One year laterThe sun cast a golden glow over the vast, manicured gardens of the prestigious Grand Regency Hotel.A venue renowned for its grandeur and elegance. The garden, transformed into an ethereal paradise all thanks to the best wedding planner in town.It was the perfect setting for the wedding of the century between Estelle and Silas, the Controller General.Guests from all walks of life, including dignitaries, politicians, celebrities, and high-profile business moguls, filled the garden, their elegant attire creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, mingling with the scent of blooming roses, lilies, and orchids that adorned the space.A grand archway, entwined with white roses and ivy, marked the entrance to the ceremony area. As guests entered, they were greeted by the soft, melodic strains of a live orchestra, playing classical pieces that echoed through the garden.Crystal chandeliers hung from the branches of large ancient o
Ever since Leonardo had lost his job at his best friend's company where he used to work as a chauffeur, he had become a househelp in his own house. But he never complained. He was still searching for a job for the past four months and hadn't been successful with finding one. So, naturally, as the ‘jobless’ husband that he had become, Leonardo had no other option but to take care of the house while his wife, Sophie, was away for work. Today, he had deep cleaned the entire house, fixed the sink in the toilet, washed his wife's cars in the garage and made lunch. His wife's cousin, Emma, had offered to help him but he'd politely turned down her help. She was a graduating college senior who visited the house whenever she was on the weekends or on long breaks, and Leonardo hated to stress her when she should be having a rest. He was not the time who was inconsiderate of others. “Hmm. I smell something nice. What's cooking?” Sophie walked into the house, looking tired in her corporate
“Daddy! Emma!” Ava jumped in joy and ran towards Leonardo as soon as she set eyes on him. “My princess.” Leonardo crocheted low and caught Ava in a hug and laughed wholeheartedly as he did so. He ruffled her hair lightly and played with her cheeks. “Hey, beautiful one.” Emma leaned lower too and opened her hands towards Ava for her own hug. Disentangling herself from Leonardo, Ava hugged Emma too. “I've missed you, Emma.” She whispered into Emma's neck and the latter chuckled lightly. “Why? It's only been a week.” “A week is too long, Emma. Daddy cannot make hot cross buns as good as you can. And mommy doesn't even know how to cook. She cannot carry an egg to save her life.” “Really?” Emma laughed again and Ava nodded her head in response, while laughing too. “Alright then. Once we get home, I'll make you some hot cross buns and bake some cookies too. Would you like that?” “Yay! I would love that!” Ava hugged Emma again in gratitude and after their short hug, the trio headed
Four months ago, when Leonardo used to work at Kevin's company as a chauffeur, he had crashed the car of one of the company's board of directors when he was tasked with driving the man back to his hotel. As expected, the man had burst into fury and demanded that Leonardo fix his car but Leonardo knew he would never be able to raise the huge amount needed to fix the car. He was barely making ends meet with his meager pay. His pay was so little that he was certain he would have to save up all his salaries for an entire year before he would be able to fix the car. Left with no other options, the company had to fire Leonardo as a way of taking responsibility for his action. But even after Leonardo was fired from the company, he was certain of one thing. The car crash wasn't an accident. Someone had tampered with the car and orchestrated the accident to implicate him. But because he had no evidence whatsoever, he couldn't speak up about it and was forced to swallow his suspicions. But
As the dark jeep drove through the driveway of a huge mansion, Leonardo was struck with awe at the sheer size and grandeur of the mansion. There were several cars parked out front, including a Lamborghini, a Rolls Royce and a Porsche. It was clear that this home of immense wealth and luxury was owned by no ordinary man but a multi millionaire. As Leonardo, the dark suited men and the woman alighted from the car, they were joined by a young lady who walked out of the mansion towards them. Her long strawberry blonde hair was curled and flipped to a shoulder and she was wearing an ankle length, silk dress. She had a beautiful smile on her face as she kept her eyes on Leonardo and unexpectedly wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Leonardo's body stiffened and his eyes darted from left to right, in his confused state. The young lady disentangled herself from him again, the smile on her face never unwavering even for a second. “Long time no see, lost brother.”A look of confusion fli
As soon as Leonardo returned back home, he headed straight for the bedroom. Once he reached the door of the bedroom, he pushed it open to see Sophie all dressed and reapplying her makeup, as if nothing ever transpired between them only a moment ago. When she turned her head to face him, Leonardo felt his stomach turn in disgust at her sight. She repelled him so much that he could throw up and he wondered how a woman could be this evil and dark hearted. It irked him to think that he had been married to this woman for five whole years and had endured all her mistreatments, all because of a love that was never there to begin with.“Knock before opening the door. How many times do I have to correct you?” She sighed in frustration and rolled her eyes at him. But Leonardo wasn't here for any of her drama. He was here for something else.“The divorce papers.” He spoke. “Where are the divorce papers?”Fine lines of wrinkles crossed Sophie's face at his question.“And what about them?”“Wher
The next day, Leonardo and Estella drove to the company in a dark BMW car. Once the car stopped, Leonardo felt a strong sense of nostalgia as his eyes took in the sight of the sleek and modern grandiose of the building. The memories of the time he used to come here with his parents filled his head and now, fifteen years later, he still appreciated the contemporary architecture of the company and the air of luxury and sophistication it exhibited. “Seems like you still remember what the company looks like.” Estella smiled at him, impressively. “A little.” He answered while clapping his hands together feeling a little odd from his dressing. “Are you sure about this?” Estella asked him, gesturing to his choice of clothes. At the same time, one of the security guards opened the car door, and Estella and Leonardo exited the car.“Yes, I prefer it this way for a start. You know,” Leonardo insisted on wearing casual clothes on the first day of resumption. He even noticed the disapproving
The security guards bowed to them as they walked into the company building. As they stepped into the large and vast entrance, they were greeted by the staff while they also whispered in awe behind their backs. “Oh my goodness, it's Jayden Romano.” “I thought he was dead.” “He grew up to be so good looking. Goodness!” “Where has he been all these years? I heard he went missing.” “There is a board meeting currently ongoing. We are late.” Estella informed Leonardo and they took the elevator to the top floor, where the meeting was being held. “Are you nervous?” She asked him as they disembarked from the elevator and walked down the hallway. “I mean, it's going to be your first board meeting. It's okay to be nervous.” “Surprisingly, I am not.” He replied to her. “I look forward to the board meeting.” As soon as they set foot into the board meeting, the once lively room suddenly fell silent for a few seconds and everyone in the room eyed Leonardo curiously. “Good day, ladies and