Chapter 5: Sisters

SHE GRABBED Desmond’s arm tightly, her voice laced with sugary sweetness.

“Babe, I've been looking all over for you.” she poured with a pout. “I already had the paintings I like–for our new house.”

Her eyes flicker to me as she says the word our new house, dripping with mockery.

Desmond didn't even flinch. “Okay.” he simply replied, calm—but he seems distant for some reason.

“Wait for me in the car with mom.”

He gently pried her fingers from his arms and turned away—his eyes finding mine with quiet intensity.

“I'm not done here.” he said this in a low voice "I still a very important piece i need to deal with Ms. Garcia."

Samantha's expression flattered for a brief second. The furry behind her plastic smile barely stayed hidden. Her gaze followed to the painting on the wall—Ocean Eyes.

“I want to buy that painting.” Desmond said, his voice steady, his eyes fixed on the canvas.

He looked mesmerized by it.

I painted it when Yandrich was just two years old—because everytime I looked into his eyes, I was reminded of him.

Samantha stepped closer, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. She gave a brittle smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh, I see.” she said sweetly. “Ms. Garcia, my husband seems to be struggling with this painting of yours.”

She placed emphasis on the word husband, like she's telling me that he was hers.

Turning to the painting, she let out a force and annoying laugh. “What’s so special about it?”

“It’s her son’s painting.” Desmond said with authority in his voice like he was telling Samantha to shut up. Samantha was caught off guard by his tone making her laugh sound so fake. “Oh…That’s nice!”

Samantha turned to me, turning her back to Desmond and she clung her hands on my arms. Her expression instantly changed—sharp, serious and full of irritation.

“You have a child?” she asked, disbelief in her voice was evident. “Sister, I had no idea.”

“Sister?” I laughed mockingly. “I think this is the first time you’ve ever called me that.” I pulled her hand off my arm. I couldn’t stand their presence anymore. I was sick of their pretenses.

And Samantha? Her face was as red as tomato, clearly fuming with irritation and anger.

“What did you just say—?” she started to snap, but Desmond stopped her. "But..."he looked at her with serious eyes making her stopped talking

“Mr. Velasquez, I'm sorry.” I said firmly. “My son was just happy to know that you liked the painting. But it's no longer for sale. I’ve decided to keep it—it’s the first painting my son and I made together. I hope you understand.”

I faced them both, keeping my posture steady and confident, not letting their presence shake me.

I saw the amusement in Desmond’s eyes.

“It’s alright. I understand. Thank you for your time.” he said simply, then turned to his wife. I watched the way he looked at Samantha once his eyes left mine. He grabbed her arm—firmly. Samantha looked like she wanted to protest, but Desmond’s expression was unreadable. Cold.

It was the first time I’d seen him look at her that way.

“If you’ll excuse me.” I said. “My son and husband are waiting for me.”

I’m sorry, Nick. I dragged you into this mess again.

I called over one of my staff and gave quick instructions. “Kindly assist Mr. and Mrs. Velasquez. Make sure all their purchased paintings are delivered by tomorrow.”

I turned to them one last time. “Thank you for supporting the orphanage. Your help means a lot. If you need anything else, my staff will be happy to assist. Have a nice evening.”

I was about to turn and leave when Desmond’s hand gently clasped my arm. The touch sent shivers down my spine.

“Yes?” I asked, forcing my voice to remain steady. Trying to ignore the sensation crawling over my skin.

He looked into my eyes, he gave intense—full of emotions I couldn’t quite read.

“If you ever change your mind… call me.” He said gently. The dark aura he had earlier vanished as he said those words. He was smiling now as he looked at me like he used to before.

Gently, he slipped a calling card into my hand. He gave my hand a slight squeeze, as if trying to say something words couldn’t.

I just nodded, too stunned to say anything. I didn’t even know how long I stood there, frozen, his touch lingering longer than I wanted it to.

Don’t let him affect you, Yvonne. I whispered to myself. Then turned and walked toward the parking lot.

AT THE PARKING LOT I saw a familiar figure waiting there.

Samantha.

I didn’t know long she had been standing there—but clearly, she wasn’t ready to back down. I thought they left already.

But I wasn’t afraid.

Not anymore.

I am stronger now.

“Stay away from my husband, Yvonne.” She hissed, raising her hand to slap me—but I caught her wrist.

I wouldn’t let her hurt me again.

She already took everything from me once.

I shove her hand away. She stumbles slightly, nearly losing her balance.

“What’s your problem?” I snapped, facing her squarely.I stood taller than her—we were only inches apart but this time, I refused to back down.

“Don’t be a homewrecker. Move on.” Her words were laced with venom, but I didn't flinch. Instead, I raised my eyebrow and kept my posture composed.

“And how dare you let your bastard son near him?” She sneered. “Do you want him to take responsibility for your mistake?”

Wrong move, Samantha. No one insults my child.

I stepped forward, my voice low, calm and firm. She instinctively stepped back, trying to maintain the distance between us.

“First, tell your husband to stay away from me. He’s the one who keeps talking to me—not the other way around.” I smiled—sweet and sarcastic. It only made her angrier.

She was about to speak but I cut her off.

“And you? Talking about moving on again? For the nth time, You're the one who should move on!” I added. “Don’t compare me to you, Samantha. I’d never stoop that low.” I continued while looking at her from head to toe.

“I’ve been doing everything I can to stay away from this mess. Because frankly? You disgust me.” Her face twisted with range.

“How dare you! You’re just an orphan—someone we gave life to! If it weren’t for us, you’d still be in that crappy orphanage!”

I let out a bitter laugh as I remember how I suffered while I was with them.

“This orphan you’re insulting?” I said coldly, stepping closer. “She’s the reason why you’re still breathing. So don’t you dare talk to me like that.”

I took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry. I’ll stay away—from you, and your perfect little worlds. You don’t have to be so threatened.” I turned my back to her, ready to leave. 

“You b*tch!” She lunged at me, this time I wasn't able to stopp her.

Her hand caught the strap of my dress and ripped it.

I gasped, instantly wrapping my arms across my chest.

“F*ck.” his baritone voice echoed. A familiar scent wrapped around my skin as he draped his coat over my shoulders, shielding my exposed skin.

“Desmond…She—” Samantha ran towards him, trying to to turn the tables.

“Stop making a scene, Samantha!” He shouted. He glanced around clearly noticing the crowd.

“Get her in the car.” He ordered one of the bodyguards behind me.

I looked at his face—he was gritting his teeth as he stared at Samantha trying to control his anger. But when he suddenly looked at me I almost jumped out of shock.

I held his coat tightly as he walked closer to me ignoring Samantha who’s shouting his name.

Without a warning, he pulled me into a hug. I was stunned.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

I stood frozen in his arms. My heart was beating so fast.

This is wrong.

I was about to push him away, but he gently cupped my face, examining it intently to check if I had any scratches or bruises.

I didn’t know what I looked like at the moment—but I was afraid he could hear my heartbeat, or see through my emotions.

“I promise this won’t happen again.” Desmond said softly.

I couldn’t find the words. I just…nodded.

He held my hands and started walking me toward my car.

I let him hold my hands. Pull yourself together, Yvonne!

I tried to pull my hand, but no matter how hard I trIed to pull my hands he won't let it go. 

Everything just changed when he was near.

This is wrong, Yvonne. You can’t let him affect you again.