A few days had passed, and the morning sun streamed through the windows of Jackson’s room. He and Cindy lay peacefully in bed, fast asleep.The room had undergone several upgrades: a sleek flat-screen TV now adorned the wall, a bookshelf filled with books and trinkets stood proudly, and a loveseat along with an upholstered armchair added to the cozy atmosphere. The single wardrobe had been replaced with a larger one, making space for Cindy’s clothes.Suddenly, the shrill sound of Cindy’s phone alarm echoed through the room, waking her up. She stretched but immediately winced in discomfort, the aftermath of another wild night with her playful boyfriend.“Hiss…! Jackson, you little rascal,” Cindy muttered with a half-hearted grin, pulling off the covers with difficulty.Dressed in a nightgown, she sat up and searched for her slippers. A sudden thought hit her, jolting her fully awake.“Oh, today is Patty and Ron’s engagement day!”******In the Silva Penthouse, Liz, still wrapped in her
Ronaldo banged on the door, desperate.Inside the Silva Penthouse hallway, Fernando urged his wife, “Honey, open that door immediately!”Tears filled Liz’s eyes as she responded, “I can’t, darling, I can’t!”From outside, Ronaldo’s voice echoed, “If you don’t open it, I’m going to break it down, you know?”“The door opens inward, son!” Liz reminded him.Ronaldo sounded frustrated. “Mom, did you do this? Jesus Christ, why do you hate me so much?”Liz, horrified, protested, “I don’t hate you, son!”Distracted, Liz didn’t notice as Fernando grabbed both her hands.“No, no, let me go, Nando!” she cried.But Fernando had already snatched the key from her grip. With a raised hand, he pretended he was about to slap her.“Get out of here before I do something stupid!”Liz screamed and ran back into the bedroom.Without hesitation, Fernando unlocked the door and stormed into Ronaldo’s room, where his son stood, breathless, wearing only a checkered pair of boxer shorts.“Dad... What happened to
Fernando stepped out of the hallway, now dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and black tuxedo pants.Just as he adjusted his attire, the doorbell rang. He hurried to open the door and greeted his parents with a warm smile.“Mom, Dad, come in!” Fernando said, ushering them inside.Leonardo gave him a knowing look. “You seem relieved to see us.”Marta wasted no time. “Where’s my grandson?”Fernando closed the door and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem... He’s rushing to get dressed. He took too long picking up his clothes from the dry cleaner.”Marta raised an eyebrow, her expression full of suspicion. “And why did he take so long? Oh! He and Patty must have been together since last night—”“Mom, no!” Fernando blurted out, his hands nervously hovering near his lap. “Ron and Patty have never touched each other! They’re saving themselves for marriage!”Leonardo noticed his son’s unease. “No need to get worked up, son.”“Dad, you don’t understand,” Fernando replied with a sigh. “Liz wen
In Patricia’s room, early morning, Cindy was horrified as she heard Matthew’s friendly voice coming from Patricia’s phone.Patricia, gripped with anxiety, felt like throwing her phone to the ground.“Cindy…” she said, her voice trembling.“Are you secretly talking to Matt?” Cindy asked, her tone sharp.“No!” Patricia exclaimed. “That was the only message I’ve received from him this entire time!”“Then why does he want to come to your engagement party so badly?” Cindy pressed.“We invited him… him and Elaine,” Patricia explained.Cindy raised an eyebrow. “Patty, do you really think that’s a good idea? What if it causes another fight between him and Elaine?”Patricia stood up from her vanity, trying to compose herself. “That won’t happen. Their sightseeing trip should have brought them closer, right? If they start fighting again because of me, maybe their love wasn’t meant to be.”Cindy remained skeptical. “And you’re not hoping for that, are you?”“For God’s sake, Cindy, I don’t even k
Matthew and Elaine stepped into the grand foyer of the Sterling Mansion, their faces bright with laughter as they shared a joke from their honeymoon. Jarbas followed close behind, carrying their luggage.As they crossed the threshold, Sheila descended the stairs, her expression a mix of relief and tension.“I’m glad we’re all happy here,” Sheila said, exhaling sharply.Matthew beamed at his mother. “Hi, Mom! How are the preparations going?”Sheila hesitated, her uncertainty evident. “Are you sure you don’t want to rest after the trip? The time zones can be exhausting.”Elaine, sensing something was wrong, asked, “Is something the matter, Sheila?”Sheila stood before them, her face now serious. “Nando texted me. Liz isn’t going.”Matthew and Elaine exchanged confused glances. “What did I miss?” Matthew asked, his tone growing cautious.Sheila sighed. “Son, don’t get upset. This will all be sorted out.”“Mom...” Matthew prompted, his concern deepening.“Liz has decided to echo Jasmine’s
Outside the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund walks briskly, his phone pressed to his ear as he talks to Karl.“Karl, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know my son would be so curious!”Karl’s voice comes through the speaker, calm yet firm. “Sometimes I think it would be better to tell him the truth, man. Or he’ll find out another way.”Edmund frowns, glancing around to make sure no one is listening. “How would he find out who you are?”“Talking to Patty, or Vanda, or anyone who works here at Golden Letters,” Karl replies.“That’s crazy; I need to put a stop to this,” Edmund says, his voice low and hurried.“If there’s no other way, you can say it, buddy,” Karl responds, his tone resigned.Edmund sighs. “You still need to keep the secret. Bye for now.”“Bye for now,” Karl echoes.Edmund ends the call and heads toward the parking lot, where Bryce is already approaching.“Oh, are you leaving already? Can I get a ride home?” Bryce asks, his expression casual but his eyes sharp.Edmund narrows his gaze
The engagement party at the Borges house was in full swing. Guests had been momentarily surprised by Patricia’s choice of dress but quickly relaxed into the festivities.“Patty, congratulations!” Jacqueline greeted warmly.“Hey, Jacque,” Patricia smiled, “I should be congratulating you on your relationship, right?”“Oh yes, thank you. I’m very happy with Zach,” Jacqueline replied, and the two women hugged.Zachary, standing nearby, extended his hand to Ronaldo. “Congratulations, Ron. I hope everything goes well this time.”Ronaldo shook his hand with a confident grin. “I don’t even consider the first time, buddy. Thank you.”Zachary smiled cautiously, “Soon you guys will be invited to my engagement party too.”“Consider it my congratulations in advance. Jacque is an excellent girl to marry,” Ronaldo said.“And what about...?” Zachary hesitated.“Matt? He should be arriving soon,” Ronaldo assured him.Just then, Matthew arrived at the entrance, accompanied by Elaine and Sheila.From Ma
Vanda had arranged for the French doors to be opened, allowing guests to step out onto the wooden balcony and enjoy the sunset. Jazz music filled the air, adding a sophisticated touch to the evening. Ronaldo and Patricia moved about, capturing moments with their phones.The party had evolved, with snacks and canapés giving way to chicken pie and chocolate cake, while juice and soda had been replaced by wine and cocktails.Cindy approached Elaine with a sly grin, her voice dripping with mischief. “Elaine, are you satisfied with this arrangement?” she asked, her tone as tempting as the serpent in the Garden of Eden.Elaine responded cautiously, “Cindy, it’s not appropriate for the two of us to talk.”“Why not? We’re friends now!” Cindy declared with feigned innocence.Elaine raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”“Since I stopped loving Matt and fell for Jackson. Didn’t you know? We’re living here now.”Elaine’s shock was evident. “Mr. and Mrs. Borges are letting you live here without being m