As the party kept going, bantering and showing off here and there to impress Mama Christina, it was time for gifts. Julius's family, known for their pretense and conspicuous displays of wealth, began presenting the old grandma with a collection of extravagant gifts. Each gift was meticulously chosen to impress and flatter their grandmother. A vintage bottle of aged wine from an esteemed vineyard, accompanied by crystal wine glasses, a collection of luxurious silk scarves and shawls, each piece bearing a unique design, showcasing the family's commitment to fashion and style. A custom-made, designer evening gown, meticulously tailored to the grandmother's specifications, crafted from the finest materials and embellished with genuine pearls. Each gift was met with admiration and applause from the guests, who reveled in the impressive displays of wealth. The family members from Julius's side congratulated themselves on their ability to please the grandmother and reveled in their ability
As Isabella hurried towards their car in the dimly lit garage, the weight of the tumultuous evening bore down on her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she felt an overwhelming need for space and solitude to gather her thoughts. Sebastian, driven by concern and remorse, abandoned the banquet and hurried after his sister. "Isabella!" he called, but his voice carried both an urgent plea and a tinge of regret. Isabella slipped into the driver's seat and swiftly locked herself inside the car, creating a small sanctuary where she could process the maelstrom of emotions that swirled within her. Sebastian, his anxiety mounting, approached her vehicle and rapped gently on the window. After a few moments, Isabella relented, winding the window down, her eyes red and tear-streaked.Desperation clung to Sebastian's voice as he tried to explain himself. "Isabella," he began, "I understand that we've been tough on you, and I'm so sorry for my earlier words. But please, just hear me out." Isabella g
As the party continued, the grand hall buzzed with laughter and merriment. Guests reveled in the festivities, savoring delicious food, exquisite wine, and dancing the night away. Yet, as the evening drew to a close, guests gradually started to bid their farewells, departing from the opulent venue. Amidst this flurry of activity, Eleanor and Sebastian found themselves quietly collecting souvenirs and unopened bottles of wine from the banquet tables. They carefully stashed these items into bags, preparing to take them home. Their efforts, however, did not go unnoticed.One of the sharp-tongued cousins, who had previously taunted them, couldn't resist the urge to add another jab. With a sly smirk, she called them "leeches." Eleanor, determined to maintain her composure, offered a diplomatic explanation. She responded, "It's for my neighbor," all the while subtly swaying to the music playing in the background. The cousin's attempt to insult them slid off like water off a duck's back, as E
As Eleanor and Sebastian sat in the Uber, heading home from the grand, eventful birthday celebration, their spirits were lifted. The turn of events at the party had left them with a sense of satisfaction and an upper hand. They reveled in the irony that what Mama Christina had intended as a show of power had instead showcased their resilience and wit. Eleanor chuckled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I really like how the event turned out in our favor," she said.Sebastian, sharing her sentiment, grinned. "I know, right? Those useless lots thought they could bring us down with their extravagant gifts to Mama Christina." Their laughter filled the car as they reflected on the unexpected turn of events. Eleanor couldn't resist poking fun at Annabelle, the cousin with the rich fiancé. "But Annabelle, though, with her rich fiancé, I don't believe that girl." she said, shaking her head.Sebastian raised an eyebrow, remembering past episodes involving Annabelle. "True, Mum. But
Sebastian's observation about Isabella's absence didn't go unnoticed by Eleanor. Concerned, she summoned Tes, who was still visibly upset from her earlier confrontation with Eleanor. "Where is my daughter?" Eleanor inquired impatiently. Tes responded quickly, "She's upstairs in her room, ma'am, and it's locked. She specifically told me not to disturb her or allow anyone to disturb her." Eleanor snatched her towel back from Tes and turned to Sebastian. "Sebastian, tell that girl to open her door right now. I need to speak with her."Sebastian nodded and called up to Isabella, "Isabella, Mum needs to talk to you. Open the door." Tes, undeterred by her earlier dressing-down, quickly began preparing Eleanor's bath, knowing that any delay could result in another round of harsh words from her employer. Sebastian's persistent knocking on Isabella's door, along with his calls, went unanswered. He returned to his mother and reported, "She's not answering, Mum. I tried."Eleanor, feeling a mixt
The next morning, Alexander was up at the crack of dawn, eager to start his day without the looming threat of drama from Eleanor or anyone else in the household. He quickly got dressed, ready for another day of work at the clothing factory where he labored diligently. As he quietly prepared to leave the house, he noticed that his wife was still sleeping soundly. Isabella, in her own way, was his anchor in the chaos of the household. She had gifted him a Toyota, a symbol of their love, but today he chose not to drive it. The tensions from the previous night's party had created an emotional distance between them, and he decided to leave the car parked.With a heavy heart, he made his way to the nearby bus station. Public transport had long been his mode of commuting. Sitting in the bus, Alexander couldn't help but dwell on the events of the previous night. The memories churned in his mind like a tumultuous sea. Mama Christina's humiliating comments at the party and her dismissal of his
As the conversation continued, their supervisor, Mr. Chun, stormed into the weaving section. "Get to work, get to work, stop unnecessary chit chat!" he barked, his stern gaze scanning the workers. "Get to work!" Alex and Daniel exchanged a knowing look and quickly refocused on their machines. They were well aware that Mr. Chun didn't tolerate any distractions during working hours. The lunch break at the BnN clothing factory was always a welcome escape from the relentless noise of the machines. Alex and Daniel made their way to the factory's modest cafeteria. It was a no-frills place with fluorescent lights, plain white walls, and long, well-worn tables and chairs.They joined their regular group of coworkers – John, Zac, and Aaron. The guys were already engrossed in a spirited discussion about last night's game, a topic that offered some respite from the monotony of their work. Alex and Daniel each ordered a plate of the daily special, which was usually some variation of meat, rice,
The sun had barely begun its ascent, casting a gentle morning light through the windows as Isabella grumpily stumbled into the kitchen. Her tired eyes and disheveled hair hinted at a night of restless sleep. She reached for the coffee maker, intent on brewing a cup of much-needed caffeine. As she fumbled with the coffee grounds, Tes entered the kitchen quietly, her presence almost as unobtrusive as a whisper. With a respectful tone, she spoke, "Ma'am, you should have called me to help you get your coffee." Isabella, still bleary-eyed and in a morning haze, managed a faint smile. "Oh, Tes, you're always so kind. But I didn't want to bother you." Tes replied, "It's no bother at all, ma'am. I'm here to assist."Isabella settled into a chair at the kitchen table, appreciating the warmth of her freshly brewed coffee as it began to chase away the remnants of her morning grogginess. She looked at Tes and made a decision. "You know what, Tes? You are free from me today. You can attend to ev
As Kia's words hung in the air, Isabella felt a mix of anger and disbelief swirl within her. She struggled to find her voice amidst the chaos of emotions brewing in the room."Okay, Isabella, I apologize. I know I shouldn't have done you wrong like this, But you don't even like the man." Kia's voice broke the tense silence, but Isabella could sense the insincerity dripping from every word."Shut up! Shut up now or else I'll make sure you're wounded," Eleanor snapped, her eyes flashing with fury."You'll do nothing of such, Eleanor. If you don't want me to take back everything I've done for you," Ruben's voice cut through the tension, his gaze stern as he addressed Eleanor's threat."So what now? You two are couples?" Jessica's incredulous voice added to the cacophony of emotions filling the room.Ruben nodded solemnly. "Yes. And she's carrying my child," he admitted, his words hanging heavily in the air."What?!" The collective gasp from the others echoed through the room, mingling wi
As the night wore on, Isabella found herself unable to find solace in sleep, her mind plagued by the events of the previous day. Thankfully, Jessica remained by her side throughout the long hours, offering a comforting presence in the darkness.As morning dawned, Isabella stirred from her restless slumber, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Turning to Jessica, she attempted to put on a brave face, determined to face the day ahead. "Jess, you can go home now. I'm okay," she insisted, her voice tinged with a sense of determination.But Jessica wasn't about to leave her friend's side so easily. "There is no way I'm leaving you by yourself, babe," she countered, her tone firm with resolve. "You need someone with you right now."Isabella sighed, knowing that Jessica wouldn't budge on this matter. "But I'm okay, though. We need to go to work, in fact," she argued, her mind already turning to the tasks that awaited them."Not today," Jessica insisted, her gaze unwavering as she reached for her
With tears blurring her vision, Isabella drove aimlessly through the night, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't know where to go, but eventually, she found herself pulling up to her own house. The familiar sight brought little comfort as she stepped out of the car, her heart heavy with grief.As she pushed open the door, still consumed by her tears, Isabella's eyes fell upon Tes, standing before her with bags and luggage in hand, a look of determination on her face. Confusion clouded Isabella's features as she struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before her."What are you doing? Where are you going?" Isabella demanded, her voice cracking with emotion.Tes met Isabella's gaze with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "Is everything okay, ma'am? You're crying," she observed quietly.Isabella's frustration boiled over as she lashed out at Tes, her voice tinged with desperation. "Where the hell are you going, Tes?" she yelled, her words echoing in the empty hallwa
As Isabella bared her heart to Alex, her words hanging heavy with emotion, Alex couldn't help but chuckle nervously, a mixture of disbelief and uncertainty swirling within him."Isabella, what about your husband?" Alex countered, his voice tinged with apprehension as he sought to deflect the weight of her confession.But Isabella refused to be deterred, her gaze unwavering as she reached out to grasp his hand firmly in hers. "Alex, don't deflect, please," she implored, her voice filled with quiet determination. "I think about you every single day since you left, makes me wonder if you do the same too."Alex's heart constricted at her words, the memories of their shared past flooding back with bittersweet clarity. "You know what is funny is the fact that you have the audacity to tell me all these after everything I have been through because of you," he retorted, his tone tinged with bitterness."Don't say that. You know you weren't completely honest," Isabella countered, her voice soft
As Grace's questions hung in the air, Alex exchanged a meaningful glance with the butler and Bambi, silently conveying the gravity of the situation. Sensing the tension building, Grace's patience wore thin as she demanded answers."What is she talking about? What about the company?" Grace pressed, her voice edged with frustration.Alex hesitated, weighing his words carefully before responding. "Mum, I promise I'll tell you everything when we get home," he reassured her, his tone earnest."Why not here, hun?" Grace insisted, her tone growing more insistent by the second."Now is not the time or place. Let's respect our friends, Mum," Alex replied gently, his eyes pleading for understanding.Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Grace begrudgingly acquiesced. "As soon as we all get home, you start talking," she declared firmly."Okay, Mum," Alex agreed, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation.Just then, a welcome distraction presented itself as Rich and his wife came into view. Sensing
As the morning light filtered through the curtains, Isabella stirred from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the sound of the alarm clock. Beside her, Ruben leaned in to plant a tender kiss on her cheek, his voice filled with gentle insistence."Babe, you need to get up," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin."Good morning, baby," Isabella replied with a sleepy smile, her voice soft with sleep. "What time is it?""It's 9," Ruben informed her, his tone tinged with urgency. "We need to go get ready.""I agree," Isabella concurred, her mind slowly shaking off the remnants of sleep as she reluctantly pushed herself out of bed.As they both began the familiar routine of getting ready for the day ahead, Ruben's phone buzzed with an incoming message. With a quick glance, he checked it and swiftly composed a reply, his fingers moving with practiced ease.Curiosity flickered in Isabella's eyes as she watched him, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Who's that?" she
As Alex meticulously adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, his mind buzzed with thoughts about the day ahead. It was the Harringtons daughter's wedding day, a momentous occasion that he had eagerly anticipated despite the whirlwind of responsibilities that had consumed him at work.Grace entered the room with an affectionate smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Look at my handsome son," she beamed, admiring Alex's appearance. His smile widened at her words, a flicker of warmth amidst the nervous excitement."Mum, are you ready?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Because I'm picking Bambi on our way to the wedding."Grace chuckled, her laughter echoing through the room. "I just need to wear my dress. I don't want to wear it yet until I'm sure you're ready.""Okay, Mum," Alex replied, a hint of impatience in his tone. He glanced at the clock, aware of the ticking seconds slipping away. Just then, the butler entered the room."Good morning, everyone," the butler greet
Alex's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of curiosity and concern flickering across his features. "Who?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.Layla leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say, it's someone you never would've suspected," she teased.Alex's eyes widened in disbelief as Layla revealed the culprit behind the company's turmoil. "It's Becca," Layla stated matter-of-factly."I knew it! I had my suspicions!" Alex exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with a mixture of anger and vindication.Layla's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You knew?" she questioned, incredulous."Yeah," Alex admitted, his tone somber. "We had some trouble months back, and all directions were leading to her, but we were unable to find any evidence."Layla's expression softened as she processed the revelation. "And you're just telling me this now?" she asked, a hint of reproach in her voice.Alex's shoulders sagged
Alex's mind was a whirlwind of worry and frustration as he sat at his desk, poring over legal documents and making frantic phone calls to his lawyers. Each attempt to reach them only resulted in unanswered calls and mounting frustration.With no progress in sight, Alex's last hope rested on Layla and whatever information she had managed to gather. He dialed her number, his fingers tapping impatiently against the desk as he waited for her to pick up."Layla," he greeted as soon as she answered. "What have you found out?"Layla's voice came through the phone, filled with determination. "Hey Alex, I'm just on my way to your house. Don't leave."Relief washed over Alex as he replied, "I'm right here. I'll wait for you."They exchanged brief goodbyes and hung up, leaving Alex to anxiously anticipate Layla's arrival. As he waited, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him.Seeking solace, Alex reached out to Bambi, his voice filled with apology and concern. "Babe, I'm just