"What are you trying to prove, Vicente? I’ve told you. We aren’t together. There’s no need to choose," I said after finding my voice."Fine. I see you’ve thought it through. Use the door, Rose," he started to turn away when I quickly rushed to his front. He rolled his eyes and exhaled."Think about your grandfather. He’s worried sick, Vicente.""I don’t care," he shoved. "There’s nothing for me back there. I lost Mum," he said, his eyes bored. "Now I think I lost you too, Rose.""You don’t own me. Neither of you brothers do, okay!" I snapped suddenly, hating how helpless I looked in front of me as I fought back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes."What I have going on, with any of you, you wouldn’t understand, trust me, Vicente. You would never understand how I feel," I said in a calm, almost pleading tone."Tell me. What is it? Why is it so hard to take a stance, Rose? Is it Valentino’s money? Is it because he’s next in line?" He asked without emotion as the tears finall

"Drink!" Valentino stretched his hands toward the mug with a sarcastic look as he watched his brother. When Vicente had made such an ungracious dare, she had stiffened. Was it because of the talk they had? She could see the look in Vicente's eyes when he asked him, like more of a challenge. We hadn't expected Valentino to pass."Why?" Vicente asked as Valentino made to grab the mug. "It's just a kiss," he shrugged.Valentino made an irritated face and glanced at me shortly, then back to Vicente. "I am not just interested," he said, grabbing the mug and drinking a full glass of beer."Right, you're not," I could hear Vicente mutter."I think we should stop, guys," I said as I felt the tension brewing. There were sniping conflicts between them already, and I wouldn't want them to have another brawl, or it would be high time the chairman finds out, and the money I will have to pay for breaking the damages."Why? We are only getting started, Rose. Besides, I'm not enjoying this," Valentin

"Valerio," I breathed calmly as I opened the door, trying not to look fazed or shaken."Hi," I managed a smile as he stood staring at me. "When did you get back?" I continued, trying not to show how nervous I was."You didn't leave," he said, as if he didn't care, but his eyes told me more.I shrugged and nodded."I came back that same night. There was nothing for me there when you weren't there," he said, trying to make a point, but I looked away from his eyes that held mine."Okay," I said, looking to dismiss him, but he didn't look like he would budge."I was worried," he started again as he stared at me with that intense gaze that broke all my resolve. "I mean you left like that and threatened to leave our—"He paused and parted his lips to talk. "The house," he said instead. Was he planning to say "our"?"I was angry and tired," I tried to defend myself, making him see me more as the victim here."My brothers are jerks, right?"I shrugged and sighed. Where was this conversation g

"Thanks, Marco," I waved at him in the driver's seat as he gave me an appreciative nod."Remember what we discussed, Miss Arturo. It's better he doesn't know. Everyone would remain happy that way," he said, and started the engine, driving out of the mansion."I hope so, Marco," I murmured to myself and turned to look at the mansion. Even in the night, it still stood gigantic and beautiful."I wish it were as warm inside as it is outside," I sighed and walked into the house, only to see Vicente descending the stairs."Hey," I flashed him a smile as he watched me in confusion while approaching."You've been out? I knocked on your door earlier, but there wasn't any response; I thought you were asleep," he said, coming closer and then his face broke into a smile. "Went on a date, huh?" he asked with a teasing look as he scrutinized me."Don't I look too stressed for someone who went on a date?" I replied, and he nodded slowly."Makes sense," he replied."Marco took me out for dinner," I o

Marianna led me to a moderately large room. I looked through the window, where children each had a painting board, all engrossed in their scribbling."That's Valerio, our benefactor who was once a kid here. He's an artist dedicated to teaching the kids to draw. Isn't that wonderful?" She said with glee as she pointed to a man standing by a child, guiding her through the process of painting.Dressed casually in brown slacks and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, he sported a gold wristwatch. A strand of hair fell on his face as he looked engrossed; I could see the glint in his eyes as he painted."Rose?" Marianna called, and I realized I had been caught in a kind of reverie as I watched Valerio."A fine young man, isn't he?" Marianna smiled with pride. "I don't know if it's okay to go in. Valerio doesn't like it when we walk in on the kids during their painting lessons," she said, completely oblivious to the effect the man a few inches away from me was having."Oh…how professional,"