The marble floor echoed under Tania’s heels as she stepped into the Ricardo mansion, her expensive perfume lingering like a presence of its own. Everything about her appearance was carefully curated—her sleek white dress hugged her frame in all the right places, her makeup flawless, her hair pulled back into a soft, elegant twist. But beneath all that control, a storm was brewing.She had barely slept after seeing the viral image—Miguel and Ximena on a rooftop, candlelight glinting between two wine glasses, their silhouettes unmistakable. It had taken every ounce of self-control not to scream into her pillow.Now, standing inside the home she had always imagined as her future, Tania knew she had to act. Desperation had given her a strategy.“Ma’am is in the lounge,” one of the maids said, stepping aside.Tania offered a quick smile and moved through the hallway. The scent of chamomile tea and roses lingered in the air.Mrs. Ricardo sat gracefully on the velvet couch, a porcelain teac
Ximena stepped into the lobby of Antonio Enterprises, sunglasses shielding her tired eyes. Her head throbbed—not from lack of sleep, but from the kiss that had lived rent-free in her mind all night. She could still feel Miguel’s breath against her skin. Could still hear the way he whispered her name, not with the arrogance he used to wield like a sword, but with longing. With ache.She exhaled sharply and smiled as Rafael approached, holding a takeaway coffee in each hand.“Good morning, boss lady,” he greeted, handing her a cup. “You look… well, emotionally hungover.”Ximena arched a brow. “That obvious?”“You’re glowing, but your eyes say you’ve fought a thousand wars.” He leaned in. “Date went late?”She scoffed. “No comment.”They rode the elevator up together, Rafael humming a teasing tune under his breath. The moment they stepped into her office, she shook off the haze and got to business.“Do we have Lucas locked in for the bridal capsule meeting?”“Yep. He’s already in the co
The morning sun spilt gently through the curtains of Ximena’s apartment. She stood by the kitchen island, sipping her coffee while Miguel cleaned the last of the breakfast dishes. The silence between them wasn’t tense—it was comfortable. New. Almost unfamiliar.Miguel dried his hands. “Are you sure you don’t want me to have Rafael reschedule some of your appointments? After last night…”Ximena cut him off with a small smile. “I’m fine, Miguel. Let’s not make a scene out of it.”He nodded, though clearly not convinced. “Alright. But I’m taking you to the office. No arguments.”Moments later, they were in his car. The ride to Antonio Enterprises was quiet, filled with occasional glances and the low hum of jazz from the radio. When they pulled up to the front entrance, Miguel stepped out and walked around to open her door.“You don’t have to play chauffeur,” Ximena teased as she stepped out.“I’m not playing,” Miguel replied. “I just… don’t trust that those thugs have backed off.”Ximena
The apartment was quiet.Ximena sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers idly running through her freshly washed hair. She’d barely spoken after Miguel dropped her off. Her brain had been too clouded by everything that had happened.She could still see the flash of steel in the thug’s hand.Still hear the crunch of Miguel’s fists against their jaws.She’d never seen him like that. Unapologetic. Fierce. Protective.He didn’t even hesitate.Her lips twitched at the memory as she pulled the throw blanket over her lap and leaned back against the headboard. “Of all the nights to follow me,” she murmured to h picked the right one.”She shouldn’t smile. She really shouldn’t.But her body had already betrayed her.A small, involuntary curve spread across her mouth, and she sighed.“Damn him.”He saved her.He still *looked* at her like she was something he’d lost and was terrified to lose again. She shook the thought away and got off the bed.There was still work to do.She freshened up—slippi
The restaurant was quiet, bathed in a golden glow from chandelier lights and floor-length candles. Sleek waiters moved gracefully between white-clothed tables, and soft jazz floated in the air like perfume. It was the kind of place where every movement was deliberate—every glance, calculated.Miguel Ricardo walked in with shoulders squared, his face unreadable beneath the sharp lines of his tailored charcoal suit. His assistant had scheduled this dinner a week ago and insisted—repeatedly—that it was important.He didn’t care for such meetings. Especially not the kind that came with shareholder strings attached.Vanessa Lugo sat near the window, already sipping from a tall glass of something pale and sparkling. Her black gown shimmered faintly under the light, but nothing was dramatic about her demeanour. She looked up when she saw him and smiled—easy, casual.“No security?” she teased as he approached. “I expected bodyguards.”Miguel gave her a brief smirk as he pulled out his chair.
The morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Ricardo Enterprises, bathing the boardroom hallway in a golden hue. Inside his office, Miguel adjusted the cufflinks on his charcoal-grey suit jacket, his expression already etched with irritation.Carlos, his assistant, stepped in, holding a sleek black folder and Miguel’s phone.“Morning, sir,” Carlos said crisply. “Today’s schedule.”Miguel barely looked up. “Hit me.”Carlos flipped the folder open. “You have a shareholders’ strategy meeting at nine. Then the press follow-up regarding the Paris delegation findings at eleven. And at noon…” he hesitated, “…a dinner engagement with Miss Vanessa Lugo—daughter of one of our key shareholders, Mr. Iker Lugo.”Miguel looked up, his brow tightening. “What dinner?”Carlos cleared his throat. “It was arranged last week. Her father insisted on it being added to your calendar. He claims it’s a… relationship-building opportunity.”Miguel rolled his eyes, walking over to the e