Marco Junior took out his cigarette and then threw it in the trash. He hadn't planned on spending Christmas alone, but over the past two years, he's gotten used to being alone every holiday. This year will be no different. That's what he said to himself.Taking a deep breath, he looked around the park. As he watched a woman nearby play with a boy on a nearby slide, he remembered his own mother - Danielle Gustilo. He imagined his mother holding his knee and checking it, to make sure he hadn't suffered any injuries from the slide he carelessly slipped on at the age of one. He remembered falling on the monkey bars at seven o'clock, not only skinning both knees, but also his elbows. He was shaking and crying.Her mother grabbed a wet tissue from her purse and placed it on his knees. He did the same with his elbows.His eyes went from the mother who had been watching her son go down the slide, to the swing set located on the east side of the park from where he was sitting next to the slide

The lawns are greener than green, the house looks like it receives a daily scrub down and even the gravel seems to receive daily maintenance. If the exterior is anything to go by, then I can't imagine the interior needing any work. I looked up at the dozens of sash bay windows, seeing soft curtains hanging from all of them. I'm tempted to call Herman to check I've got the right address, but it says The Country Hills on the gate. And that miserable sod on the other end of the intercom was obviously waiting for me. As I pondered my next move, the doors opened, revealing the largest man I had ever seen. He saunters out to the top of the steps. I gasped when I saw him, taking a slight step back. He was wearing a black suit - specially made to be sure because it was not a regular size - a black shirt and a black tie. His shaved head was shiny, and sunglasses covered his face. If I could form a mental image of who I expected to show up at their doors, it certainly wouldn't be him. The man

Engelbert sat down on another stool. 'It's amazing. The Italian way of skiing follows their quiet lifestyle closely,' He smiled broadly, the first proper beaming smile since I had laid eyes on him - all straight, white, and green. This man is a God. 'I got up late, found a big mountain, ran up the slopes until my legs gave out, slept late, ate late and started again the next day.' He addressed us all but stared at me.His passion for the slopes is reflected in his wide smile.I couldn't help but return his beam. 'You're good?' I asked because this was the only thing that came to my mind. I think he is good at everything.'Very,' he confirmed quietly. I nodded my approval, and for a few seconds, our eyes met. I was the first to break it.'Shall we?' He asked, pushing himself off the stool and motioning towards the exit.'Yes.' I smiled. I'm supposed to be here to work, after all. All I have achieved so far is a hot flush and an establishment of extreme sports. I was in a trance.From t

I turned to Herman's office to ask if he had notified Mr. Montero of the change in arrangements, but then it rang again, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed and connected the call. If Herman hadn't advised him, I would have. And if it doesn't fit, it's bad luck. I was making a mess of convincing myself that I passed on the contract because Herman was better suited for the project. I know damn well that's only half the reason'Hello.' I say, stamping my foot a little for sounding apprehensive in my greeting. I aimed for sure and confident.Shaira Rose?' His husky voice had the same effect on my fragile senses as it had on Friday. But at least on the phone, he doesn't see me physically shaking.'Who is speaking?' There. That's better - professional, businesslike, and firm. He laughed a little, and I completely passed out. 'Now, I know you already know the answer to that question because my name came up on your phone,' I cringed on the spot. 'Trying to play it cool?' Oh, the proud ass! H

"Yes, and I want to talk to you personally. Are you available tomorrow afternoon or evening?""Sister, you know that I am very busy with my job, very important or just a bonding moment?""This is very important, regarding your brother Marco Fernando Junior and your grandfather. Well, as for me, it is very important because of your inheritance. Are you interested?"Shaira Rose Fernando listen very carefully when she heard the word, inheritance. "Well, of course, I am interested to know my status for the inheritance.""Okay then, what time and place we will meet? Well, I suggest Le Jardin, a French Restaurant in BGC Taguig? We had the place on our own when we had lunch there, a dreamy place at the penthouse of W5th. Modern yet classic, I must say the irony blended well. Romantic but not boring. Complimentary slices of bread and small appetizers were served and the timing of every food we ordered was well observed (appetizers - mains). Also, there's a wine cellar where they keep some of