Isabella retreated to a quiet corner of the house, her phone pressed to her ear as she dialed Ruben's number. "Hey, hope you're not gone too far, because Mama Christina is here and wants to talk." Ruben's laughter echoed through the phone. "I'll turn back." Isabella made her way to the living room, where Mama Christina sat regally, her presence commanding attention. "I just called him. He's on his way. So what is it you want to talk to me about?"Mama Christina fixed Isabella with an assessing gaze. "You know what it's about. Now that you've divorced that man, I can't let you run the company unmarried. You have to be with someone befitting." Isabella sighed, her frustration evident. "Grandma, I just divorced my husband. Please, respect that. I'm not in the right headspace for this.""That's why you need someone like Ruben," Mama Christina declared, her tone unwavering. Just then, the doorbell rang, a chime that seemed to punctuate their conversation. Eleanor, sensing the arrival, went
Kia leaned back, studying Isabella with a sly grin. "Well, I do support your wanting to make your own decisions, but babe, Ruben is the dream. And I tell you, a lot of chicks are on him, so it's better you grab him now." Isabella sighed, contemplating Kia's words. "I don't know. I'm just not ready for all that right now."Kia leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "So when will you be ready? When you're old?" "That's not what I mean. What I'm saying is, I just divorced Alex. I can't jump to another man just like that. It doesn't make any sense," Isabella explained. Kia rolled her eyes. "Of course it does. To me, Alex was just there throughout your seven years with him. So yes to living your best life."Isabella shook her head, unsure. "I don't know." Kia, undeterred, declared, "You know what you need? A turn-up." "Oh no, no," Isabella protested. "Too late. I'm cal
As Isabella and Kia enjoyed their drinks in the VIP lounge of Club Eden, the lively atmosphere around them took an unexpected turn. Ruben, who had discreetly followed Isabella from her house to the club, approached their table. Isabella's gaze shifted to him, suspicion lining her eyes. "What are you doing here? Are you stalking me now?" Ruben raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "No, I'm not. I came here with a few friends."Isabella arched an eyebrow, her skepticism apparent. "But this is a male strip club." Ruben chuckled, his gaze meeting Kia's. "Yeah, I know the owner of the place, so it's not a problem." Isabella glanced at Kia, a silent exchange passing between them. "Hello there," Ruben greeted Kia. Kia quirked an eyebrow. "Hey hi. I thought you're into men for a second."Ruben laughed. "You got jokes. I'm Ruben." He extended his hand for a shake, an
As Ruben guided Isabella to his car, the city lights reflecting off the glossy surface, Isabella couldn't help but voice the nagging question that had lingered in her mind. "Why are you always following everywhere?" she asked, her words slurring slightly from the effects of the alcohol.Ruben, focusing on the road ahead, smiled. "Because I care about you," he replied, his gaze briefly meeting hers. Isabella, perhaps feeling the weight of the night and the unexpected twists it had taken, sighed in response. The gentle hum of the car's engine and the rhythmic sounds of the city outside created a cocoon of tranquility, and before long, Isabella succumbed to the drowsiness that alcohol often brings.In the quiet confines of the car, Isabella drifted into a peaceful slumber. Her head rested against the window, and the subtle rise and fall of her chest signaled the deep sleep that had claimed her. The cityscape blurred as Ruben continued to navigate through the streets, his eyes occasionall
As Alex settled into the house, he was greeted by the lingering aroma of an exquisite meal that awaited him. The memory-laden scent beckoned him to the dining area, where a spread of delicious dishes graced the table.Savoring each bite, Alex felt a sense of comfort in the familiar taste of his mother's cooking. The flavors transported him back to simpler times, where the family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. After the satisfying meal, Alex retreated to his room. The room, adorned with memories and remnants of his past, held a certain nostalgia. As he surveyed the space, his gaze lingered on a framed photograph capturing a younger version of himself, a mischievous glint in his eyes.Lost in thought, he recalled the times when he used to sneak into his room, trying to avoid the watchful eyes of his mother. One particular scenario stood out vividly in his memory.Late one night, after a party that had stretched into the early hours, Alex tiptoed into the house,
In the charged atmosphere of the living room, Alex, reluctant to open past wounds, attempted to steer the conversation back to the present. "Mum, can we just talk about what is important?" he implored, hoping to redirect their focus.Grace, however, seemed unwilling to let go of the underlying tensions. "What is important? So Dave wasn't important to you, is what you're saying?" she retorted, her words carrying a sharp edge.Alex, sensing the conversation veering into familiar territory, responded with a hint of frustration, "Are you making this about Dave? Need I remind you about everything that happened to this day, how you both treated me like I'm not a member of this family?" Grace, defensive, countered, "How did I treat you, hun? All I did was to make sure you kids get along just fine, but you always, always make flimsy excuses to reject your role.""Mum, before you start blaming, please find your facts well," Alex urged, his patience wearing thin. Grace, feeling the weight of th
After the emotional storm in the porch, Alex, feeling utterly miserable, made his way upstairs and collapsed onto his bed. Thoughts swirled in his mind, a chaotic whirlwind of broken dreams and shattered illusions. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, grappling with the harsh reality of his life.Amidst his contemplation, a gentle knock echoed through the room. "Come in," he called out, the weariness evident in his voice. Grace entered the room, her presence somehow both comforting and unsettling. "You have a minute, son?" she inquired, her voice carrying a tone of both concern and authority. Alex sat up, looking at her with a mix of exhaustion and apprehension. "What is it, Mum?"Grace walked up to him, taking a seat on the bed. Alex mirrored her actions, waiting for her words. "Have you been crying?" she asked, her gaze searching his face for an answer. Alex remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the evidence of his emotional turmoil. Regardless, Grace continued, "Anyway,
Alex's gaze fixed on the distant horizon as if contemplating the unfolding plan. "Well, while considering that, I want to bring in new people," he declared, his eyes reflecting determination. "What?" Grace inquired, setting down her pen."They are capable, Mum. I can assure you of that," Alex replied confidently. Grace raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "Who are these people?" "Just leave that to me. I won't do something to harm us, you know that, Mum," Alex reassured her.Grace sighed, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "I won't even allow that." "So, that's a yes?" Alex pressed, hopeful. "Not inherently. I will need to see these people of yours and know their qualifications before I can say yes," Grace insisted, unwavering. "Okay, Mum, but while I do that, I'm not taking no for an answer," Alex asserted, a glint of stubbornness in his eyes. "Just do what you have to do," Grace conceded, her tone softening.Alex nodded, appreciating the concession. "You won't be disappointed, Mum.