"The major problems in the company are already on its way to a full out meltdown, and I'm glad because for sure I'll get more time to spend my time with you and our baby, love..." Mateo's words came out muffled. They're now at the mansion's garden. Isabella, who's gently rocking Amara on her arms lovingly look at Mateo. "I am happy to know that love. You know that I don't want you feeling so stress because of your work. And like what I always told you, you deserve a rest also, don't set aside your health," she said softly to him. Mateo gently squeeze her shoulder. "I just really want to do all the things fastly, love. I don't like the idea of not getting enough tume for our family," he replied."I know, I understand you, Mateo. But love, you don't need to worry about me and Amara too much. I can take care of our baby and myself. I just want everything to go smoothly for you, okay?" She gave him another reassuring smile before she turned her head towards their baby who's sleeping p
Nerissa put an additional foundation on her face, and brushed out her hair while she's staring at herself on the mirror in the restroom. "You are really beautiful, Nerissa! Mateo's will never get tired of seeing your face in his office!" she said with a wider smile on her face as she walked outside and headed towards the cafeteria. ~As the morning sun filtered through Mateo's office window, his smile grew bigger when Isabella send him a picture of herself and their baby. He's about to type a reply when someone knocked the door. "Mateo?" It's Nerissa's voice, its been weeks since she started to work as his secretary."Come in, Nerissa." "Oh..." "Yes! It's for you, Mateo!" Nerissa then carefully arranged a tray of freshly brewed coffee and a plate of warm croissants. "I just heard that you like warm croissants to go with your coffee, so I also bought some for you." "You're really spoiling me with these treats, Nerissa. Thank you," he chuckled, looking up from his phone. "You
"I knew it..." Nerissa said as she face Nicholas who was surprising looking at her."N-Nerissa, have you been there the whole time?" Nicholas stuttered, now feeling tense and scared at she heard everything. "Did you—""Oh yes! I heard your conversations. So... you and Aunt Linda, how could you betray the company, Mateo, especially Aunt Cynthia who believe in you and treat you very well?" Nicholas swallowed hard as he looked around before he gently pulled Nerissa inside his office and she just let him do that. "Nerissa... I... I didn't want things to turn out this way. But my mother, she's always had a hold on me. I didn't know what else to do." Nerissa stared at him and laughed. "Come on, Nicholas! I understand that you feel trapped now, but there's no use of denying or covering up the truth. I am your friend right? Then... why would you tell me instead what's the reason why you are planning those things?" She smirked at him, and Nicholas doesn't has a choice but to sighed and tell
The city lights blurred past as Isabella sat in the backseat, her gaze fixed on the small velvet box in her hand. It's a gift she'll give to Mateo as a token for this another year together. The streets were usually quiet, on the way through the Elmer's Restaurant, their favorite place for dinner. After some time, her phone ring, it's Mateo who's calling"Hello, love?" she smiles softly and picks up the phone. "Love, I just finish settling some things on my clients, I am on my way through the restaurant," he informs her. "I'm on my way also. It's Roman who's driving me," Isabella calmly said. She knows that Mateo tries to convince his cousin Nicholas to be the one to drive me now, but then she doesn't want Nicholas to put his time for her, so she really insisted that Roman be the one to do that."Well, you insisted already. Nicholas also told me about it." Isabella sighed, she feels like Mateo's jealous when it comes to Roman, she's just thinking that maybe Mateo's just overthinking
Mateo burst through the door, his face etched with worry, while he's still holding his phone. "Mom! Have you seen Isabella? She never showed up." Mateo's mother who's emerged from the living room, a look of concern quickly replacing her initial surprise. She didn't expect that his son will suddenly came back home with that kind of expression on his face. "No, dear. I thought you two were enjoying your anniversary dinner." Dalia and Rose also approached them as they heard about it. "Sir. Mateo? Why you are here? I thought that you're with Isabella," Dalia asked in concern. Mateo turned towards them. "Yeah... But did Isabella say anything to you about changing plans? Don't you receive any message or call from her?" Both Dalia and Rose shook their head, own worry mirroring theirs. They can't believe that for the first time Isabella's the one who's late on their date. "No, Sir. Mateo, Isabella was so excited about tonight. She left saying she couldn't wait to see you," Rose responde
"The police are on their way, Mateo. They'll find her," Nerissa said. Mateo with his hands pressed on his lap take another heavy sighed. He didn't even still getting enough sleep after what happened last night. Mateo looked up, his eyes glassy. "I should have been with her. This is my fault. I should choose our date first before dealing with those clients! Fuck this!" he yelled, throwing off the blanket and standing up from where he was sitting. Ms. Cynthia immediately approached her son. "No, dear," she said firmly. "You can't think like that. We're going to do everything we can." Nerissa also did the same. "We're all here for you, Mateo. I am also worried for my sister, but I am trying to be strong," she said while fakely sniffling. After some time, Dalia and Rose told that the police is already there. And the police started the interview. Mateo recounted all what happened last night, while his hands are still shaking and the police officer's keep on jotting down notes. Detec
Mateo's mother, gently placing Amara back in her stroller, watching Mateo pace back and forth by the massive windows overlooking the mansion's gardens. "Dalia..." she called Dalia."Please, take a look at Amara for a while," she said softly before heading to where Mateo is. "Son...Can we talk?" Mateo whirled around abruptly, his eyes bloodshot and filled with emotionless frustrations. He didn't respond, yet he walked towards the living room at sat down on the sofa, Ms. Cynthia the. follow him. "I know what you're facing, Mateo. It's really not easy for all of us. If you are problematic, how about when it comes to Nerissa, right? She's Isabella's sister, yet she can still choosing to be strong for other important things," she tried to explain. Mateo just staring the the floor. "Mateo, son... Please, talk to me." "Talk? What's there to talk about? It's been days, Mom. Days without a single word about my wife or Roman. The police—" Mateo's voice cracked. "They have nothing!""You
Nerissa leaned against the mahogany bookshelf, her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips."And so?" she didn't even hesitated to tell him the truth now. "You can't be serious," Nicholas scoffed disbelievingly. "You... you orchestrated her kidnapping? But why? She's your sister. Even though you are not really blood related, she treated you well, right?" he asked, still can't believe why Nerissa got on this point. Nerissa's smirk faded into a cold, calculated look."Because she doesn't deserve the happiness she has. Not with him, not with their daughter," she hissed, her jealousy and hatred seeping through each word, as she continue."She has everything I've ever wanted – the perfect life, a loving husband, and that adorable daughter. I can't stand seeing her happiness while I'm left in the shadows." Nicholas sighed while shaking his head. "Then, what's the endgame?" "I want her to suffer. I want her to feel the pain of losing it all. Now that she's gone? I'll swoop in, taking n