men were fidgety as they were very apprehensive of how the don would take their report. Impatient of their answers, the don flicked his wrist and his whip was speedily in his hands. The two gentlemen quaked in their boots. They know the sting of that dratted whip as they were the recipient more than once in their growing up years. They hated that they have to kowtow to his every demand. If only they could find that very precious grandson and get rid of him permanently, but alas, they have scoured Italy to no avail. Even with the don’s extensive connections, they couldn’t find their prey. That is what’s worrying them because they know how volatile the don is. More fearful of what the don might ask his minions to do, the taller and much heavier man stood up and with false bravado said: “Uncle, I m
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-22
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CHAPTER 10 Conundrum
“No Abdullah, this can’t be true, why now after so many years? He can’t take my son away, noooo!” Madam Mariam was trying to hold back her sobs in her husband’s arm. “Habibti, you know he isn’t really ours. We promised to protect him and consider him ours which we did, but we can’t keep him forever, he has the right to know who he really is. “Abdullah tried to comfort her hugging her tightly and kissing her hijab-covered head. That was how Matan saw them when he arrived at the Al Fahezi residence in town. It was previously Rain’s apartment which they converted into their own by adding the apartment next to it. The hotel is now managed by Ali as they are co-owners of the hotel. Rain did not want to relinquish it altogether for him and Ami to have a place to stay when they visit. He was about to confront Abdullah when another person arrived at the scene. He froze for a minute before dismissing her out of his thoughts or he tried to because she tried
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-23
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