《Mr. President You Are The Daddy Of My Triplets》


 Chapter 1

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 1 ¨C 1- Odd Query</h1>


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    Marissa looked up at her friend¡¯s forehead which had several lines while pressing the ultrasound device on her belly moving it back and forth.


    ¡°What? Is there a problem?¡± She asked Dr. Sophia James who was not only like her elder sister and friend but also a big name in the gynecological department.


    ¡°This PCOS has messed up my cycles already, Sophie. I don¡¯t know how else to control my sugar cravings anymore.¡± Sheined putting her head on the pillow praying silently that it wasn¡¯t another cyst on the screen.


    ¡°Umm ¡­ it¡¯s not the cyst, Marissa,¡± Sophia passed over a soft cotton napkin to her assistant who wiped off the gel from Marissa¡¯s belly.


    Once Marissa was seated opposite her, Dr. Sophia leaned back in her seat and observed her face, ¡°When did you get yourst period?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think it was two months back, but it was more like spotting,¡± Marissa leaned forward to ce her elbows on the table, ¡°What is it, Sophia? Is it something serious?¡±


    She was already tensed due to her husband Rafael Sinir whose blindfold would be taken off today after three days of his eye surgery.


    A small smile crossed Dr. Sophia¡¯s lips, ¡°I know you are already anxious, Marissa because today Rafael wille to know about the reality that all this time when he was blind, his wife was not Valerie but you. ¡±


    Marissa gave a nervous nod and pursed her lips.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°But I think he won¡¯t stay mad at you once you tell him you are pregnant.¡± Marissa¡¯s eyes snapped up to Sophia¡¯s face.


    What? Pregnant?


    Sophia nodded with a smile, ¡°Now you need to stay happy and take a good nutritious diet for your babies.¡±


    Marissa felt her heartbeat stopping and her hand moved to her t belly, ¡°Babies? Twins?¡±


    Two years back she had to marry Rafael Sinir in ce of her sister who fled away from the wedding because she couldn¡¯t marry a blind man.


    Rafael Sinir was drop-dead gorgeous, president of the Sinir group of industries, and was very much in love with Valerie.


    In an ident, he lost his eyes and after expensive treatments, doctors decided to wait a bit so that they could operate his eyes. They were quite hopeful for the sess of the operation.


    However, on the wedding day, Valerie decided to escape from the venue and Marissa had no choice but to take her sister¡¯s ce.


    Rafael¡¯s mother Nina Sinire cried before Marissa and begged her to ept her blind son¡¯s proposal or he would give up on life.


    Marissa was a lot different from Valerie. She had been a shy and quiet kind of girl whose world used to revolve around books.


    Four years back when her sister brought Rafael to introduce him to the family that¡¯s when she met him.


    He had be her instant crush, but she couldn¡¯t say much due to her elder sister Valerie. Valerie was a beautiful carefree soul who was crazy about boys and parties. From a very young age, boys used to adore her and fell for her like moths around a me.


    Vrie and Rafael were crazily in love and wanted to get married in a hurry except when Rafael met a car ident and lost his eyes.


    Valerie went quiet after that. She used to visit Rafael in hospital and Marissa could feel that the spark was missing.


    ¡°Rubbish,¡± her mom Vicky Aaron snubbed her once, ¡°your sister is upset but she loves Rafael like anything. Stop thinking negative about her.¡±


    Due to Rafael¡¯s disturbed mental state, both families decided to arrange the wedding, and everyone seemed happy about the decision except Valerie.


    Marissa could see sadness in her eyes but as always Mom used to brush it off.


    However, everyone was shocked when Valerie was found missing from the dressing room leaving behind just a small note of apology that said, ¡°Sorry. I can¡¯t marry a blind man.¡±


    Marissa was used as a scapegoat and her mom made her wear the wedding gown in ce of her sister.


    The only thing simr between Marissa and Valerie was their voices. Nobody could detect whose voice was it and that worked for both the families.


    Since she got married to him, she became Valerie to everyone around her. Only Dr. Sophia was the one who used to call her by her real name in her clinic.


    Rafael atst had a sessful eye operation and today doctors were supposed to take off the blindfold. Marissa was already very nervous, but both the families had assured her that they would support her in front of Rafael.


    He needed to ept that the girl he married two years back was not Valerie but her younger sister Marissa.


    On her way back to the hospital, she was continuously smiling like a fool looking out of the car window. Her pregnancy report was in her purse, and she could imagine Rafael¡¯s happiness.


    ¡°Now no more hide and seek, Mr. President,¡± she told him silently, ¡°I¡¯m your wife and you need to ept it, love. We are going to be parents and that¡¯s it. You are mine and today I¡¯ll tell you how much I love you.¡±


    She rubbed her belly lovingly and closed her eyes in pure bliss.


    Thest two years of their married life had been heavenly. They talked about books, literature, and philosophy. Rafael often used to remark how he never had such kind of meaningful conversation with her.


    ¡°Howe my wife has be so knowledgeable?¡± he used to tease her before kissing her passionately and Marissa used to melt into his body and lips.


    She even helped him in taking care of the business. He taught her a lot about how to make billion-dor deals and the ways meetings should be presided over.


    In short, they had supported each other in every aspect.


    She felt her heartbeat stopping when the car halted in front of the hospital.


    ¡°Time to im your daddy as Mrs. Marissa Sinir.¡± She told her unborn babies letting out a long sigh. When she reached the corridor, she could feel her heart drumming inside her chest.


    With fingers crossed she took out the envelope from her purse that had her pregnancy report and opened the private room¡¯s door where Rafael was brought after the operation.


    Her steps faltered when she saw the scene before her eyes. Her husband Rafael Sinir was there sitting on the bed without a blindfold. His green eyes were darting around in the room excitedly while he wasughing hard at something.


    His one arm was around a woman¡¯s waist who was standing close to him leaning her forehead against his shoulder. The way only a wife was supposed to stand.


    Only Marissa had the right to stand like this.


    Who was she?


    Just then the woman decided to raise her face and her teary gaze met Marissa.


    ¡°Valerie!¡± Marissa whispered to herself.


    What the actual¡­


    What was she doing here?


    ¡°Oh, Rafael,¡± Valerie sobbed, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you can finally see me.¡±


    ¡°Stop crying, my love.¡± he wiped her eyes gently.


    My love? That¡¯s what Rafael used to call me.


    ME!


    Just then Rafael¡¯s eyes fell on her, ¡°Marissa! My little Greene. My favorite sister-inw. Howe you are here? That too so soon.¡±


    He was told that his wife¡¯s sister had moved abroad for studies. Ignoring him, Marissa shot a sharp gaze at her sister.


    ¡°Valerie. What do you think you are doing here?¡± a hush fell in the room by her odd query.


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 Chapter 2

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">hapter 2 ¨C 2- Have Some Shame</h1>


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    ¡°What do you mean by that, Marissa.¡±Instead of Valerie, Rafael asked her, ¡°Naturally! She is my wife, and she is the one who is supposed to stay with me. Who were you expecting by the way?¡±


    His voice might be friendly, but the dangerous undertones suggested, he would not listen to a word against his beloved wife.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± His mom Nina Sinir held Marissa¡¯s elbow, ¡°I can take care of this,¡± she said with a forced smile and guided her rigid figure out of the hospital room,¡°What¡¯s the matter with you,Marissa? Can¡¯t you see? It¡¯s just three days to his surgery. He is watching the world after three damn years. Don¡¯t you create any drama!


    Marissa found herself speechless for a moment. This was the same woman who begged her two years back to marry her son and now she was ¡­ acting so weird.


    ¡°B¡­but mom. You know I am his wife and¡­¡±


    p!


    ¡°Are you fu*cking out of your mind, Marissa?¡± cing her hand on her stinging cheek, Marissa stared at her mother-inw dumbly, ¡°Are you so much after his name and wealth that you have forgotten the fact that he might be hurt once hees to know about our arrangement?¡±


    Marissa couldn¡¯t believe that she was double-crossed. However, she wasn¡¯t giving up on her love without putting up a fight.


    She pushed passed Nina Sinir and went back inside the room to talk to her husband.


    ¡°Marissa! Stop!¡± Nina came after her pleading, but Marissa walked up to Rafael and stopped just close to Valerie.


    ¡°Rafael. I need to talk to you. Alone!¡± The way she talked to him, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how confident she had gotten after getting her education and exposure from abroad.


    ¡°No such thing is happening,¡± her own mom Vicky Aaron hissed from the corner of the room, ¡°this is a happy moment for the family, and we must give Valerie and Rafael some privacy. Now let¡¯s go out.¡± She said with a smile and for the first time Marissa felt the urge to kill her mom.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, Mom,¡± Marissa challenged her mom stubbornly and turned her gaze to Rafael, ¡°I¡¯m NOT leaving this room until we have a word in private.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Behave yourself, Marissa.¡± Nina Sinir tried to speak gently this time. Before Valerie could say something, Rafael spoke,


    ¡°Alright. If she needs to talk. Then we better get some privacy.¡±


    ¡°But, darling. I don¡¯t want to leave you right now,¡± Valerie ced her arms around him with a pout, ¡°Can¡¯t you talk to herter?¡±


    Rafael kissed her hand and gave a gentle shake to his head, ¡°Just a few minutes, my love.¡±


    Marissa felt her heart breaking into tiny pieces. She was the love of his love. Not Valerie.


    While leaving the room, she didn¡¯t miss the evil glint in Valerie¡¯s eyes but ignored her. Right now, her mind was on no one, but her husband, the love of her life. Father of her unborn kids.


    ¡°What is it, Marissa?¡± Rafael¡¯s eyes narrowed into thin slits. She opened her mouth to speak but he raised his hand to stop her from speaking.


    ¡°Listen, little Greene. I know you always had a crush on me.¡± The revtion left her tongue-tied.


    ¡°Yes. I have always known since we first met. And that¡¯s not a bad thing, Marissa. I always took you as a caring sister-inw and nothing else. You were always like a little sister to me and that¡¯s it. I respect you as Valerie¡¯s little sister but if you think that you can own me by creating this drama then you are in for a surprise. I don¡¯t give a damn about you. Got it?¡±


    Marissa stood there like a fool not knowing what else to say.


    ¡°All this time¡­¡± she started, ¡°all this time I was the one who stayed beside you¡­ I¡¯m your wife and ¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough, Marissa.¡± She could hear annoyance in his voice and that hurt her like anything. For thest two years, he had been her lover and best friend, and now¡­


    Now he was treating her like a stranger. Like she was nothing but just trash.


    Their families starteding back inside. Looking at them curiously, Valerie at once darted towards Rafael, ¡°Honey. Are you alright? What does she want from you?¡± she then turned her hateful gaze to her sister and shrieked in anger, ¡°Shame on you, Marissa. You have turned our happy moment into an embarrassing one.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t want to give up. Not so easily. What would she tell her kids? That I gave up on your father without even putting up a fight?


    ¡°I was the one who married you, Rafael,¡± She managed with a sob. His hand that was going to hold Valerie remained there in mid-air, ¡°I was the one who married you and stayed with you for the past two years, Rafael. I know everything¡­I know everything about you. You also know me like no other man. You¡­ you touched me ¡­ I¡­ I gave you my virg*inity.¡± She came out of the trance when heard surprised gasps around her.


    ¡°How shameless you are!¡± her mom held her arm and gave her a wild shove, ¡°how dare you talk to your brother-inw like that.¡±


    Despite people¡¯s whispers in the room, her eyes kept gazing at the face that used to lean on her for kissing and licking her face.


    ¡°Please ¡­¡± she joined her hands, ¡°please don¡¯t kick me out of your life just like that, Rafael.¡± Closing her eyes she let the tears fall on her face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take this anymore,¡± Valerie shook her head and stepped back from Rafael.


    ¡°Valerie!¡± Rafael¡¯s eyes atst moved to his beloved, ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°Just get your hospital discharge, hubby. I¡¯ll wait for you at home.¡± Valerie nted a soft kiss on his cheek and left the room without a backward nce.


    ¡°I was mistaken, Marissa.¡± He chuckled, ¡°I thought that you were a kind-hearted girl with morals. I guess I was wrong. Your mom was right. Have shame and leave the room. Now!¡± he roared making everyone in that room jump in fright.


    Marissa pursed her quivering lips. There was no use in fighting the battle that she had already lost.


    Turning on her heels, she got out of the room.


    ¡°Marissa.¡± She halted in the hospital¡¯s corridor when heard her mother-inw¡¯s voice. A glimmer of hope came into her heart.


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 Chapter 3

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 3 ¨C 3- Best Two Years</h1>


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    ¡°Mom!¡± she quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand and turned to her.


    ¡°Now drop the act, Marissa. Let¡¯s face the truth. I¡¯m not your mom and you are not my daughter inw¡­¡±


    ¡°B¡­but¡­¡±


    ¡°No ifs and buts, Marissa. You were there when Valerie wasn¡¯t avable. ept it! He loves her. He¡¯ll never leave her. In his mind, she is the one who stayed beside him all this time.¡±


    ¡°B¡­ but you can tell him that¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell what? That you are his wife? No way!¡± there was a sarcastic smirk ying on her lips, ¡°Just be practical, Marissa. Thank your stars that you got a chance to enjoy our family¡¯s wealth all this time. You got the chance to sleep beside him when all the girls were dying just to have a glimpse of him. You had avish life all this time. What more do you want, love?¡±


    Marissa closed her eyes in disappointment, ¡°That means¡­ that means you used me. Right?¡± a humorless chuckle slipped through her mouth.


    ¡°So did you!¡± Nina shrugged her shoulders, ¡°If you want, I can pay you so that you can live afortable life.¡±


    ¡°What if¡­¡± Marissa swallowed hard, ¡°What if I had conceived during that time? What if we had a baby? What would you do then?¡±


    Nina brought her face dangerously close to Marissa, ¡°I would have killed him.¡±


    Marissa gasped but the evil woman nodded at her, ¡°That¡¯s right. Sinir¡¯s heir will only born from a woman who is extremely beautiful and looks ssy beside my handsome son. You are not fit to carry Sinir¡¯s heir. We have got standards, girl.¡±


    With a sinking heart, Marissa took a step back and tried to smile, ¡°Noted.¡±


    When she was leaving the hospital, she wanted to cry at the top of her lungs. They used her. All of them used her.


    ¡°What will I tell my babies?¡± she cried leaning back her head to the back seat of the cab. For the past two years, she had been traveling in luxury cars but today she was again back to square one.


    When she reached the Sinir residence there was silence in the living room. Two maids were cleaning the furniture and Marissa realized these weren¡¯t the same faces she was used to seeing every day.


    Nina Sinir had gone too far when she had reced all the servants of the house.


    It was dangerous to stay in this house. If by any chance, Nina came to know about her pregnancy she might kill her babies.


    ¡°No. I can¡¯t do that.¡± She quickly went to her bedroom and opened the door only to find Valerie already inside.


    ¡°Here. Pack your bags and leave. Just try to make it quick.¡± She ced two huge empty bags on the floor.


    Marissa looked around the room where she had spent the most amazing time of her life with her husband. In the initial days, how he used to get depressed, and she vowed never to leave his side.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rafael for not keeping my word. But our babies¡¯ lives are in danger, honey.¡± She needed to be strong for her kids¡¯ sake.


    She didn¡¯t have any proof of her wedding, nor she had any witnesses. Whenever Rafael used to call any of his office assistants, Nina would never let here face to face with any of them.


    The couple always stayed indoors because Rafael never wanted to go out. He did insist her to go out and enjoy parties or shopping, but she never left his side.


    Once or twice when they wanted to have an outdoor dinner then Nina arranged everything in their private gardens.


    They rarely had romantic candlelight dinners because it was useless for Rafael and she was not interested because all she craved, was hispany.


    It didn¡¯t take much time to pack when she had to fill only one bag. Valerie stayed there all the time keeping an eye on her.


    ¡°Sorry. I can¡¯t take risks. Our valuables should stay safe.¡± She exined to her younger sister with an evil smirk.


    Once Marissa was done, she picked up her bag and started descending the stairs.


    There was nothing except her clothes and documents. She couldn¡¯t continue her education just to give twenty-four-hourpany to her husband.


    She came down and went to the kitchen to pour herself some iced water when she heard somemotion in the living room.


    ¡°Rafael. You made it early,¡± she saw Valerie striding towards him with a smile, ¡°wee home.¡±


    Rafael threw a careless nce in Marissa¡¯s direction and then smiled at Valerie.


    ¡°I wanted to have lunch with my wife.¡± He pulled the chair and sat down, ¡°So what is there for lunch?¡±


    For the first time, Marissa felt Valerie getting nervous, ¡°I ¡­ I need to ask ¡­ the chef.¡±


    ¡°Chef?¡± he frowned upon looking up, ¡°You always cooked food for me. Why not now? Remember? You promised me to make my favorite beef Fajita when I get discharged,¡± he then held her hand, ¡°Never mind. Just give me yourpany.¡±


    Marissa knew what he was talking about. The way he used to sit in the kitchen while she cooked his favorite food. She kept looking at Rafael and wanted to p hard across his face to tell him that it was all a mistake.


    He was making a blunder.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving Rafael,¡± she tried to shift his attention to her.


    ¡°I wish you could have lunch with us, Marissa. But you have be so self-centered and so stubborn in your ways, you selfish woman! I would prefer that you don¡¯t stay at my ce any longer.¡±


    He said without meeting her gaze, ¡°Go and learn to stand on your two feet instead of eyeing my money, and stop dreaming of taking advantage of my blindness. I¡¯m no more blind.¡±


    Marissa couldn¡¯t take it anymore, ¡°I regret breaking it to you, Rafael Sinire but you are now a blind man who can¡¯t see anything around you. Three days back you weren¡¯t blind. You were able to see everything when you were blind.¡±


    ¡°Marissa!¡± her ex-mother-inw cooed, ¡°have lunch with us. As Valerie¡¯s sister, I will love it if you join us.¡±


    Marissa knew why Nina was doing that. Just to show Rafael how she was not in a hurry to get rid of her.


    For once Marissa had an evil glint in her eyes, ¡°Sure, Nina. If you say so.¡± Ignoring Nina¡¯s pale face she took a seat right next to Rafael.


    Before Rafael could protest, Valerie gave him, her best smile, ¡°It¡¯s OK, Rafael. After all, she is my sister and will leave soon.¡±


    Just to save their faces, both women weren¡¯t showing their evil sides to him.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered and waited when servants started cing the hot piping dishes on the table.


    The first bite Rafael took from his te, he stopped and closed his eyes.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the same taste that I became habitual of,¡± he told more to himself, examining the meatloaf on his te.


    ¡°Maybeck of eyesight made you more sensitive to your taste buds,¡± Valerie offered him the exnation that seemed to convince him.


    ¡°There are so many things that will transform, Rafael.¡± Marissa muttered toying with her food, ¡°Too sad! You won¡¯t realize it today.¡±


    Rafael who had stopped eating his food tilted his head sideways to look at the woman who used to be so reserved and shy when he started dating Valerie.


    Marissa could feel his green eyes on her face. They all might be curious about what she was talking about because only Rafael could hear her. They surely hit their foot with an axe when they not only offered her to stay for lunch but didn¡¯t mind her sitting next to him.


    ¡°Watch out your tongue, Marissa. Another word against my wife and you might regret it.¡± This time Marissa met his green eyes wondering if she would ever be able to see them again.


    ¡°You be happy, Rafael.¡± She smiled sincerely, ¡°You might regret it too, once I¡¯m gone.¡± She felt Rafael going rigid. Finishing the food on her te, she dragged back her chair to stand up.


    ¡°Bye, everyone.¡±


    She picked up her bag ignoring Rafael¡¯s curious nces. Her survival mode was on, and she didn¡¯t want to create further issues.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here, my babies. This ce isn¡¯t for you.¡± With that, she left the house where she spent the best two years of her life.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


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 Chapter 4

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 4 ¨C 4- Keep An Eye</h1>


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    ¡°That bas*tard. At least he should be man enough to listen to your story,¡± Sophia felt sorry for her crying friend who was seated on the couch in front of her, ¡°he should have given you a fair chance.¡±


    Marissa crashed at her only friend¡¯s apartmentst night because she didn¡¯t know where else to go.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Sophie,¡± Marissa¡¯s legs were folded up, and her chin was leaning on her knees, ¡°How is it possible that Valerie was there right after the surgery? It seems¡­ it seems like ¡­ she was keeping the tabs on Rafael.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe there was someone else from the family who was giving her all the information,¡± Sophia said meaningfully.


    Marissa didn¡¯t remark. She didn¡¯t even need a divorce as her marriage was registered as Valerie Aaron.


    At the time of the wedding, Nina didn¡¯t let the priest speak her name.


    ¡°What are your ns, Marissa?¡± Sophia asked her and passed over the te that had apple pieces.


    ¡°I need to get out of here, Sophia. My kids might be in danger.¡± Then she told everything to her friend who was horrified when she heard about Nina Sinire.


    ¡°Two years back, thisdy acted as if she had the best interests for you. You better make it quick. But where will you go, my friend?¡± Marissa chuckled softly not knowing what to say.


    She didn¡¯t know anyone outside the Sangua city.


    Just then Sophia straightened with excitement and snapped her fingers, ¡°Why don¡¯t you move to Kanderton?¡±


    ¡°Kanderton? But I don¡¯t have anyone there.¡±


    ¡°Silly. My grandfather lives there. Start a new life. Let¡¯s go together and make a fresh start.¡± Marissa was already shaking her head,


    ¡°No! You can¡¯t risk your life because of me. Your clinic is doing very good here. Why would you make the move?¡±


    ¡°OK. Then maybe go there and I can join youter!¡± Sophia raised her one shoulder and that made Marissa smile.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Sophia ced her Coke can on the table and looked at her, ¡°I sent my clinic rider to deliver the ultrasound report to you. Did you receive it?¡±


    Marissa shook her head with a frown, ¡°I have my pregnancy report in my purse but there is no¡­¡± she held her breath, ¡°what do you mean by ¡­ you sent a rider?¡±


    She got up from the couch.


    Sophia was also on her feet. She quickly dialed a number and waited for the call to be received, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Let me ask the rider. Maybe when he didn¡¯t find you, he kept the report envelope with him.¡±


    Just then the call was received, ¡±


    ¡°Hey! Mike. I asked you to deliver that envelope to Mrs. Sinir. Do you have it with you?¡± she asked him, crossing her fingers.


    ¡°Yes. I dropped it on my way home. Mrs. Sinir received it with a smile.¡± before Sophia could ask more, the man¡¯s voice appeared on speaker, ¡°She seems to be the mother-inw of your friend, she was very sweet and thanked me a lot.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s face had gone pale.


    ¡°I ¡­ I think¡­ Nina received it.¡± She said in a breathless whisper, ¡°If she knows about this pregnancy then her men will definitelye after me.¡±


    Sophia was fidgeting her fingers with worry, ¡°Listen, love.¡± She made Marissa sit on the couch and crouched close to her, ¡°I¡¯m calling my grandpa. You just pack your bags and catch the earliest flight.¡±


    ***


    Rafael looked at his wife lovingly who was giggling while reading something on her phone.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Nina Sinir asked her with a smile admiring internally how they looked perfect together.


    ¡°Oh. These memes keep popping up and most of them are hrious,¡± she ced her phone aside and leaned her head on Rafael¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Now you two are together. Just take care of each other. I need to return to my house,¡± Nina made the announcement.


    ¡°Oh, mom. You should stay some more.¡± Valerie said with a pout, but Nina dismissed it with a wave of her hand,


    ¡°My business needs me. Now it¡¯s time, you two take on the responsibilities and bring a Sinir heir.¡± Nina had her own boutique business that was quite established.


    Just then Valerie¡¯s eyes fell on a silver tray ced on the center table, ¡°Is it today¡¯s mail?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Nina shrugged carelessly, ¡°some of it camest night. I was having a splitting headache, so I just ced them all together after receiving them. They all are for Rafael if I remember correctly,¡± Grabbing her bag she got to her feet.


    Rafael and Valerie also stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll walk her to the car,¡± Valerie squeezed his hand, and he kissed her lips. He saw his favorite women walking out of the door and smiled.


    He was blessed with everything in life.


    The woman he loved was here, he had gotten back his eyesight.


    His gaze fell back on the stack of envelopes lying on the silver tter. He casually walked up and picked them up.


    Most of them were from his office, just some printed sh*it that was not that important. Two envelopes were from the banks who wanted him to give them a chance to invest. However, thest envelope was a light lemon color and was not sealed.


    He flipped it to see the name.


    Marissa Aaron.


    Several lines appeared on his forehead.


    Why was Marissa¡¯s envelope delivered here?


    He tried reading the logo on the envelope.


    Sophia James MD: Head of Gynecology Clinic.


    He took out the folded sheet from the envelope and opened it.


    ¡°Dr Sophia is Valerie¡¯s doctor and was treating her for cysts.¡± He mumbled running his gaze on the paper.


    There were small ck-and-white graphics of something that seemed strange to his eyes. What was it?


    A cyst?


    Maybe just like Valerie she also had these. When he was blind, Valerie used to visit her gynecologist friend Dr. Sophia to get checked.


    And that was when his eyes fell on the words written on the bottom of the paper.


    ¡®Based on ultrasound examination, the images depict the presence of two distinct fetal sacs indicative of twins.¡¯


    He felt disturbed after reading those words. Was Marissa expecting twins? Was it the reason she was upset?


    Pregnancy hormones?This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He felt guilt taking ce in his heart. He could show her more empathy.


    Maybe the father wasn¡¯t ready to take the responsibility.


    ¡°What are you reading, babe?¡± Valerie asked him, closing the living door behind her.


    ¡°Nothing. Just an official letter.¡±


    ¡°Put it away right now. Have you forgotten? Doctors haven¡¯t allowed you to do reading this soon.¡±


    He abruptly dropped the envelope on the table with a twitch of the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Are you joining me in the bedroom?¡± she asked kissing his lips.


    ¡°Umm hmm. In a while,¡± he saw her climbing the stairs and when he was sure she had gone inside the bedroom, he took out his phone to make a call.


    The phone rang twice before his call was received, ¡°Marissa. Where are you?¡±


    He could hear different voices in the background and a distant announcement on the mic, she seemed to be in a crowded ce.


    Like an airport.


    He wanted to offer her, his support.


    He wanted to tell her that he would be there for her.


    ¡°Y¡­you called? You atst called me?¡± he felt her hopes getting high and had to roll his eyes.


    Damn. He hated crying women.


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Marissa. Can you stop being this dramatic? I called you for my support. I just saw your report. Let me offer some help. Let me know about your ount details. Tell me who is the father so that I can beat him to a pulp.¡±


    He got a little frustrated when she fell silent.


    ¡°Marissa! You there?¡±


    In answer, he heard her tearyughter, ¡°Listen, Simba. Hakuna Matata. Ok? Bye.¡±


    She had disconnected the call without epting his financial aid. She didn¡¯t even bother to tell him about the father of the baby. Or was she nning to pin it on him? And then he felt his body freezing.


    Simba? Hakuna Matata?


    These were the same words Valerie used to tease him when he was blind. A popr phrase from Lion King ¡­ meant ¡®no problems¡¯ ¡­ ¡®no worries¡¯.


    How did Marissa know about these? Or did Valerie share it with her?


    There was something extremely wrong, but his mind couldn¡¯t register what it was.


    ¡°Babe. Are youing up?¡± he jilted a little when heard Valerie¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ming, love.¡± He called out and started taking slow steps to the staircase.


    ¡°You might regret it too once I¡¯m gone.¡± Marissa¡¯s words echoed in his head. Without realizing what he was doing, he clutched the ultrasound report to his chest. Like it was something very precious.


    He needed to find out what was going on and for that, he was willing to hire the best private investigators.


    He made a quick call to someone, ¡°I need to know everything about Marissa within twelve hours. Keep an eye on her.¡±


    </main>

 Chapter 5

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 5 ¨C 5- CCTV</h1>


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    ¡°Mrs. Richard,¡± Sophia took off her reading sses, ¡°You need to change your diet. Lose those extra pounds and see how you¡¯ll notice this shocking surge in your energy.¡±


    Her patient was sitting there with a pout, ¡°I love butter croissants.¡± Sheined and Sophia suppressed her smile,


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, you do, Mrs. Richard. Everything is good in moderation. In most of the treatments, it¡¯s eighty percent diet and twenty percent meds. Sometimes a good diet can reverse the effects.¡±


    She started scribbling something on her writing pad, ¡°I¡¯m writing some medicines. Take them for a week ande back to me.¡±


    She took the liberty of yawning loudly in the confines of her office when thest patient left her room.


    It was already evening, and she wanted to getid by a handsome this weekend. She didn¡¯t believe in rtionships and the living example before her eyes was of Marissa.


    She frowned when heard the ringing of her phone.


    ¡°Marissa?¡± she chuckled and took the call, ¡°Think of the devil ¡­ How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m doing good. Grandpa Flint is taking very good care of me. Why are you still in the office by the way?¡±


    It had been three days since Marissa left the city. Sophia didn¡¯t want to attract any kind of attention by trying to follow her. She was nning to join her in a few weeks.


    ¡°Had lots of patients today. How are my nieces doing?¡±


    ¡°What! Nieces!¡± Marissaughed hard on the other side of the phone, ¡°How do you know they are nieces? They might be nephews too. Or maybe it¡¯s one boy and one girl!¡±


    Sophia chuckled and felt good when she sensed the happiness in her friend¡¯s voice. The change of ce seemed to do her good.


    Just then the door to her office opened with a thud and her assistant stepped inside with a worried face, ¡°What is it, Doris?¡± Sophia had concern in her voice.


    She momentarily forgot that the call was not disconnected, and Marissa was still on the line.


    ¡°There is this gentleman, and he is insisting on meeting you.¡±


    Sophia leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, ¡°Does he have an appointment?¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.He doesn¡¯t but he is not ready to leave. I asked him to meet some other gynecologist, but he only wants to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Sophia straightened with a sigh, ¡°Let him in.¡±


    ¡°Listen, love,¡± remembering Marissa, she glued the phone to her ear, ¡°I need to see this man. He better be handsome otherwise I¡¯m not entertaining him.¡± She said thest part in a teasing manner.


    Marissa chuckled and cut the call after the quick goodbyes.


    However, nothing in the world had prepared Dr. Sophia to face the man she was least expecting, ¡°Are you Sophia James? Marissa Aaron¡¯s doctor?¡±


    ¡°W¡­what? W¡­who are you, sir?¡± Sophia knew very well who he was. Damn! She didn¡¯t understand why she was stuttering like that.


    What was he doing here?


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t answer my question. Are you Marissa Aaron¡¯s doctor?¡± he ced his palms on the desk leaning forward his brooding figure.


    Suddenly, Sophia felt like the room was shrinking due to the heavy aura of this man. He was nothing that she had seen of him in newspapers and magazines.


    He was the ssic definition of drop-dead gorgeous. Marissa didn¡¯t do justice when she told her how handsome he was.


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± she swallowed hard and even managed a smile, ¡°even if I¡¯m. I am not allowed to share it with anyone without her consent.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Rafael pursed his lips tightly, looking into the eyes of Sophia James who was finding it difficult to maintain eye contact with his green orbs.


    He reached inside his pocket and took out the crumbled envelope to wave it in her face, ¡°This came from your office. You might remember your clinic logo.¡± He said sarcastically.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Sophia raised her hand this time to stop him, ¡°I didn¡¯t deny anything. I already said I can¡¯t jeopardize my client¡¯s privacy. We have strict policies to¡­¡±


    He brushed his fingers through his ck locks in frustration and then decided to take the seat in front of her, ¡°Listen. Just tell me one thing. Have you ever treated my wife here? Valerie Sinir?¡±


    When Sophia didn¡¯t respond, he brought softness in his tone, ¡°I know about your client¡¯s privacy, and I respect that. Here I¡¯m just asking about my wife. Valerie Sinir.¡±


    Sophia felt sorry for him when she saw the worry lines on his face.


    ¡°Umm. Why don¡¯t you ask your wife instead, Mr. Rafael Sinir?¡± his eyes snapped up to her face,


    ¡°How do you know I¡¯m Rafael Sinir.¡± Sophia tried to control her rugged breathing. She was trying her best not to show panic on her face.


    ¡°Of course. Half of the country knows you, sir. You might be a businessman, yet people take you as some kind of celebrity.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s mind was racing by now. She needed to divert his mind from the issue at hand, ¡°By the way, I¡¯m so happy to have you at my office. Can¡­can ¡­ I¡­ I mean ¡­ can you give me an autograph?¡±


    She quickly extended her medical writing pad towards the handsome man who seemed confused for some reason.


    ¡°And I would also like to have a selfie with you. You know? For publicity reasons? By tomorrow my clinic will be crowded like anything. I would like to put a caption on Social Media post ¡­ Mr. Sinir is found in our clinic for the treatment of his ¡­¡± she giggled with fake embarrassment, bbering like a child, ¡°I¡¯m sorry ¡­ I meant to say your wife. Mr. Sinir honored us by visiting along with his wife for her fertility treatment¡­ Ha-ha.¡±


    ¡°Are you out of your fu*cking mind?¡± he stood up abruptly causing the chair to fall back, ¡°I¡¯m here worried sick for someone and you areing up with these outrageous demands. I can make sure to get your license canceled.¡± Sophia¡¯s face ced at the threat.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just that you are so handsome that I lost my mind.¡± This time her face was sad. Rafael kept staring at her face with expressionless eyes and Sophia got scared.


    What if she went too far with all this?


    ¡°Ms. Sophia James.¡± He hissed between his clenched teeth, ¡°I¡¯ll return tomorrow, and you better be prepared. I need to know my answers otherwise I might bring a police official to get the CCTV footage.¡±


    </main>

 Chapter 6

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 6 ¨C 6- Not Adding Up!</h1>


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    Sophia let out a long sigh of relief when he left. And then her heart almost stopped when she remembered what he had said.


    He was nning toe the next day too.


    <em>¡°If hees to know that Marissa was the one who often visited me and Valerie never came to my office, I¡¯ll be in trouble. He might go after my friend and grill her about the babies¡¯ father.¡±</em>


    She didn¡¯t want to destroy Marissa¡¯s secret.


    Rafael¡¯s mother and Valerie would be after the kids and Rafael would never trust or believe Marissa against Valerie or his mom.


    She needed toe up with a proper n.


    ***


    ¡°Where were you?¡± for some reason, he felt irritated when heard Valerie¡¯s voice upon entering the bedroom, ¡°Doctor asked you to at least spend six months indoors, Rafael. I don¡¯t know why you are not following his instructions.¡±


    By the end of it, her voice had turned teary, and Rafael felt guilt making its way into his heart, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, love. It¡¯s just¡­ I am getting tired of staying back home. I am not even allowed to read my office files, how am I going to spend six damn months.¡±


    Valerie quickly leaned her face against his chest, ¡°Well. I have a few ideas in mind if you agree.¡± She started ying with his cor button. There was a sly smile ying on her lips when she offered them to him by raising her face temptingly.


    Rafael thanked in his heart for the shift of her focus and started sucking her lips. The same ones that tasted¡­ that tasted like ¡­


    He pulled back with a frown. Valerie who was about to let out a loud moan at the kiss looked into his eyes with a dreamy look on her face, ¡°Are you alright, love?¡±


    He nodded and pinched her chin, bumping his nose with her, ¡°Do you know what your lips taste like?¡±


    He was expecting her to answer him as she always used to do.


    <em>¡°Strawberry!¡±</em>This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    But she didn¡¯t. Instead, she tightened the grip of her arms around his neck and kissed his chin,


    ¡°Umm hmm. I don¡¯t know. Tell me.¡± She urged a little seductively.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you know how they taste?¡± he started tickling her belly yfully enjoying her giggles.


    And then something crossed his mind and he looked at herughing face, ¡°Oranges. It¡¯s always been oranges. That sweetness mixed with tanginess.¡±


    He waited for her to argue that it was always strawberries and never oranges. She kept teasing his lips with hers without anyment.


    There was something extremely wrong. But what was it? Valerie was always there with him. Two years ago, when he met the ident, she used to stay at the hospital twenty-four-seven.


    She had kissed him hard when their parents suggested the wedding in the hospital room. Her hand remained intertwined through his fingers during the wedding ceremony.


    After the wedding when he feared that she was chained to home due to hisck of social life, she neverined and epted the change.


    Then why little Greene was telling him, it was not Valerie but her?


    He came out of his thoughts when Valerie kept teasing him with her lips. That night he made love to Valerie, and she responded to him with the same passion.


    By the end of it when she went to sleep, he kept thinking hard in the dark.


    ¡°No. As a husband, he was supposed to trust his wife. He couldn¡¯t let a third person say any rubbish against Valerie. Tomorrow when he would go back to Dr. Sophia James, a higher official from the court and a seniorwyer would apany him.


    Once when Valerie¡¯s tongue slipped, she told him that Dr. Sophia was not only her gynecologist but also a very good friend of hers.


    He picked up his phone and sent a message to his friend Joseph, ¡°Can you meet me tomorrow in my office?¡±


    Joseph¡¯s reply came instantly, ¡°Rafael, my friend. How are you? Are you even allowed to use your phone? Your wife and mom didn¡¯t let me meet you for two years. They are too protective of you.¡±


    Joseph and Rafael only interacted with each other on the phone. The only exnation offered by Nina was, ¡°Once you¡¯re healthy, you are free to go wherever you want.¡±


    Rafael closed his eyes with a smile. His mother would never break his trust. For some reason, she never liked Marissa and he never doubted her instincts.


    Was Marissa always this selfish and this greedy?


    Well. There were some unanswered questions that he needed to know from Sophia James.


    ***


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Valerie asked him in a sleepy voice when she didn¡¯t find him on the bed beside her. He was wearing a tie, standing before the mirror.


    He felt strange seeing himself wearing a suit after two years.


    ¡°Rafael, you shouldn¡¯t ¡­¡± her husband didn¡¯t let her speak,


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, Valerie. My assistants will be there to do the job. I promise I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    He nted a quick kiss on her lips and left the room.


    On his way outside, he asked the servants not to disturb Valerie in her sleep. Likest evening, the driver took him to Sophia¡¯s clinic.


    Hiswyer friend and a higher official man were already waiting for him in the parking lot. He greeted them and walked inside.


    The same receptionist greeted them and then her face got pale when she remembered that he was the same man who barged in Sophia¡¯s clinic without an appointment.


    He seemed like an influential man.


    ¡°Inform Ms. Sophia James that we are here,¡± Rafael told the assistant impatiently. He knew once he would look at the CCTV footage he could get peaceful sleep at night.


    ¡°I trust my wife and this little investigation is for the peace of my heart.¡± He tried exining himself.


    ¡°Sir. Dr Sophia hasn¡¯t arrived yet.¡±


    His forehead wrinkled into several lines.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t arrived yet? Is she usually thiste or ¡­¡± he trailed off when the assistant started shaking her head.


    ¡°No, sir. She is usually on time but today she asked me to cancel all her appointments as she is sick. Can I arrange your meeting with another gynecologist who is an expert in¡­¡± Rafael had already turned on his heels.


    The higher official showed his badge to the assistant, ¡°Sophia James address. Quick!¡± the assistant hurriedly grabbed a paper and pen and jotted down the address.


    ¡°Are we going to her ce?¡± Rafael asked the man impatiently once they were outside.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m sending my men there. Just wait for five minutes.¡± He spoke to someone on the phone and Rafael started pacing around impatiently.


    After a few minutes, the man¡¯s phone started ringing, ¡°Yes! ¡­ Speak ¡­ what?¡±


    Rafael¡¯s eyes traveled to the man¡¯s shocked face.


    ¡°What happened?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Dr. Sophia. Last night she gave urgent notice to herndlord on call that she is moving out of town. She collected her important stuff with her rider¡¯s help and left.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying!¡± Rafael snarled walking up to him, ¡°There must be a way to find out where she has gone.¡±


    The man swallowed hard and shook his head, ¡°My men tried to find out. She didn¡¯t leave any trail behind.


    We can¡¯t find her destination unless we get help from someone who knows the system. Maybe someone from the security in charge or airport staff.¡±


    Rafael clutched his hands tightly into fists.


    No. He wasn¡¯t giving up that easily. He vowed to find out Marissa and Sophia¡­ and the father of Marissa¡¯s kids.


    Something was not adding up here.


    </main>

 Chapter 7

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 7 ¨C 7- Time To Shine</h1>


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    For the first time, Rafael didn¡¯t like it when he saw Valerie¡¯s name shing on his phone screen, ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Rafael. Just wanted to keep a check on you. You know how much I care about you,sweetheart.¡±


    He hummed into the phone as if he was too busy with his work.


    ¡°In the past two years, I kept tabs on you and didn¡¯t stop asking about your well-being. Whether we were together or not.¡± She made her voice a little husky and Rafael found it odd when he felt like she was faking it.


    <em>What is happening to me? Is this how husband and wife should behave when a third person tries to cause a drift in their rtionship?</em>


    ¡°But why would you do that, Valerie, when I was always with you?¡± he asked her, keeping his tone casual.


    She hesitated for a bit, ¡°Of course, Raf. Tha ¡­ that¡¯s what¡­ I mean¡­ yes¡­ ha-ha. How¡­ how can I forget that¡­ I was with you all the time.¡±


    He stered the smile for her sake and invented a lie, ¡°Yeah. All the time. Except when I went for those two days to a Therapy program right after two months of our wedding. Remember?¡±


    She giggled again, ¡°Yeah, yeah. How I missed you for those two days.¡±


    ¡°OK, love. My executives are here, and I need to carry on this meeting. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll not stress my eyes.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Rafael.Just remember ¡­ that ¡­ I don¡¯t want you to lose your eyes ever again.¡± She said softly and Rafael felt hurt¡­betrayed.


    ¡°I love you too. Don¡¯t worry, Valerie. Just remember¡­ Hakuna Matata.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± sheughed on the other side, ¡°what does it mean?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, Valerie. Nothing. It¡¯s just a cute dialogue of a movie.¡± He disconnected the phone and tossed it on the desk before meeting the gaze of his best friend Joseph.


    ***


    Rafael signed some papers and moved the file to his assistant, ¡°Take it, Liam. And ask the builders to follow the contract deadlines so that we can start hiring the new staff for our new offices in Kanderton.¡±


    Liam nodded and picked up the file. Just recently he had found that Kanderton was a developing city and had a very good scope for their business.


    ¡°I feel like you are part of some movie,¡± Joseph said munching some crisps when Liam left, ¡°maybe a suspense thriller.¡±


    They were seated in Rafael¡¯s office of Sinir Industries after such a long time.


    ¡°You are saying that Marissa made a im that she was the one who spent these past two years with you. On the other hand, your mom didn¡¯t get you to meet anyone. Why do you think she did that?¡±


    ¡°Maybe because my psychiatrist suggested it. ording to him I might have felt left out.¡± Rafael shrugged and took a sip of his coffee.


    ¡°And why would a psychiatrist suggest something so outrageous, Rafael? Instead of helping you mingle among other people, he is suggesting you give up your social life. Strange.¡±


    Rafael stood up and loosened the tie around his neck.


    ¡°I need to find out about Dr. Sophia and Marissa. Something is telling me, they both are together. Sophia knows something about this whole drama that¡¯s the reason she flew away.¡±


    ¡°By the way,¡± Joseph also got to his feet, ¡°why are you so adamant in finding these women? Let them live their life and you stay happy with yours.¡±


    Rafael was looking out the ss door observing the city lights. He didn¡¯t give any reaction to Joseph¡¯s questions.


    He didn¡¯t move when he felt his friend¡¯s hand on his shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t keep it inside you. Tell me. Why are you looking for them?¡± And for the first time, Rafael felt this sudden urge to cry.


    ¡°B¡­Because if¡­ if Marissa is telling the truth, then¡­ then ¡­ I think¡­ those kids¡­ those twins are mine.¡±


    Joseph went still for a moment, ¡°Goodness!¡± he whispered, and Rafael nodded with a sarcastic smirk.


    ¡°Did you talk to your mom or Valerie about it?¡± Rafael shook his head at his friend¡¯s query,


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. Asking these questions might mean alerting them. Valerie is not the same anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why? Weren¡¯t you dating her before the ident? How can you say that?¡±


    <em>Because whenever I suck those kissable lips, they no more give me the taste of strawberries. I crave that taste.</em>


    He didn¡¯t say it out loud but something in his expression made Joseph feel sorry for him.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t remember Hakuna Matata¡­ a phrase from Lion King. I just lied to her that I went to a therapy program right after two months of our marriage. She went along with it but¡­ I never went to any therapy program¡­ in fact¡­ in fact, I always stayed home after getting blind.¡±


    He exined to his friend and for a few minutes, heavy silence hung in the room.


    ¡°Joseph. Help me.¡± This time there was pleading in his voice, ¡°Help me in finding out Marissa and her kids. I might be wrong, but I need to confirm before taking the next step.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t able to get Marissa¡¯s teary voice out of his mind before she left. She knew about Hakuna Matata, and she already predicted that he would regret it once she was gone.


    Rafael closed his eyes.


    I need to find you, strawberry. I need to find you, my sugar. Where have you gone?


    ***


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy that you made it here in time,¡± Marissa held Sophia¡¯s hand while sitting beside her on the couch.


    ¡°Me too. The first time he entered in my office, I knew he was having doubts.¡± Sophia again touched the iced water ss to her lips.


    She didn¡¯t take the risk of going home and left for Kanderton straight from her office. Thankfully her trusted cleaningdy got the documents delivered to her office. It was not wise to stay there anymore.


    Rafael¡¯s men might be keeping an eye on her every move.


    ¡°How is your pregnancy?¡± Sophia gave a little pat to her friend¡¯s belly, ¡°How are the babies?¡±


    ¡°They are good. It¡¯s just the morning sickness that¡¯s bothering me. Otherwise, it¡¯s quite smooth.¡± Marissa started fidgeting her fingers in nervousness.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You seem upset.¡± Marissa nodded her head trying to control her quivering lips, ¡°I was trying for college admissions. Before getting married to Rafael I was nning to start my MBA.¡±


    ¡°Then? I think one is supposed to take the entrance test.¡± Marissa nodded and gave her a shaky grin,


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m getting to that part. I gave the test and today I got to know¡­¡±


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Marissa. Speak up! My heart is sinking.¡±


    ¡°I got to know that¡­¡± she exhaled a long breath, ¡°that I have failed the test.¡± Marissa couldn¡¯t take it anymore and started crying.


    ¡°Hey! Girl!¡± Sophia at once moved closer to her friend and pulled her into a tight hug.


    ¡°Sophia. I was such an intelligent girl before I got married to him. I left everything for his happiness. And now I have nothing in my hands.¡±


    ¡°Who said you are no longer an intelligent girl?¡± Both the girls jumped up when Grandpa Flint¡¯s voice got to their ears.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever talk like that. You are NOT empty-handed. Ok?¡± Grandpa Flint said sternly, ¡°You have kids, silly girl. Once they are here, see how your world will change for good.¡±


    ¡°But Grandpa. My initial n was to do an MBA tond in a big multinational. How will I raise my kids without a good job? I wanted to give the best life to my kids.¡± She said brokenly.


    They were Rafael¡¯s kids and deserved avish lifestyle as Sinir¡¯s heirs.


    ¡°Marissa. Look up!¡± Grandpa Flint ced his coffee cup aside and took the chair to sit opposite her, ¡°Listen, girl. Who the hell told you that you can only give a good lifestyle to your kids by achieving an MBA degree?¡±


    ¡°Then what else should I do?¡± Marissa epted the napkin from Sophia and wiped her nose, ¡°The only thing I might be doing is waitressing. That¡¯s what I can do best, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Can you put some positive thoughts in that head of yours, girl?¡± Grandpa Flint snubbed her like a gentle father who couldn¡¯t let his daughter think of herself as someone small.


    Marissa kept crying and could feel Sophia rubbing her hand on her back to console her.


    ¡°Marissa. Listen to me,¡± Flint held the hands of the crying girl, ¡°Maybe that¡¯s what fate wants you to do. Why work under someone when you can start your own business.¡±


    ¡°Business?¡± Marissa quit crying and eyed the old man as if he had lost his mind, ¡°What business? I don¡¯t even have any money for investment.¡±


    ¡°The business idea I have in mind might not need a huge investment.¡± Marissa didn¡¯t say anything and kept looking at Flint¡¯s wrinkled face.


    ¡°All these days, I have been eating the food you are cooking for me in this kitchen,¡± Flint pointed towards the stove where the chicken broth was simmering on a very low me, ¡°Start a food business.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± this time Sophia also screamed along with Marissa.


    ¡°Food business?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Food business. You have got taste in your hands, silly. Has anyone ever told you, your hands have got this magic?¡±


    Marissa had quit crying.


    ¡°I have seen you preparing food with so much love¡­ and so much passion. For you, it¡¯s like therapy. Make that therapy your career.¡±


    Sophia started nodding her head, ¡°Grandpa Flint is right. Start a food business, Marissa. Who knows, in the future, you might be doing sessful catering in all the top organizations. Maybe¡­ someday, when that university invites you to cater to their guests you can just show them your middle finger.¡±


    For the first time, Marissa found her first smile, ¡°Oh God, Sophia! Flint! You two are something,¡± she said with a giggle.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Sophia threw her hand around her neck and squeezed her to her side, ¡°Let¡¯s conquer the world,Marissa Aaron. Along with my nieces, let¡¯s show the world who we are. It¡¯s time to shine!¡±


    </main>

 Chapter 8

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 8 ¨C 8- Hidden</h1>


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    (Six monthster)


    ¡°How is your handsome husband, girl?¡± Valerie rolled her eyes when Geena asked her about Rafael.


    Her friends used to envy her all the time. Valerie did hit a jackpot when she married Rafael. A handsome billionaire who could fulfill all his wife¡¯s demands.


    ¡°He is good,¡± She said with a careless shrug.


    ¡°How is he coping with his eyesight.¡±


    ¡°Well. He did act odd a few days post-surgery but then everything went back to normal.¡± She squeezed her eyes in excitement.


    ¡°Odd?¡± Geena sipped her iced tea, ¡°What did he do?¡±


    ¡°Like ¡­ he used to put a blindfold before making love to me,¡± Valerie said with a blush and Geena rolled back her eyes in ecstasy,


    ¡°So let me spell it out for you. He is filthy rich, handsome, and then kinky as well. What a wildbo! Woah!¡±


    Valerie shook her head in amusement, ¡°After putting on the blindfold, he used to suck my lips intensely as if¡­ as if he was trying to taste them. He used to feel every part of my body with that blindfold covering his eyes.¡±


    ¡°What? Every part?¡± there was a dreamy look on Geena¡¯s face when she saw the red hue on Valerie¡¯s cheek getting darker, ¡°Girl. This is some real bedroom shit. Did he ever tell you the reason?¡±


    ¡°No! He just said that he wanted to feel me like he used to do when he was blind.¡± Valerie was taking small sips of her iced coffeette.


    ¡°Does he¡­¡± Geena leaned forward to be a little discreet, ¡°Does he know that you were absent from his life for two years and that Marissa was the one¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­¡± Valerie hurriedly ran a gaze around her and sighed with relief when found very few customers sitting around, ¡°Geena. Please. We don¡¯t need to discuss it anymore.¡±


    Only Geena and Nina were the ones who knew the details. Thankfully her mom also stood with her and helped her in getting back what was rightfully hers.


    ¡°Hey. I¡¯m not discussing it. It was just a question¡­¡± This time she threw the straw and took a big chug from her cup, ¡°You are damn lucky that I¡¯m Rafael¡¯s cousin. Otherwise, nobody could have stopped me from getting him.¡± She wiped her mouth delicately with a napkin and Valerie couldn¡¯t even smile.


    She needed to talk to Nina about this girl. She seemed to be bad news.


    ***


    After getting out of the car she fixed her dark shades and went inside the house where Rafael was sitting in the living room watching a TV show.


    Valerie¡¯s steps faltered a little. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be in the office?


    ¡°Hey! Howe you are early?¡± she walked up to him and then sat on hisp after nting a kiss on his lips.


    ¡°I just wanted toe home and rest a little. After attending these meetings, I felt my energy drenched.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Valerie quickly kicked off her sandals and then started tracing her finger softly on his face, tracing every feature, ¡°What do you say?¡± she asked in a hoarse whisper, ¡°should we go to the bedroom, and I pump more energy into this body of yours?¡± she licked her lower lips a little seductively.


    However, her expression changed when she saw him holding her by her waist and making her sit beside him, ¡°No thanks. I¡¯m more interested in watching TV.¡±


    For a moment, Valerie felt insulted. It had been months since they got intimate. Last time, he made love with a blindfold on his eyes because he wanted to feel her body.


    After that, there was no intimacy. She tried getting closer to him a few times, but he didn¡¯t seem to get it up.


    Initially, she thought that it might be the after-effects of his surgery. But no man lost his hardness after a mere eye surgery. That didn¡¯t make sense.


    Frustration surged through her veins like a hotva.


    ¡°It¡¯s been days, honey. Why are you depriving me of your love?¡± He didn¡¯t even bother to look at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Valerie. But this is how it is. If you want, you can leave me and find yourself another man. I won¡¯t keep you tied to myself.¡± Atst, his Emerald green eyes met hers, ¡°I¡¯m ready to give you a handsome alimony.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Valerie gulped down in sheer panic. She didn¡¯t do all that hard work to handover him the title of the most eligible bachelor on a silver tter.


    She kept chewing her lower lip trying to control her tears. The same act that once used to make him horny, his eyes were now glued to the TV screen.


    ¡°What went wrong, Rafael? Why are you being like this?¡± she atst held his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°I dunno. Maybe a psychological issue.¡± He said curving down his lips.


    Valerie wanted to cry. He was sitting there as If she was nothing but a showpiece in his enormous luxurious house.


    She had started getting tired of getting rejected by him. Her way of coping was to tell fake stories about his lovemaking to her friends.


    Even Nina had started asking her to go for fertility treatments. She wanted an heir for Sinir Empire.


    ¡°Are you up for couple counseling?¡± she asked him hopefully.


    For a minute Rafael felt remorseful but none of it was his fault. He didn¡¯t know what to do anymore with this rtionship.


    He did try to get close to her. They snuggled for long hours, all nake*d in bed. But he couldn¡¯t get the desire back.


    During blindness, he used to enjoy her body every night. The way she used to show him how every part of her body wanted him.


    Or maybe it wasn¡¯t Valerie¡¯s body at all. It had been ages since hest tasted those strawberries. His hands were still looking for those perfect bo*obs that used to fill his hands so perfectly.


    He headed back from his thoughts to his present with a jump when felt her hand on his shoulder, ¡°Just say yes, baby. Let¡¯s go for couple counseling.¡±


    Rafael atst nodded his head in agreement and got to his feet.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked his back. He didn¡¯t stop at her query.


    ¡°Office,¡± she frowned at the answer. Wasn¡¯t he home because he wanted to take a rest?


    After sitting in his car, Rafael leaned back his head on the back seat. If that report was true, Marissa would deliver the twin babies after three months.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to have kids with you,¡± Once, he had told her after making love, ¡°If we ever have a son, I¡¯ll name him Alexander.¡±


    ¡°And what if it will be a girl?¡± she asked him, gliding down her hand on his toned and sleek abs.


    He had held her hand to stop it from going down any further, and spoke in a dangerously low voice, ¡°Then I¡¯ll name her Valerie.¡±


    A lone tear escaped his eyes, sliding down his cheek. His investigators were working so hard to look for them, but God knows where they were hidden.


    </main>

 Chapter 9

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 9 ¨C 9- Deep Void</h1>


    <main id="content" ss="mt-1.5em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.67] font-ck" data-type="western" data-v-49ba2fd9="">


    Marissa was sitting on a chair jotting down something on the writing pad. Her small food business was slowly expanding but she was avoiding taking any more orders now.


    Though there were still three months in her delivery, but her doctors had strictly asked her not to put work pressure. The triplet pregnancy required more care and support.


    Yes. She was expecting triplets.


    The third sac was not visible on her first ultrasound and was now getting bigger along with the other two.


    She sometimes felt like she was so lucky to be blessed with three babies. She might not have Rafael with her, but his three kids were growing in her belly.


    ¡°You are sitting there for too long, Marissa.¡± Sophia ced her bag on the couch and strode to the kitchen to get herself iced water.


    Having a gynecologist friend might have its perks but the most difficult thing for Marissa was, that Sophia was making her follow every instruction from her doctors quite strictly.


    Though she was herself a gynecologist but due to security reasons she had started frencing for pharmaceuticalpanies.


    They both knew that they couldn¡¯t hide forever, but Sophia made it a point not to get a job. Rafael was not a fool and would start his search from all the Maternity homes and hospitals.


    Sophia and Flint had been her true friends and her biggest support.


    ¡°Instead of keeping an eye on a pregnant woman, go and find yourself a job!¡± Marissa stuck out her tongue to annoy her friend. Sophia ced a bottle on the desk,


    ¡°Here. Drink this. Coconut water. Best for babies and their mommy.¡± Marissa opened the bottle at once. She must have taken one or two sips when she ced back the bottle with a hiss.


    Sophia¡¯s ears perked up at the sound, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Just those Braxton Hicks contractions. My body must be preparing itself for the birth.¡± She told her friend and got busy with the orders¡¯ record.


    She was working hard enough to at least buy aptop so that her business records could beputerized.


    Deep inside she knew, she would meet Rafael someday. She wanted to show him that she was not as weak as he had thought of her. One day she wished she could spit on his face and tell him that she was never after his money. That day while facing him she would give him the impression of a strong woman who was thriving financially to support her babies.


    Bigpanies had already started contacting her and she wanted to expand her staff too after the birth of her babies.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t named your business yet. You should do it to apply for the logo and all.¡± Sophia suggested.


    ¡°AHC!¡± Marissa gave her a sheepish smile, ¡°Alexander¡¯s Homestyle Catering!¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s catchy!¡± Thankfully Sophia didn¡¯t ask her about the name Alexander.


    Marissa nodded in satisfaction and then hissed again, ¡°I knew you¡¯d like it ¡­ oh ¡­ oui.¡±


    ¡°Marissa,¡± Sophia turned and looked sharply at her friend when she heard her gasp, ¡°Marissa. You look pale. Is the pain too much?¡±


    Just then Marissa clutched her tummy tightly and screamed in agony.


    She stood up with one hand on her back and the other ced on her protruded belly that looked heavy due to three babies.


    Sophia reached to her in a jiffy to support her.


    ¡°Take me to the couch. These must be fake contractions.¡± She tried to put up a brave fa?ade for her friend¡¯s sake when another contraction hit her.


    Sophia made her sit on the couch to make a call for an ambnce.These pains didn¡¯t look normal to her.


    While Sophia was dialing the number her eyes fell on Marissa¡¯s legs and she screamed in panic, ¡°Oh, God. Marissa. Blood.¡±


    Marissa looked down and found blood trickling down her legs drenching her clothes and the couch.


    ***


    ¡°Rx! Just rx. Take a deep breath.¡± Sitting in the backseat of the car of a kind neighbor, Sophia was wiping her forehead with a wet washcloth and all Marissa wanted to do was to die.


    Her grip on Sophia¡¯s hand was so tight that Sophia thought her wrist might crack any minute.


    ¡°S¡­ Sophia¡­ I want him.¡± Tears started falling on her face and Sophia knew who she was referring to. All this time she kept a brave face and kept struggling.


    She never tried to bring his name to any discussion. But today it felt like she was giving up.


    Sophia knew that Rafael was his first love but that as*shole didn¡¯t even listen to her side and discarded her.


    His blind trust in Valerie and Nina might cost his kids¡¯ lives.


    ¡°Marissa. He wasn¡¯t worth it. If he was, he¡¯d be right here holding your hand.¡±


    Marissa felt like the space between her legs was ripping off if she didn¡¯t reach the hospital on time.


    When her feeble body couldn¡¯t take it anymore, her eyes rolled back, and she slipped into oblivion.


    ***


    Her eyes fluttered to the noises in her head,


    ¡°Get an Oxygen mask.¡±


    ¡°Stabilize her breathing.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Check her vitals!¡±


    ¡°Bring the damn crash cart!¡±


    ¡°Counter check on internal bleeding!¡±


    She felt as if someone was barking orders in her sleep. She wanted all of them to go quiet because she wanted to sleep.


    She wanted to sleep on his chest, ¡°Rafael,¡±


    She drifted into deep sleep thinking of him. When she got back her consciousness there was silence around her.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart. Wee back.¡± This was the first voice that reached her ear.


    ¡°Sophia!¡± her hand crawled to her t tummy, ¡°Babies. My babies. Sophia, where are my babies?¡±


    Instead of answering her, Sophia broke the eye contact and tried to smile which faltered.


    ¡°Sophia,¡± she asked in a feeble voice, ¡°my babies? Are they alright?¡± Several tears started traveling from her lids to her ears, absorbing in her green hospital gown.


    ¡°Marissa.¡± Sophia wiped her face, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The doctors are with them. They will make it.¡±


    ¡°What? Where are they?¡±


    Just then a nurse came inside, ¡°Ms. Sophia we need you to sign a form. The babies might not make it. One of them has already slipped into Coma.¡±


    ¡°My babies!¡± Marissa cried brokenly, ¡°Rafael. Look what I¡¯m going through without you.¡± After that, she slipped back into that deep void.


    </main>

 Chapter 10

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 10 ¨C 10- Kanderton city? Yes!</h1>


    <main id="content" ss="mt-1.5em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.67] font-ck" data-type="western" data-v-49ba2fd9="">


    Rafael who was sleeping peacefully jolted awake, his heart was pounding in his chest like a drumbeat. He looked around as he struggled to make sense of the darkness around him.


    ¡°Honey, are you alright?¡± He heard Valerie¡¯s sleeping voice beside him.


    Instead of responding to her, heid back in the darkness feeling his breath that wasing in shallow gasps.


    What kind of dream was it?


    Why was he dreaming about Marissa when his heart knew that she was a liar?


    Why did he want to strangle her neck at one moment while at another moment he wanted her toe back to him and ask for help?


    ¡°Love, was it a bad dream? Why is your heart beating super-fast?


    Valerie ced her cheek on his chest which was now wet due to the sweat. However, the air conditioning of the room was working fine.


    He gently pushed his wife to make hery on the pillow and got up.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± She asked him, holding his hand to stop him from leaving the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a few minutes,¡± He patted her hand and left the room. Right now, he wanted a strong drink.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it would work from now on. Right, Marissa? You are nning to haunt my dreams?¡± He hoped she was OK and had enough help around her. When he could not take it anymore, he ced his phone on the counter and started dialing the number.


    He did not feel ashamed when he heard his friend Joseph¡¯s sleepy voice.


    ¡°Rafael? Is everything alright, man?¡±


    ¡°We need to find her.¡± Rafael uttered just one sentence, ¡°We need to find her, Joseph. There is something wrong around here. I don¡¯t want to doubt my wife, but we need to find her, Joseph.¡±


    ¡°Hey, man. What¡¯s the matter with you? We already talked about it, didn¡¯t we? This is past midnight and right now we can¡¯t do anything for anyone. I promise we will find her. I assure you that we will do anything to look for her. You just need to have patience, my friend.¡±


    Patience?This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    That was what Rafael did not have. He wished he could be decisive when Marissa was begging him to believe her. If she intended to betray him or if she was eyeing his wealth, then why did she hide her pregnancy?


    She could have pinned her pregnancy on him, but she didn¡¯t. Instead, she preferred to leave the city without even informing him.


    He almost jumped when he felt Valerie¡¯s hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°You should have gone to sleep.¡± He said without looking up and took a big chug of his drink from the ss. He ced the ss on the counter a little forcefully.


    ¡°Go to sleep? Without you? When you are not there beside me? No Rafael, it is not happening. We already stayed away for too long, now I want your closeness.¡±


    Rafael who had touched the ss to his lips to take another sip went still when he heard her remark. He slowly turned to look into her eyes and smirked, ¡°We stayed away? Since when? What I remember is we were quite inseparable from each other for thest two years.¡±


    Valerie¡¯s face paled for a minute, and she quickly tried to cover it up with a nervous chuckle, ¡°No, you fool. I wasn¡¯t talking about those two years silly.¡±


    She then ced her hand on his arm quite delicately, I was talking about those three days when you had your surgery, and you were kept away from me to recover.¡±


    Rafael nodded as if he was easily convinced. In all honesty, he found this remark not only stupid but amusing.


    Valerie seemed to take a sigh of relief foring up with such a smart thing on time.


    For Rafael, it was a blessing in disguise. He had gotten the answers to what he was looking for.


    He needed to find Marissa.


    <em>¡°Once I find you, I¡¯ll not only apologize to you, but I promise you Marissa if you will forgive me, then Rafael Sinir will worship the ground you will walk on.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°I promise I will spoil you to bits.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°If you are the one who stayed married to me when I was blind then you are supposed to stay beside me, Marissa.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°The one who stayed with me at my worst deserves me at my best.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Just give me a chance Marissa. Wherever you are, just give me a chance. Because this guilt will keep killing me until and unless you don¡¯t forgive me.¡±</em>


    Thinking to himself heid back on the bed when Valerie climbed on his hard muscr body and started nuzzling her nose in his neck.


    ¡°Darling! Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s been time? Our counselor thinks we should get intimate quite frequently. The eye surgeon asked you to avoid sudden movements but now it¡¯s almost six months. Don¡¯t you miss me?¡±By the end of it, her voice had turned husky as her hand crawled inside his pants. Yet he was quick to hold it.


    ¡°Not now, V. I am still feeling pain in my eyes,¡± With that, he covered his eyes by cing his arm on it.


    Valerie who had disappointment written across her face gulped and then offered a quivering smile, ¡°It¡¯s ok, love. Anyways, you are not going anywhere. I should show some patience.¡±


    Once he was sure she had gone to sleep, he changed his side and stared at the wall, ¡°Just pray for yourself, Valerie. Because you have only witnessed my soft and loving side, once you encounter my evil side, I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t be able to bear with it.¡±


    He closed his eyes with determination. I will never stop looking for you Marissa Sinir until and unless I find you.


    He picked up his phone and saw the screen. A message was there from Joseph, ¡°Rafael. How about we go to Kanderton for your office visit? Change of ce might do you good.¡±


    He agreed with his friend. He needed to be away from here. For some reason, he felt like Kanderton City was calling for him. As if this ce wanted him there.


    Rafael thought for a moment and typed¡­ ¡°Yes.¡±


    </main>

 Chapter 11

    <h1 ss="text-1.3em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.35] font-medium" data-v-49ba2fd9="">Chapter 11 ¨C 11- Hunt</h1>


    <main id="content" ss="mt-1.5em text-s-gray-900 leading-[1.67] font-ck" data-type="western" data-v-49ba2fd9="">


    (Three yearster)


    ¡°Come on girls. We need to be quick. This order needs to leave this kitchen, right after two hours.¡± Marissa pped loudly in therge kitchen while taking rounds and checking every chef busy with stoves.


    ¡®Alexander¡¯s Homestyle Catering¡¯ got its boom two years back when Marissa grabbed a big order from a newly developed multinational office.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    They even asked her to run an indoor canteen for their employees, but Marissa and the owner could note up with a mutual cost agreement and Marissa dropped the idea.


    Alexander was the name, once chosen by Rafael for his future son. Marissa loved it and thought to use it a long time back.


    One thing she had learned in life the hard way was to never settle for anything less and she had been teaching the same to her kids.


    In thest three years, Grandpa Flint and Sophia had been her great supporters. Sophia was still busy doing her frence work for different pharmaceuticalpanies, but she kept turning down all of the perks they used to offer. Going on an annual trip was one of them.


    Why?


    Because she knew her friend needed her. Marissa couldn¡¯t raise her babies alone.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± Akari who was one of her employees came to her carrying a bowl, ¡°you need to taste this garlic chicken. Citra wants to pour some more sauce, but I thought toe to you first.¡±


    Marissa took the bowl from her hands and took a spoonful of the sauce, ¡°Umm¡­¡± she closed her eyes and moaned a bit, ¡°this needs a little bit more salt¡­¡± She then frowned and shook her head, ¡°And no more sauce please.¡±


    Marissa got distracted with her business calls.


    Akari nodded and was about to turn around when something bumped into her legs, ¡°Aww ¡­ look at you.¡±


    She got on her knees toe face to face with a beautiful three-year-old girl who had a lollipop in her mouth, ¡°what are you doing here, Ariel? You do know you are not allowed to enter this kitchen.¡±


    Marissa was quite strict about this rule. No entry for kids during cooking time.


    ¡°Akari! Can you cook me something sweet?¡±


    ¡°Aww. And what do you want Ariel?¡± Little Ariel shrugged her small shoulders and made a pout.


    ¡°Can I have strawberries?¡± Akari chuckled ruffling the girl¡¯s hair with affection.


    ¡°Why not, sweetie?¡± She took out a big bowl of strawberries from the hugemercial refrigerator and picked up the girl on her other arm, ¡°Let¡¯s take you to your room before your mom sees you and gets a heart attack.¡±


    However, the moment she was about to exit the kitchen, she heard a stern voice behind her, ¡°Ariel Aaron. What are you doing here? Weren¡¯t you supposed to take your nap at this hour along with your siblings?¡±


    Akari closed her eyes. Marissa could be a very generous and understanding boss and a doting mom but when she would turn into a Momzi, nobody could stop her.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Little Ariel stirred herself a little in Akari¡¯s arms and got down to run to Marissa.


    ¡°Why are you here, littledy?¡± Marissa wiped the nonexistent morsel from the child¡¯s face before scooping her up.


    ¡°I wanted Akari to cook something sweet for me, Mommy¡­ and look what she cooked!¡± She eximed delightedly.


    Marissa frowned to have a look at the bowl Akari was holding.


    ¡°Strawberries?¡± And then understanding dawned on her face and she could not help the smile forming on her lips, ¡°You cooked strawberries for them, Akari?¡±


    Akari stifled herughter and winked at the little girl, ¡°Of course. Anything for these cuties!¡±


    ¡°Come on. Let me carry those. You go and keep an eye on them.¡± Marissa took the bowl from her employee¡¯s hands and turned to leave.


    She knew Ariel was innocent enough not to n this all by herself. There was someone else behind this.


    She started climbing the stairs bncing her daughter and the strawberry bowl, ¡°Mommy I could carry it myself.¡±


    ¡°I know honey,¡± Marissa kissed her cheek, ¡°I am more interested in meeting your crime partners.¡±


    She went up and opened the door only to find Grandpa Flint hiding under the nket along with three-year-old Alexander and Abigail.


    ¡°So, you sent your sister for the sweet treats?¡± She asked sternly. Flint started giggling along with the kids. All this time, he had been like a good friend to all of them.


    He was Sophia¡¯s grandfather but could be Marissa¡¯s father and her mentor. He was also a friend and a crime partner for her kids.


    If Sophia and Flint weren¡¯t there, she didn¡¯t know what she would have done without them.


    ¡°Mom! We just asked her to go to Aunt Akari and ask for some homemade dessert.¡± Abigail face palmed and looked sideways at Alexander who was busy reading some book.


    ¡°See? That¡¯s why I brought these strawberries¡­¡± Ariel showed them in excitement making her siblings roll their eyes.


    Marissa tried to suppress the smile at their innocent way ofmunication.


    ¡°Young man! What are you reading?¡±


    ¡°Grandpa Flint brought this encyclopedia from his mini library. My MacBook is still not fixed so I¡¯m trying to kill my time.¡± He said in a serious tone and moved his focus back to the book.


    Marisa curved down her lips and looked at her kids, ¡°Now who wants to apany me to the superstore? We need to shop for our catering orders.¡±


    As expected, Alexander and Abigail did not show much enthusiasm, but Ariel was ready as always. She started jumping on the bed in excitement when Marissa had to pick her up from there and put her down, ¡°Let¡¯s go, youngdy. We can¡¯t afford to gette, we need to start this order the moment the current one leaves.¡±


    Flint got on his feet to dip the strawberries in the chocte concoction that he was about to prepare with Abigail.


    Before leaving the room, Marissa went to her kids to nt a kiss on their foreheads, ¡°Be good to your grandpa. OK?¡±


    Alexander and Abigail both nodded and all Marissa wanted to do was clutch them to her chest. Three years back she was about to lose them.


    But they proved to be so strong, that against all odds they made the doctors surprised and were off the machines in a few weeks. Though Abigail was still weak due to her heart problem, but Alexander and Ariel were doing just fine.


    Abigail was not only the youngest among three but also the sweetest and most fragile child of her. Due to her heart problem, she was not allowed to run around or to use excessive stairs. Her siblings also knew it and used to keep an eye on her like two strict jailers.


    ***


    Marissa was walking among the aisles looking for tomato sauce cans.


    ¡°I guess they have transferred most of their stuff¡­¡± she muttered to herself and looked at the guy wearing the superstore uniform, ¡°Excuse me, Mister ¡­ did you people move some stuff around here? I can¡¯t find the tomato cans,¡±


    The man at once got to her for helping her out. Usually, Marissa preferred making her own sauces, but this specific order required a certainpany¡¯s sauce.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we have a promotion on it that¡¯s why we moved it near the exit gate,¡± his hand waved showing her the exit gate when Ariel requested her to let her down from the cart.


    Her kids knew that if they wanted to visit a superstore, they were not allowed to roam around freely.


    ¡°No sweetheart. Just sit tight. Mom needs to get her things and can¡¯t afford to let it slip off her mind.¡± She patted Aerial¡¯s cheek and kept filling her cart.


    ¡°I just want lollipops, mom,¡±


    ¡°Let me know and I¡¯ll buy it for you,¡± she said busily while choosing the mushroom cans from the aisle.


    ¡°But, mommy. I want to choose the vors too. Alexander likes orange, Abigail likes guava vor, and I want to try all of them,¡± Marissa inhaled a long breath while listening to her whining.


    ¡°Once you see them let me know, you can go and get them.¡± She said with a smile and Ariel was over the clouds.


    After half an hour, Marissa, atst, allowed her daughter to go to the desired section that had kids¡¯ sweets.


    She stayed at some safe distance just to keep an eye. She needed to get to the cash counter as soon as possible. She only allowed Ariel because today it wasn¡¯t that crowded.


    She smiled when found Ariel hurriedly picking up different vors of lollipops, trying to nestle all of them in her small hands. The little girl was about to turn around when bumped into someone.


    The tall man looked down at the scattered lollipops before his eyes moved to Ariel, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, kid.¡±


    He crouched down to help the little girl in picking them up and Marissa left her cart to join them.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. She was just too excited,¡± the man looked up and seemed to go still, ¡°Ariel. Please say sorry to the gentleman.¡± Marissa didn¡¯t seem to notice his changed bodynguage at all.


    The man shook his head with a small smile, ¡°That¡¯s ok, ma¡¯am. It was my mistake.¡± After that Marissa didn¡¯t give him much attention.


    Usually, she stayed away from all the males because their presence used to give her anxiety.


    The cash counter was thankfully empty, so she almost dragged the cart along with Ariel to get it charged and leave.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± the same man stood behind her, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, do you live nearby?¡±


    It didn¡¯t take much time for Marissa to make a poker face.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she picked up her parcels and headed outside without any response. The man also seemed hasty, and Marissa made it quickly to her car and drove away.


    She had seen this man for the first time and felt ufortable when he asked about her whereabouts.


    Joseph came out of the store and looked around. He punched a nearby wall and hastily pressed some numbers on his phone,


    ¡°Rafael! Bro! See? I had been asking you toe to Kanderton and you never listened. Guess who I just met? It was indeed Marissa. She had a little girl with her. Pleasee as soon as possible. Ok?¡±


    After that, he slipped the phone in his pocket. Rafael once showed him a few pictures of Marissa and at first nce, he knew it was her.


    It seemed like the hunt for Marissa was almost over.


    </main>

 Chapter 12

    12 12- Right That Minute!


    ¡°Girl<b>! </b>You are being paranoid!¡± Flint whispered to Marissa because the kids were sleeping in the nearby room, ¡°Why do you think that man was observing Ariel?¡±


    ¡°Because he found her cute!¡± Before Marissa could speak, Sophia interrupted them while her eyes were still on theptop screen.


    Flint snapped his fingers and nodded, ¡°Exactly. Rafael is in Sangua. You are here in Kanderton managing your catering business. Why Rafael will even bother to set foot here when his billion¨Cdor industry is doing just fine back home? There is nothing for him in Kanderton city.¡±


    Marissa was rubbing her hands in anxiety. Her heart was sinking


    with each passing minute.


    ¡°What if someday Rafaeles at my door and demands to meet my kids then what will I do, Flint?¡±


    The sound of theptop shutting made her sit straight in her seat. Sophia¡¯s eyes were zing with rage, ¡°If that moron will be standing there then he won¡¯t be meeting that timid Marissa but a sessful entrepreneur. Has your brain slipped into your knees, Marissa?¡± Sophia had a disgusted face. She was not liking the weak side of her friend.


    ¡°What if he tries to snatch them?¡± she asked quietly, and they knew


    what she was talking about.


    ¡°Then just show him your middle finger, girl!¡± Sophia spat and Marissa closed her eyes. That man in the supermarket seemedMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


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    12 12¨CRight That Minute!


    fishy. <b>The </b>way he looked at Ariel and then tried to make conversation at the cash counter, Marissa didn¡¯t know what to do.


    She wanted to keep her kids safe and was no longer interested in Rafael. Kids¡® lives could easily be in danger if Nina or Valerie woulde to know about their existence.


    ¡°Marissa! My dear¡­¡± Flint held her hand, ¡°Have you forgotten a girl who came here three years back with nothing in hand and now see where you are today!¡± he had a proud grin on his face.


    Marissa could only nod her head.


    ¡°I know, Flint. Thanks to you both but it¡¯s Nina and Valerie I¡¯m


    scared of.¡±


    ¡°You are a mom, Marissa!¡± Sophia also took a nearby seat, ¡°and no one can bat an eye in your kids¡® way. I know how you can be when it¡¯s about your kids. If the time wille, we¡¯ll approach Rafael and ask him to control the women of his family otherwise we can create a scandal against him, and his business shares will go down.


    the drain.¡±


    Marissa knew Sophia just wanted to make her feel better. She would never do any such thing to anyone but when it was about her babies Aunt Sophia couldn¡¯t be expected to spare anyone.


    ¡°I think you should go and get some sleep. You have an early order to dispatch.¡± Flint patted her shoulder and stood up.


    When Marissa left, he had concern on his face.


    ¡°Do you think that man might be dangerous?¡± Sophia asked him and he just raised his shoulders.


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    ¡°You told me Rafael and Marissa shared a soul¨Cworthy rtionship. If that¡¯s the case, then most likely Rafael might have guessed the truth by now.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t trust my friend, grandpa¡± Sophia sank back <b>on </b>the backrest of the couch.


    ¡°I know. But look at the situation from his point of view. A blind man who had no one but his wife Valerie beside him. One day he woke up all healthy and a woman was telling him that she was his wife. He just got done with the surgery and this is how he is weed to the world where he was unable to decide between true colors and fake patches.¡±


    Flint did have a point, ¡°And don¡¯t forget, Sophia. Marissa learned a lot of business tactics from Rafael. Whatever she used to discuss with him about business, she applied it. And see the boom of her catering business.¡±


    Sophia did remember how Rafael threatened her to bring the police the next day. She shuddered with the thought.


    He was indeed extremely handsome and the woman who would spend some time in hispany will surely set the bar higher for her future boyfriends.


    Maybe that was the reason Marissa could never get involved in any man. Gerald who helped Marissa a lot in bringing orders from bigpanies was not ready to give up on her, but she always


    maintained a safe distance from him.


    The thought that Rafael could at least hear, her side of the story couldn¡¯t bring any sympathy in Sophia¡¯s heart for him.


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    12 12¨CRight That Minute!


    ¡°Aunt Fia! Sophia almost jumped up when heard a feeble voice close by.


    ¡°Abi!¡± she quickly picked up the child and made her sit on thep, ¡°are you alright?¡± she asked her because justst month they had to rush to the hospital because of her chest pain, ¡°Are you feeling pain, love.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she hid her face in Sophia¡¯s chest and Sophia clutched the little munchkin to her. The triplets were very dear to her, but Abigail had her heart. Maybe due to her weak health, she had gotten closer to her.


    Thankfully her other siblings understood Abi¡¯s condition and always cooperated with their mom. Marissa was lucky to get such understanding andpassionate kids.


    She carried Sophia to her room and made her lie on her bunk. Covering the girl with a quilt, she ced her teddy close to her and was about to turn around when her eyes caught a glimpse of the sleeping figure of Alexander.


    Oh, boy! He was <b>a </b>spitting image of his father. She had caught Marissa staring at him with that longing and could understand her


    emotions.


    Those long ck locks that used to fall on his forehead like his father. The way he and Ariel used to guide Marissa about business. decisions or a nosy customer. The father¡¯s gene was evident and couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    She couldn¡¯t stop herself from kissing his and Ariel¡¯s forehead with all the aunt love she could muster.


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    12 12¨CRight That Minuter


    ¡°Something good is about to happen, kids!¡± she whispered softly to their sleeping figures, ¡°I can almost feel it in the air,¡± <b>she </b>squeezed her eyes in excitement not knowing that Rafael Sinir had atst. stepped, right that minute, on Kanderton airport.


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 Chapter 13

    13 13- His Life


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the catch here?¡± Rafael asked after hugging his friend who <b>was </b>looking after his Kanderton branch office.


    He had just gotten down from his private jet and couldn¡¯t wait for


    positive progress. Joseph shook his head when saw an army of uniformed bodyguards following him closely.


    some


    All this time Rafael¡¯s investigators had been expressing their concerns that Sophia and Marissa didn¡¯t bother to go to the airport and left the city by road. That was the reason their records were missing from airport security records.


    Now all of them had been active when Joseph told him about the girl he saw in the superstore.


    ¡°I¡¯m one hundred percent sure that she was Marissa. Her hair was longer than the picture you showed me. She was not as slim but the little girl apanying her,. my God! You should have seen¡­ she was a spitting image of her aunt Valerie.¡±


    There was a stark difference between Marissa and Valerie. Valerie was slim, bony, and was through and through a blond while Marissa was a brte with ck eyes with a curvy figure that used to fill her dresses in all the right ces.


    Rafael¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He had a daughter?


    Oh, how he wanted to get to Marissa in a jiffy.


    ¡°I asked this investigator to meet me in my hotel room.¡± He told Joseph while walking to the car.


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    13:13¨CHis Life


    ¡°Hotel room?¡± Joseph looked at his friend as if he had gone crazy,


    <b>¡°</b><b>Yeah</b><b>, </b>I know.¡± Rafael brushed his fingers through his hair while getting into the car, ¡°I¡¯m alreadyte in reaching here. I remember you, asking me three years back to get here but Valerie had a nervous breakdown, and I couldn¡¯t leave her side. <b>If </b>I¡¯m wrong about Marissa, then maybe it was Valerie who was with me when I was blind.¡±


    Joseph shook his head and chuckled, ¡°Seriously! You still believe


    her?¡±


    ¡°I believe no one,¡± Rafael remarked sharply, ¡°I just want to hear everything from Marissa¡¯s damn mouth.¡±


    Instead of engaging <b>in </b>further discussion Rafael went quiet and started looking out the window.


    ¡°<i>Hakuna </i>Matata, dear husband¡­¡± she had said after kissing him.


    <i>¡°</i>When <i>I¡¯m </i><i>by </i><i>your </i>side then <i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>need </i><i>to </i>worry <i>about </i><i>anything</i><i>, </i>Rafael. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>your eyes<i>. </i>If <i>an </i>eye transnt is thest <i>choice</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>present <i>my </i>eyes <i>to </i><i>the </i>doctors<i>. </i>I <i>won¡¯t </i>mind <i>staying </i>blind. <i>For </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>presence </i><i>is </i><i>enough</i><i>.</i><i>¡°</i><i>..</i>


    And now she was somewhere far away living without him.


    Rafael felt a pang of guilt and pain slowly taking over his heart. In all these years he got so engrossed in expanding his business that his rivals were surprised to see the sess he was getting.


    He even changed his Empire¡¯s name from Sinir to MSin Industries.


    Valerie once asked him, ¡°MSin? What¡¯s so special about this


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    25


    <b>13 </b>13¨CHis LifeN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    name?¡±


    ¡°Miles Sinir. My grandpa. He is my mentor,¡± he had satisfied her with his answer and got back to work with a smile.


    Rafael closed his eyes while thinking about their conversations when somebody shook his shoulder,


    ¡°Man. Your hotel is here.¡± Joseph tapped his shoulder and got out of the car. Rafael was walking through the lobby when a bald man approached him,


    ¡°Sir. The good news is we have got a list of all Marissa Sinires. living in Kanderton,¡± He informed Rafael with a smile and Rafael passed him a chilling look,


    ¡°Don¡¯t look for Marissa Sinir. She must be living with the name Aaron. Or maybe some other name. But she won¡¯t be a fool to use the name Sinir.¡± He hoped she hadn¡¯t changed her first name.


    ¡°Thank you for being there,¡± he hugged Joseph before retiring to his presidential suite.


    ¡°Now don¡¯t be a fool. And please don¡¯t make the mistake of staying upte. Come to the office tomorrow early morning so that we can discuss our future strategy.¡±


    Rafael gave him a tight¨Clipped smile and entered the elevator.


    The moment he reached his room, he took a quick shower and ced hisptop on the bed. Ever since he had gotten his eyes back, he started facing difficulty in falling asleep.


    However, he got a little irritated when his phone started ringing. Who can call me at this hour?


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    13 13- His Life


    He received the call muttering to himself.


    ¡°Hello, Sir. I¡¯m Dean. Your Kanderton office manager.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dean?¡± he said busily typing something on hisptop.


    ¡°I hope you had afortable trip. <b>If </b>you need anything, I¡¯ll be happy to help you.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Thank you, Dean.¡±


    ¡°Pleasure. Will you being tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Why?¡±


    ¡°Sir. We are arranging a party <b>in </b>your honor where the


    businessmen¡¯s fraternity will be invited from all over the world. For this purpose, I have shortlisted twenty caterers. You can have a


    look at it too.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Email me and then we can discuss it tomorrow.¡± He disconnected the call and rolled his eyes.


    The man seemed quite excited about nning this party. He frowned when his phone pinged. An email from Mr. Dean.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gosh</i><i>! </i>Was <i>he </i><i>carrying </i>the <i>list </i>all this <i>time </i><i>in </i>his pocket<i>? </i><i>A </ite¨C<i>night </i><i>call </i><i>just </i><i>to </i><i>discuss </i>caterers? <i>Seriously</i>?¡± with a chuckle he opened the list with disinterest.


    There were twenty caterers but there was this specific one that caught his eye due to the name.


    ¡°Alexander Homestyle Catering?¡±


    He felt knots in his stomach. Once he had told Valerie or Marissa that if he ever got a son, he would name him, Alexander.


    13 13 HIS Life


    ¡°Interesting! Let¡¯s discuss catering tomorrow¡­¡± he said with amusement and closed hisptop.


    Where are you, strawberry? My little greene. He closed his eyes and fell back on his pillow. He hoped Marissa was the girl, Joseph


    saw.


    His life depended on it.


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 Chapter 14

    14 14- List


    ¡°Honey. I don¡¯t understand what you are doing in


    Kanderton,¡± Rafael could almost imagine Valerie talking to him with a pout.


    ¡°The office needs me, V. I¡¯m here to solve some issues,¡± he tried exining to her gently.


    ¡°And what will I do without you, my dear husband?¡± Rafael stopped himself from rolling his eyes and said Valerie¡¯s favorite lines.


    ¡°I know, honey. I miss you too. Why don¡¯t you go shopping? left behind my credit card. Or you can use yours. Go for a girls¡® date or invite your friends for a stayover,¡± he had hit the right nerve when


    she cried in excitement.


    ¡°Really? You are too sweet!¡± she whooped, and Rafael just couldn¡¯t wait to disconnect the call.


    Valerie was fond of inviting over her friends that used to give her a chance to show off her wealth.


    ¡°What was your wife saying?¡± Joseph asked his friend who was looking at Kanderton City through the ss wall.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she is my wife,¡± Rafael turned around and came back to his seat. Right now, they were in thepany¡¯s president¡¯s office and Rafael was in touch with the best investigator, he had


    hired.


    When his phone started ringing, he cursed under his breath and received the call, ¡°Yes. What¡¯s the update?¡±


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    The man on the other side cleared his throat, ¡°Right now, I¡¯m at the superstore, sir, the one mentioned by Mr. Joseph. The manager <b>of </b>the store here doesn¡¯t seem to cooperate much.¡±


    Rafael leaned back in his seat and started rubbing his thumb on his forehead, ¡°Have you shown them the picture?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡± he almost roared on the phone, ¡°the picture is given to <b>you </b>so that it can do some good. It had a purpose.¡±


    He covered the mouthpiece and eyed his friend, ¡°He was supposed to be the best investigator but just look at his ipetence.¡±


    ¡°Give this fellow a chance, Rafael!¡± Joseph mouthed slowly.


    With a nod, Rafael turned back his attention to the call, ¡°Have you even seen this picture or are you just shooting arrows in the dark?¡°,


    The man who was doing this task for Rafael, was a middle¨Caged. man and was a pro in the field, ¡°Mr. Sinir. You said you need to find this girl at any cost. Please just let me do my job. Showing pictures to the superstore manager means to invite trouble. He can issue a warning to Miss Marissa.¡±


    The man had a point. Exhaling a long sigh, Rafael nodded, ¡°What¡¯s


    next?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to ask my men to keep an eye on the superstore. Once we get the report, we¡¯ll sit back and follow her just to see where she resides.¡±


    This at least satisfied Rafael. He wanted to find out his wife and get over with the search that started three years ago.


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    When the call was over, Rafael moved his focus to Joseph.


    ¡°I trust this guy, Rafael. A few years back the police of Kanderton involved him in a kid¡¯s abduction case and they solved it with his help.¡±


    Rafael rested his head on his seat and closed his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>You make <i>the </i><i>best </i><i>Beef </i>Fajita in <i>the </i><i>whole </i><i>wide </i>world<i>.</i><i>¡±</i>


    He had once told her while sitting by the kitchen table when she was cooking his favorite dish there.


    Before marriage, when he was dating Valerie, once it had slipped her mouth how her younger sister could make the best food in the world.


    He opened his eyes when heard a small knock. Joseph who was looking at something on hisptop screen said a crisp, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Sir. Sorry to disturb you I wanted the invitations to be finalized today,¡± Dean ced a dossier in front of Rafael and stepped back.


    Rafael ran a quick gaze at the file and then closed it.


    ¡°You seem too excited for this party as If it¡¯s in your honor, Dean,¡± Rafael teased the manager who for some reason had started blushing.


    ¡°Sir. I¡¯m nowadays in thest stages of finalizing the d¨¦cor and the cutlery. The best event nner is hired to make it all work. In the next few days, we will be making final decisions for catering as


    well.¡±


    Rafael closed his eyes again trying to imagine the taste of the food that Marissa used to cook. It was weird because he never nned


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    14 14¨CList


    to make his wife stand in the kitchen.


    He always had an army of servants <b>to </b>do the job.


    No matter what caterer they choose, it would never have the taste of Marissa¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Last night I read a Caterer¡¯s name.. by the name of Alexander¡­<b>¡±</b>


    Rafael trailed off when Dean started nodding his head in


    excitement.


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are nning to change the name to Xander¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Who is the owner of Alexander¡¯s?¡± Rafael asked while toying with the paperweight.


    ¡°It used to be a small business startup. I¡¯m sorry, sir. I only talked to the owner on call, and they are emerging at a stable pace. I have heard great reviews about them from ourpetitors.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. So how are you nning to select, out of these twenty caterers?¡± Joseph chuckled when Rafael asked the question.


    Everyone in the office knew how big foodie Dean was. And now Rafael was also getting this idea.


    The way he was wholeheartedly participating was quite surprising.


    ¡°These twenty caterers will be invited to bring their best food and let us have the taste of it. After that, we can decide who to select.


    We might hire multiple caterers too. After all, the business fraternity will be swarming here next month. They should carry a positive image of Kanderton. It¡¯s going to be a huge event.¡±


    Rafael hummed moving forward, to ce his hands on the desk.


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    14 14¨C<b>List</b>


    ¡°Can I have a list of the owners?¡± Dean seemed a little taken aback


    by the absurd request.


    ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Sinir?<b>¡± </b>he thought he had heard wrong.


    ¡°The list of those twenty people who own catering business, Dean.¡± Dean nodded and stepped back,


    ¡°Right in a minute, sir.¡± He turned on his heels to leave the office.


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 Chapter 15

    15 15- MSin Industries


    ¡°Yayyy!¡± Marissa¡¯s employees started pping when a party order was dispatched in a food truck. They all were hugging each other, and Marissa had a proud grin on her face.


    Her kitchen was buzzing with excitement as everyone was busy exchanging high fives. Marissa was standing in the center observing her staff members celebrating their hard work and


    sess.


    ¡°We did it, girls!¡± She called out, her voice full of enthusiasm, ¡°This must be our fifth big order that is sent without a single hitch.¡±


    Her employers gathered around her<b>, </b>their faces glowing with a sense of aplishment. Small orders were nothing for Alexander¡¯s Homestyle Catering. But this one was huge and they all needed a pat on their backs.


    The aroma of pies and Lasagna ?till lingered in the air.


    ¡°Now, now, now!¡± Marissa pped again to get the attention of her teammates, ¡°We have covered another milestone in our business, folks. I couldn¡¯t have done it without each and every one of you. You¡¯re all amazing.¡±


    Marissa threw a proud nce towards her employees. She was extremely lucky to have such a dedicated team.


    The business that started with her and Akari now had so many people associated with them. The best thing about these women was, that they never questioned her about her kids¡® father and always tried to be understanding and empathetic towards her.


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    15 15- MSin Industries


    ¡°Hello,¡± their eyes moved when they heard a familiar voice from the doorway. Flint and Sophia were standing along with the kids, ¡°Can wee inside to celebrate?¡±


    Everyone knew about the rule and that was: No kids allowed when


    the burners were on.


    The kids were looking at her with so much innocence that for a moment Marissa wanted to hug them tight and cry.


    ¡°Mom, please!¡± Alexander thought that she was getting furious, so he thought to act like an angel by batting his eyes dramatically.


    ¡°Yes, mom. Please.¡± Abigail also joined them.


    Marissa didn¡¯t say anything and spread her arms, kneeling on the floor. The kids came running to them.


    ¡°Careful, Abi!¡± Marissa¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she saw her youngest one running. It was a risk to her health.


    She hugged her kids who not only pushed her to the floor on her a*ss but also settled themselves on herp. Marissa wasughing and crying at the same time.


    ¡°All of this was possible because of you, my little ones,¡± she kissed each of their foreheads and the women standing there had tears in their eyes.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s time to kiss, Aunt Sophia¡­¡± Sophia teased her and crouched on the floor making everyone around themugh.


    ¡°This was such a big order, Soph,¡± Marissa told her and helped her kids to stand from herp, ¡°This one is the biggest order I ever got.¡± She stood with the help of Citra, and everyone present there.


    <b>15 </b>15- MSin Industries


    could feel her face glowing.


    Sophia walked up to her and pulled her in her embrace, ¡°This is <b>all </b>your hard work, Marissa¡± She then ran a gaze over other women, ¡°And no doubt you have got an amazing team.¡±


    Marissa nodded and then faced her employees, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this ce cleaned up and then we¡¯ll celebrate properly!¡± Marissa announced, her grin widening, ¡°Drinks are on me tonight!¡±


    The room erupted in cheers once more, and Marissa couldn¡¯t help butugh. After every order, it was moments like these that made


    all the hard work worthwhile.


    They started cleaning the kitchen along with the kids. Only Abigail was the one who was sitting on the kitchen counter and was. directing her siblings to pick up the litter.


    ¡°Come on, guys! That piece over there. Pick up that wrapper too,¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    When Flint started cing the drink bottles and sses, Sophia quickly asked the kids to go to their room and she would bring them the best shakes ever.


    ¡°Come on, my little helpers,¡± Marissa ruffled their hair, ¡°Mom will be back soon to tuck you into bed.¡±


    Once the kids left, the drinking party started with everyone chatting <b>in </b>a carefree manner. Bottles were uncorked and the drinks were passed on.


    Marissa started tinkling a spoon to her ss, ¡°We all deserve a toast, girls!¡± she raised her ss, ¡°Cheers!¡±


    ¡°Cheers!¡± The whole room erupted with excitement and the


    13.39


    36


    <b>15 </b>15¨CMSin Industries


    clinking of sses.


    Marissa looked at her employees¡® faces and thought of giving them a bonus for their hard work. Just then the phone that was ced in the far corner of the kitchen started ringing.


    It was their official kitchen phone and was usually operated by Akari. She was the one who used to take and confirm orders. She had great client handling skills.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have any other order now,¡± Marissa mumbled and saw Akari struggling to get there.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Akari spoke on the phone and then gave a helpless grin to Marissa. Marissa scrunched her nose and then did her signature action which was pping.


    ¡°Guys! We have got a phone call. Can you all please be quiet for a minute?¡± Akari mouthed a thank you in her direction and then started listening to the call.


    All the other employees who had lowered their volume were now talking in hushed tones while Marissa¡¯s eyes were on Akari where shock was evident on her face.


    Marissa felt her heart sinking. Why was Akari acting in this way?


    ¡°Akari,¡± she shouted across the room, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is there a


    problem with our order? Did you wrap the aluminum foil around that pasta tray?¡±


    Akari who was standing, glued to her spot like a statue tilted her head to nce her way. The low conversation that was taking ce among other women slowly died down.


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    15 15¨CMSin Industries


    All of them were now looking at Akari with concern who had a dumb expression on <b>her </b>face.


    ¡°Akari! Speak up!¡± Marissa tried to be gentle with her. Another employee whose name was Loxley went to Akari and offered her a ss of water along with a stool.


    Akari pushed aside the ss, ¡°Marissa. I think we have got a new order.¡±


    ¡°New order?¡± Marissa frowned, ¡°From whom?¡±


    ¡°Remember? I told you about this new multinational firm in our city? They have shortlisted us among twenty caterers.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    There was light chatter in the room now. Akari slowly nodded, her lips gradually curling up in a beautiful smile,


    ¡°They have invited us along with a three¨Ccourse meal. However, the CEO wants every one of the caterers toe with Beef Fajita.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sophia chuckled, ¡°Beef Fajita?¡± everyone around here knew that Marissa made the best Fajita. She could cook it several times for her family and employees.


    But she always apologized to her customers and never made itmercially.


    ¡°Who are they, by the way?¡± Flint, sitting by the counter, asked while sipping his drink.


    Akari thought for a moment and then said, ¡°It¡¯s a newly developedpany and they are throwing a huge narty in honor of their


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    15 15¨CMSm Industries.


    CEO. Thepany¡¯s name is MSin Industries.¡±


    And <b>then </b>she looked directly at Marissa, ¡°If we get that order then we might be talking about millions of dors, Marissa.¡±


    There was a stunned silence in the room after the announcement.


    Akari spoke again, ¡°The owners are supposed to present their meals oning Friday. Marissa, are you ready for it?¡±


    But Marissa¡¯s mind was somewhere else. MSin Industries.


    Why did it sound strange to her ears?


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 Chapter 16

    16 16- Alexander Catering


    ¡°Who could be MSin Industries? Never heard of them!¡± Marissa said while folding theundry and cing it in the kids¡® cupboard.


    ¡°I know what you are thinking!¡± Sophia ced the dress in front of her image, standing in front of the mirror, ¡°You think it¡¯s rted to Sinir bute to think of it. The letter M doesn¡¯t make sense. If it was THAT Sinir, then it would be Rafael Sinir¡­ RSin. Not MSin.¡±


    Marissa was still confused about epting this contract. There was something that was not sitting well with her. ¨C


    ¡°How do I look in this dress?¡± Sophia asked for her opinion, still examining herself in the mirror. Now she was holding a red gown.


    ¡°Uh. It looks too desperate. Why don¡¯t you wear that royal blue one,¡± Marissa ced thestundry piece inside the closet and plopped back on Alexander¡¯s bunk.


    ¡°Is Gerald in contact with you?¡± Sophia eyed her through the mirror, ¡°He was on a business trip, and I need to know if he spared any time for you.¡±


    Marissa closed her eyes and ced the small pillow on her face. She didn¡¯t want to talk about any man. Gerald might be a good friend, but he could never be more than that.


    However, she sat straight when heard a tap on the door. Akari¡¯s. face appeared in the doorway.


    ¡°Chilling?¡± she tiptoed inside as if she was there for some kind of mischief or robbery.


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    < 16 16¨CAlexander Catering


    ¡°Look at her!¡± Sophia pointed towards her, ¡°She tiptoed because we all think it¡¯s kids¡® room and they must be sleeping. While they are


    not even here.¡±


    Marissaughed and pped the space beside her, ¡°Sit down and rx, Akar. Kids just left for the park with Flint and Citra.¡±


    Marissa had hermercial kitchen in the basement while she used to reside along with kids, Flint and Sophia in the upper portion of the small house. She borrowed a small amount of money from someone to get this space.


    ¡°Have youe up with any decision regarding MSin?¡± Akari asked her, taking the space on the bed.


    Marissa turned her head to have a good look at Akari¡¯s face, ¡°What¡¯s the catch in it for you?¡±


    Sophia chuckled and tilted her head, ¡°I was about to ask the same thing, Akari. You seem a little too interested in this industry order. Care to exin?¡±


    Akari felt nervous when felt the eyes of both the women on her face, ¡°I¡­ I¡­ it¡¯s a million dor¡­ order so¡­¡±


    ¡°So?¡± both thedies cocked up a brow when saw Akari blushing profusely, ¡°Their manager¡­ Dean. He is the cutest!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Sophia and Marissa screamed at the top of their lungs. Thankfully the kids were not home to witness this craziness.


    ¡°When did you meet him?¡± Sophia ced a hand on her hip and


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    16 10¨CAlexander Catering


    poor <b>Akari </b>avoided <b>the </b><b>eye </b>contact


    ¡°Never. We <b>just </b>exchanged numbers and I saw his profile picture. He looked cute in those sses and chubby cheeks.¡±


    Marissa face palmed andid back on the bed, ¡°Akari is in love!¡±


    This was the best thing about her. She might had a failed rtionship in the past but she always celebrated her employees¡® happiness. This was the reason her employees not only respected her but felt at home with her.


    As a boss, she never imposed her orders but always took suggestions from them. Most of the learning and applying these tricks were due to thepany of Rafael. He was the one who used to teach her how to run <b>a </b>good business.


    ¡°<i>Every </i><i>discussion</i><i>, </i>every happiness<i>, </i><i>and </i>every <i>sadness </i>remind <i>me </i><i>of </i><i>you</i>. I miss <i>you </i>in every <i>celebration </i><i>and </i>I miss <i>you </i><i>when </i>I <i>look </i><i>at </i>Alexander and <i>then </i>I miss <i>you </i>again <i>when </i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>Abi </i><i>to </i><i>hospital</i>. <i>visits </i><i>without </i><i>you</i>¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey! Marissa! Back to earth!¡± she almost jumped when Akari snapped her fingers before her eyes.


    Marissa¡¯s head snapped up and found Sophia looking at her. She had a knowing look on her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about this MSin order. This is such a big risk. We don¡¯t have enough staff for such a big party.¡±


    Sophia pped Akari¡¯s shoulder to make space for her on the small


    mattress.


    ¡°I need to go down and clean the kitchen, I guess,¡± Akari said


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    16 16- Alexander Catering


    good¨Cnaturedly to provide them some privacy.


    ¡°Take this risk.¡± Sophia threw her arm over Marissa¡¯s shoulders when Akari left the room, ¡°A small business bes big when it takes risks, Marissa. What are you scared of? You are blessed with the best team. Think of the mortgage you have to pay to Mr. Amir. Your kids¡® future education¡­ their future. There is a lot you can do with this money.¡± As always, her true friend wanted her to expand her wings.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she held Sophia¡¯s hand, ¡°there is some strange feeling in the pit of my stomach¡­ Something deep inside is stopping me from going ahead with it yet it also wants me to push forward and ept the offer.¡±


    Sophia started rubbing her friend¡¯s cold hands to offer somefort, ¡°You need to be financially stable, Marissa. We can¡¯t hide forever. Rafael is not a threat to these kids. Valerie and Nina are.¡±


    Sophia had a point. She couldn¡¯t hide in a cocoon forever. She needed to face the world at some point.


    ¡°Once that TV channel approached you for your business coverage. They are still after your interview as an uing businesswoman, but you are not ready to face the cameras. Just because you don¡¯t want those evil women to know about your whereabouts. Let me tell you this, the more popr you¡¯ll be, the more benefits you¡¯ll


    get.¡±


    Marissa had even cut ties with her family. She didn¡¯t want any kind of rtionship from her past but now maybe it was time to show everyone who was Marissa Aaron.


    She picked up her phone from the small study table and dialed a


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    18 16- Alexander Catering


    number, ¡°Akari. Hmm. Please say yes to your cutie Dean. I think we should take this risk and show everyone around, who we are.¡±


    Rafael and Joseph were discussing an uing meeting when Dean came inside with a flushed face, ¡°Sir, the twenty caterers have agreed toe along with their best dishes.¡±


    ¡°Have you got the list of the owners?¡± Joseph asked him, taking off his reading sses. He couldn¡¯t understand why Dean looked so excited.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Here it is!¡± he fumbled with some papers in his file and took out a sheet that had a printed list.


    Rafael was quick to grab it from him and ran his gaze across the


    paper.


    ¡°I have asked the owners toe with their best. By the way, the owner of Alexander¡¯s is ¡­ Akari. Yeah. Her name is Akari.¡±


    is¡­


    Rafael¡¯s eyes remained glued to the paper and then he gestured


    Dean to leave.


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t look convinced!¡± Joseph said with concern. Rafael offered him a tightlipped smile and started thinking.


    Marissa was found in a superstore, shopping for a bulk quantity of cans, she knew Alexander was his favorite name, and she was a pro


    chef.


    What if Dean is ill¨Cinformed about the owner¡¯s name?


    ¡°Hey,¡± he spoke on the phone, ¡°Have you seen anyone around that superstore?¡±


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    16 16- Alexander Catering


    ¡°No, yet.¡± The investigator replied in a clipped tone.


    ¡°Look for Alexander¡¯s Homestyle Catering. It¡¯s a home¨Cbased business. Find each and everything about them. Can you do it till evening? I can pay you double.¡±


    Rafael looked rxed when he disconnected the call.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know by the evening if this business is really owned by this Akari girl or Marissa,¡± He informed his friend and got back to the file they were discussing.


    He could hardly wait for the evening. He was a businessman since. a young age and his intuition was telling him there was something more to this Alexander catering business.


    Comentario 2

 Chapter 17

    17 17- Hakuna Matata


    ¡°I have never prepared Beef Fajita on amercial scale,¡± Marissa remarked while making the shopping list with Akari and Citra. She was trying her best not to remember Rafael¡¯s soft moans


    whenever he used to eat it. O


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, you¡¯ll ace it, Mar!¡± Akari patted her shoulder and started maintaining the ledger on theptop provided by Marissa.


    For thest two weeks, she had been sending Akari to the


    superstore for grocery shopping along with Flint. She didn¡¯t want to take any risks.


    Though she wanted to be mentally prepared to face the Sinir family, but it was better to postpone it as much as possible.


    ¡°Akari. I have prepared the list. You can go shopping. And please only pick fresh tomatoes. We¡¯ll be needing them in bulk quantity for our other orders,¡± Akari nodded and started clicking theptop keys.


    ¡°By the way, who is the president of MSin Industries?¡± Citra asked while stirring the spat in the pot. She was preparing strawberry


    syrup.


    The question made Marissa go still for <b>a </b>moment but then she tried to fake a smile. Obviously, it had nothing to do with Rafael. He owned Sinir Industries and this MSin was someone else.


    However, she also showed interest in the conversation.


    They knew Akari was talking to Dean nowadays.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Akari shrugged carelessly and then picked up her


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    17 17¨CHakuna Matata


    phone, ¡°Let me ask, Dean.¡±


    Both Marissa and Citra chuckled at that.


    ¡°Akari. Let the poor guy work <b>in </b>peace. Stop calling <b>him </b>during


    working hours,¡± But Akari just raised her index finger to make them quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯m not calling him. I¡¯ll just send a message and see if he can


    answer it<b>.¡±</b>


    They were teasing Akari when someone knocked on the door. The knock was on themercial kitchen door not on the entrance door of their home. That meant someone was there for business.


    ¡°Hello, Marissa!¡± Wearing a ck suit, Mr. Amir came inside with a dimpled smile on his face, ¡°How are you.¡±


    Marissa who was beaming, the smile vanished from her lips. She didn¡¯t know why he was here yet her sixth sense was telling her it was something bad.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Mr. Amir?¡±


    ¡°Oh! How many times should I ask you not to call me MISTER Amir? It¡¯s Amir for you, sweetheart,¡± Marissa felt uneasy in his presence. Three years back, he helped Marissa with the finances, assuring her that the small building would be in her name as soon as she paid off all debt.


    She was allowed to take as much time as she wanted. Being a big fool, Marissa trusted him and took the loan instead of going to the


    bank.


    For thest few months, he had been asking her to go on a date


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    with him. Marissa kept reminding him that she had a steady boyfriend, Gerald. Faking it at that time was the best option but his advances were increasing with each passing day.


    ¡°Merissa,¡± she heard Citra whisper behind her, ¡°this is the reason we need MSin catering contract. Once we will pay him, <b>I </b>hope he will hand us the property file.¡±


    Marissa blinked in understanding though she knew Citra couldn¡¯t see her.


    ¡°Please sit down, Mr. Amir. What can I do for you?¡± Amir who was a fine man in his early thirties smirked and picked the grocery list from the counter.


    Marissa passed an annoying look to her girls because everything about their business was meant to be confidential.


    ¡°MSin¡­¡± he read the heading on the paper and turned a zing gaze towards Marissa, ¡°You got an order from MSin? How do you know them?¡±


    Before Marissa could answer, Akari spoke without looking up from theptop, ¡°We don¡¯t know them. They approached us.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± he took his sweet time in reading all the ingredients and then Marissa and the other two girls gasped when without warning he started tearing the paper into tiny pieces.


    ¡°MSin is not suitable to work with. I justpleted a furniture order for them and their owner. Oh. He was such a rude man.¡±


    ¡°Owner?¡± Marissa muttered but he heard her.


    ¡°Yeah. Owner, his name is Joseph Maskatiya.¡± Marissa took a sigh of


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    17 17¨CHakuna Matata


    relief. She was thinking that maybe MSin belonged <b>to </b>someone from the Sinir family. Thankfully she was wrong.


    ¡°And you, my girl,¡± he started walking towards her, ¡°Don¡¯t fall for them. They are scammers. They haven¡¯t paid me for my hard work.¡±


    Marissa who didn¡¯t like it when he called her ¡®My Girl¡® frowned.


    <i>They </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>pay </i>him?


    ¡°So, tell me,¡± He brushed his index finger on her nose bridge, ¡°Would you ept their order?¡±


    Marissa tilted back her head to avoid his touch, ¡°Let me look into this, Mister Amir. I¡¯ll do my homework first before taking any decision.¡± She wasn¡¯t going to back out just because he wanted it.


    He needed to know that he might be the owner of this ce on paper, but it was Marissa¡¯s business, and she would never allow anyone to get her decisions changed.


    ¡°I own this business, Mr. Amir. And I know what decisions to make.¡±


    ¡°I know, honeybee.¡± He tried to tuck her stray hair behind her ear, but she didn¡¯t give him <b>a </b>chance and gently shoved his hand away, ¡°But don¡¯t forget¡­ I own this space. And if I¡¯ll decide to take it from you, someday then you won¡¯t be having any business.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t budge from her ce and kept looking boldly into


    his eyes.


    Yes, she might be on the roads if he decided to do that. But she would never go down without a fight.


    After throwing a final nce around, he smirked and turned to


    17 17- Hakuna Matata


    leave, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to call me if you decide to change your mind and ept my date invitation.¡±


    ¡°Holy cow! <b>The </b>audacity of this man,¡± Akari hugged Marissa from behind trying to offer somefort. But Marissa wasn¡¯t scared. Her business had brought enough confidence in her.


    Amir was mistaken if he thought she was a weakling.


    Rafael was busy typing on hisptop when Joseph came out of the bathroom, ¡°Isn¡¯t there any extra toothbrush?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Because the reservation of this presidential suite is in my name. Not yours. Now get out of my room and go home. I need to work.¡±


    ¡°Come on, man. Don¡¯t be a bummer. I¡¯m here to stay,¡± Rafael shook his head in exasperation. Joseph could stay with him whenever he wanted without an invitation. He had always been like that since


    childhood.


    The only time he couldn¡¯t do that was when Nina Sinir didn¡¯t let him meet Rafael for two years.


    ¡°Rafael! Toothbrush! Or I¡¯m going to use yours¡­¡± he threatened his


    friend.


    ¡°Use inte, man. Ask for room service. For God¡¯s sake!¡± Rafael rolled his eyes and checked his phone for the umpteenth time.


    ¡°Any message from the detective?¡± Joseph asked him in concern.


    Rafael shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t think, he can do it. Which means I¡¯ll look for anotherpetent person. I asked him specifically to


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    17 17¨CHakuna Matata


    update me this evening.¡±


    Joseph shrugged and went to the bathroom. When he came back, he <b>was </b>wearing Rafael¡¯s bathing robe.


    ¡°Gosh, Joseph. You could have asked room service to bring that for you,¡± he was getting annoyed with his friend or maybe he was frustrated because he couldn¡¯t get anything on Marissa.


    Joseph didn¡¯t bother to answer and sat down when they both


    heard a knock.


    ¡°Who it might be?¡± Rafael muttered <b>to </b>himself, ¡°Yes!¡±


    The door opened and the man came inside.


    Rafael smirked, ¡°Oh<b>. </b>It¡¯s you. I knew you wouldn¡¯t be able to find. anything on her. It¡¯s ok. You can collect your check tomorrow from my office.¡±


    The man walked up to him and handed over a heavy man. envelope. Rafael took it with a frown and tore it open to empty it


    on the mattress.


    His gasp was audible when he saw what it was.


    Numerous pictures of Marissa and the three babies whose ages. seemed like three years old spread on the bed.


    ¡°Marissa?¡± Rafael whispered, ¡°Hakuna Matata.¡±


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 Chapter 18

    18 18- She Apologized


    ¡°Marissa Aaron. Age twenty¨Ctwo,¡± The detective informed in a clipped tone like a robot, ¡°Runs her catering business. Tried to get into a business school but failed the entrance exam. Has three kids. Two daughters and one son.


    Alexander, Ariel<b>, </b>and Abigail<b>. </b><b>Had </b>to face someplications during the birth of her babies due to which her youngest one has a weak heart. The doctors had advised her to have open heart surgery, but their medical team would decide when to do it as the baby¡¯s body was already too weak.


    When the robotic man paused momentarily, Rafael took a long breath that he didn¡¯t know he was holding back in his chest.


    This was not even a fraction of what Marissa could have gone through in his absence. Only if¡­ only if he had trusted her and didn¡¯t let her go.


    ¡°Rafael,¡± Joseph ced his hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder and gestured for the other man to halt it for a moment.


    He went quickly to fetch him some water.


    ¡°Rafael, my friend. Everything will be alright,¡± Rafael didn¡¯t want to express his rage in front of the third person, but he was angry at himself.


    ¡°What have I done, Joseph? And why would my mom do that to me?¡± Rafael muttered under his breath. Joseph turned to look at the man who was looking at the carpeted floor with his hands on his belly in respect..


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    18 18¨CShe Apologized


    The poor man might want to give privacy to his client but didn¡¯t have an option except to act as dumb and deaf.


    ¡°You can leave now, mister. Tomorrow you can collect the check, the amount that was promised to you, for your hard work will be paid.¡± The man kept his gaze low and turned on his heels to leave the room.


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Joseph asked Rafael when they reached the office the next morning. Rafael was still disturbed withst night¡¯s details but now he had to stand tall for his little family that needed him


    ahead.


    ¡°ording to this file, she doesn¡¯t own the ce, Jo,¡± Rafael tossed the file on the desk. In agitation, he didn¡¯t even bother to sit on his revolving seat, ¡°Instead of approaching a bank for the loan, she


    asked this man to help her.¡±


    Rafael handed over a picture to Joseph, ¡°Amir? He is the man who gave us fake wooden furniture. It had termites all over the wood.


    How is he rted to Marissa?¡±


    ¡°Not rted. He might have taken the benefit of her desperation,¡± He then came to Joseph and held his arm, ¡°My friend. I need to make everything right. Whatever wrong I did, I¡­ I need to do something¡­ I need to make everything right¡­¡±


    Joseph looked at the heartbroken face of Rafael who had nothing but agony evident there. Since childhood he watched girls dropping their panties for him. Initially, he used to think, he was nothing but a rake brat who only knew how to spend his father¡¯s


    money.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


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    18 18- She Apologized


    Time and again he was proven wrong. Rafael was not only wealthy but had been an intelligent and empathetic man.


    He was equally good in sports and studies and had new ideas to start his own business. Joseph who belonged <b>to </b>a middle¨Css family felt lucky when Rafael helped <b>him </b>on many instances.


    Once he remembered how his mom was admitted to the hospital and Rafael helped him from A to Z. Joseph didn¡¯t know how the bills were paid and who used to get those meals ready for him. when he was hell worried for his mom.


    At that time Rafael proved to him that he was a true friend.


    ¡°What belongs to you, will stay yours, Rafael,¡± Joseph breathed out the words. The building where he used to sit as the branch head


    was also Rafael¡¯s kindness. He couldn¡¯t leave his friend in a time of


    need.


    ¡°Please send Mr. Dean inside,¡± Joseph spoke in the inte


    speaker. When Dean walked in, Joseph eyed the smart man with a keen gaze.


    ¡°Your twenty participants. When are they expected to arrive?¡±


    Dean felt a little nervous.


    ¡°They are due to arrive in two days.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you make it early?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I can.¡± Dean tried to smile, ¡°But they run small businesses, and they mademitments to other people.¡±


    ¡°Umm hmm,¡± Rafael raised his hand and gave a little shake to his head while looking at Joseph, <b>¡°</b>It¡¯s ok, Dean. You follow the


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    <b><</b>18 18¨CShe Apologized


    schedule<b>. </b>Just don¡¯t tell anyone about the owner¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I ¡­ just told them about Mr. Joseph¡¯s name as our head. Nobody needs to know yours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a very smart move,¡± Rafael praised his efforts.


    When Dean left, Joseph turned to look at Rafael who was engrossed in his thoughts.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing!¡± he sighed, ¡°I need to keep tabs on her and my kids¡­¡± he felt a delicious taste on his tongue. The word ¡®my kids¡± brought


    relief to him.


    The idea of tasting those strawberries brought a shudder to his body.


    Akari was stuffing the pantry. She had just gotten back from grocery shopping and the next morning they all needed to start preparing trial meal for MSin Industries.


    She smiled to herself when she thought of Dean, ¡°What are you smiling at?¡± Poor Akari jumped in fright when heard a heavy voice


    behind her.


    cing her hand on her chest, she turned and found Mr. Amir standing there. She didn¡¯t like this intrusion. Poor Marissa was thankfully not home otherwise his presence might make her upset.


    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to give you a heart attack. Where is Marissa by the way?¡± he asked her casually while running down his dirty gaze all over her body. For a minute, Akari felt like he was


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    18 18- She Apologized


    undressing her with his gaze<b>.</b>


    ¡°She is not home, Mr. Amir. You cer,¡± she tried to smile.


    and then got busy with her job. However, she was very conscious of his presence behind her.


    Her body tensed when she felt him heading towards her, ¡°Has Marissa told the Msin Industries that she won¡¯t be working with them?¡±


    Akari felt a little scared when she sensed a little threat in his voice, ¡°Umm. You really should talk to Marissa, Mr. Amir. I¡¯m just her employee.¡± She stood up and started straightening her skirt.


    When she decided to walk past him, he suddenly held her wrist, ¡°Mr. Amir. You better¡­¡± She was about to issue a stern warning when he pulled the kitchen phone across the counter,


    ¡°Call them, Akari,¡± he lightly brushed his knuckles across her face. Akari felt a sudden urge to puke, ¡°Call MSin, Akari. If you are sincere with Marissa, you¡¯ll understand why I¡¯m saying that.¡±


    Akari looked down at his hand that was now roaming close to her bo*obs. Very close.


    She gulped her saliva and nodded with a quivering smile, ¡°Fine!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s like my good girl.¡±


    ***


    Rafael and Joseph were going to the conference room for a presentation when Dean came out of his cabin, ¡°Sir. I just got a call from Alexander¡¯s Catering.¡±


    Rafael felt his heartbeat elerating, ¡°What is it, Dean?¡± he could


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    18 18- She Apologized


    see small beads <b>of </b><b>sweat </b>on the assistant¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Sir. Their owner¡­ She just apologized and said that she won¡¯t be able to work with us.¡±


    Comentario


    Ver todos

 Chapter 19

    19 19- Rafael! Don¡¯t!


    Marissa was pacing around in the room. Akari was bawling her


    eyes out and Sophia and Citra were sitting on either side trying to


    console her.


    Marissa looked around her huge kitchen and tried to feel the pride she once felt whenever she looked at it.


    This was not only her kitchen but also her biggest achievement. Her first step towards her fight with Sinirs.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>work </i><i>so </i>hard <i>all </i><i>these </i>years so that <i>some </i><i>jerk </i>would <i>try </i><i>to </i><i>snatch </i><i>it </i><i>away </i><i>from </i><i>me </i><i>just </i><i>because </i>I don¡¯t <i>have </i>anyone <i>behind </i>me¡­¡± <i>she </i>was <i>muttering </i>to herself


    ¡°Hey. It¡¯s OK. Don¡¯t cry, sweetie.¡± Sophia tried to console Akari who was fumbling with her handkerchief.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Marissa¡­.¡± Akari hupped wiping her cheeks, ¡°he had so much filth in his eyes and the way he started touching me¡­ it was getting too much¡­ I¡­ I didn¡¯t know if ¡­ if¡­ if I hadn¡¯t called MSin Industries, he might have done something bad to me¡­. He was he was¡­¡± she started crying again.


    Citra squeezed her shaking body and gave a concerned look to


    Marissa.


    ¡°What will we do now, Mar?¡± Sophia¡¯s eyes were glued to Akari¡¯s trembling figure. And Marissa was thinking hard.


    ¡°How about if one of us goes to the MSin¡¯s office and talks to


    them?¡± Marissa gave the idea and Sophia looked at her friend as if she had gone crazy.¡±


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    19 19- Rafael! Don¡¯t!Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Usually, Marissa used to take the backseat because she hated the limelight.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Sophia whispered, ¡°One of us? It¡¯s YOUR business, Mar.


    nor


    YOU should go and exin to them the problem or just<b>¡­ </be up


    with some excuse.¡±


    Marissa nodded in agreement. Her heart was going to Akari for whatever Amir did, she was in no mood to spare him<b>.</b>


    Her employees were like her family, and she would never forgive a man who would try to abuse them or threaten them.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± she spun around when found Alexander standing there with his tab, ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    Marissa carefully watched the face of her ten¨Cyear¨Cold who was a Xerox of his father. Just then he decided to flip his hair off his forehead just like Rafael used to do.


    With a smile on her face, Marissa went to him and crouched down to get to his eye level, ¡°Everything is just fine, sweetheart. Aunt Akari isn¡¯t well.¡±


    She tilted back her head to shoot a gaze at poor Akari.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t look sick to me, Mom,¡± his intelligent eyes moved to Akari and then back to Marissa¡¯s face, ¡°If someone is harassing her then she can easily report it to the Women¡¯s Protection and support cell in Kanderton.¡±


    For a moment, Akari almost forgot to cry and looked at the three¨Cyear¨Cold with an open mouth. The rest of the women¡¯s mouths were also hung open in shock.


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    19 19- Rafael! Don¡¯t!


    ¡°How do you know about this protection cell?¡± Marissa held his shoulders to nt a kiss on his cheek that he immediately wiped with the back of his hand.


    ¡°Geez, Mommm¡­ pleaseee¡­¡± Marissa had to suppress herughter when he protested, ¡°I¡¯m not a baby anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are!¡± Marissa winked and turned to Akari, ¡°Aki. Let¡¯s go to meet YOUR Dean¡­¡± she trailed off mischievously.


    As expected, Akari quit crying.


    ¡°Dean?¡± she thought she was dreaming.


    ¡°Yeah. Don¡¯t you want to meet him in person? Let¡¯s go and either present this case before him or meet his boss¡­ What was his name?¡± Marissa started snapping her fingers, ¡°Oh¡­ Mr. Joseph.¡± Her eyes lit in excitement.


    Akari got to her feet abruptly, ¡°Let me wash my face first. I also need to apply a good lip color.¡± She was blushing profusely when heard her favoritediesughing hard behind her.


    ¡°This girl!¡± Citra¡¯s face palmed and then chuckled. On the other hand, Marissa was thinking of ways to tackle Amir who was getting


    out of hand now.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>nerve </i><i>of </i>this <i>man</i>¡­


    She wanted to strangle his neck.


    ***


    ¡°Mr. Rafael. What do you think about our packaging proposal? I assure you, we won¡¯t disappoint you.¡± The president of another packaging factory was there at MSin¡¯s office to convince Rafael


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    19 19¨CRafael Don¡¯t!


    about his job.


    He wanted this contract from MSin Industries at any cost because getting this contract meant that he would be popr in the market and that could open new doors for his business.


    ¡°We are interested, James,¡± Rafael revolved his seat a little eyeing the man sitting across him, ¡°But we don¡¯t agree with your quotations.¡±


    ¡°Please, Sir. We cane up with something onmon grounds if you agree. We really want this contract. We know what the Crimsons did to you. We might be a small name in the market, but we are known for our honesty. All we need is a chance.¡±


    Rafael kept fiddling with his pen between his fingers. The man seemed quite reasonable with his offer but still, Rafael didn¡¯t want to go for this quotation.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do some costing and revise your rates? We might think about it then¡­¡± he trailed off eyeing the man meaningfully.


    He and his team felt excited with the chance, ¡°Sure, sir. <b>I¡¯ll </be


    tomorrow with the revised rates and¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. James,¡± Joseph said with amusement, ¡°Take your time ande to us after the weekend.¡± The man quickly got to his feet and reached out to shake hands with Rafael.


    ¡°Sure, sir. Thank you very much,¡± he couldn¡¯t keep his teeth inside his mouth, the smile seemed to be permanently glued to his lips, ¡°I assure you, you won¡¯t regret your decision.¡±


    When he left, Joseph looked at Rafael whose eyes were already on him. The moment their eyes met, they both startedughing.


    12:50 ¨C


    416


    19 19¨CRafael! Don¡¯t!


    ¡°He seemed too ambitious,¡± Rafael remarked, and Joseph agreed.


    They were still enjoying the moment when a panicked Dean came inside without knocking.


    ¡°What?¡± Joseph frowned looking at him while Rafael leaned back in


    his seat.


    ¡°The Alexander¡¯s Caterers¡­<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rafael nodded, ¡°I asked you to contact them again. What did they say?¡±


    Dean shook his head wildly, ¡°I was nning to call them in the evening, but they are here.¡±


    ¡°They are what?¡± Rafael was at once on his feet.


    ¡°They are here, sir. Mia just informed me and made them sit in the reception area¡­¡±


    Rafael didn¡¯t let him finish, ¡°What are they doing in the reception area, make them sit in the guest room.¡±


    Dean halted for a moment and looked at his boss who was usually a calm and cool man but seemed to be on the edge right now.


    The guest room was only reserved for big corporate clients, not for small business owners. With confusion in his eyes, he saw his boss heading towards the door when Joseph was quick to stop him, ¡°Rafael! No brother! Don¡¯t!¡±


    O

 Chapter 20

    20 20- Brilliant Wife


    MSin people had got a very impressive building. The reception area where they were seated was ssy.


    Marissa could almost feel her eyes gliding on the sparkling floor. The receptionist offered them a professional smile and informed them that it was next to impossible to meet Mr. Joseph without an appointment.


    Though Marissa was expecting it, she wanted to try her luck. Akari was apanying her, and she was <b>as </b>impressed as Marissa.


    ¡°Seems like their building is made of ss and marble¡­¡± she told Marissa in a dreamy whisper, ¡°If their offices are so impressive, then how polished their homes must be.¡±


    Marissa gave <b>a </b>small smile to Akari


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>once <i>lived </i><i>in </i>such <i>a </i><i>big </i><i>mansion</i><i>, </i><i>Akari</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>that </i><i>glitters </i>is <i>not </i><i>gold</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>friend</i>. People living <i>in </i><i>massive </i><i>houses </i><i>are </i>usually heartless<i>.</i>¡± She didn¡¯t say it out loud and eyed the glossy floor


    beneath her shoes.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron? Ms. Akari?¡± a pleasantly looking young man approached them with a smile on his face. He looked good in the ck suit and the golden ss frames suited him a lot.


    Marissa and Akari got up from the couch when he stood over them, ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Dean.¡± He extended his hand for a handshake towards


    Marissa.


    And then he moved his attention to Akari, ¡°You must be the owner, Ms. Akari. Right?¡±


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    20 <b>20</b>¨CBrilliant Wife


    <b>+127</b>


    Marissa and Akari both looked at cach other for a moment then Akari cleared her throat and shook her head, ¡°I think there is some misunderstanding, but she is the owner. I just attend the official calls on Xander¡¯s Catering behalf<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Oh,¡± Dean wanted to jump in a river and kill himself for this ill information. Why did he think that the person taking his calls has to be the owner just because it¡¯s a home¨Cbased business?


    ¡°It¡¯s OK, Dean,¡± Marissa offered him a kind smile. The issue at hand. wasn¡¯t the ownership of the business but the mess Amir created for them.


    ¡°We¡­¡± she turned her head to shoot a look at Akari and found her


    nodding her head in encouragement. Dean witnessed the silent. exchange and gestured for them to walk with him,


    ¡°Please let me take you somewhere, where you can talk to me freely,¡± he said walking ahead.


    Marissa was not expecting this wee. Dean hadn¡¯t even heard them but was treating them quite cordially.


    Was there still hope?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Akari consoled her in a whisper, ¡°I think they are pretty impressed by our work and that¡¯s why giving us VIP


    treatment.¡±


    Marissa showed Akari her wide eyes in a warning and mouthed a silent, ¡°Shut up.¡±


    All Akari was praying for, was to get out of the mess. Though she couldn¡¯t be med, but still she felt guilt¨Cridden.


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    20 20- Brilliant Wife


    Dean took them to a huge room, where every piece of furniture ced there, seemed to be hand¨Cpicked. He made them seated, ¡°Please befortable and tell me if you would like tea or coffee.¡± He said taking a chair, ¡°What is the issue?¡±


    Marissa swallowed hard and a nervous chuckle escaped her lips. What to tell Dean? That a man who she took some loan from, forced them to quit the contract?This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    It all seemed quite messy and unprofessional. And childish too.


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Akari started speaking slowly, ¡°There was some misunderstanding¡­ we received another order and ¡­¡± she shrugged and pasted a forced smile on her face, ¡°I¡­ I mixed up. the numbers¡­ I mean contact numbers¡­ his name was¡­ also


    Dean¡­ so we thought we should say No to them but¡­I called you ..by mistake¡­ it¡¯s my mistake¡­ I know and I own it and take full responsibility of it¡­¡±


    Dean¡¯s eyes were wide while observing Akari and though Merissa felt peculiar, she wanted to throw back her head andugh hard.


    Akari was looking too cute while exining to him with the help of those broken sentences like a kid.


    Dean raised his brow and then chuckled, ¡°OK. So, this Dean gave you the same order that we gave? Like a three¨Ccourse meal?¡±


    For some odd reason, Marissa felt like he was more ufortable and more nervous than them.


    Why?


    His eyes were darting again and again to the corner of the ceiling. With a frown, Marissa followed his gaze and found <b>a </b>small CCTV


    12:4


    3.8


    20 20¨CBrilliant Wife


    camera installed in that spot.


    Were they under surveince?


    There must not be anything fishy here as they are a big name. She decided to go outside the room.


    ¡°Umm. I think I left my purse in the reception area,¡± This was the best excuse she coulde up with and then she gave an over¨Cbrightened smile to Dean and Akari, ¡°Why don¡¯t you two discuss the menu of the trial dishes, I¡¯ll go and fetch my purse from


    that sofa.¡±


    Dean stood up in panic, ¡°Umm. I don¡¯t think I should let you go like that¡­ I mean you are our prestigious guest, and I can send someone to bring it up¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, please,¡± Marissa raised her hand to stop him, ¡°purse is something very private. I¡¯d rather prefer to bring it myself.¡±


    Before Dean could say anything, she was out of that room. It was indeed Dean¡¯s attitude that was making it fishy, but she needed to talk to some employees to dig out about thispany.


    What if they were a mafia n and were running an underground operationalpany?


    ***


    ¡°What is she doing?¡± Joseph saw Marissa leaving the room on hisptop screen and hissed. He was sitting on Rafael¡¯s chair while Rafael was standing behind him in agitation.


    He wanted to meet Marissa at that very moment, but Joseph stopped him. He didn¡¯t want Rafael to expose himself before time.


    12:41


    48


    20 20¨CBrilliant Wife


    It was very much necessary to build up thepany¡¯s name and let her ease into it so that Marissa could trust them.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to scare her off.


    ¡°I think Dean blew it up,¡± Rafael balled his hands into fists and looked for something around him to punch hard, ¡°J¡­ just look at him. Why is he repeatedly looking at the camera? The other girl couldn¡¯t sense it. But¡­ Merissa¡­ I know her. She is intelligent. I think she is out to talk to someone¡­ just to know about us.¡±


    ¡°To know about what? She can¡¯t ask our employees¡­ about our reputation¡­¡± Joseph trailed off in confusion and slowly a proud grin made its way to Rafael¡¯s lips.


    ¡°No. She won¡¯t ask our employees¡­ because I taught her something else.¡±


    ¡°Right now, it¡¯s best if we send them away,¡± Joseph¡¯s focus moved to Rafael from theptop screen, ¡°If by any chance they find out your presence, then Marissa might¡­¡±


    ¡°This time she won¡¯t run away, Joseph,¡± Rafael said with a smile, ¡°She is no more my timid Marissa who used to trust me blindly. Now she is the owner of an uing business. She might not know it but the building she is standing in¡­ she owns it as well. And look¡­¡± Rafael pointed out to the screen where they could see Marissa talking to a woman, ¡°She hasn¡¯t chosen a corporate woman or the receptionist. She is talking to the cleaningdy. My wife is so


    brilliant.¡±


    He could hear his wordsing from the past:


    <i>¡°</i><i>Always </i><i>remember</i>, <i>Strawberry</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i>feel some uneasiness <i>around</i>


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    20 20- Brilliant Wife


    you or <i>you </i>are doubtful about a <i>business </i>building, <i>never </i><i>talk </i>to an <i>employee</i><i>. </i><i>Nopes</i>. That¡¯s a risk. <i>Always </i><i>talk </i><i>to </i>their lower staff<i>. </i><i>They¡¯ll </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>better</i><i>.</i><i>¡±</i>


    All the anxiety in Rafael¡¯s body seemed to have evaporated. His wife still remembered the lessons taught by him.


    Now he needed to check if she still remembered him or not.


    Comentario O


    <b>R</b>


    12:41 ¨C

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21- Mistress?N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "Where did you go? You don''t usually carry a purse around¡­" Akari asked Marissa while cutting the carrot into fine sticks.


    Marissa was stitching Ariel''s skirt hem. The little girl was sitting on the countertop, stirring the spat in a bowl that had candies.


    She seemed to share her mom''s passion for cooking.


    "Are you ready, princess?" Citra peeped inside and then waved at Marissa. They all were ready to go to the park along with Flint and were waiting for Ariel.


    Marissa kissed each kid''s forehead, "Don''t let Abi run around in the park."


    She called behind them and closed the door with a smile.


    Akari had ced half of the carrot sticks in a steel bowl and was now doing preparations for carrot sauce.


    "Are you avoiding my question?" she asked Marissa who was tossing all the aprons in a tub to get them washed.


    "No, silly. I was waiting for the kids to leave. And about your question?" she picked a carrot stick and started nibbling on it, "In that office¡­ I felt uneasy and ¡­" she drew in a long breath, "this man ¡­ Dean¡­ for a minute, he didn''t seem confident enough. Sometimes he acts like a manager and then the next minute he sounds like the boss''s messenger."


    She started filling the huge ss jars with white flour, "I found him quite confident, and I think he likes me," Akari couldn''t seem to hold on to her excitement.


    "Yeah," Marissa started rolling the empty paper bag, "That I can see. It was pretty obvious."


    "By the way, what did that cleanerdy tell you?" Akari took a whiff of the mixture and slowed down the me of the burner.


    Marissa gave her a tightlipped smile and ced the jar carefully in the cab,"She was praising the owner. She said that they care for their employees and keep offering different perks to them. The best employee gets a vacation or a good bonus or the best salesman can get a schrship for their kid. The benefits are endless. To tell you the truth, I was pretty impressed by the details." Akari curved down her lips and checked the burner again. The sauce needed the perfect temperature for the preparation, "Can you pass me some honey?"


    "What are you nning to do with Mr. Amir?" Marissa who was taking out the honey jar, got frozen by the question.


    "We won''t tell him anything, Akari. Let''s get that contract first. Once we get enough money, we can dumb it on his sorry a*ss."


    Akari had a thoughtful expression on her face, "I hope he doesn''te back."


    Marissa took a look at her employee''s scared face who was also her very close friend, "Don''t worry. Next time he is here. Let me deal with him."


    Akari nodded and got back to work. She needed to prepare honey soy zed carrots for one of their old customers.


    Marissa kept emptying groceries in their respective jars when both of them heard the knock. Akari''s face got pale, "It must be him."


    Marissa felt sorry for the poor girl. Something needed to be done against that man, for doing something so inappropriate.


    She went to the door and took a sigh of relief when didn''t find him on the door.


    "Dean?" the MSin assistant cum manager was standing there carrying a dossier in his hand.


    "Hello, Ms. Marissa. Sorry foring unannounced." He smiled broadly.


    "That''s not a problem, Mr. Dean. We did the same yesterday when visited your office. Pleasee inside," She moved aside to let him in.


    However, the moment he and Akari saw each other, Marissa could feel sparks in the room.


    "Hello," Akari ced the spat on the counter and walked up to Dean.


    Marissa closed her eyes in frustration. Her employees knew better never to put a dirty spat directly on the counter surface.


    "Marissa. I brought the contract for you. The rest of the neen already signed it and you werete due to that misunderstanding,"


    That uncertain feeling again settled in the pit of her stomach. He was here to get the contract signed.


    Does he do it for every person they do business with? Her eyesnded on Akari''s flushed face. Or was he doing it as an excuse to meet Akari?


    This has to be thetter one. He was here due to Akari.


    Marissa offered him a stool by the counter and then brought beer cans from the refrigerator. While they were engaged in the conversation, she took the time to go through the contract details.


    They were not only paying well but were also ready to provide some space for her food court in their office. She was allowed to disy her brand name too.


    This was such a lucrative offer, all Marissa wanted was to grab the opportunity.


    She thought for a minute and signed the contract. This was not the final one as they were ready to offer more, once she would pass the food trial.


    "Here is the file, Mr. Dean."


    "Thank you, Ms. Marissa Aaron." He bent his head in acknowledgment.


    "Please call me, Marissa," Dean who was casually observing her signatures gave a friendly smile,


    "In that case, please call me Dean."


    There was somemotion outside the kitchen and Marissa quickly opened the door. The kids were back from the park and Dean saw Marissa''s face lit up when she saw the kids.


    "Damn. She is a mom and looks so young," And beautiful too.


    He whispered to Akari when he saw the small girls with fascination but kept thest part to himself. However, nothing in his wildest dreams prepared him for what he saw at that very minute.


    The three-year-old guy who entered the kitchen following his sisters looked exactly like the CEO of MSin Industries.


    "What the hell is going on here?" he thought to himself. And then he started thinking about Rafael''s desperation to get the contract signed by Marissa.


    How he asked Dean to use Joseph''s name in every meeting with the caterers. My God! Were these Mr. Sinir''s kids?


    Wasn''t he already married to Valerie Sinir?


    Was Marissa his mistress?

 Chapter 22

    22 22¨CJoseph


    The Xander¡¯s kitchen was buzzing with all sorts of noise. They needed to prepare the food so that it could be sent for the trial. ¡±


    ¡°Marissa! Akari! For God¡¯s sake leave the kitchen and get ready!¡± Sophia was screaming at the top of her lungs.


    Marissa¡¯s team was preparing the three¨Ccourse meal along with Beef Fajita. They had mutually decided on a Vegetarian Mediterranean themed Meal.


    Hummus and Pita for an appetizer. Vegetable Moussaka was the main course and for dessert, they had decided on Bava.


    ¡°Citra!¡± Sophia pped loudly just like Marissa used to do in the kitchen, ¡°What¡¯s the position?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be ready in the next fifteen minutes, Sophia,¡± Citra was quickly mixing honey and nuts.


    ¡°Amanda!¡± she called another worker.


    ¡°I just need to run the blender before five minutes timeline and then I¡¯ll just garnish it with ck olives and some olive oil. Hummus needs to be presented fresh¡­ Pita is half¨Ccooked and I¡¯ll give final touches at thest minute,¡± Amanda informed busily.


    Sophia found Marissa discussing something with her employee and all Sophia wanted to do was shake her friend wildly.


    Why couldn¡¯t she understand that she was required to represent her venture and needed to get ready on time?


    ¡°Marissa Aaron! I will kill you if you don¡¯t leave the kitchen right


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    <22 22¨CJoseph


    now! This very minute!¡± Marissa jumped when Sophia screamed at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°I just wanted to make sure¡­¡± Poor Marissa trailed off when found Sophia ring at her. With a nod, she hurriedly left the kitchen. However, she was Marissa, and anything could be expected of her.


    ¡°Citra! Make sure to cover the aluminum foil properly! Make it airtight!¡± she was still giving orders when Sophia pped her ass before mming the kitchen door in her face.


    Marissa took a long sigh and then turned to get to her room. Today she needed to look her best because this might be the biggest


    contract of her life.


    A contract that would help her get rid of that dirty insect called Amir and it might also give her business much needed exposure.


    She quickly changed into a beige midi dress along with an olive green jacket. Instead of caking her face with makeup, she just went with deep red lip color along with mascara and kohl.


    ¡°Wow, Mom!¡± Alexander who was standing behind her whistled making her spin around in surprise.


    ¡°Who taught you to whistle?¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter, Mom,¡± he looked at her in awe, ¡°Your beauty.


    made me do it!¡±


    Marissa who was initially freaked out due to thepetition, threw back her head andughed hard.


    She kneeled before her son and cupped his cheek, ¡°From where, did you learn these cheesy lines, Alexander? Is Flint teaching you


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    22 22¨CJoseph


    to romance?¡±


    Alex shook his head with a smile, ¡°Forget that, Mom. Just.


    remember. You are too good¡­ as a human, as a mom, and as a chef. A sessful businesswoman indeed and I¡¯m proud of you.¡± He


    kissed her cheek making her teary¨Ceyed.


    But the next words that came out of his mouth took her by surprise, ¡°Mom. I know this is not the time to talk. I just needed to tell you that I won¡¯t judge you¡­ Ever. I¡¯m not only your son but also your friend. If you find it in your heart, do tell me about the man who hurt you and gave you pain. I would like to get even with him.¡±


    Her mouth was hung open at the words and the way he brushed. her cheeks with his chubby hand, ¡°I¡¯ll always love you. Go and st the ce. Today they¡¯lle to know how tough thepetition


    is.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God, Alex!¡± she hugged him and tried her best to control her


    tears.


    He had always been an extraordinary genius. A long time back, Flint did predict once that he was exceptionally intelligent.


    ¡°Mom,¡± his voice muffled against her chest, ¡°I know you¡¯re beautiful but please don¡¯t spoil your makeup.¡±


    A tearyughter escaped her lips.


    ¡°You three are the best things ever happened to me!¡± he kissed her


    cheek with a smile.


    When she got to her feet there was a proud grin on her face, ¡°Just watch me, Rafael.¡± She thought, ¡°See how blessed I am. Sometimes I feel sorry for you, honey.¡±


    12:42 ¡ª


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    22 22¨CJoseph


    She quickly fixed her mascara and examined herself.


    ¡°Mom. You look lovely,¡± she beamed when saw Abi and Ariel push


    the door ande inside.


    ¡°Thank you, girls,¡± she offered her cheek to get kissed by them.


    She went down and saw the girls of her team carrying trays


    covered in aluminum foil to the car!


    All of them started whistling and pping when she entered the kitchen making her blush.


    ¡°You people are embarrassing me!¡± she rolled her eyes and was sure the blush had given a beautiful hue to her cheeks and ear


    lobes.


    ¡°Best of luck, Marissa!¡±


    ¡°Bye!¡±


    They all kept making noise until the car started moving slowly.


    ***


    Sophia dropped her and Akari along with the trays of food. Marissa got out of the car and checked the aluminum foil packing, pressing it from the edges.


    ¡°Best of luck, girls!¡± Sophia said, giving them a thumbs¨Cup before zooming away in the car.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    -Trying to bnce the trays, they entered the MSin building and


    were immediately taken to the conference room where other participants were also there.


    ¡°Hello, everyone,¡± Marissa greeted them good¨Cnaturedly and


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    22 22¨CJoseph


    ced the food on a table.


    ¡°You need to ce your food on that desk,¡± A friendly middle¨Caged woman told them pointing in the direction.


    Marissa nodded and immediately picked up the tray. Akari was busy talking to another participant


    ¡°I can easily carry them.¡± She thought to herself and picked up two trays. However, she didn¡¯t know whose elbow nudged into her ribs, and her trays went almost flying. Marissa was sure the blond girl standing there did this to her.


    Several gasps could be heard in the room when the traysnded with a nking sound, causing all the food to spill out.


    There was another shock for Marissa when she saw who had


    entered through the door. He was the same man who she met in the superstore.


    Who was he?


    There was something fishy here. This man was not what he was portraying himself to be.


    ¡°Mr. Joseph. How are you?¡± Marissa looked up when a participant spoke behind her.


    Joseph? Who was he? She had heard this name before. But where?


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 Chapter 23

    23 23- Longing


    ¡°Please get this mess cleared,¡± Joseph ordered someone and turned to her, ¡°It¡¯s ok ma¡¯am. Please don¡¯t feel disheartened.¡±


    He took a slow lingering look around the room especially at all the dishes on the long table, ¡°If all your food has fallen on the floor, we can give you a second chance.¡±


    Joseph didn¡¯t give her any choice to speak or to express that she knew him, and they had already met.


    ¡°Beef Fajita and Bava are safe, sir,¡± She tried to convey to him in a clipped tone and gave a hard stare to the blond responsible for this


    mess.


    She was blowing on her nails as if trying to blow dry the nail color. She just raised her eyes for a moment to meet Marissa¡¯s gaze and then moved away to talk to someone standing close to her.


    The rest of the participants were still standing in a shocked state.


    ¡°It takes hard work toe up with such amazing dishes and here this precious food is on the floor,¡± A woman who was also a participant remarked with a sad expression on her face.


    Marissa felt a hand on her shoulder. Upon turning around she found Akari¡¯s worried face,


    ¡°Marissa!¡± she couldn¡¯t speak anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s OK, Akari. We won¡¯t give up so easily. I promise,¡± Atst Marissa smiled. She wasn¡¯t about to back down just like that just because a jealous dame decided to push her.


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    23 23¨CLonging


    She saw the superstore guy tasting the food of all the participants. one by one that was lying on the table. When it was Marissa¡¯s turn, he picked up the fork and stuck a beef piece in it.


    When he took it in his mouth, Marissa saw his eyes rolling back in bliss. It was Rafael¡¯s ever favorite dish and now today this man was literally moaning while chewing it, taking his sweet time.


    ¡°Who made this?¡± his tongue was swiping on his teeth to wipe it.


    clean.


    Dean was quick to move forward, ¡°This one is by Xander¡¯s caterers,


    sir.¡±


    Joseph took two to three more pieces and then shifted his focus to the bawa zed with sugar syrup.


    He held it between his index finger and thumb and pushed it into his mouth, ¡°Umm. Awesome¡­ Waow¡­¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Though Marissa was disturbed by the ident and the way her. hard work was spoiled, but this time she couldn¡¯t stop smiling.


    She needed to confront this man about his suspicious presence in the superstore but there was another shock in store for her when Mr. Joseph asked an office worker to take her two dishes to the


    main office.


    Now who sits in the main office? Or this man wanted all the food


    for himself?


    ¡°Can¡¯t other participants try it?¡± Marissa asked the unexpected question taking everyone by surprise, ¡°I mean we all should taste each other¡¯s food. In this way, we¡¯ll know that the selections are fair and square.¡±


    2/6


    23 23¨CLonging


    She said with a shrug and found several participants nodding, agreeing with her opinion. With a forced smile, Joseph didn¡¯t have much choice but to go with the suggestion of the majority.


    The rest of the participants were handed over disposable tes and spoons and were invited to take the food from the table.


    Within a few minutes, it became more like a party where people were chattering to each other.


    Most of the participants came to Marissa to show respect, ¡°Ms. Aaron. You have got taste. The two dishes that are part of the entry.


    are awesome.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± another participant spoke, ¡°I wonder those dishes that she dropped, how did they taste,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It was a waste. But she is wee to invite all of us for a delicious meal at her ce,¡± though it was a joke but it warmed Marissa¡¯s heart to hear suchpliments.


    Marissa took those kind words with a smile when the same blond who poked her elbow in her ribs came to her with a te, ¡°Beef Fajita was amon dish for everyone. I don¡¯t know what you put in there. However, the one I made is an authentic recipe.¡±


    Akari was about to utter something rude when Marissa stopped


    her.


    ¡°Why did you push me, ma¡¯am? If that was some stunt to win, then that was quite cheap,¡± The blond was not expecting Marissa to speak up and batted her eyshes dramatically.


    She nced at the people around her and let out a hesitantugh, ¡°You must be delusional¡­ ha¨Cha. It was just an ident.¡± She


    12:42


    36


    23 23¨CLonging


    raised her shoulders casually and all Marissa wanted to do was to strangle her neck.


    She was sure that it was an intentional move.


    They had one hour until the results would be announced.


    ***


    Rafael was pacing around in his office like a restless lion. He watched everything on the LED screen of his office.


    The door burst open, and Joseph came inside closing the door behind him. Rafael at once got to him, ¡°Man! How did it happen? You should have taken some action. One minute she was bringing her dishes to the table, quite confidently and the next minute all of it was on the floor.¡±


    ¡°Cool down. Everything is under control. Beef Fajita and Bava were safe, and we all tasted it. Oh. My. God! It was heavenly! We all


    loved it!¡±


    Rafael had a deep frown on his face, ¡°What do you mean you ALL loved it? Where is my cut, man?¡± Joseph got quiet for a minute.


    §Ú§ä


    ¡°Joseph!¡± there was a warning in his eyes, but Joseph just gulped down his saliva to face his friend, ¡°Y¡­your wife was the one¡­ who suggested to¡­ let everyone taste the dishes¡­ for fair and square


    results.¡±


    Rafael gave a death stare to his friend while Joseph was looking at the carpet, trying to hide his sheepish smile.


    They both turned when the door got knocked and Dean came inside holding a te. He extended his hand to hand over it to


    12:42


    4/6


    23 23- Longing


    Rafael, who was standing there like a statue.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡­ no thanks¡­¡± Rafael gave a subtle look to the food and turned away.


    ¡°Please, Mr. Sinir. Take it. Among the three winners, we are considering handing one of the contracts to Ms. Aaron. Her food was unmatched.¡± He might be serious but there was a knowing¡± twinkle in his eyes.


    Rafael didn¡¯t know what Dean was up to.


    With hesitancy, he held the te and picked up the beef piece. dipped in sauce and so wet, to push into his mouth. The moment it touched his tongue, all Rafael wanted to do was run to his wife and kiss her hard.


    Like a kid, he took a nearby seat instead of taking his head seat and started eating it, without looking here or there.


    Dean¡¯s eyes were on his boss who usually seemed like a Godzi.


    Rude, arrogant, and domineering.


    Right now, there was softness on his face.


    Boss was certainly in love with his mistress. But what would. happen to his wife? Though she was a brat but still¡­


    ¡°Dean!¡± Dean straightened when Joseph waved his hand before his eyes, ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    Dean shook his head and eyed Rafael Sinir, ¡°Boss! Please take your time, you have got at least one hour to yourself. I hope you remember. When the contracts will be given, the winners wille to your office to meet you. It¡¯s a custom to meet the CEO


    12.42


    5/6


    23 23¨CLonging


    after getting a contract.¡±


    Rafael who was chewing the crunchy bava, stopped moving his mouth for a minute and raised his face to look into Dean¡¯s eyes.


    For the first time, Dean saw something alien in those orbs¡­ longing!

 Chapter 24

    24 24- Daddy Of Her Triplets


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± Marissa got to her feet when she noticed Sophia¡¯s iing call. Her friend must be dying to know the details.


    ¡°Where are you going? To bribe Mr. Joseph?¡± Thedy who made her fall followed her boldly outside the room.


    What? Is she crazy?


    Marissa looked at the blond woman still wearing the MSin¡¯s apron above her mini dress, showing off her long legs.


    ¡°Yes, you are right,¡± Marissa passed her a fake smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you know?¡± She batted her eyshes just like the blond woman did a few minutes ago, ¡°I¡¯m nning to be a billionaire by bribing people. Not by my cooking business¡­¡± Marissa was about to step away when the next statement from the blonde¡¯s mouth made her


    freeze.


    ¡°That¡¯s what Amir told me,¡± She smirked, and Marissa didn¡¯t know


    what to do. So, Amir sent her?


    He sent her after Marissa to keep an eye <b>on </b>her? How dare he?


    She asked her in a breathless whisper, ¡°You know Amir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± There was a proud grin on the blonde¡¯s face, ¡°I¡¯m his fianc¨¦e,¡± she waved her left hand before Marissa¡¯s eyes, showing off her diamond ring.


    Marissa was tongue tied for a moment. The cheap man was


    engaged, and still, he not only attempted to invite Marissa on a date but also tried to abuse Akari.


    12:42


    24 24¨CDaddy Of Her Triplets


    <b>That </b>shameless prick!


    ¡°What a low¨Clife fianc¨¦ you have got!¡± Marissa hissed at the woman whose grin vanished when heard Marissa speaking through clenched teeth, ¡°No wonder. You two are suitable for each other. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to take this call.¡±


    Without waiting for her response, she received the call, ¡°Yes, Sophie. Just give me a minute,¡± she quickly put some distance between herself and that vile woman.


    She would teach this woman and her good¨Cfor¨Cnothing fianc¨¦ a good lesson. Gritting her teeth, she glued the phone against her


    ear,


    ¡°Sophie!¡±


    ¡°How was it girl? Everyone here is getting crazy. I¡¯m putting you on speaker. What¡¯s the result?¡± Sophie asked her impatiently.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t announced it yet, Sophie. But something bad happened,¡± she could hear gasps from the other side.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Due to a woman¡¯s jealousy, I dropped my dishes on the floor.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± there were now loud chattering sounds in the background. Everyone gathered in her kitchen was concerned.


    ¡°Yeah. The good thing is Fajita and Bava stayed safe. The judges tasted it and decided to judge me on those two dishes. They are ready to give me a fair chance.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Marissa. Fingers crossed. We are waiting for the results impatiently.¡±


    2/7


    <24 24¨CDaddy Of Her Triplets.


    ¡°I know, honey. Ask everyone to pray hard. I need this contract to teach a lesson to Amir.¡±


    There was surprise in Sophia¡¯s voice, ¡°Now what has Amir got to do with these contracts?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter, Sophie,¡± she looked over her shoulder, ¡°I think I need to go back,¡± after quick goodbyes, she disconnected the call and walked back to the room where other participants were waiting for the results.


    Sophia could feel her heart racing in her chest. Though the chances of her selection were almost slim. 2


    She found the blonde¡¯s eyes on herself, but she chose to ignore. her.


    When the door opened to the conference room, all the participants straightened in their seats.


    Joseph looked at all of them and then gave a reassuring smile, ¡°We have got the results, and the good thing is¡­ we loved your food so much that we chose four participants for our event instead of


    three.¡±


    A loud cheer erupted and all of them pped excitedly.


    ¡°Those who couldn¡¯t make it, let me tell you. We liked your food. So maybe next time you people can join us for our next event.¡±


    He then turned to Dean who was standing behind him and took somerge envelopes from him, ¡°We are offering certificates to those who won¡¯t make it today. Showing these certificates will give you more lucrative opportunities in the market. So, it¡¯s a win¨Cwin


    situation.¡±


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    317


    24 24- Daddy Of Her Triplets


    Another round of p made him quiet.


    ¡°So, the winners are,¡± Joseph paused for a moment, ¡°Delish Delights!¡±


    The blonde who was standing in the corner jumped with joy.


    ¡°Woohoo!¡± she threw her fist in the air when everybody pped.


    ¡°The next is¡­ Eggs and Sandwiches¡­¡± he then spoke again, ¡°And herees, Xander¡¯s Homestyle caterers!¡±


    Marissa stood up with uncertainty on her face. She thought that they gave her a fair chance just for the sake of it. However, she wasn¡¯t expecting this win.


    ¡°Mr. Joseph!¡± the blonde whose name was Kate raised her hand, ¡°Howe she is selected? Her dishes fell on the floor, and you judged her based on two dishes?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it an ident?¡± Joseph raised a challenging eyebrow in her direction.


    ¡°Yeah. It might be. Or¡­¡± Kate rolled her eyes meaningfully, ¡°it might be intentional too.¡± She shrugged taking everyone by surprise including Marissa.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± One of the participants spoke while Marissa was busy suppressing her rage.


    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­ what If those dishes were dropped. intentionally so that nobody could taste them. She brought them here, showed them to everyone, and dropped them just like that. Being a chef, can¡¯t make her this clumsy.¡±


    There was a deafening silence in the room.


    24 24- Daddy Of Her Triplets


    Joseph cleared his throat and nodded at Kate, ¡°You are right. First thing is first. We judged you fairly and you all tasted her food. I don¡¯t think anyone who can prepare Fajita and Bava so perfectly can¡¯t cook the other two dishes¡­¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    <i>¡°</i>Secondly, to be fair and square we chose four participants, not three. Last but not least,¡± he smiled, ¡°we have a camera installed in


    this room. If you are challenging us, then we would happily check the recording and see if she dropped them, or she was pushed.¡±


    That made Kate¡¯s face go pale.


    ¡°Umm. I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Ms. Kate. Tell us. Do you still want to be fair and square? Because


    after looking at the CCTV clips if we¡¯ll find anyone involved in it then he or she will not only be cklisted but also this person won¡¯t get a job anywhere else in Kanderton. So, the choice is


    yours.¡±


    After the announcement, Joseph left, leaving behind a happy crowd and a panicked Kate.


    Marissa didn¡¯t show her any side smirks, and tried to be down to earth. She just got a chance to prove herself and she was willing to use all her strength to make her impression.


    It was a stepping stone for building her reputation.


    After saying congrattions, everyone left except the four participants. Dean was distributing the contracts to get them signed, meanwhile, Marissa sent a quick message to her friend.


    ¡°We have got the contract! Yayyy!¡±


    12


    517


    ***


    24 24- Daddy Of Her Triplets


    After the contract signing, they were waiting to meet the CEO.


    ¡°I have never seen the CEO of MSin Industries,¡± a man whose name was Shang¨Cchi said with a tired smile.


    ¡°You look exhausted!¡± Marissa inquired and he nodded with a sheepish smile.


    ¡°Yeah. First time dad to a one¨Cweek¨Cold newly born. It was hard to cook food after staying awake throughout the night¡­ But I did it.¡±


    Marissa felt proud of him.


    ¡°I have a hunch,¡± Kate said in a suspicious tone, ¡°The CEO must be drop¨Cdead gorgeous. That¡¯s the reason he rarely shows himself.¡±


    All the others chuckled at the absurd exnation.


    ¡°Come on, folks,¡± Dean¡¯s head appeared in the doorway, ¡°Our CEO is waiting for you.¡±


    They all stood up chattering to each other and entered the VIP elevator. Once they stepped on the floor that was reserved for only high¨Cdesignation people, they all gasped in shock.


    ¡°Oh, my my. This is ssy!¡± Kate whispered more to herself. They all walked up to the door and waited when Dean opened the door for them and moved aside, gesturing all of them to enter.


    The moment they went inside, Marissa froze and felt her breath


    hitch in her throat.


    No! No! This can¡¯t be possible. It is all a dream. This is not him.


    She was chanting the words in her head again and again because


    67


    24 24- Daddy Of Her Triplets


    the man who was sitting in the CEO seat, busy <b>in </b>reading a file was


    none other than Rafael Sinir.


    The daddy of her triplets.


    Comentario

 Chapter 25

    25 25- Here I Come!


    cry. Ok¡­ don¡¯t


    ¡°No, Marissa¡­ don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t panic¡­ don¡¯t you dare cr show your


    weakness to this heartless man.¡± She was consoling herself, repeatedly telling herself that the cold-hearted human who was sitting on the seat of the president was her husband.


    The same husband, who kicked her out of his life like garbage. Who couldn¡¯t keep her safe from the politics of his own mother and her sister.


    As a husband, how he couldn¡¯t sense that all this time the woman. he had been expressing his love to, was not Valerie?


    Now today he was here as her soon-to-be boss. At least Amir was better than him. He showed his true colors without wasting much time.


    Unlike Rafael who wasted two years of her precious life.


    ¡°Congrattions to all of you. Joseph told me how incredible your cooking was. However, the caf¨¦ will only go to one person,¡± he was speaking, and Marissa raised her eyelids to have <b>a </b>look at him.


    The scoundrel had be more handsome and wasn¡¯t even


    ncing at her. Kate, the blond was looking at him as if she wanted to undress him that very minute.


    Marissa tried to keep her eyes focused on the edge of the desk while other participants were nodding their heads now and then.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i>taste like <i>strawberry</i>¡­ ¡°someone from the past whispered in


    her ear.


    <


    25 25-Here I Come!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Keep </i><i>making </i>Beef Fajita for me. I¡¯m sure <i>in </i><i>future </i><i>we </i>can <i>sell </i><i>your </i><i>Beef </i>Fajitas and <i>it </i>will <i>be </i><i>enough </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>rich</i>. I swear¡­


    ¦§


    He was the one who used to pour those words into her ears, and she believed him.


    She could not hear a single word, he was saying to the participants. The only things she could hear right now were from the past.


    She jerked when someone ced <b>a </b>coffee cup before her. Snacks were being ced on the desk because the president of MSin Industries was weing the winning participants with an open heart.


    She tried to wipe the sweat that trickled down her forehead. It was getting difficult for her to sit there in his presence and listen to his mindless talk. At least, to her, it was mindless indeed.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she stood abruptly causing the chair to fall behind. All the pairs of eyes were on her now.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I think¡­ I¡¯m not well¡­¡±


    ¡°Marissa¡­¡± Dean tried to talk to her, but she just raised her hand to stop him and went out of the door.


    The poor Akari apologized to the people in the room and ran after


    her.


    ***


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± Most of her employees hadn¡¯t left and were waiting for her in the kitchen while drinking coffee.


    Marissa smiled and freed her hair from the silk scrunchie giving it


    12:42


    C


    25 25-Here I Come!


    a wild shake.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± she brushed her fingers through her hair and looked around in the kitchen.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look good to me,¡± Citra narrowed her eyes to have a better look at her, ¡°You must be exhausted. Why don¡¯t you go and take a rest?¡±


    Marissa was not liking it. All these women, gathered here to celebrate her sess. She owed them a little bit of her time.


    ¡°Ah! I know that look,¡± another employee said, ¡°No need to feel guilty, Marissa<b>. </b>You have been working a lottely and it¡¯s natural if you feel tired. Citra is right. You should take some rest.¡±


    Marissa thanked them and came upstairs to meet her kids. When she went to their bedroom, they had already taken the bath and Flint was reading them a story.


    Sitting on a bean bag rxer, Sophia was nearby, busy on herptop.


    ¡°Hey. You are back!¡± she eximed and hugged her friend tight.


    Her kids ran to her in excitement.


    ¡°Did you get the contract?¡± Abi asked her innocently and Marissa picked her up and got to their bed.


    She settled her babies near her, with Abi still on her chest.


    ¡°Yeah. I did,¡± she told them softly, ¡°However, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll ept it or not.¡±


    Only Alexander was the one who had a knowing look on his face. Abi and Ariel just hid their faces inside her chest.


    <ol start="12">


    <li>12.</li>


    </ol>


    317


    25 25-Here | Come!


    She kept brushing their hair one by one until they slipped into a peaceful sleep. For a crazy moment, she didn¡¯t want to leave the room and wanted to stay hidden there along with her kids.


    She didn¡¯t know what impression she must have made <b>on </b>those corporate employees by fleeing away without giving them any excuse but right now she wasn¡¯t in the right state of mind.


    Once she came out of the room, she didn¡¯t even bother to take off her eye makeup and sat by the kitchen counter engrossed in her thoughts.


    ¡°What is it, Mar?¡± her heart raced when she heard Sophia¡¯s voice. She was under the impression that she had gone to sleep.


    ¡°You are still awake!¡± Marissa chuckled whichcked humor.


    ¡°The moment I saw your face when you entered the kids¡¯ room¡­. knew something was not right,¡± Sophia ced the wine bottle on the counter along with two sses.


    I


    Marissa gave her a questioning look.


    ¡°This is not only for celebrations but also to unwind yourself,¡± She slid a ss towards her and nodded at her encouragingly.


    ¡°Now shoot!¡± Sophia started pouring wine into the sses. Her hand shook a little when she heard Marissa¡¯s words..


    ¡°MSin belongs to him. He is the president of the firm. I didn¡¯t know he had changed the name of Sinir Industries¡­¡±


    ¡°Wh.. what? Rafael?¡± Marissa nodded and took a big chug of the drink from her ss.


    For a few minutes, there was nothing but silence in the room.


    12:42


    <


    25 25- Here | Comel


    ¡°By the sound of it, he already knows about you and his kids. Did he ever try to take them or meet them?¡± Marissa took another sip and


    shook her head.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°He knows you are living here. Yet he didn¡¯t show any surprise. He didn¡¯t try to scare you off. What if he is here to take a middle ground with you?¡±


    Marissa still didn¡¯t remark.


    ¡°What are you nning to do, love?¡± Flint asked observing deep thinking lines on her forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to stay and fight¡­¡± When she raised her eyes, there was an odd twinkle, ¡°I¡¯m done running, Flint.¡±


    This time Sophia asked her, ¡°What about the catering contract?¡±


    Marissa chuckled and this time a smile appeared on her lips, ¡°I¡¯m not ending my contract. This is my job and I¡¯m not going to sabotage anything for the sake of some Tom, Dick, and Harry.¡±


    Flint¡¯s face was beaming when he heard that, ¡°That¡¯s like my girl.¡± He ruffled her hair fondly, ¡°Now show me that contract. Let me see


    how it feels to hold it.¡±


    Marrisa gave a confused look to Flint, ¡°What?¡± poor Flint didn¡¯t know, what it was about.


    ¡°I¡­ I ¡­ think I forgot my contract file in the office¡­ On Rafael Sinir¡¯s desk¡­¡± She then gave her best smile to Flint, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Flint. I¡¯ll go tomorrow myself to pick that up!¡±


    Rafael Sinir! Here Ie!


    12:42

 Chapter 26

    26 26- Little Greene


    Today when the car stopped, Marissa looked sideways at her friend sitting on the driving seat.


    ¡°Are you sure about this, Mar?¡± Sophia asked her and she nodded at


    her with a smile.


    ¡°I never felt this confident, Sophie. I need to tell him that I¡¯m not scared of him. Wish me luck!¡±


    Sophia hugged her friend and squeezed her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, girl.¡± Marissa gave a tightlipped smile to her friend, ¡°And if he tries to talk about custody then just show him this!¡± Sophia raised her middle finger making Marissa chuckle.


    Marissa might be showing her friend, how confident she was when actually her heart was ra


    racing in her chest.


    She pushed the ss <i>d</i>


    and went inside the building to talk to the receptionist. Obviously getting to the CEO¡¯s office wasn¡¯t easy as it required an appointment. She needed to convince thedy to let her meet him, ¡°Excuse me¡­ I need to ¡­¡±


    ¡°That way, ma¡¯am,¡± the woman showed her the way with a gracious smile though Marissa was expecting a heated argument.


    Nobody was allowed to go to the VIP floor without some investigation from the guards or the receptionist.


    ¡°Marissa?¡± she was heading for the VIP elevator when heard a


    familiar voice behind her. She stopped and turned only to find Kate, Shang Chi, and Delinda seated on the couch near the


    reception area.


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    26 26¨CLittle Greene


    ¡°Hey! What you people are doing here?¡± she shook hands with her winner friends.


    ¡°The President asked us to submit documents, <b>so </b>we came here today. How are you feeling now?¡± Shang Chi asked her in concern.


    ¡°Oh, yes, dear. Tell us, how you are. You left so abruptly yesterday,¡± Delinda inquired about her health.


    Kate was chewing gum, not bothering <b>to </b>ask anything, she was standing there as if Marissa was nothing but a mere insect.


    Marissa also chose to ignore her, ¡°I¡¯m fine, and maybe it was just my low blood pressure. Today I¡¯m good. That¡¯s why I came here to pick up my file that I forgot yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I saw your file on his desk. I told the president, I could easily deliver it to your ce, but he forbade me. He said he could get it delivered by an office boy,¡± Marissa tried to smile and patted Shang Chi¡¯s shoulder.


    D


    ¡°Thank you. You are a sweetheart,¡± She then frowned deeply at her new friends, ¡°By the way, why are you all standing here? If it¡¯s submission of your documents, then let¡¯s go to the top floor and get it done. Why wait in the lobby?¡± She asked them eagerly.


    However, their hesitant look made her feel odd, ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    Kate who was standing unbothered up till now, rolled her eyes, ¡°Come on<b>, </b>Marissa. You can¡¯t expect us just to barge in. This is the


    HI


    president, we are talking about not your caterer business


    employee. The CEO of thispany is not an ordinary man. Of course, we¡¯ll go, once we get the clearance.¡±


    12:43


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    26 26¨CLittle Greene


    Marissa also rolled her eyes mimicking the annoying brat, ¡°I know you are talking about the president, of course. Look at me!¡± she challenged her with a sarcastic smirk, ¡°Do I look like an alien to you? Because nobody fu*cking asked me if I need clearance,¡± Marissa held Kate¡¯s hand and gestured for Shang Chi to follow her


    to the VIP elevators¡® area.


    The vile woman was standing behind her observing them with a poker face, ¡°Huh! Fine! Go with her and be prepared for


    humiliation,¡± After snapping at them, she went back to the couch in the reception area and sat on it.


    However, nothing prepared her for the shock when Marissa not only reached the VIP elevators but the guard standing there gave her a salute with a courteous smile and stepped back, motioning


    her to enter the elevator.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    One of the men who was already inside the elevator also saluted, and the elevator doors closed behind them.


    By now, Kate was awestruck. Nobody tried to stop them from entering the VIP elevator. How was this fu*cking possible?


    She gulped down and threw a nce towards the dumb receptionist who was busy on herputer screen.


    ¡°I should also try to go to the elevators. They might allow me as well. After all, I¡¯m also here for the same purpose,¡±


    ?


    She was now regretting, for not apanying them.


    She ran her fingers through her hair nervously and pasted a confident smile on her face. Walking to the elevators, she could imagine herself being a bossdy and ruling on the throne of MSin


    12:43


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    26 26¨CLittle Greene


    Industries when the guard standing close to the elevator extended his arm to stop her from pressing the call button of the elevator.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. Have you got your clearance with you?¡± He asked the unexpected question.


    What the actual fu*ck! Didn¡¯t that girl just leave, without any clearance?


    She looked at the guard who was above six and could push her off easily.


    ¡°I was here¡­ to meet Mr. Sinir¡­¡± she gave him, her best smile, ¡°My friends just left in the elevator. I¡¯m apanying them.¡±


    The guard not even budged from his position, nor he bothered to look at her. Kate stomped her foot like a bratty child and went back to her seat. She needed to talk to her fianc¨¦.


    Yesterday, she thought that Marissa had atste to her senses and wasn¡¯ting back when she left that office in a hurry.


    Nah! She was wrong.


    Marissa was back and she needed to inform Amir about it. The


    bit*ch took some huge amount from Amir and was now acting as if she owned the ce.


    She took out her phone to send him a message. Something needed to be done about that bossy, good¨Cfor¨Cnothing entrepreneur.


    ***


    Marissa was at once ushered to the VIP floor along with her


    friends.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron!¡± Dean was there to wee her right outside the


    12:43


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    26 26¨CLittle Greene


    elevator doors.


    ¡°Hey, Dean. Sorry for yesterday. I¡­ I think I was ¡­¡± she tried exining to him during the handshake.


    ¡°It¡¯s OK, Ms. Aaron. We all have our bad days. I hope everything is good now.¡±


    ¡°Well. Everything is good but didn¡¯t we decide on a first¨Cname


    basis?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Marissa,¡± he gave her a sheepish grin, ¡°Umm. Your contract file is not with me,¡± He told her raising his brows.


    She nodded because she was hoping for this.


    That jerk would never let it go that easily and now she was here to


    tackle him.


    ¡°Can you inform him that I¡¯m here?¡±


    ¡°He knows. Please feel free to go to his office, Marissa


    straightened her sky-blue shirt, which she was wearing with her denim pants, and inhaled a long breath.


    When she pushed past the door, Rafael who was busy reading something from a file, raised his face.


    Marissa managed a professional smile on her face, ¡°Hello, Mr. Sinir. Hope you are good. I think I forgot my file yesterday. Can you give it back to me?¡±


    She was expecting a heated argument but never even in her wildest dreams, she was expecting this heart¨Cmelting smile from him, ¡°Hello, Marissa,¡± he leaned back eyeing her with that alien


    emotion.


    12:43


    5/6


    26 26¨CLittle Greene


    The longing she wanted to see in his eyes, four years back was there today.


    She heard his whisper, ¡°I was expecting you today, little Greene.¡±


    <b>Comentario</b>

 Chapter 27

    27 27- Come and Take it


    ¡°I was expecting you, little Greene, Marissa passed him a re when she heard him. O


    ¡°Little Greene?¡± she cocked a brow ¡°Mr. Sinir. Isn¡¯t it a bit unprofessional to call your employee with such cheap pet names?¡± she stated with a confident smile trying to keep the fa?ade before his eyes.


    He was still smiling leaning back in his seat. Her insult couldn¡¯t falter it one bit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered, ¡°then what should I call you?¡± his eyes twinkled, ¡°Strawberry?¡± Marissa felt her face heating up.


    Thank God, he was not standing close to her otherwise she could have pped across his face. Such a shameless man he was!


    ¡°If this is how you are nning to do business then I can consider quitting, sir.¡± The small smile on his face vanished on her threat and he was aware it wasn¡¯t an empty threat.


    He got up from his seat and rounded his desk and walked up to her in the long strides. Marissa observed his panther like grace, the way his broad shoulders were moving with every step.


    Though his office was quite enormous but his presence when he stood up, shrank the space of the room.


    Oh, no! I can¡¯t afford to fall for him again.


    During their marriage, he hardly wore a suit as there was no office during that time, except for his meetings on call.


    12:43


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    <i>27 </i>27¨CCome and Take it


    T


    But seeing him today in that dark grey suit, she realized that he was more than handsome¡­ like a Greek God.


    Not realizing that he had reached near her, she swallowed hard while keeping her chin up and shoulders square. Her body was almost glued to the ss wall.


    She wasn¡¯t here to back off.


    He stood so close to her that her nose was almost brushing his chest. The male scent that used to emit his body was still there.


    It had always been intoxicating. Always having this power over her.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see that the girl who used to be quite timid, managed to stand tall all by herself.¡± Marissa was taken aback by thepliment. She was expecting him to demand some exnations but here he was praising her for her achievements.


    No. I can¡¯t trust him? She thought and shook her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to get these praises, Mr. Sinir,¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± he made a pout, ¡°sorry. Then why are you here?¡±


    Gosh! His closeness had almost made her forget why she was here. With the panic, slowly building up in the pit of her stomach, she ced her palm on his chest to make him stop froming


    nearer.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± again a gulp to wet her throat with her saliva, ¡°I¡¯m here¡­ to do work¡­ with MSin,¡± She congratted herself when finished it without tripping or stopping.


    Her eyes moved down, not able to meet his green gaze anymore, when she felt his index finger under her chin and he raised her


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    27 27¨CCome and Take it


    face gently, ¡°That¡¯s very good to know¡­ that you are here for work¡­¡± he nodded at her encouragingly and Marissa felt as if the skin on her chin where his finger made the contact might burn.


    ¡°Th¡­ thanks¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ll look forward to meeting you¡­ Rafe¡­ I mean Mr. Sinir¡­¡± She finished awkwardly and moved away her gaze when witnessed a knowing grin on his face.


    She tilted her head a little to get freedom from the magical touch of his finger. Her heart was giving up, but she reminded herself of all the insults and mistrust he gave her.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ n¡­ need to go¡­.¡± God! She hated herself for stuttering this badly.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you stay a little longer?¡± it didn¡¯t sound like a question but


    more like a caress.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°N¡­no!¡± she retorted and turned to leave the room.


    ¡°I can provide you with a huge kitchen ¡­ if you want¡­¡± she turned and found him standing there leaning against the wall just where


    she was standing moments ago.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want your kitchen!¡± she snapped at him, but he didn¡¯t smile


    at her uneasiness.


    ¡°It¡¯s part¡­ of the contract, Marissa¡­ in case you are forgetting,¡± he said solemnly, and all Marissa wanted to do was bang her head on


    the wall.


    Why was she acting like this? She was being jumpy for no reason just like a teenage girl.


    ¡°Oh. Yes¡­¡± she nodded like a fool, ¡°now I remember.¡±


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    27 27- Come and Take it


    No, she still didn¡¯t remember.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± he said gently and almost raised his hand to hold the ck hair strand on her glowing face but then changed his mind and dropped back his hand.


    She stepped sideways a few times and then spun around to get out of the office. She felt like she would turn to stone if she stayed there.


    Taking a deep breath, Rafael chuckled. Leaning back against the ss wall, he looked at the file in his hands. He wanted tough and go after her to tease her because she had again forgotten her file with him.


    ***


    Marissa¡¯s face was heating up due to the encounter. He didn¡¯t ask


    her about her kids. Nor he tried to threaten her. It almost seemed


    like he was the same Rafael whose eyes used to twinkle in her presence.


    There was again the same friendliness for her when he thought she was Valerie. Now she had grown up and would never trust this man again in her life.


    ¡°You are back, Marissa!¡± she heard Delinda who came to her with a friendly smile, ¡°We have submitted our documents and Shang¨Cchi is discussing the menu with Dean.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the menu? Right!¡± Marissaughed and threw one arm around the short¨Cheighted girl who sounded too enthusiastic for this


    event.


    ¡°Have you discussed yours?¡± she asked Delinda looking back at the


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    27 27¨CCome and Take it


    office door of Rafael.


    ¡°Yes, I have. He is waiting for you too,¡± just then door to another room opened and Dean came out of it, with Shang¨Cchi behind him.


    ¡°You want to discuss the menu with me. I know,¡± Marissa scratched her forehead, ¡°I¡¯ll soon bring my documents to submit so that we


    can have this discussion.¡±


    ¡°There is no need for these documents, Marissa,¡± he blurted and then realized his mistake when Delinda and Shang¨Cchi passed him


    curious look.


    ¡°I mean¡­ you can submit themter. Just let me know about your best dishes and we can mutuallye up with somethingmon,¡± he gave a little nod to his head and then frowned, ¡°Where is your contract file? Haven¡¯t you brought it from Mr.


    Sinir¡¯s office?¡±


    File? What file?


    Marissa gave him a confused look and then wanted to die.


    <i>Hell </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>memory</i>. <i>What </i>am <i>I </i><i>doing</i><i>?</i>


    ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ sorry,¡± she mumbled and turned on his heels in embarrassment. In her haste, she didn¡¯t even knock at the door and got in, only to find Rafael still standing in the same position leaning against the wall with her file clutched to his chest.


    ¡°I¡­ I was¡­¡± she was fishing for some suitable words.


    ¡°Yes, Marissa.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I ¡­ want ¡­my file back.¡±


    ¡°Umm hmm,¡± He smirked, and that caressing was back in his tone,


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    27 27¨CCome and Take it


    ¡°thene and take it.¡±

 Chapter 28

    28 28- Fraud


    ¡°Umm hmm,¡± He smirked, ¡°thene and take it.¡±


    Marissa pinned him with a confident nce and got close to him.


    She smirked with a slight shake of her head, ¡°Just because you are the President of multinational, you think that gives you rights to y games with me?¡± She took her face too close to him, ¡°I have got news for you, Mr. Sinir. I¡¯m not a toy that you want to y with¡­ any time you desire and then discard it.¡± Tightening her lips into a thin line, she gave a good look to his handsome face that had


    turned serious.


    She whispered near his face, ¡°Just let it sink into your head. I¡¯ll never beg you for anything, Mr. Sinir. Better ce it on my hand if you want the best caterer in Kanderton City to make your event memorable for you.¡± With that, she spread her palms in front of his


    eyes.


    His eyes kept their focus on her face. She could see the pain in there, but she didn¡¯t know if this was legit or just another stunt to gain her attention.


    Marissa gestured towards her palm with her eyes, ¡°My file, Mr. Sinir.¡± She reminded him and he quietly ced it on her hand.


    With a poker face, she was about to turn around when he stopped her putting his arm ahead just an inch away from her chest,


    ¡°I¡¯m NOT here to snatch anything from you, Ms. Aaron. But if you find it in your heart, I want just a few minutes of your time. Any day you want. Any time you say. Just a few minutes. That¡¯s what I


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    28 28¨CFraud


    ask you<b>.¡±</b>


    For Marissa, it was an unexpected demand.


    Damn! She was expecting him to ask for exnations and to order her to let him meet the kids. Flint had a point when he said Rafael wasn¡¯t a fool who didn¡¯t know a thing about his kids.


    He knew about their existence now.


    Marissa kept looking into his eyes to see if he was telling the truth but¡­ it proved to be a mistake.


    All those feelings and the betrayal returned with vengeance.


    Holding the file, she turned around to leave, ¡°If I¡¯m expected to work here then I¡¯ll expect a hundred percent professional


    environment.¡±


    She said without ncing over her shoulder while all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and kiss her senselessly.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said in a hoarse whisper and cleared his throat, ¡°it¡­ will be ¡­ professional.¡±


    She nodded and left his office leaving behind a desperate husband


    who wanted to follow her outside his office.


    ¡°Oh, God! She said yes! She is ready to work here,¡± his first call was to his friend Joseph.


    ¡°Hey, Marissa is working for us,¡± he expressed with excitement, ¡°now please be careful about a few things. Nobody knows it but she deserves a VIP treatment here. Please look into her pick¨Cand¨Cdrop arrangements. I want to make sure she doesn¡¯t face any problem¡­ her ount needs to be filled with lots of money so


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    28 28¨CFraud


    that¡­¡±


    ¡°Woah. Woah. Rx. Just give me a minute,¡± Joseph who wasing out of a building after a meeting took off his dark sses. and cleared the sweat off his forehead.


    ¡°W¡­why? Did I say something wrong?¡± Rafael looked towards the door that was used by her to exit the room.


    ¡°Rafael. Here we are talking about four participants¡­FOUR! Do you know what that means? Everything you¡¯ll offer Marissa has to be offered to the rest of the three as well. Are you understanding my friend?¡±


    Rafael frowned at the phone, he was holding and then shifted it to his other ear while walking to his seat, ¡°Then let¡¯s offer it to each one of them!¡± he shrugged carelessly.


    ¡°Are you crazy? Rafael we¡­¡± Joseph quickly walked to his car and


    switched on the air conditioner.


    ¡°Hey, Joseph. Listen. She has kids, man. She is the mother of MY kids. If we offer her all those luxuries, she will never ept them. So, it¡¯s best if we offer the perks to each one of them ¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Rafael¡­¡±


    ¡°Joseph. Once I dere her as my wife, then this won¡¯t continue of course. But¡­ but I need to win her over¡­ you are the only one who knows what happened in the past¡­ I need to win her over if I want her in my life and th¡­this¡­ this is the only way.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ I¡¯lle and then we¡¯ll discuss more. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯lle out with something feasible. And yes¡­ she is yours to spoil. Just wait a little more and you both will be living like a couple in noMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    12:44


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    <i>28 </i>28¨CFrau?


    time. I¡¯m sure of <b>that</b>¡­¡±


    When Joseph disconnected the call, Rafael leaned back in his seat and tried to remember what he was doing just before she barged into his office.


    The best thing was, she didn¡¯t even bother to knock on the door.


    ¡°Miss Marissa Sinir. Has anyone told you, how beautiful you are? And see? You already know this office belongs to you¡­ because of the way you entered here. Your heart also knows, strawberry.¡±


    He punched his chest twice tightening his lips.


    ¡°Soon, Marissa. Soon¡­¡±


    ***


    Marissa was giving the names of the dishes to Dean when an annoying Kate came inside and mmed the documents on the


    desk.


    ¡°Why was I stopped at the reception when they were all allowed toe straight up!¡± she demanded and then screamed, ¡°I need


    water ¡­ now!¡±


    Dean quickly spoke on the inte and asked someone to bring


    iced water.


    ¡°This is too much,¡± then she straight away looked into Marissa¡¯s eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll tell my fianc¨¦ about this treatment. You just wait and


    watch.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t like it. It was an open threat.


    Before Marissa could say something, several lines appeared on Dean¡¯s forehead, ¡°What do you mean? Who is your fianc¨¦, Ms.


    12:44


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    <


    28 28¨CFraud


    Kate? The President of MSin?¡± Marissa thought of him as some


    gullible man but the way he took a stand on Kate¡¯s behavior was


    He was calling her out for her bratty behavior.


    Shan¨CChi and Delinda who were sitting behind them had also stopped talking.


    Kate wasn¡¯t expecting this situation and the initial anger had left


    her face within a few moments.


    ¡°My fianc¨¦ is¡­ a constructor¡­¡± She finished itmely. Amir had asked her specifically not to tell anyone in the office about him or his profession. He was already cklisted there.


    ¡°Constructor?¡± Marissa faked a surprised look on her face, ¡°I had heard he is a supplier. He supplies office stuff such as furniture and all the building material and bathroom stuff like taps and shower nozzles¡­¡± she trailed off eyeing Dean meaningfully, ¡°His name is


    Amir.¡±


    Dean¡¯s eyes turned into thin slits, ¡°Amir?¡± he whispered the name,


    ¡°Is he the same man who ¡­ was a fraud?¡±


    Delinda and Shang¨Cchi gasped at this.


    ¡°Fraud?¡±

 Chapter 29

    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    29 29- Hakuna Matata.


    ¡°You mean Amir? The one who delivered faulty furniture to our office? Kate is his fianc¨¦?¡± Dean


    nodded at Rafael.


    ¡°Good, God!¡± Joseph shuddered, ¡°That man is a scam, but we can¡¯t judge this woman¡­ Kate¡­ based on this jerk¡¯s attitude.¡±


    They all were sitting in Rafael¡¯s office discussing the uing meeting when Dean remembered to tell them about the incident that took cest time in his


    office.


    ¡°But? That was very rude of her,¡± Joseph scratched his jaw, ¡°staying back at reception didn¡¯t give her this right to attack any other employee.¡±


    ¡°Agree,¡± Rafael flipped the pen between his fingers, ¡°Except that Marissa isn¡¯t an employee here.¡±


    This might not be new for Joseph, but it certainly was


    a shock for Dean./


    <i>The </i>boss <i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>take </i>Marissa as an employee. <i>What¡¯s </i>the catch here? Ever since Marissa <i>got </i>called for the


    20:08


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    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    event catering<i>, </i><i>she </i>has <i>been </i>given <i>top </i><i>priority </i><i>in </i>every <i>decision</i>. <i>No </i><i>doubt</i>, her <i>food </i>had <i>outssed </i>every


    other participant<i>.</i>


    ¡°I did call her out for the rude behavior, Mr. Sinir,¡± Dean stated.


    Rafael shook his head with a smirk, ¡°No, Dean. That¡¯s not enough. Next time she bullies anyone in my office let her know that Marissa has the power to kick her out of this building.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Dean couldn¡¯t stop himself.


    Joseph¡¯s jaw was hung open. He knew Rafael was head over heels for Marissa, but this was intense.


    ¡°Are you for real, Rafael? You can¡¯t kick everyone out of this office just like that!¡±


    Rafael moved his focus to the file that was opened before him, ¡°Oh, I can, Joseph. Try me!¡±


    ***


    ¡°You did good, Marissa. That silly woman must have learned a lesson,¡± Sophie said while washing the tes.


    ¡°Right? The way she tried to insult Dean and then was boasting about that ras*cal, I couldn¡¯t stop myself.¡±


    20.00


    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    ¡°And then the audacity of her fianc¨¦ to assault Akari,¡± Sophie started rubbing the te vigorously, ¡°He is such a shameless prick!¡± Sophie rolled her eyes and ced


    the forks in the sink.


    It was a Sunday morning when it was usual to have this leisurely chit¨Cchat.


    ¡°Why are you not using a dishwasher?¡± Marissa asked Sophia and started beating the eggs. Today her kids wanted to have a cheese omelette for breakfast.


    ¡°Oh. I find the dishwasher a hassle just for two to three tes,¡± Sophia ced the washed tes aside and then turned to her, ¡°Is this all you want to tell? That¡¯s it?¡±


    She cocked up a brow at her friend who was trying her best to look busy in beating the eggs.


    ¡°Come on, Marissa. Drop the act and tell me!¡± she hurled a few water droplets from her wet hands, her way, ¡°What about HIM! Did you two meet?¡± she wiggled her eyebrows when she said the word, Him.


    Marissa was aware of the person, she was asking about. Rafael¡¯s handsome image popped up in her mind when he challenged her to take the file from his


    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    hands.


    The incident that had been making her angry since yesterday, now for some reason seemed quite funny.


    ¡°You are blushing, girl!¡± Sophia chuckled and ced the pan on the burner, ¡°Did he kiss you?¡± Sophia asked her in a whisper.


    ¡°What?¡± Marissa blinked several times to let her mind register what Sophia said.


    ¡°Are you nuts? Kissed by him?¡± she rolled her eyes and gulped hard. The way they were standing so close yesterday, now she thought she could easily touch his face just like she used to do when she was his wife.


    He often used to turn his head into her palm and kiss


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    </ol>


    She jerked back from her daydreaming and started zing the pan with ghee. Sophia¡¯s eyes were still on


    her.


    ¡°So, when is the eyent?¡± poor Sophia changed the subject when she didn¡¯t get any response. Her friend seemed to be in a tight spot.


    ¡°After two months. Hopefully, each of us will get one


    4/10


    29 29- Hakuna Matata


    05


    long table where we can serve our masterpieces,¡± she winked at Sophie and started pouring the batter into


    the pan.


    Sophia came closer and ced three cartoon


    character printed tes on the counter, ¡°There is one thing I¡¯m not understanding, Mar.¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s odd? Who keeps caterers this busy for two months for their event? Come to think of it. They are a big name, and they are paying you handsomely. I do give them this much credit. But what will you get after going to them for two full months? Start cooking in their office?¡±


    Marissa again got quiet.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ Maybe they need to stay in touch with us for such a high¨Cend party? I mean¡­ they are trying new caterers¡­ giving them a chance to prove themselves,¡± Marissa shrugged while trying to convince her friend.


    ¡°Stay in touch? What kind of touch is that, Mar? Nobody can expect you to start cooking months prior so that you can serve stale dishes at the party. nning requires one or two days¡­ or maybe one


    20:09


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    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    week¡­¡± she trailed off and switched on the coffee


    machine.


    ¡°They are paying me good, Sophie. I just don¡¯t want to give them the impression that I¡¯m not a hard worker.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Sophie patted her shoulder, ¡°Just don¡¯t get manipted by them, my friend. Getting paid doesn¡¯t mean you are their ve.¡±


    Sophie had left the kitchen and Marissa was thinking the same thing.


    This point did cross her mind several times but every time she used to tell herself that they must be paying her handsomely because they expected extra tasks


    from her.


    ***


    Marissa was watching Lion King with her kids and every time they all used to cry on the death of


    Mufassa.


    Marissa kept telling them how they should not give up on anything in their lives as life doesn¡¯t offer its perks on a silver tter.


    When the movie ended, Alex slid down to ce his


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    29 20¨CHakuna Matata.


    head on the pillow.


    ¡°Alex. Go to your bed, honey,¡± she pped his bum to


    make him stand.


    ¡°Mommy. What if we all sleep here tonight? All of us together like a happy family,¡± He gave the idea a little eagerly.


    Before Marissa could say anything, Abi also plopped on her mom¡¯sp, ¡°Yes, mommy. Let¡¯s sleep here tonight.¡±


    Marissa squeezed the little girl to her and kissed her forehead, ¡°ok, fine. Let¡¯s sleep here, all of us!¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡± they all whooped in excitement, Alex and Ariel started arranging pillows on the floor mattress.


    The n was to let Mommy sleep in between Ariel and Abigail.


    ¡°Mommy. What if Alex also wants to sleep with you,¡± Abi asked innocently wiggling in between Marissa and


    Ariel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Abi,¡± Alex calmed his sister and started pulling his quilt on his face.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Marissa eyed Ariel taking interest in whatever they were sharing with her.


    20.00


    710


    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    ¡°Yes, love.¡±


    ¡°Like Simba lost his dad. Did we also lose our dad the


    same way? Did he die when we were little?¡± Marissa¡¯s heart started sinking at the mention of their father in this weird sense.


    ¡°N¡­no¡­ he didn¡¯t¡­¡± She didn¡¯t know how to tell this to


    her kids. Once they know that their dad was very much alive, they might demand her to meet him or might ask her for some kind of exnation.


    ¡°Mommy. Where is my Daddy?¡± Abigail asked her and she felt herself in a tight spot. This was the first time they asked her these unexpected questions that weren¡¯t that unexpected.


    ¡°Mommy. When we go to the park, we often see our friends with their dads¡­¡± Ariel told her with a small


    pout.


    every


    Abigail also sat up to have a better look at her siblings, ¡°My friends¡® dads buy them lollipops, candies of vor. They watch movies with them. Why can¡¯t our father do the same?¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t know what to say.


    It coomad like <b>nature </b>had told her kids or <b>nut </b>it in


    20.09


    8.10


    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    their hearts that their father was somewhere close.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Abi spoke again.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Can you give a message to Daddy when you meet him next?¡± instead of responding to that Marissa looked down on herp.


    ¡°Please tell him that we miss him a lot and he shoulde back to bring those things just like our friends¡® dads. Will you do it, mommy?¡±


    Abigail asked so innocently that Marissa¡¯s heart wentN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    out to her.


    ¡°Abi,¡± Alex¡¯s voice came from under the quilt, ¡°Go to sleep. Don¡¯t you want to learn Lego tomorrow?¡±


    Abigail was quick to hit her head back on the pillow.


    Ariel alsoid back and closed her eyes, ¡°Alex don¡¯t forget to teach me the tricks.¡±


    Marissa observed Alex whose face was still under the


    quilt. All she wanted to do was hug him and thank him for saving her.


    However, this was high time to tell the kids about their


    20:10


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    29 29¨CHakuna Matata.


    father.


    Sophie and Flint were right. If Rafael was not nning to interfere in Marissa¡¯s life and wanted to keep it cordial, then maybe she might allow him to meet the


    kids.


    Tonight, the discussion had taken a toll on her mental health. They were growing up and knew they needed a father figure in their lives.


    ¡°Mom. Why don¡¯t you go to sleep,¡± she heard Alexander¡¯s voice and a wobbly smile graced her lips.


    ¡°Yeah, sure, Alex. Thank you.¡±


    She didn¡¯t need to tell him why she was thanking him. And he never asked her the reason. Instead, the only thing he said was,


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mommy. Hakuna Matata.¡±


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 Chapter 30

    30 30¨CStopped


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mommy. Hakuna Matata.¡±


    This sentence kept ying in Marissa¡¯s mind when Alex told herst night. Though she spent the Sunday enjoying herself with kids, but Hakuna Matata kept disturbing the peace of her mind.


    The next day, when she reached the office to submit the final menu list, her caterer friends were already there near the reception counter.


    ¡°If they pay us well, that doesn¡¯t mean we must wait here every morning. Either they let us decide the menu at our homes and if they want us to arrive here daily then we should be given proper employee cards.¡± Marissa stated. She didn¡¯t want to throw a tantrum, but this attitude was not justified.


    ¡°Listen,dy,¡± a woman who was wearing a pencil skirt along with three¨Cinch pencil heels approached them, ¡°You are standing inside the prestigious building of MSin and here we don¡¯t encourage bullying.¡±


    20:10


    30 30¨CStopped


    She eyed Marissa with a sarcastic smirk as if Marissa was just a mere insect. Marissa might not be dressed formally but looked beautiful in her beige pants and a


    ck button¨Cdown shirt.


    ¡°And may I know, who is bullying here? I¡¯m just asking you to issue us some kind of card that can allow us to enter the VIP elevator,¡± Marissa kept her calm.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± the woman took off her branded sses and observed the participants, ¡°Cards are only issued to the employees. We don¡¯t issue cards to any contractors. Secondly,¡± She ced her index finger on her lips, ¡°nobody is allowed to get to the VIP elevators,¡± She then looked behind Marissa where the


    receptionist was trying to tell her something.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°What!¡± she snapped.


    All of them turned around to face the receptionist who dropped her hands by her sides, ¡°They are indeed right. All of them are reporting directly to Mr. Joseph,¡± an apologetic smile touched the receptionist¡¯s lips, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for giving you all the trouble. I left my seat for a few minutes, and this happened.¡±


    Kate turned to the rudedy and snapped her fingers,


    20:10


    30 30¨CStopped


    ¡°Now you listen,dy! See? I don¡¯t know who you are. But you know nothing and still decided to poke your nose in our business.¡±


    For the first time, Marissa liked Kate. Being fierce for such reasons was never a problem for her. At least she was raising her voice against wrong.


    Several lines appeared on the rude woman¡¯s forehead, ¡°Stop calling medy. My name is M and I¡¯m from the HR department. A recruitment coordinator.¡±


    Funny! Because just a few moments back she called Marissa dy¡®.


    She turned to the receptionist and tapped her finger on the counter, ¡°You need to check it. A contractor is not allowed to approach the VIP floor,¡± She then looked over her shoulder and spoke to Shan Chin, ¡°What <i>is </i>the nature of your job? Is it something construction rted to the offices? Because I don¡¯t have anything in my file,¡± She started flipping pages her dossier.


    Shang Chi nodded with an embarrassing smile, ¡°Ms. M. We all are caterers and are supposed to participate in the main event that¡¯s taking ce in


    of


    30 30¨CStopped


    honor of the CEO.¡±


    This time M¡¯s smile deepened, ¡°Caterers!¡± she startedughing, ¡°Caterers on the VIP floor? Ha¨Cha.¡± She wanted to roll on the floor with mirth.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny about it?¡± Marissa demanded the


    woman.


    ¡°The funny thing is¡­¡± she hupped in between, ¡°the event is for our president. Do you think we¡¯ll want to involve him as a host when he is the chief guest?¡±


    Her point carried weight, but now it was making


    Marissa exhausted.


    ¡°If the VIP floor is not for us then maybe take us to our floor where we can work,¡± Kate passed her a re, but Marissa was not here to be a VIP but to work.


    For her, it didn¡¯t matter what ce it was. But respect


    mattered to her.


    M nodded, ¡°You all just sit on that couch. I¡¯ll ask the concerned department to issue you contractor cards. That can give you immediate ess to YOUR floor.¡±


    Marissa held Shan Chi¡¯s hand to walk to the said couch. Delinda and Kate followed them silently.


    20:10


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    <b>C </b>30 30¨CStopped


    The woman whose name was M was making funny faces and was still giving them eye rolls.


    She was having some secret argument with the receptionist.


    ¡°This is quite insulting for me,¡± Delinda said with a sigh, ¡°Like you people, I joined this profession because I loved cooking and had a passion for arranging events. MSin was paying good, and that was the reason I


    agreed to work with them. I don¡¯t know why they want us to sit here and chat when we can submit the


    required menus within a few days.¡±


    This was the same point Sophia tried to convey to Marissa yesterday.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case,¡± Shang Chi spoke in a hushed tone, ¡°then I think we should talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please,¡± Kate bobbed her head in annoyance, ¡°Better speak for yourself. I¡¯m happy toe here daily and get a chance to sit with Dean or Mr. Joseph. I might get a chance to talk to the panty dropping president. The pay is good! You, see?¡±


    M had left the reception area and now they were sitting on the couch trying to suppress their yawns for


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    30 30¨CStopped


    God knew how long.


    ¡°Am I allowed to lie here?¡± Delinda asked no one in


    particr but everyone startedughing including


    Marissa.


    ¡°Guys,¡± Marissa whispered while eyeing the


    receptionist who was busy taking calls and typing on herputer, ¡°what if we race to the VIP elevator?¡±


    The rest of them straightened with their eyes darting between the reception and the elevator.


    ¡°Why?¡± Kate hissed, ¡°Are you forgetting the guard who is standing in front of that elevator?¡± she couldn¡¯t forget the insult she had to face from the tall man.


    ¡°What if we try? Like¡­ let¡¯s not run¡­ but¡­ walk a little casually to the elevator and see if the guard will stop us. If he does, then we¡¯ll say sorry and turn around to


    ass here!¡±


    ee our


    Delinda startedughing at her idea, ¡°You people are naughty¡­¡± She chewed her lower lip between her teeth and blinked her eyes,


    ¡°OK. Let¡¯s try that.¡± She was the first one to stand from the couch. Others followed her and all of them looked


    at the busy recentionist.


    20:11


    877


    30 30¨CStopped


    Nobody was even looking their way.


    ¡°Come. Let¡¯s go. Paste a smile on your face,¡± Marissa said through her gritted teeth, and they all started walking to the elevator.


    ¡°Talk to each other. Make it look natural,¡± Marissa said


    good naturedly and turned to Shan Chi to say something.


    They all were almost near the elevator when they heard a loud male voice, ¡°Stop! Where do you think you are going?¡±


    They not only stopped walking but also stopped breathing too¡­


    Comment


    A


    Leave the firstment for this chapter

 Chapter 31

    31 31- Familiar voice


    They all turned around together only to find a man hugging his friend who might have met after a long


    time.


    ¡°Come on, guys. Elevator!¡± Marissa said with an easygoing smile.


    ¡°The guard will stop us,¡± Kate mumbled but Marissa kept walking until the elevator doors opened and the guard stepped aside to let them in.


    When the doors got closed, all of them let out a long and heavy sigh.


    ¡°He is the same guard who tried stopping me,st time. What happened today?¡± Kateined and Shang Chi responded to her, ¡°Magic!¡± he moved his hand in the air, ¡°Magic happened!¡±


    They allughed, and this time Kate had to join them.


    When they stepped out, Dean was talking to someone when he found them chatting to each other in a friendly way.


    ¡°You all look happy!¡± he came near them.


    1.8


    31 31¨CFamiliar voice


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Marissa ced her purse on the nearby desk, ¡°Anybody can get happy if you stop him by the reception for long hours.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Though it was exaggerated, but it did work like a charm for bringing it to Dean¡¯s notice.


    ¡°They all still stopping you?¡± he walked to the reception area of the VIP floor, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll see what I can do about it. You people go that room.¡±


    They all obeyed him like school kids and went inside the said room only to find several other people seated.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Delinda whispered. They all looked at the seats. The front two rows were empty, and a few


    back rows were still not filled.


    There was a board disyed with the front row that said, ¡°reserved.¡±


    ¡°Do we have to go to the back seats?¡± Shang Chi remarked while running his gaze across the room, ¡°Let¡¯s go folks.¡±


    They were going for the back seats when a uniformed


    guard removed the reserved board and invited them to


    sit in the front row.


    20.11


    2/8


    31 31¨CFamiliar voice


    They all passed a confusing look to each other and then started settling in those seats.


    ¡°Strange,¡± Delinda held the armrests and trailed her hands on the velvet finish material, ¡°Were they reserved for us? They are treating us like a VIP.¡±


    The woman seemed impressed.


    If this was some kind of meeting, then Marissa wasn¡¯t


    informed about it.


    Momentster, the door opened, and Joseph walked in with a friendly smile. He walked straight to his spot on the stage.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± he began, ¡°I hope you all are doing well. Today you are invited officially to make you aware that you all are part of the team that will be responsible for carrying out the event. The special thing about this event is not our President or the guests across the globe¡­¡± he trailed off with a chuckle, ¡°Well! That is also one of the reasons¡­ but the main


    reason is to hire all home¨Cbased business owners and


    give them a chance to showcase their work in front of the big business divas. Once you catch the eye, the world will be yours to rule!¡±


    20:11

 Chapter 32

    32 32- You?


    Marissa didn''t make any attempt to turn and face the man. His coldness could be felt in the room and a hush had fallen due to his brooding presence.


    "I think I asked you a question!" He snarled and everyone there still couldn''t utter a word. Dean was standing behind him trying to decipher the situation.


    "Thisdy¡­Ms. M," Joseph started pointing his finger towards the woman, "she is here to take them out of the room because she thinks that they all breached the security."


    "Good God!" Kate whispered so that only people around her could hear. I made the mistake of trusting Marissa and look! Inded myself into trouble. I should never have followed her. Amir warned me!


    She was feeling happy seeing what could happen to Marissa now. Obviously, the other caterers could easily dump the me on her. Now Marissa needed to be ready to face the consequences.


    "Sir! I can exin," the recruitmentdy tried to speak this time and waved her hand at Marissa''s face, "I asked them to stay near the reception and specifically told them to wait for me. I just wanted to issue them cards¡­ when I returned, they were nowhere in sight. I thought they had left the building, but someone told me that he saw them going towards VIP elevators¡­ I didn''t take time to contact the security."


    She got breathless after giving such a long exnation. Rafael''s eyes were on M who now had a slight red hue on her cheeks. She couldn''t maintain eye contact with those green orbs.


    "Sir," Kate said, "we all were willing to wait near the reception but Marissa¡­" She pointed towards her, "She asked us to walk towards the elevators like¡­ like thieves¡­" she trailed off in frustration trying to show that she didn''t do it willingly. "Stop saying that¡­ we are equally to be med," Shang Chi gave a hard stare to Kate and told Rafael. Delinda was nodding her head when Shan-Chi started speaking in Marissa''s favor. "You all will get the punishment," M spat, "You all were not babies,"


    Marissa who was looking everywhere but Rafael, was standing there as if they were not talking about her but someone else.


    For a minute, she decided to raise her eyes and look up. Just for an instant and that was when she found Rafael looking at her.


    She found a flicker of amusement in his eyes thatsted for just a few seconds. It was so short that she thought she must be imagining it.


    Very casually, Rafael moved his focus from Marissa to M,


    "You are fired!" Rafael stated calmly taking everyone by surprise. He didn''t stay to see the impact and turned on his heels to walk out of the room.


    "W¡­what¡­ th¡­ the f¡­fu*ck, just happened?" Kate muttered. Her mouth was covered with her palm, just like others whose eyes were wide in shock.


    "B¡­but what did¡­ I do¡­ I mean¡­ I meant good for thepany¡­" incoherent words were leaving M''s mouth until big fat tears started falling down her cheeks.


    Her bloodshot eyes turned towards Marissa, "You are responsible for this mess. Aren''t you?"


    Her hands tried to hold Marissa''s cor when Joseph spoke this time, "If you don''t want to get in a further mess then I''ll advise you, not to do that."


    His warning worked and M halted in her tracks.


    "I got this job a few months back and I¡­ I was just trying to be in his good books¡­" She chewed her lips and closed her eyes.


    For a minute, Marissa felt sorry for her.


    "For getting into good books, one is not supposed to argue with the bosses, Ms. M." Marissa said softly, folding her arms under her chest, "You were not ready to listen to anyone."


    M''s shoulders slumped down and she gave the file she was holding to a nearby guard and started walking away.


    "Rest of you please go back to your seats," Dean took the mic that was still in Joseph''s hand and announced to the people who had gathered around them.


    "You people carry on with your meeting," Marissa muttered to her friends and quickly fixed the strap of her bag on her shoulder and rushed towards outside.


    "Marissa. Where are you going?" She heard Dean who wasing after her.


    "Wait a minute, Dean," she saw M waiting for the elevator when she went to her and touched her arm lightly.


    M who wasn''t expecting anyone to help her, took her time to turn and see who it was.


    "Can you please wait here," Marissa requested her with an easygoing smile. N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "What else do you want to do? The guy might kick me in jail if I don''t leave the building now. I have seen him doing that with the other employees. He never arrived in Kanderton before but didn''t take a minute to fire someone on calls who he thought was causing trouble in this building." Marissa heard her but she wanted to at least try it.


    Though the woman had been quite rude to her but still Marissa needed to do it. Getting a good job wasn''t an easy task.


    "Please stay here. Please." Marissa brought her to a couch and made her sit. She went to Dean who was standing at a safe distance. "Dean¡­I¡­ I ¡­ can I ¡­" She didn''t know how to say this and what aftereffects she might face after this.


    "Yes, Marissa. What can I do for you?"


    She pointed towards the president''s door, "Can you ask him if I can meet him?... like¡­ I know I don''t have an appointment but ¡­ if ¡­ you¡­" Dean observed her face and pointed to the door, "Go. No need to take permission¡­" he said softly.


    "What? I mean he is the CEO¡­ and he can''t meet anyone just like that¡­" Dean shook his head with a smile, "If you are standing on this floor Marissa then that means you don''t need permission."


    "Oh," Marissa nodded with a pout and tried to control her rugged breathing. Gosh! Why was she nervous?


    She didn''t want to convey the wrong signals to Rafael, but this needed to be done as a woman''s job was in question.


    Stroking her head, she tried to fix her hair and knocked on the door. She opened it and peeked inside.


    Rafael who was busy on a call, found her standing in the doorway and forgot what he was saying on the phone.


    "M¡­M¡­Mar¡­ Marissa? Y¡­ you?"

 Chapter 33

    33 33- Enjoying it!


    "How are you, honey?" Kate smiled when she got a text from Amir.


    "I''m good. Especially afterst night¡­ wink"


    She waited for his naughty reply and chuckled when her phone beeped, "Oh. You tasted good¡­ Kate¡­"


    "Down there?"


    "Oh, everywhere. Ha-ha. By the way, how is the office? I hope that thief is not bothering you much," he asked her, and she started typing with a pout. She knew who he was asking about.


    "Office right now is a drama. And your thief tenant is responsible for it."


    Amir seemed to get impatient, "Why? What happened?"


    "That vile girl. She dodged the guards and brought us to the VIP floor. The security barged in when we were in the middle of some kind of speech," her fingers were hurting due to continuous typing, but she kept doing it just to share the moment.


    "See? I told you that she is trouble. That''s the reason I didn''t want her there with you. Don''t worry, love. I''lle up with something."


    "Yeah, I''m sure, honey. Got to go. Bye."


    She closed the chat and leaned her chin on her phone. People were back to their seats and Mr. Joseph had resumed the speech.


    Kate was very much aware that no one was paying attention to whatever crap he was uttering on the mic. They were more interested in the drama that must be taking ce outside this room.


    ***


    "Marissa? You?" Rafael couldn''t seem to believe his eyes and left his seat, "Why are you standing there? Please take a seat."


    He gestured towards a seat and headed to her.


    "No thank you, Rafael¡­ I mean ¡­ Mister Rafael¡­" She cleared her throat and looked for any sign of fury on his face. The only thing her eyes could take was his broad shoulders.


    She was ready to put up a fight until he wouldn''t listen to her and would agree to whatever she was going to demand.


    "I''m not here to sit, Mr. Sinir. The woman out there. You didn''t listen to her side of the story and fired her. Don''t do that please."


    He seemed a little aback by the request, "She tried to bully you?"


    Now it was her turn to be surprised, "What?"


    "She bullied you, Ms. Aaron. I¡­ I can''t let that allow in my office."


    Oh, you prude man! Your wife and mom did the same to me! But s! She couldn''t say it.


    "She just did her job. It was our mistake to let that happen. She asked us to wait for our cards and we didn''t."


    "What do you want me to do?" he whispered, and she felt like he was trying to memorize her features.


    "Take her back," Marissa now wanted to get out of the office. His eyes were making her ufortable, "Please take her back. I think she needs this job."


    Rafael started scratching his head.


    "Damn," he muttered under his breath and Marissa frowned thinking she was responsible for this frustration.


    "Fine! Ask her to stay!" he said abruptly, and she couldn''t help it when her face lit up.


    "What?"


    "Yeah!" he nodded, "Just warn her never to do it again."


    "Oh, thank you, Mr. Sinir. I''ll ask her never to bully anyone," She sped her hands together in excitement. She couldn''t believe that Rafael agreed to it just like that.


    No arguments. No exnations required.


    She repeated, "She won''t bully anyone."


    "Especially you!" she froze when heard his next words, but he was nodding his head at her, "Yes. Convey it to her. Ask her never to bully you. You or your friends don''t need any card toe up to this floor."


    When Rafael found her eyes still glued to him, he shrugged, "You know I am a big foodie. So, no card for caterers. They are allowed to roam around in this building," He gave her a tightlipped smile and turned around to go back to his seat. Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Marissa who was standing there like a fool, not understanding what else she should do now, heard him again, "If you want, you can join me for coffee!" There was amusement evident in his voice, but she ignored it and made it fast outside the door.


    M was sitting on the couch staring at the floor. Her nose had turned red, and she was wiping it now and then.


    Even Dean wasn''t there with her.


    She dashed to console her, "Hey. Please stop crying," She asked the receptionist silently for some help who was quick to hand over a box of Kleenex to Marissa.


    "Listen, Ms. M¡­"


    M didn''t let her speak¡­ as usual.


    "He never listened to anyone. No one in this office can convince him easily. I don''t know what I''ll do. How I''ll manage without this job?" she had again started crying.


    God! She was even bigger drama than Kate.


    "Ms. M. You don''t want to listen to anyone and then expect empathy. Can you just listen to me once?" she lost her patience and snapped at her, "In the conference room, everyone was trying to exin it to you about the situation, but you still went ahead and tried to get me arrested."


    Marissa didn''t know when Dean came to stand behind her, "She is right, M. Stop ying the victim card and listen to her."


    M sniffed and atst raised her tear-filled eyes at Marissa, "I just talked to the Mr. President. He has agreed to keep you, but he doesn''t want bullying in the future."


    She didn''t convey his special instructions.


    M''s mouth was hung open, "H¡­how is it possible? He never stopped anyone. His decision was always final."


    In answer, Marissa could only shrug.


    M quickly wiped her face and got up, "Are you sure? I mean what if he takes it as a threat if he''ll ever find me here."


    "No. Marissa is telling you the truth. You have still got this position. Just stop being overly dramatic," Dean winked at Marissa and waved his hand, "Now you Marissa¡­ shoo away and don''t miss the rest of the speech."


    He was still smiling when Marissa gave him a sheepish grin and left. M was also slowly walking to the elevators in a daze. He ced his hand inside his pocket to take out the phone when it started ringing, "Yes, Mr. Sinir?"


    "Dean. Next time, if Marissa Aaron needs a favor, facilitate her immediately. No need to send her to me for any kind of approval."


    "Yes, sir."


    Rafael had disconnected the call and Dean was thinking hard. He had never met Mr. Sinir''s wife Valerie Sinir. But he wasn''t able to understand who Marissa Aaron was. Nobody gives freedom to an old mistress just because she was the mother of the kids of the president of MSin.


    He had a hunch.


    Rafael Sinir would never give this much free hand to his wife. The question was, what was the story behind Marissa Aaron?


    She was a decentdy and never gave him mistress vibes.


    He needed to do some digging to understand it better and for some reason, he was enjoying it.

 Chapter 34

    34 34- My Daughters


    34 34- My Daughters


    ¡°Mommy. I¡¯ll have French fries,¡± Abigail asked Marissa and squeezed her stuffed toy, a cute panda to her


    chest.


    ¡°Sure, sweetheart,¡± Marissa said absent¨Cmindedly and looked through the menu card. She had just received a very handsome amount in her ount along with all the people rted to the MSin event.


    That was when she decided to bring the kids and Sophia to this high¨Cend restaurant. She invited Flint too, but he was getting ready for a date and apologized.


    Ariel ordered a kiddie burger while Alexander was still skeptical about what to eat. Marissa and Sophia were wildly chatting to each other in between their menu confirmations to the waiter.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    They had chosen to dine on the rooftop and Abigail wanted to stand close to the banister to look down.


    ¡°Mommy. May I go?¡± she was repeatedly insisting that her mom listen to her plea.


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    34 34- My Daughters


    ¡°No, Abi. It¡¯s not safe.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Alexander raised his eyes from the menu card, ¡°Why don¡¯t you send her to that part where they have installed a safety? I can see other kids too.¡±


    Marissa gave a confused look to her daughter when Ariel raised her hand, ¡°I can apany her.¡±


    With a long sigh, Marissa nodded, ¡°Just don¡¯t get out of my sight.¡±


    Both the girls wanted to run excitedly when Ariel reminded Abi that she should not run and be careful.


    ¡°Will I ever be able to run?¡± Abi asked Ariel when they reached the. All the happiness and excitement of looking down from this height was dying down slowly.


    Like other kids, she wanted to run and jump and enjoy


    her life.


    ¡°Why not, silly! You will!¡± Ariel held her hand and pointed down, ¡°Now just look at the cars down there and tell me. Don¡¯t they look like Alex¡¯s dinky cars?¡±


    Abi giggled and little Ariel took a sigh of relief. She was aware of how sensitive her little sister was.


    ¡°And look at that truck! It¡¯s also too small!¡± Abigail


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    34 34¨CMy Daughters


    ¡°You two should move aside. I need this space!¡± they both turned when heard a familiar voice.


    Robert, who used to bully them in the park and always tried his best not to let them take the slides was also there. He wanted his favorite spot again.


    ¡°Can you quit bullying for once and let my sister enjoy?¡± Ariel asked him in annoyance while Abi¡¯s eyes were on something else. She wasn¡¯t paying much attention to the argument.


    ¡°Abi. Don¡¯t leave your spot. Ok? Let me bring Alex and he will teach him a lesson,¡± Ariel said looking boldly into the boy¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Ariel. I need to tell you something,¡± Abi whispered in


    her sister¡¯s ear.


    Ariel knew her sister was a softie and could be


    intimidated quite easily.


    ¡°But you can¡¯t leave the spot, Abi. No need to be scared of him. When I¡¯m with you,¡± She was talking to Abigail, but her eyes were on the bully boy.


    This time Abigail pinched her arm lightly to get her


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    34 34- My Daughters


    attention and whispered again, ¡°Ariel. You really need to see this. Forget Robert. We can fight himter,¡± she started pulling Ariel aside which made enough space for Robert, and he happily adjusted himself in that


    space.


    ¡°I know there is nothing you want to show me, Abi. You just didn¡¯t want to fight him,¡± Ariel said with a pout, but Abi¡¯s eyes were still there and she could see the man standing up from his seat while talking to another


    man.


    ¡°Ariel. Look! Don¡¯t you think that man resembles Alex?¡± Ariel who was almost mad at Abi, frowned and turned


    her head to have a better look. Man¡¯s back was facing


    them.


    ¡°I swear, Areil. Let¡¯s walk to that side so that you can have a better look,¡± With curiosity, both the girls started walking towards that table.


    The man for a minute tilted his face a little and that


    was when Ariel saw him and gasped.


    ¡°Oh, good God!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you this?¡± Abi was so proud of herself.


    ¡°Should we bring Alex too?¡± Ariel was still looking at


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    34 34- My Daughters


    the man when Abi started shaking her head wildly.


    ¡°No, silly. He has already started walking to the elevators. We don¡¯t want to lose him. Come on. Let¡¯s follow him,¡± They started walking taking small steps, keeping a safe distance.


    Unfortunately, he was waiting for the elevator, and they were not allowed to enter there without any elder¡¯s assistance.


    ¡°Abi. I think we should go back to Mom,¡± Ariel gulped hard because from there they could no longer see


    their table.


    ¡°Shh. We¡¯ll lose them, Ariel. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you get lost. Plus, we won¡¯t be alone in the elevator. Other elders will be there with us,¡± She convinced her sister quite smartly and they got inside the elevator with speeding heartbeats.


    ***


    Rafael was there to host a business dinner with Joseph. They had invited another business executive to close a


    deal.


    He was quite happy that the meeting went well.


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    34 34- My Daughters


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he took the hook, you offered him<b>,¡±</b>


    Josephughed and praised his friend while waiting for


    the lift to arrive.


    Tonight, they had an early dinner and now Joseph wanted to celebrate this deal approval in a bar. Today his friend was also happy because Marissa approached him today for a favor.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n? How you are going to convince her about your¡­ intentions.¡± Joseph asked him, standing there, andbed his fingers through his


    hair.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to,¡± Rafael said while entering the lift and started rolling up his shirt sleeves, ¡°I just asked the finance department to release their sries. Now fingers crossed. I hope she is happy, and her financial situation gets more stabilized,¡±


    The thought that she was his wife and the mother of his kids but would never ept his financial aid was


    too much for him.


    They got out of the lift and Alex walked towards the lobby.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Sinir.¡±


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    34 34- My Daughters


    ¡°Good night, Mr. Sinir.¡±


    Most of the staff knew him and were offering him greetings. Though it was his first visit to the city, still he was popr there.


    He must have taken a few more steps when he found Joseph looking behind them and stopped.


    ¡°What happened, Jo?¡± he asked his friend and halted in his steps as well. However, nothing could have prepared him for the sight that awaited when he followed Joseph¡¯s gaze.


    Standing there behind them were two little girls with long hair. One was a blonde who looked exactly like Valerie while the other one was the carbon copy of


    Marissa.


    Rafael had seen them in a photograph provided to him by his investigator but in reality, they were so much more beautiful and more innocent.


    Rafael felt his hearting out of his chest when he whispered, ¡°M¡­my daughters!¡±

 Chapter 35

    35 35- My Girls


    ¡°Alex. Go and call your sisters,¡± Marissa shook her son¡¯s shoulder when saw waiters cing the dishes on the


    table. O


    ¡°Mom. I ordered cheesy chicken!¡± Alex made a pout when he saw a small mountain of stir¨Cfried veggies


    with the chicken.


    The head waiter who was serving them nodded at Alex, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. You get your cheesy chicken in no time,¡± he then turned to a winter and whispered something in his ear.


    ¡°Alex. Your order is getting ready, in the meantime you can bring your sisters. Their food will get cold,¡± Alex was making funny faces when he got out of his chair.


    He went to thatted area and found Robert looking down through the.


    ¡°Robert. Nice to see you here,¡± Robert turned to look at Alex and then nced back. He wasn¡¯t much


    interested in talking to Alex.


    ¡°Have you seen my sisters?¡± Alex¡¯s eyes were looking


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    35 35¨CMy Girls


    for the girls.


    ¡°Yeah. They were not letting me stand here but I still managed the spot,¡± he told Alex about his achievement with pride and started talking to another child.


    Alex took the round of the whole gallery even the part


    where there was no.


    ¡°My sisters are getting irresponsible,¡± he muttered to himself and hoped that they had already gone back to the respective table.


    However, he was disappointed when he didn¡¯t find


    them there.


    ¡°Sweetheart. Your sisters?¡± Marissa knew he hated


    these endearments, but sometimes she couldn¡¯t help


    <ol>


    <li>it.</li>


    </ol>


    ¡°I looked for them, but they are nowhere to be found,¡± Marissa and Sophia both got to their feet,


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°Mom. Don¡¯t worry. They might be roaming in between the tables,¡± He eyed the huge rooftop and couldn¡¯t find his sisters anywhere.


    Marissa and Sophia went to the spot where they sent


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    35 35¨CMy Girls


    Abi and Ariel.


    ¡°Hey, Robert. Have you seen Abi and Ariel?¡± Sophia asked the same boy who was now getting annoyed.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not their mommy,¡± He was about to turn away when Marissa kneeled in front of the boy not wanting to show worry on her face.


    ¡°Listen, darling. We can¡¯t find them anywhere and we need your help right now,¡± It was something tried and tested with kids.


    Treat a kid like an elder and he would dly be the most helpful individual.


    Alex wanted his mom not to plead with this boy but


    now he was also concerned about his sisters.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Robert said with a somber expression, ¡°I saw them waiting for the elevator standing among that


    crowd.¡±


    ¡°Oh, man!¡± Marissa mumbled and looked at Sophia.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mar. I¡¯ll look for them here and on the lower floor. You go to the lobby and look for them. Keep your phone with you. I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t let a child exit the gates without an elder.¡±


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    35 35¨CMy Girls


    Sophia tried to console her friend who was getting panicked with each passing minute.


    ¡°I¡¯m such a loser Mom, Sophie,¡± she didn¡¯t want to cry


    because this was not the time.


    ¡°No, you are not. Now go, I¡¯ll ask a security person to deliver the message to the main gates and all the floors. Don¡¯t worry. Sometimes kids like to take elevators for fun. We might find them inside.¡±


    Alexander held his mom¡¯s hand, ¡°I¡¯ll apany you,


    Mom. Don¡¯t worry,¡±


    Now he was feeling guilty for not keeping an eye on his


    sisters.


    They entered the elevator, Sophia was the first one to leave the elevator to look for the girls while they stayed to reach the ground floor of the restaurant.


    ***


    Rafael was looking at the girls who were silently observing him.


    ¡°Hello,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°HI there,¡± the one with ck hair answered, ¡°How are


    you sir¡±


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    35 35- My Girls


    Rafael crouched down to be at her eye level.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. What are you doing here? And is there anyone apanying you both?¡± he looked and


    up shot a questioning gaze at Joseph.


    Instead of answering, Abigail raised her hand slowly and touched Rafael¡¯s nose tip.


    ¡°He¨Che¡­¡± she chuckled.


    Rafael closed his eyes when felt the touch. It took all his willpower not to cry, ¡°Are you people alone?¡±


    Abi shook her head, ¡°We came here with our mom. She wanted to celebrate with us. She got her pay today and it was good. She says she can spend too much on us because we are rich for a few days.¡± Rafael had to bite back his quivering smile when he heard the little girl giving him details with a solemn face.


    To him, it seemed more like an annual report on yearly


    sales.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± he then turned his attention to the blond one who was standing there with an attitude just like Valerie.


    ¡°And you, little one? Are you enjoying it here?¡± he was


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    <


    35 35- My Girls


    scared to even touch them with affection.


    For him it was just a dream, he was aware of who they were. Their faces were enough proof of it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t talk to strangers,¡± the blonde girl flipped her hair with an attitude, ¡°Mommy doesn¡¯t like it. Even if my sister stop you and talk to you¡­ you should not talk to her. Because we are strangers.¡±


    Rafael felt proud for a moment. The way the girls were talking to him with such confidence, Marissa deserved all the appreciation.


    And he decided to ignore the grammar too because that was just adorable.


    ¡°Rafael,¡± he felt Joseph¡¯s hand on his shoulder, ¡°What are these girls doing here in the lobby? Shouldn¡¯t they be with Marissa? She must be getting worried for


    them.¡±


    Joseph was right, Rafael realized, and got up.


    He so wanted to talk more to these munchkins but just a few days back he promised himself to win over Marissa¡¯s heart.


    Once she would be fine with the idea, then he would


    35 35¨CMy Girls


    take another step to be in the lives of the kids.


    His kids.


    ¡°Little ones,¡± he said to them softly, ¡°Either tell me where I can find your mom. Or you two areing with me so that I can talk to a security desk officer.¡±


    He wanted to walk ahead when Abigail hurriedly held his hand making him freeze in his tracks, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take us to the floor where we can see the sky?¡±


    Oh, now he understood. They were on the rooftop.


    He didn¡¯t like that how these girls made it down in the elevator without an elder apanying them.


    He needed to bring it up with Marissa in the most


    non¨Coffensive manner.


    ¡°Rafael. It¡¯s best if instead of taking them to their mom, you contact security,¡± Rafael gave a slight nod to his head and looked around.


    A man from security was standing at some distance. Rafael and Joseph started walking to the man when they heard a loud, familiar voice behind them.


    ¡°Where do you think you are taking my girls?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 36

    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    Rafael and Joseph started walking to the man when they heard a loud, familiar voice behind them.


    ¡°Where do you think you are taking my girls?¡±


    This voice made Rafael stop in his tracks. He took his


    sweet time to turn and face the woman whose face haunted him for thest four years.


    Marissa walked up to him and the way she was clutching her fists, it was evident that all she wanted to do at that moment was to punch his face.


    She pulled the girls behind her a little protectively before looking into his emerald¨Cgreen eyes.


    ¡°Y¡­ you¡­ I thought¡­ we had a ¡­ silent¡­ decent agreement that¡­ you won¡¯t¡­ oh, God. I guess I was wrong¡­¡± She muttered thest part under her breath, not able to control her tears.


    Rafael didn¡¯t try to offer her any exnations. What exnation could he give except to assure her of his intentions?


    In this frame of mind, she would never hear him and


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    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    would never be convinced. No matter how much he tried to prove his innocence.


    ¡°I was taking them to the security desk,¡± he atst spoke, but his intuition was right. She shook her head and held the girls¡® hands.


    That was when he watched a small replica of himself standing behind her at some distance.


    His son!


    He tried to gulp but seemed to choke on his tears.


    The fate.


    He couldn¡¯t hug any of his kids due to his own


    mistakes. He didn¡¯t trust the woman and madeMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    decision.


    She was looking down and was weeping silently.


    a


    rash


    Damn! He released those sries so that he could


    make her happy. Tonight, again he made her cry.


    He looked at the kids and Marissa with longing and then didn¡¯t take time to spin around and leave the ce in a rush.


    How could he talk to her when his own emotions were


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    36 36¨CTreat His Daughter


    all over the ce?


    Joseph almost ran after him.


    ¡°Mar. You alright?¡± Sophia who had gotten extremely panicked because she couldn¡¯t find the girls, and came down to report the security head.


    She took a sigh of relief when saw the girls standing there but Marissa was crying.


    She then got down to kiss the girls¡® foreheads.


    ¡°Where did you go, sweeties? We were getting worried,¡± Abi who was getting nervous due to her crying mother tried to exin in a teary voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aunt Sophie. I saw this man who looked exactly like Alex and went to him but then Mom came


    after us.¡±


    The little girl was now curving down her lips in a pout.


    Ariel hugged her mother¡¯s legs, ¡°Please don¡¯t cry, Mommy. I know we shouldn¡¯t talk to strangers but


    we¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡± Sophie raised her brows.


    ¡°Aunt Sophie¡­ I thought ¡­ maybe he was¡­ our


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    36 36¨CTreat His Daughter


    father¡­¡±


    This time, Marissa¡¯s tears started flowing more freely.


    There was a small crowd forming around them. A woman came closer and pointed towards Marissa, ¡°Thank God, you came on time. He might have kidnapped the girls. He was wearing an office attire and I found him so handsome at the first nce¡­¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t respond to that woman and whispered to Sophie, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here and go home.¡±


    None of her kids tried to convince their mother to


    stay. They all were too upset, and the incident had taken a toll on everyone¡¯s mind.


    ***


    ¡°Have they gone to sleep?¡± Marissa asked Sophie when she came and plopped beside her on the couch.


    Aftering back home, Sophie ordered pizza for everyone and then bathed them. Later she tucked


    them in their beds telling them that their mom was not well.


    ¡°Were they asking questions?¡± she asked wiping her face with the back of her hand.


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    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    +67


    ¡°No, they didn¡¯t. But Marissa. They are very small. Can you please get a grip on your emotions for their sake?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Sophie. There is so much going on. It¡¯s like a constant battle is going on inside my head where I have to fight Nina and Valerie for my kids¡® lives. I need to keep Rafael at arm¡¯s length and not let hime near me. He ¡­ he is trying hard to get to me¡­ he ¡­ he wants nothing¡­ he says¡­ he says¡­ he just wants my time¡­¡±


    ¡°Time?¡± Sophie thought she heard wrong, ¡°he just wants your time?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He said that he wanted to talk to me only when


    I¡¯ll allow him. Not before that.¡±


    ¡°Then allow him. Marissa,¡± Marissa didn¡¯t know when Flint got there but his suggestion made her face turn


    to look at him.


    ¡°Flint¡­¡±


    He ignored her red¨Cbrimmed eyes and sat on the opposite couch, ¡°Take your time, Marissa. You might not need him in your life. That will be solely your decision and I¡¯ll respect your decision, love. But they will always be his kids. He is their father. You brought


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    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    them here because their lives were in danger. You would have stopped there if he had trusted you. He never believed you. Now he does. Now he knows that it was you who married him. He is ready to


    acknowledge it.¡±


    Marissa just closed her eyes and rested her cheek on the backrest of the couch.


    How can Flint be so sure that he was ready to acknowledge everything? He hasn¡¯t got any kids from Valerie. That might be the reason that he was here.


    ¡°Do you think, Marissa if he wanted to take those kids out of there, anyone could stop him?¡± Marissa¡¯s eyes snapped to his face.


    He was bobbing his head, ¡°Nah ¡­ No one could have stopped him. Not even you.¡±


    Marissa had stopped crying by now. Flint¡¯s words did carry weight.


    ¡°The thing is¡­ Marissa Aaron¡­ he knows who stayed with him during his blindness. He knows he is the father of these kids and¡­¡± Flint looked into her eyes, ¡°and the fact is you will be needing him in your life. There should be a cordial rtionship between you


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    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    two for the sake of your kids. Nobody will try toy a finger on them if he will stay nearby.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t protect my kids, Flint?¡± Flint pped his hand on hisp and chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying any such thing, Mar,¡± Flint pursed his lips, ¡°You can keep them safe. But let¡¯s ept it. He is a loaded guy, and he can do whatever it takes to keep YOU ALL safe! Do you get that?¡±


    When Marissa didn¡¯t respond, Flint spoke again, ¡°You might need him for Abigail¡¯s surgery too, Marissa,¡±


    She opened her mouth to say something maybe to negate it, but he raised his index finger to make her silent, ¡°It¡¯s not only about money, Marissa. As the president of MSin Industries, he has got contacts. He can bring anypetitive surgeon from across the globe and make him treat his daughter. Have you ever thought of that?¡±


    This was something she never


    36 36- Treat His Daughter


    two for the sake of your kids. Nobody will try toy a finger on them if he will stay nearby.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t protect my kids, Flint?¡± Flint pped his hand on hisp and chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying any such thing, Mar,¡± Flint pursed his lips, ¡°You can keep them safe. But let¡¯s ept it. He is a loaded guy, and he can do whatever it takes to keep YOU ALL safe! Do you get that?¡±


    When Marissa didn¡¯t respond, Flint spoke again, ¡°You might need him for Abigail¡¯s surgery too, Marissa,¡±


    She opened her mouth to say something maybe to negate it, but he raised his index finger to make her silent, ¡°It¡¯s not only about money, Marissa. As the president of MSin Industries, he has got contacts. He can bring anypetitive surgeon from across the globe and make him treat his daughter. Have you ever thought of that?¡±


    This was something she never thought about.


    37 37¨CRafael is Here!


    in their nightgowns.


    ¡°I should let the kids meet him,¡± she didn¡¯t take his name, but Sophie knew who she was talking about.


    ¡°Take your time, Mar. There is no haste,¡± Sophie covered her hand that was ced on the counter.


    ¡°The earlier, the better, Sophie. You and Flint keep telling me that he can¡¯t snatch the kids. The thing is¡­¡± she started scratching the surface of the counter with her chipped nail, ¡°I have seen people around me who suffered. Last year my two employees decided to let their exes meet the kids. After so many promises they were included in kids¡® lives. Do you know what happenedter?¡±


    Marissa raised her face to eye her friend who didn¡¯t say anything in response.


    ¡°One ex tried to kidnap the two¨Cyear¨Cold baby. Can you believe that Sophie?¡± tears started sliding down her face.


    ¡°Another one started brainwashing the child against her mother. It got so out of hand that, in the end, the little one spoke against her mother in court and the mom lost custody,¡± She sniffled.

 Chapter 37

    37 37- Rafael Is Here!


    Marissa was aware that what Flint was telling her was not some random words but mere facts.


    Lying in her bed throughout the night, she wondered if


    she overreacted in the restaurant.


    Her kids found the striking resemnce between him and Alex that meant any person could have a look at both of them and would easily put two and two together.


    She kept tossing and turning in her bed until she flung the quilt aside and got up. She tip¨Ctoed to the kitchen and switched on the coffee machine.


    Last night¡¯s incident kept reying in her mind again and again.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t fall asleep!¡± she closed her eyes when heard Sophie¡¯s sleepy voice behind her.


    ¡°No. I couldn¡¯t. But I guess, Flint was right.¡± She said softly.


    Sophie took the stool adjacent to Marissa and sat on it. They both were sitting there like two schoolgirls d


    37 37¨CRafael Is Here!


    ¡°Both the moms thought good about their babies and trusted their exes¡­ forgetting that they became their


    exes for a reason.¡±


    When Sophie heard the whizzing sound of the coffee machine, she stood up to pour some coffee for her friend, ¡°Here. Drink this. You might feel better.¡±


    Marissa muttered a thanks and held the mug. Her face was swollen due to constant crying and staying awake.


    ¡°How about I stay with the kids today and you catch up on your sleep?¡± Sophia¡¯s suggestion warmed her heart. Sophie always stayed with her in such bad times like a rock. Always ready to offer her shoulder to cry or to


    lean on.


    Marissa chuckled and pulled her friend in a tight hug, ¡°Thank you for being my friend, Sophie.¡±


    Sophia just smiled rubbing her hand on Marissa¡¯s back to rx her.


    <b>***</b>


    ¡°What happened to your face?¡± Joseph asked Rafael whose eyes were bloodshot due tock of sleep.


    37 37¨CRafael is Here!


    He didn¡¯t say anything and immersed himself in his


    work.


    He was waiting for Marissa so that he could clear the


    air between them. She needed to know about his


    intentions.


    ¡°Dean,¡± He called the manager¡¯s name when he brought some files into the office, ¡°Can you let me


    know when Marissa arrives¡­ I mean¡­ Ms. Aaron¡­¡±


    ¡°Sure, Mr. Sinir,¡± he assured him but right after a few minutes he read a text on his phone and informed Rafael, ¡°She just sent a message. She isn¡¯t well and won¡¯t be able to make it today.¡±


    ***


    ¡°So, mommy. You took an off because you wanted to watch a movie with us?¡± Abigail saw Marissa ying with the remote of the LED in the living room.


    Just like they did it on thest weekend, there was a fluffy spread on the floor where several pillows and cushions were arranged.


    ¡°Yes. Now tell me which movie it should be today?¡±


    All three of them started bombarding her with


    37 37- Rafael is Here!


    What <i>did </i><i>I </i><i>do </i>to deserve <i>such </i><i>beautiful </i>angels in <i>my</i>


    life<i>? </i>She asked herself.


    For a while, she almost forgot that she was upset.


    After the movie, they started cleaning up the space when the bell rang.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it!¡± Sophie who was busy on herptop stretched and offered Marissa to get the door. She went down and then was back in a jiffy.


    ¡°L¡­ listen¡­ Mar¡­ H¡­ he is¡­ here¡­¡± She was pantingExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    like crazy.


    ¡°Rx! Who is here?¡± Flint who just came out of his room, spoke in concern.


    ¡°Him¡­ the one who came to my office four years back¡­ I mean¡­ your boss¡­¡± she tried to speak in a hushed tone due to the presence of kids, ¡°The one from the restaurant¡­st night¡­ Mr. Sinir¡­ he is


    here.¡±


    Poor thing was rambling incoherent words and saw Marissa¡¯s face going pale.


    Rafael was here? What was he doing here?


    ¡°I¡¯ll make him sit in the guest room.¡± Flint offered.


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    37 37¨CRafael Is Here!


    suggestions until they all came up with Kung¨CFu Panda.


    When the movie started, Marissa brought popcorn for them along with some homemade lemonade sses.


    ¡°No popcorn fighting!¡± she warned them sternly suppressing a smile.


    Staying back home and getting that much needed sleep did wonders to her mood. She felt more energetic and rejuvenated.


    Though she was feeling guilty for taking an off from the job that had just started. But this time she wanted to give preference to her mental health.


    If she was expected to look after her kids, then those kids couldn¡¯t be given anything from an empty cup.


    Marissa didn¡¯t want to be an empty cup for her kids. The cup needed to stay full for their sake.


    When the movie was more than half over, Abigail did try to throw popcorn, secretly on Alex but the one popcornnded on Marissa¡¯sp.


    Marissa picked it up and stared at Abi whose eyes were glued to the screen like an innocent chipmunk.


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    37 37¨CRafael Is Here!


    ¡°Sophia! Stay with the kids. Marissa needs to see him.¡±


    For some reason, Flint was finding it funny. The way Sophie panicked, made him amused.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± Flint returned after a few minutes, ¡°Go. He is waiting there.¡±


    Comment


    Leave the firstment for this

 Chapter 38

    38 38- Blow Your Nose!


    Marissa didn¡¯t want to go inside that guest room. Her heart was sinking with each passing minute because she thought he was here to im his kids.


    The moment she stepped inside, she found him standing there, his back facing her. He was busy observing a painting hanging on the wall.


    She drank in his appearance. Those broad shoulders she held when he used to make love to her. Those ck locks¡­ she hadbed her fingers through those locks when she used to scream his name during


    their intimate moments.


    He was still wearing his office shirt with sleeves rolled up, a telltale sign that he came straight from his office.


    She closed her eyes and gulped hard.


    He must have felt her presence behind him because he slowly turned, and she decided to open her eyes.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Aaron,¡± he said softly.


    She tried to manage a shaky smile, ¡°Hello, Mr. Sinir. Hope you are good.¡±


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    38 38- Blow Your Nosol


    He chuckled at that and looked into her eyes, ¡°No. I¡¯m not good.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t?¡± she raised a brow and found him shaking his head, ¡°may I know why?¡±


    The smile vanished when she asked the question,


    ¡°Because I was hungry and ¡­ one of my caterers didn¡¯t show up?¡±


    The way he said he was hungry¡­ Marissa felt as if he wasn¡¯t talking about the starvation of food but¡­ the desire she used to feel sometimes¡­


    For him¡­


    N¡­no. Not possible.


    ¡°I¡­ I need to do¡­ some tasks¡­ so¡­¡± she stammered.


    ¡°Can we be honest, Ms. Aaron? Both of us?¡± Marissa couldn¡¯t speak and kept looking down, she could feel his eyes on her face and man! She could feel it


    burning.


    ¡°This painting¡­¡± he pointed to the painting that was hanging on the wall, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ beautiful¡­ the shades used there and ¡­ the art¡­¡±


    He had to halt his conversation when found Marissa


    38 38¨CBlow Your Nosel


    stifling a smile.


    ¡°What¡­ did I say something wrong?¡±


    ¡°This painting¡­¡± Marissa pointed towards it, ¡°Flint¡¯s wife made it as the first anniversary gift for her


    husband¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, so? You don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not like that. Actually¡­¡± she chewed her lower lip for a moment and found his eyes dipping, taking in that small innocent action, ¡°when we arrived inMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Kanderton he used to live in a single room. He had to move here because of us. So¡­ this painting¡­ it fell in a puddle¡­ all the paints washed away. Poor Flint just tried to preserve whatever was left of it.¡±


    Rafael cocked up a brow and then tilted back his head to look at the painting again. For some reason, he avoided looking at Marissa and Marissa found his shoulders shaking with mirth.


    She was trying to control herughter too.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rafael managed in between the bouts ofughter, ¡°I thought¡­ I thought¡­¡± Poor him was trying to suppress his mirth.


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    37


    38 38¨CBlow Your Nosel


    ¡°I know¡­¡± Marissa covered her mouth with her palm, ¡°Every guest easily gets impressed by the painting, and¡­ Flint never tells anyone about the back story.¡±


    Marissa was finding it extremely difficult to speak. She didn¡¯t realize when he came closer and held her hands.


    By now, they both wereughing like crazy, forgetting for a minute all about their past.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± Rafael ced an arm around her and pulled her to his hard body. Marissa might need that support because she didn¡¯t take the time to lean on him.


    ¡°Oh, brother. This is funny,¡± for a minute she felt that there were no four years in the past and she was as happy with him. They were still madly in love and were friends and were married.


    But then she heard Alexander and Ariel talking at a distance, maybe in their room and she went still in his


    arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± she straightened and tried to get away from him, but he stopped her immediately.


    ¡°Marissa¡­ no, please¡­ I mean Ms. Aaron¡­¡±


    He held her by her waist, waiting for her to be


    38 30- Blow Your Nosol


    stable on her feet. When he was sure that she wasn¡¯t


    shaking, he pulled his hands and stood straight.


    The moment between them was gone. Over!


    ¡°W¡­why¡­¡± she cleared her throat, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°You missed the office today and¡­¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, Rafael¡­ I mean¡­ Mr. Sinir¡­ why are you actually here?¡±


    Rafael started digging the floor with the tip of his shoe, ¡°You might not believe it. But my presence here is not due to any other purpose, Marissa. I was¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Aaron¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Aaron for you. Not Marissa.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Got it. Marissa¡­ Ms. Aaron¡­ I¡¯m here because


    you didn¡¯te¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. Ok?¡± she snapped at him, ¡°I know that you are paying me well and I should have been there and I made a mistake. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Rafael kept looking at her with disbelief on his face,


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    38 38- Blow Your Nose!


    his arms.


    She was crying silently.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to snatch them from you, Marissa,¡± not able to take it anymore, he started crying, ¡°I ¡­ I¡¯m not here to snatch¡­ them¡­ they are yours, Marissa¡­ I mean Ms. Aaron. Now what the fu*ck¡­ why I keep forgetting this Ms. Aaron shit!¡±


    His cursing atst brought a smile to her lips and sheughed through her tears. With a teary smile, he looked around for a napkin and then took out a handkerchief from his pocket.


    ¡°Here! Blow your nose!¡± he offered innocently, and Marissaughed more, pping his arm.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she took the piece of cloth from his hand and wiped her face before blowing her nose.


    Comment 1


    ¡°That¡¯s not the reason I¡¯m here.¡±


    Instead of saying anything, she gave him a questioning nce, ¡°Ms. Aaron. I was here because I was


    concerned about you¡­ whatever happenedst night¡­ I need to talk about it.¡±


    With her arms folded under her chest, she still didn¡¯t


    remark, ¡°Last night you seemed disturbed because you thought that I could take my ¡­.I mean yours¡­ your kids¡­. And you were wrong¡­ to think that. I would never ev


    ever do any such thing.¡±


    She turned away abruptly, but he didn¡¯t miss her shaky lips.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron. Those are your kids, and I would never try to meet them without your permission. You are their mother and I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll always respect your decision regarding YOUR kids. However, ¡­¡± he stopped when heard her sniffling, ¡°However, I¡¯m here to tell you that¡­ I¡¯ll just be a call away. When you need anything, anytime anywhere¡­ you ¡­ just let me know. I¡¯ll be there for you and your ¡­ little family.¡±


    When she still didn¡¯t turn around, he walked up to her and cing his arms around her waist he turned her in


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 Chapter 39

    39 39- Thank You, Ms. Aaron


    He saw her with a smile and then with great courage held her face in his palms, ¡°I know, I don¡¯t deserve your trust,¡± He said looking into her eyes, ¡°but please don¡¯t do this to yourself. Last night, I ended up in that restaurant by chance¡­ I made you go through enough heartache. I don¡¯t n to do it again, Marissa. Please don¡¯t exhaust yourself. You need to be fit¡­ physically and mentally.¡±


    Marissa who was losing herself in those green orbs tried to speak but couldn¡¯t utter a single word.


    The blind Rafael was easy to live with as she could stare at his handsome face all the time without getting caught red¨Chanded.


    When she didn¡¯t react, Rafael did something unexpected. He brought his face closer to hers and took a long whiff.


    Marissa frowned because he used to do it when they


    were together. When he used to tell her that she smelled of strawberries.


    ¡°Will youe to the office tomorrow?¡± he asked her


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    1/


    39 39- Thank You, Ms. Aaron


    in a whisper, and she nodded like an obedient child, her eyes fluttered closed.


    His proximity was giving butterflies in her stomach.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he was standing so close that she could feel his hot breath on her face. She almost thought he would kiss her but then he stepped back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you tomorrow then,¡± Marissa blinked and


    opened her eyes only to find him leaving the room.


    She stayed there looking into spacepletely zoned out until Sophie shook her shoulder.


    ¡°Mar! You, ok?¡± Marissa almost jumped in shock.


    ¡°I¡­ I think so¡­ why?¡± she fixed back her hair as if she


    was caught cheating.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the kitchen. Kids want to have cheese


    sandwiches,¡±


    Marissa turned to Sophie, ¡°Cheese sandwich? Oh, ok. Yes. I¡¯ll give them cheese sandwiches.¡±


    Sophie thought Marissa might have lost her mind. She saw a dazed Marissa going inside the kitchen.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with her?¡± she looked sideways


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    <b>39 </b>39- Thank You, Ms. Aaront


    where Flint hade to stand beside her.


    +51


    ¡°I know that look, Sophie. I know what is going on in her head. I heard themugh,¡± he said with a huge grin on his face<b>.</b>


    And Sophia thought maybe she had gone crazy because everyone around her was acting oddly.


    Dean usually used to reach the office before time to have a look at everything before his bosses arrived.


    That was the reason Joseph depended on him heavily.


    He was trustworthy and his brain worked like aputer who knew every detail going around in the office.


    He waved at the office peon who used to switch on the lights and air¨Cconditioning along with guiding the sweeper to clean up the VIIP spaces.


    ¡°Why are you cleaning Mr. Joseph¡¯s office first? It¡¯s the president¡¯s office that you should do,¡± the young man tried to say something, but Dean didn¡¯t listen to him.


    ¡°No exnations, please. And if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to check the vases in the president¡¯s office.¡±


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    30 39- Thank You, Ms. Aaron


    He quickly scurried to the President¡¯s room, ignoring the excuses the boy was offering.


    <i>They </i><i>don¡¯t </i>want <i>to </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>properly</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>will </i><i>happen </i><i>to </i>his <i>office </i><i>if </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i>here? Muttering to himself, he opened Mr. Sinir¡¯s office door and stopped dead in his tracks.


    Settled on his seat, Mr. Sinir was typing something on hisptop. There was a constant smile on his face.


    ¡°M¡­mister¡­ Sinir¡­¡± he couldn¡¯t utter any more


    words.


    Rafael looked up and a soft smile graced his lips, ¡°Good morning, Dean. How are you doing?¡± he then resumed his work and tried to act nonchnt, ¡°Any idea when Marissa¡­ I mean miss Aaron will arrive?¡±


    His eyes were on the screen, but his ears were strained to hear the reply that was about to leave Dean¡¯s


    mouth..


    ¡°There is still time, Mr. Sinir. Employees usually arrive around nine.¡±


    Rafael nodded and got back to his work. With a frown, Dean kept looking over his shoulder while leaving the


    office


    39 39- Thank You, Ms. AaronThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    It seemed like Mr. Sinir never left his office and


    spent the night here. This morning, the president was acting weird.


    When he closed the door behind him, the sweeper was standing there with that ¡®I tried to stop you¡® look.


    ¡°He came early that¡¯s why I tried stopping you,¡± He exined.


    ¡°Next time, start with his office the moment you step in. His office should be the priority,¡± Dean snapped at


    the poor man.


    ¡°How could I?¡± the man muttered, ¡°he reached here


    before me.¡±


    Dean spun around when heard that. Mr. Sinir got here before anyone else! Strange!


    He got busy with his tasks, but his mind kept wandering to Rafael Sinir. For some reason, he looked cheerful today.


    By now, all the lights were switched on and the employees had started entering the building, slowly taking their seats.


    The office had started buzzing with life and that


    5/9


    C 39 39- Thank You, Ms. Aaron


    liveliness was increasing with each passing minute.


    Dean was getting up from his seat when the inte on his desk started ringing. He picked up the receiver and greeted Joseph with a smile who wasing


    inside the office.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Rafael was on the line.


    ¡°Yes, Dean. I just wanted to know if Ms. Sinir sent you any message?¡± Dean looked at the receiver for a minute and then glued it back to his ear.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. Why would Ms. Sinir call me? We have never met, and she hasn¡¯t got my number.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­ ok. Yes¡­ I. Remember now¡­ what about Ms. Aaron? Is she in office yet?¡± Dean wanted to roll his


    eyes now.


    His boss seemed to go nuts, maybe due to staying awake for most of the night. Dean felt sorry for him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send her in as soon as she gets here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please do that.¡±


    The phone was disconnected yet Dean was still staring


    BIB


    39 39¨CThank You, Ms. Aaron


    at the receiver. Something had transformed overnight.


    Mr. Sinir looked different. His bodynguage was changed.


    After half an hour he found Marissa pushing the door anding inside. Before he could say anything, Marissa spoke first, ¡°Hi, Dean. Can I talk to your boss?


    Is he free?¡±


    Yes. <i>He </i>always seems <i>free </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>.


    He couldn¡¯t say it because he loved his job.


    Marissa didn¡¯t wait for his answer and went inside Rafael¡¯s office.


    ***


    When she went in after a brief knock, his face lit up.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she nodded at him.


    He was quick to get on his feet, ¡°Morning. Please take a


    seat.¡±


    She shook her head and gave him a quivering smile. He felt like she could cry any minute, ¡°I¡­ I wanted to tell you something¡­¡± she said waiting for his response. ¡°Yes, please,¡± he rounded his desk and reached her


    7/8


    39 39¨CThank You, Ms. Aaron


    after taking long strides.


    She was fumbling with her fingers, ¡°I have decided¡­ something¡­ and I would expect you to cooperate¡­


    Rafael¡¯s heart started sinking. Was she here to quit? To


    resign?


    ¡°Yeah,¡± there was gentleness in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ have decided ¡­¡± she inhaled a long breath but still a few tear drops glided down her cheeks, ¡°I have decided to let you meet the kids.¡±


    Rafael felt like his breath hitched inside his chest,


    ¡°Really?¡±


    She nodded while crying.


    Rafael didn¡¯t know what to do so he pulled her to him and hid his face in the crook of her neck, ¡°Th¡­ thank you. Thank you, Ms. Aaron.¡±


    Comment

 Chapter 40

    40 40- Event In Charge


    She needed to control her emotions.


    She HAD to control her emotions.


    cing her palms on his hard chest she gave it a slight push.


    Being a gentleman, he took the hint and maintained some distance by retreating his steps.


    She wiped her face and tried to smile, "I''m sorry¡­ for this," she pointed towards his white shirt''s front that was now soaking wet with her tears, "I messed it up."


    "Oh," his chin touched down his chest and he smirked, "that''s not a problem."


    "Then I guess¡­ it''s all good and¡­ I should take my leave¡­" She started turning away and was about to bump her shoulder into the ss wall when he was quick to ce his hand to keep her safe.


    "Watch out, Ms. Aaron¡­"


    Marissa wanted to transform into an insect and crawl out of there. Why was she being so clumsy around him?


    Like yes. Now, he could see her, and his blindness did make her confident back then. But today she was just blowing it all away¡­


    He opened the door for her, "Please let me know if you want ¡­. anything¡­" he said with a cocky grin and Marissa couldn''t even return the smile,


    If I want anything?


    Are you joking, Mr. Sinir? Because¡­ well ¡­ I want you!


    ***


    The short meeting with Rafael did good for her mood. She felt a heavy weight being lifted off her chest.


    "Marissa! Are you even listening to what I''m trying to say?" she heard Dean''s irritated voice and straightened in her seat.


    All the event people sitting around the long, huge desk had their eyes on her.


    She cleared her throat and tried to spread her lips for a fake smile but failed miserably, "Ye¡­ yes¡­ I think I heard you¡­"


    "No, you didn''t," Kate spoke looking down at her file, "He called your name several times."


    Why does this woman try to poke her nose in my business? She and her fianc¨¦ both are quite annoying to deal with.


    "We are talking about your event table, Marissa. Everyone has already selected their spots," for some reason, she could detect suppressed anger in Dean''s voice.


    "So, the left-over table will be mine, I guess," she finished it with a nonchnt smile and moved her focus back to the file.


    Now she understood why he seemed distressed. Maybe he wanted her to take the best serving table where there could be more limelight and more visibility.


    All of them kept discussing the event and Marissa had that ufortable feeling at the back of her mind.


    This much nning for a single event!


    "I think Ms. Aaron has again zoned out," she heard Kate''s amused voice, and this time in answer she passed her a re.


    "If you quit looking at me, Ms. Kate, and use your mind on something more creative then maybe you can get more sess."


    Kate wasn''t the one to back down so easily, "Ahan. And what do you think I should focus on?" she had a challenging smirk ying on her lips.


    Marissa stered a fake smile back to her lips, "Maybe help your fianc¨¦ so that he doesn''t face problems in his profession!"


    Only the caterers knew what Amir did to the firm, but the rest of the participants weren''t aware of it. Marissa had a hidden threat in her statement.


    She might tell everyone, what her fianc¨¦ was up to if she kept poking her nose in her business.


    "Keep my fianc¨¦ out of it, Marissa!" she heard Kate hissing behind her when all of them were leaving the meeting room.


    "And you keep ME out of it, Kate. I don''t want a fight with you. I''m here to work and get done with my job. I''m sure your purpose is the same. Don''t make things harder as they are already quite challenging for me," In thest statement she almost sounded like she was pleading.


    Kate just gave her a dirty look and walked ahead leaving Marissa and her friends appalled.


    "Why is she always so ¡­ sarcastic¡­?" Delinda asked Marissa while her eyes were still on Kate.


    "Because she has nothing better to do," Shang-chi remarked, "she is jealous of you, Marissa. You just need to watch out because she can do anything for money."


    "He is right, Marissa," Delinda warned her, "you need to stay very vignt. For some reason she despises you."


    Marissa couldn''t tell them that she had worse things on her te. Kate might do something dirty to win the race, but Valerie and Nina could kill her babies for their benefit.


    Once Rafael would get closer to the kids, she was nning to tell him about them. She wanted to keep her babies safe at any cost and for that, she needed their father''s support.


    "Look! Isn''t it Mr. Sinir!" Marissa''s heart skipped a beat when someone from their team screamed when she saw Rafael Siniring out of his office.


    They all gathered around him with Marissa standing at the back of the crowd along with her friends.


    This was not shocking that Kate was standing closest to him.


    "How are you, sir?" one of the participants who was a young boy greeted him shyly, "Thank you for releasing our payments. It was a very kind gesture."


    "Why do they all start acting so desperate?" Marissa heard Dean''s irritated voice behind her, "He is the president, and we don''t need to share every teeny tiny detail with him. For God''s sake, the event is in his honor."


    He was throwing tantrums like a toddler.


    "Thank you foring to my office and helping us in arranging the event," Rafael said good-naturedly, "I really appreciate it."


    "Sir!" Kate was next to speak, "Mr. Dean is guiding us so well, but the thing is he is too busy, and his head is stuck in several things at a time."


    Rafael frowned and looked at Kate, "I think he is handling the event nning quite well."


    Kate shrugged with a giggle, "No doubt, Mr. Sinir¡­ it''s just that sometimes¡­ I mean only¡­ sometimes he is so busy that he isn''t able to handle our queries."


    "I thought he is doing it perfectly. What do you suggest then?" the crowd was looking at Kate with curiosity.


    Marissa also did not understand where this discussion was going.


    "I mean to say is¡­" Kate became a little cautious, "Before I say any further, I want to let you know that I have got few certificates to prove that I can handle all the chaos very well¡­ so¡­" By now Rafael was also getting exasperated. Everyone around him could sense that from his bodynguage.


    "Mr. Sinir¡­ if you make one of us the in charge of this whole event thing then at least we''ll have a go to person for all our problems and queries."


    After all, it wasn''t such an unreasonable demand.


    Few people from the crowd even nodded in her favor.


    "Hmm. I like the idea," Kate''s face lit up. Rafael ran a thoughtful nce on all the participants and that was when his eyes stopped at Marissa standing at the back. As always. Not trying to draw attention.


    "Ms. Aaron. Can you handle the event?" Marissa blinked and gulped her saliva.


    "Wh¡­ what¡­ Ye¡­ yes¡­ I think so¡­but¡­"


    "That''s great! Ladies and gentlemen! You all have your event in charge here. Marissa Aaron," Rafael announced with a grin that was so rare on his serious, don''t-mess-with-me face, "Congrattions, Ms. Aaron."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

 Chapter 41

    41 41- Darling! Missing Me?


    ¡°So, he made you the Program In charge?¡± Marissa was kneading the pizza dough on the counter and Sophie was doing nothing except chomping the corn from the te.


    Ariel and Abigail were ying with the slime that Marissa hated most. Today they got special permission from their mom.


    ¡°<b>I </b>hope Dean was happy with this decision. He seems to be in charge of everything in that office, Marissa rolled the dough and punched it several times.


    ¡°The problem at hand was not Dean. It was Kate who did some certification courses and was boasting about it. Now she hates me


    even more.¡±


    Marissa checked the burner¡¯s me where the chicken was


    simmering on a very low heat.


    ¡°There is one more thing I need to share with you,¡± Sophie moved closer to her friend when Marissa¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, ¡°I talked to Rafael ¡­ I mean Mr. Sinir and allowed him to meet the


    kids.¡±


    ¡°You did what?¡± for a moment Sophie thought she heard wrong.


    Marissa nodded with <b>a </b>smile, ¡°I went to him<b>, </b>first thing in the morning and told him about my decision.¡±


    ¡°Was he happy?¡± Sophia knew it was a silly thing to ask but she


    needed to know the reaction.


    Marissa shrugged and picked up the knife.to cut the bell peppers,


    1/6


    41 41- Darling Missing Me?


    ¡°He seemed emotional. We even cried¡­¡± She didn¡¯t tell her that they hugged each other too.


    ¡°It¡¯s, ok if you two hugged,¡± Marissa stopped the chopping and gave


    a shocked look to her friend.


    ¡°Listen, my friend. You allowed him to meet your kids. This means. you need to keep a bnced and friendly rtionship with him. Obviously, you can¡¯t show your¡­ umm¡­ animosity towards him in front of your kids¡­¡±


    Sophia had a point.


    Marissa started chopping the rest of the veggies when Sophia remarked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you putting too many veggies in the pizza?¡± she scrunched her nose and tried to pick a yellow bell paper piece when Marissa pped her wrist.


    ¡°This is the only way they can eat their veggies. Now help me instead of eating my pizza toppings,¡±


    ***N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Mom. I have got a toothache,¡± Alex came to Marissa when she was preparing morning cereals for her kids.


    She needed to leave early today as Dean was supposed to tell her about her duties as an in charge.


    Today she didn¡¯t want to repeat her careless behavior. More duties. meant more responsibilities.


    Her team might think that she was taking advantage of her newly achieved designation.


    ¡°Oh, honey. Show me,¡± She checked his gums and felt a little


    41 41¨CDarling! Missing <b>Me</b>?


    swelling at the back.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look good,¡± she murmured while pressing his gums gently with her index finger.


    Flint who just stepped inside the kitchen for a cup of coffee saw them standing by the counter, ¡°Tooth ache?¡±


    ¡°Guess so. He has swollen gum here.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the office, and I can take him¡­¡± but Alex was already shaking his head.


    ¡°I want to go with mommy,¡± her kids were already too understanding and cooperated with her a lot.


    It was rare that Alex would insist his mom do something like this.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, honey,¡± she ced the cereal bowls on the kitchen table and dialed Dean¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hey, Marissa. Ready for the presentation?¡± his excited voice came out of the phone.


    ¡°Dean. I am sorry for this favor, but I might bete. My son is having toothache and it looks pretty serious.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. Take your time. I¡¯ll inform the boss,¡± He was about to disconnect the call when Marissa spoke quickly, ¡°No please¡­ no need to tell him¡­¡± but Dean couldn¡¯t hear her and had already


    disconnected it.


    She didn¡¯t want Rafael to worry about something as minor as a silly


    toothache for no reason.


    ***


    13:13


    41 41¨CDarling! Missing Me?


    Dean noticed Rafael looking at his wristwatch for the umpteenth time. He was presiding the meeting, but his heart seemed to be somewhere else.


    Joseph was busy observing the numbers on the slides.


    When all the executives got busy on the next projector slide, Rafael asked Dean toe closer using his index finger, ¡°Is Ms. Aaron here? Have you briefed her about the event?¡±


    He asked in a hushed tone. Dean leaned closer to his ear and


    whispered back, ¡°No, sir. She wouldete.¡±


    Even in this darkness, he could see worry lines on Mr. Sinir¡¯s


    forehead.


    ¡°Her son had a toothache, and she needed to take him to a¡­¡± Rafael didn¡¯t let him finish and red at him,


    ¡°And you are telling this now?¡± he at once got to his feet, dies and gentlemen. Please carry on with the meeting. I¡¯ll be back in a while,¡± He gestured for Dean to follow him outside the room.


    ¡°Call her and ask her where she is,¡± Dean did as he was ordered


    and waited to get the call received.


    ¡°Hello, Dean? I¡¯m sorry but here it seems like everyone in the city is having tooth problems¡­¡± there was embarrassment in her voice and Rafael could hear her on the speaker,


    ¡°Where are you right now? Let me know your location,¡± Dean


    asked her.


    ¡°Why? Oh, ok. We are at the Kanderton Hospital in their dentistry department¡­¡± She then tried to console Dean, ¡°It¡¯s ok, Dean.


    15:13


    041 41¨CDarling Missing Me?


    Please make someone else in charge. It¡¯s not a good thing toete or be absent when your boss trusted me with¡­¡±


    Before Dean could speak, Rafael took the phone from him, ¡°ording to our office policy a mom can take an off or can utilize short leaves if her child is sick.


    When she heard Rafael¡¯s voice, she got silent.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Good!¡± with that, he disconnected the call and gave it back to Dean, ¡°Call the Kanderton hospital¡¯s dean and ask him to treat my ki¡­ her kid immediately. They should dispatch a dentist at


    once.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Dean bent his head, ¡°By the way, is there any rule about. the mothers and their kids¡­ you just mentioned¡­¡±


    Rafael was beaming when he responded, ¡°There is no such rule but make it within five minutes and get it signed by me,¡± he patted Dean¡¯s shoulder and got back in his office. Leaving a surprised Dean behind with a silly grin on his face.


    When the meeting ended, Rafael received the report from Dean confirming that the changes to thepany rules had been implemented ording to his wishes.


    Not only that but a dentist had already treated his son¡¯s gum and now Marissa could easily return to the office after the lunch break.


    With a rxed smile, he leaned back in his seat and his phone started ringing.


    41 41¨CDarling! Missing Me?


    ¡°Yes?¡± He answered it without looking at the caller ID.


    ¡°Darling! Missing me? I called home but they told me you are still in Kanderton. What¡¯s so special about that ce?¡±


    Valerie? How did she get the time to call me? She never bothered to call during any tour.

 Chapter 42

    42 42- Desperate


    Valerie disconnected the call and thought for a moment. It had been ages since Rafael talked to her in a lovey¨Cdovey manner. Just like he used to do before his ident.


    Now more odd things were happening around. Like he was staying in Kanderton for so long, he never did it before.


    Kanderton was still an underdeveloped city and wasn¡¯t ording to Rafael¡¯s taste. She wondered if there was something fishy going


    ¦¯¦°.


    During the call, he sounded so busy that Valerie wanted to go and snatch those official papers from his hands and hit them on his face. To put some sense in his thick skull.


    In the past, he loved her, and he always worshipped her. Then what went wrong?


    ording to Nina, he never came to know that he was not living with Valerie but with Marissa. Was he having doubts?


    No. Not possible.


    She and Nina always acted on their foolproof n. So how was it possible?


    Or was it due to her being childless?


    She felt as if someone squeezed her heart with an iron fist. It reminded her of her miscarriage, how she didn¡¯t take it to her heart thinking that she would soon be blessed again with a baby.


    But it didn¡¯t happen.


    12/13


    42 42¨CDesperate


    Right now, she was on a luxurious cruise ship enjoying the breathtaking ocean view. Chewing her lower lip, she made another call to Nina Sinir, Rafael¡¯s mother.


    ¡°Hello,¡± like son, she also seemed upied. Everyone in the world. was unavable except her who was taking a world tour with an amazing group.


    ¡°Nina? How are you?¡± she asked her excitedly and tried to move to a corner when her crazy friends whooped withughter holding drinks in their hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Are you still busy, taking the tour,¡± Nina asked her casually. The usual friendliness was missing from her voice.


    ¡°Yes. Two more weeks are there,¡± She tried to sound casual about


    <ol>


    <li>it.</li>


    </ol>


    ¡°Ah! Don¡¯t you have anything better to do except spend my son¡¯s money carelessly, Marissa?¡± Nina¡¯s tone might not be rude, but her words were.¡°)


    ¡°He sent me on this tour himself, Nina,¡± she tried exining to her,


    but Nina didn¡¯t seem in the mood.


    ¡°Yeah. He does everything in his power to keep you happy. What is he getting in return? Nothing. You couldn¡¯t even give her a baby.¡±


    Valerie wanted to punch Nina¡¯s face. The problem was she couldn¡¯t afford Nina¡¯s rage because she was the only one who knew about


    her secret.


    She couldn¡¯t tell her mother¨Cinw that she couldn¡¯t get pregnant unless her son decided to sleep with her and get intimate with her.


    13/11


    42 42¨CDesperate


    <b>¡°</b>If you don¡¯t have anything better to say, Marissa then I guess <b>I </b>should go back to work. Not all of us like spending our husband¡¯s money. Some of us love to earn our own.¡±


    Valerie gritted her teeth in frustration. Initially, Nina used to be so friendly that Valerie thought herself lucky to have such an


    understanding mother¨Cinw.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nina. Once I go back with a fresh mind, I¡¯ll start working on the baby mission,¡± she tried to bring humor to the situation, but Nina seemed to have enough.


    ¡°Yes, please do that. Sometimes I regret sending Marissa away. I¡¯m sure she would have given me a baby if I hadn¡¯t mixed those


    medicines in her coffees.¡±


    Valerie disconnected the call with a long sigh.


    Talking to Nina had made her heart heavier. She had to do something and produce a Sinir heir otherwise Nina wouldn¡¯t. take time to kick her out of the Sinir empire.


    Nina was obsessed with a blonde heir, and that was the reason sheMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    helped Valerie and kept convincing her for two years to return to


    Rafael.


    ¡°Rafael is about to have that eye surgery and doctors are very much hopeful. Fly back and stay by his side. He still doesn¡¯t know that he is married to Marissa.¡±


    That was <b>a </b>golden chance for her. She needed money after trying many boyfriends but none of them was as rich and as caring as Rafael.


    She had started missing Rafael and Nina¡¯s call felt like a blessing.


    <42 42¨CDesperate


    She didn¡¯t take time to pack her stuff and return.


    Now what to do about this baby issue? To be honest, she was least interested in a baby, but Rafael and Nina needed an heir, and she was ready topromise for their sake.


    Secondly, as Sinir¡¯s daughter¨Cinw, she would be hiring at governess for the child so that shouldn¡¯t be a problem for her.


    ¡°Has anyone ever told you, how beautiful you are?¡± Marissa slowly turned and found a man from her group standing there. Though he was not as handsome or as rich as Rafael, she kept feeling his eyes on her throughout the trip.


    She had always felt proud <b>of </b>her looks.


    When all the groupdies were crazy after him and his muscles, het


    wanted her.


    She was enjoying the attention.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she chuckled and picked up her wine ss from the nearby. table, ¡°people usually keep telling me that I¡¯m beautiful. There is nothing new about it.¡±


    She tried to sound nonchnt and confident.


    He shouldn¡¯t know that she was desperate for a man¡¯spany.


    Taking slow steps, he came closer, ¡°This confidence,¡± he remarked and raised his hand to bring it near her face but then stopped suddenly when it was just an inch away, ¡°May I?¡±


    Valerie didn¡¯t know what he was asking for, so she just nodded.


    He took his sweet time in stroking her face with his knuckles, ¡°Your skin is too soft,¡± he muttered, his eyes not leaving hers.


    42 42- Desperate


    It took every ounce of willpower for Valerie not to roll back her eyes and give in to the male touch.


    Oh, man! It had been ages since a man caressed her with this much gentleness.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked him with a smirk and reached out to do the same to his cheek, ¡°and yours is quite rugged.¡±


    She said it with a yful tone, but he didn¡¯tugh or smile. His eyes stayed serious.


    Valerie gulped hard and tried to speak, ¡°Where are you from?¡±


    She wanted this man to talk to her like a normal person, but he seemed to have other things on his mind. He leaned forward and brought his lips closer to her face, ¡°I have never seen such a beautiful woman in my life.¡± His eyes dipped to her lips, but he didn¡¯t make any move.


    ¡°You have already said that,¡± she said with a pout, ¡°Time to bring some other pick¨Cup line. By the way, are you nning to kiss me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said, ¡°I won¡¯t do anything without your consent.¡°¡±


    Oh, he seemed to be a gentleman.


    Valerie kept looking at him and then almost dumped her ss aside not caring if it had broken or was still in one piece.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case then maybe¡­¡± she whispered, ¡°maybe take me to your room.¡±


    A small smile graced his lips. He looked over his shoulder at the group who were busy having fun. Women were now throwing jealous nces their way.


    56


    42 42¨CDesperate


    ¡°My room number is F¨C3, on the far end of the deck. Come to me


    right after ten minutes,¡± He then stepped back and turned to walk away leaving her there.


    Ten minutes!


    She thought excitedly. Maybe it was the time to give up and get into bed. Her body needed it. Her core was desperate for a release.


    Comentario 4

 Chapter 43

    43 43- This Weekend


    ¡°This is my first meeting with you all as the event in charge,¡± Marissa nced at her audience who were nodding their heads.


    ¡°Yes, we know, Kate gave her a sarcastic smirk. ¡°Till yesterday you were sitting here not even listening to what Dean was telling us. And now look at you. You are our in charge without any courses and certifications.¡±


    For a minute, Marissa felt her head spinning. The audacity of this woman to say rude words to her, in front of anyone.


    ¡°Ms. Kate. You are allowed to zone out in my meeting. Believe me, I won¡¯t mind. But for certification courses and all that rubbish you better go and talk to the president of MSin and challenge him for his decision¡­¡±


    Kate rolled her eyes and started shaking her head mockingly.


    She was the one who talked to Rafael about making an in¨Ccharge. She was the one who gave the idea.


    She was a fool for not trusting her fianc¨¦. He told her that Marissa would snatch everything from under her nose and she would be left with nothing in her hands.


    Amir was right.


    She jerked a little when participants around her stood up. Mr. Rafael was there to keep a tab on the meeting¡¯s progress.


    ¡°Hello, sir,¡± Kate greeted him with a smile along with others and noticed how smexy his dimple looked right under the corner of his


    lips.


    43 43¨CThis Weekend


    ¡°How is everyone doing?¡± he then turned to Marissa, ¡°How is everything, Ms. In charge? Any problem?¡±


    Marissa shook her head and pointed towards her audience, ¡°That¡¯s a cooperative lot I have been assigned to. They all are easy to work with, Mr. Sinir.¡±


    Rafael tried to have a look at the whiteboard where Marissa had jotted down something, but she was quick to turn the board around making everyone present there, chuckle.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. The event is in your honor and I¡¯m sorry, but we can¡¯t overshare things,¡± she then gave a meaningful nce to her team, ¡°What do you all say?¡±


    They all either nodded or raised their hands to show her their support. Only Kate was the one who didn¡¯t find it amusing.


    She wished¡­ she wished to have a chance alone with him. Once she got that single chance, she would easily convince him that she deserved all this more than Marissa.


    Marissa wasn¡¯t even beautiful but just an average woman and Kate was sure she had a much more pleasant personality than this prude woman who was teasing the president like a fool.


    The poor woman didn¡¯t even know that cracking such jokes was only allowed if you were a direct rtive of your boss. Like his daughter or his wife.


    Marissa was neither.


    However, she was taken by surprise when before walking away,


    131This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    24


    C


    43 43¨CThis Weekend


    Mr. Sinir eyed her, ¡°Ms. Kate. Can youe to my office when you are done with the meeting?¡±


    ¡°Sure, sir,¡± she said with suppressed excitement.


    Maybe Rafael Sinir did realize that she might be an asset to the


    office and Marissa didn¡¯t deserve all this.


    The poor man just made a hasty decision and might already be regretting <b>it</b>.


    This time when Marissa started speaking, Kate didn¡¯t even bother to listen. What was the need when till evening she would be the in charge?


    She was aware that good multinationalpanies usually didn¡¯t demote anyone in front of the audience.


    These types of decisions were taken in the confines of the offices or conference rooms. Because for them self¨Crespect of their employee mattered a lot.


    She couldn¡¯t wait to meet Rafael. In her excitement, she typed a message to Amir.


    ¡°Listen, honey. My presence is expected in the boss¡¯s office today.


    Just wish me luck. I think he has realized that Marissa was a


    mistake.¡±


    She rolled her lips between her teeth when she got the reply.


    ¡°That¡¯s great news. Just don¡¯t let him see your physical beauty. You are mine. Remember that. Lol.¡±


    Kate controlled herughter. Amir sometimes used to act as a possessive fianc¨¦, and she liked that about him.


    43 43- This Weekend


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. I¡¯m the one who has those certificates for that position. I need to start nning for my first meeting as an in charge.¡±


    ¡°And why do you think he wants to make YOU in charge, honey? What if he is offering you something better, something ssier?¡±


    Oh, God! Why didn¡¯t she think that?


    What if Dean was overburdened and Rafael needed a secretary?


    ***


    Rafael was talking to Joseph when after a brief rap on the door, Marissa opened it.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron?¡± this was unexpected for him.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. I¡¯lleter,¡± she noticed Joseph and was about to close the door when Joseph got to his feet.


    ¡°Please, Ms. Aaron. I need to attend a meeting in a hotel and leave immediately. Otherwise, I¡¯might bete. Pleasee,¡±


    Before Marissa could stop him, he had left the room leaving two of


    them alone.


    Rafael motioned towards the couch ced in the corner of the office and rounded the table to approach her. She took the sofa and sank into it letting out a contented sigh.


    ¡°Coffee?¡± he asked her before sitting across, but she quickly shook


    her head.


    ¡°No, please. I usually prefer a cup in the morning. No coffee after that.¡±


    13:14


    <


    43 43- This Weekend


    Of course, how could he forget this thing about her?


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. I¡¯m just here to say thank you,¡±


    When he gave her a confused look, she shook her head, ¡°I know you asked that dentist to attend us. We were immediately ushered in his office, and Alex¡­ I mean my son¡­¡± she hesitated again, ¡°I


    mean to say¡­ your son¡­¡±


    ¡°Ours!¡± he said softly.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>said ours. He is our son,¡± Marissa nodded, her face flushed, and stayed silent.


    ¡°So, what were you telling me about our son?¡± He reminded her.


    ¡°Oh, yes. He was treated promptly.¡±


    ¡°Ok. That¡¯s good to hear, Ms. Aaron.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. I¡¯m here¡­ because I need to ask you a favor,¡± For some reason, Rafael looked pleased.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    ¡°About the meeting with your kids¡­¡± she was again at a loss of


    words.


    ¡°Ours¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I said ours. Our kids.¡±


    Marissa tried to hide her nervousness by intertwining her fingers, ¡°Yes. Our kids. Whenever you meet them, can you keep it to


    43 43¨CThis Weekend


    yourself? About this meeting?¡±


    ¡°Why would I tell anyone, Ms. Aaron?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not talking about other people. It¡¯s just if you can hide it for some time from your family¡­ like your wife and your mom,¡± she saw him frowning and quickly exined,


    ¡°I know it¡¯s natural to share this with them. But I just want you to get closer to the kids first and once you all develop a bond, you can tell whoever you want.¡±


    He kept staring at her with an unreadable expression but then his face broke into a grin, ¡°Sure. Why not!¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± she stood up sping her hands, ¡°You can visit them thising weekend then¡­¡±


    She then reached out to shake his hand and he didn¡¯t take time to


    hold it, ¡°I¡¯ll be there this weekend.¡±


    Comentario

 Chapter 44

    44 44- Financial Resposibilities


    ¡°Has Marissa arrived yet?¡± Delinda asked Kate who was in the mood to destroy the office. Last evening she wanted to meet Mr. Sinir but he had left early.


    Though Dean assured her that her meeting was scheduled with the president, Kate wanted to get done with it.


    All this impatience had made her grumpy like some elderlydy.


    ¡°Kate. Has Marissa arrived yet?¡± Delinda asked her again when out of nowhere Shang Chi appeared and sat on one of the seats.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Marissa¡¯s secretary, Delinda. What¡¯s your problem? Stop grinding me with such silly questions,¡± Kate snapped at her and took out apact mirror from her purse.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I spoiled your morning. I really need to talk to Marissa. It¡¯s urgent,¡± Kate suppressed a yawn and squeezed her eyes. Last night Amir made wild love to her keeping her awake most of the night.


    Atst, she decided to bless Delinda with a fake smile, ¡°Marissa won¡¯te to office that easily. Didn¡¯t you see how she is allowed toete or take an off? We have hardlypleted ten working days and she has already availed the relief and became our in charge too.¡± She then rested her cheek on the table, ¡°there is something fishy going on.¡±


    Taking long strides, Marissa came inside and ced her bag on the table, ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± she greeted her friends.


    cheerfully when she caught the sullen look on Delinda¡¯s face.


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    44 44¨CFinancial Resposibilities


    ¡°Del. You look upset,¡± Delinda¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, ¡°my son. He has beenining of stomach pain sincest night and I need to take him to the hospital. Marissa please I need to go.¡±


    Kate rolled her eyes, ¡°Here we go again!¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t pay any attention to her and hugged Delinda, ¡°Is your son apanied by someone? How old is he?¡±


    ¡°He is just seven. No one is with him<b>, </b>I¡¯m a single mother.¡±


    Marissa felt her heart being squeezed by someone. She knew this pain, she had experienced it all as a single mom.


    She knew the struggles.


    ¡°You go to your son and please don¡¯t leave him all alone next time,¡± she wanted to ask if he used to go to some school, but this was not the time for such questions.


    ¡°Marissa. I might note on time. The hospital I usually go to is quite crowded,¡± Marissa¡¯s heart went out to the mom. At least she had Sophie and Flint with her.


    Delinda seemed all by herself.


    ¡°Take an off, Delinda. I¡¯ll contact you on your phone. Secondly¡­¡± she grabbed her purse and took out a card, ¡°go to this Kanderton hospital and meet this doctor. He is basically a dentist and can talk to someone over there,¡± Delinda had gratitude in her eyes. Her lips were pursed tightly to hold herself from crying.


    ¡°Please go, <b>I¡¯ll </b>ask Dean to make the call to this hospital,¡± She patted Delinda¡¯s shoulders and pushed her away, ¡°Now go.¡±


    Delinda quickly left the room and Kate eyed Marissa suspiciously,


    25


    4444¨Cnancial Respostes


    ¡°You were acting as if you own Kanderton Hospital. And then look at you. nning to ask Dean to talk to the hospital staff? Ha! Let me remind you. You are below him in the position¡­ not the vice.


    versa.


    At this time, Marissa didn¡¯t want to engage in any useless debate. with her, so she picked up her purse and went out searching for


    Dean.


    Kate found Shang Chi¡¯s eyes on the door where Marissa just left.


    ¡°Hey!¡± she snapped her fingers before his face, ¡°Mark my words. She is not what she looks or portrays. But in the future when you¡¯lle to know then don¡¯tin, I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±


    Shang Chi just chuckled at Kate¡¯s boasting, ¡°Why are you jealous of her by the way¡­ Kate? What has she done to you?¡±


    That made Kate furious, ¡°Excuse me. Jealous? Of Marissa Aaron? I¡¯m sorry but let me tell you this. By evening there might be an announcement that I¡¯m the new.


    charge of the event.¡±


    Shang¨Cchi threw back his head andughed hard, ¡°Really? Why do you think Rafael Sinir will do that? Did he drop his brain. somewhere? Ha¨Cha,¡± Kate didn¡¯t like it when she saw Shang¨Cchi making fun of her.


    <i>Amir </i>was <i>right</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>shouldn¡¯t <i>share </i>it with anyone before Mr. <i>Sinir </i>makes <i>the </i><i>official </i><i>announcement</i>.


    She thought with a careless shrug and got up to have a cup of coffee. She needed some caffeine in her system.


    A 44 Financial Resposibilities


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Rafael asked Dean when his phone started ringing that was ced on the desk.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Aaron. Maybe she wants guidance in something as a new


    head,¡± Dean showed his boss the caller ID.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Go out. See what she needs,¡± Joseph asked him busily and bent on the papers ced near him.


    ¡°Or maybe call her inside,¡± Rafael tried to sound casual but, in all honesty, he had been waiting to meet her.


    ¡°Marissa! I¡¯m in the president¡¯s office. Get in,¡± Rafael eyed hist assistant for a minute before shooting a question that had started bugging him,


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be calling her Ms. Aaron?¡± he sensed his hesitation and leaned forward to say something sternly when Marissa stepped inside.


    ¡°Dean. Ms. Delinda¡¯s son is very sick, and I¡¯ve asked her to take him to the Kanderton hospital. Though she is a very strong woman, today she seemed shaken.


    Her face was like an open book showing every sign of distress.


    ¡°Yesterday, you talked to someone to facilitate me. Can you do it again today?¡±


    Before Dean could answer her, the president spoke from his seat, ¡°Sure. That will be done.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t acknowledge his presence when she heard hist clipped tone. Right now, the only thing on her mind was Ms. Delinda¡¯s son who had no one to stay with him.


    44-45- Financial Responbiltes


    Rafael was observing her face, while he rested his head on his scat, ¡°What do you suggest, Ms. Aaron? Should I send someone to stay there with Ms. Delinda?¡±


    Crap! He didn¡¯t even remember who Ms. Delinda was.


    ¡°If that¡¯s possible then yes, sir. Please. She doesn¡¯t have anyone around,¡± The agony in her voice could be felt by every person sitting there.


    ¡°No mother should be left alone to fight the fate of her child, sir.¡± Though she had muttered it under her breath, everyone heard her.


    After a few minutes of silence, Rafael spoke again, ¡°Alright, Ms. Aaron. There is a chauffeur and a car ready for you. Please stay with your friend. M Sin will bear all the financial responsibilities of


    the treatment.¡±


    Comentario


    Deja el primerentano para otto capital

 Chapter 45

    45 45- Office Rules


    Marissa was sitting beside Delinda close to the bed where her seven-year¨Cold was fast asleep under heavy sedatives.


    He just had his appendix surgery and was treated on time.


    ¡°I¡¯m so thankful to you, Marissa. I have never seen someone like you who thinks of others,¡± Marissa was holding her hand and for some reason she was reminded of Abigail who had a weak heart and any day her doctor could announce her surgery.


    ¡°I did nothing, silly. Thanks to Dean and our CEO who made prompt decision,¡±


    this


    Delinda abruptly got to the kid¡¯s bed when saw him stirring in his unconscious state, ¡°Oh, I think he is waking up. I need to call a doctor.¡± She happily pressed the button and Marissa didn¡¯t miss the glow on the mom¡¯s face.


    When she got out of the hospital it had started drizzling.


    What <i>they </i>all <i>must </i><i>be </i>thinking<i>? </i>They must <i>be </i><i>having </i><i>the</i>


    <i>impression </i>that I¡¯m a <i>nepotism </i>case<i>. </i><i>Since </i><i>the </i><i>day </i><i>I </i>was <i>appointed </i>as <i>a </i>head, <i>I </i><i>could </i><i>only </i><i>utilize </i><i>the </i><i>least </i>amount of <i>my </i><i>time </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>job</i><i>.</i>


    Either <i>it </i>was a <ite </i>arrival or an absence or this <i>hospital </i>visit.


    <i>What </i>am <i>I </i><i>doing </i><i>to </i><i>myself</i>? I¡¯m a caterer <i>dammit</i>. <i>The </i>owner of <i>a </i><i>small </i>business. This <i>job </i>was never for me<i>. </i><i>Then </i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>I </i><i>decide </i>to <b>go </b><i>for </i><i>it</i>? Because <i>of </i>handsome <i>payments</i><i>?</i>


    She was getting confused now. Ever since she had joined MSin, she


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    45 45- Office Rules


    had been doing everything except cooking.


    She needed to talk to Dean and ask him to hand over this title to Kate. She might be bitter, but she was not wrong.


    If she had the required qualifications, then she was a deserving candidate. Not her.


    She was waiting for a cab when the same uniformed chauffeur got off a Porsche and bent a little, ¡°Ma¡¯am. Would you prefer to go to the office or home?¡±


    She had seen this luxurious beauty <b>in </b>the office parking and was aware it belonged to Rafael. The first thought that came into her mind was to argue, hail a cab, and leave.


    However, she was no more a teenager but a mature grownup woman who needed to act ording to her age. Not like an


    immature brat.


    +33


    Rafael was doing all this, not because of her but because of his kids. Once the kids get closer to him ande to know that he was their daddy then obviously he¡¯ll keep offering such favors to her as


    the kids¡® mom.


    It was up to her to either stop it altogether or set a limit to all this.


    Thetter idea seemed more attractive.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she bobbed her head with a smile and got inside the car, ¡°take me office please.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Yes, I know Mr. Sinir wants to talk to you but he is very busy, Ms. Kate,¡± Dean didn¡¯t want to get annoyed by her stubbornness


    25


    45 45¨COffice Rules


    +¥³¥³


    but here she was testing his limits.


    Close to his desk, the mural team was finalizing their sketches in a sketchbook. Dean had asked them to submit their work along with


    the colorbinations.


    The event had started getting the hype among the celebrities and the public. By now, the media was after him to spill some beans as they were hiring small business owners of Kanderton city.


    Dean and Kate looked up when the elevator doors opened with a ping sound and Marissa stepped out.


    ¡°Oh, you are here,¡± Kate said with a cold attitude, ¡°Has someone ever told you that being a head means staying and working along. with your team instead of roaming around¡­¡± Marissa threw an irritated nce at the mural artists and found them looking at her.


    ¡°I was not roaming around,¡± she exined to those artists instead, ¡°Delinda¡¯s son was admitted to the hospital, and she needed someone along with her. Today he had appendix surgery.¡±


    ¡°Why you?¡± Kate cocked a brow and gave a questioning look to those artists. Other teammates had starteding out of their


    rooms too.


    Though Kate was not screaming but she was loud enough to let everyone hear whatever bullshit was crossing her mind.


    Marissa was already disturbed by Delinda¡¯s situation and now Kate creating issues was thest thing she wanted here.


    ¡°Fine! Go to Mr. Sinir and tell him <i>that </i>I¡¯m not interested in this designation,¡± she snapped and was about to turn around when


    3.5


    45 45¨COffice Rules


    Kate spoke again.


    ¡°Yeah? Making me bad in the eyes of Mr. Sinir?¡± Marissa rubbed her temples with her fingers and then raised her index finger as if she was thinking.


    ¡°I guess, you¡¯re right,¡± without giving a chance to anyone, she walked up to the president¡¯s office door and Kate scrunched her nose turning to Dean, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she take your permission before. setting her foot in that room?¡±


    Dean didn¡¯t answer. Kate making noise on everything was getting on his nerves as well. This was a VIP floor, and everyone was supposed to maintain silence and respect here.


    And that was close to impossible in her presence.


    Marissa opened the door and didn¡¯t bother to close it behind her, giving everyone a clear view of what was going on inside.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir,¡± she said loudly, ¡°I need to go back to my kitchen and do my job¡­ this in¨Ccharge thing is not for me.¡±¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to cry but Kate¡¯s rude words were getting to her heart. She was already sensitive because of Delinda who never told her that she was a single mom and had nobody to look after a kid.


    It seemed it was normal for that woman to leave her seven¨Cyear¨Cold behind, all alone.


    Kate whispered to Dean, ¡°Today no one can help her if she gets kicked out of this building by Mr. Sinir. Look he is having a meeting.¡±


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    Dean this time ignored her and gestured for moral artists to carryN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    on with their work.


    He knew better that Rafael would never do any such <b>thing </b>to Marissa.


    Like,e on. The man changed the office rules for thedy.

 Chapter 46

    46 46- Crippled


    Rafael who was talking to his executives about a report, stopped talking and looked up with a frown.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he rose to his feet and rounded the desk to get to her, ignoringpletely the other three men sitting in his office.


    ¡°Is Delinda alright?¡± he asked her in concern.


    In her haste, she didn¡¯t realize that she had ced her hand on his arm, ¡°You need toe outside. Please.¡±


    He examined her hand for a moment where it was touching his


    arm, ¡°Sure.¡±


    He followed her outside and Kate stood up from her seat with shock evident on her face. She wasn¡¯t expecting Marissa to drag the president out of his office.


    Everyone seated had gotten up in respect and a small crowd had gathered in the hall.


    ¡°I request you to announce that Ms. Kate is the event head from now onwards,¡± Rafael looked closely at the tired woman who seemed too upset to ept any sane reasoning.


    Instead of replying to her, he ran a slow gaze at the small crowd, ¡°And why should I do that, Ms. Aaron? Are you questioning my


    decision?¡±


    This was the first time, he was talking to her in this tone. This was


    the same tone he used when she was trying to tell him that she was his wife.


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    48 46- Crippled


    He knew that if he would use his gentle voice, she would never listen to him. He didn¡¯t give a damn about others. But he did care about her sentiments.


    ¡°Does anyone have any objections to appointing Ms. Aaron as the person in charge here?¡± he asked in a loud no¨Cnonsense voice.


    His question was met with silence. Nobody dared to utter a single word in his presence.


    ¡°If you all know even a little bit about management, you should be aware that this position doesn¡¯t require a physical presence. A good manager can easily manage everything on phone calls. Am I right, Mr. Dean? As you are the most eligible employee of my Kanderton office.¡±


    Dean who wasn¡¯t prepared for this question rubbed his hands against his pants,


    ¡°Y¡­ves¡­ sir¡­ indeed¡­ Mr. Sinir¡­¡±


    A small smile graced Rafael¡¯s lips. ¡°Very few of you know butst year, Dean was admitted to the hospital for food poisoning. Hist family lives in Moro and he needed someone with him. Christmas holidays had started. Joseph and I took turns to stay beside him. Being a boss doesn¡¯t mean that one needs to stay in the office building and show the world how hard workers we are. <b>In </b>today¡¯s world, we need to tackle everything quite smartly.¡±


    All the participants were nodding their heads. One of them who was responsible for the event dance floor design raised his hand hesitantly.


    When Rafael nodded, his hand dropped down, ¡°It¡¯s not even a


    20


    X


    <b>X</b>


    46-48¨CCrippledMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    week since Ms. Aaron became our in charge. In our shortmunication, I found her utterly understanding and empathetic.¡±


    Another one spoke, ¡°Some people might not be happy with this decision, but I am, sir. Managing everything requires skills, not a few pieces of paper in the name of documents. You are running this multinational across the globe quite efficiently and I don¡¯t think you would make a rash decision.¡±


    The other people standing closer were nodding their heads in


    agreement.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Peter, Rafael then tilted his head to have a better look at Marissa who was ying with her chipped nail.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron. Carry on with your duties ande to me directly if there is any problem. Here at MSin, we don¡¯t snatch the positions rather we prepare the people for the uing responsibilities.¡±


    He was about to turn away when Marissa stopped him, ¡°Approach you directly¡­ but how¡­ is it possible.¡±


    He smiled and motioned towards his open office door where the executives were still seated, ¡°just like you did a few minutes back,¡±


    Marissa chewed her lower lip when she heard chuckling sounds. from the crowd. Suppressing her smile, she nodded, ¡°Sure, Mr.


    Sinir.¡±


    The buzzing in the hallway slowly dried down when people started walking to their working stations. Everyone seemed happy and contented with the announcement except one.


    Kate.


    30


    46 46¨CCrippled


    She huffed in frustration and left the hall to have coffee in the cafeteria. But then all the frustration evaporated when Dean called her from behind, ¡°Be here after ten minutes. Mr. Rafael would like


    to talk to you.¡±


    ***


    Seated in Mr. Sinir¡¯s office she was giving subtle nces to the expensive wooden furniture. The monogamy desk was well organized. Mr. Sinir was signing the files that Dean just brought inside the office when she followed him here.


    Once Mr. Sinir was done with the files, he put the pen in the holder and straightened in his seat. Adjusting the dossiers in his arms, Dean nodded at her and left the room leaving them alone.


    Rafael left his seat, and she was about to do the same when he signaled her to remain there and headed up to her.


    Wearing a white shirt with ck pants, his jacket was hanging on the stand in the corner of the room. His top two cor buttons were opened, and she could see the skin exposing from there.


    She cleared her throat and tried to smile, ¡°You wanted to meet me, Mr. Sinir?¡± he had leaned his hip against the desk and was quite


    close to her chair.


    ¡°Ms. Kate. I¡¯m not used to long conversations. You said you have got certain certificates?¡± she could only nod, not knowing where this conversation was heading. The only thing she was aware of was his male cologne.


    He leaned forward and whispered near her ear, ¡°I¡¯ll suggest you shove those certificates up your ass!¡±


    46 46¨CCrippled


    Kate gasped and was taken aback by the absurd remark. The ssy and well¨Cgroomed Rafael Sinir¡¯s words didn¡¯t match his status


    and ss.


    ¡°Mister¡­ Sin¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Kate. I¡¯m a sin when there is bullying going around in my office. I usually don¡¯t spare the bully and rarely give chances to them,¡± he then got back with an amused expression on his face, ¡°Next time I catch you bullying and passing mean remarks on anyone you¡¯ll be out of this building.¡±


    He then got up and walked to a showcase that was sitting in the corner. He slid the ss and took out a red dossier from there. He took his seat and opened the file, ¡°Please remember to stay in yourne otherwise next time you¡¯ll face direct consequences. I¡¯ll personally make sure to throw you out of this window and tell the media that you couldn¡¯t sustain the work pressure and decided to sui*cide¡­¡± he said it so casually like he was telling about the weather, ¡°Now get lost from here¡­¡± he snarled.


    She felt as if she got bail from the prison and just wanted to get out of it when heard him calling her name again, ¡°Ms. Kate?¡±


    She just twisted her neck to look back. He wasn¡¯t even looking at her, ¡°I know it¡¯s next to impossible but please try your best not to show me your face around. And don¡¯t worry about that push from this window. Usually, people survive. They don¡¯t die,¡± his eyes were still on the papers, ¡°They just lose their legs and arms¡­ and be crippled.¡±


    11 10

 Chapter 47

    47 47- Like A Prot


    47 47- Like A Pro!


    ¡°Ms. Aaron! Here is the detailed overview of the dance floor,¡± Peter brought his tab to show her the screen and she dropped the pencil on the desk twisting her seat for about ny degrees.¡±


    ¡°Folks! Can you stop calling me, Ms. Aaron? Marissa will do,¡± she showed them a thumbs¨Cup sign.


    She heard giggles from her team sitting around her and got to her feet, ¡°Peter. I need to bring water for myself.¡±


    Before she could take another step, a miracle happened and a ss of ice¨Ccold water was ced on the desk, ¡°Here,¡± Marissa¡¯s mouth was hung open when she saw who brought it for her.


    With a friendly smile, Kate turned on her heels and went back to the group where Delinda and Shang¨Cchi were sitting.


    Marissa gave that look to Dean who was seated across the room. and was looking in her direction. He only shrugged but had a knowing grin on his face.


    Kate had been acting odd since this morning. Her tone was so friendly with everyone, and she was almost ready to touch Marissa¡¯s feet for some reason.


    ¡°Marissa. How about if I go with this sd bar on my table,¡± Shang Chi came to her with a notepad and sat beside her.


    ¡°Yes, but Delinda was also interested in a sd bar,¡± when she saw Shang Chi¡¯s excitement dying down, she tapped her finger on his chest, ¡°Come on, buddy. Bring on that sd bar, just remember to have different stuff than Delinda and we are good to go.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    1:5


    47 47¨CLike A Pro!


    She hadn¡¯t realized that Rafael hade inside to have a look at all the employees.


    ¡°Please keep seated,¡± he quickly motioned everyone not to stand in his honor and made his way to Marissa who was writing something on Shang Chi¡¯s pad.


    As always, her hair was tied in a low chignon, and she was wearing a simple pencil skirt that reached her knees.


    Rafael felt a sudden urge to take the stick out of her hair that was holding the chignon in ce and see for himself how she looked


    with her hair down.


    He wanted to imagine her with those jet¨Cck locks spread on his pillow. It was a shame that in the past he made love to her several times but didn¡¯t know how she looked without those clothes¡­


    Get a grip, Rafael. For God¡¯s sake, get a grip.


    Without saying another word, he turned around and reached the door. Twisting the handle, he gave ast look over his shoulder and saw herughing at some joke Shang¨Cchi must have cracked.


    Along with that, she was scribbling something on the note pad too.


    I¡¯ve already <i>spent </i>these <i>four </i>years <i>all </i>alone <i>and </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>how </i>long I have to wait for <i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t have <i>any </i>idea if my punishment <i>will </i><i>ever </i><i>be </i>over <i>or </i><i>if </i>I¡¯ll keep getting <i>punished </i>for <i>something </i><i>I </i>never did <i>intentionally</i><i>.</i>


    When he was going to his office, he felt his heart going dead cold. in his chest.


    ***


    25


    47 47- Like A Pro!


    ¡°So, mommy. Then the prince found Cindere with the help of this shoe and proposed her? And then they got married?¡± Abigail asked her innocently.


    Marissa took a long breath and gave her kids a shaky chuckle,


    ¡°Sweethearts. In my world, there is a different version. These


    stories are not for me.¡±


    ¡°What is your version, Mommy,¡± Alexander who was lying on the mattress with his head on her legs asked her.


    She had just told them Cindere¡¯s story and now they were asking her questions.


    Ariel was still confused about why Cindere¡¯s shoe could never fit any other female¡¯s foot.


    ¡°Yes, mommy. Tell us. What is your division?¡± Marissa couldn¡¯t hold theughter when Abigail spoke.


    She kissed her daughter and ruffled her ck hair, ¡°Version. Not division, love,¡± she then rested her back on heavy pillows. ¡°In my version, he did find her, but it was toote.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Ariel suppressed a yawn. She was shaking her head yfully on Marissa¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Because when he reached her home, Cindere¡¯s sisters and


    stepmom were still living therevishly but Cindere had long ago left the house to be something. She had a passion for making her name in the world where men ruled and had a choice to


    choose whoever they wanted. She wanted to be the change.


    She smiled when Abigail yawned loudly. Ariel had already slipped into a deep sleep. Alexander was shaking his foot which meant he


    13:10 ¡ª


    35


    47 47- Like A Prot


    was still awake.


    ¡°Did she get the sess?¡± Alexander asked her.


    A sad smile graced Marissa¡¯s lips, ¡°Yes. She did. She made a name in the business world. Started making her own money and thus never felt the need¡­. For a prince. She had managed to be a


    princess without that prince¡¯s help¡­¡±


    She finished sadly and then wanted to bang her head into a wall. She was here to tuck the kids into the bed because she wanted to talk to them about the uing weekend.


    They needed to be mentally prepared to meet Rafael. For their small minds, it would be a big switch and she wanted this transition to go smoothly.


    ¡°I am a sucker!¡± She muttered and gently ced Abi¡¯s head on the pillow. She needed to send her half sleeping kids to their bunks.


    ***


    Today again it was one of those days when Rafael Sinir was early. He got inside the building through the main door and was taking long strides to reach the VIP elevator when he saw someone sitting on the reception couch busy on her phone.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron,¡± she jerked upright and raised her eyes from the phone


    screen.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± she greeted trying to shift her bag strap from one


    shoulder to another.


    ¡°Howe you are early today?¡± he raised his arm to look at the time on his wristwatch.


    47 47¨CLike A Pro!


    ¡°I needed to deliver an order of some chicken stuffed buns, so I


    found it easier to deliver them on my way. It was an early morning delivery,¡± He motioned her to walk beside him and pressed the call


    button.


    While waiting for it, she threw a subtle gaze at him. As always, he looked hot! Wearing an olive green shirt, and his jacket hanging on his arm, all of it was increasing that rugged charm.


    ¡°And how many buns were those?¡± Inside the lift, he pressed his floor button and turned to her.


    ¡°More than a hundred!¡± she said with a shrug, and he shuddered at that making her chuckle.


    ¡°Woah! Were they feeding an army?¡± she rolled her eyes at the jibe and was about to say something when the lift took small jerks making her fall on him.


    He was quick enough to hold her body like a pro.


    Comentario ¡±

 Chapter 48

    48 48- Like A Fool


    ¡°Easy. Rx. I¡¯m with you,¡± he said gently and tightened his grip around her waist. It was the only chance he could touch her.¡±


    She would never allow it otherwise, but this was the chance given


    to him by fate and he wanted to avail it.


    Holding his shirt in her fists, she raised her face to look into his green eyes. Those green orbs were already staring at her.


    ¡°Th¡­ the ¡­¡­ lift¡­¡± her voice trembled a little.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯ll be fixed today. Nothing will happen to you. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you,¡± She didn¡¯t realize what he said and


    how soft his voice was.


    While his eyes were on her face, she was looking around her, maybe fearing a free fall. She didn¡¯t want to die this soon.


    Her babies needed her.


    Rafael stopped himself from cursing under his breath when the lift stopped <b>on </b>his floor. He regretted that his floor was not high. enough to give him some more time to hold her.


    The moment the elevator¡¯s doors opened, she quickly got out of his grip and exited the lift, leaving him there.


    Staying inside he kept trying to control his speeding heartbeat. He gazed down at his jacket which had now gotten a few wrinkles due to holding her tightly.


    I <i>wish</i>¡­ <i>I </i>wish<i>¡­ </i>I <i>have </i><i>believed </i><i>you </i>at that <i>time</i>. Then <i>maybe</i><i>¡­ </i><i>today</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>might </i>have <i>stopped </i>this elevator and <i>made </i><i>love </i><i>to </i>you.


    1/5


    here.


    4B 48¨CLike A Fool


    He slowly came out, his eyes searching for her.


    She was standing near Dean¡¯s desk, cing her bag. The low chignon was still there and for a minute he was desperate to not only open it but also kiss her senselessly,bing his fingers. through the silk mane just to see how it felt against his skin.


    Just then she decided to turn with a smile that quickly vanished when she found him staring at her like a creep.


    He had toe up with something reasonable, ¡°I¡­ I¡­ didn¡¯t have


    my breakfast¡­ umm¡­ this morning¡­ so¡­¡± he shrugged with a hesitant chuckle, ¡°so did you only deliver those chicken buns, or you had some for me too?¡±


    Marissa who was feeling a little embarrassed for what happened in the elevator smirked at his jibe, ¡°No. It was too early for breakfast. I don¡¯t know if they open the office caf¨¦ this early.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. How about¡­ we both have our breakfast in my office?¡± she thought for a few moments before responding to him.


    For kids¡® sake, they needed to maintain a friendly rtionship that shouldn¡¯t look fake or forced.


    Now he had offered her, she did feel hungry and could sense her stomach grumbling in protest.


    ¡°That will be great!¡± cing his hand on her back, he gestured for her to get inside his office and closed the room behind them.


    ***


    ¡°You have ordered so much for the two of us,¡± she watched closely.


    ¥¨¥³


    215


    48 48¨CLike A FoolMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    where every kind of breakfast item was ced there.


    French toasts, scrambled eggs, bread slices, pancakes, waffles, buns, butter, and jams in three to four vors.


    ¡°Goodness. How would I lose weight with this kind of diet,¡± her


    mouth watered when she saw rusks in the corner of the table.


    Her favorite breakfast was to apply lots of butter on those hard crunchy rusks.


    He pulled the chair for her and then took another one just close enough. They were seated in his office, taking up the corner space


    of the office desk.


    cing the tes, he offered her the small dish of scrambled eggs.


    ¡°Pass me the rusks, Rafael,¡± Rafael froze when he heard his name


    from her mouth. Today was the best day. She didn¡¯t call him Mr.


    Sinir.


    ¡°I¡¯ll apply butter on it. You should try that too,¡± she got busy picking up the te that had a butter block on it and didn¡¯t feel his eyes on


    her.


    She started applying butter as soon as she got the rusks.


    ¡°Should I give one to you?¡± he nodded not knowing how they might taste but he trusted her. In the past whenever she made food or advised him to try something new, he had liked it.


    He took a crunchy bite and started chewing it.


    ¡°Like it?¡± she asked him excitedly and he nodded without thinking. He could sense a few people outside his office like the office peons or maybe it was Dean. But he knew, nobody would dare toe


    3.5


    48 48¨CLike A Fool


    inside.


    He had already sent a message to Dean and now all he was doing was enjoying herpany. She was talking senseless while eating and he could remember the time she used to do the same.


    When he used to sit at the kitchen table while she used to cook something for him and kept chattering about any topic.


    Will those days return to him? Ever?


    ¡°You are not eating much!¡± she remarked and ced some scrambled eggs on his te, ¡°God! I had nothing this morning except that cup of coffee. Bless you, Rafael.¡±


    Again, she called his name and he had to control his speeding heartbeat. Once the breakfast was over, he offered her more. coffee, but she declined and burped loudly.


    She covered her mouth in embarrassment and this time he


    couldn¡¯t control the amusement.


    ¡°it¡¯s OK. This is good¡­ it¡¯s a way for your tummy to say


    for filling it up.¡±


    tummy to say thank you¡­.


    She gave a sheepish grin and nodded her head.


    This time he needed to call someone to pick up the mess though he had managed all this by himself.


    Guess what!


    His short happy time was over <b>in </b>a blink, and he needed toe up with more such activities to get closer to her.


    And then something crossed his mind. She had been a foodie just like him and became friendly while eating food.


    AUS


    48 48¨CLike A Fool


    What if he gets closer to her heart by taking help from these meals?


    She was standing up and wiping her mouth with a napkin.


    ¡°Thank you for this breakfast. I was hell hungry,¡± she said with a grin and Rafael was thinking of ways to get her back into his life.


    Usually, women <i>are </i>the <i>ones </i><i>who </i>win <i>their </i><i>men¡¯s </i><i>hearts </i><i>through </i><i>their </i>stomachs<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>might </i><i>be </i>the <i>first </i><i>man </i><i>doing </i><i>the </i>same <i>thing </i><i>to </i>get <i>back </i><i>my </i>woman<i>.</i>


    He thought with a smile and Marissa was thinking what was wrong with him. Why was he grinning like a fool?


    Comentario O

 Chapter 49

    49 49- Chill


    That evening when everyone was leaving the office, Marissa stayed back to discuss some points with Dean. If the president had handed over her some duty, then she needed to take it seriously andplete it wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Can you wait for me a little longer? I need to go to the first floor and meet someone from the Finance department,¡± Dean asked her in a rush jogging towards the exit door.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she sat down on his seat and started revolving his chair slowly. There was no sound right now and she was sure her kids would make fun of her if they would see what she was doing.


    ¡°Gosh! This is fun! I should take it home or maybe in


    or maybe in my kitchen. where I can sit and pass the orders to my employees¡­¡± She patted the armrests like a child and resumed the activity until she felt a pair of eyes probing her back.


    With a pout, she twisted the chair and found Rafael Sinir. standing there observing her actions with a serious face. However, she didn¡¯t miss the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m¡­ sorry¡­ I was just,¡± She was about to stand when he stopped her with the wave of his hand and approached the desk.


    ¡°Keep sitting, please,¡± she felt odd when he took the other seat across the desk, ¡°I needed to talk to you about something¡­umm. About this weekend¡­¡±


    She realized that the weekend was just two days ahead.


    When she nodded, he continued, ¡°Have you talked to them¡­


    49:49¨CChill


    have you talked to my kids about this meeting¡­¡± he couldn¡¯t continue when she started shaking her head,


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. They are our kids,¡± This reminded him of what he had said just a few days back.


    ¡°Yes. Our kids,¡± he chuckled, ¡°Did you talk to them?¡±


    ¡°Last night I wanted to¡­¡± she inhaled a long breath, ¡°But couldn¡¯t¡­ I started telling them a silly story and they didn¡¯t even bother to hear it and slept halfway.¡±


    She meant it as a joke, but he didn¡¯tugh.


    ¡°If you want, you can tell me your story, Ms. Aaron. I promise I won¡¯t listen to it only halfway nor I will go to sleep,¡± she was taken aback by the offer and didn¡¯t know what to make of it.


    She knew very well that he would never sleep beside her.


    During his dating period with Valerie, they weren¡¯t super close, but he always tried to be helpful and lent her an ear.


    But now things were too different. The situation they were in was


    rather weird.


    ¡°I really appreciate your help. Mr. Sinir. Let me talk to the kids tonight. I just want to let you know that I own a small space on Street 49 in Blue Vale town. On the ground floor, there is mymercial kitchen while the upper floor is upied by three. adults and three kids. We are usually jam¨Cpacked but manage mostly. If you want, you can take kids to a nearby restaurant¡­ or a park¡­¡±


    i was


    the one who advised her to do it. Though Marissa


    17 1


    25


    49 49 Chill


    wanted the first meeting under her supervision but ording to Sophia they needed to have a strong bond with their father.


    ¡°I like small spaces, Ms. Aaron. Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯d prefer our initial meetings under your watchful eyes.¡±


    He pointed two fingers towards her eyes with a yful grin that made her smile. For some reason, she felt light.


    The fact that they both were on the same page regarding their kids. was a good thing.


    ¡°That will be super manageable¡­¡± she agreed with a nod.


    ¡°This evening, can I drop you to your ce?¡± the smile on her lips. vanished and she felt like he was holding his breath.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Marissa! I¡¯m back. Sorry for making you wait but¡­ uh huh¡­ Mr. Sinir¡­¡± Poor Dean was rooted to the spot when he found Marissa on his seat and Rafael sitting across her.


    Rafael cursed under his breath and got up, ¡°What kind of finance meeting was it? These meetings usually take hours¡­¡± he said like a grumpy old man and headed to his office.


    Dean¡¯s eyes followed his boss until he closed the door behind him, ¡°What got into him?¡±


    Marissa shrugged and tapped her finger on the file ced before. her, ¡°Mr. Dean. Help me with these and then do whatever you


    want¡­¡±


    Dean didn¡¯t mind her sitting in his seat and started going through all the papers. Marissa¡¯s eyes were repeatedly moving to the office. door where Rafael just disappeared.


    3:5


    ***


    49 49¨CChill


    ¡°So, what you mean to say is¡­ our father will being to meet. us? This weekend?¡± Abigail who usually stayed in her small but secure Lnd, got excited by the notion. And Ariel was equally


    thrilled.


    Alexander was a different story. He was standing there not letting her see what was going on inside that small head.


    ¡°Mom. Is that the same man who we met at the restaurant?¡± Ariel was finding it hard to believe that all this time when she had given up hope that her daddy would return to her, he was atst making


    it back to her life.


    ¡°My children. I¡¯ll never force you to do something that you don¡¯t want to do. However, I request, that you meet him and then form any judgment. He needs a fair chance.¡±


    The girls nodded their heads enthusiastically.


    Tonight, she gave them an early dinner and a quick bath so that she could get maximum time to talk to them.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t wait for this weekend. Can you feel butterflies?¡± Ariel asked Abigail and they both giggled.


    The girls ran away happily to get their stuffed toys from the living room while Alexander stayed there.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy that he will be in your lives, Alex? Just like all the other kids out there, you¡¯ll have your father by your side?¡± Marissa asked her son who had a stoic expression on his face just like his


    father.


    13:19


    49 49¨CChill


    Rafael might have done wrong to her, but he was their father and didn¡¯t know that she was carrying his babies.


    Alexander heard his mother and shrugged without giving away


    much.


    ¡°That I can decide after meeting him, Mom. For me you are everything and he must have done something that resulted in your separation. I¡­ I don¡¯t know the full story but there is something fishy.¡±


    Marissa took a long sigh and pulled his small figure into her arms to hug him tightly, ¡°Once you¡¯re mature enough, I might share everything with you. For now, you all need to show Dad what a great job your mom did by raising you all, the right way. What do you think?¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem convinced but feared for breaking his mom¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mom. I won¡¯t say any rude words. You just chill.¡±


    Comentario

 Chapter 50

    50 50- Ticklish


    ¡°Boss seems extra chirpy today,¡± Delinda told everyone, seated in the room. Marissa didn¡¯t raise her head and kept herself busy with


    the work.


    She knew why he was happy. He couldn¡¯t wait to meet his kids and


    was excited about it.


    ¡°You are right,¡± Peter spoke while drawing something on the sketchbook, ¡°Today when I brought in some paints and brushes to be kept in the storage room, we bumped into each other. He not only said HI but also asked me about the paints, I was carrying. The odd thing is he wanted to know about the brushes too.¡±


    They all were working along with pulling each other¡¯s legs when at man who was working on the venue hall decoration stretched, ¡°We all are lucky. Otherwise, my childhood friend told me that his elder brother works at the Sangua branch under him. He is always grumpy with everyone. Too rigid¡­¡±


    The man almost shuddered while giving away this important piece. of information about Rafael Sinir, ¡°He said they pay good, but Rafael is popr as a coldhearted man.¡±


    ¡°You are right, mate,¡± a woman spoke from the corner of the room, ¡°A friend of mine told me that a female colleague was trying to seduce him, and he almost threw her half body outside the window and spared her when she screamed at the top of her lungs for several hours¡­ Can you imagine that window was on the thirty¨Cthird floor?¡±


    There were surprised murmurs in the room.


    25


    50 50¨CTicklish


    However, the woman couldn¡¯t finish it because Kate who was


    sitting quietly staring at her phone screen, started coughing


    almost choking on the water she was drinking.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she didn¡¯t take time to leave the room.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± the same woman who just told the horror story, asked casually and then bent to talk to her work partner sitting beside her.


    ¡°Marissa. Can you please get my design approved from Dean so that I can start working on it?¡± the same event nner asked her, and she nodded in his direction, ¡°In a minute, love.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so good to see that we all are Marissa¡¯s love. We all love you too Marissa,¡± he winked at her causing everyone in the room to burst intoughter.


    Attaching all the nning stuff in a single dossier, Marissa got to her feet in search of Dean. She waved to get his attention when saw him busy on a call.


    ¡°You cane inside and discuss with me instead of him, you know?¡± She didn¡¯t realize that Rafael was standing there in the doorway of his room looking at her with a subtle smile.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she cocked up a brow and started taking slow steps towards him, ¡°Discuss what? About your event? Where you¡¯ll be a guest?¡±


    He saw the sparkle in her eyes and tried to stifle hisughter.


    ¡°Umm. Ok. I¡¯ll close my eyes and then you can tell me all about it¡­ perhaps¡­¡±


    She chuckled and looked over her shoulder to find Dean still


    2/5


    C 50 50¨CTicklish.


    engaged in the call.


    ¡°Interested in a lunch?¡± He took her by surprise when he asked her.


    ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s not a date. Just a friendly lunch¡­¡± Poor him attempted to rify her when saw her eyes widening.


    ¡°Reason?¡± she asked him directly, looking straight into his eyes.


    He gave her a hesitant smile and then looked down as if looking for suitable words, ¡°I want to know a bit about my¡­ our kids,¡± his voice had slipped into a whisper, ¡°their interests, their favorite colors, the cartoon characters they like¡­ I need your help, Marissa¡­¡±


    Before she could correct him to call her Ms. Aaron, he had hist exnation ready, ¡°I need to call you Marissa for their sake. They need to see this friendliness among us. They will be meeting me for the first time and¡­ if by any chance they woulde to know what I did to their mom¡­ in the past¡­¡±


    Marissa felt her breathing hitched when she saw his quivering lips. Good, God! Was he about to cry?


    She was quick to give his hard body a little push inside the office and then closed the door behind her.


    She even ignored Dean who called her name when he was done with the phone call.


    ***


    ¡°Go. Wash your face.¡± She told him gently and he walked to the attached bath without any argument.


    915


    <b>X</b>


    50 50¨CTicklish


    Marissa felt like her heart was going through several storms. Did she still have feelings for this man?


    No!


    He was talking to her because of those beautiful kids, they made together. He always loved Valerie and it was wrong from her side


    to let him believe that she was Valerie.


    She always thought about the things she faced but never thought about him or his feelings. No one can force anyone to fall in love.


    After four years it was no more about her but about their children.


    Her kids needed their father in their lives. Once that trust is built,


    she could always tell him what his mom told her four years back.


    He needed to make sure that his kids stayed safe.


    Marissa¡¯s face snapped up when she saw himing out of the


    bathroom.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± he gave a slight nod, then scurried to the couch. ced in the corner for the guests.


    Marissa followed him there and sat beside him.


    ¡°Rafael. Instead of telling you I can give you all the written details. about them,¡± She suggested, ¡°in this way you can read the notes in your leisure time.¡±


    ¡°Why on paper? Why not tell me?¡±


    ¡°So that¡­ you can remember every tiny detail,¡± she raised one shoulder tilting her head a little.


    He turned his head to have a better look at her face and smirked,


    50 50¨CTicklish


    ¡°You think I might forget about our kids¡® details?¡± she couldn¡¯t pull back when he leaned towards her and whispered¡­ Letting her feel his warm breath against her cheek, ¡°Try me!¡±


    Before she could utter anything, he bumped their noses, and she felt a ticklish sensation spreading across her skin.


    ComentarioExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 51

    51.51 Bite Reminder


    51 51- Bitter Reminder


    Marissa¡¯s heart raced a


    varm breath caressed her


    cheek. She felt a rush of emotions, unsure how to


    respond to his advances.


    Were they really subtle advances or was she imagining


    it? She kept looking into his eyes and wondered how she survived without those orbs.


    ¡°So, what do you say about my suggestion?¡± He asked her with a knowing glint in his eyes.


    ¡°What?¡± She seemed startled and hadpletely forgotten what he was talking about.


    ¡°Lunch? Remember? That¡¯s what we were talking


    about¡­¡±


    Marissa¡¯s mind was racing, thinking hard. She could. feel conflicting emotions and knew this was not her right to sit and eat with him.


    He had been crystal clear about his priorities in life. She didn¡¯t want toplicate things in her life


    further.


    any


    ¡°Is¡­ is this lunch necessary? Like I can tell you aboutThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    20


    51 51- Bittor Reminder


    our kids without this lunch or breakfast¡­¡± her voice was barely above a whisper, ¡°I appreciate your offer, but it¡¯s not necessary. You are already doing so much¡­¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡±


    She chuckled at the absurd question, ¡°Hiring me here, paying me good¡­ not good but handsomely¡­ I can get rid of all the loan I took from this¡­¡± She realized that


    she was opening up to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s, ok,¡± his expression turned somber, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to have lunch, it¡¯s perfectly fine¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± she nodded, ¡°thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± he also nodded, ¡°how about a Dinner?¡±


    Marissa couldn¡¯t control it, throwing back her head sheughed hard not realizing that he was staring at her


    with a serious face.


    ¡°Now why this dinner invitation, Mr. Sinir?¡± she said trying to control the mirth bubbling up in her chest.


    ¡°The same reason,¡± he shrugged, ¡°To talk about our kids.¡± Like her, he had also pulled back and now was sitting beside her leaning back a little.


    27


    51 51¨CBitter Reminder


    But he was not ready when she got up and turned to


    leave her room.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron¡­¡±


    ¡°I need to discuss those event ns with Dean otherwise my team might think I am wasting their time¡­¡± She started taking back steps with a grin on her face, ¡°We can have lunch. Dinner might be too much for me at the moment. If it¡¯s for our kids¡® sake, then I guess a harmless lunch might do.¡±


    With that she left the office, leaving him there rooted


    to the spot, just like she did four years ago.


    When he couldn¡¯t move forward with his life.


    ***


    She was going through all the files step by step when Dean received a call on his inte.


    ¡°Marissa. I think this is for you,¡± he handed over her the receiver and kept highlighting important points written there. With a small frown, she ced it against


    her ear.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling hungry?¡± she rolled her lins


    between her teeth w


    card Rafael¡¯s voice. Raising


    her eyes she looked at the huge wall clock and then for a moment her eyes darted towards Dean. It was almost past lunch times and she had kept Dean busy with her. He must be hungry too.


    She thought guiltily and ced the receiver back. Dean was sitting there as if he couldn¡¯t hear anything.


    ¡°Dean. Why don¡¯t you go to the cafe and have lunch? Sorry for keeping you hungry¡­¡± She started arranging the files and stretched in her ce.


    ¡°Will you join me?¡± he asked her, and she shook her


    head with a smile.


    ¡°Not today. I¡¯ll have my lunch with Rafael. Need to


    discuss few things with him,¡± she said without feeling any remorse or guilt because this was not a lie.


    After all, she wasn¡¯t having any secret rtionship with


    the boss.


    She had to discuss a few things, but they were not rted to the office. With one hand, she tried to


    bnce the files and waved at him before going inside the President¡¯s office and Dean stayed like a statue in


    his seat.


    51 51¨CBitter Reminder


    Marissa hadn¡¯t realized it but she called the boss by his first name. Rafael


    ***


    This time on her insistence Rafael just ordered a Rice dish with beef curry. He was listening to her quietly but intently.


    She was telling him about Ariel and Abi, and while


    listening to her, he wanted to ask how her childbirth went. Was it all painful?


    Was there anyone with her holding her hand at the time of pain or she bore it all by herself? So many questions were racing through his mind and all he wanted to do was turn back the clock and be with her.


    ¡°Abigail is the most innocent of all in looks but she is the naughtiest. But they have taken after you, they all are so intelligent.¡±


    She was telling him about his kids with so much eagerness.


    ¡°Alexander is so much like you. When he meets you, he might act cold initially but don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯m sure you two will get along once hees around this


    idon of mooting his father¡± Cho took the anoonful of


    51 51¨CBitter Reminder


    rice to her mouth.


    Rafael was holding his te but more than eating he was busy ying with his food.


    ¡°They love arguing with each other and I usually have


    to act as a referee¡­¡±


    ¡°-They sound like a handful,¡± he remarked with a yful smile, ¡°I¡¯m sure they keep you on your toes.¡±


    Marissa chuckled and moved her head in agreement, ¡°You have no idea. Sometimes it feels like I¡¯m running a


    circus instead of a household¡­¡±


    Rafael got silent after that. They were settled on the couch having lunch in his office.


    And all he could think of was noisy mornings and chaotic evenings with his kids and¡­ with his wife.


    No, Rafael. You are treading on thin ice.


    ¡°Sometimes Alex calls me Momzi. He thinks that <b>I</b>


    can be as sweet as a cupcake but can turn into a Godzi in a matter of seconds,¡± Rafael noticed her flushed cheeks while talking about her little family and all he wanted to do was join the circus and be a part of


    <ol>


    <li>it.</li>


    </ol>


    20-21


    677


    <51.51¨CBitter Reminder


    <i>Kids </i>are <i>not </i>enough Marissa. <i>They </i><i>are </i><i>not </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>reason </i>for my <i>anderton </i><i>stay</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>here </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>,


    <i>darling</i>.


    He knew that the moment these words would leave his


    mouth, she would be out of this room and out of his life in a jiffy.


    She was telling him more about their kids¡® mischief when his phone that was ced on the nearby table started ringing.


    Marissa looked at the screen and felt her body going


    stiff.


    Valerie¡¯s name was shing on the screen.


    A bitter reminder that Rafael was married to her!


    Comment

 Chapter 52

    52 52- Mus. Be CheatingThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°I¡¯m in the middle of a meeting, will talk to youter. ¡±


    And the call got disconnected leaving Valerie hanging again by a thread. She stared at her phone while the other hand that was holding a cigarette came closer to her mouth to take a long puff of smoke.


    etting that smoke out of her mouth and nostrils was he world¡¯s best feeling in the world. The male figure leeping beside her stirred a little, but Valerie didn¡¯t ven bother to look at him.


    What time is it?¡± she heard his sleepy voice but didn¡¯t


    iswer.


    re you ok, girl?¡± he propped up on his elbows to take better look at her. She seemed upset and was holding r phone while smoking.


    oney!¡± he tried to touch her naked shoulder, but she oved his hand away and got up from the bed. Until w she was covered with the sheets, but then looking her without a shred of clothing did something to his irtstrings.


    52 52¨CMust Be Cheating


    ¡°Can you pleasee back to bed, girl?¡±


    Valerie picked up her clothes from the floor and started putting them on.


    ¡°No! Once was enough. I don¡¯t do several rounds,¡± this was the only reasoning she coulde up with and


    that was a lie.


    After getting intimate with Rafael, she always used to plead with him to do it once more, but he always


    pushed her aside.


    No, love. Once is enough!¡±


    And today this man was expecting her to do it again! Vhy? Was she not beautiful enough for Rafael?


    Look here, love,¡± he had also got up from the bed and hankfully was wearing a pair of shorts.


    Sorry. Not interested¡­¡± she said without looking at im and this time he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    olding her by her elbows, he dragged her to the bed id pinned her to the mattress under him.


    What¡¯s the matter? Didn¡¯t I make you happyst night,


    -1?¡±


    52 52¨CMust Be Cheating


    Valerie looked at the man who was demanding exnations like was her husband. Her hand raised and she pped hard across his face.


    ¡°Making me happy? Are you out of your mind? Who


    are you? My fu*cking husband? Can you give me a


    child? Huh?¡±


    She didn¡¯t realize, tears had started falling off her eyes.


    He was just observing the pain on her face. He lifted his body a little to ease off some of his weight from her delicate figure.


    She was beautiful. He always had a thing for blondes and had his eyes on her ever since she joined the tour


    group.


    ¡°Do you have a husband? Are you married, girl?¡± he asked, and his question was met by silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you something, love. I¡¯m not trying to judge you. Are you married?¡± she slowly nodded her head.


    She had stopped crying, but tears were still gliding down her cheeks.


    He, atst, got up and offered her, his hand to help her in sitting up.


    26:30


    <


    52 52- Must Be Cheating


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Valerie swiped her tongue on her lips and that little action caught his eye but then this was not the time to go forward with this crazy idea of making love to her.


    She was already upset.


    He used the cruise inte to bring snacks for them. They both needed strong coffee in their system.


    Valerie was still sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down. After cing the inte, he walked up to her and crouched down, instead of sitting beside her.


    ¡°Are you trying for a baby?¡± he asked her, and she nodded this time. He took a sigh of relief when she gave him the response.


    ¡°Have you consulted a doctor, girl?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Valerie!¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡±


    ¡°I said it¡¯s Valerie. Call me by my name. Not some Girl!¡±


    ¡°OK. Fine!¡± He threw his arms in the air, ¡°I got it. You are not some random girl. You are Valerie. So,


    Valerie¡­¡±


    52-52¨CMust Be Cheating


    When she didn¡¯t look at him, he ced his finger under her chin and raised her face gently, ¡°So you are married and trying for a baby. Howe I got in this equation?¡±


    She shrugged and wiped her face with the back of her hand, ¡°I don¡¯t kno she whispered.


    ¡°Were you¡­ were you missing your husband when you approached me?¡±


    He asked her and she nodded without hesitancy.


    Exhaling a long, tired breath he, atst, got up and sat beside her, ¡°Listen, Valerie. If you are regretting all this then better leave my room. Nobody needs to know what you are doing here. You are free to go. However, ¡­ here¡¯s the other option,¡± he wanted to smile when atst she gave him the attention he wanted.


    ¡°What¡¯s that other option, boy?¡± he chuckled at her dig. She was doing the same thing that he had been doing since they got intimate.


    ¡°My name is Ethan, Valerie. Ethan Lockwood. Your other option is to stay and enjoy life with me. I


    promise there won¡¯t be any strings attached. Your privacy will be intact.¡±


    5252 AM Bu Chating!


    Valerie didn¡¯t know what to say. The life was offering her something and she wanted to take it. She was aware that this was a temporary arrangement.


    ¡°No strings attache she asked him, and he moved


    his head.


    ¡°No strings attached,¡± this time he did kiss her cheek softly, ¡°But what I don¡¯t understand is¡­ why your husband is least interested in you. He is a lucky dog who has such a beautiful wife. Doesn¡¯t he like


    children?¡±


    She sighed thinking of her miscarriage.


    ¡°He belongs to the Sinir family and needs an heir,¡± while saying that something was ringing bells in her


    head.


    Ethan Lockwood. Is he rted to Lockwood


    Industries?


    ¡°Hmm?¡± she said absent¨Cmindedly when he called her name, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Valerie. I think your husband either is blind, or he is impotent, or maybe isn¡¯t medically fit to be a father¡­ there are so many possibilities, love. You need to check


    it Evaruthing can¡¯t ho mad on an inot


    ha


    52:52. Must the Chessing


    because you are a woman and don¡¯t have a strong rich background.¡±


    Ethan was right. For how long Nina would keep ming her for not hag a baby when her son is not ready to get intimate with her?


    ¡°You are right. I never thought about these possibilities¡­ My husband is in Kanderton for no reason. He never went on such a long business trip.¡±


    ¡°Then there is only one exnation for this¡­¡± he said and saw her throwing a questioning nce his way,


    ¡°There might be a possibility that he is involved in


    some woman in Kanderton. Your husband must be cheating on you, love!¡±


    Comment


    Swipe left to continue


    23

 Chapter 53

    53 53- No Need


    Ever since she saw Valerie¡¯s name g on his phone screen, she didn¡¯t stay in that office. The food was still left on her te, but she got out of the room without a backward nce.


    Though she did hear him telling her that he was busy n a meeting. But that didn¡¯t bring peace to her mind.


    f he cared about her, not as his mistaken wife but as he mother of his kids then he should have been pfront and told that damn sister of hers that he was usy with his kids¡® mom.


    Marissa. Mr. Sinir wants to talk to you,¡± Marissa was ping something vigorously on herptop and didn¡¯t en bother to raise her eyes to look at Dean¡¯s face.


    ¡®e have already discussed vital things during our ich. Now if I keep visiting his office, I won¡¯t be able


    tasks. Please ask him to let me work or I¡¯llMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    do


    ign.¡±


    my


    threat had the desired effect on Dean and on the sident of MSin. After that, nobody dared to call her


    53 53¨CNo Need


    or disturb her.


    ¡°What is going o You look upset. You were just fine before lunch,¡± Marissa¡¯s wrists already hurt with lots of typing, so she got back in her seat for a moment and closed her eyes for a minute.


    She felt Delinda¡¯s hand covering hers that was ced on the desk, ¡°You can talk to me if you want, Marissa!¡± The middle¨Caged, kind woman suggested to her in charge who had been anything but mean to her.


    The way she helped her with her son¡¯s treatment was such a kind gesture and Delinda wanted to pay it off with empathy.


    ¡°You said you are a single mother,¡± Marissa asked Delinda whose smile vanished from her face and was reced by a frown.


    ¡°Yeah. I am,¡± Delinda mustered a smile, ¡°He loved me so much. The moment, I conceived my little one, we


    decided to get married. His family wasn¡¯t happy, but we did go ahead with the decision,¡± Delinda was staring into space, ¡°There were only three days to our wedding when I got a call that he had an ident.¡±


    Marissa could see agony on her face, ¡°More than his


    53 53- No Need


    death, the thing that shattered me more was the attitude of his family. He belonged to a loaded background, yet his family ditched me and said that the boy I was carrying in my tummy was never his, to begin with.¡±


    Marissa could see the u.


    heduled tears, ¡°They never


    epted me, and I was left alone with my boy. So, I


    started my business so that someday I might stand face to face with my son¡¯s grandfather and tell him that¡­ See! I never needed your money. You shove your money up your ass,¡± thest sentence made Marissa giggle.


    ¡°Our story seems simr,¡± Marissa held back Delinda¡¯s


    hand.


    ¡°Why? Your kids¡® father also died?¡± Delinda asked, curiosity etched on her face.


    ¡°Oh, no. No. That¡¯s a long story. I loved him but he ditched me. Didn¡¯t trust me. Now when he is aware of his kids, he is ready to ept them, but he doesn¡¯t want me in his life.¡± Marissa smiled sadly.


    ¡°So, he is your ex¡­ and you are his ex too. Right?¡± Delinda probed trying to understand the situation that


    20.33


    53 63 No Not


    soundedplicated.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not his ex,¡± she said but Delinda¡¯s brows


    furrowed in confusion, How to tell her that she is still


    married to Rafael?


    There was no proof


    wedding, so no divorce took


    ce.


    ¡°He just doesn¡¯t ept me in front of the world. For him. I¡¯m like a dirty secret where he wants to shoo me away in a closet. It¡¯s basically a tangled mess.¡±


    She smirked and started ying with the paperweight. ced before her.


    ¡°Have you epted him yet, Marissa?¡± She nced at Delinda, who wanted to hear more of it.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°What I mean is¡­¡± Delinda leaned forward her voice dropping to a whisper, ¡°Have you epted him in front of this world? Because if you haven¡¯t, you can¡¯t me him. What if he is waiting for you? A woman he knows nothing about except that she is the mom of his kids. He can¡¯t make big ims unless he is sure what you feel about him, Marissa, I know it¡¯s all a gamble. But I insist that if you want him to ept you and


    53 53 No Need


    present you in front of this world as his beloved¡­ then you need to take the first step.¡±


    Delinda had a point.


    But how to tell Delinda that he was always head over


    heels for Valerie? He never liked brtes.


    During their datin


    riod, Valerie made it a point to


    say repeatedly how he despised Brtes.


    Marissa had to blink several times to control her tears,


    ¡°He has moved forward and is only here in my life to


    meet kids.¡±


    ¡°What if he is also thinking the same?¡± Delinda


    whispered again.


    ¡°Meaning?¡±


    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­ Marissa¡­ what if he also thinks that you are letting him into your life because of kids and you have moved on too.¡±


    They both jumped in panic when a loud voice rang in the hall, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen. Just look at this!¡± This was Dean who was showing the event stage drawing to


    everyone.


    The whole room buzzed with the cheering.


    63


    12 53. No Need


    ¡°You did good, Peter!¡± Delinda cheered for the guy who was blushing from all the teasing. Delinda had left the seat while Marissa was still stuck in the line the older


    woman just uttered,


    ¡°What if he is also thinking


    same?¡±


    ***


    ¡°Marissa. My bosses used to tell me that I¡¯m a workaholic. And now look at you,¡± Dean took off his coat from the stand and picked up hisptop bag.


    It was the end of another workday, and everyone else had already left the office.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about me being a workaholic, Dean. After bing a mom, one needs to perform her duties before time. So, that in case of any emergency or urgency, I should be one step ahead.¡±


    ¡°If your work is done then I can give you a ride home,¡± after his offer Marissa opened her mouth to say no when a heavy voice spoke behind her.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll drop her home tonight.¡±


    54 54¨CIt Wasn¡¯t OK!

 Chapter 54

    54 54- It Wasn¡¯t OK!


    If it was some other asion, Marissa would have clearly denied him. However, after talking to Delinda she felt better.


    She needed to ept that she chickened out because she feared for the lives of her babies. Also, she needed to get this through her thick skull that Valerie was his. wife and she needed to live with the fact.


    Telling him about her feelings was useless if staying with her in the past was nothing but just a misunderstanding from his side.


    Dean gave them a subtle nod and left the hall leaving them alone.


    ¡°Would you mind if I drop you?¡± This time when he asked, she nodded.


    ¡°Sure,¡± if her answer had stunned him, he didn¡¯t let it


    show on his face.


    ***


    They both were in the car that was smoothly running on the road. He was focused on driving while sitting in


    18


    54 54 I Wasn¡¯t OK!


    the passenger seat she was observing him.


    After a few moments offortable silence, he tried to break the ice, ¡°You didn¡¯t finish your lunch today¡­


    there was a reason ld Valerie¡­¡±


    ¡°Can we please not talk about her?¡± she hurriedly raised her hand to stop him but didn¡¯t quit watching


    him.


    ¡°OK,¡± he drove silently, and she realized that he wasn¡¯t asking for directions. Flint was right.


    Rafael knew where she was living.


    ¡°How much loan do you owe to yourndlord?¡± he turned to her when they stopped at a red light. This time he had changed the topic.


    Marissa was already nervous due to his closeness, she took time to process the question, ¡°Landlord?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. The one who owns the ce and allows tenants to stay there in return for the monthly rent,¡± he might be serious, but she didn¡¯t miss the amusement in his


    voice.


    She closed her eyes and smiled, ¡°Yeah. I know what andlord is¡­¡± she trailed off when Amir¡¯s face popped


    58


    up in her head.


    That face disgusted her.


    ¡°I have got papers at home, and I can pro copy of it! Why?¡±


    Anybody who used to hear that she had taken


    you a


    loan


    from Amir, used to ask her why she didn¡¯t try for a


    bank loan.


    Now she was ready for the same query from Rafael


    too.


    When he didn¡¯t ask anything, she twisted her whole body in his direction and gave him a long stare, ¡°What?¡± he asked her after feeling her eyes on his face.


    ¡°Ask me whatever is there on your mind, Rafael.¡± She gave him a challenging look, but he kept driving.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯m ready for it. Shoot!¡±


    ¡°Ok,¡± he nodded, his eyes still on the road, ¡°When will youpensate for today¡¯s lunch?¡±


    Wait what?


    She was speechless. What kind of question was it?


    She narrowed her eyes to stare hard but then she


    20.35


    54 54 It Wasn¡¯t OK!


    reminded herself that hard stare was reserved for her


    kids.


    Not for this man.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you ask me why I didn¡¯t go lo. a bank loan?¡± he pursed his lips into a thin line and saw her doing the


    same.


    ¡°No. I won¡¯t,¡± he said in a whisper, and she felt him tightening the grip around the steering wheel.


    She frowned when she saw his white knuckles. What


    was exactly on his mind?


    She didn¡¯t know what got into her when she slowly ced her hand on his.


    He examined their hands for a moment and she felt his tension releasing slowly.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to ask it bec¡­ because I¡¯m ashamed¡­¡±


    his voice trailed off leaving her surprised.


    ¡°Ashamed of what?¡±


    ¡°Ashamed of what you must have gone through to kneel before someone and ask for money,¡± he could feel tears in his voice and she felt sorry for him.


    203


    He was in a tough spot not aware that his own mother


    was involved in it.


    Marissa felt him slowing down the r


    nd parked it on the side of the road. For a few mine, there was heavy silence hanging there.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± he looked down on hisp rubbing his hand


    on the thigh, ¡°when this weekend I¡¯ll visit our kids, I need to give you the respect you deserve. The respect I couldn¡¯t give you when you needed it most. Can you be amodating a bit for the sake of our kids?¡±


    Seeing him upset had taken Marissa¡¯smon sense. She didn¡¯t know what he was asking for but just nodded her head like a fool.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she gave him an over¨Cbrightened smile, ¡°We both need to be amodating for the sake of


    our kids.¡±


    Rafael¡¯s face lit up and he pinched her cheek with affection reminding Marissa when he used to do it, whenever he used to visit her house.


    To hide her blushing cheeks, she turned to look out the window, hearing his chuckle behind her as he


    started the car.


    54 54¨CIt Wasn¡¯t OK! Wasn¡¯t.OK!


    When they reached outside her home, he rolled down


    his side of the window and took out


    better look at the small, old building.


    lead to have aThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Have they gone to sleep already?¡± she followed his gaze and nodded.


    ¡°Yes. They are early sleepers and early risers, and they love when Flint tucks them into bed.¡±


    Listening to Marissa about his kids made Rafael feel giddy. He could feel his heart fluttering in his chest.


    He quickly got out and being a gentleman rounded the car to open her side of the door.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡±


    ¡°My pleasure,¡± he bowed as if she was a princess.


    She started taking back steps with a sheepish smile, ¡°You can go. I¡¯m a big girl and can go inside the house myself.¡±


    Leaning to the car, his hands were folded on his chest and Marissa thought that he was the most handsome


    man alive on the earth.


    ¡°I know, Ms. Aaron. Just need to set an example for my


    son¡± he murmured looking into her eves.


    54 54¨CIt Wasn¡¯t OK!


    She gulped hard and fished for her keys in her purse. After unlocking the door, she waved at him. ¡°Bye!¡±


    He also waved back, ¡°Goodnight, Marissa


    When she closed the door there was a big grin on her face. Chewing her lower lips, she tip¨Ctoed in the silent. house and quickly reached the window.


    As most of the house was enveloped in darkness, she peeked from the window and felt her breathing hitch when found him still standing there leaning against his


    car.


    However, she jumped in panic when her phone started ringing in her purse. She quickly got to it because the loud ringtone could wake the dead up.


    It was an unknown called ID.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she spoke on the phone and tried to peek from


    her window.


    ¡°Stop looking down from the window and go to sleep,


    strawberry¡­¡±


    Marissa felt her heart sinking.


    He never called her strawberry when he was with


    Valerie. He started calling her by this endearment


    54 54¨CIt Wasn¡¯t OK!


    after she got married to him.


    Wanting to meet his kids was OK.


    Befriending her for the sake of kids was also OK.


    But calling her strawberry?


    No! It wasn¡¯t OK!


    Comme

 Chapter 55

    55 55- Celebration


    ¡°Ethan is so handsome. The way he looks at me¡­ oh¡­ it makes my heart melt,¡± a


    remarked.


    from their tour group


    ¡°I still can¡¯t decide what is the color of his eyes! Grey? Blue?¡± this girl had a dreamy look on her face.


    Valerie was listening to all of them but wasn¡¯t saying anything. She was sitting there as if she was deaf.


    After enjoying the cruise for one week, their tour leader escorted them to this hotel that had all the greenery around it.


    Right now, they all were enjoying the sun on the huge terrace of the hotel.


    Valerie was getting tired of all this. Keeping Rafael happy so that he won¡¯t leave her. Keeping his mom happy so that he won¡¯t divorce her.


    Trying to conceive so that they let her stay in the Sinir family.


    All this havoc was enough to make her exhausted. Nina Sinir never talked to her so rudely butst


    55 55 Celebration


    night she wasn¡¯t her usual self.


    Valerie needed to think about something. If Rafael was cheating, then maybe she shuld catch him


    red¨Chanded and that could help immensely in iming half of his property after divorce.


    Though she studied about Ethan Lockwood on the inte. He was also the only son of a big industrialist.


    She didn¡¯t need money if Ethan was already a Richie rich. But this time she wanted to y it sensibly.


    Last time she made a wrong move by leaving Rafael without a backup n. Not this time.


    ¡°Valerie! Are you even listening to what we are saying,¡± a girl whom Valerie knew nothing about tried to get


    her attention.


    Another girl gave her sarcastic grin and waved her hand, ¡°I think she is thinking about Ethan. Babe! If he has taken you to bed that means nothing. Ok?¡±


    All the senses in Valerie¡¯s body were awakened. They knew that she slept with him? But how?


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she married to Rafael Sinir?¡± another girl


    mentioned her husband¡¯s name. Most of them were


    55 55 Celebration


    apanied by their boyfriends on this trip. Only a few of them were single.


    Valerie and Ethan were among thetter ones.


    ¡°So howe you slept with Ethan,¡­ when you are married? Aren¡¯t you faithful to your husband? Do you have some shame?¡±


    Valerie already had too much on her te and these scumbags were taking away thest shred of her


    peace.


    ¡°Can you all please stop bullying her?¡± a smile touched her lips when she heard Ethan¡¯s stern voice behind her,


    ???


    ¡°For once can you all stop poking your noses in others¡®


    business?¡±


    His question was met by the hush that fell over the


    group.


    ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t sit here,¡± he offered her, his hand and


    helped her to stand up.


    Valerie didn¡¯t take even a second to smile at him just to make the other girls more jealous. There was one girl


    who had bitterness on her face.


    Valerie winked at her secretly and walked away with


    < 55 55¨CColebration


    Ethan.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me from those buffoons,¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± he left her hand and ced his hands inside the pockets of his shorts.


    ¡°So¡­ did you give it a thought?¡± he asked her in a whisper when he thought nobody was watching them. They were walking towards the hotel bar.


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know very well what I¡¯m talking about. I asked you to ditch your husband ande to me,¡±


    Several wrinkles formed on her forehead, ¡°It¡¯s not that easy.¡±


    She was still scared. What if Marissa would return?


    Valerie always felt her eyes on Rafael. She used to enjoy the hunger she used to see in her sister¡¯s eyes whenever Rafael was around.


    There were very rare moments when she won against Marissa. Marissa had always been a bright, studious kind of child who rarely had any serious boyfriend.


    ording to her mom, Marissa used to study hard toThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    55 55 Celebration


    so she didn¡¯t need any degree.


    Marissa was ambitious and always used to dream


    about earning her own money while


    ie and her


    mom knew that she would find a rich prince charming who would never allow her to even lift a finger.


    Now Ethan was offering her toe to him.


    For Valerie, Rafael had been like a trophy that she could show to the world. She had seen envy in the girls¡® eyes for herself.


    For the first time, she felt like she achieved something that Marissa didn¡¯t have except the looks department.


    What if Marissa was keeping a tab on Rafael? The moment she would get the news that Rafael was again a bachelor, she wouldn¡¯t take a second toe back


    into his life.


    Instead of going inside the bar, they turned to the hallway that led them to the garden. She was still engrossed in thinking about the future.


    Ethan stopped in his tracks and held her both hands, ¡°Tell me. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ration


    She swiped her tongue on her upper lip and clicked her tongue inside her cheek, ¡°Rafael will never let me walk away with any of his money. He might spend on me extravagantly, but h uld never let me have a chunk of his property.¡±


    ¡°So why wait, Valerie when I have got everything,¡± he was so down to earth that he wasn¡¯t telling her about his loaded family and the industries he owned across the globe.


    However, this time she wanted to step into Ethan¡¯s life with some of her own money. And only Rafael could provide it to her.


    ¡°If I¡¯ll prove in the court that my husband is cheating, then I think they¡¯ll give me the half¨Ccut.¡±


    ¡°No silly,¡± he pinched her chin, ¡°Cheating or no cheating. Rafael has to give you half of his property.¡±


    When she stayed silent, he again spoke. ¡°If you prove in court that he is cheating on you then I can make sure, you get more than half.¡±


    For a minute she felt a sh of evil in his eyes but then


    it was there just for a moment.


    nd how ara um


    ara Ethan?¡±


    ¡°Because, he held her by elbows, ¡°I¡¯m awyer. Studying business was my father¡¯s dream but taking aw degree was my passion.¡±


    Valerie couldn¡¯t believe her luck.


    She had awyer by her side. A richwyer! Interesting!


    She quickly held his hand in hers and brushed off the unseen dirt from his cheek, ¡°I have decided to go to Kanderton directly. Will you apany me?¡±


    Yes. There was something fishy and she needed to catch Rafael red¨Chanded so that Nina Sinir wouldn¡¯t


    make a fuss.


    Ethan gave a hard kiss on her mouth, ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go to Kanderton,¡± after their hot kissing session they both became breathless.


    ¡°Let¡¯s celebrate it in my bed. Come on!¡± Ethan started dragging her to his hotel room where they could make love.


    She tried hard to suppress her smile, but Ethan had seen it and, in a few moments, their yful squeals were filling up the hall.

 Chapter 56

    56 56- Sorry Valerie


    ¡°Your lips taste like strawberr


    never get this taste before?¡±


    Now why I could


    ¡°You smell so good and the way your soft body reacts. to my touch¡­ the way your body melts in my hands¡­ I just want to remain inside you¡­¡±


    ¡°Whenever I hold your boobs¡­ they fill my hands so perfectly, Strawberry,¡± all the whispers kept interrupting her sleep.


    All those nightmares were back because he called her strawberryst night.


    As a result?


    She went to the office with swollen eyes. Even the makeup concealer couldn¡¯t cover the underbags and


    dark circles that were evident on her face.


    It was Friday and the weekend was about to start. Tonight, Rafael was expected to meet the kids and she wanted to make it as easy as possible for him and fort


    her kids.


    For a moment she wished, she hadn¡¯t epted this


    50 50 Sorry Valerin


    offer and could run away far from there.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem alright to me,¡± Dean asked her in


    concern, ¡°Did you stay awakest night? Are your kids, ok?¡±


    She had just returned to her desk with a cup of ck coffee. This was the only thing that could keep her sane today.


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± she chuckled rolling her eyes heavenward, ¡°You know? Life of a mommy!¡±


    He nodded in understanding and ced a file in front of her, ¡°I¡¯ve brought you this file as I need to


    apany Mr. Joseph to a meeting. But if you think it¡¯s not manageable then please feel free to return it to


    me.¡±


    Marissa made a pout while eyeing this man who had been nothing but super helpful. She got to her feet and nted a kiss on his cheek, ¡°Has anyone ever told you, you are a sweetheart, Dean?¡±


    Dean felt embarrassed and wiped his cheek with his fingers. For a moment, Marissa felt like he was a bigger version of Alex.


    Sheughed and sat down on her seat.


    ¡°Go to that meeting and forget about the file,¡± she said good¨Cnaturedly and got busy with her work.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you join us for lunch?¡± Delinda asked her worriedly when saw her typing frantically on theptop.


    She was too busy adding some numbers to the Excel


    sheet.


    ¡°You go ahead, Linda. I need to finish it before four


    p.m.¡±


    Almost everyone on the floor was heading to the nearby restaurants or Caf¨¦ when the door to the President¡¯s office opened and she noticed Rafael emerging from it, out of the corner of her eye.


    ¡°Did you have anything since morning?¡± he asked her in concern and pulled a chair to sit on it.


    ¡°I had a toast this morning and then had coffee in the office. Thank you.¡± She remained focused on the task at hand.


    ¡°Last night¡­ Did I do something I shouldn¡¯t have done? Or is it something I said that offended you in any way?¡± he asked her in a low voice, and she felt her


    walme west with the mont


    200


    50 50 tommy Valerie:


    Though the ACs were working just fine.


    ¡°You might have misunderstood. Rafael. I just want to


    get it done in time,¡± this time.


    threw a casual smile


    in his direction and then resumed her typing. She must have typed some more words when arge hand


    covered hers not letting her fingers move anymore.


    Her eyes snapped to his face, who was already looking at her, ¡°Talk to me.¡±


    She offered a faltered smile and shook her head, ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ Just¡­ just meet the kids. Let¡¯s keep it that way¡­ for the sake of our kids¡­¡±


    He nodded agreeing with her, ¡°For the sake of our kids.¡± He then got up and leaned down. Marissa thought he wanted to have a look at theptop screen, and she quickly turned it towards him.


    However, she turned into a statue when the familiar.


    soft lips kissed her cheek, ¡°I¡¯ll be there before dinner,¡± he mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m sending you sandwiches. Eat them. OK?¡± without waiting for her response, he went back to his office.


    ¡°Damn you, Rafael!¡± She muttered under her breath and pushed away theptop.


    ***


    66 60- Sorry Valerio


    Rafael was getting ready in the hotel room whistling to himself, Yesterday he asked Dean to find him a penthouse because he had the intention to spend more time in Kanderton.


    He kept it casual by wearing denim pants along with a grey turtleneck shirt. He was brushing his wet hair when his phone started ringing.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he received it without looking at the caller ID.


    ¡°Are you going somewhere?¡±


    Shit! He had taken his mom¡¯s video call.


    ¡°Hello, Mom. I¡¯m fine, thank you. How about you!¡± he greeted Nina with a yful grin, but she was his mom and took the sarcasm well.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you try to divert my attention! Is it a date? You two are not at all serious about bringing a Sinir heir into this world!¡± sheined to him, but he remained busy in examining his image in the mirror.


    <i>You </i><i>have </i><i>heirs</i><i>, </i><i>Mom</i>. You aren¡¯t aware of <i>it</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>wish <i>I </i><i>could </i><i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>Marissa asked me <i>something</i>, trusting me<i>¡­ </i><i>and </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i>break her trust<i>.</i>


    Somy Valeri


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a casual date with Joseph. Remember? Today is Friday. After a long week of work, we need to unwind in some bar.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Gosh, Rafael. Valerie was right. Wha aking you so long? What¡¯s so special about Kanderton that you have forgotten about the Sangua office? If you have forgotten, then let me remind you that the headquarters of MSin Industries is here, son.¡±


    Rafael who was spraying cologne stopped midway and looked at the screen, ¡°What did Valerie tell you? What will I do in Sangua when she is enjoying her trip?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember her friend, Na?¡±


    No, Rafael didn¡¯t remember any of Valerie¡¯s friends, ¡°She overheard Valerie when she was talking to a friend. I think she is nning toe to Kanderton.¡±


    <i>What</i>? Rafael felt his blood run cold.


    ¡°Valerie¡­ what? How is it possible, Mom?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, son. When Na called her mom, I was there too. Her mom is my regr client and always orders the most expensive stuff in my boutique. Even if your wife ising to Kanderton, just wee her. A


    good romantic dinner might bring a good Sinir


    bert


    the wet constant


    I has see


    Mom I¡¯m getingte Will talk to youter. By the way I¡¯ming back to Sangs within three days. So,


    It¡¯s useless Valerie vuits Kanderton


    Before Nina could say anything rur. Raffar disconnected the call after a loud ¡°Bye¡±


    Valerie is nning to visit me here? Not Not now


    Valorie


    Marissa requested me for only one thing <i>and </i><i>that </i>was


    not to tell about our kids, to Nina or Valerie I¡¯m not


    <i>nning </i>to blow it all away when she is putting an


    effort to trust the


    Right now, <i>I </i>don¡¯t want any more disturbance in my life. I still need some time to bond with my kids and


    win back my wife


    Sorry, Valerie For the time <i>being</i>, you <i>are </i><i>not </i>wee


    to Kanderton

 Chapter 57

    57 57- Hi There


    Sophic and Flint could see


    arissacing around in


    agitation. Rafael was expected toe around seven, but the kids were ready before siz.


    Even Marissa was nervous about her dress. She


    decided on a skirt and then a floral summer dress and then she decided, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to show off


    her legs.


    Poor Sophia and Flint keptforting her nerves now they also had given up. Tonight, no employee had stayed back for any order.


    Marissa didn¡¯t want any of them to witness the meeting. She was already on the edge and now didn¡¯t want any more stuff on her te.


    ¡°Can you please sit down?¡± Sophie gave her a


    sympathetic look and looked at the kids who had now gotten busy with Legos.


    ¡°Sophie,¡± Marissa came to her friend absent¨Cmindedly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think these couches should be ced in L shape so that we all can face each other?¡±


    20


    62 57 H.There


    Sophie twisted her neck to look at Flint who appeared to be busy reading a newspaper but could hear everything.


    ¡°How about I move these chairs against the wall, this will have a good effect on the room. What do vou say?¡± she sped her hands like a child who wasn


    keep her excitement.


    le to


    ¡°Marissa. Why don¡¯t you drink some coffee? I can make coffee for all of us¡­ there is still time to¡­¡± She trailed off when heard a light sound from the small desk where the kids were sitting. The Lego Mountain had fallen on the ground and the kids had started giggling.


    ¡°Sweethearts. Pick up those pieces,¡± she darted towards the small table and crouched down to get all the pieces, ¡°I told you we are expecting your¡­ dad and ¡­ this ce should look clean,¡±


    She started putting all the Lego pieces on the desk. The kids gave a sheepish look to each other when Abigail made a pout, ¡°We have been expecting dad for quite some time and he is not even here, Mommy!¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She scratched her head in agitation and ced her


    cheek down on the table.


    ¡°Yeah. Right. It looks like a supervisor ising for an inspection,¡± Alex¡¯s remark earned him more giggles,


    and Marissa who was kneeling near them, fell back on


    her ass.


    ¡°No. He is not a supervisor. He is¡­ a¡­ good man¡­ a good dad¡­¡± poor her didn¡¯t know how to convince her kids that their dad was the most amazing man in the


    world.


    No matter what he did to her, but her kids should share a good bond with him.


    Marissa¡¯s eyes moved to the wall clock while she murmured, ¡°He should be here any minute¡­¡±


    Ariel had started yawning loudly by now. None of them were used to stay at one ce and they also wanted to eat something.


    ¡°Can we have nuggets, Mom?¡± Ariel asked her mom fluttering hershes quite dramatically, ¡°Staying in one ce makes me so hungry.¡±


    Alex chuckled but then got serious when found his mom looking at him.


    ¡°Hey, Ariel,¡± Flint atst lowered his newspaper, ¡°Just wait for those nuggets, love. Because¡­ YOUR DAD CAN BE HERE ANY MINUTE. HAHA¡­¡±


    All of them cracked up when Flint said thest sentence at the top of his lungs.


    Only Marissa was the one, frowning, cing her hips, ¡°This is rude, you all!¡±


    and on


    She went back to the only activity she was doing.


    And that was, taking a stroll in the living room.


    All of them almost jumped when they heard the


    doorbell,


    ¡°Oh my


    God! It¡¯s him!¡± Marissa felt a surge of panic, she ced her palm on her chest, ¡°What to do? Oh, I think I should open the door.¡±


    Sophic tried to stop her, ¡°Marissa wait! It¡¯s not even


    seven! It¡¯s not him!¡±


    ¡°He usually reaches before time, Sophie,¡± she said over her shoulder, her voice trembling slightly, and she


    opened the door hurriedly only to find a mailman standing there,


    ¡°Ms Marissa Aaron?¡±


    Thuse


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± she replied, her heart still pounding.


    ¡°Please sign it here and receive this mail,¡± He held out a clipboard and made her sign a paper. She signed it and epted therge envelope he handed her.


    It the


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sophie moved closer, curiosity etched on her face as she tried to take a better lo envelope. Marissa shrugged in confusion and tore it


    open.


    ¡°A court notice?¡± Flint took the document from her hand, his expression darkening as he read it, ¡°It¡¯s from Amir. He has sent you a legal notice demanding you to pay off the debts or he¡¯ll make us vacate this ce.¡±


    Marissa paled when she heard Flint and took back the document, ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening,¡± Her voice was barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Why is he doing it? We agreed on a five¨Cyear tenure,¡± Marissa wanted to crush the document and throw it


    out of the window.


    ¡°The only thing he is taking advantage of is no written proof,¡± Flint tried to exin to her, ¡°The worst part is he can do it quite easily. All the paperwork is in his favor, and he knows how to exploit the situation.¡±


    20.37


    Marissa didn¡¯t want to panic at this unexpected turn of


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she felt Sophia¡¯s hand on her shoulder. ¡°We will figure out something¡±


    Marissa took a deep breath trying to steady her


    ¡°Who can give me this much cash¡± She asked more to herself.


    Flint and Sophie felt sorry for her. None of them had that kind of money in their ount.


    Just then Sophia¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Marissa¡­ I have an idea. Why don¡¯t you talk to¡­ I mean why don¡¯t you try to¡­¡±


    ¡°Sophie!¡± Marissa gave her a tired smile, ¡°I don¡¯t have enough energy to handle any more riddles¡­¡±


    ¡°What I wanted to say is¡­¡± Before Sophia could say another word, the doorbell rang again.


    Flint who was standing closest to the door opened it, they found Rafael standing there with a smile on his face, looking as gorgeous as ever.


    His eyes didn¡¯t take time to find Marissa, ¡°Hi there!¡±


    DR 58¨CFm A Nobody!

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58- I''m A Nobody!


    "HI there," his eyes lit up as soon as they found Marissa. Flint stepped aside and gestured for him toe in.


    Ignoring every other person in the room, Rafael headed straight to her and handed her the bouquet. Holding the heavy bouquet Marissa was about to utter a thank you when he leaned forward to kiss her cheek, "For the kids'' sake," he whispered with a wink and then got a little louder, "By the way you look beautiful."


    Marissa felt giddiness in the pit of her stomach. This was the same feeling she used to experience when he used to visit Valerie. He gave gentle nods to Sophie and Flint then turned his attention to the kids who had now stood up from their small chairs.


    The girls were staring at him with awestruck eyes while the boy was trying his best not to look much impressed.


    Marissa felt Rafael going still for a moment. He swallowed hard and then turned to Marissa maybe asking silently for her help.


    "Children! Meet your father, Rafael Sinir¡­" Marissa felt strange while introducing him to the kids. His name tasted good on her tongue.


    Right now, more than the president of MSin Industries, he looked more like a father who desperately wanted to be adored by his kids.


    "Hey, little ones!" raising his hand, he waved his fingers, "How are you?"


    Abigail was the first one who started taking slow steps towards him, "Ariel! See? Didn''t I tell you he looks exactly like Alex?"


    Standing behind, Alex huffed soundly at her innocently remark.


    "I know," Ariel stood behind Abigail cing her small hands on her sister''s shoulders. Rafael tried to smile but he couldn''t. He was looking down at the miniatures of Valerie and Marissa who were staring back at him with those innocent eyes.


    Very slowly he kneeled on one knee, and offered his hand for the handshake, "You must be Abigail."


    A smile broke on Abi''s lips, and she nodded eagerly. Rafael kept holding her hand and kissed it after that he moved his focus to Ariel, "Ariel? Right?" he kissed her hand too after shaking it.


    He looked behind the girls where Alex was trying hard to appear a macho strong boy. Rafael didn''t want to crush the boy''s morale on their first meeting.


    "Hey, Alex," he just waved at his son, knowing full well that he might not like any skin contact with him.


    "Alexander¡­" Marissa pointed towards Rafael using her eyes, ordering Alex silently to meet his father properly.


    But Alex ignored her too.


    "It''s ok," Rafael whispered without looking at Marissa, "he deserves to take as much time as he wants."


    When he got up, he had both the girls in his arms who were giggling, all impressed.


    "Daddy is strong!" Abigail patted his arm and Ariel was also amazed at their dad''s strength. No one ever carried them together.


    This type of protocol was only given to Abi due to her health issues.


    The smile on Ariel''s lips vanished and she bent down to hug Rafael, her small head leaning against his broad chest. Her little arms circled Rafael''s neck.


    "Thank you foring, Daddy," Everyone there could feel tears in her voice.


    Sophia signaled Flint to get inside his room. They needed to give the family some privacy. ***


    Marissa had just served them dinner and now gradually girls were getting used to Rafael''s presence. Every now and then they were exchanging nces while talking to their father.


    "So, you all are supposed to finish this chicken piece. It''s packed with protein," Rafael said while setting his fork down after finishing up his te. Abi was the only one who couldn''t seem to eat her dinner. While Ariel and Alex were asking for more chicken pieces with lots of ketchup.


    "I want waffles!" Abi said with a pout and Rafael gently picked her up from her seat and ced her small body on hisp, "I can bring it tomorrow if your mom allows."


    He stated and then started feeding her small pieces with her fork. Marissa liked the fact, that he made her the in charge in the eyes of their kids. He was making it a point to shower her with respect in front of them and to let them know that their mom still had the authority.


    After dinner, Rafael offered to tuck the kids into the bed, and Marissa got busy with the dishes.


    "Why don''t you join him in the kids'' bedroom? I can do dishes," Sophie offered her, and Marissa just shook her head. "No, silly. I want them to have some alone time. Alex is not ready for this new phase, but I just can''t force anything on him."


    "Don''t worry. Even Rafael understands this. I think he has his way with kids. I saw how he wasmunicating with them. He is a natural. Don''t worry, mama. You made a good decision."


    Sophie pped her back and switched on the coffee machine. Initially, they could hear slow whispersing from the room but now there was nothing but silence.


    "Why are they not talking anymore?" Marissa shrugged in confusion. She had already ced a storybook on the bedside for Rafael. They tiptoed to the room and peeked inside only to be taken aback by the scene before them. On the small bunk, Alex was sleeping peacefully.Rafael was lying beside him taking up most of the space, and the girls were fast asleep on his chest.


    Holding them Rafael had also gone to sleep with his mouth slightly open.


    "Oh God! Look at them! They are so adorable!" Sophie breathed near her ear and all Marissa wanted to do was cry.


    "Mar. Go and wake him up. He might need to reach home on time," Marissa nodded at Sophie''s advice and went inside the room.


    "Rafael¡­" she whispered shaking his shoulder, but the man had started snoring. She suppressed the mirth and shook his shoulder again, "Rafael! Wakie wakie!"


    Rafael opened his sleepy eyes which were bloodshot and tried to understand where he was. "Marissa?" he rubbed his fist against his eye and tried to stretch when realized two small figures lying on top of him.


    He smiled softly and rolled a little to put them on the mattress.


    "I''ll put them in their beds," he offered. Marissa who was leaning over to wake him, tried to straighten up with a smile, but he grabbed her wrist from his shoulder and made her topple on top of him.


    "Rafael!" her eyes widened in surprise, as she whispered his name. She was now lying on his chest, her boobs pressed against him.


    He gently brushed the hair strand off her forehead and tucked it behind her ear.


    "You never leave your hair down!" those were the most unexpected and absurd words she had heard from his mouth. Before she could say anything, they heard a slightmotion outside the room.


    "Who is there?" Rafael muttered with a frown and had to leave Marissa half-heartedly. When Marissa went out, he carried the girls to their respective beds and exited the room.


    The scene before him was unexpected. A young man who might be younger than him was holding Marissa in his arms twisting her body around. "Gerard! Put me down!" she was trying to warn him and wasughing continuously. It didn''t take much time for his facial expressions to harden. The young man whose name was Gerard, froze when he noticed Rafael. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    "Who are you?" The young man asked him with a frown and slowly let Marissa slide down until her feet touched the floor.


    "Who am I?" a sarcastic smirk touched Rafael''s lips, "Well! I''m a nobody!" with that he left the house without saying goodbye to anyone.

 Chapter 59

    59 59- A Mess


    After Rafael left, the silence still lingered in the air. Gerard gave a c fusing look to Flint, ¡°What!¡±


    Flint snapped at him, ¡°Don¡¯t act like a fool, Gerard. We all know he resembles Alex a lot!¡±


    ¡°Resembles, Alex?¡± Gerard repeated.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get us some beer,¡± Sophie once again left Marissa alone and went to the kitchen.


    ¡°You contacted the kids¡® father?¡± He seemed to have difficulty wrapping his head around the fact.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. He contacted us,¡± Marissa brought him to the couch, ¡°now tell me about your business trip. This


    one took longer,¡±


    She mouthed a silent thank you to Sophia who was handing over the beer cans to them.


    ¡°I know, Marrisa. And I missed you every minute of it!¡± Sophia wanted to roll her eyes. This dude knew Marissa never encouraged his advances and still he was reminding her how much he missed her.


    ¡°You look tired,¡± Sophie remarked and took another


    20:39


    179


    sofa right across him, folding her legs under her.


    ¡°Yes¡± he took a chug from his can, because I just came straight from the airport.


    ¡°Straight from the airport!¡± Marissa and Sophie both repeated after him but for some reason, his mood seemed grey.


    ¡°So, what this dude¡­ who is supposedly your kids¡® father, is doing here?¡± he was trying his best to keep the sarcasm out of his tone, but they did get the hint.


    Marissa wasn¡¯t nning to back off. She gave him a sweet smile and raised the beer can in her hand. ¡°Cheers foring back home. G. Now you tell me. What do YOU think about it? Why was he here? You telll me.¡± She demanded with a poised smile.


    There was so much confidence on her face and in her actions that for a minute Gerard was speechless.


    ¡°No. I meant to say is¡­¡± he took time in gulping down the canned liquid. ¡°If he is their father then maybe you could have sent the kids to his ce. I know it has to be your decision and I respect it. Marissa. But the way be tried to hurt you in the past ¡­¡±


    Wherever hannened hannened in the past. He might


    A M


    have hurt me, but he is still their father. I can¡¯t tell my kids that they are supposed to meet him at his ce because he is not wee here.¡±


    Gerard went quiet after that.


    It seemed like he was not liking it. Hispany sent him away for a business trip to close some important deals and here Marissa got busy meeting her ex.


    He felt hurt.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± his expression suddenly transformed, ¡°I like your decision, Marissa, I wish my Mom had decided the same for me. She never let me meet my


    father.¡±


    Sophie and Marissa nodded in sympathy,


    Gerard got to his feet and asked for their empty cans. He then disposed of them in the kitchen bin.


    ¡°I guess I must leave now. Already jet¨Clegged due to long flight.¡± He stretched and, in the process, his t¨Cshirt lifted a little giving a glimpse of his well¨Ctoned


    abs.


    ¡°By the way he straightened, ¡°I can also stay here if Marissa will let me¡­ in her room. Ha¨Cha, both the


    SP 59. A Mass


    girls were at a loss for words on his poor sense of humor.


    ¡°Come on, you two! I was just kidding.¡±


    He then ruffled Sophie¡¯s hair and kissed Marissa¡¯s cheek before going out of the apartment.


    When the door mmed shut, Mariss


    eyed each other and fell back tiredly.


    d Sophia


    ¡°Gosh! An ideal start to the weekend,¡± Sophie muttered and startedughing.


    Marissa sighed, ¡°Agree!¡± she said looking up at the ceiling.


    ¡°Now what, Mar?¡± Sophie asked her and Marissa knew what she was talking about.


    Rafael Sinir.


    He seemed mad.


    What would she do now?


    ¡°That was hell awkward, man!¡± Sophie remarked again.


    Marissa tried to remember the moment when he


    pulled her to him and touched her hair. Her hand


    raised and touched the same hair strand.


    20.40


    59 59¨CA Mess


    ¡°You never leave your hair down!¡± he had said to her.


    God! What¡¯s the matter with me? He was here for the


    kids! Not me!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Sophie patted her shoulder, ¡°Go and get some sleep. We¡¯ll think in the morning,¡± she yawned loudly.


    ¡°Right!¡± Marissa stood up and headed to her room. She needed toe up with a solution after getting some much needed sleep.


    However, throughout the night she couldn¡¯t get a peaceful sleep and kept twisting and turning in her


    bed.


    This was one of those nights when she used to dream of all the good moments she spent with Rafael.


    The way they used to talk, the way he used to touch her, and the love Nina Sinir used to shower at her.


    ¡°Never tell Rafael that you are Marissa Aaron. The moment he knows you are not Valerie Aaron, you might lose him, Marissa. I beg you to keep him safe.¡±


    She could still see Nina joining her palms together while begging her.


    20:00


    675


    Early morning when she got up there was just time thought on her mind


    ¡°You yed me, lutch You took advantage of my tem for him. If life will offer me a chaner, F¡¯ll tell you whe!Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ***


    ¡°You duhet sleep well, she felt Flint¡¯s bound in her <i>hair </i>when she was dozing with her head down on the kiti hen counter


    Poor, Mar, Nophic switched on the electric kettle for her lemon grass tea that she used to take on an empty stomach


    ¡°Mar How about I make you this tea? It will keep your belly t and dissolve all your fat. They say you¡¯ll lose weight in no time.<i>¡±</i>


    Marissa showed her a thumbs up sign without lifting


    her head


    ¡°OK. Got it. Forget about this tea¡± Sophie then turned to Flint, ¡°Grandpa. Make her coffee. She can¡¯t even seem to talk with that swollen face¡± Sophia then eyed Marissa with a meaningful pout, ¡°I was thinking to give


    50 50 A Moss


    around our bellies¡­¡± This time Marissa didn¡¯t let her


    finish and atst raised her face,


    ¡°Your tire, Sophie. I don¡¯t have any tires. It¡¯s just a


    pouch¡­ a small, baby pouch,¡± Sophie observed her face with a smile,


    ¡°Yeah. Agree. Pouch!¡±


    ¡°And you can¡¯t lose that belly tire of yours if you keep snacking those sweet treats. That¡¯s the reason I take very little sugar,¡± Marissa snapped with narrowed


    eyes.


    ¡°Yeah! I have seen how you avoid those sugar cravings by eating lots of ice cream!¡± Sophie attacked back and that red Marissa¡¯s rage.


    ¡°Donuts and ice¨Ccreams are your department, not


    mine!¡±


    ¡°Girls! Can you two shut up, please ¡­ There is


    someone at the door! I don¡¯t know who will visit us at


    this ungodly hour¡­¡± Poor Flint who was pouring coffee into cups tried to move their focus away from this morning¡¯s fight but none of the girls heard him.


    ¡°Fine!¡± he threw his arms in the air and went to open


    the door


    7/9


    20:40


    50 59- A Mess


    However, both the girls had to hold their verbal judo and froze when Rafael Sinir entered the kitchen with a huge grin on his face. He looked handsome in that casual t¨Cshirt and cotton trousers, w dark shades on his face.


    ¡°Hello! I brought waffles for you all¡­¡± he lifted the brown paper bags that he was carrying and tossed a huge container of Vani ice cream on the counter, ¡°Anyone up for a waffle and ice¨Ccreambo?¡±


    Marissa wanted to crawl inside that kitchen drain hole. He looked so perfect, while she?


    Well! She looked like a mess.


    Smelly teeth, unwashed face, tired eyes, and


    disheveled hair.


    What was he doing here, early morning? Wasn¡¯t he mad,st night?


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 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60- My Shoulders


    Marissa swallowed hard and turned to Sophie who was hurriedly fixing her disheveled hair and that reminded Marissa of her own hair.


    She started brushing her fingers through her tangles and tried to smile, "Oh, Rafael. I ¡­ we¡­. weren''t expecting you¡­" she said with a shrug and realized that he was staring towards her shoulder. N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    She followed his gaze and found that the oversized t-shirt she was wearing was slipping off, exposing her smooth shoulder.


    With a faltered smile she quickly covered it, but that sleeve fell down again. "P¡­ please sit down," she left the stool abruptly, "Oh, you can sit in the living room too¡­" She looked at Sophie in panic who was now nodding her head like an obedient student.


    "Can I go and wake up kids?" he asked raising a brow and she quickly nodded.


    "Yes. Yes. Why not. Come," the n was to let Rafael deal with kids, and she would need just five minutes to wear something decent.


    Thankfully he was walking ahead because God! She wasn''t wearing a bra.


    She was so busy in her thoughts that she didn''t realize he had stopped walking, and as a result, she bumped into his back.


    "Ouch!" she held her nose tip.


    "I''m sorry," he started stroking her nose, "I¡­ just wanted to apologize forst night''s behavior¡­"


    She blinked and looked at him, "Last night?" and then she remembered about Gerard. "I know¡­ it''s personal a¡­and" He stammered, "I ¡­ I don''t have any right to¡­ ask this¡­ b¡­ but ¡­are you two romantically¡­ involved?"


    Marissa who was waiting for him to get done with his long query with a frown atst gave her head a subtle shake, "No. He is¡­ just a friend."


    The way his green orbs were focused on her face, she felt her cheeks heating up. She needed to move her attention to something else so in her haste, she went ahead, almost gluing him with the doorframe to open the door to the kids'' room.


    Rafael gave her a tight-lipped smile, gesturing toward her chest with his eyes, "That''s great. I''ll be hell jealous if someone like your friend witnesses this."


    Marissa looked down and found her assets jiggling during the movement. She quickly covered her chest with one arm and her eyes got to his face where she could see amusement dancing in his eyes.


    Before she could say anything, he had gotten inside the kids'' room with a chuckle.


    ***


    When she came out of her room after dressing up decently, she foundmotion in the living room. Rafael and the kids were cing tes and cutlery on the dining table.


    Rafael was yfully giving them directions.


    Abi and Ariel were still d in their pajamas while Alex had changed into shorts and a t-shirt. He wasn''t as chirpy but was equally helping his father and sisters.


    "Mom!" Abigail squealed and came running to her.


    "Watch out, Abi!" Marissa panicked when saw her speed and quickly crouched down to hug her. The girls were beaming due to Rafael''s unexpected presence.


    "Now tell me one thing, Daddy!" Ariel asked after arranging ice cream spoons near every seat, "Did youe early morning, or you didn''t leavest night at all?" Abigail also turned with questioning eyes to Rafael. Rafael took a long breath to think for a second when Ariel asked the unexpected question.


    "Did you kiss momst night?" Everyone who was there in the living room went still for a minute, including Rafael and Marissa. Marissa tried to clear her throat with a chuckle but then Ariel spoke again, "I saw you pulling mommy on you. But I was so sleepy that I couldn''t see if you two kissed or not¡­"


    Flint and Sophie gave Marissa that wounded look for hiding this kind of detail from them. Rafael came over and took Abi from her arms,


    "Come on, you all. We need to have breakfast. I''m starving!"


    He was aware that Marissa was getting ufortable by these shocking questions, and he couldn''t hold his kids'' tongues, but he could try to shift their attention to ice cream.


    "Now whoever arriveste at the table, will get melted ice cream," After the announcement Ariel and Alex ran to their respective chairs while Rafael hurriedly carried Abi in his arms making her squeal with delight. Marissa felt relieved when she saw kids busy scooping ice cream from the tub. Flint and Sophie also took their seats and Rafael served them Waffles.


    "How is it?" Rafael asked Abigail when she took the first spoon.


    "It''s delicious!" she showed him a thumbs up.


    "Yes, Daddy," Ariel agreed, "This is the best breakfast I ever had. You are the best."


    Marissa felt a little hurt but didn''t let it show on her face. She had been feeding them homemade meals for most of the days up till now and they never appreciated it.


    "Dad. Someday you should take us to the park. My friends'' daddies bring them¡­" Abi trailed off with a mouth full of waffles.


    "Yeah. She is right," Ariel nodded and took a spoonful of ice cream, "they even kiss their moms in the park."


    "No, they don''t!" Abigail argued and the topic of discussion was again kissing!


    Marissa wanted to roll her eyes. Her children never behaved this way in front of anyone.


    "Ariel! Abi! Finish your food!" she tried to sound a little stern, but they didn''t even bother to acknowledge her.


    "James father does kiss his mother in the park!" Ariel said loudly.


    Abigail dropped her spoon on her te, "James father once kissed Sheldon''s mom too in the park!" Marissa couldn''t take it anymore and left the living room covering her mouth with her palm as if she was choking.


    She wanted to hide in the kitchen. Holding the sink, she atst took a sigh of relief and startedughing without making any sound.


    However, she frowned when felt a presence right behind her. She spun around only to find Rafael standing there so closely that her face almost bumped into his chest.


    "I''m so sorry," she rolled her lips between her teeth, "I don''t know what got into them!"


    Without a word, Rafael''s arms were wrapping around her waist pulling her to him, "It''s ok. They are only kids. But I guess we need to inform James mom that her husband kisses Sheldon''s mom in the park."


    Clutching his t-shirt in her fists, Marissaughed hard and hid her face in his chest. For a moment Rafael looked down on her shaking shoulders and then smiled.


    You just need to stay happy, Marissa. I swear I will take every trouble of yours on my shoulders.

 Chapter 61

    61 61- Behaving Like A Kid


    If Marissa thought that Rafael would leave right after breakfast, she was wrong. He was not only tl. but was trying to get involved with his kids.


    After getting over thatughing fit in the kitchen, she had pulled back a little from his embrace, trying to maintain the distance and that was when she realized there was an unreadable expression on his face.


    She couldn¡¯t decipher it and he didn¡¯t give her enough time to read his face and got out of the kitchen leaving


    her there.


    Stop daydreaming <i>about </i>him, Marissa! He is <i>here </i>for kids! Not you<i>!</i>


    She told herself sternly and started putting tes in the dishwasher. She wanted to kiss Sophie¡¯s cheek when she saw her switching on the coffee machine.


    ¡°What happened to that weight loss tea?¡± she tried to tease her, but Sophie rolled her eyes.


    ¡°The tea was meant to be taken on an empty stomach. After a meal I deserve a strong ck coffee,¡± she then


    28-41


    61 61¨CBehaving Like A Kid


    lifted herself on her toes and called out, ¡°Rafael! Do


    you want coffee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± he called back.


    In the living room, he was sitting on the floor rug with Ariel and Abigail. Surrounded by Legs, they were trying hard to build a tower.


    As usual, Alex wasn¡¯t participating much and was busy in his tab, asionally ncing up at the group.


    Marissa wanted him to join them and form at least a friendly bond with his father. But she didn¡¯t want to force anything on him.


    Exhaling a long breath, she eyed Sophie who cing cups on the counter, ¡°What? Do I look good while making coffee? You find me se*xy?¡± Sophie teased her and Marissa held her friend from behind, leaning her


    cheek on her shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s Alex,¡± Marissa said in concern.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Sophie turned and held her hands, ¡°Just remember, Mar. He is a kid. Give him some more time. He is not a grown¨Cup like us, and all of this is new for him. Even grown¨Cups need some time to adjust in such


    situations.¡±


    201


    217


    ::


    ¶¯


    61 61¨CBehaving Like A KidThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Sigh! He was not as disinterested as he was trying to portray himself.


    They were still in the kitchen sipping their coffee and chatting when Marissa noticed ho fael¡¯s eyes found hers.


    Marissa had to ce the cup down. Every now and then their gazes would meet and every time he would give her a soft smile that made her heart flutter.


    She had almost forgotten about her surroundings when felt a poke near her ribs, ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Sophie had nudged her with her elbow, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, may I say something?¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t answer her, and her eyes remained glued to the man sitting there with her kids.


    ¡°I¡­ I think ¡­ he is still smitten by you, Mar.¡±


    Marissa tried to y it cool and shook her head, ¡°Not possible, Sophie,¡± she muttered, ¡°he might have made kids with me, but he had always been crazy for one woman¡­¡± Then she looked into Sophie¡¯s eyes, ¡°And


    that¡¯s my sister.¡±


    She then resumed sipping her coffee.


    61 61¨CBehaving Like A Kid


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel his eyes saying something to you?¡± Sophie sounded impressed, ¡°I think¡­ it¡¯s pretty


    obvious¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Marissa tried to hide her face behind the coffee cup but s. Tha was not enough.


    Size mattered!


    She still didn¡¯t look at her friend when heard her


    chuckle, ¡°Oh,e on. I¡¯ve seen the way he looks at you. I have handled many couples in my professional life. There were spouses, engaged couples,mitted, notmitted¡­ no one was as easy to read as him.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    If¡­ if Sophie thought that it all was obvious then maybe someday her office colleagues might think the


    same.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Sophie,¡± she tried tough it off, ¡°We have got this ¡­ ummplicated situation¡­¡±


    ¡°What if he is trying to uplicate it?¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s not possible¡­¡± Marissa finished off her coffee and ced her cup in the sink.


    ¡°Let me wash that.¡± Sophie offered and moved her


    20:41


    677


    wide.


    Marissa again walked to the counter where she could


    wee her kids and their father.


    ¡°Daddy. How about we build a castle¡°¡± Abi suggested


    Rafael Rafael pretended to think for ax


    snapped his fingers as if he loved the idea.


    ¡°Now why I didn¡¯t think of it before?¡±


    and then


    ¡°I also thought about castle, daddy¡­¡± Ariel gave him a thoughtful nce and that was when Marissa found Rafael casually offering Alex.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you join us, Alex?¡± she felt as if Rafael was


    holding his breath and her heart went out to him, ¡°I


    know nothing about castles, dude.¡± He admitted to the little boy.


    ¡°You can watch videos on the inte. Right now, I¡¯m


    too busy with this machine¡¯s spare parts information¡­¡± Alex¡¯s tone was not rude, but it didn¡¯t carry any


    friendliness either.


    She was so engrossed in thinking of Alex that she didn¡¯t feel Rafael¡¯s eyes on her.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± she jerked when heard her name from his


    11


    TO APOI were home brule


    dhe vet? qe three


    * of innocent eyes


    oking shee


    falk the advantage and winked. Please he Tuttered bale eyes dramatically and Marissa had doubts


    Was he the same man who ran MSin Industries? Was


    he really the president of Multinational chains?


    Because right now he was behaving like a


    three year old kid. And she wasn¡¯t able to take her


    eyes off him.

 Chapter 62

    62 62- Our Kids


    Marissa plopped down beside Rata-


    <b>all </b>the Lego pieces. *


    tran a hook at


    *So where to start from? Is it the castle only or do we need to build bridges and towers too?¡± she brought a small Lego piece near her eyes and turned her face sideways just <b>to </b>find Rafari already looking at her


    ¡°Can you look somewhere else? she whispered with a


    he </b>also made the same face.


    mimicking her smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t help it,¡± heughed


    ¡°Mommy¡± Daddy¡± What you two are whispering¡± Abi asked them with a pout. Marissa quickly cleared her throat and gave Rafael that warning re.


    ¡°Start with the castle, I don¡¯t know much about them. I


    wish he could help us,¡± she threw a subtle nce towards Alex who was still busy with his tab or maybe pretending to be busy


    Rafael followed her gaze, and a soft smile touched his


    lips. ¡°Hey, Tech whiz. If you change your mind don¡¯t


    62 62¨CDur Kids


    hesitate to join us. It shouldn¡¯t hurt if we can use some of your engineering skills.¡±


    This time Alex just nodded, and Marissa saw hope.


    Rafael was trying to build something and was asking Ariel to hand him over therger Lego pi


    At one point she felt that the castle building was tilting aside.


    Marissa quickly reached out to support the small building, he had managed to build. Their shoulders. brushed and she gave him a reassuring smile,


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, daddy. I have got this,¡± she said softly.


    Rafael¡¯s face was serious when he acknowledged her help with a nod, ¡°Thank you, Mommy.¡±


    Her eyes went back to Sophia who was standing in the kitchen doorway and had a ¡®See, I told you so¡® look on her face.


    ***


    Marissa was pleasantly surprised when she found Rafael spending most of the day with the kids.


    After sitting with them for a while she started theundry and then went to the kitchen to cut some veggies for the next day¡¯s early morning order.


    20.42


    2/9


    82 62- Our Kids


    Theter orders were usually handled by her staff.


    ¡°Are you still with them? I need to do a few more chores,¡± She bent down to ask Rafael in a whisper. He just pinched her chin affectionately and nodded, giving her a go¨Cahead.


    After getting done with theundry she wanted to shave her arms and legs. Her face badly needed a cucumber mask to freshen up her skin.


    She had also nned to use an overnight mask tonight.


    Sending a little prayer on Rafael¡¯s way, when she came out of her room Rafael was leaning back wearily against the sofa.


    There was a huge castle ced on the kids¡® desk. It was still tilted and didn¡¯t have windows at all. Even the doors looked faulty.


    ¡°Where are the windows?¡± she asked the girls who were whispering something in Rafael¡¯s ears and the tiredness on his handsome face was evident.


    ¡°Daddy said, it¡¯s OK to not make windows because


    then a dinosaur mighte in the middle of the night


    through it¡±


    20 42


    3/9


    02 02 Cis Kids


    Ariel gave her the exnation and Marissa saw Rafael clutching his lips together to stop himself fromughing.


    ¡°And what happened to these doors?¡± she asked Abigail who just shrugged fluttering hershes.


    ¡°The door will be fixed once the owner of the


    arrives,¡± Rafael answered with his eyes still closed


    ¡°Owner?¡± sheughed, ¡°who is the owner?¡±


    ¡°Daddy said that the queen is the owner, and the king will not let anyone fix the doors unless the queen


    Marissa who was nning tough hard at the outrageous exnation went still, rooted to her spot.


    Was she imagining it, or was it a silent message for


    her?


    How could she tell the children that the queen was already living in the castle and the king was waiting for nothing?


    He just didn¡¯t want to fix anything in the castle.


    ¡°Hello, folks!¡± Sophie and Flint who were out for


    grocery shopping entered carrying loads of grocery


    bags.


    Rafael was at once on his feet. He took the bags from Sophie and quickly looked over his shoulder at Alex, ¡°Alexander! Can you help Flint please?¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Marissa liked it when Rafael made a subtle effort to


    teach manners to their son.


    ¡°You should stay for dinner. I am nning to make tower sandwiches,¡± she told him when he was walking


    to the kitchen counter.


    But he shook his head, ¡°Why don¡¯t I order something for all of us?¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± she didn¡¯t know why she was being


    hesitant.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± he smiled, ¡°You¡¯ve been busy enough today. Let me take care of dinner.¡±


    The girls who were yawning, lying on the rug, jumped in excitement, ¡°Pizza! Pizza!¡± they started chanting making their parentsugh.


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Abi! NO!¡± Flint was quick to reach the girl and made her sit down.


    Rafael picked up his phone and announced loudly


    20:47


    5/9


    we one of our live


    The base put down


    Mens Tiew jmmand Turkeywall


    preme Ruffel took her


    has a singing would you prefer M. Aaron¡±


    sked trimand her her sake of icle, but


    Marst we anant jumping as hare charge.


    ¡°I can have anything¡± she smiled hermitantly avoiding


    looking at Flint and Sor who were now again giving


    or id and aar what dike Rafaels


    eyes did tos fully


    ¡°What will . Refaci


    when her sand that


    Rafael sand at hot eyes and whispered, ¡°You!¡±


    A


    62 62¨COur kids


    one of them. This time even Alex didn¡¯t act weird to his


    touch.


    Rafael just kissed his head, respecting his consent.


    After tucking them into bed, he got up from their bunk and looked around the little room is kids needed a bigger room, a bigger ce where they could make


    memories.


    He needed to bring it up to Marissa without hurting her feelings. He had witnessed that look on her face when his daughtersplimented him that he was the


    best dad.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± the moment he was out of the room, his eyes started searching for her.


    ¡°She went to the bathroom, will be back in a minute,¡± Sophie motioned for him to sit.


    ¡°Coffee?¡± she asked him, and he shook his head,


    ¡°No way. No more space for anything else in my belly¡­¡±


    ¡°And in your heart too¡­¡± she winked with a knowing grin and Rafael didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°I meant to say sorry, Dr. Sophia. The way I barged


    20:42


    7/9


    62 62- Our Kids


    into your office that day and¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not a problem, Rafael,¡± she gave her hand a careless wave and then pointed towards therge envelope ced on the corner table.


    ¡°Do you know what¡¯s inside it?¡± Rafael curved down his lips and shrugged.


    ¡°Ourndlord Amir. He sent Marissa a notice to pay in full otherwise we need to leave this ce,¡± poor Sophie was continuously looking over her shoulder, just to


    check if Marissa was still in her room.


    ¡°What?¡± Rafael frowned in concern, ¡°Do you have any


    documents ¡­¡¯


    11


    ¡°We don¡¯t. That¡¯s what he¡¯s taking advantage of ¡­¡±


    Rafael nodded and stood up offering his hand to Sophie. Sophie took it in confusion.


    ¡°Thank you for trusting me. Let me know if I can do anything for you. I owe you one.¡±


    With hesitancy, Sophie shook his hand.


    Rafael saw Marissaing out of her room and went to her. He needed to hug her.


    20.42


    <ol start="63">


    <li>Our Weds</li>


    </ol>


    He took out his phone and sent a quick message to Dean, ¡°Arrange a meeting with Kate¡¯s fianc¨¦. It¡¯s


    urgent!¡±


    ¡°What were you two discussing?¡± Marissa had seen them shaking hands.


    ¡°We were just discussing kids,¡± he then leaned over to brush his lips over her forehead, ¡°Our kids!¡±


    Comment


    Leave the firstment for this chapter


    Vote


    8

 Chapter 63

    63 63- Satisfying


    ¡°Looks like someone is in high spirits today!¡± Delinda teased when saw Marissa humming le checking the


    files.


    Instead of negating her, Marissa pinched her nose, ¡°Because¡­maybe¡­ I am¡­¡± she winked and started humming again.


    It was a Monday morning and the first working day never felt so good. She couldn¡¯t wait to see Rafael.


    Marissa rotated her body towards herptop and started observing the screen, ¡°Where is Kate? Her file


    is not here but the rooster here shows that she is


    present.¡±


    ¡°I saw her going to Mr. Sinir¡¯s office,¡± a worker told Marissa and got back to his job.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir called her to the office?¡± Marissa mumbled, ¡°But why?¡±


    ***


    ¡°Sir, I assure you. I¡¯m not bullying anyone now. I have stopped passing snide remarks on my colleagues,¡±


    20


    1/8


    63 03¨CSatisfying


    Poor Kate thought this meeting was called due to someints against her.


    Rafael hadn¡¯t even started speaking yet, but Kate was


    continuously giving dumb excuses.


    While Amir was sitting beside he


    silly fianc¨¦e.


    lently ignoring his


    ¡°Mr. Amir,¡± atst Rafael spoke, ¡°Do you only sell faulty furniture or are you running some other business too?¡±


    Amir¡¯s face might not be showing it, but Rafael¡¯s question had taken him by surprise. He was already curious why he was called here this early. His mornings usually started muchter after nine.


    ¡°Sir. To meet both ends, I usually sell whatever I can get my hands on. It can be furniture or some event decoration stuff. Last week, I sold a few safetys to a man who ran his wheat business. Usually, birds used to attack his open warehouse eating all the wheat. I had to arrange safetys for him,¡± he showed his yellow teeth to Rafael, ¡°For most of the businessmen of


    Kanderton, I¡¯m like a Genie.¡±


    Rafael kept twisting the paperweight between his


    20:47


    28


    63 63¨CSafishong


    fingers.


    ¡°Do you sell property too?¡±


    Amir thought for a moment and then shook his head in confusion, ¡°I don¡¯t own much property. I can¡¯t afford so many taxes¡­¡±


    Rafael pped his hand on his desk making


    ouple


    jump in fright, ¡°The property behind the main boulevard¡­ or should I remind you the street number


    too.¡±


    Amir gulped his saliva and tilted his head to look at Kate who just shrugged in confusion.


    ¡°That was given to this small family¡­ they wanted to start a cooking business along with residential


    purposes. Two women, three kids, and an elderly man. Someone had to look out for them,¡± he tried tough it off, but Rafael wasn¡¯t letting it go.


    ¡°How much do they owe you?¡± By now, the couple had somewhat guessed that they were there because of Marissa. Amir regretted sending her legal notice.


    ¡°Umm. Mr. Sinir, I had asked them to pay me within


    five years¡­¡±


    2008


    63.63¨CSatisfying


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you a simple question,¡± Rafael snarled, ¡°how much do they owe you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t remember, Mr. Sinir¡­¡±


    ¡°You are asking the family to move somewhere else if they won¡¯t pay it back and here you are telling me, you don¡¯t remember? How pathetic one could


    Amir got quiet after that.


    ¡°Where are the documents?¡± Rafael wasn¡¯t done with


    him.


    ¡°Documents?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Amir. The documents. Or do I have to tell you


    what a document is?¡±


    Amir straightened in his seat. Rafael¡¯s eyes were examining his every move.


    Amir started scratching the nape of his neck not understanding what else to say, ¡°Th¡­there wasn¡¯t any document involved. We just had to trust each other¡¯s


    word.¡±


    Rafael got up and rounded his desk to reach Amir and his fianc¨¦e.


    as 69¨CSatesfying


    ¡°What was the word?¡± Reaching near them, he leaned


    his hip against the edge of the desk, ¡°Tell me, Amir. What was the word?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Sinir¡­ what do you want?¡± Amir had this sudden urge to go to the bathroom. Poor him could feel heaviness in his lower belly.


    ¡°I want you to write here your deman, Rafael tossed


    a checkbook in his direction.


    ¡°M¡­ my demand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, your demand, Amir. Fill in this checkbook and bring me the documents of that ce¡­¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­ I have almost forgotten¡­ the amount decided ¡­¡± For some reason, Rafael could see panic on his face.


    ¡°Write the amount ording to the market then¡­¡±


    ¡°ording to the¡­.?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Amir! ording to the market¡­¡± Rafael was getting impatient now, ¡°Jot down the amount and then bring me the file as soon as possible¡­ or wait¡­¡±


    For the first time, Amir saw a smile making its way on Rafael¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Put in your demand and then deliver the file to its owner this evening. Will it be done?<i>¡±</i>


    ¡°¡­ yes¡­ yes, sir,¡± he tried to think of an amount and then remembered how much he wanted to be a


    millionaire after selling off this small house


    After getting this kind of money, he could buy more property and give it on rent to more widowed or


    divorced women.


    He happily wrote the amount and gave the checkbook to Rafael who took it from his hand and observed the


    figure closely, Amir had put in there,


    ¡°Sir, I need to go to the bathroom,¡± Amir tried to bring


    a smile to his face,


    ¡°Dean. Take him to the bathroom and make sure nobody sees him,¡± Rafael gave a meaningful nce to Dean who had been standing at the back without making his presence known.


    ¡°Sure, Mr. Sinir¡®


    Kate also got up along with Amir when Rafael gestured for her to sit back,


    ¡®Keep seated, Ms. Kate. There is more to discuss¡­¡±


    63 63 Satisfying


    With fear evident on her face, Kate sat down seeing Amir leaving the room.


    ¡°Whatever happened here¡­ in this room,¡± Rafael pinned her with his sharp gaze.


    ¡°Nobody will know about it, Sir,¡± she said hurriedly.


    ¡°Hmm. Good. You are a very intelligent girl. Because you know, what can be done to you and your boy if you don¡¯t follow the¡­¡±


    ¡°We know¡­ Mr. Rafael¡­ I know¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Leave! Make sure to get the file delivered to its owner by this evening otherwise, you are not only out of my office but also that small caf¨¦ space that is reserved for you can slip into some other hands.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Kate¡¯s eyes snapped up to his handsome face.


    ¡°Caf¨¦ space?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Make sure this file reaches its owner and that caf¨¦ space is yours.¡±


    Kate felt excitement surging in her body. Among her teammates, she would be the one getting caf¨¦ space. It was the best chance to show Delinda, Shang Chi, and that moron Marissa Aaron, who is the best.


    20:43


    7/8


    #thelyeze


    She <b>might </b>not have be in charge of the event team but getting a caf¨¦ space meant everyone would be leaving the MSin building after the event except for


    Kate.


    She would be permanent here.


    Oh! How satisfying.


    Comment


    Leave the firstment for this chaples


    Vote


    Swipe left to continue >

 Chapter 64

    64 64- Peace


    Marissa had to wait for Dean who was busy in Rafael¡¯s office for God knew how long. There was some


    important meeting going on and Dean was inside the President¡¯s office for a very long time.


    And the revtion that Kate was also there. Something fishy was going on inside that room!


    She was sharing a table with her friends, busy flipping the pen between her fingers when Delinda poked her index finger into her shoulder,


    ¡°Come back, Marissa. Back to earth.¡±


    Marissa took a sigh and turned to her, ¡°I was thinking¡± Delinda ced her arms on the table and bent forward a little, ¡°we could have a mix of finger foods along with main courses on my table. And maybe some mini quiches, sliders, and a variety of dips with bread and vegetables?¡± Delinda made a popping sound with her lips and gave a questioning nce to Shang¨Cchi.


    ¡°I think that sounds great,¡± Shang Chi gave a yful punch on Delinda¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I think, I should also add some Asian fusion dishes,¡± he then turned to Marissa,


    20.63


    1/7


    As heart


    ¡°How about some spring rolls and sushi?¡±


    ¡°I love sushi. Why didn¡¯t you think of it before,¡± Peter closed his eyes in ecstasy swiping his tongue between his lips.


    ¡°The food will be for guests, silly. Not you,¡± Marissa said with a serious face, but they knew she was teasing


    Peter.


    ¡°Oh,e on. We are allowed to eat, do you know why? Because we are humans¡­¡± he stuck out his tongue like a kid, making everyone sitting thereugh.


    ¡°By the way, Marissa,¡± he stood up and scurried to his desk, shuffling through some papers before grabbing rolled sheet, ¡°Look,¡± he called out, making his way back, with his rolled sheet, ¡°I know you approved the mural designsst time for the event but just have a


    look here,¡± he took off the rubber band from the sheet


    and started unrolling it on the desk, st night I was thinking to add some vibrant and festive ideas¡­maybe a colorful cityscape with people celebrating¡­.. so instead of going to the bed I started this¡­¡±


    With their curiosity piqued, the team leaned in to have


    a better look.


    2047


    217


    64 64 Peace


    ¡°My my¡­¡± Delinda whistled at the artwork in admiration.


    ¡°This is great, Pet,¡± Marissa leaned closer to inspect his work, ¡°it would set the mood for the party. In this way, the foreigners can see Kanderton city in a new light. Why don¡¯t you add more elements that can represent


    Kanderton culture a little more?¡±


    Peter was blushing with all the praise he was receiving. He wasn¡¯t expecting so much appreciation from his friends. Staying awake for most of the night had paid


    off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll incorporate that,¡± Peter agreed, ¡°once Dean takes me to the venue, I¡¯ll start working on it. People are excited to do something at the event and I¡¯ll be the one whose painting needs to get done one week


    before the event.¡±


    Marissa jotted down some notes in her notepad. Dalinda tilted her head thoughtfully, ¡°Marissa. Do we have any kidsing to the party?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Del,¡± Marissa nced up, ¡°But usually in these official events couples are invited. Haven¡¯t seen any kids attending such events. Why are you asking


    20-43


    3/7


    hello mtteted wit


    * mph dort ved


    Tel What


    hml nile using the foap to


    foug


    Wang has we wbaiing womething in bie chiar


    ¡°What about drunks. Sang? I thank they¡¯ll set up a bar


    Ing can reduce awariety of cocktails and


    machtalls with some signature drinks. There are lots of


    smaller options there that might not bemon


    Éç


    in Kandortem but are a hit in Asia, Shang Chi added,


    That I not


    # down in her voted forter discussion. She then


    ted and the table.


    We le


    food and Mural and now I need to move on to the event decoration and discuss it with the relevant


    group.¡±


    Her friends were gathering their belongings before standing up when Kate entered the ha ith a happy glowing face, ¡°Hey, folks! I have hit the jackpot!¡±


    She announced her voice filled with suppressed happiness.


    ¡°Well! Congrattions!¡± Delinda said sincerely looking up from her seat, ¡°What is it?¡±


    For thest few days, Kate had been entirely a different person and was no longer giving tough time


    to anyone.


    Even she was sweetest with Marissa.


    ¡°I have gotten ¡­kind of promotion!¡± she announced a little loudly, drawing the attention of the other people sitting at some distance.


    ¡°Please tell us! We are dying to know,¡± A man from another team asked her, curiosity evident in his tone.


    Kate beamed, her smile wide and genuine, ¡°MSin Industries is giving me a caf¨¦ in the building! Can you


    20:43 0


    5/7


    believe it? A permanent cafe. When everyone leaves after the event, I¡¯ll stay here with this cals of mins 14


    my God!¡±


    She was clutching a paper to her chest like it was thu most precious thing to her


    Delinda gave her a weird look, ¡°And how did you get to know about it? Dean told your


    ¡°No, silly,¡± Kate threw her arms around Delinda¡¯s neck and kissed her check, ¡°Mr. Sinir had a meeting with me, and he assured me himself¡±


    Marissa felt strange,


    Rafael had a meeting with Kate and announced to he a caf¨¦? Of course, she didn¡¯t have any problem with that. But she was appointed as in charge of the event. and she didn¡¯t know that a girl working under her was given a permanent caf¨¦ in the building.


    What was cooked in that office that she wasn¡¯t aware


    of?


    Was it a reward? Because Marissa wasn¡¯t aware of any


    extraordinary task done by Kate,


    No. She didn¡¯t feel jealous


    < 64 64¨CPeaceN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    She just felt left out.


    Just yesterday when he was super frilly and now


    today, this happened.


    <i>You </i><i>are </i><i>NOT </i><i>his </i><i>wife </i><i>Marissa</i><i>!</i>


    Someone inside her head scolded her.


    <i>Get </i><i>it </i><i>through </i><i>your </i><i>head</i>. <i>He </i>was <i>friendly </i>because of <i>his </i><i>kids</i><i>. </i><i>Keep </i><i>your </i><i>personal </i><i>and </i><i>professional </i>life <i>separate</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>in </i>peace!


    Comment 0


    20:43

 Chapter 65

    65 65- Past Mistake


    It had only been an hour since the announcement, and Kate spent this entire time observing Marissa¡¯s face.


    The way her face turned grey when she announced her achievement. Though Mr. Sinn told her specifically not to let anyone know what happened in that room. But this reward thing shouldn¡¯t be included in it. Right?


    He was talking about Amir and his property. Initially, she was angry. Mr. Sinir was bullying her fianc¨¦ because of thisdy.


    But then the end result was too good. He gave her a


    caf¨¦!


    Woah!


    She needed to celebrate it tonight.


    She could feel that Marissa didn¡¯t seem as happy and chirpy as she was before the announcement but today was her day.


    Kate¡¯s day!


    She yawned and then suppressed it, reminding herself


    19


    BR 68 Paki Make


    DR


    that she was in her office seat not in her bed.


    God! Oh, brother. She wasn¡¯t in the mood to do


    anything today. Her dream caf¨¦ was getting to her head.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± she called her name when saw her going to Dean¡¯s room.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± The brte asked busily, her as still on the paper she was carrying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be needing suggestions for my menu,¡± Kate brought a fake smile to her face.


    ¡°What menu,¡± Marissa atst nced up from the paper, ¡°Wasn¡¯t your menu finalized already?¡±


    Kate shook her head innocently and almostid back in her seat, ¡°I¡¯m not talking about the event. I might need help with my caf¨¦ menu. Will you help me with that?¡±


    She fluttered her eyes pretending to be innocent.


    Marissa regarded her face for a minute and then said good¨Cnaturedly, ¡°Any day you want, Kate.¡±


    Kate wanted to wipe that smile off her face. What was so special about her, that Mr. Sinir was ready to pay


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    65 65¨CPast Mistake


    the debt on her behalf.


    Marissa wasn¡¯t even beautiful like her on why he was doing that?


    Back in his office, he was behaving more than a mafia lord. A harasser!


    Not like the president of a bigpany.


    She could still imagine his bloodshot eyes. Nobody knew how he wanted to push her off that window. She shuddered at the thought.


    There must be some backstory. She needed to know about it. Rafael Sinir was married and him being so much caring for a mere girl who was a lowly entrepreneur. Nah! That wasn¡¯t adding up.


    That only happens in movies or novels. Never in reality, unless he might be interested to get into her pants and then leave herter.


    Yes, that might be the reason. Marissa, being a


    middle¨Css woman must be saying no, in an attempt to make herself more worthy.


    If that was the case, she was damn lucky. Because Rafael Sinir will pay her handsomely for the job.


    20


    If he cold pay well to home¨Cbased business owners, then he would definitely pay generously to a woman


    who will warm his bed


    Kate opened the top two buttons of her blouse. For a


    minute, she wished Rafael was interested in her.


    She would do anything to get t


    luxuries, he


    wanted to shower on Marissa. For now, a cafe would


    do


    ¡°You are too quiet today!¡± Dean remarked, ¡°Is it because it¡¯s Monday?¡±


    Marissa gave him a small smile and chewed her lower lip, ¡°Maybe.¡±


    A one¨Cword answer! Just when she thought Monday was getting better, this happened.


    ¡°Peter showed me a new mural design today. You should check it once, Dean,¡± she unlocked her phone to show the picture.


    ¡°If you like it then we¡¯ll approve it.¡±


    ¡°But<i>¡­ </i>you are the Supreme power. Have a look!¡± she


    teased him making him throw back his head andugh


    65 65- Past Mistake


    loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the Supreme power but he is,¡± he pointed to the President¡¯s office door.


    ¡°Yeah. Right.¡±


    ¡°His Highness didn¡¯t even want toe to Kanderton,¡± Dean told her, ¡°Our office got constructed, Mr. Joseph did the hiring, and he didn¡¯t even bother to have a look around. And then one fine day he was here for a few days¡® trip and poof!¡± Dean spread his palm in the air, ¡°now his Highness doesn¡¯t want to leave Kanderton.¡±


    Marissa felt her heart thumping against her chest.


    ¡°What can be the reason?¡± she knew, she was being petty to ask such a personal question.


    Dean gave her a careful nce and shook his head, ¡°Nobody knows. We all know one thing and that is¡­ he is the king!¡±


    Marissa snickered and started collecting her things, ¡°Where are you going by the way?¡±


    He asked her quickly when saw her getting ready to


    leave his desk.


    ¡°I need to submit today¡¯s report to His Highness,¡±


    5/9N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    65 65 Past Mistake


    ¡°It¡¯s not about a caf¨¦, Del. It¡¯s¡­ I don¡¯t know how to tell


    you.¡±


    <i>He </i><i>spent </i><i>Sunday </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>With </i><i>my </i>kids<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>could </i>feel <i>his </i>eyes on <i>me </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>thought </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i>looking<i>. </i><i>Then </i><i>what </i><i>went </i><i>wrong</i>?


    <i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>he </i><i>tell </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>nning </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Delinda snapped her fingers before her eyes and shook her arm, ¡°we are here to work. No matter


    what that Kate gets. We will do our job at MSin.¡±


    Marissa found it encouraging and started finishing her te.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Del. We have a job, and no matter what. We are just employees.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! And by the end of the day, you are her in charge.¡±


    Marissa giggled at the childish attempt to make her happy.


    ¡°Delinda is right,¡± Shang Chi who was busy chatting with her friend, came back and started enjoying his Egg drop soup, ¡°And I have a feeling. If Mr. Sinir is rewarding her with a caf¨¦, then I¡¯m sure he is nning


    20,44


    6 65 Past Mistake


    something for us too. We just need to wait a little,¡± he wiped his mouth with a napkin, ¡°Always remember, Marissa. Wheneverpetition results are


    announced, they always start from runners up and the topper is announced at the end.¡±


    This time Marissa couldn¡¯t help it andughed loudly.


    Shang¨Cchi was right. Rafael had only announced the runners¨Cup. The topper announcements were still left.


    Going out with her friends had freshened up her mood. When they came back, Shang¨Cchi and Delinda went to their seats and Marissa came straight up to


    Dean¡¯s table.


    ¡°Is Mr. Sinir back, Dean? I need to discuss the


    file?¡±


    Dean who had just ced down the receiver shook his head,


    ¡°Let me know whatever needs to be discussed. Mr.


    Sinir won¡¯t be avable for a few days.¡±


    Marissa frowned in concern, ¡°For a few days? Is he


    alright?¡±


    20:44 4


    8/9


    201


    46 25 g Mistake


    ¡°Yeah. He is. He just left for Sangua city, and we don¡¯t


    know when he will return.¡±


    He left Kanderton and went back


    Valerie?


    ngua? Back to


    She made a mistake when she started thinking about him. He was here just for the kids, and she was the only one among the two who was wildly attracted to


    him.


    <i>Your </i>mistake, Marissa. Your mistake. No matter <i>if </i>you are <i>a </i><i>runner</i><i>¨C</i><i>up </i>or a topper. You¡¯ll always be treated as <i>a past </i>mistake.


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    B Leave the Firstment for this chapter


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    Send Gift

 Chapter 66

    66 66- Locations


    Valerie was in the waiting area of the airport when her phone started ringing


    ¡°Fu*ck!¡± she muttered and started fishing her phone in


    phone kept ringing loudly drawing


    her purse.


    people¡¯s attention from around.


    Ethan was still in the bathroom, and she was waiting for him. They just had coffee and sandwiched while nning about their future.


    She atst felt the coolness against her palm and took


    it out.


    ¡°Nina!¡± She rolled her eyes, ¡°Can¡¯t you let me breathe?¡± sheined to her mother¨Cinw silently and then


    received the call.


    ¡°Hey, Mom!¡± she greeted her mother¨Cinw cheerfully.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Nina asked her without any hanky panky. No answer for the greetings, Mom?


    ¡°Why? I¡¯m¡­ at a hotel¡­ near my cruise spot and ¡­ enjoying this scenery where ¡­¡± Nina didn¡¯t let her


    finish.


    ¡°Cut the crap, Valerie. I know the trip is over and all the members areing back. Now tell me again! Where are you?¡± Nina hissed and Valerie had to look at her phone for a minute to check if she had enabled theN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    video call.


    Howe Nina knew that th. group tour had ended?


    Valerie sighed at the snarky attitude of her


    mother¨Cinw. She just needed a breathing space away from this woman.


    ¡°Mom! Nina. Yes. The group is returning. But a few of us have decided to stay behind and extend the trip. There are two more girls with me who I got acquainted with on this trip. They¡¯ll be apanying me. I¡¯m in the bathroom and will make you talk to them once I¡¯m done with my poop. Anything else?¡±


    Nina was quiet for a minute.


    Valerie never disrespected her but today she was throwing tantrums like a spoiled teenager.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± Nina spat in anger, ¡°I just wanted to tell you that Rafael has left Kanderton just to meet you here. He must be in the ne right


    now.¡±


    20:47


    217


    FB 6¨CLecations


    What? She was going to Kanderton to meet Rafael and


    he wasn¡¯t there?


    Nina had disconnected the call. Maybe she was angry, but Valerie was getting tired of this attitude now.


    This intense craziness was making her brain dead gradually. For thest four years, she was not a wife or daughter¨Cinw but a ba making machine that was


    faulty.


    Yes. A faulty baby machine!


    ¡°Babe!¡± she jerked when Ethan¡¯s voice shed through her thoughts.


    ¡°You are back?¡± They were all set to board the Kanderton flight.


    ¡°Yes, of course, I¡¯m back. It was a short bathroom trip. I didn¡¯t go to the moon, honey. And why do you look pale?¡± he held her face in his palms and looked into her eyes, ¡°Who was on the call?¡± his rough thumb was caressing the soft skin of her cheek, ¡°Was it your loser husband?¡± concern was evident in his eyes.


    She held his hands but didn¡¯t like it when Ethan called


    her husband a loser. Everyone around her knew that


    Dafael could be anything but that


    20:47 0


    317


    66 68¨CLocations


    ¡°Honey. Speak something. They are making the announcements. Aren¡¯t we going to Kanderton?¡±


    She studied his face for a ment and saw the bustling crowd around them moving forward for a queue. They all were flying to Kanderton.


    ¡°He is not in Kanderton,¡± she said, her eyes searching for something. Not knowing what it was, he held her hand and guided her to their seats.


    ¡°His mom told you?¡± Ethan inquired her while his eyes were scanning the terminal. She was the wife of a powerful man, and he couldn¡¯t take risks.


    ¡°She said, he ising back to Sangua to meet me. He was informed that I¡¯m returning to Sangua,¡± Valerie¡¯s mind was racing.


    She was nning to continue her trip with Ethan and now Nina had blown away her ns.


    ¡°What if he is not?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice again cut through her


    thoughts.


    ¡°If Nina is saying that he has left Kanderton¡­ then maybe there is a slight chance he will be at home¡­ waiting for me¡­¡±


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    Ithan didn¡¯t want to believe this shit<i>. </i>And if he has left


    shakeAnd


    Kanderton but hasn¡¯t rear!


    then¡±


    gua? What you¡¯ll do


    Valerie¡¯s hands were rested on the armrests, lost in her


    thoughts


    ¡°Ok. Forget about Kanderton. We are not taking this flight. Has Rafael ever shared his location with you?¡± she nced up at his question and then searched something through her phone history.


    ¡°I think I can track his location¡­¡± Her voice was barely above a whisper


    ¡°If he is not in the air right now.¡± Exhan pointed out.


    She nodded and then raised her phone with a frown.


    ¡°Here¡± she shrieked in surprise, ¡°Look at this, Ethan Location?


    Ethan took the phone from her hand and observed the phone screen.


    He he seems to be in¡­ San Francisco¡± He then looked at her, ¡°Is there any MSin branch in San


    Francisco?¡± he asked her


    Several lines anneared on her forehead ¡°No It¡¯s in Los


    68 68¨CLocations


    Angeles. He never talked about San Francisco.¡±


    Ethan then smiled at her, ¡°I think your husband is definitely¡­ definitely and¡­¡± he wrapped his arms around her neck, ¡°definitely a some girl.¡± He kissed her forehead, ¡°Do you know what it means, baby?¡± He chuckled when she didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°This means that you need to forget about half the property because you deserve seventy¨Cfive percent of his property, babe.¡±


    Her mouth was hung open. That meant when she would go to Ethan, she would have something of her


    own.


    Before going into a formal rtionship with Ethan, she would be a billionaire. Now nobody would dare to discard her.


    Fuc*k off, Nina. My life! My rules!


    ¡°Come on, Ethan,¡± she hooked her arm through his, ¡°Let¡¯s go to San Francisco.¡±


    With a mischievous smile, Alexander Aaron switched off his tab andid back on his bed. He started singing


    2048


    1677


    06 80 Locations


    a song and closed his eyes.


    ¡°Alex. Can we y some game on your tab?¡± Abi asked him innocently, Ariel was standing behind her.


    Alex got up and kissed Abi and Ariel¡¯s foreheads.


    ¡°Why not, girls? Go ahead,¡± I inned, ¡°My job is already done. Changing locations never felt so good!¡±


    Comment

 Chapter 67

    67 67- One Match


    Kate looked at Amir who was now smoking after giving her the best orgasms. He was no


    phone, a


    sy scrolling his


    Kate¡¯s eyes might be on his chubby body, but she was still thinking about Marissa.


    ¡°When will we go for dinner?¡± She asked him and tossed aside the quilt that was covering her nak*ed body. Her body badly needed a shower.


    He yawned loudly and stretched noisily, ¡°If you want, you can cook something here. I might not go out,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She stopped collecting her clothes from the floor, ¡°Do I need to remind you, that we need to deliver Marissa Aaron¡¯s file to her ce? Now move yourzy ass, Amir!¡±


    She didn¡¯t wait for his response and hopped in the shower. After getting done, she thered some scented lotion on her body and got out of the bathroom wearing the same dress, she had been wearing before.


    TO ABO


    67 67- One Match


    However, when she came out of the bathroom, she was thoroughly disappointed to see him snoring loudly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! Why are you sleeping?¡± she went to him and shook his shoulder, ¡°Amir! Get up.¡±


    But the man was fast asl in bed. He didn¡¯t even


    bother to wear anything or to take the quilt over him.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    His heavy belly was wobbling in his sleep.


    ¡°Amir!¡± this time she got a bit louder, but it seemed either he had turned deaf, or he had died.


    ¡°What should I do now? What kind of a man is he? He


    doesn¡¯t even care that his fianc¨¦e just got herself a caf¨¦. Rafael Sinir won¡¯t only take it back but will also push me off that building.


    ¡°Amir!¡± she climbed on his heavy body and started shaking him. The man stayed there like a block of


    stone.


    Combing her fingers through her hair in frustration, she looked around. She wanted to find the file and now


    she understood why Rafael Sinir awarded her with a caf¨¦. He wanted to make sure that if Amir would go


    back on his word, then Kate would not take


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    07 67¨COne Match


    a second to go ahead with it.


    Kate loved Amir. Or maybe she was habitual of him. Sometimes their rtionship dynamics confused her


    too.


    But she was not ready to give up a golden chance that could give her career a boost.


    She started going through his cupboards and drawers but couldn¡¯t find the file. In a few minutes, his living


    room and bedroom had turned into a mess.


    Kate even raided his fridge searching for some secret


    ¡°Oh, God! Mr. Sinir will kill me,¡± she went to the


    kitchen to make herself some coffee. She needed to stop panicking if she wanted this to work.


    After making herself some coffee, she started taking its sips slowly.


    How to search for the file? Where to start looking?


    The jerk didn¡¯t even confide in her about the location.


    ¡°Kitchen cabs?¡± her face lit up and she started looking in all the cabs. She went inside the pantry space and wanted to gag.


    20:48


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    67 67¨COne Match


    Most of the stuff must have got rotten because it smelled so bad. The majority of it seemed to expire. Fortunately, she never cooked anything in his kitchen.


    They either dined outside or used to order it.


    There was a corner cupboard in the pantry that was too thin, and nothing could be ced in there. Its nks weren¡¯t even holding together. She didn¡¯t know why it was even there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a look inside and get out onere,¡± she opened it and vo. There were several files ced there.


    And most of them were property files.


    ¡°You a*sshole! You are rich!¡± she spat in anger, but this was not the time to rage on something like this.


    ¡°Focus, Kate! Remember the caf¨¦!¡±


    She took out all the files and dumped all of them on the kitchen floor. Amir was drunk dead, so she had enough time to go through all of them.


    ***


    ¡°God! It sucks! Here Ie, Mar!¡± Sophie didn¡¯t want to scream but couldn¡¯t control it in excitement Her


    fingers were flying over the controller as she moved


    her kart around a sharp turme


    She and Marissa had a long day and they needed to


    take it out somewhere. So, when kids finally went to


    sleep, they didn¡¯t take time to settle on the couch.


    holding controllers, and chose Mario Kart.


    Marissa kept her eyes gluco


    the screen. ¡°Not so fast,


    girl! I¡¯ve got a red shell here with your name on it. You


    just wait and watch!¡±


    Sophie huffed when she saw what Marissa was doing.


    With a horrified expression, she nced towards her friend, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, Mar¡­ oh, you bit*ch. You have thrown me at the back again!¡± she started shaking her hand gritting her teeth.


    ¡°ept it, Sophie! You are getting old!¡± Marissa sang it like a Jennifer Lopez song.


    ¡°Nah! Even my grandfather hasn¡¯t gotten old. So don¡¯t make the granddaughter remind you that I have still got enough lives.¡±


    Marissaughed, her character was zooming ahead on the screen quite expertly.


    ¡°Mar New doww! At least wait for me? Sophie tried to snatch the controller from Mario¡¯s grip with one hand, but she designed her expertly


    ***


    ¡°All is fair in love and Mario Kart. Sophie they both


    were giggling when the door


    and he stood in the doorwa


    Flint¡¯s room opened


    ing his hand on his


    hip. ¡°Are you two nning to wake up the kids?¡±


    He asked sternly but Marissa and Sophie were so engrossed that they didn¡¯t even bother to look his way.


    ¡°It¡¯s you who are louder here, grandpa,¡± Sophie remarked, her eyes still on Marissa¡¯s character, ¡°Damn, Mar! This is after such a long time, and I feel I haven¡¯t forgotten a thing.¡±


    ¡°I agree, you still remember how to lose!¡± Marissa teased her friend and whooped when her character crossed the finishing line.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop, Marissa. This is thestp!¡± Flint was standing behind their couch like a spectator and was now encouraging Marissa.


    Sophia leaned forward with her heart racing, ¡°This is


    getting intense. I¡¯m right at your tail, Mar, and Flint¡­¡± she quickly looked over her shoulder, ¡°Stop helping


    her!¡±


    They didn¡¯t even realize that Flint who was getting angry minutes ago had now drawn a stool and was sitting on it.


    ¡°Marissa! Watch out the banana peel!¡± Flint screamed and then covered his mouth, ¡°Damn!¡± Marissa quickly tried to recover her cart a werved it to avoid the


    peel,


    ¡°Ouch! Toote!¡±


    Marissa gritted her teeth in frustration when Sophia teased her.


    ¡°Seriously! I hate those things,¡± sheined with a pout, but Sophie didn¡¯t answer her. She was too busy in controlling her cart.


    Atst, after a final burst of speed, Sophie crossed the finish line just ahead of Marissa.


    ¡°And finish! First ce, baby! Wohoo!¡± she hooted this time keeping her volume low.


    ¡°Ugh! Second again. You have always been good at this,¡± Marissa slumped back against the couch, there was a yful pout on her face.


    97 67 Cime Match


    Sophia nudged her with a shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Practice makes perfect. Work harder next time!¡± she stuck out her tongue making Marissa chuckle.


    The game had helped her a lot to bring her out of that depressed mode.


    Both the girls were discussin the game while Flint¡¯s eyes were still glued to the screen.


    ¡°How about you two let me y one match!¡± he asked with a meaningful yet innocent smile, ¡°Please?¡±


    Comment


    Love the firstment for this chapte

 Chapter 68

    68 68¨CStunned.


    Marissa took a sip of her beer and sighed in contentment, ¡°I¡¯ve been king forward to this all day,¡± she said stretching her legs out.


    Sophie nodded and grinned at her friend, ¡°Me too. The good thing is at least you got a chance to win from Flint. Ha¨Cha.¡±


    ¡°Girls!¡± Flint who was still dizzy sitting in the rocking chair huffed, ¡°You can¡¯t talk about me like I¡¯m not here.


    And I lost intentionally. I didn¡¯t want to see her giving up on life.¡±


    He pointed towards Marissa whose mouth was hung open in shock.


    ¡°Seriously, Flint? You lost! ept it and move on,¡± She shook her head and eyed Sophia who was trying hard to suppress her grin.


    ¡°My granddaughter cares for you a great deal. I


    couldn¡¯t hurt her. The kids. They take you as an ideal. How will I tell them the next morning that their mom lost twice? Nah! I might be a gamer, but I¡¯m also a


    human.¡±


    20.40


    On 64¨CShinned


    Marissa was looking at the old man who had gone back to sleep after delivering the speech and Sophia was busy covering her mouth. She wasn¡¯t able to control


    her mirth anymore.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Flint is getting older,¡± Man


    ?


    rolled her eyes, ¡°And


    you stopughing, Doctor Sophia. Because you are


    going down in the next game.¡±


    She poked her finger in her friend¡¯s shoulder. And Sophic started rubbing that part, ¡°Uh huh. See! You are hurting me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I know. Hurting you, my ass!¡± Marissa pped. her shoulder yfully and got up from the couch.


    ¡°It¡¯s quitete now. My body needs to hit the bed!¡± she raised her arms to stretch her body.


    ¡°And your soul needs a man!¡± Flint remarked taking Marissa by surprise whose arms dropped to her side.


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°Yes. Kids are getting bigger. Find yourself a man. Not to support you but to stand with you.¡± Marissa frowned and looked down at the floor. Sophie was sitting on the couch with a poker face.


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    ¡°You never gave this advice to Sophie, it was not aint but just a casual remark.


    ¡°Because I know she has got few options. You need to choose someone who can see you better than anyone?


    Marissa stood there not knowing


    or head to her room.


    the should sit back


    ¡°Go to sleep and think,¡± he also got up from his chair. He knew nothing about the hurt she faced today when Kate told her about the caf¨¦,


    Sophie knew about it, and she agreed with Shang Chi, Rafael would never be unfair to the rest of the team as Sophie still thought he was crazy about her friend.


    They all looked at each other when the doorbell rang.


    ¡°A visitor at this hour?¡± Marissa said ncing up at the


    wall clock.


    ¡°Who could it be?¡± Sophie asked more to herself and then her eyes narrowed into thin slits, ¡°At this hour, the visitor is not here to meet us but it must be a SIE to visit you, Grandpa.¡±


    Poor Flint ced his index finger on his chest, ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°She is right Flint. This must be one of your girlfriends


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    wanting to spend the night here. Now go and see the door.¡± Marissa yawned loudly, ¡°And be careful not to make too much noise.¡±


    Taking small steps, poor Flint went to the door while Sophie and Marissa exchanged a silent hi¨Cfive.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. He might need some privacy for thiste night hook¨Cup,¡± Marissa winked at Sophie who was nodding in agreement.


    ¡°My grandfather was almost sleeping in the middle of the game. I don¡¯t know how he manages it during intimacy. He doesn¡¯t even make noise.¡±


    Marissa giggled and was going to her room when Flint came inside and there was someone trailing behind him.


    ¡°The visitor is for you, Marissa!¡± he announced and picked up the beer bottle from the small table ced near his rocking chair.


    Marissa was surprised to find Kate standing there carrying a tote bag.


    ¡°K¨CKate! What are you doing here?¡± initially Marissa was genuinely concerned. She had seen her employees turning unte at night to ask for shelter from their


    417


    abusive husbands,


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± her eyes were gliding on Kate¡¯s body, looking for any signs of violence.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, Marissa, she was looking around observing the room with fascination, ¡°so you live here. I¡¯d love to see yourmercial kitchen to


    Marissa gave her a tightlipped smile and retorted, ¡°Are you here to inspect my kitchen at this hour?*


    Kate didn¡¯t even hear a single word uttered by Marissa. Her eyes were inspecting the Lego castle ced on the kids¡® table in the corner.


    ¡°Who made this? How many kids live here?¡± her eyes were searching for God knows what, ¡°Are you all bachelors, living together?¡±


    She was now trying to remember when someone told


    her in the office that Marissa had kids.


    ¡°Yes. Kind of¡± Marissa might be bearing with the woman because she was her colleague at MSin but Sophie didn¡¯t have any such restriction.


    ¡°Miss. Why are you here? We need to get up early for our jobs¡±


    Kate didn¡¯t seem to mind the rude tone.


    ¡°So, kids also live here,¡± she smiled when found cartoon¨Cprinted stuff decorated in another corner. For some reason, Sophie was having this ufortable feeling due to her presence.


    ¡°I politely request you to leave,¡± she s directly, ¡°and next time you visit us, do make a call. We usually don¡¯t entertain anyone without any prior appointments,¡± Sophie finished it off with a fake smile and pointed


    towards the door.


    ¡°Bye!¡±


    Kate smirked and opened her tote bag to take out something. She moved to Marissa and handed over a file that looked a little dirt and dusty like it was buried


    under mud.


    ¡°I am here to handover you this. This belongs to you.¡±


    Instead of taking it Marissa just nced at the file nonchntly, ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°This file now belongs to you. All your dues are clear regarding this ce. You can not only live here but can also run your business without any worry.¡±


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    Marissa thought she heard wrong, ¡°Wh¡­what¡­do you


    mean¡­¡±


    Kate¡¯s lips curled into a smile and she ced the file


    on the nearby table, ¡°Amir was too


    so he sent me. Congrattions.¡±


    I toe here


    With that she turned on her heels to exit the house,


    leaving behind three stunned individuals.


    Comment


    20.40 4


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 Chapter 69

    69 69- Already?


    ¡°Are you crazy? Why would you do something like this?¡± Kate was only wearing a bra and panties and knew when the doorbell rang that it must unir.


    ¡°Amir. We can talkter. I¡¯mte from work,¡± she went back to her closet and ced a few of her clothes on the bed.


    ¡°Late from work? Why the hell did you rummage


    through my stuff? It was my personal stuff and you¡­ you almost stole my property file.¡±


    Kate was getting bored of this thing. His eyes were swollen, and he wasn¡¯t even decently dressed. The torn shorts and the sando he was wearing were stinking.


    ¡°Honey. We¡¯ll discuss thister,¡± she kissed his cheek


    and closed the bathroom door behind her.


    He opened her fridge and took out a jar of strawberry jam. Sitting at the counter he started thering the sweet sticky treat on the bread. He was fuming.


    How dare Kate thought that she could make decisions


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    regarding his property on his behalf? She was his fianc¨¦e. Not his owner or wife,


    After spreading jam on a few slices, he closed the jar and was about to take a bite of the sandwich when a


    hand grabbed it from his grip.


    ¡°You are a sweetheart. Thank you so much. I was


    starving


    ¡°So am I¡± he barked but she didn¡¯t take offense.


    ¡°I know sweetheart¡± she pinched his cheek, ¡°You can make more. At least you are not gettingte from the


    office.¡±


    Amir kept observing her roaming around all dressed up. She was wearing makeup and had a piggy tail that was shaking with her every move.


    He didn¡¯t know what to do.


    He might have money, but girls also wanted a handsome man for themselves. Kate was beautiful, smart, and a trophy girl for him.


    He couldn¡¯t dump her just like that.


    ¡°Fine!¡± he saw her wiping the jam from the corner of her lips provocatively, ¡°Ask them to hire me as the


    60 09 Already?


    event¡¯s furniture supplier.¡±


    Kate who was chewing the sandwich, stopped moving her mouth and looked at him, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Talk to them and help in getting the event furniture contract,¡± Kate knew that was next to


    impossible.


    The higher management of MSin already disliked him.


    ¡°Alright. I will talk to them. Our CEO is out of town, once he returns, I¡¯ll try to¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, love. This is the technology era. Fax him.


    Send an email. Talk to him on call,¡± he finished


    meaningfully.


    ***


    Marissa spent most of the night clutching the file to her chest in sheer disbelief. It was indeed a miracle that Amir sent his fianc¨¦e with the file just because he said all the dues were clear?


    What was going on?


    Did Amir hit his head somewhere and lose his


    memory?


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    89 63 Astr


    She sleptte and as a result, Sophie was waking her up in panic.


    ¡°Sleepyhead! You have office today, bit *ch!¡±


    Marissa bolted up and had to hold her heavy head. Thete night gaming then beer and then file.


    She quickly looked around for the file to ass


    that it wasn¡¯t a dreamst night.


    Damn. It wasn¡¯t a dream, indeed!


    erself


    She picked up that file and ced it safely in the cupboard. After the shower, she had a good look at her closet and then immersed her facezily in the folds of


    her clothes.


    ¡°Marissa! What are you doing? Trying to suicide?¡± Sophie¡¯s shrill voice was ying with her brain cells right now.


    ¡°No!¡± her voice was muffled against her clothes, ¡°I just realized I don¡¯t want to dress up.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± she felt Sophie¡¯s hand on her back in sympathy, ¡°so you are in a mood to go to your office nake*d?¡­ Girl! You are bing bolder!¡±


    Marissa turned to her and made a pout How to tell


    69 69- Already?


    her best friend that she missed Rafael? His presence brought a spark to the office.


    And maybe to her life as well.


    She decided on a in blouse and


    loral georgette


    skirt just above her knees. Remembering something she picked up her phone and took a close look at her call log. That night when Rafael called her on her phone and asked her to stop looking down through the


    window.


    She had saved his number by the name, ¡®Crush¡®.


    Yes, it was her phone, and she would do whatever she would please.


    This phone was her only personal space.


    When she entered the office, she raised her nose and tried to sniff the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling


    the air.


    ¡°Morning, boss!¡± Shang¨Cchi teased her good¨Cnaturedly.


    ¡°Good morning, Shang. Morning everyone,¡± she called out, making her way to her desk, ¡°I need coffee in my system. Urgh.¡±


    She groaned when sat down and held her head.


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    fon N


    ¡°Is everything good?¡± Delinda asked her in a whisper.


    No. I miss my children¡¯s father.


    ¡°Yeah. Everything except I got upte and couldn¡¯t have coffee this morning.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Delinda stood up in concern and headed to the coffee station, ¡°I¡¯ll get you a cup. Sugar?¡±


    ¡°No, sugar, please. Just ck coffee!¡± Marissa settled back and opened herptop. She nced around and found a colleague heading up to her.


    ¡°Here. This weekend my sister brought some baked cookies. Try them with your coffee,¡± Marissa wanted to


    kiss the man.


    ¡°I love you, Wyatt!¡± he chuckled before cing the foil¨Cpacked cookies on her desk.


    When Delinda returned with her coffee, Marissa looked at her colleagues, ¡°So what¡¯s the agenda today?¡±


    ¡°We have a team meeting in an hour with Mr. Joseph,¡± Peter informed her, ¡°We all need to finalize the


    presentation for the Kanderton event.¡±


    Marissa nodded, half listening as she sipped her


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    ne 60¨CAlrestty?


    coffee.


    ¡°You look drowsy!¡± Delindamented, ¡°Late night?¡±


    ¡°Because I am drowsy!¡± Marissa scrunched her nose.


    <i>I </i>am shocked because I am <i>the </i>owner <i>of </i>the <i>property </i>unexpectedly<i>. </i>And Rafael <i>is </i><i>with </i><i>a </i>wo who <i>he</i>


    <i>thinks </i><i>is </i><i>his </i>wife, but <i>she </i><i>isn¡¯t</i>.


    ¡°Marissa. You have again zoned out. Better drink this coffee¡­¡±


    ¡°No, worries. I¡¯m awake. I¡¯ll be more awake after this cup. No worries, Del. I¡¯m good!¡± she sipped coffee from her cup.


    She then ced it down with a frown and got up again, ¡°Where is Kate? Has anyone received any message from her?¡±


    She wanted to make sure she wasn¡¯t dreaming.


    ¡°No message and no call from her,¡± One of them informed her, and she plopped back into her seat.


    Where the hell was Kate?


    ***


    After drinking coffee, Marissa was feeling better.


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    She grabbed her purse and took out her phone. She scrolled for <b>a </b>few moments until she found his


    number.


    Rafael¡¯s number.


    Should she call him?


    Or maybe send a message


    <i>Hi</i>! How are you? Hope you are well.


    <i>Hello</i>. Hope everyone at home is well


    <i>Hey</i>! Kids are missing you


    <i>Hey</i>! Girls <b><i>are </i></b>missing you.


    Hey! Alex is missing you


    No. Alex doesn¡¯t even talk to him.


    Hey, <i>Rafael </i>When are youing back? Need <i>to</i>


    discuss something about the event


    Gosh! What was wrong with her?


    Delinda frowned when saw her busy in thoughts with her phone pressed to her forehead


    ¡°Marissa! Is there a problem? You can share it, love.¡± The woman was always ready to offer her shoulder to


    ng es Aready?


    Marissa.


    ¡°No, Delinda, I¡¯m good!¡± she showed her a thumbs¨Cup sign and unlocked her phone, Chewing her lower lip, she started typing the message.


    ¡°Hello, Rafael.¡±


    That¡¯s it. Should she send it or not?


    She started drumming her fingers on the screen.


    ¡°Come on you all,¡± Dean announced in the doorway, ¡°time for the meeting.¡±


    Just for a split second, she raised her face and when


    Jooked back at the screen, she was horrified,


    The message was sent due to the constant drumming of her fingers. She gulped hard and wanted to throw away her phone in the bin.


    She was about to toss it in her purse when it pinged. The message was from Rafael.


    With a racing heart, she opened the message,


    Hello, Marissa, Missing me already? ??


    0.10


    69 69¨CAlready?


    Comment


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 Chapter 70

    70 70¨CA Jerk!


    Shit!


    Marissa felt as if her hands were burning. She quickly stashed her phone in her purse trying to forget about the message.


    It felt like Rafael had nothing on his hands and was very apt in his response. Going to the meeting room in a daze, she almost made up thousands of scenarios. and text messages in her head.


    No, Rafael<i>. </i><i>I </i>wasn¡¯t <i>missing </i><i>you</i>. <i>??</i>


    Rafael<i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>busy</i><i>. </i><i>Will </i><i>talk </i><i>to </i><i>you </iter.


    <i>Hey</i><i>, </i>Rafael. <i>How </i>are Valerie <i>and </i>Nina? Say <i>hi </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>side</i><i>.</i>


    ¡°Marissa,¡± Delinda spoke in a hushed tone, ¡°You have again that dreamy look on your face. Wipe it off and


    focus!¡±


    Marissa cleared her throat and got seated. There was a low chatter in the room until the doors opened, and Joseph came inside followed by Dean.


    They began to stand as a sign of respect, but he raised


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    his hand, gesturing to them to remain seated.


    ¡°How is everyone?¡± he asked formally and started studying the file ced before him.


    ¡°Ms. Aaron,¡± he spoke and nced up with a


    professional smile, ¡°How is ev


    thing going? I hope


    you and your team feel quite at home in MSin.¡±


    Marissa silently thanked Delinda for alerting her at the right time and ced her pen on the desk, ¡°We all are enjoying our work immensely, Mr. Joseph. I can vouch for my team. They are doing every duty that is assigned to them.¡±


    Joseph seemed impressed and when he spoke again, his voice was warm, ¡°So wee aboard everyone. We have a lot to cover regarding the Kanderton event.¡±


    He then closed the dossier and ran a quick nce at everyone, ¡°So from where should we start?¡±


    Peter raised his hand, ¡°Mr. Joseph?¡±


    When Joseph nodded Peter continued, ¡°Marissa has finalized our mural designs and has asked us to add a few things. But I request you to send us to the main event venue. My art depends on the space per area square. If it¡¯s not ording to our expectations then


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    720 A 1


    we won¡¯t be able to adjust our designs at thest


    minute.¡±


    Joseph noted something in his tab, ¡°Dean. Can you do that?¡±


    ¡°Sure, sir. I¡¯ll take the cam before the weekend.¡±


    Joseph hummed and again typed something on his MacBook.


    ¡°Ms. Delinda. Why don¡¯t you tell Mr. Joseph about the chocte fountain?¡± Marissa signaled her friend and then turned to Joseph, ¡°Delinda and Shang Chi have some amazing food ideas that cover desserts, cocktails, and sd bars too. Not ording to Kanderton culture but from their home countries.¡±


    Joseph gave an appreciative nce their way, ¡°Seems like your team is more than ready, Ms. Marissa. Every one of them seems to know their tasks. Good job! Here I would add¡­¡± He trailed off when the door opened, and Kate sauntered in with a confident smirk on her


    face.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte,¡± She said, not looking the least apologetic, ¡°But I swear Mr. Joseph. I have something good to share¡­ and that¡¯s the reason I¡¯mte.¡± She


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    took the only empty seat and started fixing her hair.


    Joseph frowned and didn¡¯t let it show on his face, but


    he had always hatedters who were never


    ashamed of it. I appreciate your efforts. Ms. Kate. Share with us, what deal you have got up your sleeve.¡±


    Kate bristled slightly pressed on. ¡°I have arranged a premium supplier for the furniture d¨¦cor of the event. And let me tell you. He is giving us the best possible


    rates.¡±


    Marissa was appalled at the woman¡¯s behavior. She was here as a home¨Cbased chef and offering Joseph


    furniture meant that the home¨Cbased event nners would be losing their jobs.


    Joseph must have felt it too because his cordial smile had turned a tad sharper, ¡°Premium suppliers you say? Premium supplier isn¡¯t only about lesser money but also about quality, the setup and about timely


    delivery¡­¡±


    Kateughed and opened her mouth to say something when Dean spoke this time, ¡°Mr. Joseph and Mr. Sinir have been quite clear about this topic, Ms. Kate. If you don¡¯t have anything better to say, then


    70 70¨CA Jerk!


    Marissa cleared her throat and quickly canceled the call. Her face could sense Mr. Joseph¡¯s eyes on it and that was adding more tension to the situation.


    She mumbled a sorry and aced her fist under her chin, with her elbow leaning on the table, ¡°Ms. Kate. The answer to your offer is No. As Dean said, we already have entrepreneurs for everything.¡±


    With that, Joseph continued with the meeting. Marissa had switched her phone into silent mode now and she could feel vibrations through her bag.


    Delinda might have felt it too.


    ¡°Is it your crush calling you again?¡± she whispered to Marissa. Marissa¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave Mr. Joseph¡¯s face while shaking her head.


    How immature of her to save it as ¡®crush¡®. Anyone from the office might see and can make her life a living hell


    here.


    She wanted to do her duties as a team head and then


    get over with the event.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Delinda whispered again and Marissa now wanted to tell thedy to get quiet. She wasn¡¯t letting


    har think


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    70 70- A Jerk!


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Delinda spoke again.


    ¡°What!¡± Marissa whispered back sharply.


    ¡°Mr. Joseph is waiting for your answer¡­¡±


    What!


    She nced up and found not only Joseph but too many pairs of eyes focused on her.


    ¡°He is asking about table arrangements in the hall,¡± poor Delinda was again there to save her ass and Marissa felt like she wanted to turn into an insect and


    crawl out.


    ¡°How could we, Mr. Joseph,¡± she managed a confident smile, ¡°Dean just said he would be taking us to the venue before the weekend. I do have some¡­ ideas in my mind but those can be finalized after having a look at the ce.¡±


    Thank God!


    Joseph nodded and got busy questioning other team


    members.


    This meeting needed to end otherwise she might embarrass herself.


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    The meeting was again disturbed when the


    receptionist of the VIP floor walked in, ¡°Mr. Joseph! Mr. Sinir is on the line and wants to talk to Ms. Aaron.


    He is saying he needs urgen


    formation on


    something rted to the event.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t know what to do. She turned her face to look at Joseph who waved his hand, silently allowing


    her to go.


    Rafael Sinir! What¡¯s your problem?


    When the president noticed, she wasn¡¯t responding to his messages or calls, he called on the VIP floor¡¯s main desk to connect to her.


    ¡°You are a jerk, Rafael!¡± Muttering under her breath she got up and didn¡¯t miss the wicked smile on Delinda¡¯s face.


    ¡°Definitely a jerk!¡±


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 Chapter 71

    71 71- Biggest Surprise


    Marissa <b>was </b>still fuming when she stepped into the reception area. The reception girl was wearing a badge that said Zara. She was walking ahead, and Marissa could see how well¨Ctoned her hips


    were<b>.</b>


    <i>Now </i><i>stop </i><i>thinking </i><i>like </i>a <i>pervert</i>, <i>Marissa</i>.


    She scolded herself and got to the phone. The receptionist took her seat and Marissa didn¡¯t know how to give Rafael a piece of her mind in Zara¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She almost snapped into the receiver making the


    receptionist shoot a curious nce at her.


    ¡°Hi!¡± Rafael¡¯s voice came out <i>of </i>the receiver making her feel giddy.


    As always!


    ¡°I was in a meeting,¡± she hissed and then gave a friendly smile to


    Zara.


    ¡°Oh, ok. By the way, how are you?¡± he was so casual as if he did nothing and it was routine for him to call her to the reception just


    to talk to her.


    ¡°I need to go back as I just told you <b>I </b>was in a meeting,¡± she repeated in a sharp whisper.


    ¡°OK. But it won¡¯t hurt you to tell me how you are doing. You sent me a hi message, so I take it that you are missing me a lot.¡±


    Marissa wanted to roll her eyes but then Zara¡¯s eyes were constantly roaming around her, so she had to be careful. The


    10:45


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    71 71¨CBiggest Surprise.


    hardest thing was to keep her expressions friendly¡­ and normal. ¡°No, I am not,¡± she managed a fake smile.


    ¡°Why are you talking like this? Is there someone around you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. The whole office. I¡¯m in the reception area or are you forgetting that you sent that receptionist to fetch me.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Hand over this receiver back to Zara.¡±


    Marissa wanted to do that and leave. She didn¡¯t want to miss the meeting, ¡°Oh. Thanks for understanding.¡±


    ¡°No, no. Stay right here. Ok?¡±


    She gave the receiver to that beautiful receptionist and waited.


    ¡°Sure, Mr. Sinir,¡± Zara ced the receiver back on the craddle and turned to her, ¡°Please follow me, Ms. Aaron.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Marissa followed her and was horrified when she saw her going inside the main office that belonged to the President of MSin.


    ¡°I¡­ here¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. You can easily discuss the official things here. I¡¯ll connect the phone and you can take¡­ this seat,¡± she pointed towards Rafael¡¯s


    head seat.


    Marissa gulped hard and pointed to the seat, ¡°That one?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Because the phone that will be connected for you lies here. He doesn¡¯t have any problem as he thinks this discussion is very important.¡± She exined with a professional smile.


    Marissa nodded like a fool and went to his seat but instead of


    sitting on <b>it </b>she just kept standing there.


    10:45 ¨C


    217


    71 71¨CBiggest Surprise


    Zara had left the room and after a few seconds, the phone ced


    there rang.


    Marissa quickly picked it up, ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Now we can talk better. How are you?¡± Marissa closed her eyes


    when heard his voice.


    ¡°Why are you disturbing me in between a meeting? And who keeps interrupting in the middle of the meeting by the continuous calls? Obviously, I was busy that¡¯s why I wasn¡¯t attending them!¡±


    She heard his chuckle, ¡°See? You talk better when we are alone.


    But this didn¡¯t answer my question. How are you?¡±


    Marissa shifted on her feet, ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    She looked for the closest seat where she could carry this phone or could pull the receiver that long.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I want to move this phone to the nearest seat.¡±


    ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t there a chair? Call Zara again. Just hit that bell and she¡¯ll arrive ¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. B¡­but it¡¯s your seat,¡± She stuttered, and that made him go quiet.


    ¡°There is no, your seat or my seat, Marissa,¡± he said in a low whisper, ¡°That¡¯s our seat.¡± Marissa felt her heart going wild.


    She felt his voice going husky by the end of it.


    ¡°Sit on it, Marissa,¡± she looked around as if she was a thief, ¡°Don¡¯t


    worry. It¡¯s just a seat. Not myp.¡±


    30.40


    917


    ¡°Shut up!¡± she snapped and sat down ignoring hisughter on the


    other side.


    ¡°Now back to my question<b>. </b>How are you?¡± this time she made a pout and tried to let <b>go </b><b>by </b>leaning back on the luxury sea


    Tm good.¡± his next question was quite expected.


    ¡°How are kids?¡±


    ¡°Naughty. As always. <b>This </b>time she smiled when heard <b>his </b>chuckle.


    That¡¯s great. Now just rx back and keep talking to me.


    ¡°No!¡± she bolted up. <b>¡°</b>Why should I?¡±


    Yeah. <b>Why </b>should you? Because I <b>am </b>missing you here! Marissa wanted tough it off, but he wasn¡¯t joking


    His tone was dead serious.


    ¡°<b>Why</b>? Where is your wife?¡±


    ¡°She is in <b>my </b>office. <b>sitting </b><b>on </b>my seat. Talking to me.¡± Marissa gasped and got to her feet.


    ¡°Jerk! Is this a joke <b>to </b>you?¡± she didn¡¯t know <b>why </b>she felt tears stinging behind her eyelids. ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about the sham who lived <b>with </b>you during your blindness. <b>I¡¯m </b>talking about the woman who¡­¡± she gulped and couldn¡¯t continue.


    ¡°<b>Damn </b>you. Rafael. Say hi to Valerie and fuck <b>off</b><b>!</b>¡± <b>with </b><b>that </b>she almost pped the receiver and left the room<b>.</b>


    In the bathroom<b>, </b>after quickly throwing some water on her face,


    she tried to look <b>normal</b>.


    No. <b>This </b><b>must </b>be her sleeplessness ying with her mind. For <b>him</b>,


    71 71 ¨C Biggest Surprise


    she was nothing else but just the mom of his kids.


    When she returned to the meeting room there was some intense. discussion going on, about how to advertise the small business.


    It could have been beneficial if she had attended it.


    Damn you, Rafael. You don¡¯t need such things because you are already rich<b>, </b>but I could have learned a lot.


    ***


    ¡°I guess you again need that second cup of coffee,¡± Delinda said cing a cup on her desk. This time she couldn¡¯t hold it and one or two tears managed toe out on her face.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Delinda quickly pulled her chair to her seat and sat


    down, ¡°Don¡¯t cry. You need to be very strong.¡±


    Marissa nodded. She liked the fact that Delinda didn¡¯t try to pry about the reason and just offered her support.


    ¡°We women need to have some me time so that we can hold this world by its throat. When was thest time you had your me time?¡± she got stern by the end of it.


    This time Marissa tried to stifle herughter, ¡°Last night. We did gaming and I even lost the first match<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Delinda grinned and teased her, ¡°You lost? Really? What about the


    second match?¡±


    ¡°I won it because it was with an amateur,¡± Delinda startedughing when she imagined Flint¡¯s facest night.


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    71 71¨CBiggest Surprise


    ¡°At least you won!¡±


    Marissa chewed her lower lip looking at Delinda with a thankful expression, ¡°Life has been unkind¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, love,¡± Delinda got up from her seat, ¡°But we need to face it if we want to win. Because if we will show it that we are amateurs then it will take advantage. People will take advantage.¡±


    Yes. Delinda was right. Rafael was one of those who might be taking advantage.


    ¡°Not everyone tries to take advantage, Marissa. Don¡¯t mix the two,¡± Marissa felt as if Delinda could read her mind,


    ¡°There might be sincere people too. Don¡¯t try to push them away. thinking that they are using you, creating hurdles for you. Sometimes we are the ones who put hurdles in our way. Sometimes we are our biggest enemies, Marissa,¡± before turning away Delinda managed a small smile, ¡°The crush who was trying to call you. I¡¯ll say give him a chance. Not everyone tries to keep a check on us when we are busy in meetings.¡± With a wink, she walked away.


    What Delinda couldn¡¯t tell Marissa was, she was about to get the biggest surprise of her life.


    Something that could open Marissa¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 72

    72 72- Flu


    Delinda¡¯s words kept ying in her head again and again.


    Not everyone tries to keep a check on us?


    ¡®But then people don¡¯t even bother to be with you when you¡¯re carrying their kids and delivering them while facing death,¡± she told this to her image standing in the office bathroom.


    After washing her hands, she was turning away when Kate came inside and ced her bag on the sink b.


    ¡°I need your help, Marissa,¡± Marissa didn¡¯t answer but waited for her to speak, ¡°Please ask Mr. Sinir to give the furniture contract


    to Amir.¡±


    Marissa opened her mouth to say no, but Kate stopped her, ¡°I know. I know about those entrepreneurs. But Amir¡­ we are hand to mouth and Amir won¡¯t marry me if we don¡¯t get money.¡±¡±


    ¡°So, you expect me to take someone else¡¯s job to help you marry. that sleaze bag? Why marry a man when his love is based on such absurd demands, Kate?¡±


    Kate groaned at her remark, ¡°Urgh. I am not here for your


    suggestions. Amir is regretting about the furniture quality hest delivered. But believe me. He is not as bad. Don¡¯t you see how he gave you the file without anyints?¡±


    Marissa went quiet for a minute. She didn¡¯t understand about this


    couple.


    Amir had been making dirty passes on her and abused Akari


    72 72¨CFlu


    se*xually to keep Marissa off the contract.


    ¡°Ask him to take the file back if this is the price he wants for getting the contract. I don¡¯t want anything at the price of the happiness of the people who are here to feed something good to their family,¡± With that, Marissa left her there.


    If she had looked over her shoulder, she would have found a raging Kate who wanted to eat her alive.


    ***


    ¡°Someday I would like to meet your kids,¡± Delinda told her, and Marissa adored it internally when she felt Delinda was giving her


    space.


    Anyone from MSin industry would guess at one nce that Rafael was the father.


    ¡°Sure. Soon, I hope,¡± Marissa and Delinda wereing out of the office building. There was a car waiting for Delinda that she used to share with the other three colleagues.


    ¡°I thought you take cab to go home¡± Marissa remarked but then Delinda shook her head, ¡°That¡¯s the best thing about this job. They arranged this luxury car for ourmute. These girls share the same route,¡± Delinda then eyed the other car that was supposed to take Marissa home, ¡°You also share the ride with other


    colleagues?¡±


    Marissa looked back and then tucked her loose hair behind her ear, ¡°No. Nobody lives on this route <b>I </b>guess,¡±


    ¡°Lucky you,¡± Delinda waved goodbye to her when Marissa stopped her suddenly.


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    ¡°Del!¡± The older woman stopped and regarded her face.


    ¡°Yes, Marissa?¡±


    ¡°How do you think we should know that this is the right one? He is the one for us? There should be some way,¡± she shrugged.


    Delinda had a knowing grin on her face, ¡°This one must prefer you and choose you every time. He would leave everything for you no matter how busy he is. Even if he is seven seas apart, he should cross oceans for you and should reach you in time of need. Even if you would tell him that darling¡­ it¡¯s ok. Stay there. I can manage. He¡¯ll be there for you, Marissa. No matter who tries to stop him.


    Even if it¡¯s the flu, he¡¯ll arrive.¡±


    Marissa nodded and kissed her cheek.


    ¡°Thanks, Del.¡±


    Her friend had gone home while Marissa was still standing there


    on the sidewalk.


    The right one would prefer me and will cross oceans for me? Gerard once wanted to reach her because she had flu. But then


    she stopped him.


    She said she could manage. And he stopped. He didn¡¯te.


    Delinda might be talking about some alien species. Nobody does that for anyone.


    No such man existed.


    She looked at the sky and decided to call Gerard. Flint was right. She must find a man for herself.


    She got in the car and then dialed Gerard¡¯s number ¡°Today has to


    37


    72 72¨CFlu


    be my luckiest day!¡± she smiled when heard his voice, ¡°Where are you?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home. You?¡±


    ¡°Ah. I have still some meetings lined up. Will you have dinner with


    me this weekend?¡± He spoke what Marissa wanted to hear.


    ¡°Yes, sure.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, beautiful. I¡¯ll pick you up around seven,¡± Marissal disconnected the call and that¡¯s when she saw missed calls from


    Rafael on her phone.


    Thirteen missed calls.


    And then he had called on the main reception.


    After she rudely scolded him and banged the receiver, he didn¡¯t try to contact her back but sent just one message.


    ¡°Are you OK? Still angry?¡±


    Marissa gulped her saliva and then typed a message.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Just a little flu,¡± and then ced her phone inside her purse. Leaning back her head on the seat she looked outside.


    This was childish. She didn¡¯t know why she lied.


    Was she expecting him toe here after crossing oceans? She thought bitterly. Delinda must have been delusional when she said that. Why was she taking her so seriously?


    ***


    ¡°Mommy! Would Daddye to meet us this weekend?¡± Ariel asked her when she was tucking them <b>in </b>their bunks.


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    72: 72- Flu


    ¡°Yes, mommy, I¡¯m also missing him Abigail alsoined.


    Marissa made it a point to ask Rafael to talk to the girls. After kissing their foreheads and saying goodnight, she went out and found Sophie having ice cream.


    ¡°Gerard has asked me for dinner this weekend?¡± she told her and


    snatched the ice cream tub from her hands.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing. Wear something sexy, she winked and tried to take back the tub, but Marissa dodged her.


    ¡°Rafael should at least call the kids, I think they are missing him,¡± she said, and Sophie just shrugged regarding her face carefully,


    ¡°Maybe he wants your go¨Cahead on this. Where is he, by the way?


    How is it in office?¡±


    ¡°He is not here. Maybe abroad. In Sangua,¡± She took the spoonful in her mouth and closed her eyes in bliss.


    ¡°Sangua? Whoa. Now give me back that tub. I need to stay awake the whole night.¡±


    ¡°Whole night? Why?¡± Marissa asked her in concern.


    ¡°I have gotten a bomb assignment and need toplete it before morning. They are paying handsomely,¡± Marissa got up and handed


    her the tub.


    ¡°Good luck. I¡¯m off to bed!¡± she said with a wave and came to her room. By now she was so tired that she just wanted to pass out.


    The home and office were making her tired, but she had started enjoying the office environment too.


    Before going to sleen she thought of Delinda¡¯s car. MSin neonle


    72 72¨CFlu


    seemed too generous for giving every employee the pick and drop facility. Usually, she had heard that offices provided vans and fuel allowances, and the people in managerial positions used to get car allowances.


    Herst minute


    Rafael.


    thought before going into deep sleep was about


    ***


    She was in deep sleep but didn¡¯t know what woke her up. She tried to look around with half¨Cclosed lids that was when she felt


    something heavy resting on her belly.


    What was it?


    She frowned looking down when heard a raspy, sleepy voice very close to her, ¡°Go back to sleep, Strawberry.¡±


    Her heart missed a beat.


    No! This must be a dream. Howe Rafael was here and¡­


    She touched the hand lying on her and turned her neck to find herself looking into those greenest eyes.


    ¡°R¨CRafael? I¨CIs it y¨Cyou?¡±


    ¡°Umm hmm. It¡¯s me,¡± he said tenderly, ¡°Go back to sleep,¡± he whispered and started brushing his fingers through her hair.


    ¡°B¡­ But¡­ how¡­ Wh¡­what¡­¡± she was stuttering badly.


    ¡°You said you had flu. I had toe to you. Are you feeling better? Did you take any medicine?¡±

 Chapter 73

    73 73- Her Only Haven


    Marissa thought she was dreaming. She had dreamed about him for so long during thest four years. Lying beside her and telling her things she longed to hear in her reality but couldn¡¯t.


    He wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt, and his washboard nak*ed chest was so close to her that she could easily move forward and lick it. She could touch and feel it. Just like she used to do when they were together.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She propped up on one elbow and eyed him with uncertainty.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± He murmured looking into her eyes. hand raised and held the long ck hair lock in his grip that was touching his cheek.


    His


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to understand if this is a dream or reality,¡± she tried to control her tears, ¡°I missed you so much.¡±


    ¡°I missed you too,¡± his hand got up to hold her chin, ¡°I missed you too, strawberry¡­¡±


    Her lips curled up in a smile and he couldn¡¯t move his eyes away from her face, ¡°You are so beautiful.¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond and started leaning down slowly.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± his voice was barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Something I can never dare to do in reality,¡± cing her palm on his hard abs, she touched her lips to his, moving them gently over his.


    Feeling its softness.


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    73 73¨CHer Only Haven


    She smiled against his lips when heard his moaning, ¡°M¡­


    Marissa¡­¡±


    But Marissa wasn¡¯t ready to open her eyes.


    Her lips were now opening wide trying to suck in his mouth<b>. </b>This mouth¡­ she always missed its taste.


    By now her hand crawled up to hold his rough cheek.


    She groaned when felt his arm snaking around her waist pulling her to him more tightly. With another hand, he held the side of her face and pushed his tongue inside her mouth.


    Marissa¡¯s eyes


    eyes were rolling back slowly in ecstasy.


    Tightening his hold around her<b>, </b>he flipped their bodies, lying on top of her. But now he had stopped kissing her. His forehead was leaning against hers and they both were panting.


    ¡°Y¡­ you need to go back to sleep,¡± he whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to regret this in the morning.¡±


    She closed her eyes and chewed her upper lip in embarrassment, ¡°Then promise me you¡¯lle to my dream again.¡±


    Her hands were holding his naked waist quite tightly. Her fingers. were dying to move lower and see if he still felt that hot around her fingers.


    ¡°I promise, I will. If you¡¯ll allow me,¡± He gave a quick kiss on her lips.


    She kissed him back and he started dropping butterfly kisses on


    her face.


    ¡°Go to sleep otherwise¡­ oh, God!¡± he pulled her slim figure


    intensely in his embrace and started brushing her soft hair with


    20


    73 73¨CHer Only Haven.


    his fingers.


    Marissa could feel his hardness against her thigh.


    Up till now, this one was the best dream, and she couldn¡¯t wait for the next night toe. She was nning to ask him shamelessly to


    make love to her.


    They never made love when his eyes could see her. It was always


    done when he was blind.


    Sniffing in, his scent she slowly drifted into a deep sleep, momentarily forgetting about her wet panties.


    Thest thing she remembered was him brushing his lips over hers softly.


    ***


    Marissa stretched in her bed with a wide smile and got up. Thest night¡¯s dream was still fresh in her mind.


    She looked down at her disoriented gown and shook her head. sping it together, she looked up at the wall clock.


    Kids must be sleeping by now. If Sophie would be awake, she could ask her to make a cup of coffee before going to the bathroom.


    As expected, Sophie was furiously typing on herptop.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Sophie who wasn¡¯t expecting her presence jumped up in fright, ¡°You scared me to death. I¡¯m already typing a report about dead bodies, and you are making it worse. God! This is the second time someone tried to do that!¡±


    She closed herptop and started doing some stretching


    exercises.


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    73 73¨CHer Only Haven


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Needed some coffee if by any chance you are making it for yourself.¡±


    Sophie examined her face, and a mischievous grin etched her lips as she got up from the chair, ¡°Coffee? Uh¨Chuh?¡± she bumped her shoulder to Marissa, ¡°How many should it be? One cup or two cups¡­she then nudged her shoulder again, ¡°or maybe three?¡± she winked.


    Marissa looked at her friend in confusion. Poor her didn¡¯t seem alright after staying awake for so long.


    ¡°Umm. Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll make one for you,¡± Marissa ced her hand on her shoulder in sympathy and yawned loudly, ¡°But first I need to go to the bathroom,¡± she was walking away when her friend called


    her name.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± she stopped and tilted her head, ¡°how was the night?¡±


    This time Marissa turned full one hundred and eighty degrees and ced a hand on her hip, ¡°By any chance are you thinking that I made love to myself? Come on. I didn¡¯t even use a vibrator for thest few nights.¡±


    Ignoring Sophie¡¯s silly smile, Marissa went inside her room. She badly needed to pee and take a shower. She grabbed a clean underwear from her drawer and headed to the bathroom. She was


    about to twist the handle of the bathroom door but strangely enough, the knob took a life of its own and turned.


    Marissa pulled back her hand in fright and saw the door opening by itself. She wanted to scream and call Sophie, but her voice got


    stuck in her throat.


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    73 73- Her Only Haven


    What the hell was going on? Who entered her bedroom and wast


    now using the bathroom without her permission.


    And now ¡­ she was about to get a heart attack.


    ¡°R¨CRafael!¡± she stuttered, ¡°W¡­ when did you arrive.¡±


    She was trying her best to ignore his wet body where water droplets were running down his muscles, getting absorbed in the towel wrapped around his waist.


    What was he doing in her bathroom?


    ¡°W¡­what are you doing here?¡± she managed to ask him. Rafael very casually looked over his shoulder.


    ¡°The same what most of the people do in the bathroom. Shower!¡± he came out of it to walk past her but at thest minute held her wrist dragging her along with him.


    ¡°When did youe? I didn¡¯t even see you entering the bedroom,¡± she didn¡¯t protest when he drew her close, shaking his hair and causing tiny drops of water tond on her face.


    ¡°Last night you were sleeping. But hey¡­¡± he winked, ¡°you did meet me,¡± her eyes went wide in embarrassment.


    We met?


    For the love of¡­ it was him! It was not a dream.


    ¡°Y¡­


    you


    took advantage of me¡­ and you kissed me¡­¡± she tried to pin it on him.


    ¡°No. I wasn¡¯t the one who took advantage of you,¡± he kissed her nose bridge, ¡°Iid beside you like a good boy. It was you who


    started touching all over my body and kissed me. Believe me. I


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    73.73- Her Only Haven


    liked the touch¡­¡± Marissa couldn¡¯t hear it anymore and pushed


    him aside. She was quick to dart towards the bathroom and lock the door behind her.


    For now, it was her only haven.


    Comentario

 Chapter 74

    74 74- Soft Body


    Leaning to the wall of her bathroom, she was trying to control her hammering heart.


    Last night¡­


    Last night, he was the one she kissed. He was the one she felt under her palms.


    He was the one who made her stop otherwise she wanted to go


    further.


    She took the shower absent¨Cmindedly and then didn¡¯t know how toe out. She shouldn¡¯t have shown him her weakness.


    Standing on the bathroom floor in nothing but her robe was making her sweat again when someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± she heard his gentle voice, ¡°Come out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet,¡± she called out tiredly.


    ¡°Yes, you are. There has been no shower sound for the past few


    minutes. Come out!¡±


    He was right. She couldn¡¯t spend her whole life in the damn.


    bathroom.


    She opened the door slowly and thankfully he was dressed now. All skin was covered under that t¨Cshirt and cotton trousers.


    The moment she was out, she found him leaning against the wall outside, waiting for her. When he saw her, he held her hand and


    moved her closer to him.


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    74 74¨CSoft Body


    ¡°What are you worried about? Huh?¡± he gently moved back her wet hair and kissed her forehead. Until yesterday he was managing a distance between them.


    But afterst night he was touching her like they were old buddies. and were easy around each other¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Are you worried aboutst night? When you thought it was all a dream?¡± he was asking her like he was talking about someone else.


    Marissa was very self¨Cconscious of his thumb that was gently moving on her cheek, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Marissa. I also dream a lot of things that¡­ don¡¯t sound decent in practical life.¡±


    ¡°You do?¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes,¡± He then bumped his nose against hers and looked into her eyes, ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I need to be embarrassed about it,


    Marissa.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s senses were slowly taking their leave. That¡¯s what his presence used to do to her. She took a lot of advantage when he was blind but not anymore.


    Now he could see how she was looking at him as if she wanted to


    eat him alive.


    His muscles were making their presence known under that t¨Cshirt. where her palm was ced.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked him and then realized this must sound rude, so she chuckledmely, ¡°Of course. For the kids.¡±


    This time he drew her more into him a little brutally and took his mouth near her ear, ¡°I¡¯m not here because of kids. I¡¯m here


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    74 74¨CSoft Body


    because of you.¡±


    She frowned and tried to pull back when he hurriedly spoke, ¡°Remember? You said you had flu. I couldn¡¯t stay there any longer.¡±


    That moment Marissa¡¯s heart was doing summersaults.


    He was here because of her? Because she had flu?


    Breaking their eye contact she closed her eyes and then opened them again only to focus on his lips.


    He smirked and when he spoke Marissa couldn¡¯t hear him. She had zoned out again and could see his lips moving.


    Shaking her head, she smiled and leaned her forehead to his chin.


    It still felt like a dream. He came to her just because she had the


    damn flu.


    Oh, Delinda. I underestimated you.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s¡­ their wake¨Cup time,¡± he knew she was talking about


    their children.


    ¡°Let me wake them up¡­ or maybee with me. Let¡¯s do it together,¡± She nodded and let him drag her across the living room to get to the children¡¯s room.


    She didn¡¯t miss the wicked glint in Sophie¡¯s eyes. Now she understood why she was asking her weird questions.


    She was the one who let Rafael in.


    <b>***</b>


    ¡°Abi! Ariel! Alex! Wake up!¡± he started making noise, the moment he entered their room. The kids who used to take their sweet time


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    74.74¨CSoft Body


    in waking up opened their eyes in an instant.


    ¡°Daddy!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it!¡±


    Even Alex seemed shocked, and this time couldn¡¯t hide the expressions.


    Both the girls stood on the mattress because they wanted to jump up and down but due to Abi¡¯s health, Rafael quickly scooped them up together.


    ¡°Now no more monkeys jumping on the bed!¡± Rafael¡¯s line from their favorite nursery rhyme made themugh.


    ¡°Go and brush your teeth and then we¡¯ll have something good for breakfast,¡± he announced.


    ¡°How about waffles with ice cream!¡± Abigail screamed and Marissa showed her, mommy eyes.


    ¡°We already had it a few days back, sweetheart if you remember,¡± she took her from her father¡¯s arms and ced her down, ¡°Now go and wash your face.¡±


    Alex who was rubbing his left eye, looked at her, ¡°Mommy. Won¡¯t you go to the office today?¡±


    ¡°Why not? I have to go to work,¡± she told him softly and then


    smacked his buttocks, ¡°Now off to the bathroom.¡±


    When she came out of their room, Rafael was behind her, and she


    was very much conscious of his presence.


    ¡°After giving them breakfast, I¡¯ll get ready for the office. Will you stay here longer, or you go to your ce first?¡±


    74 74¨CSoft Body


    Instead of answering her, he held her hand and brought it to his lips, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of something else. Why don¡¯t you take a short leave today?¡±


    ¡°And what excuse will I give to them? I already took short leaves due to Abi and Delinda.¡±


    She wanted to free her arm from his grip and go inside the kitchen. when instead of leaving her wrist, he pulled her to him until she bumped into his hard chest.


    She wanted to issue him a stern warning, but his cocky grin made her stop.


    ¡°Stay here for a minute. Let me see you,¡± His eyes were making her


    nervous.


    ¡°W¨Cwhy?¡±


    ¡°Why? Because in a few minutes, our children will be around us and we won¡¯t get a chance to have this moment, Marissa.¡±


    Marissa felt her heart sinking. He was behaving like they were real


    spouses.


    Putting his arms around her neck, he kissed her cheek, ¡°You are¡­ still so soft¡­¡± he muttered, and she felt his voice going teary.


    Her eyes snapped to his face, but he didn¡¯t give her a chance and clutched her face to his chest.


    ¡°Rafael,¡± it didn¡¯t sound like a protest to her own ears.


    ¡°Marissa. You need to give me a chance. Remember I asked. just give me a few minutes of your time? So that we could talk¡­¡± she just nodded her face bumping her head to his chin, but he


    you


    to


    C


    74 74¨CSoft Body


    didn¡¯t seem to mind,


    ¡°I beg you to let me talk. There are so many things you don¡¯t know


    about me.¡±


    ¡°For example?¡± her voice was muffled against him.


    ¡°For example¡­ I haven¡¯t forgotten how your soft body felt against


    me.¡±


    66


    Hello. <i>I </i>don¡¯t think if anyone is reading my <i>book </i>as there are no reviews. So <i>i¡¯m </i>nning to kill <i>Rafael </i>and pair Marissa with Dean or Joseph<i>. </i>Or maybe Amir???


    Any thoughts?

 Chapter 75

    75 75- Seventy¨Cfive Percent Share


    <b>¡°</b><b>What </b>are you thinking?¡± Ethan asked Valerie and turned into the bed to face her. She was looking up at the ceiling too engrossed in her thoughts.


    ¡°We have been looking for him for the past few days and haven¡¯t been able to find him. I don¡¯t know why this location app is giving us the wrong address,¡± she expressed her concern in a harsh tone.


    They were still in San Francisco, and she was feeling like she would


    go crazy.


    Instead of using this time to enjoy her time with Ethan, they were roaming around in the streets of San Francisco in the cabs trying to keep tabs on Rafael.


    Nina had confirmed that he hadn¡¯t reached Sangua, nor he was in Kanderton.


    The location app always said he was in a restaurant or a mall or a local market and then the moment they used to reach there he would have moved somewhere else.


    This cat¨Cand¨Cmouse game was going on and had started taking a toll on her mental health.


    Last night Ethan wanted to make love to her, but she was so tense that she couldn¡¯t even move her rigid body.


    What was going on with her?


    Didn¡¯t she want physical intimacy anymore?


    She did feel attracted to Ethan and he was handsome but not as


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    75 75¨CSeventy¨Cfive Percent ShareThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    gorgeous as Rafael.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± she sat up and held her head in both hands, ¡°why can¡¯t he stay in one ce? What is the location saying right now?¡±


    She asked Ethan and thanked him with a kiss on his cheek. He had been so patient with her and never showed any tantrums in this wild goose chase.


    In fact, he seemed to be enjoying it a lot.


    ¡°Right now?¡± he brought the phone to the bed and checked the


    location.


    ¡°He just entered a restaurant,¡± he informed her. ¡°Maybe for an official lunch or¡­ it might be a date too.¡±


    He said meaningfully and that gave her body an energy boost. As expected, she jumped out of bed in her little skimpy sleeping attire and scurried to the bathroom.


    ¡°I won¡¯t take more than ten minutes!¡± she called out before closing


    the door.


    ***


    ¡°Are you sure this is the ce?¡± sitting in the back seat of the cab. she slipped down her dark shades to the bridge of her nose and looked above the frame.


    ¡°You can check here! See?¡± he showed her the phone screen. There was a distinctive blue teardrop on the screen at the same restaurant location where they were standing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± she got out of the car and waited for Ethan who was paying the fare to the driver. She smiled when he held her hand


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    75 75¨CSeventy¨Cfive Percent Share


    and started walking inside.


    ¡°Do you have a reservation, sire?¡± the manager asked Ethan who pinned him with an intimidating look.


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t. We are guests and need a fine dining experience here,¡± he then offered him his visiting card.


    The manager looked at it then his eyes darted to the man standing.


    before him.


    ¡°Mr. Ethan¡­ Oh! Lockwood Industries? Please follow me,¡± Valerie had a proud grin on her face. She wished she could give a little shake to Marissa or Nina and tell them that see! I¡¯m the one who


    can effortlessly attract so many loaded handsome guys. It¡¯s just my


    looks.


    And you, Marissa! You were indeed an ugly duckling of the family.


    She wished she could show off Ethan to the world. He was taking care of her just like Rafael used to do when she was dating him.


    ¡°Sweetheart! Can you wait here? I need to use the lobby bathroom,¡± he asked kissing her cheek. She felt a little irritated but then didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°Please. I¡¯m right here,¡± She gave him a little yful push and started pacing around in the lobby. Shouldn¡¯t Ethan wait for her to


    take a seat at their table?


    Maybe it was urgent.


    She thought with a shrug and decided to approach the manager.


    ¡°Excuse me, Mister. I am apanied by my ¡­ friend. Can you take me to our seat? He is using the bathroom.¡±


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    75 75¨CSeventy¨Cfive Percent Share


    The manager good¨Cnaturedly bent his head down with a cordial smile and guided her to their respective table.


    She ced her purse on it and took her shades off. She didn¡¯t want to forget that she wasn¡¯t here to eat but to look for Rafael.


    She was about to order some iced water when she saw someone as broad¨Cshouldered as Rafael exit the dining hall.


    ¡°Goodness! It¡¯s him! Where the hell is Ethan?¡±


    She hurriedly picked up her purse and raced towards the exit.


    She also got a glimpse of the girl who was apanying him. A brte!


    My! My! Ethan was right. Rafael was having an affair indeed. The brte looked so much like Marissa,


    The same long ck half¨Ccurls and her figure was also on the chubbier side.


    Her heart pounded as she pushed through the doors and scanned


    the area.


    If she were lucky and would catch him red¨Chanded, his


    seventy¨Cfive percent would belong to her. She tried to remind herself she was here to get her share.


    This struggle was nothing but <b>an </b>effort for her fair share of the


    property.


    There was no sign of Rafael. Where should she go now? It meant that the location was showing the correct ce.


    For a moment she had sensed that maybe the location app was


    ving with her.


    10:51


    75 75¨CSeventy¨Cfive Percent Share


    She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn¡¯t realize, she had crossed the exit main passage of the restaurant and now was standing on a sidewalk.


    She was about to turn back casually when she spotted him again


    across the street.


    ¡°Rafael!<b>¡± </b>with her full might, she shouted his name. The same woman was walking beside him holding his hand.


    Unfortunately, her voice was lost in the noise of the vehicles and the crowd around her. She could now feel odd nces from the people around her.


    She quickened her pace to cross the road, nearly jogging now, desperate to catch up. Just then a bus before her eyes blocked her view for a few seconds. When it finally moved on, there was no sign of Rafael or that woman.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± she cursed under her breath scanning the area


    frantically.


    Her phone which was inside her purse, buzzed. She pulled it out to see a message from Ethan, ¡°Where are you? I¡¯m at our table.¡±


    She quickly typed back, ¡°Just saw Rafael. Lost him. Come out.¡±


    If Rafael <i>is </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i>catch him. We <i>have </i><i>to</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>might </i>love <i>him</i><i>. </i><i>But </i>I <i>love </i>seventy¨C<i>five </i><i>percent </i>share <i>more</i>!

 Chapter 76

    76 76- Finish It First!


    ¡°For example?¡± Marissa¡¯s voice was muffled against Rafael¡¯s chest.


    ¡°For example¡­ I haven¡¯t forgotten how your soft body felt against


    me.¡±


    Marissa felt herself turning into a block of ice.


    Her soft body against him?


    When he saw ack of reaction, he leaned forward and pushed her back a little to kiss her lips softly.


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>sorry for doing it without your consent,¡± his voice was barely audible, ¡°but standing here like this¡­ so close to you, your mouth is tempting me.¡±


    His eyes dipped to her lips, ¡°Can I kiss you again?¡± he asked her, and she felt as if her lips had gotten glued and had made it almost impossible to speak.


    ¡°Tell me, Marissa. Can <b>I </b>kiss you?¡± he leaned over bringing his lips to hers, ¡°Not the soft one I just did¡­ though I enjoyed that too¡­¡±


    ¡°R¡­ Rafael¡­¡± her eyes were fluttering close. The way he was speaking in low hoarse whispers, it was making her core soaked in juices.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± she felt him bumping his nose with hers, ¡°Answer me. May


    1?¡±


    ¡°Y¡­yes¡­¡± Marissa managed between herbored breathing, ¡°Yes¡­


    Y¨CYou¡­ c¡­can kiss me¡­¡±


    Yes. She wanted it. She wanted his touch.


    10:51


    15


    76 76¨CFinish It First!


    He was asking for her consent but¡­


    She had to close her eyes when felt his hot breath against her face


    against her cheek. She felt the wetness of his lips there.


    ¡°The consent was for the cheek or lips?¡± he asked her, ¡°Tell me,


    Marissa.¡±


    She wanted to say ¡®both¡®.


    She wanted to beg him not to move away his arms from her waist.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting,¡± she felt the tip of his tongue against the corner of her mouth and suppressed her moan.


    ¡°Ariel! Alex! See! Daddy is kissing Mommy!¡± Abigail screamed at the top of her lungs. She was so loud that not only her siblings came. running but Sophie who had just fallen asleep like a dead came out with bloodshot eyes.


    Marissa and Rafael jumped at their ce and Marissa could feel herself blushing to the roots.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Sophia asked her, her hand ced on her chest, maybe to control her rapid heartbeat.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Rafael sighed, ¡°Something was about to happen.¡±


    Marissa was expecting him to step back but then he not only pulled her tight but also smacked her lips loudly in front of the audience.


    ¡°Here! It¡¯s not done the way I wanted it. But I¡¯m not wasting a chance to kiss you. Nopes!¡± he walked out of the kitchen and lifted up Abigail.


    ¡°You are going to give a heart attack to your family, someday, little


    25


    C


    76 76¨CFinish It First!


    one¡­¡± Marissa sped her lips tightly to control the grin forming on her lips.


    His touch was the same. The taste of his tongue was the same.


    She broke free of her thoughts when Alex hugged her legs, ¡°You look happy, Mommy.¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The innocent smile on his face made Marissa¡¯s heart melt. She crouched down near the boy and ruffled his hair, ¡°Your mommy is always happy, Alexander. She loves you all.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he cupped her cheek with his little hand, ¡°but I want to see you genuinely happy. And I want to do whatever it takes to


    achieve that.¡±


    <i>Then </i><i>ept </i>your father¡¯s <i>presence </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>life</i>, <i>honey</i><i>. </i>She pleaded. to him silently but then couldn¡¯t say it out loud.


    It was unfair to the little boy.


    He deserved to take his own time and ept Rafael at his own. pace. In no way, she could force him to ept something <b>or </b>someone against his will.


    She had already guessed that her son was quite intelligent in the technology field and could do wonders if he was guided properly.


    ***


    Marissa had prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. Instead of preparing three, she had made for four.


    Rafael could notice her graceful moves while walking in and out of the kitchen. He had made the kids seated at the table and now


    they were waiting


    tes to arrive. for the


    10.51


    25


    76 76¨CFinish It First!


    ¡°Here are your sandwiches,¡± she was carrying all four tes quite expertly and started putting them in front of everyone.


    She ced his test and was about to turn around when he abruptly held her wrist, ¡°Wait. Where¡¯s your te?¡± curiosity was evident in his eyes.


    Before Marissa could say anything something unexpected happened. Alexander spoke.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t eat her breakfast. Though she taught us that it¡¯s good


    for health,¡± Marissa and Rafael locked eyes for a second.


    Atst, he responded to his father. That was a positive sign.


    ¡°Alex is right. If breakfast is healthy then you should have it too¡­¡± Before Marissa could protest, Rafael had pulled her on hisp.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she called his name with wide eyes. Ariel and Abigail had started giggling.


    ¡°Eat it!¡± he then turned to Alex, ¡°Hey Alex. From next time, if she doesn¡¯t have her breakfast let me know. I¡¯lle over and feed


    her.¡±


    Marissa had to ept that Rafael was doing it smartly. Because Alex¡¯s eyes snapped up to his father.


    ¡°You will? Just to feed her? What if you are abroad for some. business purpose?¡± Rafael offered a soft smile to his son but then it was short¨Clived. He needed to treat his son like a man of the house.


    The role he took without anyone telling him. Rafael needed to talk.


    to him eye to eye.


    10 51


    76 76¨CFinish First


    If he wanted to win his kids¡® hearts, then he had to win over their


    mom first.


    ¡°That I can handle, Alex. I¡¯lle home to feed Mom.¡±


    This time Marissa knew he was not making it up. If he was telling his son, then he would fulfill the promise.


    Rafael would never lie to his kids. This not only warmed her heart but also made her teary¨Ceyed. She had momentarily forgotten where she was sitting when a hand came up and started wiping her eyes with his fingers.


    She snapped back from her thoughts and saw Rafael picking up the sandwich and bringing it to her mouth.


    She tried to smile but her lips quivered. Rafael nodded at her encouragingly and she opened her mouth to take a bite.


    Right after that. Rafael also took a huge bite.


    She tried to stand and move to the chair, but he ced his other hand on her thighs, pinning them, not letting her stand.


    ¡°Finish it first.¡± Hemanded and she obliged while being very much conscious of his touch on the skin of her thighs.

 Chapter 77

    77 77- Arrested


    Today was one of those rare days when Kate was reporting earlier than usual. Ever since Rafael told her that she would get the caf¨¦ in the building, she had started putting efforts to win her bosses¡® hearts.


    Today she just exchanged pleasantries and went to her seat. Sipping her hot coffee, she stared at herptop screen.


    Was


    She had to finalize the menu report. Every chef had submitted it except her. Dean had been reminding her subtly, but she postponing it for some time.


    Today she wanted to get it done.


    However, no matter how much she tried to be attentive, her focus. kept drifting. After spending hours sitting on her seat, she felt as if her ass had turned into stone.


    This brain fog was not letting her work.


    ¡°Hey, Kate. How¡¯s it going?¡± Shang¨Cchi asked dropping by her desk.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± she chuckled sarcastically not even bothering to look up, ¡°Just trying to finalize this menu and look at me. It seems I have never cooked in my entire life.¡±


    ¡°Need help?¡± he offered but she shook her head.


    ¡°I just need some brainstorming. When all my colleagues areing up with amazing ideas, here I¡¯m trying to decide what to present because apparently, all my previous ideas are toomon or not worthy enough.¡±


    10


    77 77- Arrested


    ¡°Rx!¡± he pulled a chair near her, Discuss with me what you have in mind. We mighte up with some ideas.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Shang. And by the way, where is Marissa?¡±


    She looked around searching for the face, she hated most but had to bear with it. Anyways. Marissa was clearly jealous because she didn¡¯t get the caf¨¦ opportunity.


    Shang¨Cchi¡¯s eyes also wandered around, ¡°I don¡¯t know where she is. She usually arrives on time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Kate shrugged, her eyes fixed on theptop screen carefully, ¡°She took a short leave and a full leave and still you think¡­ well¡­ anyways¡­ let¡¯s not discuss her.¡±


    Kate clicked her tongue inside her cheek and started typing. She kept discussing her menu with Shang¨Cchi who kept grilling her until she dide up with some unique ideas.


    ¡°You are a honey bun,¡± lifting her bum from the chair, she hurriedly


    kissed his cheek.


    After he left, she took a deep breath and refocused.


    She checked her watch for maybe a hundredth time, ¡°I¡¯m running


    out of time. Marissa might take this opportunity to fire me or insult me if I don¡¯t prepare it soon.¡±


    Muttering to herself, she kept typing the words. Talking to


    Shang¨Cchi did help her a lot. Atst, after a couple of hours, she was done with the menu.


    She also needed to mention the ingredients of each dish so that none of their guests would have any allergic reactions.


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    216


    77 77- Arrested


    ¡°Urgh! I deserve a vacation!¡± she chuckled and saved her work. Getting to her feet, she stretched her arms, ¡°Hey, Pete!¡±


    She called the mural artist who was supposed to go to the venue


    earlier than them.


    ¡°Can you get me a printout please?¡±


    <b>***</b>


    While going to the Dean¡¯s office that was adjoined to Joseph¡¯s, her heels were clicking on the polished floor.


    Standing outside, she shifted her weight and took a long, deep breath before knocking on the doorframe.


    ¡°Hey, Dean. Got a minute?¡± Her voice was confident but had a hint of tiredness too. Dean was leaning over a file as if he was trying to eat and digest it. Unconsciously he was brushing his fingers. through his hair.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hmm. What is it?¡± he asked absentmindedly, without looking up at


    her.


    ¡°Can you review the menu? It did take my energy but thankfully it¡¯s done,¡± she said with an exhausted smile and took the seat across.


    from him.


    Dean finally moved up his gaze, ¡°I think you are with the wrong


    person?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± she blinked in surprise.


    <i>How </i><i>dare </i>he say such a nasty <i>thing </i><i>about </i><i>Amir</i><i>?</i>


    ¡°Yes. You must go to Marissa and show her this report. She is the in charge of such stuff. You are approaching the wrong person¡± He


    300


    77 77- Arrested


    pointed his thumb towards his chest. His eyes flickered back to the paper in front of him and he started nibbling the pencil he was holding between his fingers.


    This time Kate did give him an over¨Cbrightened smile, ¡°Ahan. Go to Marissa!¡± she leaned forward, cing her arms on the desk, ¡°And how I¡¯m supposed to do that? Space travel to reach her? Because she hasn¡¯t arrived at the office yet.¡±


    This time Dean frowned and gave her, his full attention ¡°Marissa hasn¡¯t arrived yet?¡±


    Kate shook her head and got up from the seat, ¡°It¡¯s more like a game in this multinational office MSin. I was the one who suggested Mr. Sinir to hire an in charge among one of us as you were too upied. And look! We don¡¯t have anyone to go to.¡±


    She left the office with that wicked grin.


    Marissa should have known whom she was messing with. After arriving at her desk, Kate almost threw her dossier onto it.


    The sharp thud drew everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± a colleague who was passing by, stopped.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± she retorted haughtily, ¡°Mind your own damn business.¡±


    She held her phone in her hands and started typing a message to her fianc¨¦, ¡°I¡¯m sick and tired of this Aaron girl, babes.¡±


    She was waiting for the reply to her text when her phone started ringing.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear your voice love. What¡¯s up!¡± after hearing his voice she wanted to forget about Marissa but that seemed to be


    416


    77 77¨CArrested


    impossible for the moment.


    ¡°What has she done now?¡± he asked her sleepily and she moved to a spot that could give her a little privacy


    ¡°She is in charge but knows how to take advantage of everything,¡± Kate murmured herint with a pout.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, love. Do you remember the file you gave her?¡± she thought for a moment and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Come on, Amir. That property belonged to her. Can¡¯t we discuss something else?¡± She didn¡¯t know who to handle first. Her boss or


    her fianc¨¦e?


    Both were pulling her like she was a rubber band.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue babe,¡± she felt his voice dropping to a whisper, ¡°the file you gave her wasn¡¯t the one.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± she shouted and then covered her mouth with her palm, her eyes darting left and right. Thankfully there was no one


    around.


    ¡°Yeah. You gave her the wrong file. The address was quite simr so you or that bimbo didn¡¯t bother to cross¨Ccheck it.¡±


    ¡°Uh¨Chuh. Th<b>¡­ </b>that means¡­ I have to take back the file¡­ right? Mr. Sinir would¡­ push me¡­ Oh, my God! Amir¡­¡± she trailed off not knowing what to say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take the file back, honey. Do you hear me? Don¡¯t take the file.


    back.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°Because the man who owns the file has reported it missing. The


    1051


    ȯ


    7777¡ªArrested


    Police are looking for the file and the person who has it.¡± he


    chuckled meaningfully.


    ¡°And the person who has it?¡± Kate spoke in such a hushed tone that


    for a minute she thought he hadn¡¯t heard her.


    Yeah. The person¡­¡± heughed loudly. That person will be


    arrested right away. Hahaha.¡±

 Chapter 78

    78 78- Kidnapped!


    While getting ready Marissa didn¡¯t know if Rafael was nning to go home or skip the office.


    He didn¡¯t have office clothes and was willing to drop her off at the


    office.


    ¡°You have already provided me with an official car and a chauffeur. Then why go to such pains?¡± she asked him, looking through the


    mirror.


    He was lying in the bed, with his arms folded behind his head,


    She was applying a nude shade of lipstick and for some reason, all felt too intimate. She felt like she was getting ready like a normal wife would get and he was observing her through the mirror¡­ like¡­ like¡­ like a doting husband.


    it


    Marissa avoided his gaze and kept her focus on her face. His eyes. were making her nervous.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    <b>¡°</b>Umm. You can go and sit in the car. <b>I¡¯ll </b>be out in a few minutes,¡± she suggested trying to sound as nonchnt as possible.


    But he had a knowing grin on his face, ¡°Why? Is something wrong<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>


    She swallowed hard and tried tough it off, but he didn¡¯t miss her fingers fidgeting with her blouse, ¡°N¡­No¡­ nothing is wrong. Why waste time when¡­ you can do something more useful¡­¡± her voice wavered slightly.


    He got off the bed and reached her in a jiffy. Circling <b>his </b>arms. around her from behind, he kissed her temple, ¡°THIS is the most


    10:57


    16


    78 78¨CKidnapped!


    useful thing I¡¯m doing,¡± he murmured looking at her through the mirror, ¡°But if it¡¯s bothering you then I won¡¯t do it.¡±


    He kissed her temple again and Marissa felt her heart going wild at this closeness. She finally raised her eyes to meet his gaze in the mirror before flickering them away again.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out to say goodbye to the kids. But I¡¯ll suggest you get used to this. Because I¡¯m not going away from my family ever again.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s eyes followed him until he left the room.


    His words were still echoing in her ears.


    ***


    She headed to the kids who were still finishing their breakfast. Rafael was cracking some jokes, and the girls were giggling nonstop. Alex had a poker face, but Marissa could detect a flicker of amusement in his eyes too.


    Standing there, she tried to steady herself, smoothing the


    nonexistent wrinkles of her blouse The sight before her eyes was a normal family scene where a father was sharing some secret, waiting for the mommy to get ready.


    ¡°Ready?¡± He asked her, his eyes taking in her appearance. For a moment she thought she witnessed intensity in that gaze but then shrugged <b>it </b>off thinking she must be imagining it.


    She gave a quick hug and kiss to the kids, ¡°Be good to Flint. Don¡¯t disturb Aunt Sophia. She stayed awake all night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mommy,¡± they chorused with full mouths.


    10:52


    26


    78 78¨CKidnapped!


    When she stepped out, she found Rafael opening the door for her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you are taking this pain. The chauffeur could have done this duty.¡±


    His eyes narrowed into thin slits, ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me you are missing the chauffeur. Because if that¡¯s the case then here he is¡­¡±


    Before Marissa could understand, he bowed and gestured for her to sit in the car as if she was some royalty.


    ¡°Rafael¡­¡± she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. Your personal chauffeur here. Except you can¡¯t sit at the back in the presence of this chauffeur,¡± he teased with a yful grin.


    ¡°Thank you, mister chauffeur,¡± she returned the same mischievous. grin, ¡°And please watch out. You are about to step on my shoe!¡±


    Her remark made him cock up a brow, ¡°Really? What a tease you


    are, Ma¡¯am!¡±


    He closed the door and rounded the car to get to his seat.


    ¡°So, ma¡¯am,¡± he fastened his seat belt and turned to her, ¡°Would you like to tell me where to take you or is it my choice?¡± he spread hist palm, silently asking for her hand.


    Not understanding she ced it there. He held it and ced a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.


    Her smile wavered a little.


    ¡°Let me take you on a ride, you¡¯ll always remember.¡±


    Oh, brother. The only ride she could remember was¡­ the one she


    10.62


    36


    78 78¨CKidnapped!


    used to take ON HIM!


    Bless her dirty mind.


    She quickly looked out of the window to control her impure thoughts about him. My God. My body betrays me when he is


    around.


    She was a mess among this whirlwind of emotions and unspoken words. Finally, unable to bear the ufortable silence any longer


    she turned to him.


    Unable to decide what to say, she said the first thing that came to her mind was, ¡°Kids birthday is next month.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± he looked at her sideways while keeping his eyes on the road too, ¡°Really? Ask them for the theme. We should throw a grand birthday party.¡±


    With a little hesitancy, she pursed her lips, ¡°They never had a big birthday. We only celebrated it at home with a few kids from the neighborhood. However, this year I was nning to throw a proper


    party.¡±


    He nodded, ¡°That¡¯s great to hear,¡±


    Now she was at a loss for words again. When her phone pinged, she took it out from her purse, ¡°Where are you? I think Kate is nning to make a scene.¡±


    The message was from Delinda.


    Urgh!


    Marissa tossed the phone inside her purse.


    Kate¡¯s attitude got so much better in thest few days and now


    16


    78 78¨CKidnapped!


    again!


    She heard Rafael clearing his throat maybe to get her attention. And when she gave him a questioning nce, he averted his


    eyes.


    How could someone look this handsome in a t¨Cshirt and cotton


    pants, ¡°Marissa!¡±


    He called her name a little loudly when found her distracted.


    ¡°Hmm? Yes?¡±


    +107


    While driving, he kept stealing nces at her, his hand was resting on the car console between them.


    ¡°You know what?¡± he began, his tone light, ¡°I read somewhere that holding hands can reduce stress.¡±


    Marissa raised an eyebrow, ¡°Oh? Are you suggesting¡­.¡±


    Without missing a beat, he reached over and held her hand that was ced on herp. Not only that he also intertwined his fingers through hers.


    Marissa looked down at their joined hands and felt a shudder run through her. If Rafael felt it, he didn¡¯t show.


    He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    Before she could speak, she noticed the route ahead of her, ¡°Where are we? This is not the office route, she turned her neck to look out of the window, ¡°Isn¡¯t it taking longer today to reach the office?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It is!¡± he said, ¡°Because we are not going to the office.¡±


    ¡°W¡­what? What do you mean?¡± she tried to free her hand but


    5/6


    <


    78 78¨CKidnapped!


    couldn¡¯t do it due to his gentle but firm grip.


    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­¡± he murmured, his voice husky and


    intoxicating, as he raised her hand and kissed it, ¡°I have kidnapped. you, strawberry.¡±


    Marissa felt her heart throbbing wildly.


    Kidnapped?


    Comentario 1

 Chapter 79

    79 79- Warrant


    ¡°I think there is some chaos going on,¡± Delinda said sitting beside Shang¨Cchi who was doing nothing but ying a silly game on his phone.


    ¡°And why are you ying game in your office timings?¡± Without warning Delinda snatched his phone.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°What hey! Listen to me!¡± She scolded him and then gave him a stern look, ¡°This chaos can¡¯t be taken lightly, Shang.¡±


    Shang¨Cchi nodded with a somber expression on his face and then quickly grabbed back his phone without giving Delinda any chance. to even blink, ¡°Whatever is that chaos, it has nothing to do with my game. Now shoo away and let me y.¡±


    Delinda again tried to get her hands on his phone but this time he was ready and quickly dodged her.


    ¡°Shang. Kate is creating this chaos. We need to be alert,¡± this time Shang did ce his phone down on his desk and leaned towards her, ¡°I think I know. I stayed at her desk a little to help her with the menu selection. She was getting irritated about Marissa¡¯ste


    arrival.¡±


    They both were so busy in that secret conversation that they didn¡¯t realize someone was standing close to their desk.


    ¡°Hey, you two buddies! Have you seen Ms. Marissa Aaron? I need help,¡± he was another entrepreneur who was hired a little while


    back.


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    79 79¨CWarrant


    ¡°You can tell us, if you feelfortable,¡± Delinda quickly offered her services, but the man pinned them with a sharp look as if they both were fools.


    ¡°She is our head and I need her approval in a few things,¡± he stated, ¡°and I¡¯m sure you are not authorized to do that. Now tell me where


    she is.¡±


    Delinda looked up at the rude man who was middle¨Caged just like her but had the attitude of a young man in his twenties.


    Shang¨Cchi was about to tell him something when Delinda squeezed his hand secretly and gave a sweet smile to the man, ¡°Mister. We don¡¯t know where Marissa is. We are not your servants, nor we are Mum and Dad of Marissa. So go and look for her yourself.¡±


    Thest part was said with a deadly tone, and she turned back to Shang¨Cchi without giving a damn what this man might think about


    her.


    She was just offering him, her help and he was being rude for no


    reason.


    The man scratched his head and this time there was a little amusement on his face, ¡°Can you at least tell me if the columns of my report are ording to their demands?¡±


    He said cing his file on the desk.


    Delinda leaned in slightly to observe the page closely while the new employee¡¯s eyes were observing her.


    After taking her sweet time, she straightened and then nced up, ¡°Sorry. I can¡¯t tell anything about the columns of this report,¡± she


    20


    shook her head with a pout.


    He wasn¡¯t expecting it and seemed a little taken aback. Not after she wasted his time <b>while </b>looking <b>at </b>his report.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Delinda¡¯s eves crinkled <b>at </b>the corners as she examined him.


    ¡°Because, mister. We are not authorized to do that.¡±


    She batted her eyes quite dramatically and turned to Shang¨Cchi ignoring the rude <b>man </b>again.


    So, what were we talking about. Shang? Ah yes. That coffee ce is amazing. I¡¯ll definitely try that, she said with a smile.


    The rude man was still standing there but Delinda was treating him like he was invisible. Poor Shang¨Cchi was feeling like a cute puppy whose only job was to dart his innocent eyes between the two. His gazended on Delinda, who was waiting for his answer. Poor Shang hadn¡¯t even heard what she just said.


    ¡°W¨CWhat?¡±


    Delinda felt a little irritated when Shang¨Cchi asked her. The rude man wasn¡¯t moving away and she wanted Shang¨Cchi to y along.


    ¡°The coffee ce! Remember? The same ce we were talking about, silly.¡± Shang¨Cchi didn¡¯t know why Delinda was moving her eyebrows.


    ¡°B¡­but weren¡¯t we talking about Kate?¡± he asked her, unsure why she closed her eyes and her expression turned murderous.


    The man who was standing there looking at two of them suddenlyughed and walked away.


    79 79¨CWarrant


    ¡°Shang¨Cchi! I wish it was not a crime to murder someone,¡± Annoyance was evident in her voice.


    ¡°You came here to tell me about Marissa and then you switched to


    a good coffee ce,¡± he pushed back his chair and stood up, ¡°You know what that did to me? It made me yearn for a good coffee cup. Now get up!¡±


    He held her arm and started pulling her up.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. There is so much work to do,¡± Shang¨Cchi ced his hand on his hip when she started makingme excuses.


    ¡°We both know, Del that we don¡¯t have ANY work to do. So, move yourzy ass from that chair and apany me. Moreover, weren¡¯t you telling me something about Marissa?¡± his eyes twinkled with mischief.


    ¡°Oh. Yes. Speaking of Marissa¡­¡± she couldn¡¯t finish it when he started shaking his head.


    ¡°Get up and tell everything about Marissa in that coffee shop. Now


    hurry up!¡±


    ***


    When they returned from the coffee shop, they were more worried about her friend.


    ¡°I did drop her a message about Kate but didn¡¯t get any reply. Usually, she doesn¡¯t take time to respond to my calls or texts.¡±


    They both were passing the ground floor lobby when they overheard a man, ¡°Ms. Marissa Aaron. I have heard she works


    here.¡±


    10.52


    79 79¨CWarrant


    Delinda and Shang¨Cchi both turned only to find a uniformed. policeman standing at the reception desk.


    Delinda¡¯s cold hand touched Shang¨Cchi¡¯s, ¡°Shang. What is going


    on?¡± she asked him in a low voice.


    Shang¨Cchi had gotten speechless. He had just shared with Delinda about Kate¡¯s subtle remark about Marissa and now Marissa seemed


    to be in some trouble.


    Holding Del¡¯s hand, he tried to look casual as he got near to the reception desk and picked up a broacher.


    He made it look like he was discussing something with Delinda


    from the broacher.


    ¡°Ms. Marissa usually reaches on time but today she hasn¡¯t arrived office,¡± though the receptionist was cordial, but they could see her frown lines even from this distance.


    ¡°I hope you are telling the truth, ma¡¯am,¡± The policeman said, ¡°I just need to ask a few questions from her. But if you or thispany won¡¯t cooperate then I might have to bring a warrant along with my friends.¡± He finished with a meaningful grin..This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    The receptionist¡¯s smile faltered a little, but she stayedposed, ¡°Why would I lie, sir? She is not here. What warrant are we talking


    about here? Search warrant?¡±


    The policeman smirked and read thedy¡¯s name from her badge, ¡°Ms. Julia? No. I¡¯m not talking about a search warrant. It¡¯s an arrest warrant I¡¯m talking about.

 Chapter 80

    80 80- A Visit


    Kidnapped?


    Marissa stared at Rafael¡¯s face in disbelief. This was a very


    immature thing to do.


    ¡°I need to be in office, Rafael. There are people who are dependent on me. You just made me an in charge and now this irresponsible behavior of mine might invite suspicions.¡±


    Rafael slowed the car and parked it on the side of the road, ¡°Then tell them the CEO decided to make you in charge and he decided to steal you from the office¡­ and by the way¡­¡± he turned his body in his seat to face her, ¡°Why always worry about people?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s my bread and butter,¡± she said softly, ¡°Not everyone is born with a golden spoon in his mouth like you.¡±


    After saying it she realized she made a mistake, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ look. We need to go back. Your office¡­¡±


    He took her by surprise when he leaned forward to unbuckle her seat belt. Not only that but his arms snaked around her waist to pull her onto him.


    She was almost on his chest, ¡°For a moment¡­ just for a moment, Marissa,¡± he pleaded, ¡°Can you please forget about the office, in charge, work, your home, kids, home chores¡­ your car, your kitten, your puppy¡­¡± cing her palm on his mouth, sheughed hard.


    Instead of joining theughter, his eyes just stared at her face. When herughing fit was over, she exhaled a long breath, ¡°What


    ET


    80 80¨CA VistThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    do you have in mind? Because I can forget everything but not our kids.<b>¡±</b>


    He nodded in understanding, and she ced both hands on hist chest to move back a little to put some distance between them, ¡°So! What¡¯s next?¡± she asked settling on her seat and trying to


    control her elerated heartbeat.


    Just to show herself busy and to control her overwhelming emotions she took out her phone and then cursed internally partly due to frustration and partly due to embarrassment.


    ¡°This area hasn¡¯t got any signals. I can¡¯t even call or message anyone,¡± She raised her phone to check the signals.


    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± he pinched her nose yfully and then fired up the engine, ¡°This means kidnapping has gotten easier for me. Now you can¡¯t call anyone for help.¡±


    She pped his thigh and folded her arms on her chest. She knew he would never do any such thing.


    She trusted him.


    She could observe his strong hands on the steering wheel from the


    corner of her eye.


    Just then it urred to her, ¡°Are you taking me for breakfast?¡± because he knew she hadn¡¯t eaten enough. He must be hungry too.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± he winked, ¡°the abducted ones are usually not allowed to


    ask questions.¡±


    ¡°Oh, brother. Fine!¡± she eximed, throwing up her hands in surrender, ¡°Take me wherever you want!¡±


    27


    <


    80 80¨CA Visit


    Heughed when she gave up, ¡°Buckle up, strawberry. Now you are


    at my mercy.¡±


    ***


    Delinda and Shang stayed quiet in the elevator.


    A policeman was asking about Marissa. Why?


    Shang¨Cchi was continuously trying to contact Marissa to issue her a fair warning. When they stepped outside the elevator, she


    reached for his arm.


    ¡°We need to inform someone here, Shang. Delinda finally managed to speak, ¡°there must be some misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°No use. Thesepanies usually don¡¯t support their employees in such matters. They are usually scared of their name being


    tarnished. Talking to them will be fruitless.¡±


    Delinda¡¯s worry was increasing with each passing minute. She didn¡¯t want to get panicked.


    ¡°What if we talk to Mr. Joseph? He might be helpful.¡±


    ¡°Where is your phone? Right now, what you can do is, go and leave a detailed text to her. I hope she will get our messages once she switches on her phone or gets it charged. Just do that.¡±


    Delinda nodded, ¡°I left my phone behind,¡± she headed to her desk


    to get her phone.


    Shang¨Cchi saw her typing frantically on her phone and started trying Marissa¡¯s number. He wanted to leave a good amount of missed calls on her phone so that she would contact them back, as


    soon as she would see her phone.


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    80 80¨CA Vist


    After typing messages, Delinda got up and took her purse, ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡± Shang¨Cchi inquired in confusion.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sit here on my ass waiting for my friend to get arrested. I¡¯m going to talk to Dean.¡±


    ¡°But Del. Her job might be in danger and ¡­¡±


    ¡°Why would it be in danger? If any such thing happens then I¡¯ll get help from social media. When my son was sick, she not only spent her time with me but also talked to Dean to connect us with a good doctor. I didn¡¯t have to pay a dime for my son¡¯s treatment. If any such thing happens, I¡¯ll be the first one to resign from MSin.¡±


    ¡°Hey. How are you, Delinda?¡± Dean was standing close to a shelf. looking for something, ¡°please take a seat. I know today it¡¯s a little. chaotic due to Marissa¡¯s absence but don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Delinda took the seat, ¡°I need to talk to you, Dean. It¡¯s important,¡±


    Dean nodded when atst found the desired folder and turned to


    his seat.


    ¡°To be very frank, Marissa has taken half of my load. I hope


    everything is good on her end. She isn¡¯t even receiving my phone,¡± His eyes snapped behind Delinda.


    She also twisted her neck and found Shang standing there. He came over with a sheepish smile and took another seat beside her.


    ¡°You also need help with something? Shoot it!¡± Dean leaned back in


    his seat and started revolving his chair.


    ¡°We are not here because of us. It¡¯s about Marissa,¡± Delinda said


    10 12


    80.80¨CA Visit


    after bending over a great deal.


    ¡°Like I just said, we are trying to contact her¡­¡± Dean trailed off when saw their faces, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°A policeman is downstairs asking about Marissa. We don¡¯t know what the problem is. But he was talking about an arrest warrant.¡±


    Dean¡¯s face paled visibly. He quickly picked up his phone receiver and dialed a number.


    ¡°We tried calling Marissa, but her phone is not responding. It¡¯s forwarding us to the voice message part,¡± She exined to Dean.


    Attaching the receiver to his ear, Dean¡¯s skin between his brows. -wrinkled, ¡°Strange. Mr. Sinir is also not responding.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t hee to the office?¡± Shang asked him.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir is not in Kanderton. He is traveling continuously and is always avable on the phone,¡± He mumbled and started dialing another number.


    ¡°Mr. Joseph? This is something super urgent.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I think you need to cancel that meeting and be here.¡±


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s about Ms. Aaron.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Ok, sir. I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    He ced the receiver down, ¡°Mr. Joseph is on the way. Once he arrives, we¡¯ll let him know the details.¡±


    Both Shang¨Cchi and Delinda took a sigh of relief<b>. </b>Though they were still concerned about Marissa but at least Dean seemed to be


    willing to help.


    10.52


    57


    ***


    80 80¨CA Visit


    Kate was searching for the man in the lobby. ording to Amir, the police must be there by now. He had a friend in the police department who informed him that Inspector John Harris was on the hunt and couldn¡¯t wait to meet Marissa.


    The moment she spotted the uniformed man, her smile broadened. He was turning away from the receptionist¡¯s desk and was punching numbers on his phone when she waved at him with a smile as if he was an old acquaintance.


    With a frown, he ced his phone back in his pocket and turned back to look behind him, thinking she must be waving to someone else.


    Kate didn¡¯t want to approach him in front of the desk, so she preferred to exit the building. Inside there was the risk of CCTV


    cameras too.


    The inspector seemed sensible and followed her trail.


    ¡°Yes? How can I help you?¡± he asked the beautiful woman.


    ¡°I heard you talking there,¡± she said politely giving him, her best smile, ¡°You were asking for Marissa Aaron.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was. Do you know her?¡± The charm of her smile worked, and he found her quite appealing.


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± she shrugged, ¡°Unfortunately, she hasn¡¯t arrived yet.¡±


    ¡°OK. That¡¯s what the receptionist told me. Anything else you know about her?¡±


    She raised her one shoulder and moved her hair off her face, ¡°Of


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    < 80 80- A Visit


    course,¡± she smiled, ¡°I know where she lives.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± this time he did man

 Chapter 81

    81 81- My Weakness


    ¡°Where are we exactly?¡± Marissa asked Rafael rolling down the window. She hadn¡¯t seen this part of Kanderton city.


    She was still not understanding. After leaving behind so many high¨Cend restaurants, Rafael brought her here to this alien ce. where most of the people looked like the working ss.


    ¡°You tell me,¡± He kept his eyes ahead on the road, ¡°You have been living in Kanderton for quite some time and I¡¯m the one who is a neer,¡± throwing a smile on her way, he slowed the car.


    It looked like a small town and thene they were in, was getting narrower.


    Suddenly a long row of cottages came into view that seemed small


    but neat.


    Rafael stopped the car in front of the first cottage and killed the


    engine.


    Without offering any exnation, he got out of the car and came to her side to open the door.


    ¡°Rafael?¡±


    ¡°Come out, strawberry. Trust me!¡± he offered her, his hand and she held it with a little hesitancy and got out.


    ¡°Does anyone live here?¡± she asked him when he went inside, holding her hand, ¡°whose ce is this?¡±


    Inside the cottage, she seemed a little taken aback.


    It was not only furnished but had modern furniture. The d¨¦cor was


    115


    81 81¨CMy Weakness


    minimal and cozy.


    A woman wearing a grey uniform weed them, ¡°Good morning, sir? Y¨Cyour luggage?¡±


    ¡°Luggage?¡± Marissa shot her a panicked look, ¡°We are not here on vacation. We just want to have breakfast. Right, Rafael?¡±


    She asked him and then turned around to confirm it.


    His face was telling another story. He seemed uneasy.


    ¡°Rafael. I¡¯m asking something,¡± she walked over to him and touched his arm lightly. The woman who was apparently ufortable due to the presence of the couple, tried to maintain a weing smile. on her face. The poor thing was feeling odd in their presence.


    ¡°Please call me if you need anything,¡± with that she left them in the room that looked like a living room.


    ¡°W¨Cwhat¡¯s going on¡­. I think there was some misunderstanding¡­.. I thought you were going to buy me breakfast.¡±


    Rafael ran a hand through his hair, and then gently held her hand, ¡°That too¡­ but I just wanted to spend time with you¡­ some alone time¡­¡± he squeezed her hand.


    ¡°Alone time? Rafael, do I need to remind you that we are parents of small kids?¡± Ifst night was good, then the morning felt better due to his presence.


    But maybe she gave him the wrong signals. She liked his touch, but


    she knew that someone else deserved those touches.


    ¡°Can you please sit down?¡± he reached for her shoulders, but she


    653


    216


    81 81¨CMy Weakness


    shrugged off his hands.


    ¡°No. Talk to me. Tell me, Rafael,¡± She said through gritted teeth, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Ok. Fine! Here is the deal,¡± He snapped, ¡°I booked this ce for us. I wanted to spend some time with you. But Marissa didn¡¯t seem to be in her senses anymore, it looked like she had turned deaf.


    ¡°Spend time with me? Without kids?¡±


    ¡°Listen, honey. Having kids doesn¡¯t mean, we can¡¯t have our alone. time. The kids are back home, all safe and in good hands. I already talked to Sophiast night. Thankfully she was awake and agreed to help me in taking care of the children.¡±


    ¡°Without asking me? Their mom?¡± there was hurt in her eyes, ¡°what do you think of me? A kid. An elder sibling of those kids? Their nanny?¡±


    She was trying her best not to cry.


    ¡°Marissa! Listen, honey. I thought you were liking it¡­ with me¡­ like¡­ God! This is harder than I anticipated,¡± he threw <b>a </b>punch on the nearby wall.


    ¡°This¡­ it was supposed to be a surprise, Marissa¡­ Last night, when I touched you, I thought¡­¡±


    ¡°When you touched me then what, Rafael? Let me make one thing clear, Rafael Sinir. Those kisses. Thest night¡¯s sleepover. It was all due to the kids¡® sake,¡± she gulped down her saliva and almost. choked, ¡°There¡­ is nothing between us, Rafael. Nothing!¡±


    In her emotional state, she didn¡¯t even notice his stoic face.


    81 81¨CMy Weakness


    His expression had hardened. His eyes were shing with a mix of rage and annoyance.


    ¡°Is¡­


    is that the only reason? Really?¡± his voice turned low, ¡°Are you


    sure?¡±


    She was taken aback by the intensity in his voice. Just a few moments back he was all cheerful, trying to tease her. And this


    Rafael?


    This one was the same one who trusted Valerie and asked her to


    leave..


    ¡°Y¡­yes. Kids¡­ are the only reason,¡± she stuttered badly. No matter how much she worked on her personality, but this man was


    capable enough to make her stutter.


    Rafael stepped closer, his green eyes piercing her soul, ¡°I doubt that!¡± he muttered icily but then went still when saw tears. streaming down her face.


    ¡°You¡­ after all these years¡­ you think that¡­ you can just walk back into my life and pretend that nothing happened?¡±


    She wiped her face a little brutally with the back of her hand, ¡°I ¡­ I gave you the chance because of kids. Because Alexander needs a father. Ariel was desperate for a dad because all her friends had dads¡­ Abi¡­ Abigail, she needs you¡­ she is not well she needs you¡­¡± She hid her face and sobbed brokenly, ¡°My kids need you. Abigail needs a good doctor¡­¡± he heard her muffled cries and it did something with his heartstrings.


    Rafael wanted to touch her. To hold her.


    He wanted to tell her that he didn¡¯te back just for the kids. He


    1415Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    81 81- My Weakness


    was there for her too.


    But how to tell this when he was the one who pushed her through all this pain?


    The moment he would tell her about his feelings, she would shove him away from her and their kids¡® lives.


    She suffered a lot and now he didn¡¯t want her to get hurt because


    of him.


    ¡°Marissa! Strawberry!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that!¡± she hissed moving away her hands for a moment, ¡°don¡¯t ever call me Strawberry. I¡¯m NOT your straw¡­ Oh, God!¡± she again started crying, and standing there Rafael realized one thing.


    He could see her in rage and could endure her ps or kicks or hits or even her punches. And insults too!


    But not her tears!


    <i>Oh</i>, <i>Lord</i>! <i>She </i><i>is </i><i>bing </i><i>my </i><i>weakness</i><i>.</i>

 Chapter 82

    82 82- Water


    ¡°Can you please stop crying,¡± just a few minutes back she was


    teasing him andughing with him and here he had made her cry again.


    She was still hiding her face behind her palms, and he could see her shaking shoulders.


    ¡°Y¨Cyou haven¡¯t even eaten your breakfast and now


    you are crying like this¡­¡± He closed the distance between them and held her hands to pull them away from her face.


    ¡°Marissa¡­ listen¡­¡± he tried talking to her wet face, but the hands were back to her face¡­


    He didn¡¯t give up and pulled her hands again with all his might.


    ¡°I can¡¯t talk to you without looking at your face. Move away your hands, girl!¡± he pleaded to her, but she ced her hands back.


    ¡°Jeez, Marissa. Is there a machine installed in your arms? Your hands automatically move to your face¡­¡± his annoyed voice somewhat made it look funny to her. The crying session didn¡¯t take time to turn into aughing one.


    She bent down whileughing giving him almost a heart attack.


    ¡°Gosh! Rafael!¡± she managed between herughing fit and Rafael looked at her as if she had gone crazy.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look alright to me!¡± he whispered, and she shook her head trying to control her mirth.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, Rafael. I¡¯m good,¡± She atst took a long breath and


    1/6


    82 82¨CWater


    ced her fingers on her forehead.


    ¡°Sit down<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>when she didn¡¯tply with his request, he


    approached her to lift her in his arms. Marissa¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she squealed when her bodynded on top of him on the big couch.


    ¡°You are hungry, and we are not talking about anything else unless you eat something¡­¡± When she raised her brow, he quickly. exined, ¡°Eat food¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    He started wiping her wet face with his fingers and nced over to call the maid loudly, ¡°Emily! Food!¡± he looked back at her after issuing the order.


    ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m almost a mess,¡± Marissa tried to sit back just like she did in the car. At least there wasn¡¯t any witness there. Here the maid could easily see that she was sitting on hisp, leaning into


    his chest.


    She didn¡¯t want rumors.


    There was no need to show the maid where she might get the impression that they were a couple.


    Holding his shoulders, she tried to put her ass on the couch but unlike in the car, he didn¡¯t let her shift this time and kept her steady.


    ¡°Rafael. It would be easier for us if we sit ¡­ on this couch¡­ properly¡­ you have been driving for quite some time¡­ and must be¡­ tired,¡± she tried to hide her timidness by looking down at her


    ¡°I¡¯m not at all tired,¡± he tucked her hair behind her ear and pinched


    10d


    82 82¨CWater


    her chin, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze, ¡°I just want you to have breakfast. I saw how you were nibbling that sandwich. With three kids, a business to run, and then the home chores. Don¡¯t you think you should give yourself some care?¡±


    ¡°Sir! Breakfast,¡± the maid whose name was Emily started cing pancakes with the toppings along with frothy coffee in the two


    cups.


    Marissa tried to ignore this constant, strange smell in the air. It was too familiar, but she chose to ignore it.


    ¡°Please let me know if you need anything¡± Emily stated with a smile. Rafael gave a curt nod at the offer dismissing her and then his attention was back to his wife.


    ¡°Here. Open your mouth, Marissa felt as if she was a kid, and he was offering her cereal. The pancake piece was stuck on the fork.


    Nobody in her life tried to offer her a meal like this. Never! Not even her mother who was fonder of Valerie..


    ¡°I am not a baby,¡± she chuckled, ¡°now let me leave yourp and eat my food because I just realized that I¡¯m truly hungry.¡±


    Like a stubborn brat, he kept the fork near her mouth waiting for her to open it.


    With a groan, she reluctantly opened her mouth and took the pancake piece.


    ¡°See? You not even bothered to dip it in that syrup,¡± she


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    82 82¨CWater


    Her eyes rolled back in ecstasy, and she moaned loudly. Rafael¡¯s face had gone serious, and he was trying to control hisbored. breath.


    ¡°You should taste it, Rafael,¡± she leaned a little to cut another piece. and brought it to him, ¡°this is good. Eat it.¡±


    ¡°Eat what!¡± he whispered, and Marisa had to clench her core to control the delicious sensations. She couldn¡¯t maintain eye contact with him and did what she thought could bring her mind out of the


    gutter.


    She forced the fork inside his mouth and then ced it down.


    He kept feeding her small pieces silently not remarking on her suddenck of participation in the conversation.


    However, he didn¡¯t stop and kept sharing with her his office troubles and what she could do to run her business with more


    wisdom.


    The benefit of this conversation resulted in her being easy and


    He atst let her go when she had eaten everyst morsel.


    She got up and asked Emily to guide her to the bathroom. It was an attached bath with the only bedroom there.


    It was small but super neat. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, taking longbored breaths.


    It was good that she had a good cry outside. The truth was hist closeness was making her crazy. The way he was taking care of


    her¡­


    82 82- Water


    He used to do it even when he was blind.


    After sshing a good amount of water on her face, she came out and found him eating his pancake. For an instant, she felt guilty but then she was not supposed to take every problem on her


    conscience or her shoulders.


    She already had enough on her te.


    The moment Rafael saw her, his face lit up, ¡°Feeling better?¡±


    He finished his te and wiped his hands from the napkin.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out. You started crying and I couldn¡¯t show you the backyard,¡± he dragged her along and she couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    But then she felt herself freezing when she saw what it was in the backyard. Turning her neck, she eyed him all speechless and he wore a proud grin on his face.


    ¡°Surprise!¡± he eximed putting on his shades, ¡°Happy?¡±


    They were not standing in a backyard but on a beach. Those cottages were made on the shore of the Kar vige outside Kanderton.


    He had brought her outside Kanderton city to a small vige. And now she understood the oddly familiar smell she felt in the air. It was the aroma of saltwater drifting with the breeze.


    ¡°Th¡­ this¡­¡± she pointed to the soothing waves, ¡°w¡­ water¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, honey,¡± he gently ced a finger under her chin, tilting her face upwards, and kissed her cheek, ¡°this is called water,¡± he


    winked.


    ¦¥¦°


    82 82- Water

 Chapter 83

    83 83- Fire


    ¡°Are you sure, you talked to Sophie about this¡­ this n of yours?¡± Marissa tilted her head to look at him, sitting next to her on the recliner, rubbing the back of his neck.


    Emily had arranged two recliners on the back patio where they could see the sea. It was an oddbination where he had removed his t¨Cshirt and only wore his cotton trousers that were. rolled up from his ankles.


    She was still dressed in her formal office attire, had kicked off her sandals, and was leaning back on the recliner. Even her chignon was fixed in its ce.


    ¡°I did talk to Sophie,¡± he reached out for her hand and squeezed it gently, ¡°And I¡¯m sure I definitely talked to her unless,¡± he shrugged, ¡°unless I¡¯m suffering from memory loss.¡±


    She pped the hand, holding hers, and freed it from his grip.


    ¡°And why are we here? Of course, if our kids are not around then we both can drop the act,¡± This time when she spoke, thankfully there were no tears and no weak shaky voice involved.


    He seemed to be too engrossed in his thoughts and she gave him


    time.


    At some point, she needed to tell the kids that their parents were


    not a normal couple.


    There was respect between them and friendship too.


    But there was no love.


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    83 83¨CFire


    She wanted to teach her daughters that not every time they had to choose love. It usually existed in the books and movies. The reality was far from it.


    She jolted upright when felt her recliner move and squealed in


    panic. Rafael was pulling it towards him closing the small distance between them. While still lying back, he was doing it so effortlessly and she had to swallow hard when she watched his muscles flex


    slightly.


    think


    ¡°W¡­what do you you are doing?¡± she wanted to hold his shirt for support but realized toote that he wasn¡¯t wearing any.


    As a result?


    She was holding his naked shoulder with all her might not aware that her nails were piercing his skin.


    ¡°Ouch! Marissa! This is not a good way to take revenge on someone,¡± Once her recliner was glued to his, he threw his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t revenge,¡± she retorted, ¡°Now don¡¯t dodge my question,¡±


    He slipped his shades under his nose bridge and nced up with narrowed eyes, ¡°Which question?¡±


    She passed him a warning re, ¡°You know too damn well, what I¡¯m talking about. Now tell me¡­ why¡­¡±


    Before she could finish it, she was pulled into his embrace once again, ¡°And you think it was an act for the sake of our kids?<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Then what was it?¡± she ced her palms on the skin of his chest. without looking there. The man seemedpletely immune to her


    83-83¨CFin


    touch and here she was. Trying her best not to give herself away. ¡°Why are we here?¡± this time she didn¡¯t get conscious of her skirt riding up. ¡°I have known you for a long time, Rafael. Now I realize, back then I was a liar and took your advantage. Marriage is never about lying or undermining each other. It¡¯s always about loving and respecting your spouse and the biggest of all? Staying honest to him or her¡­¡± she trailed off and he gently ced her down.


    This time not on hisp. However, his hand stayed there around


    her.


    ¡°So, what do you suggest Marissa?¡± Marissa looked at the serious face of the man who was her first love. His face was intense and


    filled with concern.


    ¡°I suggest¡­that you stay honest with your wife,¡± she sighed, ¡°This is¡­ highly inappropriate to give your valuable time to some random woman when your wife is back home waiting for you. This is dishonesty, Rafael. I did be a part of it once. But I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡± She could feel his eyes on her face.


    Initially, she did try to maintain eye contact but then she had to quit it.


    When he didn¡¯t speak for several minutes, she atst lifted her gaze only to find him staring back at her. His facial features had somewhat gone hard.


    ¡°Tell me this, Marissa,¡± he snarled, ¡°Is there a man involved?¡±


    ¡°W¡­what?¡±


    He shrugged and nced up at the sky, ¡°Are you involved with someone? Because if this is the case, I¡¯ll step back.¡±


    <


    83 83- Fire


    Marissa thought of Gerard for a moment. He had been a great friend and loved her. But the love part had always been one¨Csided.


    ¡°Damn,¡± she heard Rafael cursing under his breath, and he left the recliner abruptly, ¡°there is a man in your life!¡±


    Marissa felt like his shoulders had slumped down a little.


    ¡°Asking me this question when you have still not answered mine, Rafael?¡± she asked sarcastically.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use?¡± he turned, his hands now ced in his pockets, ¡°you are involved in someone. Right, Marissa?¡±


    ¡°Oh, God! Goodness! I didn¡¯t say that!¡±


    ¡°You took time that means¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± she screamed, ¡°Stop it, Rafael!¡±


    He went quiet after that. He hadn¡¯t seen her screaming like this ever. She had always been a soft¨Cspoken girl.


    ¡°You threw me out of your life, Rafael. Got it? Then one day your conscience allowed you and you decided to barge into my life. because you know? Kids! Then you said it¡¯s about kids and we need. to show them a healthy rtionship among us. You came at night, stayed in my room, kissed me, and¡­¡±


    Throwing up her hands she turned away, ¡°And then you nned this surprise. I don¡¯t know why you did that. So, tell me dammit. What do YOU want? Kids are no longer around, so be honest!¡±


    ¡°I want YOU! OK? I want you, Marissa!¡± that made her go quiet. She looked at his face in confusion and realized that the expression on his face was not of anger but vulnerability.


    83.83¨CFire


    She had seen this before when she was staying with him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t want me, Rafael,¡± she mumbled, ¡°You are married to


    Valerie,<b>¡±</b>


    She went to him and stood with her face high, ¡°You¡­¡± she poked her finger in his chest, ¡°You married her. If you have any other intentions towards me? Then it won¡¯t happen when you are married to my sister. Sorry if you think that I¡¯ll be a second woman.


    Never!¡±


    ¡°Marissa!¡± she ignored him and swiftly headed inside the bedroom. Feeling himing after her, she was quick enough to lock the


    door behind her.


    ¡°Marissa. Listen to me, honey,¡± he was knocking the door.


    ¡°You better take me back to Kanderton, Rafael. And let me know about the n. How long are we staying here? I¡¯lle out when you decide to sit in that car and leave Kar.¡±


    ¡°Can you please open the door?¡± Rafael¡¯s hands were resting slightly on the door.


    ¡°No just tell me the damn period, Rafael!¡± she yelled and closed her


    eyes.


    ¡°If you are nning to stay here overnight, then you are mistaken!¡± She muttered to herself and fell on the bed, cing the pillow on


    her face.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Rafael started knocking the door again.


    She tossed the pillow aside in frustration and shouted again, ¡°How long <b>are </b><b>we </b>supposed to stay here? Because <b>I¡¯ll </be out after our


    517Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    83 83¨CFire


    booked period is over!¡±


    There was again silence on the other side of the door. Why wasn¡¯t he telling her? She thought with irritation.


    ¡°Fine!¡± he shouted, ¡°One week!¡±


    Marissa thought she heard him wrong<b>.</b>


    ¡°W¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one week!¡± he barked again.


    She marched to the door in a rage and flung it open, ¡°Are you out of your fuc*king mind?¡± she yelled, the moment his face became visible, ¡°One week? You expect Sophie and Flint to take care of the kids for one week? Are you crazy, Rafael?¡±


    She wanted to say more when found him suppressing his grin.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny!¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± he showed her his white teeth, ¡°we are just staying


    overnight.¡±


    She looked at him in confusion, ¡°B¡­but¡­ you just said¡­¡± she trailed


    off.


    ¡°I said to make you open the door. Didn¡¯t have any other choice,¡± He shrugged with a cocky grin and Marissa wanted to bang his


    head on the wall.


    However, he didn¡¯t give her a chance and wrapped his arms around her waist to draw her closer, ¡°My strawberry has turned into fire. And I¡¯m liking it.¡±


    10.53

 Chapter 84

    84 84¨CXerox copy


    ¡°What else do you know about this Marissa Aaron?¡± Inspector John Harris asked her while driving and Kate thought it for a moment.


    ¡°An opportunist!¡± she replied tly, ¡°She knows her way around men. Nobody knows much about her family except she is a single


    mom.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she has kids?¡± he inquired, ¡°How is she with you people? Like with all her colleagues.¡±


    Kate pondered briefly before continuing, ¡°She appears to be good but is a pro when ites to internal politics. Just a few days back I asked our boss, the president of MSin Industries, to appoint one of us as incharge, sort of a team head. Everyone knows that I am the most qualified one for this position. Guess who got it?¡±


    ¡°Marissa Aaron?¡± he nced over her for a moment and then his eyes darted back to the busy road.


    ¡°You got it right!¡± she raised her index finger, ¡°But ultimately, I did get the recognition that I deserved. Mr. Sinir¡­ our respectable CEO awarded me a caf¨¦ for my ¡­ umm. Services and my


    certificates¡­¡±


    Inspector Harris kept driving quietly, ¡°How do you manage themute to the office,¡± he asked thoughtfully.


    ¡°MSin has arranged the best cars for us along with chauffeurs. Though my fianc¨¦ does my pick and drop, usually. Even he is impressed and says he has never seen such protocols to apany¡¯s employees.¡±


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    John Harris stayed quiet. Something was awfully wrong about all


    this.


    He had heard a lot about Rafael Sinir. His reputation was not good, as he was quite brutal with every person, no matter if it was


    a man or a woman.


    Though the Kanderton¡¯s office head, Joseph was said to be his buddy, still there was a stark difference between the two.


    Joseph might be a strict professional, but at least he had a heart.


    John stopped the car in front of the said location and was taken aback a little.


    Xander¡¯s Caterers?


    Several times, he and his colleagues got their lunches and snacks delivered to the office by them and were big fans of their chef.


    Usually, home¨Cbased business owners used to take it lightly when they gained poprity. Most of them failed to maintain the quality of the food.


    But Xander¡¯s had always aced it.


    ¡°I think you should wait here,¡± John said getting out of the car. Kate hurriedly rolled down the window and took out her head, ¡°Listen, inspector,¡± that cute smile was back on her face with those puppy innocent eyes,This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Marissa is my colleague, and we are quite close. If by any chance she gives you a tough time, just call me in,¡± she snapped her fingers in style.


    The man smirked and walked over to the door to ring the bell.


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    Kate wished that she would get a chance to go inside. She couldn¡¯t wait to witness the insult and shame that Marissa would face from the police.


    A smart person would never think of messing with anyw¨Crted figure. Because it only meant one thing.


    Trouble.


    She saw him waiting for the door to be opened and then got a glimpse of that old man who was there when she came to deliver the property file.


    John Harris kept talking to the old man and at one point she thought they were arguing. She could feel excitement surging through her veins.


    Atst, the door mmed on John¡¯s face and he came back.


    Kate could feel that bitchy happiness. His face was red due to the insult and when he came near the car, he told her just one thing, ¡°Come out. I need your help.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Who was it?¡± Sophie who was ying some board game with kids gave a concerned look to her grandfather whose face had turned blotchy due to some reason.


    ¡°Some fu*cker who was calling himself a police officer!¡± he roared, and Sophie stood up in panic when heard the F word.


    Kids whose eyes were fixed on the board started exchanging meaningful nces with each other.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± Sophie gave the old man a warning re, but he was


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    too furious to even acknowledge it.


    ¡°You people go to your room. I¡¯ll join you in a while,¡± she handed over the board to Alex and helped the kids with other stuff.


    ¡°What is it, Grandpa? Who was at the door?¡± she asked him after closing the kids¡® room door.


    ¡°That policeman was asking about Marissa. I told them she is not


    home and is in the office, but he was adamant that she is here, and


    we are hiding her.¡±


    ¡°Policeman? What the fu*ck!¡± This time Sophie also didn¡¯t realize it


    when she cursed.


    ¡°Exactly! What the fuc*k! That moron was saying that ¡­¡±


    He could not finish it when the doorbell rang again.


    ¡°I think he is back,¡± Flint wanted to go to the door when Sophia stopped him.


    ¡°Wait, Grandpa.¡±


    She went to the door and was shocked to find the man along with the samedy who was at their ce a few days back to deliver the property file.


    ¡°Yes? How can I help you?¡± Sophie folded her arms on her chest.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. We are looking for Ms. Marissa Aaron,¡± the uniformed man


    stated.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t home,¡±


    ¡°Where can we find her?¡±


    ¡°Her office, I guess. I can give you the address.¡±


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    ¡°Address? Ma¡¯am, we areing straight from the MSin office. She isn¡¯t there.¡±


    Sophie reminded herself of what Rafael told herst night. Crap! He never nned to drop Marissa at the office.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Can you tell me what it is about?¡± she asked the man.


    ¡°I need to see her. She has got something that is reported stolen,¡± Sophie tried to keep herself calm while all she wanted to do was to get wings and fly to Marissa and warn her.


    ¡°Sir. She isn¡¯t home. You can meet her once she returns,¡± Sophie


    was about to close the door when Kate stuck her foot in between


    the door and the frame.


    ¡°Is she also in the police?¡± Sophie snapped at the man, ¡°What is this


    attitude?¡±


    The policeman tilted his neck and gestured down, ¡°Can you please move away your foot, Ms. Kate? I am just here to talk not to create


    a scene.¡±


    Sophie wanted to crush the woman¡¯s foot, but she tried to control


    her rage.


    ¡°Listen, ma¡¯am,¡± this time he kept his tone soft, ¡°We don¡¯t have any search warrant or an arrest warrant with us. I¡¯ll just ask you a few questions and leave. I promise.¡±


    ¡°Fine! But this woman is not allowed in my home!¡± she responded


    sharply.


    He didn¡¯t take time to ask Kate, ¡°Please stay here.¡±


    Kate was slightly offended but then she gave a little nod and


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    stepped back. Harris went inside but Kate didn¡¯t bother to sit back


    in the car.


    She wished they had taken her along because she was sure, Marissa was inside and must be hiding.


    She kicked a stone in anger and looked up. That was when she found three small faces looking down the window. Two girls and one boy.


    The girls giggled and pulled themselves back. But the boy?


    He stayed there and kept staring hard.


    What the <i>actual </i><i>fu</i>*<i>ck</i>! <i>He </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>Xerox </i><i>copy </i><i>of </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Sinir</i><i>.</i>


    What game is Marissa <i>ying </i>here?


    Comentario 2


    RO


    10:54

 Chapter 85

    85 85- Smart


    When Kate went home, Amir was still there watching TV like a couch potato.


    ¡°How was your day, Hun,¡± he asked her, yawning loudly and didn¡¯t even wait for her answer. He just turned up the volume of theExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    show, he was watching.


    She showered and changed into afy cotton shirt and tights. Moving around in her apartment that green¨Ceyed kid remained in


    her mind.


    John Harris had dropped her off at the MSin building and wanted to invite her on a date though she already told him that she was engaged.


    ¡°Like all others, he must be attracted to me,¡± She thought for a moment and smiled to herself. But then her thoughts were again consumed by Marissa.


    For her office colleagues, she was a miss¨Cgood¨Ctwo¨Cshoes. But Kate needed to tell the whole office about the real girl.


    So that was the reason that Mr. Sinir showed partiality to her.


    Maybe she was still warming his bed or maybe she was now his ex¨Cmistress and must be ckmailing him.


    Kate made two cups of coffee and sat on the couch beside Amir, along with herptop. She needed to search for Rafael Sinir.


    ¡°Why coffee? Shouldn¡¯t you have dinner right now?¡± his fianc¨¦ asked her without detaching his gaze from the TV screen.


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    ¡°I need to work on something,¡± she grumbled along with pressing theptop keys like a machine. The soft clicking sound grated on Amir¡¯s nerves a little.


    ¡°Love. Shut thisptop and eat something. You will lose your health if you keep acting like a workaholic.¡±


    Kate knew this was not out of concern, yet she stayed quiet. She didn¡¯t want to remind him that this ce belonged to her.


    And if he was expecting her to cook dinner for both then he was mistaken. She nced at theptop screen where everything about Rafael was disced.


    Amir moved his eyes from the TV to theptop and then frowned when found a big picture of Rafael Sinir covering the whole screen of theptop.


    He was wearing a ck suit, and his one hand was inside his pocket. The man didn¡¯t need to pose, and it was a natural act caught by the lens of the camera.


    He had a small smile on his face.


    Amir felt jealous, ¡°You work in his office and after returning home, you are still eye fuc*king this asshole!¡±


    Kate didn¡¯t respond to the insult. She kept searching for the man.


    ¡°No kids,¡± she muttered, ¡°A wife who likes spending money. He got


    married five years ago.¡±


    This time Amir did mute the TV and leaned over to have a better


    look.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡±


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    Kate turned theptop screen to him, ¡°We don¡¯t have anything solid on this man. Why?¡±


    ¡°Why do we need it? Are you nning to adopt him, love? Ha¨Cha¡­¡±


    Sometimes his bad humor used to y with her mind.


    ¡°He can easily adopt us, Amir. Now order something for me because I¡¯m starving,¡± She retorted and kept visiting different websites for her desired information.


    ¡°By the way, the adoption part was supposed to be a joke,¡± he offered themest excuse but then cleared his throat when got that death stare from her.


    He sighed and pulled out his phone, ¡°Alright, alright. Pizza and


    beer, I think. Will it do?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Kate mumbled, not looking up from herptop.


    She heard his faint voice ordering arge pepperoni pizza and a couple of beers.


    As he finished, he nced back at Kate, ¡°The food will arrive in thirty minutes,¡±


    When she didn¡¯t say anything, he again plopped beside her to have a better look at the screen. This time there were several pictures of Rafael.


    Amir was getting peeved now, ¡°Seriously though. Suddenly you seem to be a lot interested in the guy.¡±


    She didn¡¯t look up, ¡°There is something about his life that we don¡¯t know of,¡± this time she did look up for a moment, ¡°There is


    something about him that nobody in the world knows about.


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    Something is missing and I need to find it out.¡±


    Amir rolled his eyes, ¡°Just rx. He is a billionaire. Someone with a loaded background can¡¯t be without any secrets. The pizza is on its way, and you need to take a break.¡±


    But she didn¡¯t take his advice seriously.


    When the pizza arrived, Amir was the one who had to fetch the


    tes and still, she wasn¡¯t ready to put down herptop.


    Amir had to force shut it and convince her to have food.


    ¡°You see suddenly obsessed with the guy,¡± he offered her the pizza slice on a te and opened the beer bottle.


    Unlike her usual self, she was taking big bites to finish her food quickly. Her focus was solely on Rafael Sinir which made her choke on her food.


    Amir quickly offered her the beer.


    ¡°Here. Drink it.¡±


    She took big chugs from it and then continued eating her meal


    without a word.


    ¡°Share it!¡± Amir snapped.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I said share it. Tell me¡­ what is it about?¡± he asked with a shrug.


    ¡°I went to Marissa¡¯s ce with this police officer,¡± she didn¡¯t tell


    him that the policeman was young.


    ¡°OK. Then? Did he arrest her?¡±


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    ¡°No. She wasn¡¯t home and didn¡¯t attend office too,¡±


    ¡°Let me guess. If it was that old man Flint, then he must not have allowed you to set your foot,¡± Kate looked up at her fianc¨¦ in


    astonishment.


    He chuckled and took another slice from the box.


    ¡°Amir. Have you met Marissa¡¯s kids?¡± she asked him, and he thought


    for a moment.


    ¡°Very rare. But yes. Why?¡± he took a big bite and then washed it down with the beer.


    She tilted back to reach herptop and ignored it when heard him cursing, ¡°Fuck! Again, thisptop? Finish your food, Kate, your


    health¡­¡±


    Kate just rotated theptop screen towards him where there was again Rafael¡¯s picture.


    ¡°Look at it carefully. Does he remind you of someone?¡± Amir¡¯s brows wrinkled, and he stared at it with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Who? I mean, who he should remind me of, Kate?¡±


    She rolled her eyes and then pushed back her te, ¡°Think of Marissa¡¯s kids, Amir. You need to think hard. Because once we


    break into it then I think we can easily be millionaires. Just think, honey.¡±


    Amir¨Cmade a pout and closed his eyes in frustration. The poor man didn¡¯t know what had gotten into his fianc¨¦e tonight.


    But then his eyes went wide when he looked at Kate.


    ¡°Holy cow!¡± he muttered and straightened.


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    Kate was already looking at him when she saw the expression on his face change from confusion to realization.


    Marissa¡¯s kid resembled this man.


    ¡°We need to get deep and contact his wife, Amir,¡± She nodded, and


    this time took his beer bottle to finish it.


    Amir didn¡¯t mind. He just couldn¡¯t believe that his wife-to-be was


    so smart.


    She was right, indeed.


    They could be millionaires.


    Comentario 7


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    <b>R</b>

 Chapter 86

    86 86- Chance


    Marissa didn¡¯t have clothes, so Rafael asked Emily to buy some for her. They all were knee¨Clength summer dresses and most of them were floral.?


    The young maid also managed to arrange slippers along with a pair of fresh underwear. After changing into a floral dress, Marissa went out to the back patio where Rafael was waiting for her.


    She still couldn¡¯t believe that he brought her here. He looked back when felt her presence behind him and reached out for her hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go into the sea,¡± she said. It was quite dark now.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± he whistled to call the maid and asked Emily to bring them nkets. Marissa saw as he started spreading the nket on the sand and tried to suppress her grin.


    He didn¡¯t want Emily¡¯s help and had sent her away. When Marissa tried to touch the nket, he asked her to step back because he wanted to do it himself.


    Now the breeze which was no longer soft was making it difficult for him to manage on his own. He tried to pull one corner, but the other corner flew and folded into a tangle.


    Atst, when she saw the shirtless diva not giving up, she walked over and started helping him with it. But there was again a


    problem.


    Her summer dress was now getting out of control due to the wind which was lifting it. She hadn¡¯t gotten a pair of shorts and right now the skimpy panties she was wearing, were getting visible


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    again and again.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Trying to hold the nket, she struggled to control her sundress too.


    He nced her way and then being a gentleman about it, draped a


    nket around her.


    ¡°Here. Take it,¡± she sat there holding the nket together while Emily emerged again with another house help. They were holding heavy cushions and huge roll pillows.


    When they ced them on the nket, it stayed in ce. Emily set a pic basket near her and when Marissa looked at her questioningly, Emily exined with a smile, ¡°Cheese and crackers along with some gran bars. It has also got some fresh grape


    juice.¡±


    There was another spare nket, and she was expecting Rafael to


    use it around him. But no. He was Rafael Sinir, and one could expect the unexpected from him.


    He set the heavy pillows behind her and then sat down to share the same nket with her. Taking her in his arms, he wrapped the


    nket around them.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± he muttered. Marissa felt a little conscious. Her


    dress had again ridden up above her thighs and he was only wearing shorts.


    She felt the touch of his muscr arms on her upper thighs when. he pulled her up on his body but stayed quiet.


    Her heart mmed in the cradle of her chest when their legs touched. She was leaning back on his chest with his strong arms


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    around her.


    His chin was resting on her shoulder, when she heard his whisper, ¡°Your body is tensed. Just let it go.¡±


    She smirked nervously and then exhaled a long breath.


    ?


    ¡°Rx,¡± he held her chin and made her turn her head towards him,


    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring you here to seduce you, Marissa. Just keep breathing. You are safe with me.¡±


    She turned back and then closed her eyes when felt his lips touching her temple.


    She trusted him and let herself melt into his embrace.


    ¡°You asked me why I brought you here,¡± instead of giving him any response she stayed still when heard him, ¡°You think that I expect you to act cool around kids? But you are wrong Marissa.¡±


    She heard his words, holding her breath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything with you that has to be fake or dramatic. I want to give us time. I want you to try something with me for the sake of our kids, but it has to be something solid. It should be for


    us.¡±


    He breathed near her ear, ¡°You said you want honesty from me for my wife because you think you are a third wheel,¡± this time she did twist her body a little to let her look at his face, ¡°You are not a third wheel. Or have you forgotten? You are my wife!¡±


    This time she attempted to speak with a shake of her head, ¡°B¨Cbut Valerie¡­ she is your wife¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡± he said sharply, ¡°You are. Weren¡¯t you the one who held my


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    hand when I was blind and said those vows in that church?¡±


    She tried to hold back her tears and looked ahead where the waves were glowing under the moonlight


    ¡°Answer me, strawberry,¡± he glued his nose to her cheek, ¡°you changed your name, Marissa. You called yourself Valerie and changed your identity for me. I was never married to her. It was you. This is the time to give¨Crespect and honor to our rtionship. Our kids deserve that, Marissa. You. Are. Not. The. Third. Wheel. Marissa¡­¡± he put emphasis on each and every word.


    ¡°She is the one who is a third wheel in this,¡± Marissa¡¯s eyes shot up


    to meet his.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, with you, Marissa. Valerie is not a problem here. I¡¯m ready to pay her with all my wealth or whatever it takes to stay with you. I just want a chance¡­¡± she tried to look at his face when heard his teary voice. It was too dark to make any assumptions.


    Was he crying?


    Her hand raised and started touching his facial contours softly. He whimpered when her fingers touched his lips, and he didn¡¯t take


    the time to kiss them.


    ¡°I swear,¡± he breathed, ¡°I swear if there is anyone else in your heart then I¡¯ll step back. But I won¡¯t go far away. I¡¯ll be around you¡­ just to keep an eye on you and the kids. To assure you all that you are safe. All I need is a chance, Marissa.¡±


    He leaned his forehead against hers.


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    Marissa didn¡¯t know she had also started crying. This was tooExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    much for her.


    He used to be <i>the </i>most eligible bachelor and even today girls were ready to drop their panties for him but he¡­


    All he was begging for, was just a chance with her.


    Comentario 1


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    B


    Publica tu primerentanc

 Chapter 87

    87 87- Surprise


    The kids had gone to sleep, and Sophie and Flint were still awake.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Have you tried her phone?¡± Flint asked her in worry. Sophie left her seat and came to crouch down close to his rocking chair.


    ¡°Rafael told me that there won¡¯t be any signals. I think we should wait for them to return, Grandpa.¡± She started rubbing his hands with hers.


    Flint sighed, his eyes still filled with concern, ¡°I am just worried about this situation. Why was a policeman looking for Marissa? Sometimes I feel she is always upied with troubles. When one problem gets resolved then the other one arises.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa. Your blood pressure might shoot up. Please control. I think with Rafael in the picture, we can take a sigh of relief. He won¡¯t let anything happen to her.¡±


    Grandpa hummed and closed his eyes.


    The kids might be a handful but all of them always cooperated in the absence of their mom. He wished they would meet their father more often.


    ¡°As a father, he should have left a contact number so that in case of emergency they could be reached out,¡± This made sense. Sophie made it a point to tell this to Rafael for their future escapades if there would be any.


    She had kept her fingers crossed.


    She wished Valerie and Nina would get a surprise when they found


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    out that Rafael and Marissa were not only together but were getting stronger day by day.


    The couple just needed time to figure out everything.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandpa. Marissa isn¡¯t alone. We all are with her. Once she finds the number of missed calls on her phone, she¡¯ll definitely contact us.¡±


    Flint got up from the rocking chair and headed to his room but then he stopped to look at Sophie who was still crouched down in the same position.


    ¡°That girl. Kate. The one, who was here to return the file. She is bad news, Sophie.¡± Grandpa made an act of shing his throat and then went into his room.


    <i>Yup</i><i>, </i>grandpa. <i>Something </i>is <i>fishy </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>girl</i>, <i>and </i>we <i>need </i><i>to </i><i>warn </i><i>Marissa </i><i>about </i><i>it</i><i>.</i>


    ***


    Marissa opened her sleepy eyes to the dimness and looked around in confusion, struggling to understand where she was.


    The smell of sea hit her nostrils and she looked down only to find two strong arms tied around her.


    She was half sitting, and halfid between his two legs, her back still leaning on the naked chest.


    With bewilderment, she turned her head, only to find Rafael sleeping while holding her as if she were made of ss.


    The light snoring was a telltale sign that he was deep in sleep while they were still on the nket.


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    She smiled and tried to sniff his chest which still had the fragments of the male cologne. This time instead of cing her


    head back on him, she turned her body a little and leaned her cheek on the chest.


    Hmm. That felt better..


    She hadn¡¯t realized when she slipped into deep sleepst night. Thest thing she remembered was, he wanted a chance with her and then they both cried in each other¡¯s arms.


    ncing up she found his half¨Copened mouth quite cute and


    kissed his rough chin.


    Whatever it was. Whether he wanted a chance or to try a


    rtionship with her for the sake of kids.


    Everything could be discussed tomorrow instead of worrying about it right now.


    Every now and then she tilted her head to kiss his chest and then started to rethink about him.


    She was trying her best to go back to sleep when she realized that maybe she won¡¯t.


    Tonight was again this chance when he was asleep, and she could take a better look at his face as much as she wanted. Just like she


    used to do when he was blind.


    Very slowly, she lifted up her body to admire that gorgeous face.


    Her eyes firstnded on that strong chest. It was muscr, yum and was rising and falling with his every breath.


    Those cheeks were smooth and warm. Once she used to kiss them


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    at every opportunity she got.


    Those lips felt so soft and silky when he kissed her, Damn! She had never seen such inviting lips in her life,


    Those thickshes shouldn¡¯t belong to him. They were a girl¡¯s dream. Why wasn¡¯t there any imperfection in his face?


    Those eyes were so green that they reminded her of the forests. Thebination of green eyes with those thick ckshes had always mesmerized her.


    Wait a minute! Green?


    She nced back to his face and was horrified to find him looking


    at her with amusement.


    ¡°Checking me out? Huh?¡± hiszy grin made her heart thump in her


    chest.


    ¡°No! Why would I do that? I was just thinking about something and didn¡¯t realize what I was looking at¡­ it happens. When you are too engrossed in your thoughts then you can¡¯t think straight¡­¡± She kept bbering non¨Cstop. Her voice was slowly dropping into a whisper when she saw his face gradually lowering towards her.


    She felt her heartbeat quicken in embarrassment.


    The nket around them had already fallen and the only warmth she was getting was from his body.


    She swallowed hard when along with his arms, his legs also locked her body.


    When his face was deadly close, her eyes fluttered shut thinking that he might want to kiss her but the only thing he did was brush


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    his hips against hers.


    It was a gentle yet teasing touch that sent shivers down her spine.


    The feeling of his hot breath on her skin made her breathless and her heart raced in her chest.


    She opened her eyes slightly just to find him regarding her face with open tenderness and longing


    Kaising one hand, he cupped her cheek while the other arm was still around her waist, almost grinding her to him.


    ¡°You are beautiful!¡± he whispered huskily, and Marissa thought she heard him wrong. She knew she could be anything but not beautiful.


    Yes, she was beautiful in the eyes of her kids but even Gerard never told her that she was beautiful.


    ¡°Is it a change of heart? You call me beautiful?¡± she asked him with a yful grin and saw the skin between his brows pinching.


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    He chuckled when she shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s too dark to im that, she said softly. Though in this not so pitch ck darkness she could guess that he wasn¡¯t convinced.


    He was now quietly looking into her eyes. She was very conscious of his thumb brushing her cheek gently.


    His hand from her cheek dropped down and he held her waist to melt her body into his. His soft lips had started kissing her cheek


    and her earlobe.


    He might not have said anything further, but his actions spoke


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    volumes.


    Marissa closed her eyes to enjoy his touch, not realizing that her hands had also taken a life of their own and were now roaming on


    his naked skin.


    She bent down to kiss the nip*ple on his chest and then stayed there closing her eyes. This might be a surprise for him because she felt his body going rigid under her.


    ¡°M¡­ Marissa¡­¡± his voice was barely audible to her.


    ¡°You asked me for a chance, Rafael. Didn¡¯t you?¡± her mouth was still on that se*xy nipp*le, and it took quite a willpower to detach her mouth from there and sit straight.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll allow you the chance,¡± She felt good when saw his face radiate with joy.


    ¡°Marissa¡­ seriously? You¡­¡±


    But then she quickly covered his mouth with her hand, ¡°But I have a condition, Rafael Sinir.¡±


    Rafael was so happy that he didn¡¯t take time to kiss her palm. She brushed her fingers on his chin until they traveled down to his


    neck and then chest.


    ¡°I ept all your conditions,¡± he just made her aware that he had


    blind faith in her.


    ¡°I want you to get closer to your kids as much as possible and maintain a friendly rtionship with me.¡±


    He opened his mouth to speak but she didn¡¯t let him, ¡°And you will not talk about this arrangement to Nina or Valerie. If you ept it,


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    then yes. We can have a chance and start it off with friendship between you and me,¡± she raised her hand offering it for a


    handshake.


    He took his sweet time to consider it and then his lips broke into a smile, ¡°Friendship? Then fine. We¡¯ll start with a friendship,¡± he said grasping her hand and kissing the back of it.


    His thoughts?


    I¡¯m <i>ready </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>your <i>friend</i><i>, </i>Marissa. Because I¡¯m <i>nning </i><i>to </i>make you fall for <i>me</i><i>. </i>Soon, your <i>name </i><i>will </i><i>be </i>changed from Marissa


    <i>Aaron </i><i>to </i>Marissa <i>Sinir</i><i>.</i>


    Her thoughts?


    <i>Get </i>closer to the <i>kids </i>as much as <i>possible</i><i>, </i>Rafael. <i>Because </i>when <i>tomorrow </i><i>Nina </i>wants <i>to </i><i>use </i><i>you </i>against <i>me </i><i>or </i><i>your </i><i>kids</i><i>, </i>you¡¯ll <i>protect </i>us<i>. </i>I¡¯m sure <i>of </i>that.


    Whatever <i>these </i>women <i>did </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>take </i><i>revenge</i>.


    <i>They </i>snatched <i>my </i><i>rights </i>and <i>my </i><i>kids</i>¡® <i>rights</i>. <i>I </i><i>might </i>have <i>forgiven </i><i>them </i><i>for </i>what <i>they </i><i>did </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>never forgive <i>them </i><i>for </i><i>what </i><i>they </i>did <i>to </i><i>my </i><i>kids</i>.


    <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>Nina </i><i>and </i>Valerie! <i>Be </i><i>ready </i>for <i>a </i><i>surprise</i>.


    Comentario 4


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    10:55

 Chapter 88

    88 88- Missing The Look


    Marissa watched Rafael wearing his wristwatch. The man who made her squirm quite intimately in his arms was now busily getting ready so they could leave.


    They just had breakfast, and Marissa was happy he brought her here. Yet she regretted that she wasted most of her time inining about the past.


    She was back in her office attire.


    After wearing his watch, his focus turned to her and he halted for a minute, ¡°Why this look, strawberry!¡±


    He held her earlobe and gave it a little pull.


    ¡°This ce is so nice, so quiet¡­¡± she said hugging herself.


    ¡°You like it here?¡± He questioned and held her hand, ¡°Should we n toe here again?¡±


    Marissa clicked her tongue and shrugged. Before she could say anything, Rafael reached to her and fixed her blouse near her shoulders. That made her freeze momentarily.


    This was exactly how she used to do it when he was her husband, just as an excuse to touch him.


    ¡°Ready?¡± he brushed his forefinger at the tip of her nose and picked up her purse. She quickly went ahead to take it from him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Let me hold it,¡± She was aware of how men despised holdingdies¡® stuff.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. I don¡¯t mind holding your purse for you. Ok?¡± he ruffled her


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    88 88¨CMissing The Look


    ¡°Ms. Marissa?¡± Marissa spun around when heard a familiar voice


    behind her.


    ¡°Emily!¡±


    Rafael mentioned to her subtly that he was waiting for her outside


    and left.


    ¡°These are your clothes,¡± Emily handed her the shopping bag, but Marissa didn¡¯t take it.


    ¡°Keep them, Emily. Take it as a gift,¡± The girl beamed while clutching the bag to her chest.


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Marissa. If you don¡¯t mind, can I ask you something?¡± When Marissa nodded, she tried to smile, ¡°Are you both¡­ like¡­ is he your boyfriend? You two a couple?¡± Marissa¡¯s heart skipped a beat but then she controlled her emotions and


    didn¡¯t let it show on her face.


    ¡°N¨Cno. We aren¡¯t. We¡­ we are just friends,¡± she said what they¡¯d mutually decidedst night.


    ¡°Forgive me if I¡¯m crossing the line¡­ but he seems smitten by


    ¡­


    you,¡± Marissa looked over her shoulder where she could easily see Rafael who was leaning against the car instead of starting the


    engine.


    ¡°You might be imagining it, Emily. He shows his care to everyone,¡± Emily didn¡¯t say anything else to persuade her.


    But her face showed that she wasn¡¯t convinced.


    ¡°Take good care of yourself, Ms. Marissa. Pleasee again, I¡¯ll be


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    very happy to serve you.¡± Marissa took the girl by surprise when she hugged her.


    ¡°Bye, Emily.¡±


    Emily stayed glued to the window when she saw the couple leaving.


    <i>Ms. </i>Marissa <i>must </i><i>be </i><i>blind </i><i>to </i>not see <i>it </i>all<i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i>as clear as <i>the </i><i>day</i><i>.</i>


    <i>The </i><i>man </i><i>is </i>a <i>heartthrob </i><i>and </i><i>has </i><i>feelings </i>for <i>her</i><i>.</i>


    ***


    They were sitting quietly in the car busy in their thoughts when she decided to atst break the silence, ¡°I liked these cottages. Ours was a corner one. Who does it belong to?¡±


    She asked him when he was taking a sharp left turn with quite


    ease.


    ¡°A friend,¡± he said busily trying to drive through the narrow passage that was upied by a truck.¡±


    Maybe Joseph?¡± She thought for a minute.


    ¡°Interested ining back someday?¡± he nced at her for a moment before moving his attention to the road ahead.


    She had a hint of a smile when she shrugged, ¡°Don¡¯t know. It¡¯s a good getaway from everyday life and kids will definitely like it


    here.¡±


    She noticed that he was thinking hard about something. Her eyes wandered to the folded sleeves of his shirt exposing the strong arms. The same arms that held her close to himst night.


    <i>Get </i><i>a </i><i>grip</i><i>, </i><i>Marissa</i>! <i>Get </i>a <i>grip</i>!


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    She had to jerk back to reality when their phones started making


    constant pinging sounds.


    ¡°Crap! What is that!¡± she fished for her phone in panic when Rafael


    reached over to hold her hand.


    ¡°Rx. We are getting the signals back. Remember? We were without anywork for more than twenty¨Cfour hours?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Marissa inhaled a deep breath. This made sense, still, her fingers were trembling slightly while she unlocked her phone.


    Tons of notifications flooded her screen.


    ¡°Bingo!¡± she heard Rafael¡¯s teasing voice and chuckled.


    Feeling overwhelmed, she scrolled her screen to find a mix of messages, social media notifications, and missed calls.


    ¡°Oh, brother. Rafael. Missed calls from Sophie,¡± She quickly dialed Sophie¡¯s number, and this time she did find tension on his face too.


    ¡°Sophie! Hey. What¡¯s up? Are kids alright?¡± she closed her eyes praying silently that it was nothing to worry about.


    ¡°Mar! No! All is good,¡± her friend assured her cheerfully, ¡°and don¡¯t worry about those missed calls. I was looking for myptop charger and wanted to ask if you had seen it. Ariel told meter that she had it as she wanted to ce it around her little stic pony whose robe was broken due to constant pulling.¡±


    Marissa took a sigh of relief. After looking at Sophie¡¯s missed calls, her first thought was about the well¨Cbeing of her kids.


    Thankfully there was nothing to worry about.


    ¡°Hev Mar. Umm. I have got an offer from a private hospital. Can


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    you ask Rafael to check his messages? I have sent him some details and he is the only one who can check their credibility.¡±


    Marissa found it absurd. Was Sophie taking Rafael¡¯s help for a hospital job?


    ¡°What credibility?¡± she asked her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a newly constructed building and I want to know if they are genuine people or just a hoax. Can you ask him to check my messages?¡± Marissa nodded as if Sophie could see her through the phone and disconnected the call.


    ¡°Everything good?¡± Rafael asked with concern.


    ¡°Yeah. Kids are fine. Sophie wanted to talk to you so maybe she was trying to reach both of us. She has been offered a job in this newly constructed hospital and wants your help regarding that.¡±


    Rafael nodded. Though he felt odd.


    Why would Sophie want his help in doing this kind of digging? This didn¡¯t make sense.


    Marissa had again gotten busy catching up on her notifications and Rafael was ncing her way now and then.


    Thesest twenty¨Cfour hours! This one day!


    It was the most precious day of his life. Marissa looked up when saw him slowing down the car.


    She gave him a questioning nce and then got back to her phone when he mouthed, ¡°Fuel!¡±


    Before getting out of the car, he leaned quickly to kiss her.


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    ¡°Rafael!¡± she eximed, her jaw nearly dropping in surprise at this unexpected kiss.


    ¡°You said we are friends. It¡¯s called the friend¨Czoned kiss,¡± he


    exined with a wink, and she pped his shoulder.


    He went outside and held the hose to fuel the tank.


    ¡°As*shole!¡± she muttered to herself with a grin before paying attention to her phone almost missing the look on his face when he took out his phone from his pocket to check something.


    When he locked it back, his jaw was clenched, and a nerve was ticking in his temple.


    Comentario O


    10:55

 Chapter 89

    89 89- Hell And Back


    The rest of the ride Marissa kept thinking what went wrong. He was still responding to her questions but had gone suddenly quiet.


    When they reached home, he turned off the engine and leaned back tilting his head towards her.


    ¡°We are home,¡± he muttered in a low voice. Marissa nced


    outside the window and then turned to him.


    ¡°Will youe inside to meet the kids?¡± she asked.


    Instead of answering her, he unbuckled his seat belt and bent over to unbuckle hers too. However, he didn¡¯t straighten and stayed there near her.


    His hands were ced on both sides of her seat. And his face was dangerously close to hers.


    ¡°I want to,¡± he said looking into her eyes, ¡°but something came up. An emergency. I¡¯lle to meet kids soon,¡± he murmured brushing away her ck hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear.


    When his hand brushed her cheek, she had a feeling that he was using her hair as an excuse to touch her face.


    His fingers lingered a little longer near her lips and Marissa felt her breath hitch.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she whispered, her heart racing.


    He smiled, his eyes never leaving hers, ¡°I¡¯m right here for you. No matter what it is. Just call me or message me. I¡¯lle over. No questions will be asked. I promise.¡±


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    He again raised his hand to brush it over her forehead. Marissa¡¯s


    fluttered shut for a moment as she savored the feeling of his


    eyes


    touch.


    This is not a dream. Right? This is all real.


    ¡°I know, Y¨Cyou¡­¡± she kept her eyes closed, ¡°You will be there for us. You are the best father and ¡­¡±


    She gasped when felt him gently holding her face between his fingers and thumb. It was not a tight hold but firm, pressing his cheeks, ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be there for our kids as well. Open your eyes,


    Marissa!¡±


    Hemanded her and when she gave in to hismand, his face was still close, ¡°Youe before everyone, Marissa,¡± He


    emphasized each word, ¡°You ARE before everyone. I do love my kids, but you are before everyone.¡±


    She gulped and tried to ignore her heart that was dancing in there after listening to those words.


    ¡°Got it?¡± he asked her softly and she could only nod her head.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said holding his wrist, ¡°And I want to tell you that I liked that cottage,¡± turning her head a little she kissed his wrist, ¡°And someday I would love to go there again.¡±


    Here! She said it. Being a man when he was openly expressing himself then why couldn¡¯t she do it?


    ¡°Really?¡± she swiped her tongue on her lower lip and his eyes dipped at the action.


    ¡°Th¨Cthat¡¯s good,¡± he chuckled and looked up, ¡°We¡¯ll definitely¡­ go


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    there¡­ again¡­¡±


    Marissa offered him a tightlipped smile, ¡°I think I should go home now,¡± she said a little awkwardly still conscious of his gaze.


    When he didn¡¯t say anything, she spoke again, ¡°I might manage to get to the office before lunch¡­¡± She trailed off when saw him shaking his head.


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°You are not going to the office, Marrisa. Nopes!¡± his lips smacked at the P sound.


    ¡°Wait! What? But why?¡± she asked with a frown.


    He shrugged nonchntly making a pout, ¡°Because I said so.¡±


    She abruptly pped his arm, ¡°And who are you to say that?¡±


    ¡°Your boss!¡± he rolled his eyes, ¡°and stop hitting me! Why would you inflict this physical abuse on me?¡±


    ¡°Well!¡± she also rolled her eyes, ¡°Because I¡¯m your friend. Or have you already forgotten?¡± with that, she again attempted to hit his chest, but he held her hand this time. She didn¡¯t mind it and tried to free her hand, ¡°Hah! Very funny! Now leave my hand. Let me go!¡±


    He pouted, thought for a minute then gave a shake to his head.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± her eyes widened, ¡°Let me go!¡± this time she tried to suppress it, but he didn¡¯t miss theughter in her voice.


    ¡°Fine!¡± he kissed her nose bridge, ¡°Go!¡±


    ¡°Ouch!¡± she scrunched her nose when he nibbled it a little with his teeth, ¡°Behave yourself, Mr. CEO. Like, look at you. President of


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    MSin. Huh!¡±


    They both did not realize that they were seated in the car for so many minutes and Sophie standing in the window was continuously observing the couple.


    She had to admit that she was enjoying the view.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    She wished she could go down and shake them hard.


    Sigh!


    She wished she could also get a man like Rafael.


    She made a sensible move when she sent a text message to Rafael instead of Marissa, telling him about the police officer who came


    with Kate.


    Instead of telling everything to Marissa, she preferred to confide in Rafael. As soon as he got the signals, he responded to her


    messages and assured her that Marissa would be safe, and no one could eveny a finger on her.


    His messages were:


    I¡¯m <i>on </i>the <i>fuel </i>station <i>and </i>haven¡¯t shown <i>any </i><i>message </i><i>to </i><i>Marissa</i><i>. </i>Don¡¯t <i>let </i>her <i>know </i>whatever <i>happened</i><i>. </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>handle </i><i>everything</i>


    <i>first</i>.


    Send me <i>the </i>name of that <i>police </i><i>officer</i>. <i>How </i>dare he set foot <i>in </i>the <i>house </i><i>where </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>resides</i><i>!</i>


    <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>, </i>Sophia<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>will </i>never let <i>anything </i>happen <i>to her</i><i>. </i>Because <i>if </i><i>someone </i><i>will </i><i>dare </i><i>to </i>harm <i>her</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>break </i>his arms.


    Sophie was happy for her friend.


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    Now it was just Marissa who needed to realize that they were made for each other. Sophie saw the car door opening and found Marissaing out of the car.


    But then Marissa rolled her eyes when found her hand in Rafael¡¯s grip. She wasughing continuously and then she did something unexpected.


    She hit her purse on Rafael¡¯s arm. Sophie didn¡¯t know what Rafael was saying but she could look through the windscreen that he was holding his hand quite dramatically as if he was in immense pain.


    Sophie couldn¡¯t help the grin forming on her lips.


    ¡°Bless you, Mar. This man would go to hell and back for you.¡±


    Comentario O


    10:50


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    5/5

 Chapter 90

    90 90¨CPetty?


    Usually nothing excited Kate about going to the office but this morning it was different.


    John Harris had asked her to let him know when Marissa reached


    the office.


    They might not arrest her officially but if she wouldn¡¯t cooperate, they might have to force her to talk to them.


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± Amir asked her, his eyes darting to the huge building of MSin Industries offices.


    He was here to drop Kate and now they were sitting in the car.


    ¡°I need to tackle Marissa, today,¡± she said thoughtfully, ¡°Can you contact some of your influential sources or friends and ask for Mrs.


    Sinir¡¯s contact number?¡±


    Amir considered her request for a moment. He had friends who belonged to good, well¨Coff families but none of them was as


    influential to have Rafael Sinir¡¯s wife¡¯s contact number.


    ¡°Honey. I know it sounds wrong, but you have better ess to the people who can do this job for you¡­¡± Kate passed him an annoyed nce when he came up with this excuse.


    He was toozy to do anything in life except get his hands on people¡¯s properties and make them beg him.


    Whatever business he started never made it, because he never got serious, or the product quality was so below the belt that no one was ready to buy it.


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    ¡°Amir. If you want a cut in MY hard¨Cearned money, then you better forget about it. You¡¯ll only get what you deserve. OK? And that¡¯s nothing¡­¡± she shed her hand through the air, ¡°Nothing!¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡± he raised his hand to stop her, ¡°But look at it logically, Kate. You work here. Anyone can give you that Sinir girl phone number. Dean. Mr. Joseph. Even John Harris might help you by looking into his private database.¡±


    Amir had a point, but she would die rather than ept it. He always had the best excuses not to work.


    She quietly got out of the car, ignoring her name being called by


    him.


    It was better to face that dim¨Cwitted Marissa instead of Amir.


    ¡°Hello! Kate,¡± someone from the admin department greeted her


    and she waved at him.


    <i>Once </i><i>I¡¯m </i>able <i>to </i><i>contact </i>Mrs. <i>Sinir</i>, <i>then this </i><i>building </i><i>might </i><i>belong </i>to <i>me</i>. Either <i>I </i><i>might </i><i>ckmail </i>Mr. Rafael <i>or </i>Ms. <i>Marissa</i>


    <i>Aaron </i><i>too</i><i>.</i>


    She thought with a smirk, <i>If </i><i>Rafael </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>father of </i><i>Marissa¡¯s </i><i>kids</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>to </i><i>hide </i><i>those </i><i>illegitimate </i><i>kids </i>from his <i>wife </i><i>and </i>this <i>society</i><i>.</i>


    ***


    The moment Kate stepped onto the sleek polished VIP floor from the elevator, she already felt like a millionaire. Just by imagining all the money, she was feeling giddiness in her heart.


    But she groaned inwardly when found the people she disliked


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    90 90¨CPetty?This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    most after Marissa, standing there


    Delinda and Shang¨Cchi were near the reception desk, busy in some


    serious conversation.


    She wanted to pass without attracting any attention from them, but Delinda¡¯s eyes found her, ¡°Good morning, Kate.¡±


    The woman had a warm smile on her face, but Kate was in no mood to engage in any unnecessary conversation.


    On the other hand, she needed to stay good in the eyes of her


    colleagues.


    ¡°Hello, Delinda. Shang¨Cchi,¡± She nodded keeping her voice cool andposed, ¡°Any news of Marissa yet?¡± she didn¡¯t bring any urgency


    in her voice.


    Delinda shook her head, a light frown creasing her forehead, ¡°No. She hasn¡¯t been responding to our calls. Hopefully, she¡¯lle


    today.¡±


    Kate¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°She betteres today. She was appointed as our in charge for a reason and ¡­¡±


    Gosh! If Marissa doesn¡¯t appear today, my n to get her insulted in office will fail. She thought in frustration that was bubbling in her heart. It was getting difficult for her to maintain a calm


    exposure.


    John Harris had instructed her to let him know as soon as Marissa showed up. They might not arrest her officially but if Marissa won¡¯t cooperate, they might force her to talk.


    More than the arrest chaos, Kate was interested in the humiliation


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    90 90¨CPetty?


    Marissa would face. Imagine!


    The woman who was just made head of the newly formed small department would soon be either demoted or kicked out of the building.


    How would it feel when Marissa¡¯s pictures would be published in all the newspapers throughout Kanderton?


    No one else would dare to take her side. She would be all alone.


    Kate made her way to the hall assigned to her along with other event employees. Her mind was buzzing with the different possibilities.


    She sat at her desk, opening herptop. She needed to kill time by keeping herself busy with her work.


    She quickly scanned through her emails and kept checking her phone for any of Marissa¡¯s messages.


    ¡°The bitch seems to be smart. What if someone has already warned her about the arrest? What if that woman and that old man from


    her house warned her in advance?¡±


    She shut theptop close.


    She had to tell John that they needed a policeman to keep an eye on Marissa¡¯s house.


    ¡°Still, no sign of Ms. Goody¨Ctwo¨Cshoes!¡± she muttered tapping her fingers on the desk.


    Just then her phone buzzed. It was a text from John Harris.


    ¡°Any update on Marissa?¡±


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    90 90¨CPetty?


    Kate quickly typed back, ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ll inform you the moment she


    arrives.


    Setting her phone down she looked up to see Dean passing by the hall. She quickly raised her hand to get his attention and called out, ¡°Dean. Can I have a word?¡±


    Dean walked in looking slightly puzzled, ¡°Sure. What¡¯s up?¡±


    Kate stood up from her seat, ¡°Any idea where Marissa is? I need to discuss a few things with her, and she hasn¡¯t arrived yet. Have you tried contacting her?¡±


    She asked him in one breath due to her urgency. Dean chuckled


    and raised his hands, ¡°Rx. You can discuss it with me whatever it


    is.¡±


    She looked around before grabbing his arm and pulling him along


    with her out of the hall.


    ¡°Dean. Why was she appointed as an in charge when she can¡¯t be around for us? Telling you about our problems means that we need to supply you with all the necessary information and background all over again.¡±


    Dean regarded her for a minute. She was right.


    ¡°OK. Let me discuss it with Mr. Joseph and then I¡¯ll get back to


    you¡­¡± he trailed off when saw her rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Why Mr. Joseph when you can talk to Mr. Sinir?¡±


    He was taken aback by the suggestion, ¡°Whoa! Lady. You want me to approach Mr. Sinir directly for such a petty issue?¡±


    Petty? Kate was exasperated.


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    90 90¨CPetty?


    He thought it was petty?


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 Chapter 91

    91 91- Decide Quickly


    ¡°Petty?¡± she hissed, ¡°This looks petty to you, Dean?¡± Dean¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion. Somehow it looked like an overreaction.


    She huffed and turned away, stepping briskly towards the hall entrance. She ignored Dean calling her name, her mind already focused on the task ahead.


    Sitting at her desk, she was still fuming when she got another message from John,


    ¡°What¡¯s the news!¡±


    Instead of sending a text, she called him, her fingers drumming on the desk impatiently as she waited for the call to be received.


    ¡°Hey!¡± John answered.


    ¡°Stop sending me messages asking me about her again and again,¡± she snapped with her frustration spilling over, ¡°I¡¯m not your secretary!¡±


    ¡°Ouch! Looks like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,¡± He tried to tease her, but she wasn¡¯t in the mood.


    ¡°Can youe down?¡± he asked, his tone was all business now.


    ¡°What? You are here?¡± Kate sounded surprised.


    ¡°Yeah. I am. Nowe down and don¡¯t make me wait,¡± He insisted.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a minute,¡± She stated before hanging up.


    She stood up, smoothing her dress and adjusting her posture. She quickly made her way to the elevator when bumped into someone.


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    $2 32¨COrode Questy


    ¡°Oh! Be careful, Kate. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Delinda eximed in concern but then Kate¡¯s bitter expressions stopped her from saying anything else.


    ¡°You need to be careful Delinda. Who walks blindly in a


    multinationalpany?¡± Kate snapped taking Delinda by surprise but then she reminded herself that she needed to stay in


    everyone¡¯s good books.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, Delinda,¡± she held her shoulders. ¡®I¡¯m upset due to some family problem. Please forgive me.¡±


    Delinda blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in her behavior, ¡®No. I¡¯m sorry as I didn¡¯t see youing,¡± there was sympathy on her face, ¡°don¡¯t worry. We all have our struggles to fight for.¡±


    Kate shook her head and offered a small sincere smile. ¡°Thanks for


    understanding. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to go.¡±


    She rolled her eyes when Delinda spoke again behind her, ¡°If you ever need to talk, I¡¯m here!¡°.


    Kate wanted to strangle the woman¡¯s neck, but she really needed


    to meet John.


    ***


    ¡°Good morning beautiful,¡± Kate curved down her lips when heard


    his flirtatious tone.


    *Beautiful? Ha¨Cha,¡± she tried tough it off. No doubt the policeman was handsome and knew how to do ttery.


    ¡°So, no sign of Marissa <i>yet</i>?¡± he asked her.


    They both were standing outside the building and Kate didn¡¯t


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    91 01¨CDecide Quickly


    think Marissa woulde today.


    She nced around to make sure they weren¡¯t overheard, ¡°Nah. She is still not here. The people living at her ce must have


    warned her.¡±


    She then chewed her lower lip, ¡°I need a favor from you, John,¡± she


    was a bit hesitant.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m all cars. Anything for a beautiful woman like you,¡± Kate smiled shyly.


    Did he really think, she was beautiful?


    So, shouldn¡¯t she take the advantage of it?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have coffee with me?¡± he asked her with that


    flirtatious smile.


    ¡°C¨Ccoffee?¡± how to tell him that these were her working hours, ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t think ¡­ that¡­¡± she threw a fleeting nce at her office


    building.


    ¡°Come on. I don¡¯t think one cup of coffee might cost you your job. If they are such petty people, then you are better without them.


    Yup. After all, it was just a cup of coffee!


    She went to his car and sat inside. Her first impression was that he would take her to a nearby coffee shop, but she was wrong.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have taken me somewhere close by?¡±


    ¡°A beautiful girl like you doesn¡¯t deserve amon restaurant¡¯s coffee,¡± he said looking ahead. Her eyes were wide in surprise


    when she saw him taking his car inside the parking of a seven¨Cstar


    hotel.


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    91 91¨CDecide Quickly


    ¡°You brought me here for that cup of coffee?¡± she was all


    impressed. He was a policeman. How much he must be earning to afford a coffee cup here?


    Holding his hand, she entered the lobby, looking at the d¨¦cor that seemed to be made of ss all around her.


    He seemed quite used to all this and took her to a cozy corner. He ordered coffee and Kate couldn¡¯t even smile when found him observing her.


    ¡°I never came to such a ce. Excuse my ignorance.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s ok,¡± he said holding her hand that was on the table, ¡°Now tell me. What was this important talk you wanted to have with me?¡±


    She searched for some appropriate words, but the grandeur of the hotel had made her almost speechless.


    ¡°Say it whatever it is, Kate. I promise I won¡¯t arrest you,¡± she chuckled at the jibe quite awkwardly because she knew she was treading on thin ice.


    ¡°I need information on someone. And ¡­ I think ¡­ y¡­you are th¡­the best person to go to in this situation.¡±


    ¡°What kind of information do you need?¡± he frowned.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Mr. Sinir¡¯s wife. I need contact details about Valerie


    Sinir,¡± When his eyes didn¡¯t even blink, a nervous giggle left her lips, ¡°I don¡¯t want it to be misused. We all are arranging a grand event party and Mr. Sinir is the chief guest. We want to invite his wife too. But as a host¡­¡± she gulped hard and tried to smile.


    ¡°As a host, it doesn¡¯t look good to ask for her phone number from


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    91 91¨CDecide Quickly


    her husband. We don¡¯t want to involve him much in the event before time.¡± That was the best exnation she coulde up with.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there anyone from the office who can do it for you?¡± he asked.


    She pursed her lips in a thin line, ¡°We tried¡­ but¡­ Mr. Sinir is quite secretive about his wife. You know about possessive rich husbands¡­ Ha¨Cha.¡±


    Oh, please. She wanted to sound convincing. John was quietly examining her face.


    ¡°Do you know something, Kate?¡± he had left her hand and was leaning over the table with a serious face, ¡°There is a price for everything. If you are ready to pay the price, then I¡¯m ready to give the contact details of his wife.¡±


    Kate felt like she would faint. Was it that easy?


    She could ask Amir to lend her some money and she would soon return it when she would be a millionaire.


    Easy peasy! Lemon squeezy!


    They got quiet when the waiter started cing their coffee cups in front of them.


    ¡°Wh¨Cwhat is the price? I¡¯m ready to pay!¡± this time there was something on his face that she couldn¡¯t decipher.


    When he remained silent, she spoke again, ¡°Tell me the price, John. I¡¯m ready to pay for it.¡±


    John eyed her and then sighed, ¡°Fine. If you say so. Here in this


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    91 91¨CDecide Quickly


    hotel¡­¡± he paused for a moment, ¡°you need to spend a night with me. An intimate night!¡± he whispered.


    Kate felt she heard him wrong, ¡°W¨CWhat?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he nodded and took a sip of his coffee, ¡°Spend a night with me in this luxury seven¨Cstar hotel room and I¡¯ll provide you the contact details of Mrs. Sinire. If you agree then we can go ahead. If you don¡¯t agree then we can still stay friends and go our separate ways.¡±


    After making the offer, he kept drinking his coffee while Kate¡¯s coffee was forgotten by her. She needed to decide if she wanted to stay faithful to Amir or pay the price to be rich.


    Whatever it was. She needed to decide quickly.


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    10:35

 Chapter 92

    92 92- Consequences


    Joseph nced up from the file to have a look at his friend who looked unusually happy. He knew the reason.


    He was the only one who knew what Rafael was nning to do.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you toe to the office today. Shouldn¡¯t you stay with your kids and your beloved wife?¡± Joseph took off his reading sses and almost dropped them on the smooth surface of the mahogany desk.


    Rafael was still peering at the annual report on the screen with


    furrowed brows.


    Joseph leaned back with a rxed smile on his face, ¡°Tsk! The trip was supposed to rejuvenate you and here you are worried about


    numbers.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Numbers,¡± Rafael muttered tapping a finger on the report, ¡°I¡¯m waiting for a call actually but just to kill time I need to do something.¡±


    Joseph moved ahead to have a better look at his friend¡¯s face, ¡°Call? What call? Or am I missing something?¡±


    ¡°Nah!¡± Rafael waved his hand, ¡°there is a police officer who needs to be taught a lesson. I¡¯ll tell you everythingter,¡± He said busily and then turned back, all business, ¡°I can see a significant increase in the sales of this quarter, however, the operational costs have


    also risen.¡±


    Joseph¡¯s eyes had amusement in them, ¡°Why worry about operational costs when we are in green? Operational costs will


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    92 92¨CConsequences


    soon stabilize<b>. </b>It always does.¡±


    Rafael sighed leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples, ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s just¡­ there is always something¡­¡±


    ¡°Before this meeting, your smile was unstoppable and now look at you. Stop taking the tension of these numbers. I think you should enjoy this time with Marissa.¡±


    The name had the desired effect on Rafael¡¯s face. He couldn¡¯t stop the smile etching his facial features.


    ¡°How was Kar? Has your wife epted you?¡± that was what Rafael liked about Joseph. He was the only one who used to look at Marissa as hiswfully wedded wife.


    ¡°My wife had friend¨Czoned me,¡± he said with a pout and Joseph


    seemed taken aback.


    ¡°She did what?¡±


    Rafael nodded his head, ¡°She needs time to think and analyze if there is anything left to explore between us.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Joseph grinned, ¡°She is precious, Rafael. If this was some other girl, she would have jumped on the opportunity. She would have proved her marriage to you and couldn¡¯t wait to spend your money. And here she is. Trying to do a job for her kids¡® future and friend¨Czoned her president¨Chusband. Ha¨Cha!¡±


    ¡°Can you stop pulling my leg and focus on this report?¡± but Joseph keptughing at the situation.


    Being true workaholics, it didn¡¯t take time to get back to work. In a few minutes, they were deep in the discussion, and in a few hours,


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    92 92¨CConsequences


    there were documents, charts, and empty coffee cups spread on the table.


    ¡°Look. If we allocate more resources to development, we can stay ahead of thepetition,¡± Joseph was trying to argue with his


    friend, pointing to a chart.


    Rafael¡¯s hawk eyes stayed on the marketing charts, ¡°I agree. But we also need to streamline our marketing efforts. Thest campaign was good, but it didn¡¯t draw the required audience. And if youExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    observe this one¡­¡±


    Rafael trailed off when the door to his office opened and Dean entered, ¡°Sir, can we talk? It¡¯s kind of urgent.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Rafael wiggled his forefinger at him, ¡°Come over.¡±


    He started rolling a chart sheet and hit it lightly to Joseph¡¯s chest, ¡°Have a look at it. We need to hire a new marketing strategist.¡±


    His eyes darted towards Dean who seemed a bit hesitant, ¡°What is it? Everything good?¡± Joseph took off his reading sses to have a


    better look at Dean.


    ¡°S¨Csir. There is a bit of chaos in the office. Event people are quite disturbed due to some confusion.¡±


    ¡°Confusions?¡± instead of Rafael, Joseph spoke, ¡°What kind of


    confusion? What¡¯s the reason?¡±


    Dean was almost panting in nervousness, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ <b>it¡¯s </b>Ms. ¡­ Ms.


    Aaron,¡±


    ¡°What about her?¡± This time Rafael Sinir¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t as friendly but had a hard edge to it.


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    92 92¨CConsequences


    Dean looked taken aback by this suddenck of pleasantness but tried to exin, ¡°I understand I¡¯m overstepping but I think Ms. Aaron¡¯s absence is affecting our targets. The team under her is facing problems. They just need to¡­¡±


    Rafael¡¯s jaw tightened, and he cut Dean with his sharp voice, ¡°Dean. I don¡¯t want you worrying about other employees. That¡¯s fucking my headache. Not yours.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way, Sir,¡± the poor man exined timidly, ¡°But approvals are hanging¡­¡±


    Rafael stood abruptly, his fists clenched by his sides, ¡°Enough!¡± he snarled and ced his palms on the desk with a thud, ¡°Do your job, Dean, and let me do mine,¡± he hissed, ¡°Whatever Ms. Aaron is doing


    inside this office or outside that¡¯s none of your concern.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. I¡¯m trying to run everything smoothly,¡± Poor Dean blinked, a bit shaken by this unexpected rage of his boss, ¡°But there


    are people who are¡­¡±


    ¡°Send those people to me!¡± he snapped, ¡°They have a problem and Marissa isn¡¯t avable? Ask them to approach me. Is that clear?¡±


    Dean tried to nod his head, ¡°Yes, sir. Clear. Understood. I¡¯ll get back to work.¡± He tried to ignore the nerve ticking in his boss¡¯s temple.


    This didn¡¯t make sense. An employee¡¯s work was transferred to his colleague. To another employee. No boss took this kind of responsibility for his hired staff¡¯s work.


    When Dean left, Joseph looked at his friend. He knew Rafael could be as cold¨Chearted as a cier but very few people knew that


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    02 02¨CConsequences


    there was a soft side under this hard exterior.


    Only Marissa was capable of bringing it out.


    He came out of his thoughts when Rafael¡¯s phone started ringing. He got back to his seat and picked up the receiver.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Yes?


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°John Harris?¡±


    ¡°Where can I find him?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not interested in calling him to my office, I would rather go. to his ce to meet him.¡±


    When Rafael tossed back the receiver, his rage had almost


    subsided.


    ¡°What is this about?¡± Joseph shrugged, ¡°Who was on the phone?¡±


    Rafael rested his head on the seat and spoke with menace, ¡°Someone who works for me. He was searching for a man. A police officer who is looking for ways to arrest Marissa. But I know how to tackle such thugs, Joseph,¡± there was an evil glint in his eyes, ¡°Anybody whoes near my wife has to bear the consequences.¡±


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    10:35


    <b>R</b>

 Chapter 93

    93 93- Resist His Charms


    Marissa juggled a crying Abigail on her hip while she handed over a fruit te to Alex, ¡°Go, share it with Ariel,¡± she


    instructed him and then moved back her attention to Abi.


    ¡°Abi. Honey!¡± Ever since her return, Abi had been too irritated for some reason. Sophie swore that all of them behaved well in her absence but now Abigail wanted her mom to carry her around like a baby.


    She was constantly glued to her mom¡¯s hip.


    ¡°Stop crying, sweetheart,¡± she cooed the little one, kissing her head. The back of her hand was automatically touching the child¡¯s forehead again and again for any sign of fever.


    ¡°Mommy. Look! Ariel is looking at me,¡± the girl pointed to her sister who was busy putting an apple piece in her mouth with


    the fork.


    ¡°No, little one. She is having fruits and saying something to Alex. Why don¡¯t you join them and get back your energy,¡± Instead of replying to her, Abigail hid her face in the crook of


    her mom¡¯s neck.


    Marissa closed her eyes when heard the ringing phone. She started searching for it. ¡°Where is it?¡± She muttered, looking


    around.


    <b>It </b>was not on the table. There was no sign of the phone on the


    kitchen counters too.


    10:


    93- Resist His Charms


    ¡°Goodness! I just saw it somewhere,¡± exhaling a tired breath she called Alex, ¡°Alex! Be a sweetheart and find my phone


    please.¡±


    Alexander who was telling something to Ariel looked at the drained face of his mom and smiled softly, ¡°It¡¯s in your hand,


    mom!¡±


    Good God! Marissa wanted to hit her head on the wall.


    Without looking at the screen, she received the phone call,


    ¡°Yes?¡± She answered <b>in </b>a strained voice and gave a little


    bounce to Abi.


    ¡°Marissa? It¡¯s me, Delinda. How are you?¡± concern wasced in


    her friend¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m good. How are you?¡± she pressed the phone between


    her shoulder and the neck and used the other hand to brush Abigail¡¯s head.


    ¡°We are good and missing you. Thank God, girl your phone responded. Shang¨Cchi and I were getting super worried about


    you.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    How to tell her friend that she couldn¡¯t send any message because Rafael never told her where he was taking her?


    She did get ready for the office butnded in the cozy cottage of Kar Beach.


    ¡°No, no. Don¡¯t worry, Del. For some reason, the phone stopped working. That¡¯s the reason I couldn¡¯t send you people any messages.<b>¡±</b>


    03- Resist His Charms


    Marissa exined. She could imagine that a few of her colleagues might resent her, thinking she was being irresponsible.


    ¡°Yeah, I understand. At least you submitted two days¡® leave by sending them an email. That¡¯s what counts. I took a sigh of relief when I saw that. Kate didn¡¯t look happy about it.¡±


    Marissa scrunched her nose in confusion.


    Leave? I sent them an email?


    ¡°Oh, hey, Delinda. I ¡± Marissa began but Delinda cut her off.


    ¡°You just focus on getting back your health, Mar. Don¡¯t overthink about Kate. People like her look for chances to make people fall. You won¡¯t believe what happened today. She was again rude to me¡­¡±


    Delinda was speaking nonstop but Marissa¡¯s head was still stuck in the word ¡®leave application¡®.


    ¡°Listen, Del,¡± Marissa cleared her throat, ¡°What application are you talking about, by the way?¡± Maybe she heard wrong.


    ¡°The same one where you mentioned that you need off because you are not well,¡± Delinda exined to her in a brisk


    tone.


    ¡°Off?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Two days off. Now I think I need to go to Shang¨CChi and let him know that I atst talked to you. You take care of yourself, girl. Bye.¡±


    ¡°B¨CBut Delinda I¡­¡± Marissa tried to speak but Delinda had


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    93- Resist His Charms


    already hung up the phone. Marissa stood there bewildered, and the phone was still pressed to her ear.


    She looked at Abi¡¯s head who was now thankfully calmed down, ¡°<b>I </b>didn¡¯t send any application, Abi. Who sent it on my behalf?¡±


    ***


    While setting the tes on the dining table, Marissa thought of Rafael who didn¡¯t try to contact her on the phone.


    She checked her phone a few times and then stopped looking at it altogether.


    ¡°My lifelines! Dinner time!¡± she announced and then darted to the kitchen to get the pasta dish. Sophie and Flint were not home and weren¡¯t supposed to join them for dinner.


    Ariel and Abigail who were helping Alex in cleaning the contents of his toolbox, got up.


    ¡°Hey. Help me with it!¡± he called after them, annoyed at his sisters.


    ¡°After dinner, brother. We promise!¡± Abigail assured him while walking backwards when the doorbell rang.


    The girls ran to get it before Marissa could stop them.


    Though the kids were trained to not open the door before their mom¡¯s permission but right now they seemed to have forgotten all the rules.


    She wanted to go after them when she heard excited squeals from the hallway.


    3¨CResist His Charms


    ¡°Daddy!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    ¡°Mommy! Look! It¡¯s Daddy!¡± Ariel yelled from the door. Marissa saw Rafael entering the living room carrying both his


    daughters.


    He had a wide smile on his face when he ced the girls down and came to her straight.


    ¡°How is my friend!¡± he held her by her waist and pressed a kiss


    on her forehead.


    Marissa thought he was mentioning the word ¡®friend¡® in a fun way, but he looked serious.


    ¡°Damn! I took you to Kar so that you¡¯ll be fresh, but you look exhausted!¡± he regarded her face carefully and then held her


    hand.


    ¡°Come. Let¡¯s have dinner together,¡±


    For some odd reason, Marissa felt her exhaustion melting away. He made the children sit on their respective chairs and then pulled a chair for her.


    Throughout the dinner, he and the girls kept pulling each other¡¯s legs.


    When the dinner was finally over, Marissa started to stand, reaching for the tes, but her wrist was held by a strong


    hand,


    93- Resist His Charms


    ¡°Whoa. Hold on there,¡± Rafael said gently, ¡°Just go and sit on that couch. You¡¯ve done enough for today.¡±


    Marissa tried to protest, ¡°B¨Cbut the kitchen¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts,¡± he interrupted. Getting to his feet, he reached her and guided her to the couch, ¡°I¡¯ve got this. You need rest.¡±


    Marissa sighed. A man who wanted to help the mother of his kids in the kitchen and around the house must be dered as a knight in shining Armor.


    She examined Rafael¡¯s face who was answering Abigail¡¯s questions while setting soft pillows behind her back.


    He positioned a stool ahead and held her feet to help her, cing them up on it.


    ¡°Ah,¡± she sighed in satisfaction, ¡°the best ce for my legs.¡±


    His eyes twinkled in mischief, ¡°The best ce for a beautiful woman¡¯s legs is,¡± his voice dropped to a whisper, ¡°around his man¡¯s nak*ed waist.¡±


    Rafael had turned away while Marissa could feel the unexpected dampness in her core.


    The man could easily make her feel things by his mere words and she didn¡¯t know for how long she would be able to resist his charms.

 Chapter 94

    94 94- Valerie¡¯s Name


    Marissa giggled when she saw how Rafael was handling kids along with chores. He was stacking all the tes in one arm quite expertly and asked the kids to carry over empty dishes one by one to the kitchen.


    ¡°You are supposed to ce it by the sink,¡± he ordered, and Marissa observed. Alex who was following his dad¡¯smands with a constant frown on his face.


    He was still resisting opening up to his father.


    Ariel rushed over to Rafael, ¡°Now what else am I supposed to pick, Daddy?¡±


    ¡°Umm. sses sweetheart. Take one only. And use both your hands to hold it.¡±


    Like an obedient kid, she picked that up though Marissa knew kids could handle multiple sses as they were simple stic ones, but she didn¡¯t interfere with any of it.


    She was there to enjoy the show.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tuck the kids too. Don¡¯t move from that couch,¡± he said over his shoulder and went inside the kitchen. She could see how he was directing them to ce the dishes in the washer.


    The spot where she was sitting, everything was visible from here.


    He was now asking Alex if he could manage to clean the table and Alex just nodded and came out with a washcloth.


    She was aware Alex would never be able to clean it properly, but Rafael seemed more interested in training the kids.


    ¡°Daddy. Will you tell us a story?¡± Abigail asked him while hugging his legs.


    ¡°Sure princess,¡± he lifted her up and kissed her cheek and then eyed the other kids, ¡°can you all get ready for bed without our help? Then I¡¯lle over to tell the story.¡±


    ¡°Promise!¡±


    10:46


    94 94¨CValerie¡¯s Name


    ¡°Yes, daddy,¡± they yelled in chorus.


    Marissa leaned back when saw kids going inside their room after getting kissed by her. Rafael plopped beside her and leaned into her side.


    ¡°You are really good with them, you know?¡± she watched him with a small smile ying on her lips.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll tell them a story then I¡¯ll be back. Any movie ns?¡± he asked her innocently and this time she moved her head from side to side.


    ¡°You think it¡¯s the weekend? Tomorrow is my office, Rafael!¡± he leaned back his head on the backrest and tilted his face a little to look at her.


    ¡°We can choose a short movie!¡± he shrugged, and Marissa held his t¨Cshirt by the cor and pulled him to her, holding back her grin.


    ¡°Tell me the truth, Mr. Sinir. Are you nning to throw me out of that office building? Because with this nonseriousness, I can get fired.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He tucked his finger in the neckline of her green blouse pulling her closer, ¡°And are you forgetting who thatpany belongs to?¡±


    She chewed her lower lip for a minute before answering him, ¡°You?¡±


    Instead of responding to her answer, he kept staring at her face quite intently.


    She looked puzzled for a moment, ¡°The office belongs to you. Right?¡±


    He gulped, his Adam¡¯s apple quite noticeable, ¡°Nothing!¡± he tried to smile.


    ¡°Wh¨Cwhat? The MSin doesn¡¯t belong to you?¡± with a smile he shook his head.


    Goodness! <i>The </ipany <i>is </i><i>in </i>Valerie¡¯s name, <i>now</i>? Isn¡¯t <i>it </i><i>my </i><i>kids</i>¡® <i>right</i><i>?</i>


    She thought but then shrugged off the stupid thoughts from her mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± she ced her hand on his rough cheek.


    ¡°Is it OK that thepany is not in my name?¡± he asked the question somberly but for some silly reason he looked amused.


    Marissa felt nervous, not sure why he was asking this.


    10:40)


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    94 94- Valerie¡¯s Name


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s OK,¡± she nodded her head.


    ¡°You are not worried about our kids¡® future?¡± he again asked her and there was a strange expression in his eyes. She didn¡¯t know what to name it.


    ¡°Why should I worry about kids¡® future? They have got you,¡± she tried to giggle and that was when she found the smile on his lips vanishing. Now his face felt like he was on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Rafael¡­¡± she tried to speak. She just wanted to know if he was alright.. However, he didn¡¯t let her speak and ced his forefinger gently on her lips.


    ¡°R¨CRafael¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Shhh¡­¡± he leaned in, his lips hovering just inches away from hers, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything. Just stay quiet.¡±


    Marissa was taken aback by his intense voice. She had never seen tears in his


    and now his teary voice was doing something to her heart.


    eves


    ¡°I just want you to know, Marissa,¡± his finger pressed a little more into her lips, ¡°that how much you mean to me.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s breath was caught in her throat. She could feel the intensity <b>of </b>his gaze on her face and the warmth of his finger on her lips, ¡°R¨CRafael you¡­¡±


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t say anything. You don¡¯t have to say anything right now. Just know that I¡¯m here for you always.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. She nodded unable to find the right words.


    Taking her by surprise, Rafael wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She smiled through her tears when felt his lips kissing her hair. They sat there holding each other forgetting for a moment that they were the parents of three naughty kids.


    ¡°Daddy. We are waiting for that story. Alex has already gone to sleep, and Ariel is yawning so loudly!¡± Abigail yelled in irritation making her parents jerk in embarrassment.


    10:40


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    94 94- Valerie¡¯s Name


    ¡°Damn!¡± Rafael cursed under his breath and stood up abruptly.


    ¡°I¡¯ming, sweetheart,¡± He called out. Abigail marched back to her room and Marissa was aware, that the magical moment between them was over.


    She couldn¡¯t ce her finger on it. Why did he get so emotional?


    What did she say or do to earn this closeness?


    ¡°Don¡¯t go to sleep,¡± Rafael leaned forward to kiss her cheek, ¡°I¡¯ll be back after telling them a story.¡±


    She nodded but then quickly held his hand to stop him.


    He threw a questioning nce her way.


    ¡°Today my friend called me. She asked me if I was well and said that she saw an email of my leave application for two days. I never submitted any.¡±


    Rafael scratched the nape of his neck with his other hand and a sheepish smile got to his lips, ¡°I did it!¡±


    ¡°W¨Cwhat?¡±


    ¡°I said I did it,¡± this time he gave a quick peck on her lips, ¡°Now stop worrying about getting kicked out of MSin Industries. Nobody can do that. Not even


    me.¡±


    Not even him?


    Not even Rafael?


    But surely Valerie could easily do it.


    Right?


    After all, the MSin Industries is in Valerie¡¯s name.


    Comment ?


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    95 95¨CLoad

 Chapter 95

    95 95- Lead


    Kate was staring at the ceiling without a speck of clothing on her body. The room that was given to them was so gorgeous that the only word that came to her mind was¡­


    ssy.


    More than a hotel room, it felt like a movie set. The bed was a massive canopy thing, draped in silky sheets and cushions.


    She was sure that it was so soft and so pristine that she must have dirtied it by merely touching it.


    Her eyes nced up to see the massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It literally felt like it was throwing sparkles everywhere in the room. The carpet was so plush that she needed to hold John¡¯s arm to reach the bed. This was so overwhelming. This super posh space was giving her royal vibes. She was already feeling like a princess.


    That would be the life, she would have, once she got to Valerie Sinir. Once she would be a millionaire, she would like to stay in such hotels while traveling.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± John Harris emerged from the bathroom wearing only his boxers. After such a long time, Kate was looking at a man who didn¡¯t have a wiggling pudding¨Clike belly in front of him.


    Except in movies. Of course.


    Being a police officer he was a fit man. While making love, he stayed gentle with her and kept showing her, his concern for her.


    Kate felt strange when he entered her. The pping sounds were different when she used to be with Amir. His tummy skin also made a smacking sound against her.


    Being with John, there was only one pping sound.


    95 95- Lead


    She straightened when heard him clearing his throat, ¡°I asked you a question, love. What are you thinking?¡± he said sitting beside her.


    She wanted to say, ¡®you¡® when he raised his hand, ¡°And please don¡¯t say, you were thinking about me. You were thinking about money.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She twisted her body to face him, ¡°Money?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. The one you¡¯ll get after taking Mrs. Sinir¡¯s number,¡± he finished with a meaningful smile.


    Kate felt her heart rate slowing down. How did he guess that?


    ¡°Y¨Cyou¡­ are¡­ m¨Cmistaken¡­¡± she tried to tuck her hair behind her ear when heughed.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. Working in Sinir¡¯s office means that you can easily take her number. Anyone could provide that to you. So, I know you are after something else, and it involves money. For inviting your boss¡¯s wife, one never sleeps with a random man. Especially if that woman is engaged.¡± Kate felt odd.


    She wrapped the sheets around her to hide her nak*edness. Suddenly she felt cold. Exposed!


    ¡°If you knew that I was lying then why did you agree to help me?¡± she asked him with haughtiness.


    He closed one eye and then regarded her. Instead of answering her question, he reached out to the nightstand to pick up his cigarette pack.


    Taking out one cigarette, he got hold of the lighter and lit the cigarette after cing it between his lips.


    Just like he held her ni*pples between them a few minutes ago.


    ¡°What?¡± she smirked, ¡°taking time to answer me? You don¡¯t have anything to say?¡± her tone got sarcastic.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think, Kate,¡± he blew the smoke on her face with a yful grin and gripped the sheet that was tightened around her chest.


    ¡°Then exin,¡± she cocked up a brow ¡°What was 10 1


    95 95- Lead


    and still agreed to do this.¡±


    He pulled the sheet towards him, causing her to bump into his chest because she was holding it too tightly.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± she mumbled and settled herself properly.


    ¡°You asked me the reason?¡± he brought his face near hers, ¡°The reason is you.¡±


    Kate who was adjusting the sheet near her chest went still for a moment.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    He nodded, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s you. You are a beautiful woman, Kate. Plus¡­¡± he smiled, ¡°I¡¯m also interested in that cut. Take it as mymission for helping you.¡±


    He winked but she pped his arm, ¡°Yourmission?¡± she retorted, ¡°You have already taken that!¡±


    She pointed to the scattered clothes on the floor, ¡°What more do you want?¡±


    ¡°ording to thews, ckmailing is a sin, Kate. I can help you with all thews and regtions,¡± John waited for her response.


    Kate thought for a minute. Amir also wanted the rewards, but he was not ready to help her in any way. He only wanted to do one thing with her and that was banging her mercilessly.


    Here John was at least offering his help to her.


    He was right.


    She might need guidance with all the legal issues so that she wouldn¡¯t make silly mistakes. Because if Rafael or Valerie would report her, she mightnd in jail.


    John can help her to avoid that.


    ¡°Moreover,¡± he spoke again, ¡°you might be thinking about millions here.¡±


    Her eyes snapped to his face, ¡°Millions? Yes.¡±


    He nodded in understanding, ¡°But I¡¯m thinking about billions, Kate.¡±


    Kate¡¯s eyes went wide when she heard him.


    <


    95 95- Lead


    ¡°B¨Cbillions!¡± she whispered, and he nodded with a smile.


    While she was thinking hard there was a light buzzing sound in the room. It was her phone that was in vibrator mode.


    Amir was calling her, maybe worrying about her.


    Thankfully when she went home, he wasn¡¯t there. It got easier for her to get her basic stuff to meet John in the hotel.


    Thankfully, the absence of Amir meant no more prying questions.


    He must be now in her apartment and wasn¡¯t expecting her gone.


    The phone that had gone quiet again started buzzing. Kate not only canceled the call but switched off her phone too.


    ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± she asked John who smiled and then lifted his hips to get rid of his shorts.


    Kate tried not to look there where his co*ck was again hard for her. He was waiting for her answer.


    Her bank bnce would be in billions..


    She would be able to stay in seven¨Cstar hotels. She might find a better guy than Amir. And¡­


    Leaving her home¨Cbased cooking, she might start her own business. Or maybe she would never have to work in her life.


    Or she might buy the Kanderton branch of MSin Industries and be happy after making Marissa¡¯s life miserable.


    John Harris was still waiting for her answer, and she didn¡¯t make him wait any longer. She got rid of the sheets that were wrapped around her body. This was the answer John needed.


    This time he wasn¡¯t nning to make gentle love to her when he pounced on her.


    She squealed in excitement and fell back, letting him feast on her body. This time she let him take the lead.

 Chapter 96

    96 96¨CBowed


    When Marissa woke up in the morning, she was lying on his shirtless body, still warm in his embrace, @


    ¡°Se*xy!¡± She whispered and left the bed in high spirits after kissing his cheek.


    Last night after getting done with the story, he joined her on the bed. Marissa who was twisting and turning before his arrival, didn¡¯t take time to get into deep sleep.


    It was almost a miracle.


    A woman who couldn¡¯t sleep peacefully in thest four years felt relief and instantly used to fall asleep in his arms..


    While taking a shower, she remembered something from her sleep. She couldn¡¯t tell if it was a dream, or if it really happened.


    Whilebing his fingers through her hair, he had spoken very softly, ¡°Marissa! I don¡¯t know if after all this struggle you would choose me or not. But I¡¯ll always choose you, love. Sometimes I get so scared. What if by the end of all this struggle, you don¡¯t choose me? Where will I go?¡±


    The words kepting to her like he kept talking to her in her sleep.


    No.


    It wasn¡¯t possible.


    Those words must be from her dream as Rafael could get closer to her because of kids but he would never fall for her.


    She turned off the shower and stepped outside. Rafael was still sleeping.


    She went to him and let some water droplets fall on his face. He made a cute pout like a baby and frowned deeply.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we sleepy!¡± she remarked withughter in her voice.


    ¡°Let me sleep!¡± his groggy voice reached her ears, ¡°You alsoe here. Join. me in bed,¡± he smacked the space near him on the mattress.


    10:47


    15


    <


    96 96- Bowed


    ¡°Yeah. Sure,¡± She rolled her eyes and walked to the mirror to towel dry her hair. After the birth of the kids, she hardly used a hair dryer.


    ¡°Rafael. Get up. I don¡¯t want to gette today,¡± she said applying a liner above her eyelids and then spun in shock, ¡°Did you sleeptest night?¡±


    ¡°Umm hmm,¡± he answered her and put the pillow on his face.


    What if those words were truly said by him?


    ¡°Oh, brother. I can¡¯t afford to bete,¡± she muttered when he raised his hand. from the bed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll submit two leave applications today. One for you, one for me!¡± Marissa picked up another pillow and hit it on his tight ass.


    ¡°Jerk!¡± he got up caressing his bottom under those cotton shorts.


    ¡°Brat!¡± he threw the pillow back at her that she dodged easily and smirked. when itnded near the door.


    ¡°Now go and stand under the shower but oh<b>!</b>¡± she face palmed, ¡°you haven¡¯t gotten your clothes and there is a fair chance you can take me again to Kar. No! I won¡¯t go with you. I¡¯ll ask Sophie to drop me¡­¡±


    She wanted to say more when he jumped out of the bed and pulled her to him, ¡°Shh. You talk a lot,dy. Who makes so much noise at this early hour?¡±


    He was snubbing her, but Marissa knew it wasn¡¯t serious. Because she had. more serious issues at hand.


    For example, the biggest serious issue was the one thing that was poking her inner thigh from his shorts.


    The little man, who was not so little, in his shorts, seemed to be hard at this hour making a tent of it.


    Ouch! He wasn¡¯t even realizing it and was hugging her tightly trying to grind her to him.


    cing her palms on his chest, she pushed him away with a shy smile.


    ¡°Now get ready or I¡¯ll tell the whole office that you are the father of three mischievous kids,¡± she threatened him, forgetting for a moment that it was


    10:47


    € 96 96¨CBowed


    her wish not to let the world know about their existence.


    With a sigh, he moved back and called over his shoulder before getting into the bathroom, ¡°And tell them, I have got a bratty wife too, milord!¡±


    Before she could say something spicy, he had mmed the door behind him.


    ¡°And you are a jerk!¡± she yelled.


    ***


    ¡°Where are you taking the car?¡± she asked him when saw him turning the car in the opposite direction of the parking lot of the office.


    ¡°Kidnapping you again!¡± he teased her with a wink, and she turned in her seat.


    to face him.


    ¡°No, Rafael!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Marissa!¡±


    Marissa had seen the VIP parking lot already. But this one was marked as MSin President¡¯s Parking Space.


    ¡°Y¨Cyou brought me here? To this parking space? It¡¯s solely yours. Right?¡± she asked him in awe, taking in the area.


    ¡°Not my parking space. Maybe yours,¡± He pulled over the car and looked at her. She didn¡¯t understand what he was saying.


    Two uniformed guards were there to open their doors, but Rafael rolled down his window and ordered the guard.


    ¡°No need to open the passenger door,¡± he said in a clipped tone and then got out. Marissa thought that he was intending to send her back.


    <i>Of </i><i>course</i>. <i>This </i><i>part </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>office </i><i>isn¡¯t </i>for me<i>.</i>


    However, she was in for a surprise when he rounded the car and opened her side of the door. Instead of saying anything, he offered her, his hand to help her out of the car and she wanted to remind him that they were not at Kar anymore.


    Anyone could see them together. Even these guards could blurt out any


    10:47 C


    3/6


    <


    96 96- Bowed


    secret.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said in a hushed tone, ¡°They are my men and faithful to me,¡± Rafael guided her to a private elevator and got inside.


    ¡°That day when I reached early, you took me on that VIP floor elevator,¡± She


    stated.


    ¡°Yeah. That day I thought I was the first one to reach the office. I usually don¡¯t like early morning interactions with anyone.¡±


    She nodded in understanding when he told her, ¡°Yeah. I have seen it this morning!¡± she said with a small pout, making himugh.


    ¡°No. There is no such rule when ites to you,¡± without warning he drew her closer to him. When he spoke, she could feel the intensity in his gaze and voice, ¡°And, if there will be any rules then I¡¯ll happily break them for you,


    Marissa.¡±


    Before Marissa could say anything, the elevator doors slid open, revealing his spacious and luxurious office.


    He had brought her through the direct route to his office.


    She jutted out her lower lip, to show him that she was thoroughly Impressed and even showed up a thumbs<b>¨C</b>up sign.


    She was turning away to exit his office when he stopped her, ¡°Hey, ma¡¯am. No thanks. No morning kiss for this driver who just dropped you safely to your office?¡±


    Marissa tried to control the smile, and when she looked back, she found him leaning against his hip against the desk, with arms crossing on his chest.


    ¡°Thanks for what? Wasn¡¯t it your duty?¡± she said biting back her grin.


    ???


    ¡°Duty?¡± he squealed in surprise, ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, duty. I won¡¯t say thank you for dropping me, but I would rather be thankful for not taking me to Kar. So, thank you, Mr. Rafael Sinir, for


    me


    dropping me to the office and not taking I mean not kidnapping me to some alien beach.¡±


    10:47


    96 96- Bowed


    Alien!¡± his eyes were wide, ¡°I thought you liked the ce.¡±


    I did!¡± she nodded, pressing her lips together, ¡°I like aliens.¡±


    Marissa!¡± he called her out and before she could say anything, her body was cooped up in his strong arms.


    Rafael! Put me down!¡± she said in a hushed tone and then a look of ewilderment crossed her face when she saw where he was taking her.


    Rafael¡­ N¨Cno!¡± but he didn¡¯t listen to her protests and ced her gently on he president¡¯s seat.


    Keep sitting, Marissa. Don¡¯t move,¡± Instead of taking another chair, he knelt down close to it. With a hesitant smile she held the armrests of the chair, But this is disrespect, Rafael.¡±


    Nopes. There is no disrespect,¡± he murmured silkily, ¡°You deserve this seat as much as I do. In fact, more than me.¡± While sitting there he moved up her kirt a bit and kissed her knee, ¡°And you look so beautiful sitting on it. You are not made for this seat. This seat is made for you, milord.¡±


    Taking a step back, he bowed to her.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Comment 1

 Chapter 97

    97 97- Good Treatment


    The event discussions were going on in full swing and all Marissa could think of was the kiss he did on her knee and told her that she looked good. sitting in his seat.


    The way he bowed to her as if she was a princess and he was her loyal subject.


    Nobody was aware that today she arrived with the president of the MSin through the VIP route. He not only showed her the way but also made her sit in his seat.


    He kept insisting her to have coffee with him, but she didn¡¯t want to stay there any longer. The Rafael who used to shower affection on her was blind and this one. Staring back into his green eyes was the hardest part of this deal.


    ¡°Marissa. What do you think about this new proposal?¡± A man who was there to solve their technical problems asked Marissa, snapping her back to the present.


    ¡°Hmm? Sorry. Could you repeat that?¡± poor her, came out of her dream. world and tried to pay attention to the discussion at hand.


    ¡°You seem absent today,¡± Shang¨Cchi chimed in, ¡°we were just discussing theyout changes for the event. They want your input for it.¡±


    Marissa tried her best to drift back her thoughts to the present, ¡°Yeah. Sounds good to me.¡± Her mind wasn¡¯t even able to register whatever was being discussed there.


    ¡°Oh, dear,¡± Delinda breathed near her ear, ¡°you seem a bit distracted. You should have stayed home today.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Really,¡± she insisted with a forced smile, her fingers brushing over her knee where his lips touched.


    ¡°Marissa. I have been asking you something and you still can¡¯t pay attention<b>,¡± </b>the tone of the man was not polite and had frustration in it.


    10:47


    < 97 97¨C<b>Good </b>Treatment


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, George. I¡¯m not myself today,¡± it was best to apologize instead of being defensive about something where the mistake was hers.


    They all looked at the door when saw Dean knocking on the open door of the hall.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Marissa Aaron. Any news of Kate? Has she sent you any message aboutingte?¡± Marissa shook her head. Kate never took her as her in charge and very rarely followed rules..


    I


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just checked my emails. There isn¡¯t any from her. Should I call her?¡± Dean waved his hand at her query and left.


    ¡°Thank God she isn¡¯t here today,¡± Delinda whispered, ¡°just look how positive the environment is today in her absence,¡± She sped her hands like a kid.


    Before Marissa could remark on that, a middle¨Caged man casually headed towards her desk and pulled the chair across from her to sit on it.


    ¡°Hello, Ma¡¯am. You must be Ms. Marissa Aaron. I have heard a lot about you,¡± He offered his hand for a handshake and Marissa didn¡¯t take time to shake it.


    ¡°You are mister¡­¡± She trailed off giving him a chance to introduce himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Denzel,¡± he introduced himself, ¡°I was appointed while you were on leave. And no one was ready to help me except Mr. Dean.¡±


    Delinda eyed the man who came to her once and was quite rude to her.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Marissa moved her head, ¡°You should havee straight to Delinda, and Shang¨CChi. They both are sweethearts and will happily facilitate you.¡±


    ¡°I came,¡± he eximed quickly, and Marissa noticed his eyes were on Delinda the whole time, ¡°but they said they were not authorized to help me.¡±


    Marissa could detect a twinkle in his eyes, while Delinda <b>was </b>fuming sitting beside her.


    The way, this man was twisting the situation and her words, Delinda wast simply appalled.


    ¡°Ms. Marissa. Don¡¯t they arrange any activities for their employees?¡± he


    10:47


    97 97- Good Treatment


    asked her and started rotating his movable chair.


    Instead of Marissa, it was Dean who answered him juggling with a pile of files on his one arm.


    ¡°We do arrange this stuff but before that, you are supposed to work, Denzel,¡± Denzel chuckled. Marissa looked at him secretly and found him tall and


    attractive.


    Delinda was still huffing in frustration but didn¡¯t utter a single word in his presence. Marissa¡¯s eyes shifted between them and then a thought urred to her mind.


    <i>What </i><i>if </i><i>I </i>set them <i>up</i><i>?</i>


    ¡°The thing is, Mr. Denzel¡­¡± Marissa leaned forward to ce her elbows on her desk, ¡°Ms. Delinda told me about you,¡± her whisper was loud enough to be easily heard by Delinda.


    The skin between the man¡¯s brows pinched a little, ¡°She did?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Delinda tried to open her mouth, but Marissa quickly squeezed her shoulder to make her stay quiet.


    ¡°Yeah. She did. And to tell you the truth she was too guilty about that.¡±


    Denzel gave a suspicious nce to Delinda whose eyes were now on her friend with no idea what she was up to.


    ¡°Umm. Ok¡­ then I guess¡­ I¡¯ll approach her,¡± He licked his lips with his tongue while Delinda was looking for something nearby that could be used as an escape from the situation.


    Maybe a folder, or a paper, or even just a pen so that she could hold it for some time and show herself busy.


    Dammit. She wanted her hands to get upied with something. This was embarrassing.


    ¡°So, if you need any help, Denzel,¡± Marissa smiled, ¡°you can ask her anytime. you want. Let me assure you. She is a sweetheart,¡± Thest line was said by


    97 97- Good Treatment


    Marissa with sincerity.


    Denzel got back in the chair, and eyed Delinda openly, ¡°Is that so? Can you help me with all those numbers and columns I asked youst time about¡­¡±


    Delinda was speechless when found him looking at her and talking to her. She could only give a slight nod to her head.


    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll be back in a minute,¡± He left the seat and went to his ce which was on the corner of the hall.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Delinda hissed near her ear and Marissa found her utterly cute.


    ¡°I did nothing. He is an attractive man. Help him, Del!¡± she said biting back her smile.


    ¡°I thought we were friends,¡± Del made a pout quite dramatically and Marissa ced her fist in front of her mouth to hide the smile that threatened to escape from her sweet friend who wasn¡¯t in the mood to be sweet at the


    moment.


    ¡°You are enjoying it! Huh!¡± Del used, narrowing her eyes at Marissa who was trying to pay cupid here.


    Marissa took a deep breath, trying topose herself, ¡°Rx,¡± she said reaching out to gently touch Del¡¯s arm, ¡°Go and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to spend alone,¡±


    <i>Look </i><i>who </i>is talking<i>! </i>Someone from her head gave her a reality check.


    Delinda bit her lip looking torn, ¡°And what if he is married?¡± Delinda narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Look!¡± Marissa turned her chair to face her friend, ¡°If he is married just exin the stuff whatever he is interested in, and send him away. But if he isn¡¯t, then prolong that discussion and go for a cup of coffee. See! It¡¯s easier than you think,¡± Marissa seemed to be in high spirits now.


    Delinda opened her mouth to argue when they heard the same male voice, ¡°Ms. Delinda. Can we have that discussion?¡± he was standing there carrying


    10:47 ¨C


    97 97- Good Treatment


    a folder in his hand like a high school boy.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°S¨Csure. Have a seat,¡± Delinda stammered. For some reason, she was also feeling like a teenager.


    ¡°Dean!¡± Marissa called out to Dean when he was leaving the hall. He turned to look at her and raised his brow questioningly.


    ¡°They need to discuss something. Can you allot them a conference room so that they can have this discussion in privacy?¡± Dean thought for a moment, remembering thest time Mr. Joseph asked him to keep all the demands and requests made by Marissa Aaron on top priority.


    No matter how unimportant it was and how silly it sounded.


    Even if the president was busy in the conference room, he was supposed to vacate it promptly upon Ms. Aaron¡¯s orders.


    ¡°Sure, Marissa,¡± he said sweetly and then directed his gaze towards Delinda and Denzel, ¡°Please follow me. You can discuss it in the conference room.¡±


    Dean had seen the cold side of Rafael Sinir, and he didn¡¯t want to be in his bad books. But today for the first time he felt bad for his wife.


    Was Valerie Sinir getting good treatment from her husband?

 Chapter 98

    98 98- Curiosity


    Delinda and Denzel followed Dean and waited outside the conference room


    that seemed to be upied at the moment.


    ¡°Is there a meeting going on?¡± Denzel asked nervously to no one in


    particr, but Delinda thought she had to answer it as she stood closest to


    him.


    ¡°Seems like, there is,¡± they saw Dean knocking on the door and got inside.


    ¡°If the president of MSin is busy in the meeting then it¡¯s not OK to disturb him. Our discussion shouldn¡¯t take more than half an hour,¡± Denzel spoke again.


    Delinda stayed quiet.


    Her silly friend sent her with Denzel to have privacy. The purpose was not to have a peaceful discussion but to open up in each other¡¯spany.


    The office walls were soundproof, so they didn¡¯t have any idea what was going on inside the conference room.


    <i>What </i><i>if </i>they are having <i>some </i><i>kind </i><i>of </i><i>argument</i>? <i>If </i>the <i>president </i>asks Dean <i>what </i><i>is </i><i>our </i><i>discussion </i><i>about</i><i>, </i>then how <i>will </i>he <i>answer </i><i>that</i><i>?</i>


    <i>If </i>Mr. <i>Sinire </i>asks <i>me</i><i>, </i>then <i>how </i><i>will </i>I <i>satisfy </i><i>him</i><i>?</i>


    <i>Sir</i>. Wa


    room.


    <i>wanted </i><i>to </i>discuss the <i>columns </i>and <i>report </i><i>design </i>in the <i>meeting</i>


    <i>Sorry</i><i>, </i><i>sir</i><i>. </i><i>We </i>were <i>just </i>sent <i>by </i>Ms. <i>Aaron </i><i>to </i><i>discuss </i>this important issue of <i>a </i>report <i>that </i><i>Mr. </i>Denzel designed<i>¡­</i>


    <i>Mr. </i><i>Sinir</i>. <i>We </i>are <i>so </i>sorry. Marissa <i>just </i>wanted us to have some <i>privacy</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>is </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>set </i><i>me </i>up <i>with </i>this rude man.


    Crap! What is going on inside? Delinda shuddered at those weird thoughts that were attacking her mind.


    ¡°Should I open the door, and see?¡± Denzel asked, eyeing her worried face. ¡°And tell them what?¡± she raised her brows.


    10:40


    98 98¨CCuriosity


    ¡°If they have an issue leaving the conference room then I can tell them that we¡¯ll be happy to have this discussion in the office caf¨¦.¡± This time she


    watched his face with interest.


    He was not bad looking and the way he wanted to solve the issue, she thought he looked¡­ cute.


    ¡°Obviously if you have an issue with the caf¨¦ discussion then no problem, Delinda,¡± he said raising his hand as if giving her the choice.


    She felt like her name never sounded so good.


    ¡°N¨Cno. I think this makes sense. We can talk about it in the caf¨¦.¡±


    For the first time, Delinda felt there was a man who wanted the exact same thing as her.


    They both seemed to be interested in avoiding any kind of drama or a fight which was a good sign.


    With a nod, Denzel opened the door and went inside with Delinda following him. A woman was talking loudly to Dean, and he was patiently trying to


    convince her.


    ¡°Are you mad? We booked this room, and you are asking me to take the team of my fifteen members in the other room?¡± her eyes then snapped to Delinda and Denzel, ¡°How many people are there in the meeting?¡±


    Delinda who wasn¡¯t ready for this attack took time to answer her.


    ¡°Two,¡± Denzel told her confidently.


    That woman looked at Dean like she wanted to kill him, ¡°Is this a joke or something? Two people in the conference room?¡±


    She then turned to Delinda, ¡°I know you. Aren¡¯t you the one of those who escaped from that reception area without your official cards, and it cost me my job?¡±


    Delinda was speechless for a moment and then realized the woman looked familiar.


    ¡°M¨Cm?¡± she whispered her name.


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    DB 98¨CCuriosity


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m M. Mr. Sinir gave me another chance on one condition that I won¡¯t bully anyone and here you are, bullying me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, M. You can carry on with your meeting,¡± in her haste, Delinda held Denzel¡¯s hand, ¡°We¡¯ll go out.¡±


    She took the step to walk out of the door when Dean stopped her, ¡°Wait, Delinda.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    He then moved his attention back to M, ¡°You are again doing the same. thing, M. Don¡¯t make a scene. I know it¡¯s wrong, but we are just following orders.¡±


    Delinda frowned while looking at Dean, ¡°Why is Dean sounding like he is following the President¡¯s order? It was a request from Marissa. Wasn¡¯t it? Her friend will never want to disrupt the environment of the office like this,¡± she thought to herself.


    ¡°Let them stay here, Dean,¡± Delinda tried to speak to Dean. She was getting nervous by the looks she was getting from all the people sitting there. Not leaving Denzel¡¯s hand, she got out of the room and exhaled a long sigh.


    ¡°You seem a little panicked,¡± Denzel asked her and looked around to ask someone for water.


    ¡°Hey, you two! Is your discussion done?¡± Delinda closed her eyes when saw Marissaing out of the hall holding herptop.


    ¡°N¨Cno,¡± Delinda noticed Marissa was looking down at something. Delinda followed her gaze and found herself still gripping Denzel¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Oh,¡± She quickly dropped it from her grip and looked at Marissa.


    ¡°Dean is convincing the people inside the room to leave, and thatdy is just arguing,¡± Denzel told Marissa, ¡°I don¡¯t understand. We are no longer interested in taking that conference room, but Dean seems to be turning a deaf ear.¡±


    A horrified expression crossed Marissa¡¯s face, ¡°The conference room was upied?¡± when her phone started making g buzzing sound, she bnced theptop in one arm and received the phone.


    98 98¨CCuriosity


    The call was from Rafael, ¡°Where are you?¡± he asked her, ¡°Interested in a coffee cup?¡± she tilted her head a little and whispered in phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy here. There is some misunderstanding from my side and now¡­ I don¡¯t know why Dean isn¡¯t listening. Just give me a minute to resolve this.¡±


    ¡°What is it about, Marissa?¡± Rafael asked her but she had cut the call and went inside the room.


    ¡°Hey, M!¡± she greeted thedy who was now yelling at Dean for some reason and Dean was trying to cool her down.


    ¡°You<b>! </b>Again! Don¡¯t you get tired of it, Ms. Marissa?¡± M narrowed her eyes. when saw Marissa, ¡°We keep getting punished for following the rules!¡± Marissa didn¡¯t have any idea why she was behaving so rudely. She was here to apologize to the woman and tell Dean sternly that he wasn¡¯t supposed to empty the room when it was already booked.


    With a small click, the door opened, and someone came inside. A sudden silence fell over the room.


    With curiosity, Marissa turned back and found Rafael standing there.


    Comment1

 Chapter 99

    99 99- Death Of Me


    He wasn¡¯t asking anything, but his cold gaze was traveling on every person¡¯s face.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir. Ms. M is leaving¡­¡± Poor Dean tried to smile, ¡°Sh¡­she is ready


    to take her team to some other room.¡±


    But M being M didn¡¯t let him speak more, ¡°Mr. Sinir. He is trying to take advantage. This time he is the one bullying me.¡±


    Dean could not believe this. Just likest time she didn¡¯t want to listen to


    anyone. Again!


    ¡°M. You are taking it too far,¡± he knew that Marissa held value in Mr. Sinir¡¯s eyes and M wouldn¡¯t be spared from Rafael¡¯s wrath.


    But thedy wasn¡¯t ready to listen to him.


    ¡°Mr. Sinir,¡± she cried, ¡°this time again she is involved,¡± she pointed towards Marissa, ¡°she and her team<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Dean closed his eyes. Now he wouldn¡¯t feel guilty before going to bed tonight. He tried to save M.


    ¡°M. Keep Dean out of it,¡± Marissa ced her hands on the woman¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Try to understand. It was me who didn¡¯t have any idea that you were using this room.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t know how to console a crying M. She was scared for Dean too. He might get fired because of herme request.


    ¡°Fire her!¡± Rafael Sinir roared and left the hall, ¡°and no one dare to follow me for changing my decision.¡± He barked.


    After he left, there was just silence in the room except for the small hups.


    of M.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll talk to Rafael, M. I assure you, <b>I¡¯ll </b>talk to¡­¡± there were gasps around her when they heard the name Rafael from her mouth, but she was only concerned about M.


    99 99¨CDeath Of Me


    ¡°You are taking his name as if he is your buddy,¡± M said trying to suppress her hups. But Marissa was more concerned about her job.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Let me go and talk to him, M,¡± she quickly headed to the door and gave an apologetic grin to Delinda and Denzel.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she muttered but didn¡¯t wait for their response and slipped into Rafael¡¯s office.


    A man from M¡¯s team atst spoke, ¡°M. Whether you get your job back or not. One thing is confirmed. Marissa Aaron is my hero. Just look at her! Such a bold woman she is!¡±


    Everyone around them was nodding, while looking at M and M¡¯s face had turned beet red due to the jealousy brewing in her heart.


    Who was Marissa Aaron? Just a small entrepreneur who didn¡¯t know a thing about the corporate world. Last time she did the same. Broke a rule and became a hero by giving my job back to me.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± Marissa halted in her steps when found him raging, sitting on a sofa. He was gripping the armrests tightly.


    Without thinking she went to him and bent down to hold his face, ¡°Easy. She is just a silly girl who doesn¡¯t know¡­<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Anyone who disrespects you, disrespects me, Marissa,¡± he said icily, ¡°I can¡¯t allow a random girl to insult you like this.¡±


    ¡°Raf- Rafael¡­¡± She was a bit scared of his anger but something in her heart told her that he wouldn¡¯t harm her.


    Closing his eyes, without warning, he drew her onto hisp. She didn¡¯t fight it and settled her ass by shifting her weight a little.


    ¡°If you keep firing them left, right, and center then they all will hate you!¡± she remarked.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t care!¡± he snapped, ¡°I can¡¯t allow anyone to walk over you. Let it set as an example so that nobody dares to mess with you.¡±


    10-48


    99 99<b>¨C</b>Death Of Me


    ¡°They might hate me too, Rafael,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Then let them!¡± he passed her a re and closed his eyes drawing her into his embrace, ¡°Damn, Marissa. If I hadn¡¯t gotten there, she would have kept throwing those insults at you.¡±


    Leaning her cheek against his chest she also closed her eyes.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she attempted to convince him once again but this time he made. her quiet.


    ¡°Shh. Just stay like that Marissa.¡±


    ¡°Stay like that? Here? In the office?¡± there was amusement in her voice that cracked a few lines on the sides of his mouth.


    ¡°Yeah. In the office. This is fuc*king our office,¡± it warmed her heart when he said our office. She knew he didn¡¯t mean it this way.


    But still, she was happy.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she called his name slowly.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± the room felt heavy when he hummed.


    ¡°Were you serious when you fired her?¡±


    ¡°Damn woman!¡± he said softly and atst opened his eyes, ¡°you won¡¯t give up. Will you?¡±


    She shook her head with a smile.


    Holding her hand, he raised it to give a gentle kiss on her fingertips one by one. She gulped hard and giggled.


    ¡°They might think you are giving me extra leverage,¡± she chewed her lower lip, ¡°I should go and let them know that she is back on her job.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Have dinner with me then,¡± he said with azy grin.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been having dinner with you for thest few days, Mr. Rafael Sinir,¡± she pointed out while rolling her eyes, and this time he chuckled.


    He didn¡¯t want to bring up the word date because she would straightaway reject it.


    99 99- Death Of Me


    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­ a dinner at some restaurant,¡± he suggested kissing her palm.


    ¡°I hope that restaurant isn¡¯t in Kar,¡± she said with a serious face, but he threw back his head andughed hard.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he brought her head down and kissed her hard on her lips, ¡°you please me, Marissa. Your presence excites me. Go and tell that woman, never to mess with you. Otherwise, I¡¯ll get her killed.¡±


    Marissa was taken aback by the intense emotions and tone. The brutality in his voice had taken her by surprise.


    No. I¡¯m just imagining it! He wasn¡¯t serious.


    She thought while jumping off hisp. She needed to get to M as soon as possible.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± she stopped but didn¡¯t turn around when he called her, ¡°From next time if you need any room just take it. You don¡¯t need to ask anyone¡¯s permission.¡±


    Marissa was too hasty to listen to him properly and left the room after a nod. Rafael got to his desk and picked up the inte receiver.


    ¡°Dean! From next time anyone in the office requires any room for the meetings or parties, they need to have Ms. Aaron¡¯s approval.¡±


    Without listening to his reply, he mmed the receiver.


    <i>Marissa </i><i>Sinir</i>. <i>You </i>are <i>the </i><i>death </i><i>of </i><i>me</i><i>.</i>

 Chapter 100

    100 100- Biggest Surprise


    This was the best night Kate ever spent in her life. The expensive hotel room, the ambiance, and the non¨Csated hunger of John Harris made it all worthwhile. @


    They didn¡¯t let each other sleep and kept enjoying their limited time in bed. And now she was fast asleep, sprawled across the bed.


    John had a proud smile on his face when he realized that this exhaustion was due to him. He was the reason for this tiredness.


    He had so many ns for the day but right now she needed to wake up to have breakfast.


    Before going to bed around five in the morning, she wanted him to order something from room service because she felt hungry, but he didn¡¯t bother to listen to her.


    And now he felt guilty.


    ¡°Wake up, Kate!¡± he shook her bare shoulder that was peeking from the sheets.


    ¡°Kate. Wake up. You should eat something now.¡± She still didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°You need energy, girl. Going to bed empty stomach isn¡¯t good,¡± he grabbed a feather from the roll pillow and twirled it between his fingers.


    Reaching out, he brushed the feather against her cheek. Kate just scrunched her nose in irritation and then kept sleeping.


    John rubbed his thumb on his forehead to think of ideas. He again tried to brush the feather to her ear this time.


    ¡°Mmm. Go away,¡± she mumbled, still too sleepy to open her eyes. She extended her arm to get hold of the feather with her eyes still closed but he kept it out of her reach, pulling it away just in time.


    ¡°You were hungry, little Ms. Se*xy. Nowe on. You can sleepter,¡± He whispered yfully brushing the feather along her jawline.


    1004


    <i>100 </i>16


    100 100- Biggest Surprise


    ¡°Noooo,¡± she groaned burying her face into the pillow, ¡°I need to sleep. You didn¡¯t let me sleep throughout the night. Didn¡¯t let me have early breakfast.¡± Sheined, sending him again on the guilt trip.


    ¡°That¡¯s because,¡± he brought his mouth near her ears, ¡°that was for your benefit, Kate.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She frowned and looked at him through her half¨Copened lids, ¡°My benefit? Howe?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand soon,¡± he said and started pulling her hand.


    ¡°You can go and have your breakfast. I need my sleep,¡± Freeing her hand from his grip, she again hid her face in the pillow. She really wanted that sleep. ¡°Kate. Honey,¡± he crawled towards the foot of the bed and started kissing her feet. When she didn¡¯t move, he then started licking them<b>.</b>


    ¡°Urgh!¡± she got up and tossed away the pillow, ¡°John!¡±


    He was quick to reach her and kiss her lips, ¡°ording to our stay, our breakfast is free. Complimentary! And I never miss a free meal. Now move your ass!¡±


    He pped her shoulder andughed when she threw another pillow at him, ¡°You are impossible!¡±


    She straightened and stretched her naked body not bothering that the sheets were pooled around her on the bed, giving his eyes a good show.


    She tried to get up but then had to plop back on the mattress holding her head.


    ¡°You alright?¡± he showed concern that she dismissed with a careless wave of her hand.


    ¡°Just extremely drowsy,¡± she said hoarsely.


    ¡°OK. Let me help you,¡± before she could say anything or protest, he had lifted. her naked body in his arms and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack.


    ¡°John,¡± she squealed in panic, ¡°put me down!¡±


    100 100- Biggest Surprise


    ¡°Now, now. Are you awake, baby?¡± he asked her, pping her bare bum and she squealed again.


    ¡°Put me down!¡±


    Once reaching the door, he did let her down, ¡°Don¡¯t take long. I¡¯m too hungry,¡± He gave a hard stare at her naked body and stepped back.


    ***


    In the hall, there were other guests too and they all looked so polished and so rich that Kate wanted to be a part of them.


    ¡°Soon, little bird! Soon,¡± she blushed when heard John behind her.


    Once her te was full, she went back to the table and started eating without waiting for John who was still busy filling up his te.


    The most challenging part was to eat food with the same decency the others. were ustomed to. She was starving and John didn¡¯t order anything at that time.


    Now she understood.


    He didn¡¯t want to spend an extra dime on her and wanted to wait for theplimentary breakfast.


    Once she was rich everything would change. She wouldn¡¯t be waiting forplimentary stuff anymore and could order room service any time she wanted.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even wait for me,¡± he remarked when he ced his te on the table. Kate observed his face carefully.


    He didn¡¯t look mad.


    ¡°This wouldn¡¯t have happened if you had ordered some snacks for me at five a.m. Now stopining and try their Hash Brown.¡±


    She put some Hash Brown pieces on his te and got busy with her food. ¡°Kate,¡± she didn¡¯t raise her face when heard him calling her name.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    100 100¨CBiggest Surprise


    ¡°Eat slowly,¡± he suggested in a whisper.


    ¡°What?¡± she looked up with a full mouth, her cheeks felt like two small


    balloons.


    ¡°I said, eat slowly. You are eating too fast,¡± she continued eating as if she didn¡¯t hear him.


    He smirked, ¡°You are dreaming of being a billionaire and here you are gulping down this food, attracting all the attention!¡± Was it the hint of sarcasm in his voice?


    He shrugged and started cutting the fried chicken breast, ¡°Fine! I just wanted to warn you. There are things that do not always work out as we n or expect.¡±


    Now that was odd. Why was he saying such a thing?


    Her gaze slowly observed her surroundings. He was indeed right. The way she was eating her food like a hungry wolf was alien to most of the people. She bent her neck too low not to face anyone, trying to avoid any eye contact, and started taking small bites from her cheese omelet.


    ¡°Fu*ck. Don¡¯t they have anything better to do than observe me?¡± she spat in anger, ¡°Are they nning to write a journal on my way of eating? Or will I be their next topic for PhD?¡±


    ¡°They are filthy rich<b>, </b>Kate and they have enough time to observe the people around them. That¡¯s their only job. They point out mistakes, judge them, and then even ban them from their lot. So yes. Nowadays, filthy riches do give a damn what the others are doing.¡±


    Kate hoped that they all would forget her face once she would be one of them.


    ¡°Should we change our table?¡± she asked John who was taking a sip from his coffee.


    ¡°Now don¡¯t be a fool. Just take it easy. Have your breakfast and get back to the room. Don¡¯t you need your sleep?¡±


    She agreed and got up to take another serving of her breakfast.


    30.48


    100 100¨CBiggest Surprise


    However, those subtle remarks from John were quite disturbing.


    Why was he passing that absurd remark?


    <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i>to warn you. There are things that do not always work out as <i>we </i>n <i>or </i><i>expect</i>.


    Soon she woulde to know what he meant by this! Soon she would get he biggest surprise of her life.


    Comment


    R

 Chapter 101

    101 101- A Lesson


    Why was John saying that things usually don¡¯t work as we n or expect?


    No. It was just her imagination.


    It was good that he warned her about the surroundings. He was a police officer, and he must have met so many people from different backgrounds.


    This time she opted for sweet dash to satisfy her sweet tooth. In a way, she was thankful to John for waking her up on time.


    Otherwise, she would have missed the fun of having thisvish breakfast.


    One doesn¡¯t get a chance to have a meal or coffee or se*x or even a buffet in a seven¨Cstar hotel. She was lucky that John introduced her to this luxury otherwise she always watched such high¨Cend hotels only from outside.


    After filling her te with pastries and egg pudding she came back to her


    seat.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she called a waiter, ¡°Can I have an iced carameltte?¡±


    The uniformed waiter was about to turn away after the nod when John stopped him, ¡°Wait a minute. We¡¯ll order itter. Not now.¡±


    The confused waiter looked at her and then again nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Wait! I need to have an icedtte now,¡± with a smile, Kate turned to the waiter, ¡°Bring one for me, please. He can have itter.¡±


    When the waiter left, she found him regarding her face with an odd expression. She just shrugged and started swallowing the cupcake.


    ¡°You know? I¡¯m just trying to make things easy for you,¡± She didn¡¯t get his absurd exnation.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she tried to talk to him with a full mouth.


    ¡°This coldtte is not included in the buffet menu. You need to¡­ I mean I can¡¯t pay for anything extra.¡±


    Her mouth, which was busy chewing the cake, stopped for a moment, ¡°Oh,


    101 101¨CA Lesson


    sorry.¡±


    No, she wasn¡¯t.


    What kind of a man he was?


    He brought her here to get intimate with her and then didn¡¯t order snacks to the room and now didn¡¯t want her to have an icedtte too.


    Why?


    Just to save his damn money!


    She wished she could get Valerie Sinir¡¯s contact number more easily.


    The hidden billionaire in her wasn¡¯t taking well all these things.


    When they reached the hotel room, she jumped on the mattress and giggled like a baby. She was nning to reach the officete.


    There were only a few hours left and she wanted to get some sleep on this soft bed. Her phone was still switched off and she wasn¡¯t aware if Amir was still looking for her or was busy getting his beauty sleep.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± John who came behind her, asked her with a frown.


    ¡°nning <b>to </b>sleep. Why?¡± he shrugged and then took off his shoes, ¡°I thought soon we¡¯ll check out by noon so instead of sleeping on this bed, we should use it for some better purpose.¡±


    Kate wanted to roll her eyes.


    The man wasn¡¯t ready to feed her snacks or buy her an icedtte but wanted to use her body without any limit.


    ¡°Uh¨Chuh. I know that look,¡± he pointed out and fell on the bed beside her, ¡°Don¡¯t forget I¡¯ll be helping you in getting billions. Or have you forgotten?¡± he started brushing her arms lightly, causing those goosebumps on her skin. Oh, dear<b>. </b>He was right. He was her key to unlocking more wealth. Once she gets the money, she might get rid of him.


    ¡°How long will it take to arrange her contact number?¡± she asked him and


    10:40 ¨C


    101 101¨CA Lesson


    started peeling her clothes slowly off her body.


    In her mind, it would take at least two to three days to get that damn number.


    He swiped his tongue on his dry lips and chuckled, ¡°Just one phone call from me and it will be done,¡± He said meaningfully and started taking off his clothes, ¡°Just do remember. I¡¯m a man and I can do anything to get what I want. And right now, my body wants you.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    He started crawling on his knees and elbows but his statement¡­


    What did it even mean?


    This was the second time he said such a weird thing.


    She lifted her hips in a sexy way to take off her panties in a careless way. A loud moan escaped her lips when he started touching her.


    After a few minutes there was nothing but groans, moans, and the screaming of their names.


    ¡°Oh, John. Oh, John. I am cuming. I¡¯m¡­ Oh hell¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh, Kate. Cum for me baby. You are so tight¡­ cum for me¡­ Uh¨Chuh¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­ Cum for me¡­¡± Kate this time ignored this odd apology.


    She was too busy in getting her pleasure.


    ¡°Can you wake me up around ten?¡± she asked him with a loud yawn and then turned her head only to find him already fast asleep.


    ¡°John!¡± she hit his bare back.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Can you wake me up at ten? I need to go home, shower, and get ready for office,¡± she again yawned loudly.


    ¡°Sure. Don¡¯t worry. I will,¡± he said patting her check softly, ¡°I also need to report to work. Go to sleep.¡± Taking her in his arms, he started snoring loudly.


    But Kate didn¡¯t mind. She was more interested in getting her beauty sleep.


    <b>101 </b>101¨CA Lesson


    After all, she needed to get to the office that would soon be under her rule.


    She changed her side and smiled to herself. Without any idea, what time it must be, she reached out to touch John¡¯s body.


    He wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°John!¡± she called his name sleepily when there was a loud tapping on the door, ¡°John. There is someone at the door.¡± She called out, thinking that he must be in the bathroom.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. Please open the door,¡± Kate looked around and got up from the bed. She quickly scooped up her clothes and started wearing them.


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± She yelled.


    Where was John?


    After she dressed up, she went to the door to open it. Thankfully the door. chain was still intact.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she saw a uniformed man who must be from the hotel staff standing there with a friendly smile, ¡°It¡¯s time to vacate the room, ma¡¯am. We were informed that you are nning to check out today.¡±


    Kate looked over her shoulder to check again for John and then nodded at the man, ¡°I¡¯ll leave in a few minutes.¡±


    Where had he gone?


    She didn¡¯t need to shower right now, nor she had anything for luggage. She just took her purse and switched on her phone.


    There were tons of messages from Amir, but this wasn¡¯t the time to read them. After checking the bathroom, she left the hotel room and went to the lobby.


    ¡°Excuse me, Miss,¡± A man came running after her, ¡°Please go to the reception counter to clear your bills.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? What?¡± she wasn¡¯t ready for this shock.


    <


    101 101- A Lesson


    ¡°Miss. You need to pay the full amount. The room reservation was done on a twenty¨Cfive percent advance payment. The rest of the payment has to be done by you,¡± Kate didn¡¯t understand what was happening.


    She headed to the reception desk in a dazed state.


    ¡°M¡­My friend¡­ he¡­ might be close by¡­ and can clear the dues,¡± she said with a smile that had uncertainty in it.


    ¡°Oh, your friend? He already left, ma¡¯am. And said that the rest of the amount will be paid by you.¡±


    ¡°W¡­What?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. You need to pay the full amount otherwise we will have to call the police,¡± Kate felt her head reeling.


    What was going on?


    John brought her here to have a good time and then left her here on her own. After taking pleasure from her body, he left her behind to pay the remaining dues.


    All his absurd remarks starteding back to her.


    <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i>warn <i>you</i>. <i>There </i><i>are </i><i>things </i><i>that </i><i>do </i>not always work <i>out </i>as <i>we </i>n or <i>expect</i>.


    <i>Just </i>do <i>remember</i>. I¡¯m a man and <i>I </i>can do <i>anything </i><i>to </i><i>get </i>what <i>I </i>want.


    I¡¯m so sorry¡­ <i>Cum </i><i>for </i>me


    You know? I¡¯m <i>just </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>things </i>easy <i>for </i><i>you</i><i>.</i>


    The asshole was trying to help her by not letting her orderte snacks or an extra coffee cup.


    ¡°Jerk!¡± he muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a lesson, you fu*cker!¡±

 Chapter 102

    102 102- Her Body Wanted More


    Almost everyone had left for home and here Marissa was talking to a crying M.


    ¡°You need to get a grip, sweet girl. This job is yours. Stop fretting about it,¡± M nodded and wiped her nose.


    She was still shaken from the announcement, Rafael Sinir made earlier.


    After lots of counseling from Dean and Marissa, she felt enough strength to manage herself to go home. After sending her, Marissa started packing her things. She ced herptop in the desk drawer and locked it.


    While aligning her files on the desk, she felt Dean¡¯s eyes on her.


    ¡°Am I looking beautiful?¡± she fluttered her eyes making him chuckle.


    ¡°You are funny. You are sensible and you care for others¡­¡± Marissa seemed. shocked by all that praiseing from him, ¡°And yet¡­¡± he trailed off thinking hard.


    ¡°And yet?¡± she asked him lightly.


    ¡°And yet I don¡¯t know enough about you. Who are you, Marissa Aaron?¡± the way Rafael Sinir was treating her, if it was some other woman she would have been taking advantage of her position.


    Instead, Marissa was trying to make it easy for everyone. When his inte rang, Dean furrowed his brows, ¡°Is Mr. Sinir still in there?¡±


    He thought, picking up the receiver.


    ¡°Ask Marissa. Why is her phone not responding?¡± Rafael barked on the phone.


    Dean pushed the receiver away from his ear and raised his face to look at the woman who was checking something in her purse. Inhaling lots of Oxygen, he asked her, ¡°Marissa. Where is your phone? Mr. Sinir is asking<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    ¡°It¡¯s dead. Rest in peace!¡± she made a pout and waved her hand, ¡°Bye Dean.¡± ¡°Ask her to stop,¡± Rafael ordered Dean on the phone, and then the door to his


    10:40


    <


    102 102- Her Body Wanted More


    office opened with a thud, ¡°Marissa. Come with me!


    Marissa who had almost crossed the hallway passed a bewildered gaze to Dean.


    ¡°Th¡­thank you, Mr. Sinir. The office car is ready, and the chauffeur might be waiting for me.¡±


    ¡°Come along. I¡¯m also using the office car,¡± He teased her, ¡°take me as your chauffeur, but Marissa was too conscious of Dean¡¯s presence.


    <b>¡°</b>That¡¯s good. Go ahead. I¡¯ll go in my car. Like¡­ my official car and the official chauffeur¡­¡± with wide eyes, she got into the elevator ignoring the existence. of the President.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Dean felt like he wasn¡¯t standing in the office but in a drawing room or rather a bedroom to be specific. He had seen Mr. Sinir¡¯s friendly side when he used to be with Mr. Joseph. But with Marissa? It was something else.


    While talking to her not only his lips but his eyes also smiled a lot. It didn¡¯t seem something casual.


    A man never stays with a woman solely for lust if his kids are involved. Yet, he will definitely stay with her as a sense of responsibility.


    But the face <b>of </b>his boss didn¡¯t belong to someone who was just fulfilling his responsibility to his children¡¯s mother.


    Dean wished he could shake some sense into his boss.


    Someone from the Sangua city office told him that he was rarely seen with his wife and often attended events without her.


    They didn¡¯t have any baby and three years back that poor woman had a miscarriage. Marissa might be a good woman, but she didn¡¯t have any right to Mr. Sinir.


    And if Mr. Sinir wasn¡¯t interested in his wife, then instead of staying unfaithful to her, he should maybe divorce her.


    For him, being unfaithful was a red g.


    <


    102 102- Her Body Wanted Morn


    He had respect for this man before he arrived in Kanderton but now he didn¡¯t want to work there anymore.


    It was impossible that Marissa didn¡¯t know about his marital status. Nowadays, everything is easily avable on social media.


    Dean thought to talk to Marissa. She seemed like a sensible woman and would surely understand his point.


    A woman like her shouldn¡¯t be a home wrecker.


    ***


    She came out of the office building to search for the car, it was nowhere in sight. Where was it? She didn¡¯t want to go back inside the building as she didn¡¯t want to bump into Rafael.


    So instead of waiting for the car to arrive, she started strolling on the sidewalk.


    She was not a fool and could see questions in Dean¡¯s eyes. What must he be thinking?


    She couldn¡¯t me Rafael because he was not only ready to ept the rtionship but also wanted to tell the world about them.


    Being so engrossed in her life problems didn¡¯t let her hear the honking horn behind her. Tilting her head, she looked sideways only to find Rafael¡¯s car moving slowly along with her.


    The passenger window rolled down and he yelled from it, ¡°Hop in!¡±


    Looking around, she got inside the car, ¡°I could have managed my ride very well,¡± she ced her purse on herp and started fiddling with its strap. <b>¡°</b>The speed with which you were walking, it may take days to reach home. Now tell me. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± With a frown, she watched him in surprise when a smile etched on his lips, ¡°What? I can read the face of my woman. Now tell me what was on your mind?¡±


    <i>Did </i><i>he </i><i>just </i>call <i>me</i><i>¡­ </i><i>My </i>woman?


    Marissa cleared her throat keeping her eyes on the road ahead, ¡°I think Dean


    102 102 Her Body Wanted Moro


    is¡­ notfortable around us¡­ I mean around me,¡± she started bbering about how it was not ok to show friendship in public or at the workce.


    Strange! Rafael didn¡¯t answer her and stayed quiet for a few moments.


    Though she had an idea of what he must be thinking.


    ¡°When we reach home, can you give me the property file yourndlord sent you?¡± This was not the answer to her question, but she didn¡¯t fret about it.


    ¡°Sure,¡±


    Now why did he want that property file?


    ¡°Can we have fish and chips tomorrow for dinner, Daddy?¡± Abigail asked him when he was feeding her small bites of cheesy pasta.


    ¡°Yes, daddy. I would also love to have it tomorrow,¡± Ariel agreed to her sister and then turned to Marissa, ¡°Can we, Mommy?¡±


    Before Marissa could answer, Rafael spoke, ¡°Yes. That can be arranged. But tomorrow we won¡¯t be able to join you for dinner,¡± Along with Marissa his daughters also gave him a spective look.


    ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯m taking your mom for dinner,¡± he gave a meaningful nce to Marissa who remembered what they decided when she parted his office after M¡¯s episode.


    As always, Alexander didn¡¯t express any choice for the food he wanted to


    eat.


    ¡°Young man. Any preference for tomorrow¡¯s dinner?¡± Rafael tried to be friendly to his son, ¡°No,¡± he shrugged casually, ¡°I can tell Mom if I need anything.¡±


    Thankfully Marissa had just walked to the kitchen otherwise she would have given him a lecture on manners and etiquette.


    After the dinner when Rafael was helping Marissa in clearing the table, Alex stopped him, ¡°Just for your information, instead of taking her tomorrow, take her the day after tomorrow.¡±


    < 102 102- Her Body Wanted More.


    When Rafael looked at him questioningly, he left his chair and picked up his te, ¡°It¡¯s mom¡¯s birthday. Moreover,¡± he paused for a moment, ¡°Uncle


    Gerard is taking her day after tomorrow. I think you shouldn¡¯t miss the opportunity,¡±


    He walked to the kitchen to ce his te on the counter and Rafael¡¯s heart went out to him. The little boy used to show him that he didn¡¯t care but Rafael could see how caring he was.


    ¡°It¡¯s not for you,¡± Alex spoke slowly when Marissa wasn¡¯t around, ¡°It¡¯s for my mother. I want to see her happy,¡± Alex¡¯s voice had almost got teary.


    On a whim, Rafael¡¯s hand raised to stroke his son¡¯s hair when the little boy tilted back his head to dodge the touch, ¡°I want to see my mom happy. You make her unhappy and¡­ I¡¯ll never forgive you.¡±


    With that, Alex turned on his heels to get out of there and go to his room. Maybe to cry!


    Rafael wanted to go after him. He wanted to tell him that he cared for him and his mom. He wasn¡¯t here to leave his family in the middle of nowhere. But he also had to teach his son about consent.


    When a man or a boy approaches a girl or a woman then the first rule to approach her or to win her over should be consensual.


    He needed to teach it to Alex if he wanted his son to grow up into a gentleman.


    He jolted back to reality when Marissa handed over the property file to him. After taking the file he hurriedly held her wrist, ¡°Sit here, Marissa.¡± He moved aside on the couch to make space for her.


    Marissa looked at his face and felt her heart sinking. He seemed like a lost


    man<b>.</b>


    ¡°Rafael?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I need you. Please,¡± Chewing her lower lip, Marissa nodded and sat beside him.


    ¡°Mommy. Are you going to kiss. Daddy?¡± Abi asked her from a distance.


    10:49. ¡ª


    <


    102 102- Her Body Wanted More


    holding her teddy in her hand.


    Marissa smiled gently and turned to Rafael. Holding his shoulders, she ced her knee on the couch and kissed his soft lips.


    Damn. It was a mistake.


    Now her body wanted more.

 Chapter 103

    103 103- Above and Beyond


    ¡°I¡¯ve talked to a doctor about Abigail,¡± he told her when she joined him in the small gallery of her apartment that didn¡¯t offer much view except the other older buildings around.


    She ced the two coffee cups that she was carrying, on the banister.


    He nced at his phone screen for the umpteenth time, ¡°Sorry!¡± he showed her, his phone, ¡°expecting a call from Joseph. He had assured me that he would call once he would talk to this surgeon. They used to be neighbors and were quite close.¡±


    Marissa bobbed her head, ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± she raised a shoulder, ¡°What did he say? Did he have a look at Abigail¡¯s reports?¡± Marissa had hope in her eyes when she handed him the coffee cup.


    Throwing one arm around her shoulder, he pulled her to him, putting hist coffee cup back.


    She found him observing the nearby buildings and felt embarrassed, ¡°It doesn¡¯t offer a better view here.¡±


    He nced at her head and kissed it, ¡°A ce where you are beside me, is the best ce no matter what view it offers.¡±


    She raised her eyes and found him still looking at her.


    ¡°You were telling me about Abigail¡¯s doctor,¡± she tried to remind him with


    amusement.


    ¡°Hmm?<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Abigail. Our daughter. Her doctor,¡± she tried to swallow the mirth bubbling up in her throat.


    ¡°Oh, yeah. Our daughter. Abigail. Yeah¡­<b>¡±</b>


    Marissa wanted tough out loud. Sometimes he used to make her feel like she held more importance in his life than she believed.


    <


    103 103- Above and Beyond


    He kept telling her about the doctor¡¯s achievements along with the sess rate of the surgeries he had performed.


    It was one hundred percent.


    However, he had to look down when he heard the sniffling soundsing from her, ¡°Marissa. Sweetheart!¡±


    The word sweetheart made her more emotional, and she wept even more.


    ¡°Abigail will be able to run and jump and do all the things in the park,¡± she said controlling her tears and wiping her face.


    ¡°Oh, woman,¡± he hugged her tightly, ¡°she would be as healthy as other kids.¡±


    ¡°She can take the rides in the park too, Rafael,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Or in herwn or the private garden,¡± she giggled through the tears when she heard him.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have awn or a garden, Rafael,¡± he smirked and looked into her jet¨Cck eyes. This was high time he should talk to her.


    ¡°What if I buy some property where kids can have their own garden and awn, and pool too,¡± Marissa pulled back thinking he was joking with her.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ think that¡¯s necessary¡­ I mean¡­ look at them¡­¡± her hand jutted out in the air, ¡°they are happy here. They find this ce amazing and¡­<b>¡±</b>


    nose i


    This time he not only hugged her but also nuzzled his the crook of her neck, ¡°I know, Marissa. And you are the best mother I have ever seen.¡±


    Marissa wasn¡¯t prepared for this praise.


    ¡°Am I?¡± He could hear disbelief in her voice.


    ¡°You are,¡± his hand started rubbing her back and her arm, ¡°Being a career woman you managed everything so well. My mom was never there for me.¡± Wait. What?


    He never shared this with her.


    Not even when he was too close to her after marriage.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry<b>¡­ </b>maybe I sound judgmental but when I look at you always being


    10:50 ¨C


    103 103¨CAbove and Beyond


    there for our kids, you just¡­¡± he trailed off squeezing his eyes, ¡°You amaze


    me.¡±


    ¡°But now they are growing, Marissa,¡± he lifted his head, ¡°They need more space. In no way, I¡¯m challenging you or belittling your authority. Whatever happens, it will take ce after I get your permission. You have been closer to them and know them better than me.¡±


    Marissa couldn¡¯t believe it.


    All these years she was scared for nothing. Nina and Valerie¡¯s presence might be dangerous for her kids, but Rafael was never a threat to them.


    ¡°They need more space,¡± he whispered and then she went still when saw him bending down and felt his lips touching her corbone. Thankfully her cup was also ced on the banister otherwise she could drop hot coffee on them.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± it almost sounded like a moan. And then after his assurance for kids, she might wanted to let go a little bit. That was the reason she gathered her courage and said something that was unexpected, even to her own ears.


    ¡°I¡­ missed you, Rafael,¡± his lips froze on her neck.


    ¡°Y¡­ you did?¡± his hot breath touched her neck skin giving <b>a </b>ticklish. sensation.


    ¡°Yes. I¡­ I missed us¡­ I missed our long talks and¡­ oh, God¡­¡± For some reason, tears again started sliding down her face.


    He wasn¡¯t responding at all. Even his lips had stopped moving there.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Did she get impatient?


    Did she blurt out the wrong words?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rafael I should have¡­¡± she started pulling back with an embarrassed smile when she heard him, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Do you know what I missed the most?¡± she wasn¡¯t aware if he could see her or not, but she shook her head.


    103 103¨CAbove and Beyond


    He kept telling her about the doctor¡¯s achievements along with the sess. rate of the surgeries he had performed.


    It was one hundred percent.


    However, he had to look down when he heard the sniffling soundsing from her, ¡°Marissa. Sweetheart!¡±


    The word sweetheart made her more emotional, and she wept even more.


    ¡°Abigail will be able to run and jump and do all the things in the park,¡± she said controlling her tears and wiping her face.


    ¡°Oh, woman,¡± he hugged her tightly, ¡°she would be as healthy as other kids.¡±


    ¡°She can take the rides in the park too, Rafael,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Or in herwn or the private garden,¡± she giggled through the tears when she heard him.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have awn or a garden, Rafael,¡± he smirked and looked into her jet¨Cck eyes. This was high time he should talk to her.


    ¡°What if I buy some property where kids can have their own garden and awn, and pool too,¡± Marissa pulled back thinking he was joking with her.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ think that¡¯s necessary¡­ I mean¡­ look at them¡­¡± her hand jutted out in the air, ¡°they are happy here. They find this ce amazing and<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>


    This time he not only hugged her but also nuzzled his nose in the crook of her neck, ¡°I know, Marissa. And you are the best mother I have ever seen.¡±


    Marissa wasn¡¯t prepared for this praise.


    ¡°Am 1?¡± He could hear disbelief in her voice.


    ¡°You are,¡± his hand started rubbing her back and her arm, ¡°Being a career woman you managed everything so well. My mom was never there for me.¡±


    Wait. What?


    He never shared this with her.


    Not even when he was too close to her after marriage.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ maybe I sound judgmental but when I look at you always being


    103 103¨CAbove and Beyond


    there for our kids, you just¡­¡± he trailed off squeezing his eyes, ¡°You amaze


    me.¡±


    ¡°But now they are growing, Marissa,¡± he lifted his head, ¡°They need more space. In no way, I¡¯m challenging you or belittling your authority. Whatever happens, it will take ce after I get your permission. You have been closer to them and know them better than me.¡±


    Marissa couldn¡¯t believe it.


    All these years she was scared for nothing. Nina and Valerie¡¯s presence might be dangerous for her kids, but Rafael was never a threat to them.


    ¡°They need more space,¡± he whispered and then she went still when saw him bending down and felt his lips touching her corbone. Thankfully her cup was also ced on the banister otherwise she could drop hot coffee on them.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± it almost sounded like a moan. And then after his assurance for kids, she might wanted to let go a little bit. That was the reason she gathered her courage and said something that was unexpected, even to her own ears.


    ¡°I¡­ missed you, Rafael,¡± his lips froze on her neck.


    ¡°Y¡­ you did?¡± his hot breath touched her neck skin giving a ticklish sensation.


    ¡°Yes. I¡­ I missed us¡­ I missed our long talks and¡­ oh, God¡­¡± For some reason, tears again started sliding down her face.


    He wasn¡¯t responding at all. Even his lips had stopped moving there.


    Did she get impatient?


    Did she blurt out the wrong words?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rafael I should have¡­¡± she started pulling back with an embarrassed smile when she heard him, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Do you know what I missed the most?¡± she wasn¡¯t aware if he could see her or not, but she shook her head.


    <


    103 103¨CAbove and Beyond


    He must have felt her head moving because he chuckled, and his mouth moved towards her lips.


    ¡°This,¡± he kissed her lips too softly, which made her desire touch the roof.


    ¡°I missed this¡­¡± he kissed her cheeks one by one.


    ¡°This¡­¡± he kissed her ear lobes and Marissa closed her eyes in ecstasy. The worst thing for her was, the more he was kissing her, the more she wanted to


    cry.


    ¡°Do you know what else <b>I </b>missed?¡± listening to his shaky voice made her tilt


    back her head to have a better look at his face.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± he was also crying.


    ¡°I missed this¡­¡± his hand traveled up against her arm and then settled lightly on her bo*ob, ¡°They used to make my hands so full. H¡­how¡­ how I forgot


    them?¡±


    Marissa closed her eyes trying to control a hup. She ced her hand on top of his that was still resting on her chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whimpered in pain, ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b>so sorry, Marissa. Please don¡¯t leave me again.¡± They both were crying hugging each other and didn¡¯t know for how long they stayed like this when his phone buzzed.


    ¡°Hell!¡± he cursed, wanting to cancel the call without looking at the caller ID, but Marissa quickly reminded him about Joseph.


    ¡°He must be calling to tell you about that doctor,¡± he received the call after a nod and then made a face when heard Nina¡¯s voice, ¡°Rafael, my son!¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Marissa moved back when heard him and picked up her cup. She was about to walk away when he stopped her by holding her elbow and kissed. lightly on her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯lle in a while,¡± he whispered and saw her going inside after a nod. He got back to the call.


    ¡°How are you, Mom?¡± he asked her, and she got a little loud.


    ¡°Where is your wife, Rafael?¡± Rafael stared at his phone as if it had turned


    103 103- Above and Beyond


    into a zombie.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, mom.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? You are her husband!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not her dad!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want an heir for the Sinire family?¡± she snapped, losing control, ¡°And why does your voice sound so strange? Have you been crying?¡± she remarked on his hoarse voice.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not! And stop worrying about the heir!¡±


    ¡°Why? Even if you are interested in living in Kanderton, you should take Valerie with you. Contact her because she is your wife!¡±


    ¡°Wife my ass!¡± he grumbled under her breath.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Nina yelled through the speaker, ¡°And where are you? There seems to be some signal problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in a seven¨Cstar hotel, Mom. My usual! You know me,¡± He tried to make his tone soft when the door behind him opened and someone stepped on the gallery.


    Before Rafael could turn to look at the person a small, delicate voice drew his attention, ¡°Daddy. I want to sleep with you.¡±


    Rafael was quick to ce his hand on the receiver.


    ¡°Rafael who is this? Was it a child? Was he calling you daddy?¡± Nina was now unstoppable.


    ¡°Bye, Mom,¡± He cut the call without any pleasantries and scooped up his daughter. My God. How would he convince his mom about it?


    Marissa requested one thing and that was not to let Nina or Valerie know about the kids. He didn¡¯t want to fail her this time.


    He wanted to earn her trust and was ready to go above and beyond to do so.

 Chapter 104

    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    Nina Sinir was trying hard to contact Valerie but there was no info about her. Neither Valerie was providing her any further contact details about her whereabouts, nor she was trying to connect to her.


    The rest of her group was back home.


    What kind of daughter¨Cinw was she? Without even an ounce of responsibility.


    Nina brought Valerie Aaron back after kicking off Marissa Aaron from Rafael¡¯s life and the Sinir house.


    Aarons were from a middle¨Css background. When Valerie was born, they thought they hit a jackpot. She was so beautiful and knew how to grab anyone¡¯s heart from a very young age.


    When Marissa Aaron was born, she didn¡¯t receive the same wee. Though, her parentster realized that she was the brains of the family.


    No one gave a flying fu*ck to those brains because they knew the world. could only be ruled by outer beauty.


    When Valerie ran away, they begged Marissa to marry Rafael. But once Val was back, their parents had to stay quiet.


    They just wanted any of their daughters to stay as Sinir family¡¯s daughter¨Cinw. No matter if it was Marissa or Valerie.


    Forcing Nina Sinir for Marissa meant that their daughters would be sent back home so they agreed to wee Valerie back and obey Nina.


    Nina was always obsessed with beauty. She liked Valerie when Rafael brought her home to meet her but then the bi*tch left her son at the altar.


    The worst thing was seeing Marissa enjoying life with Rafael. All that money and property was in danger and Nina didn¡¯t want that.


    She kept giving Marissa Aaron a secret medicine mixed with <b>a </b>drink. She had to take the help of a maid and pay her to do this task.


    10.50-


    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    The medicine was supposed to avoid any future pregnancy. Luckily Rafael and Marissa also seemed uninterested in making kids.


    The moment Valerie was back, Nina got rid of all the staff from Sinir Pce and hired a team of new servants overnight.


    Valerie was back, and Rafael¡¯s surgery was sessful. Life was perfect. What more, she could want?


    A child.


    Rafael¡¯s child.


    A Sinir heir.


    This was her only demand from Valerie, and she couldn¡¯t fulfill it. Nina was pacing around in her office when her secretary came inside and halted in her steps. Her boss seemed quite worried about something.


    ¡°Boss!¡± she picked up a mineral water bottle along with a few pills from the corner table and put them on her boss¡¯s desk, ¡°please. Take this. You¡¯ll feel


    better.¡±


    ¡°Th¡­ there are so many things that you don¡¯t know, Geena,¡± Nina said tiredly, ¡°Valerie is taking advantage of me and my son. She is not honest with me. And do you know what I feel?¡± Geena quickly held Nina¡¯s arms who was on the verge of tears, ¡°I feel even my son is being dishonest. What should I do?¡±


    ¡°Boss! Oh, Nina!¡± Geena took thedy to her seat and helped her sit down.


    She hurriedly passed the water bottle to thedy¡¯s lips and urged her to take a few sips, ¡°Come on, Nina. Drink some of it. Pop in these pills and you¡¯re good to go,¡±


    Nina did as she was instructed.


    Geena was her young secretary, her assistant, her traveling buddy, someone she could gossip with endlessly.


    Sometimes she used to call her Genie instead of Geena.


    One call from Nina and she used to get whatever she required in the blink of an eye<b>.</b>


    C


    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± after a few minutes, Geena asked her, holding her hand and rubbing it continuously. Nina who was now rxed looked at Geena from her half¨Copened lids, ¡°Sometimes I feel I should have a daughter instead of a son,¡± she told her assistant who didn¡¯t say a word.


    This was best about Geena. She knew when to poke her nose in her boss¡¯s


    business.


    ¡°You have got a beautiful son, Nina,¡± Nina nodded with a sad smile. She never made any demand from her son except to give the family an heir.


    A blond heir.


    She was obsessed with blonde people. She got attracted to her husband who was a blond through and through.


    Nina was happy that now her baby would be a blond too.


    s! Rafael took everything from his father but took his ck hair from his mom. Being a Sinir, he could get any girl, but Nina was over the moon when Rafael brought Valerie.


    Nina didn¡¯t mind that a girl who had no background would be her


    daughter¨Cinw. She was satisfied that a girl with such a weak background would stay under her thumb.


    And man! She was right.


    First Valerie and then Marissa. She could easily intimidate both girls in the past. Her best time was with Marissa who became almost a robot for her.


    Nina would ask her not to eat fish but only eat vegetables and the girl would easily submit to her demands.


    She could see how Marissa and Rafael were getting more involved with each other and were getting closer. She was scared that Marissa could get pregnant.


    So, she started giving her herbal medicine before her breakfast to avoid any chances of a baby. Nina wasn¡¯t a fool. She did realize that no precaution worked a hundred percent.


    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    as Mrs. Sinir after Rafael¡¯s eye surgery.


    Nina sat back in her chair, swallowing thest of her medicine with a grimace.


    She nced around her cluttered office, barely acknowledging the mess that had umted over the past week.


    Nobody was allowed to touch that clutter until the fashion week was


    over. Swatches of fabrics in vibrant colors were draped over every avable surface.


    Sketched and designed drafts were scattered across the floor. Even in the hall that was next to the office, half¨Cfinished garments were hanging from mannequins ced haphazardly around it.


    ¡°Honestly!¡± Geena shook her head while sorting through the garment pieces. lying around on the floor, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you manage to work in this chaos, Nina.¡±


    She stacked a pile of design reports neatly on Geena¡¯s desk. Nina felt pathetic. She had no one in her life except a few shallow friends who wouldn¡¯t take a minute to leave her unless she had money to spend.


    Geena might be closest to her, but she was herself a young girl who was doing this job because she was paid well.


    Nina hired her because the girl knew how to kneel in front of Nina. She was a submissive fellow who didn¡¯t know how to speak for herself. Just like Nina liked it.


    Geena grew up in an orphanage and couldn¡¯t evenplete her graduation. She badly needed the job and Nina appointed her because she wasn¡¯t able to find a sincere girl. The n was to fire Geena after a few days once she got the desired candidate.


    However, Geena was so hardworking that slowly Nina started depending on her. She started sharing things with her, but those things were mostly rted to her professional life.


    She was not a fool to share her personal problems with her. Just a few


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    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    Geena was aware that Nina had a drop¨Cdead gorgeous son and aughter¨Cinw, but unlike other girls, she never tried to probe her employer about Rafael Sinir and his personal life.


    Nina hired her three years back, so the girl didn¡¯t know anything about. Marissa and Valerie¡¯s fiasco.


    Geena was now collecting empty coffee cups from the floor, ¡°Nina. I have observed youtely. How will you manage your business if you won¡¯t take care of your health.¡±


    The girl was quickly cleaning the messy clutter like a genie and Nina¡¯s Brian wasn¡¯t even registering what she was saying.


    She was more focused on the throbbing headache that had subsided slightly after taking the medicines.


    She wasn¡¯t interested in taking the call when the phone started buzzing.


    ¡°Hey, Nina,¡± one of her executives, was on the phone, ¡°Don¡¯t forget the client. call at three tomorrow noon. Also, I have finalized the presentation for the board meeting. I¡¯ll email it to you early morning so that you can have a


    look¡­¡±


    The man kept rambling without realizing that Nina wasn¡¯t even answering him unless the phone from her hand was grabbed by Geena.


    ¡°Gorish! Can¡¯t you see¡­. I mean can¡¯t you feel herck of response on the phone? She is not well and here you are speaking nonstop without giving her a chance to speak,¡± she snapped on the phone, ¡°now spare my boss and focus. on your job! It¡¯s past office hours so take a breather and let Ms. Nina live at little,¡± with that she mmed the phone on the cradle.


    ¡°Nina. It¡¯s quitete, you need to go home. You don¡¯t look alright to me,¡± Nina didn¡¯t understand. She was a strongdy and knew how to tackle her employees, but Rafael¡¯s call had disturbed her immensely.


    ¡°I think you are right. I should go home. You can alsoe to my ce,¡± Nina


    who were busy in keeping everything at


    invited her and Geena¡¯s hands o


    104 104- Discarded Valerie


    its ce paused for a moment.


    ¡°I?¡± she pointed her finger to her chest, ¡°You are inviting me to your home?¡±


    Nina nodded with a smile, ¡°You are more than a daughter to me, Geena. Why not?¡±


    Geena had a hesitant smile on her face. Nina never invited her home without any business purpose. They were close but Nina never shared even a hotel room with her during traveling.


    Geena had been to her apartment for discussions, meetings and for helping her with appointments. But never for a friendly visit.


    While staring at her secretary absent¨Cmindedly, Nina had only one thing in


    mind.


    Geena was also a blonde with a weak financial background. How about if she discarded Valerie and asked Rafael to marry Geena?


    Comment 2


    View All >Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    10:50

 Chapter 105

    105 105- Abigail


    After talking to his mom, Rafael was still thinking about Nina. He needed to understand her role in all this.


    As a mom, she reced his bride and asked Marissa to marry him. Then why did she hide the truth from him? Shouldn¡¯t she be honest with him?


    When Rafael brought Abigail to his room, Marissa had already gone to sleep. He ced the little girl between him, and Marissa then carefully arranged the quilt over Marissa.


    He had asked Joseph to talk to that surgeon and then also requested hiswyer friend to route him to the best family courtwyer.


    He needed to talk to someone and ask him about the legalities of his rtionship with Marissa and Valerie.


    ¡°You don¡¯t feel sleepy, Daddy?¡± he straightened with a sigh when he heard his daughter¡¯s little voice.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t,¡± They were talking in whispers to avoid disturbing Marissa.


    ¡°So would you like to have a cup of coffee?¡± she asked him, and he couldn¡¯t hold back the smile.


    ¡°Are you offering to make one? Do you also like cooking just like your mom?¡± he started ying with the curls surrounding her face.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t like going to the kitchen, Daddy. I hate cooking or making coffee too,¡± she said momentarily forgetting that she needed to keep her voice low. ¡°Hmm. Then what do you like doing, princess?¡± he asked his daughter and wanted to tease her when saw her too engrossed in her thoughts.


    ¡°I like car racing. Someday I would like to give a tough time to Ayrton Senna.¡± Rafael seemed impressed when heard the name of a big car racer from her. ¡°You know him?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Once saw his interview. He is a Brazilian Form One driver,¡± she


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    < 105 105- Abigail


    exined to him, and Rafael raised his brows to regard his little girl.


    Till now he had somehow guessed that Alex was an extraordinary genius, but his little princess wasn¡¯t any less.


    ¡°Do you know he is not alive, love? You need to


    find someone else to admire


    and look up to. Maybe, choose someone else to win against.¡±


    Damn, Flint. Why didn¡¯t you tell my girl that the man was no longer alive? Now look how upset she is.


    ¡°Then maybe Lewis Hamilton? British race car driver?¡± she asked in a hopeful voice. He observed her small frame close to him and felt good.


    <i>Daughters </i><i>are </i>sweethearts<i>!</i>


    That was the thought that shed in his mind while talking to her. He kissed her soft cheek when she made a cute pout jutting out her lips, reminding him


    of Marissa.


    ¡°Or maybe I should go for cooking. That¡¯s the only thing I can do, Daddy. Doctors will never allow me to move freely,¡± she said with a sad smile and then hid her face in her father¡¯s chest, ¡°I¡¯ll never race, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°No, little one. Who said that?¡± Rafael felt like someone had squeezed his heart in an iron fist, ¡°You will grow up just like other kids, sweetheart. You¡¯ll see how this world will p for you when you¡¯ll win a championship.¡±


    ¡°Really? Do you think I¡¯ll y like other kids too?¡± she squealed, and Rafael had to mp her mouth when he saw Marissa stirring in her sleep.


    Right now, the mommy seemed dead tired, having fallen asleep after having a long exhausting day.


    To avoid more disturbance, he left the bed and then lifted Abigail in his arms, ¡°Let¡¯s <b>get </b><b>you </b>out of here otherwise you might wake up your mom.¡±


    When he brought her to the living room, she asked him excitedly, ¡°Can we have ate¨Cnight snack?¡±


    el gave


    one look to the cutest face in the world and smiled.


    ¡°Where were you all this time, little chipmunk!¡± he clutched her tightly to his


    25


    C 105 105¨CAbigail


    chest like a precious diamond.


    Not understanding what he was saying, she just got one word and that was ¡®chipmunk¡®. Her giggling brought unexpected tears to his eyes, ¡°Do you know I have to do lots of office work tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Oh. Then go to sleep, Daddy. Tomorrow is a weekend though!¡± Abi¡¯s smile faded and a look of disappointment crossed her face.


    Rafael nibbled his upper lip thinking hard, ¡°OK. Tell me. What should I fix for you?¡±


    Her face lit up and she closed her eyes trying to think hard, ¡°Sandwich?¡±


    ¡°Daddy doesn¡¯t know how to fix one, but we can try.¡±


    He got up and went to the fridge to find some cheese, or bacon, or anything. He started cing some packets on the counter.


    ¡°Daddy. How about you give me milk and cookies,¡± she blinked quickly <b>in </b>excitement. Rafael looked towards the room door, torn between asking Marissa about Abigail¡¯s food restrictions or taking out the milk carton from the fridge.


    ¡°Does your mom give you milk?¡± she nodded at him.


    ¡°Yeah. Blue carton. Shy milk,¡±


    Shy milk?


    ¡°You mean Soy, little one?¡±


    He went back to the fridge and opened it again. There it was a blue cartonbeled as Soy forctose intolerance.


    ¡°Will it do?¡± he asked her, setting some cookies on the te.


    Thiste¨Cnight snacking was something he was thoroughly enjoying with his daughter.


    Lifting her up, he made her sit on the tall stool by the counter, ¡°Here¡¯s your Shy milk and cookies,¡± he said watching as she eagerly began devouring them.


    35


    <105 105¨CAbigail


    While Rafael started cing back the cheese and bacon packs back in the fridge.


    ¡°Liking it?¡± he asked the little one who showed her approval with a wide grin<b>.</b>


    ¡°Someday we all can havete snacking along with your siblings,¡± he remarked observing her face.


    <i>How </i>could <i>anybody </i><i>be </i><i>this </i>freaking <i>cute</i><i>! </i><i>What </i>did <i>I </i>ever <i>do </i>to <i>deserve </i>her?


    ¡°Really, Daddy? You are the best!¡± she said loudly and reached over to hold his face, bring him down, and kiss his rough cheek. But then had to mp her small hand on her mouth. The cookie chunks that were smeared on her mouth and her hands could now be seen on Rafael¡¯s jaw.


    But Rafael didn¡¯t mind. As long as his little girl was happy, he didn¡¯t give a damn.


    She was making small conversations with him, and he was replying to her with all the patience.


    ¡°Daddy! Can I have more? Please?¡± the little version of Marissa had already wrapped him around her little finger, but Rafael was a little concerned.


    ¡°Love! I don¡¯t think that is allowed by your mom,¡± Shit. He didn¡¯t even know what were the dietary restrictions for his daughter.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Her face drooped down a little, but Rafael held her face very gently, ¡°How about we n anotherte¨Cnight snacking and I take <b>you </b>shopping tomorrow and let you buy whatever you want,¡± he nodded, ¡°With your mom¡¯s permission?¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to cross the line where Marissa must have made rules and


    regtions for the kids, and he wanted to give a clear message to his kids that their mom and dad were on the same team.


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 Chapter 106

    106 106- Promises


    ¡°Can we go shopping tomorrow?¡± Abigail asked him innocently and he made her sit on hisp and switch on the TV.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he pinned her head to his chest and kissed her sweet¨Csmelling hair.


    ¡°Can we take Alex and Ariel too for shopping?¡± she asked him, yawning, and he again mumbled, ¡°Sure¡­¡±


    He had turned down the volume and now was watching an old movie.


    ¡°Can mom alsoe with us, Daddy?¡± she murmured in an exhausted tone.


    ¡°Sure, chipmunk. She can,¡± securing her in his arms he lightly leaned his chin on her head. Just then the door to Sophie¡¯s room opened and she stopped when she saw the father¨Cdaughter duo sitting on the couch.


    Rafael gave her a thumbs¨Cup sign to tell her silently that everything She nodded and went to Flint¡¯s room carrying herptop.


    was ok.


    Now Abi¡¯s voice seemed to be getting lower, ¡°Can we take Aunt Sophie and Flint too,¡± Rafael rolled his lips between his teeth.


    ¡°If you want, we can take the whole Kanderton City for snack shopping!¡±


    She again yawned loudly, ¡°That will be great, Daddy.¡±


    A few moments must have passed, and he thought she had gone to sleep when she spoke again, ¡°Daddy?¡±


    Rafael fought to control his mirth, ¡°Yes, Chipmunk!¡±


    ¡°You are the best! And I love you.¡±


    ***


    Marissa turned in her bed and found the space beside her empty. The mattress was cold enough to give the impression that Rafael hadn¡¯t been there for quite some time.


    Where is he?


    She <b>got </b>up and put on her slippers to check the bathroom. That was when


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    100 100- Promises


    she heard a faint noiseing from the living room like two people were talking?


    Was Rafael talking to someone at this hour?


    She tip¨Ctoed to the living room only to find a movie ying on the TV and Rafael was sleeping on the couch hugging Abigail to him.


    A soft smile crossed her lips. A father who was trying to protect his daughter from all the problems of life.


    She was confused if she should wake him up or just put a quilt around them. She decided on thetter.


    She went to her room to fetch an extra nket. When she was fixing it around them, Rafael woke up with bleary eyes and held her wrist tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± she told him softly and ced her hand on his, ¡°it¡¯s me Rafael.¡±


    He passed a confused look to her trying to understand where he was and then rubbed his eyes.


    ¡°She sleptte,¡± he said resting his cheek on the small head of his daughter.


    Marissa sat beside him and leaned her head on his strong shoulder. Rafael who was holding Abi with one arm, his other arm spontaneously snaked. around Marissa¡¯s waist drawing her body to him.


    Marissa fixed the nket around them feeling the intimacy of the simple <b>act</b>.


    ¡°How did you two end squeezed her to him.


    up here?¡± she asked him, and he


    ¡°She didn¡¯t want to sleep and wanted a snack,¡± Marissa smiled and raised her face to look at Abi¡¯s face, ¡°She wants to go for snack shopping tomorrow.¡±


    The little one was sleeping peacefully in her father¡¯s arms.


    ¡°She is so beautiful,¡± he kissed Marissa¡¯s cheek, ¡°Thank you for giving me such beautiful babies.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t say anything and just kept looking into his eyes. However, her eyes fluttered closed when she saw him, leaning slowly towards her.


    She had to suppress the moan in his throat when Rafael¡¯s lips touched hers.


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    106 106- Promises


    Her arms were suddenly around his neck, grinding his mouth into hers.


    Their mouths were opening hungrily for each other as if they had gotten a life of their own. Marissa clutched his t¨Cshirt in her fists when his tongue


    entered her mouth.


    He was trying to taste her, his tongue was swirling inside her mouth like he owned it. Marissa¡¯s body was reacting to his touch and his closeness, drawing him <b>to </b>her like a moth.


    ¡°Now who does kissing after making your child sleep on thep,¡± they both jumped when they heard Flint nearby.


    Marissa was horrified when she heard another chuckle. Sophie was standing behind Flint.


    we


    ¡°Wh¡­ what you two are doing here?¡± she cleared her throat, ¡°We¡­ we were just kissing¡­ Rafael and I needed to discuss her health and Rafael wanted to take us to grocery shopping tomorrow,¡± She instantly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand which was still wet with his saliva.


    ¡°Yum!¡± she thought secretly.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Rafael who was still too rxed, held back his smile when saw her panicking.


    Marissa saw him standing up carrying Abi with him and then he bent down to kiss her head in the presence of those two. God this was embarrassing!


    She was blushing to the core when Rafael headed to the kids¡® room.


    ¡°Kissing is a good thing,¡± Flint said in a serious tone, ¡°But it leads to more good things if done correctly and privately.¡±


    Sophie who had now walked up to her friend, fell on the couch when she heard her grandfather¡¯s precious remarks.


    Marissa passed a re to her friend and Sophie was so sure that if looks could kill she would be lying dead here.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know you were still awake,¡± she exined to Flint awkwardly.


    ¡°Oh? But Rafael knew that we were awake,¡± Sophie clicked her tongue, ¡°He


    <b>D</b>


    <b>?</b>


    <b>< </b>106 106¨CPromises


    was busy with Abigail, and I wanted to get my work done on theptop so that I could enjoy the weekend¡­ and as Flint was awake too, I went to him for asking something rted to pharmacy.¡±


    She then gestured towards Marissa, ¡°And then we heard some light noises and here we were about to witness an eighteen plus rated movie. Yet we needed to stop that because an innocent child was involved.¡±


    Marissa pped her friend¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Cut it out, Sophie! We didn¡¯t mean to do the full thing.¡±


    ¡°Why not!¡± Sophie freed her hair from the silk scrunchie and gave her head a hard shake, ¡°You should do it because you two¡­¡± she spanked Marissa¡¯s knee, ¡°need it!¡±


    ¡°No! We don¡¯t,¡± Marissa stood up rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Stop lying to yourself, Mar. You both need each other. This tension between you two, this se*xual tension needs to be taken care of. When you two are together in a room. It always feels like you two are undressing each other with your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God, Soph! Stop it!¡± she threw a small pillow at her friend and went to her room before she could speak anymore.


    Rafael was lying on the bed only in a pair of shorts. His arms were behind his head, and he was staring at the ceiling busy thinking about something.


    Trying to ignore him, she went to the bathroom and took more than usual time there in hopes that he would go to sleep.


    Keeping her fingers crossed when she came out, she felt disappointment making its way into her heart.


    HE HAD GONE TO SLEEP!


    He was lying on his side of the bed quietly.


    Shey on the bed and turned her head to look at him, ¡°How would I sleep without your arms around me?¡± she asked the question to his sleeping figure and was horrified when found him turning, to face her.


    ¡°Your wish is mymand, Strawberry!¡± before she could protest and deny


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    106 106- Promises


    the words, he had taken her into his arms and pressed her face against his chest.


    ¡°Go to sleep before I break the promises, I made to myself.¡±


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    A

 Chapter 107

    107 107¨CBurnt Breakfast


    Marissa made a pout when her eyes fluttered open and then a trace of a smile touched her lips. For a moment, she wanted to stay in bed but then she reminded herself that she was a mom who needed to attend to her kids.


    before they woke up.


    Her hand reached out and grabbed the clock from the nightstand. The moment she nced at it, her eyes widened, and she bolted upright with a racing heart.


    ¡°What the¡­ shit! OMG! It¡¯ste!¡± Mumbling to herself she scrambled out of the bed. In her rush, she stumbled over the tangled sheets and nearly fell.


    ¡°Urgh! Clumsy you! Get a grip. My babies must be hungry,¡± Sophia had to leave early morning and she usually didn¡¯t rely on Flint due to the old man¡¯s odd schedule.


    ¡°Strange. Why didn¡¯t the kids barge in my room?¡± she muttered hurrying out of the bedroom.


    She dashed into the living room, expecting full chaos but instead saw something unexpected. The kids were sitting around the coffee table engrossed in a board game and Rafael was exining something in a very


    soft voice.


    Likest night, Abi was sitting on hisp while Ariel was sitting glued to his hip. Alex <b>was </b>seated across from his father.


    ¡°Good morning, sleepy head,¡± A teasing grin appeared on his face when he noticed her standing in the doorway.


    Marissa¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and the grin reminded her of thest night¡® <b>kiss </b>they shared on the couch.


    ¡°Morning!¡± she replied trying to steady her voice, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you people wake me? What did you have for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Daddy made scrambled eggs for us, Mommy. He asked us to let you sleepte, Abi exined to her, ¡°he said you worked very hardst night.¡±


    10:51


    107 107¨CBurnt Breakfast


    <i>I </i>worked <i>hard </ist <i>night</i><i>?</i>


    She avoided the eye contact when found his eyes gleaming with mischief, ¡°Asshole!¡± she muttered.


    ¡°And mommy!¡± Ariel said busily while doing something on the board, ¡°Daddy burned the eggs.¡±


    Marissa cocked up a brow, ¡°You ate burned eggs?¡± she asked the kids, but her eyes were focused on the man who could make her heart race just by his presence.


    ¡°No. Daddy threw it in the trash, Mommy,¡± Abi exined to her, ¡°He cooked again but it was just half burned. The rest of the half was good. Right, Alex?¡± Alex just groaned in answer.


    ¡°Good!¡± Marissa started tying her hair together to make a small messy bun on her head, ¡°And how many eggs did you waste, Daddy?¡± she asked Rafael with narrowed eyes.


    Rafael raised his hand somberly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I never cooked a thing in life not even noodles,¡± before she could remark on it, he quickly held Abigail¡¯s jaw by her cheeks and turned it to her mother, ¡°Look at Mommy. Doesn¡¯t she look adorable?¡±


    Marissa shook her head in exasperation and walked back to her bedroom. She badly needed a shower.


    After getting done with her business, she came out of her room where the kids were still busy with their father.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± he offered her sincerely patting the spot next to him and before she could open her mouth, he was quick to speak, ¡°I can make you breakfast.¡±


    ¡°No. Thanks!¡± Marissa¡¯s lips spread into a fake grin, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in having a burnt egg.¡±


    Rafael managed an injured look on his face, eyeing his daughters. This time Marissa could see amusement in Alex¡¯s eyes too.


    She headed to the kitchen to fix herself a quick breakfast. After opening the


    <b>107</b>


    Burnt Breakfast


    dge, she scanned all the ingredients when she heard soft footsteps behind.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    <ol>


    <li></li>


    </ol>


    ne familiar male cologne hit her nostrils. That same intoxicating smell.


    he turned to find him leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.


    Can I take the kids for grocery shopping?¡± Marissa tried her best to ignore.


    e bulge of his biceps through the sleeves of his t¨Cshirt.


    Stop staring at me with that hungry gaze,¡± he walked up to her and


    hispered near her ear.


    tolling her eyes, she moved her attention to the stuff she had ced on the itchen counter. She liked it when he used to give her the control of the >arenting. But now she needed to ept that he was the father and had equal rights to the kids.


    Why my permission every time?¡± she lit the burner and ced a pan on it.


    ¡®Because you are the mom!¡±


    She smiled and looked over her shoulder, ¡°And you are their father. You have equal rights, Rafael.¡±


    She broke an egg in the pancake mix and started pouring milk into it.


    ¡°Are you making pancakes?¡± he took a step closer now leaning against the counter, ¡°that I can do if you allow me.¡±


    ¡°No thanks. Only one egg was left!¡± she stuck out her tongue and he chuckled. at that.


    When she was pouring the batter into the pan, he moved behind her, hist chest almost bumping into her back, ¡°Me being a father is never about the rights, Marissa,¡± her heart thumped in the cradle of her chest when she felt. him resting his chin on her shoulder, ¡°we need to show the kids that we are on the same page.¡±


    Marissa gave a nod all impressed and turned around slowly to face him.


    Damn. She had forgotten what she wanted to say when she caught him staring at her lips, ¡°Tonight let me take you on a dinner date,¡±


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    107 107¨CBurnt Breakfast


    He held her chin in between her finger and thumb.


    Alex had told her that tomorrow she was nning to go with Gerard. He was jealous as hell but didn¡¯t want to spoil it for her. She was an adult and he wanted her to use her free will toe back to him.


    Instead, he wanted to make the best of whatever she would offer him.


    ¡°Marissa,¡± he leaned closer to her and kissed the tip of her nose, ¡°Will you allow me to make love to you someday?¡±


    He asked her and she felt herself turning into a marshmallow.


    Sophie¡¯s voice echoed in her head, ¡°When you two are in the room, you seem to undress each other with your eyes.¡±


    Marissa swallowed hard and tried tough.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Rafael¡­ I¡¯ll¡­¡± she cleared her throat, ¡°I¡¯ll allow you¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom! Something is burning!¡± Alex yelled from the living room. Marissa and Rafael jumped in fright when found themselves upied in smoke. Thankfully it wasn¡¯t too dense.


    ¡°Oh, brother,¡± Rafael whispered.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Marissa forced a look of irritation to her face, ¡°Rafael, you burnt my breakfast too!¡±

 Chapter 108

    108 108- New Woman


    Nina Sinir came out of her room all dolled up. This was her mantra to always be ready no matter what the asion was.


    Whether it was a birthday party, a wedding reception, a funeral, or it was just stay¨Cat¨Chome time. She always liked to stay up to date.


    Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup was just right. She felt confident and ready to face the world. She reminded herself to pay a visit to her aesthetician for a Botox. Her face needed it. She hated lines on her face.


    ¡°Emily! My breakfast!¡± She called out to the house chef who must be in the kitchen to prepare her breakfast, ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?¡± she screamed like a bratty kid.


    She hated mismanagement and liked everything on time.


    ¡°Sorry for making you wait,¡± Nina who was scrolling her phone impatiently, looked up and was surprised to find Geenaing out of the kitchen.


    <i>Good</i><i>, </i><i>God</i><i>! </i>How <i>can </i><i>I </i>forget about <i>her </i><i>when </i><i>I </i>was the <i>one </i><i>who </i><i>brought </i>her here?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Geena. I thought you were still sleeping,¡± this was the only excuse Nina could use for her bad memory. epting her poor memory meant to tell the person that she was getting old.


    She couldn¡¯t ept it when everyone around her kept telling her how good she looked with that perfect skin and glossy hair, ¡°How was your night, Geena? Did you sleepfortably?¡±


    Geena bobbed her head and ced a te of eggs in front of Nina.


    ¡°I had a good night, Nina, thank you,¡± she also set the small container that had her morning pills.


    ¡°You made this?¡± Nina said after taking a spoon, but Geena had left her again. When she again emerged from the kitchen, she was carrying saut¨¦ed spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. There was a small bowl that had Chia pudding.


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    108 108- New Woman


    ¡°No. Emily made all of it, but I just gave her some instructions,¡± Nina smiled with a nod and didn¡¯t even bother to invite her secretary for breakfast.


    Geena who was standing there, felt awkward. She shifted her weight from one foot to another, not sure what to do next.


    ¡°So, Nina. I think I should take my leave now,¡± she said with a smile. All she wanted to do was escape from there.


    Nina barely nced up from her phone while eating, ¡°Umm. Hmm. Sure. Meet you in the office soon,¡± she waved her index finger to say her goodbye absentmindedly.


    Geena forced a polite smile, ¡°B¡­but it¡¯s the weekend,¡± Nina loved working on


    weekends but never asked Geena to be essible for her.


    Though Geena always remained avable on the phone. Nina Sinir rarely depended on her secretary when it came to her passion. Her business.


    She could work twenty¨Cfour¨Cseven straight without batting an eye. ying with all the garment stuff was her passion and was the only thing she used to take seriously.


    Except for her obsession with an heir.


    She now badly wanted a baby to continue Sinir¡¯s name.


    ¡°For how long you have been working with me, Geena?¡± she asked the timid girl who seemed nervous now.


    Ah! Nina hated nervous and timid girls. They always reminded her of Marissa


    who was also a coward.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. I¡¯ve been working for thest three years. Why?¡± Geena was already. disappointed at theck of acknowledgment from her boss and now these silly questions¡­


    ¡°Why? Do you always want to live afortable life, residing in your cocoon, Geena? Don¡¯t you want to go ahead and achieve something that might be written in your fate?¡±


    This alien talk was making Geena more nervous. She liked Nina but she hated


    riddles.


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    108 108- New Woman


    <i>Why </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>this </i><i>Richie </i><i>rich </i><idy </i><i>exin </i>to me <i>in </i><i>simple </i><i>words </i>what <i>she </i>wants from me?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are trying to say, Nina?¡± She again forced a smile to her lips.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sit here!¡± Nina gestured for her to take another chair, ¡°You are a very good girl, Geena. A hard¨Cworking one indeed. I have started thinking a lot about you. Something that can take you above and beyond and let you touch the skies. But it all depends on you. Are you ready to touch the skies, Geena?¡±


    Geena who was feeling dumb nodded like a fool, ¡°Y¡­yes! I¡­ I would like that very much!¡±


    <i>No</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>would <i>like </i><i>it </i>more <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>please </i><i>be </i><i>more </i><i>specific </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>instructions</i>.


    ¡°Great. So now no question about weekends or weekdays. I¡¯ll teach you everything that is required to conquer this world.¡±


    ¡°Conquer the world? Are we going on some war, Nina?¡± she asked her boss innocently.


    This was the samedy who needed Geenast night to support her and open her heart to her. This morning, she was back to this kickass.


    businesswoman.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she replied vaguely, ¡°Or maybe instead of sending you to war I want to train you to be a good daughter¨Cinw!¡± Nina said while taking thest bite of her eggs.


    Geena thought she heard her wrong.


    ¡°Being a good what?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, silly. Just focus on your well¨Cbeing and leave everything to me,¡± With that, Nina dismissed her with a wave of her hand.


    When Geena got up from there, she wasn¡¯t aware if she should have felt insulted because Nina didn¡¯t offer her any breakfast, or a drink, or not even a coffee. Or she should feel honored because Nina was eyeing her for something important.


    God! The first thing she needed to do was go out and eat something from


    10:51 -0


    am


    C


    108 108- New Woman


    the first diner she would find on her way.


    The old goat didn¡¯t offer her anything.


    No matter how heavy one¡¯s bank ount is one doesn¡¯t have to spend much onmon courtesy. Right?


    ¹ÅŒm¹Å


    On the other hand, after breakfast, Nina went to her room to take a look at


    her emails. With the fashion week approaching everything was bing chaos in her life.


    With each passing minute, she was sure that Geena was the perfect candidate for being Rafael¡¯s next wife.


    A blond who didn¡¯t have her own tongue.


    She knew Geena didn¡¯t have her breakfast and a woman who didn¡¯t know how to express her concerns or how to demand her basic needs from her boss could never stand for her basic rights.


    Nina thought with a smirk and then left a message to Valerie, ¡°Rafael is getting married to someone. There is a new woman in his life. Interested to know who she is?¡±


    With an evil smirk, she ced the phone aside and opened herptop. The girl wasn¡¯t responding to her calls or messages, but she would definitely respond to this one.


    Valerie wasn¡¯t a fool to let Rafael marry again.


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 Chapter 109

    109 109¨CIt Was Nina¡¯s Turn


    Nina moved her eyes to theptop screen whereas her inbox was flooded with messages from designers, clients, and organizers. O


    Usually, this stuff was handled by Geena but today she wanted to give the girl some time think about her offer.


    There was no one on this earth who didn¡¯t like money. Geena was no different.


    Nina scrolled, noting down the urgent stuff to respond first.


    ¡°Urgh. So many details to finalize, she muttered to herself, pushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.


    She clicked open an email from a prominent organizer, who was requestingst¨Cminute adjustments to the runaway schedule. Just as she began typing, her phone buzzed with a reminder of a video call.


    ¡°Great! Just what I needed, she sighed, switching gears, and setting up for the call. After a few minutes, the call was through, and she had to put up a professional smile for the sake of her name and appearance.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started! Shall we?¡± she said cheerfully flipping her hair aside, ¡°We have a lot to cover before the big day!


    She must have been halfway through the meeting when her phone started ringing.


    The participants on the video call went silent for a minute. They all were aware of how she despised disturbances in between her meetings and discussions.


    But this time they all were in for a surprise when she smiled broadly and waved her phone on


    the screen.


    ¡°Sorry, guys. My beloved daughter¨Cinw is on the call. This can¡¯t wait


    They all nodded good¨Cnaturedly. And maybe were impressed a bit. After all, the dragon bossdy was giving importance to her daughter¨Cinw, ¡°Sure, Nina,¡± one of the executives said, ¡°we all


    can wait.


    ¡®Nodies and gentlemen. Please carry on with your stuff, we can connect again and discuss. My call might take time.¡±


    After all, she knew why she was getting this call. The same daughter¨Cinw who wasn¡¯t ready to talk to her was now calling her impatiently.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart!¡± she cooed on the phone, ¡°how is your trip going? Missing me already?¡±


    ¡°What did you just send me?¡± Valerie retorted rudely, ¡°Who sends such messages to their daughters¨Cinw?¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Ninaughed loudly, ¡°The old crappy women who get discarded by their daughters¨Cinw,


    ¡ª


    1/4


    109 109- It Was Nina¡¯s Turn


    She could imagine Valerie gritting her teeth.


    ¡°Why would I discard you? You have got your own life, Nina, and I have mine. Please let me live.¡±


    Nina who was smiling until now, her face turned into a fierce ball of rage in a matter of seconds, ¡°Do what you want to do with your fu*cking life, Valerie Aaron but not at the cost of my son¡¯s


    money.¡±


    ¡°Ahan! I¡¯m not Valerie Aaron, Nina. It¡¯s Valerie Sinir,¡± Valeric chuckled, ¡°Your son¡¯s


    money belongs to his family. I am his wife, I¡¯m his family. He hasn¡¯t even divorced me, and you are dreaming of bringing another daughter¨Cinw? In your dreams baby. In your dreams.¡±


    Nina wanted to strangle Valerie¡¯s neck, but she needed to take control of her emotions. The more she would get irritated the more advantage Valerie would take of her anger.


    ¡°While you are busy on your precious trips, my son is about to take a woman who already has children, Nina hissed into the phone, ¡°The money that was supposed to be spent on my


    heirs¡­


    on his kids is being spent on someone else¡¯s children.¡±


    ¡°Raf¡­ Rafael is involved in some woman?¡± Valerie whispered, ¡°I¡­. knew it¡­ I had somehow guessed it.¡±


    ¡°And still you chose to do nothing


    about it. What kind of wife are you?¡± Nina snarled.


    ¡°Just shut up. Shut up, Nina. You don¡¯t know my struggles,¡± Valerie cried, ¡°You are not aware of what I¡¯m going through while following your <b>son </b>all around the world to catch him red¨Chanded.¡±


    Now Nina seemed shocked, ¡°All around the world? You must be out of your fu*cking mind!¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was in San Francisco and then I went to Denver and then Das after him. He is with a


    woman who looks like¡­¡± for some reason Valerie trailed off.


    ¡°Yes?¡± <b>Nina </b>asked her impatiently, ¡°Who does she look like?¡±


    ¡°Marissa. She looks like Marissa,¡± she snapped, ¡°and he is roaming around¡­¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, Valerie. Stop ming my son for things he never did. This is because of your ignorance that he is spending his time with a woman who God knows if she is married or not but she is surely a mom. My son might be looking after a bunch of kids of some other man. And now my son seems to be their father. I didn¡¯t know if it was a single child or there were multiple kids but she or he was calling him daddy.¡±


    ¡°Th¡­that woman has kids?¡± Valerie stuttered.


    ¡°Not only kids but she lives in Kanderton. I don¡¯t know why you are following him all around the globe when I told youst time that he was still in Kanderton,¡± Nina let out a sigh, ¡°or maybe this is one of your excuses to see the world and enjoy yourself. But let me tell you one thing. You won¡¯t get a dime if my son decides to leave you someday¡±


    ¡°Oh, I will, Nina,¡± she asserted, ¡°I will not only get his property, but I¡¯ll get more than half of whatever belongs to him if he is caught cheating. So sorry. But it¡¯s no more in your hands. It¡¯s in my hands now. Thew gives me this freedom.¡±


    This time Nina Sinir couldn¡¯t contain it andughed loudly holding her belly.


    109 109- I Was <b>Nina¡¯s </b>Turn


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Nina? Or are you scared to lose such a big chunk of money to amon girl


    like me?¡±


    Nina who was stillughing tried to control it and then startedughing again.


    By now, Valerie wanted to disconnect the call but then she didn¡¯t. Why should she when soon she would be as powerful with all the money as Nina?


    No. She can¡¯t be intimidated by this woman anymore.


    When Nina¡¯sughter subsided, she spoke on the phone, ¡°Oh, Valerie. You are so funny¡±


    ¡°Why? Because I know my rights?¡± Nina could imagine the girl raising her brows questioningly. Too bad that she was beautiful but didn¡¯t have brains.


    ¡°Rights are for wives, Valerie,¡± Nina said softly.


    ¡°Yeah. So?¡±


    ¡°So? You aren¡¯t even his wife. Or have you forgotten?¡± there was silence on the other side now. When it prolonged for a few minutes, Nina smiled, ¡°What? Have you fainted or died<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°This was a joke, Nina. Right? You can¡¯t prove a thing against me. No one knows¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯ll know, Valerie. I was there when he got married. He was blind but my eyes were working perfectly fine, love. The man who approached me that day and informed me that had left the church. He still works for me.¡±


    Valerie felt as if her whole world was crashing down.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. Right?¡± her bravado was slowly crumbling now. And Nina¡¯s smile was widening with each passing minute.


    you


    She didn¡¯t respond to Valerie, enjoying the fear she had sessfully instilled in her heart. What was she even thinking when she thought of double¨Ccrossing her?


    Valerie¡¯s voice trembled with desperation, ¡°Nina. You there? Please don¡¯t do that. I was depressed that was the reason I was spending my maximum time outside¡­ away from him.


    Please, Nina.


    She was crying and pleading on the phone and Nina felt a sense of achievement and satisfaction.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know I have been awful. I¡¯ll try to improve. I¡¯ll either ask Rafael to join me in Sangua or I¡¯ll go to Kanderton. Please, Nina. Do you hear me?¡±


    With an evil grin, Nina disconnected the call and switched her phone to silent mode. The phone started ringing again but this time it was Nina¡¯s turn not to receive the call.

 Chapter 110

    110 110- Consider It Done


    Marissa knelt down, tying Ariel¡¯s shoces as Rafael¡¯s honking horn echoed from outside. Abigail must already be seated in the car with him while Marissa was left to deal with Ariel who was a bit picky about everything.


    ¡°Why Daddy is barking the horn, Mommy¡± Ariel¡¯s furrowed in <b>confusion</b>.


    Marissa smiled softly, ¡°It¡¯s not barking, sweetic. It¡¯s honking. It¡¯s just to let us know that he is waiting and wants us to hurry up!¡± Marissa¡¯s fingers quickly secured the knots, ¡°It¡¯s almost done, honey¡±


    Ariel squirmed with impatience,


    She tapped her little feet in frustration, ¡°I want to go and sit


    near the window before Abi does.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You both will get the window scat, love. Alex is staying home, she then nced over her shoulder and called out, ¡°Alex! We are leaving, love. Take care of Flint<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I will!¡± Alex spoke <b>from </b><b>Flint¡¯s </b>room. Today he was helping Flint clean his room.


    Marissa gave Ariel¡¯s shoes one final tug before standing up, ¡°All set, my pretty girl!¡± she kissed her forehead with affection, ¡°Let¡¯s go and join them.¡±


    Hand in hand, they hurriedly headed out, where Rafael was standing near the car and Abi was sitting over the car¡¯s roof with her legs dangling.


    ¡°Come on, chipmunk,¡± he held the little girl by her waist and opened the passenger door first, for Marissa, ¡°At your service ma¡¯am,¡± he said with a bow making her chuckle.


    Marissa bent her head and took the seat with a smile. Next, he opened the back door and helped the girls in their seats along with securing the seat belts around them.


    ¡°Ready, folks?¡± he asked after taking the driving


    seat.


    The car hummed along the road, and a small patch of countryside was passing by. Rafael¡¯s eyes were repeatedly watching his daughters in the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Daddy. Do you know there is a big, beautiful house somewhere here?¡± Abigail asked her father suddenly.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. She is right. It¡¯s the white house!¡± Ariel favored her sister.


    Rafael frowned ncing at Marissa beside him, ¡°The white house? You mean the one in Washington DC? It¡¯s here?¡±


    Ariel giggled, ¡°No, Daddy! It¡¯s the other white house!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like this, Marissa shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t have any idea what they are talking about.¡±


    Abi leaned forward as far as her seat belt allowed her, ¡°Mommy knows the White House. It¡¯s mommy¡¯s favorite. Alex also likes it a lot!¡±


    Rafael¡¯s eyebrows shot up, ¡°Really, Marissa? You like it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what they are talking about, Marissa shifted ufortably in her seat and


    110 110¨CConsider it Donn


    started looking outside the window.


    Rafael could see his daughters¡® eyes sparkling in mischief, ¡°It¡¯s super big and once Alex said that he wished he could have that.¡±


    ¡°Enough of the White House, sweethearts. Now look at your left. That¡¯s your favorite pony there, Rafael felt odd. It felt like Marissa was trying to shift the girls¡® attention from that house. Marissa didn¡¯t say anything else after that and kept looking out. The girls were right. She and Alex liked the property a lot but for some reason, she wasn¡¯t feelingfortable about telling it


    to Rafael.


    <b>She </b>jerked when his hand reached hers to squeeze it, ¡°Should I buy you some snack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Marissa rolled her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Thanks for burning my breakfast. Don¡¯t forget you owe me a good sandwich and a Frappino.¡±


    Rafael grumbled shaking his head. The girls had started talking to each other about something. She saw guilt in his eyes but didn¡¯t take back her words. Served him right. Who asks about being intimate in the kitchen? She thought with a blush.


    The way he asked her about making love to her¡­


    Marissa! <i>Will </i>you allow me to make love to you someday?


    Yes. Those were his exact words.


    ¡°What are you exactly thinking?¡± he asked observing her face, ¡°your face has gone red just like <b>a </b>beetroot and you are certainly glowing¡±


    Marissa rubbed her hands on her face, ¡°N¡­No. I am thinking¡­ nothing, ok. And stop saying such things in front of them,¡± It was a stern warning.


    She groaned and heughed, ¡°I didn¡¯t even say anything. It¡¯s you who must be thinking something dirty about me!¡±


    This time she didn¡¯t respond.


    What to tell him? That yes. He was right?


    Nah!


    ¡°You are <b>damn </b>lucky!¡± Rafael asked when the car stopped at the signal.


    Without saying anything, Marissa turned to him and raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°I mean¡­ look at you, his voice barely above a whisper throwing a cautious nce at the littledies sitting behind, ¡°In the past, you got the chance to look at me when I was wearing nothing. You know how I look down there?¡± He pointed to his pants¡® flyer.


    Marissa¡¯s jaw was hung open. Was he serious?


    ¡°Shut up!¡± she quickly looked back at the girls and sighed when found them engrossed in their


    discussion.


    She watched his face and witnessed that mischievous gleam back in his eyes, ¡°Jerk!¡± after saying


    <b>110 </b>110¨CConsider It Done


    ¡°Stop it!¡± she pped his shoulders, and he caught her handughing uncontrobly.


    <b>¡°</b>You look cute when you blush,¡± Marissa chewed her lower lip and then saw someone knocking on the window of Rafael¡¯s side.


    He followed her gaze and quickly rolled it down, ¡°Yes!¡±


    He was a traffic constable, ¡°Sir. The signal has turned green, and you are blocking the way of all the cars behind you. Just turn around once and look at the <b>line</b>¡­¡±


    What!


    Marissa dived her head a little to nce at the signal light while Rafael looked at the rearview mirror and moved the car ahead quickly.


    He didn¡¯t even apologize to the uniformed man and was grinning ear to ear.


    They both were avoiding eye contact and stayed silent for the rest of the drive. They both knew that once they uttered a single word, it wouldn¡¯t take time to crack up. However, it was when he stopped the car in front of the Super Mart, she rolled her lips in between her teeth and turned to get off the car.


    She badly wanted to tease him but then preferred to help the girls out.


    ¡°Take the girls inside. I¡¯ll join you in a while,¡± he took out the phone from his pocket, ¡°need to make an urgent call.¡±


    Marissa gave


    him a tightlipped smile and went inside. Rafael dialed Joseph¡¯s number, ¡°Hey! What¡¯s up!¡± Rafael sighed when heard his friend¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Jo! Is there any property by the name of White House in Kanderton?¡±


    ¡°White House?¡± Joseph seemed to be thinking about it, ¡°Isn¡¯t it in Washington DC?¡±


    part of H


    countryside


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. My daughters were talking about it. There is a small before themercial buildings¡® area and then there is a big superstore where¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Are you talking about White Pce? Joseph asked him.


    ¡°Pce?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s a kind of pce abandoned by a former businessman when he lost his son many years back. It is a piece of art ce. All painted and adorned in white.¡±


    Rafael held his phone tightly, ¡°Can you ask someone to connect me to him? Or can you talk to this businessman and ask him if he is interested in selling the property? After such a long time, I havee to know about something that¡¯s appealing to Marissa and Alex both.¡±


    ¡°Sure, man. I¡¯ll see what I can do,¡± Joseph was about to disconnect the call when Rafael stopped. him, ¡°Wait! Joseph!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°If they demand higher than the market price then please don¡¯t let it go. I need it, For the first time Joseph felt like Rafael sounded desperate.


    op

 Chapter 111

    111 111- Stop It, Rafael!


    Marissa wasughing to herself while walking in between the aisles. She always did either alone or by bringing only one child. D


    grocery


    It was Rafael who insisted that he would help with the girls and could easily handle their


    tantrums.


    The girls were too excited to shop forte¨Cnight snacks. Ariel also wanted to stay upte with Daddy.


    Marissa needed to shop for hermercial kitchen items and that was the reason when she saw the flour bag, she went for it.


    Her desired brand was ced on the top shelf. She lifted herself on her toes to reach for the bag when a hand got there before her, bringing it down with ease.


    ¡°Here it is!¡± Rafael ced it in the cart and then started steerin hand came to rest behind the small of her back.


    The girls were trailing behind them with a bored look.


    it with one hand as his other


    ¡°Can we go and buy sweets?¡± Abi asked her parents in a small voice. The shopping was supposed to be exciting just like they used to enjoy in the park. But now there didn¡¯t seem to be fun


    anymore.


    ¡°No, honey,¡± Marissa said while observing the cereal boxes, ¡°We already have lots of sweets at home.¡±


    Rafael looked over his shoulder and then came closer to Marissa.


    ¡°How about we let them go to that particr section with a cart or a basket? Let them have as many candies as they want.¡±


    Marissa opened her mouth to argue when he held her arm, ¡°Honey. Let them have some space,¡± he turned to look at their faces. They both were discussing something about a cereal picture. where the teenage boy was showing his muscles.


    ¡°I don¡¯t let them eat too many sweets, Rafael. It¡¯s not good for Abi,¡± She said in a low whisper. ¡°We won¡¯t let them eat anything without limits. They¡¯ll just shop and have fun. Once we get back home, we¡¯ll tell them about candy rules. What do you say?


    Don¡¯t look at him, Marissa. <i>He </i>is too sexy. Don¡¯t look at him!


    ¡°OK! Fine!¡± she turned to the girls, ¡°Take a basket. And we are going to talk about it once we


    home.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Mommy. Yayy!¡± Ariel squealed in delight.


    ¡°Mommy you are the best!¡± both the girls hugged her legs.


    are


    Rafael left her for a few minutes to ce the basket near the candy section and then came back.


    111 111¨CStop it, Rafaol!


    ¡°Abi! How about these big candies?¡± Ariel asked her sister excitedly and started cing them in the basket one after the other.


    ¡°Ariel! So many? Mom might get mad,¡± she saw Ariel cing different colored candies.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Daddy will take care of it. Nowe and help me, Abi,¡± Abigail happily went ahead and got hold of a few packs of chocte coated candies.


    ¡°Abi. Pick some lollipops too,¡± Ariel instructed her sister and started looking for gummy bears. ¡°Abi. I can¡¯t find any gummy bears here,¡± she made a cute pout, with her eyes wandering around. Just then her eyesnded on something, and she held Abi¡¯s frock, ¡°Look! It¡¯s heaven, Abigail!¡± Abigail frowned and then nced up at her sister, ¡°Heaven?¡±


    ¡°Yes, silly! Have you ever seen so many candies with so many vors anywhere, except on TV?¡± When Abi saw it, her mouth watered.


    ¡°Oh my God, Ariel. You are so right. Let¡¯s go there,¡± they started pushing their basket to that aisle and then stopped tiredly.


    ¡°Abi. You don¡¯t take tension. I can push it easily¡­ alone¡­ ch,¡± Ariel then used all her might and carried it to that section.


    ¡°Oh, Ariel. Chocte, banana, blueberry! Wow! Abigail started taking it off with great care. ¡°Abi. Try to put each vor!¡± she instructed her sister and got back to work.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Rafael asked her, but she didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Marissa! Talk to me!¡±


    ¡°Talk to you about what? Your flyer?¡± Rafael gave her a sheepish grin and sheughed. ¡°What were you even thinking?¡± she swerved the cart in time to avoid a disy section, nearly bumping her body into Rafael, who caught her with augh.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? I have been thinking about you,¡± they stopped in front of the spices section and there Marissa could feel women¡¯s eyes running hungrily on Rafael Sinir.


    Well! He seemed quite ustomed to it. He wasn¡¯t even aware that he was slowly bing the center of attraction for those females.


    Sigh! Lady killer!


    Even in that old blue t¨Cshirt and blue denim, he looked ssy. She tried her best to pick up her spice jars with record speed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move to that aisle. I need a few bags of rice,¡± she said and started moving ahead. The cart. had gotten heavy, <b>so </b>Rafael took it from Marissa and wheeling it behind her letting her take the lead.


    111 111¨CStop It, Rafaell


    ¡°So, my girl needs rice, flour, beans, and spices. But she doesn¡¯t want me. Huh!¡± Rafael rolled hist eyes and saw Marissa checking the bananas by pressing them with her fingers.


    She was already busy controlling her racing heart. My girl? Did he call her my girl?


    They were now in the fruit section.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Checking the ripeness,¡± she said it casually, and then her dirty mind made her eyes snap at him who was wiggling his brows yfully.


    ¡°Rafael! I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t say anything. Keep checking the ripeness of these while ignoring the one that wants to be inside that hot puss¡­ Ouch!¡± he rubbed his arm when Marissa pinched the skin.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Dirty mind you are!¡± Marissa¡¯s whispered, her tone turning sharp.


    ¡°I was talking about tampons, silly!¡± he pointed to the sanitary section that was at some distance.


    This time Marissa smacked his back.


    ¡°Uh. Keep hitting me. I¡¯ll call the police this time!¡± she covered her mouth to hide the mirth.


    ¡°Stop it, Rafael!¡± When she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, she came to him and took him by surprise with a hug.


    His arms were spread wide trying to absorb what just happened. He looked down at her head against his chest with a big grin and kissed it, enveloping her in a warm embrace.


    Once again, they had almost forgotten that they were standing in a public ce and were getting noticed.

 Chapter 112

    112 112- Ouch!


    Marissa peeked a little around his athletic and brooding figure to have a look. Thedi standing there now had a look of envy in their gazes. 1)


    Stop looking at my man<i>! </i>She warned them with a re.


    ¡°Excuse me¡± A girl in her early twenties approached her with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Marissa nodded at her good naturedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m new here and I would love to know you,¡± Marissa shrugged not knowing what to say. She always spent her life in a cocoon and never let anyone befriend her ore close to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, as you can see, I have a lot on my hands. My kids are already busy in another corner of the store.


    The girl didn¡¯t seem to mind, ¡°Sure. I have got a boy and I know how kids give tough times to their parents,¡± she said looking behind Marissa.


    ¡°Who is he?¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t like it when she saw how the girl was looking at Rafael. As if she wanted to eat him. She had the audacity of licking her lips as if Rafael was pressed between them.


    ¡°A friend!¡±


    ¡°Her husband!¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    she <b>and </b>Rafael spoke together.


    The girl passed a confused nce between the two.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. We are sort of¡­. in a hurry!¡± he offered a cold smirk to the girl. His one arm snaked around Marissa¡¯s waist and the other hand started pushing the trolley full of grocery


    items.


    The rest of the grocery shopping


    was done in peace. Rafael went once to have a look at the girls


    who were cing gummy bears in the basket.


    When the couple was pushing the cart to the counter Marissa¡¯s phone started ringing, ¡°Gerard?¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± he spoke, ¡°Are you somewhere out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. The usual grocery shopping. How are you.¡±


    ¡°Good. Marissa. I have a favor to ask, Marissa frowned at the request.


    ¡°Sure. Shoot!¡±


    ¡°Our tomorrow¡¯s date¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah. What about that?¡±


    ¡°Can we make it tonight if you don¡¯t have any problem?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Marissa gave a fleeting nce to Rafael who was fixing the cart in the long queue.


    1/3


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Marissa. But this is important. Mypany has assigned me a very vital project. It can boost my career¡­¡±


    For the next ten minutes, Marissa kept hearing his self¨Cpraise about how hardworking he was and how his bosses were too happy with him and so on.


    Marissa was trying hard to hold her yawn, ¡°Gerard. I need to go. It¡¯s almost my turn.¡±


    Yeah, sure. I¡¯ll pick you up at seven.¡±


    ¡°B¡­but¡­¡± he didn¡¯t listen to her and cut the call.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Rafael asked her.


    ¡°It was Gerard. He wanted to prepone the date tonight.¡±


    Rafael ced his hand on his hip. He couldn¡¯t even smile when his daughters brought the heavy basket and started transferring whatever stuff they had bought to the cart, ¡°Weren¡¯t you


    supposed to go with me?¡±


    ¡°I tried exining to him, Rafael, but he didn¡¯t give me a chance¡­¡± she trailed off.


    ¡°Then call him again and tell him that you are going with me tonight.¡±


    ¡°But you can take me tomorrow. No?¡±


    A mild argument was brewing up and was getting intense. Their daughters were giggling about something not aware of what was going between their parents.


    §à§á


    Their faces were beaming while their parents were fighting about date night.


    With a rigid face, Rafael started putting the stuff on the belt absentmindedly.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she ced her hand on his shoulder, but he stayed quiet. He didn¡¯t want to make a scene in front of the audience.


    A worker who found Rafael toozy, stepped ahead and started cing their grocery on the belt. The cashier kept scanning the prices while she was shaking Rafael¡¯s arm a little.


    ¡°I was the one who called him, Rafael now I¡¯ll look bad if I say no. Please.¡±


    He passed a hard look to the girl who was not making any effort to make him fall for her and still his body and soul had started yearning for her.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± she held his sleeve to look at her.


    ¡°Sir! Your bill!¡± the cashier¡¯s voice echoed through the hall, ¡°And you have purchased four hundred and thirty condoms too.¡±


    This time Marissa and Rafael both froze at their ce. There was silence in the hall now. The people in queues and close to the aisles were looking at them with shock and jealousy.


    ¡°I¡­ I have purchased what!¡± Rafael spun around to face the cashier, not realizing that Marissa who was holding his sleeve just a few minutes back had left it. She was now standing <b>as </b>if she didn¡¯t know him at all.


    ¡°These are your condom packs. They were in your cart,¡± he exined impatiently. Rafael looked


    ¡°I didn¡¯t buy them,¡± poor him was in shock.


    ¡°We bought them, Daddy!¡± Abigail said in excitement.


    ¡°Yes, daddy. There were so many vors. Strawberry for me, chocte for Alex, and banana for


    Flint.¡±


    Marissa held her upper lip in between her teeth so tightly that she was sure it could start bleeding any minute. It was extremely hard to control the mirth bubbling up in her chest.


    ¡°Daddy there are many more vors over there,¡± Ariel pointed randomly and pped her hands happily.


    With great courage, Rafael looked behind him and no customer seemed to be annoyed by the long wait.


    They all were enjoying the show.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Abi showed him, her puppy eyes, ¡°Can we buy more? Please? There are so many vors there. I wanted to ce more in the basket, but Ariel stopped me.¡±


    Rafael closed his eyes briefly, feeling the amused nces from other shoppers behind him. He signaled the cashier to remove it from their stuff.


    ¡°Yes, Abl. We can gift it to our friends too, who we meet in the park.


    There were now unmistakable chuckles and amused whispers from the people behind them.


    Marissa was having difficulty keeping her face straight.


    ¡°These couples nowadays! They know how to enjoy themselves!¡± An elderly man behind them. remarked making everyone chuckle.


    Ouch!


    This was the most embarrassing day of her life.

 Chapter 113

    113 113- Kate¡¯s ns


    Kate pushed open the apartment door, bncing her brown paper bags filled with bakery stuff against her hip as she came inside.


    The smell of fresh bread and pastries filled her small kitchen. She set the bags on the kitchen counter and sighed in relief.


    Heading to the fridge she took a bottle of ice water and glued it to her mouth instead of using the ss.


    After emptying almost half of the bottle, she ced it with a thud and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.


    Leaving behind the bread, she picked up the bags with pastries and croissants and started walking to the living room.


    Her kitchen was right at the entrance and after a small narrow passage, there was the living room. That was the reason she couldn¡¯t see Amir lounging on the couch, his feet up on the coffee table.


    He barely nced up from his phone as she entered the living room.


    ¡°Where were you exactly, she felt his tone a little usatory, but she didn¡¯t reply to him.


    She paused, took a deep breath, and went to her room quietly with the bags. He didn¡¯t even offer her to help. But there was nothing new about it.


    She began unpacking the bags and started cing croissants and assorted pastries on her nightstand.


    She became aware that he wasing after her in the room when she felt his soft footstepsThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    behind her.


    ¡°You never liked eating such stuff. Then why now?¡± Amir continued, his voice dripping with disdain, ¡°You know it¡¯s not good for your health.¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond and kept arranging the pastries neatly. Just yesterday she had bought a multiple floored tray stand for that purpose.


    Now cing all the bakery stuff was making it worthwhile.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me, what you were doing that morning in that hotel? Since when started keeping secrets from me?¡±


    you have


    Kate who was still busy arranging the croissants on the upper tray was taking her sweet time, as if this was the most important thing¡­ the only important thing to do.


    ¡°Kate. I¡¯m asking you something! What were you doing in that hotel?¡± he got a little louder and Kate¡¯s hands got still for a moment but then they again got busy with her task.


    He couldn¡¯t forget how she called him that day while crying. He was sleeping so peacefully in bed when he received her call.


    ¡°You need toe and get me, Amir. They aren¡¯t letting me go unless I pay them. She was crying hysterically,


    Amir¡¯s brain was already half asleep and half dead, and on top of it all, her shrill crying was giving him a headache.


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, tell me where you are, Kate. I¡¯lle and get you!¡± he snapped but all he wanted to do was kill her and go back to sleep.


    Lately, she had been acting strange. Like he wasn¡¯t enough for her. It felt like even his money couldn¡¯t satisfy her anymore.


    ¡°Can you hear me, Kate? You made me pay so much for that damn hotel room. Why were you even staying there? I tried talking to hotel people, but they weren¡¯t ready to share the


    information. Damn these big brand names and fu*ck we their secrecy.¡±


    In his rage, he wanted to destroy the world.


    He hated secrets.


    He was pacing around in the room like a madman, ¡°Money doesn¡¯t grow on trees, Kate, and you made me spend all my hard earned money on your little silly escapade!


    A sarcastic smirk appeared on Kate¡¯s face.


    Hard earned money? Funny!


    ¡°Kate. Listen to me!¡± he wanted to shake her hard but then controlled the urge and sat on the edge of the bed, ¡°My money is in question here, so I need to know what happened. I have the right to know, Kate. My money! My rules! I want to hear every damn detail. I hope you faithful to me and there is no fishy thing going on behind my back¡­¡±


    are


    He kept bbering about the same thing and by now Kate¡¯s ears hurt due to his constantining.


    It was the first time, he must have spent something big on her and he was being so stingy about


    <ol>


    <li>it.</li>


    </ol>


    She always spent her own money but if he was in the habit of making everything so big and so dramatic then maybe she needed to take a step back and have a look at their rtionship.


    His pettiness had started getting to her mind and she could feel the weight of his words. pressing down on her, but she remained silent..


    Instead of giving <b>him </b>any satisfaction with her response, she kept herself busy with the edibles she was arranging like a record holding sloth.


    She was d that at least Amir knew how it felt to witnessziness. Amir sighed loudly, clearly frustrated by herck of reaction. He got up from the edge of the bed and stalked out of the bedroom, mming the door behind him.


    Kate stood up, feeling happy that now she was alone in the bedroom.


    The rustling of paper bags appeared when she started crumbling the empty ones. She took a deep breath and picked up a caramel pastry bringing it near her mouth.


    113 113- Kate¡¯s ns


    ¡°You deserve it!¡± she told herself with a smile and put it in her mouth savoring the taste.


    ¡°Umm! Heaven<b>!</b>¡±


    She closed her eyes in bliss.


    Sitting on the bed, she opened herptop and started doing what she had been doing for the past few days ever since her return from that hotel.


    Looking for Valerie Sinir.


    She even contacted a few people on the inte who could provide her with Mrs. Sinir¡¯s contact number in return for a small fortune.


    But till now nobody had provided her any proof.


    ¡°Hello!¡± a chat appeared on the corner of herptop.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked with disinterest.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jake22. You wanted Valerie Sinir¡¯s number?¡± oh. Another liar!


    ¡°Yes. But you¡¯ll be paid only after confirmation. Not before that.¡± Obviously, she was ready to spend money on it.


    Jake22: ¡°Yeah. You can pay meter. Is it only Valerie or do you need Nina¡¯s number too?¡±


    ¡°Nina?¡± Kate frowned before typing.


    Jake22: ¡°Valerie¡¯s mother¨Cinw!¡±


    What would she do with Rafael¡¯s mom¡¯s number? She had seen her info on the inte. She was


    a businesswoman and didn¡¯t need her son¡¯s money at all.


    A well¨Cknown designer who was worshipped by several models¡­ And the whole fashion industry.


    Jake22: ¡°Valerie is Rafael¡¯s wife so it¡¯s rare if anyone can provide you the number. But Nina can easily give that. Just prove to her, that you are Valerie¡¯s friend, and she would give it just like


    that!¡±


    Jake22 was right. She should get Nina¡¯s number. In fact, she needed to have as many numbers as possible.


    What if I tell Nina about her grandson and then grab some money from her too? She thought with a smile and reached out to get another pastry. A strawberry ¨¦ir.


    After eating it, she licked her fingers, ¡°Fine. Tell me the price of Nina Sinir¡¯s private number.¡±

 Chapter 114

    114 114- Aunt Sophie¡¯s Promise


    Sophie was busy thinking about her next project. She was d that Marissa was getting her happiness back.


    They needed to spend more family time together to strengthen the bond.


    She smiled sadly when thought of Alex. After helping Flint with the cleaning now he was busy with his tab and making faces.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you join your family? Sophie stressed the words, ¡°Your family.


    Alex just shrugged and clicked his tongue, ¡°I had more important things to do,¡±


    Sophie closed herptop and went to sit beside him, ¡°And what can be more important than spending time with your family, Alex,


    When Alex didn¡¯t respond, she got to the floor to kneel and held his small figure, ¡°Are you not <b>liking </b>his presence<b>?</b>¡±


    Alex knew who she was talking about.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Aunt Sophie,¡± Sophie felt pity for the boy. A boy who was about to be four. Sometimes people around him used to forget that he was still a baby. A kid.


    He was intelligent with a higher IQ level than the normal kids around him. Marissa worked hard so that she could send her kids to good schools in the future.


    But for Alex, she wanted to do something special. To hire an expert trainer was one of them so that Alex could learn things and get a full schrship. He needed guidance with all that intelligence.


    He was not only mentally smart but emotionally too. But now Sophie wanted to break it.


    Enough of this four¨Cyear¨Cold stubbornness that matched the tantrum of a sixteen¨Cyear¨Cold teenager. She needed to talk to Marissa and Rafael about him.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she looked up when Alex said something, ¡°What did you say, Alex?¡±


    ¡°Will she forget about us?¡± Alex asked her innocently.


    ¡°Who?¡± Sophie¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, a note of concern creeping into her voice.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Alex replied quietly, his gaze fixed on her, ¡°Will she forget about us now? I know this doesn¡¯t make sense but¡­¡±


    *No, sweetie, Sophie held his little hands, ¡°Why do you think like that? She won¡¯t forget you.¡±


    Alex had now ced his tab aside and looked at Sophie.


    ¡°Alex. Your mom was all alone <b>in </b>all <b>this</b>. She had no one except me and Flint. Then she got you people. When you grow up, you¡¯ll realize what a partner or a spouse means to a person. He is usually one in all. Apanion. A friend. Everything. Don¡¯t you


    your mom will forget you? And don¡¯t dislike your father to ever bring this to your mind that


    Alev tried to savegamething when she raised her <b>indey </b>finger to ston him ¡°No <b>need </b><b>to </b>defend


    1


    C


    114 114- Aunt Sophie¡¯s Promise


    yourself when we all know that this is true. Your face shows it, Alex.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m scared Aunt Sophie,¡± his voice was barely above a whisper and Sophie¡¯s heart went out to him, ¡°I¡¯m scared for my mom. For my sisters¡­¡±


    ¡°No, sweetie. You are more scared because of you. You are scared that once you get attached to him, he might leave you again.¡±


    As a former gynecologist, she had handled enough cases to know all the stories of abandoned wives and moms. She knew what she was dealing with here.


    His silence was a telltale sign that she was damn right.


    ¡°Sweetheart. Whatever is in there,¡± she ced her finger on his chest over his little heart, ¡°just let it go, Alex. You need to wee your father with an open heart. Let¡¯s suppose that your gut feeling is right. Even if he is nning to dump you all, then that will be in the future. Right? You can¡¯t spoil your present because of a mere thought, son.¡±


    Alex nodded, his lips pursed tightly.


    ¡°Family is supposed to be your strength, your power. Do you want to check what it gives you? Just wait for your sisters and when you will see their happy and glowing faces then you¡¯ll realize what an incredible thing it is.¡±


    She held his face and looked lovingly at it, ¡°You need to open your heart and let that strength flow in. Let that power make its ce there, Alex. Please give it a chance. When your family¡­ yes, we are talking about your family. When they¡¯ll return then you¡¯ll see what an incredible gift God has bestowed upon you.¡±


    When the doorbell rang, Sophie got to her feet and held his small hand, ¡°Come on. Get up. You need to go to that door and wee your family with a big weing smile.


    Alexzily nodded and got up from the sofa. He went out of the living room with Sophie trailing


    behind him.


    She just wanted to keep an eye on him and kept her fingers crossed.


    ¡°I hope


    that your son epts this change wholeheartedly, Marissa,¡± She saw Alex unlocking the door and twisting the handle.


    However, when he opened the door, loud cries weed him. The forced smile on Alex¡¯s face was reced by a look of horror.


    He quickly moved aside when saw his sisters carried by Marissa and Rafael. Both the girls were crying their hearts out.


    ¡®L¡­ I wanted strawberry vor!¡± Abigail screamed at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°<b>And </b>I spotted Mangoes too. I wanted mangoes and bananas too! I want candies! I want them all!¡± Ariel seemed more out of control.


    Sophie who had <b>just </b>given the lecture on the importance of family seemed taken aback by the scene. The girls were happy when they left with their parents.


    Then what went wrong?


    114 114- Aunt Sophie¡¯s Promise


    vor


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Did they hurt themselves?¡± poor her was looking for some sign of injury or a bandage on their bodies.


    Both the parents looked tired after handling them.


    ¡°Marissa?¡± she asked her friend who was now sitting on the couch with Ariel on herp. She was just brushing her hand on her daughter¡¯s back to offer her somefort.


    While Rafael was taking a stroll in the room trying to cool off Abi.


    When Sophie noticed that both the parents were too tired to offer any exnations, she reached to the crying Ariel, ¡°Honey. Tell me. What happened?¡± she started fixing the girl¡¯s long


    hair.


    ¡°I¡­ I want candies! I want those candies! They didn¡¯t let me buy¡­ I want those¡­ I want only those¡­¡±


    Abigail who had gotten quiet after so much effort started crying again when heard Ariel¡¯s wailing, ¡°Daddy! THAT WAS MY FAVORITE!¡±


    She cremated again and Rafael again started stroking her back, ¡°Shh. I know, honey. I know!¡±


    He passed a helpless look to Marissa and then Sophie saw something strange. Amid all the chaos, Marissa stifled a grin and hid her face behind Ariel.


    A trace of a smile also appeared on Rafael¡¯s lips that he also concealed the same way as Marissa.


    What was going on between these two? Their daughters were crying and they were enjoying it? And why the hell they didn¡¯t let them buy¡­.


    ¡°You two are in trouble!¡± Sophie snarled and that got everyone¡¯s attention present in the room. Even the girls stopped crying for a moment.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t let them buy candies? Shame on you!¡± she then reached over to Ariel and took her from Marissa as right now she was more out of control due to constant crying.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my angels,¡± she cooed, ¡°I¡¯ll buy you the candies of your choice! I promise!¡± She said passing a warning re to the parents.

 Chapter 115

    115 115- Valerie¡¯s entry in MSin


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Ethan asked Valerie while having breakfast in the dining area of the hotel. Today they were supposed to leave this ce and fly off.


    Valerie stared at her coffee absent¨Cmindedly. Right now, her mind was numb. She had perfect nning to get a divorce and ditch Rafael.


    But now he was living with a woman who had kids?


    If he could ept someone else¡¯s kids, why couldn¡¯t he adopt kids while staying with her?


    He loved her. Right?


    Then why was he running after a woman who already had kids or maybe just had a single kid? Though she had nned to cut her ties with him, but now when she heard from Nina that he was really involved with someone, it made her ufortable.


    Rafael Sinir was a very picky person. He was always particr about how his eggs should look and how much his bread slices should be toasted.


    She was aware Nina was obsessed with a blonde daughter¨Cinw and blonde grandkids. That¡¯s why Valerie assumed that maybe Rafael also liked his girls, blonde.


    Was this woman blonde too<b>?</b>


    Ethan who was watching her with concern and curiosity, his fingers tapped lightly on the rim of


    his <b>own </b><b>cup</b><b>.</b>


    ¡°Are you sure you are ready for this step, Val<b>?</b>¡± He drew her attention towards him, ¡°Kanderton is not as exciting as you think. Plus, we don¡¯t know if he is there or not.¡±


    ¡°This time I want to believe Nina,¡± she said with a sigh, ¡°His location has not shown for the past. two days so maybe this time I should trust Nina instead of technology¡±


    She couldn¡¯t tell Ethan what she did to Rafael with the help of Nina. Ethan trusted her blindly.


    Ethan leaned back studying her for a moment, ¡°So are you going there to confront Rafael, or is this about that woman?¡±


    She nodded, trying to bring false pain in her eyes and fake sadness in her smile, ¡°Both! I need to catch them red¨Chanded. Once it is done, it will be easier to get a divorce.¡±


    No, Ethan. <i>I¡¯ll </i>straightaway go <i>to </i>that woman and let her know who the boss is. Who <i>Valerie </i>Sinir is.


    That is¡­ Mrs. Valerie Sinir


    I¡¯ll teach that woman <i>a </i><i>lesson</i>. <i>If </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t get Rafael, then <i>nobody </i><i>else </i>can! <i>If </i>he has met her in Kanderton then there is a very good chance that she must be working in MSin offices.


    It was very rare that Rafael would be attracted to a woman who was shopping in a store or changing her baby¡¯s nappies.


    No Te alurave loved career women <b>and </b>should he <b>having </b><b>a </b>fling with her


    115 116¨CValerie¡¯s entry in MSin


    Maybe, the woman knew that he badly wanted a baby that¡¯s the reason she came after him after telling him, her sob stories.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She must have tried to grab his attention by using her kid.


    ¡°I¡¯ll personally make sure that you get what you deserve, bitch. No matter who you are!¡± she gave a sarcastic smirk.


    Ethan who was observing her face, held her hand, ¡°Now what¡¯s this smile about?¡± he asked her gently and the smile quickly vanished from her face.


    ¡°Rx! I <b>know </b>you must be remembering the good times with him,¡± he put down his cup, ¡°Just do remember that whatever you decide, I¡¯ll be beside you, baby¡±


    They finished their breakfast in silence and went to their room to pack the bags.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we confirm the flight schedule first?¡± he asked folding his shirt and cing it in the


    suitcase.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use?¡± she started taking off her clothes from the wardrobe and almost dumped them on the bed, ¡°We can take the first avable flight. I need to be there as soon as possible and get


    done with it.¡±


    She liked Ethan. He was smart, handsome, and wealthy. She was ted when he expressed his


    love to her.


    But now?


    Her heart was longing for Rafael. It wanted the forbidden fruit.


    Ethan closed his suitcase and then looked at her, ¡°All done. By the way,¡± he walked over to her, ¡°Do you think this woman knows you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. If she works in his office, then a little bit of the background check on the inte


    is good looking and I¡¯m sure all his female and male employees must have searched about him.¡±


    does tell one about his boss. Rafany


    Ethan pulled her into a hug, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As I said. I¡¯ll be by your side. Just stop getting depressed about it. Nothing is more important than your mental health and your happiness.¡±


    Valerie could only nod. The thought of facing her husband was giving her heart palpitations but she had to do it. She needed to do it.


    ¡°Flight is on time, Ethan informed her, ¡°but it¡¯s in the evening and is the only flight avable today. The next flight is tomorrow morning. If you <b>want</b>, we can go back to the hotel and¡­¡±


    Valerie started shaking her head, ¡°No. That¡¯s <b>fine</b>, Ethan,¡± she said removing her jacket from the other seat to make room for him.


    The airport was buzzing with people and crying children. Every child was reminding Valerie of that woman¡¯s kid.


    <


    115 115- Valerie¡¯s entry in MSin


    What if I adopt a baby and then lure Rafael back into the rtionship?


    She thought to herself.


    She turned to Ethan who was scrolling his phone when a thought crossed her mind, ¡°Ethan. You should go home if you¡¯re not interested in apanying me.¡±


    When she saw the surprise on his face, she nodded, ¡°I <b>don¡¯t </b>want to drag you into my problems, Ethan. I¡¯m sorry for that.¡±


    ¡°Now don¡¯t be silly!¡± Ethan drew her closer for a hug, ¡°I¡¯m not a baby and I¡¯m here with my consent. I¡¯m here because I want to stay with you. When everything is within our reach then we can¡¯t give up on each other.¡±


    He got back and ced aforting hand on her shoulder, ¡°Stop worrying about me. Just focus on the issue at hand.¡±


    Valerie nodded and got back a little, ¡°I need coffee.¡±


    As expected, Ethan stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll bring you one.¡±


    Valerie saw him walking away while her mind was on Rafael. All her life she kept bossing around Marissa, and it used to give her immense pleasure.


    She missed her sister. The desperate look Marissa used to give her when she and Rafael were together was undeniably satisfying for her heart.


    ¡°Whoever you are,¡± she talked to that stranger woman who was in Rafael¡¯s life, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to make your life a living hell. I¡¯ll personally see to it. How dare you try to eye my man. Rafael Sinir is mine and no one is allowed to stay with him. He loves me and wille back to me, once I show him my puppy eyes. And you, woman<b>! </b>Let me make my entry in MSin Industries. Once I¡¯m there, I¡¯ll let you know who the boss is. Dear MSin Industries. The real owner is arriving to teach everyone a lesson. Let me meet all the employees. Kanderton City! Here Ie and dere back what is rightfully mine.¡±


    And, Ethan? Sorry. But you need to act as my pawn, love.

 Chapter 116

    116 116- Nina¡¯s Entry In MSin


    ¡°Come here!¡± Nina asked Geena wiggling her index finger<b>, </b>¡°Tired?¡±


    She examined Geena¡¯s face carefully. The girl who was nning to chill on the weekend by watching movies with the next¨Cdoor guy who had a crush on her, was now putting two different colored cloth pieces together for Nina, to decide the perfectbination.


    ¡°Do you have a fever?¡± Nina asked Geena like a stern boss whose frail hands were shivering now. Since morning she couldn¡¯t eat anything after her light breakfast and was now starving to death. She shook her head trying to mask the frustration, ¡°N¡­no, Nina. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Nina huffed ncing at the piece she was holding up, ¡°You call this fine! Look at these colors. Thebination is horrible. Where¡¯s your sense of style today?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Geena wanted to remind the old bratty woman that she was her secretary, not her designer. She bit her lip, resisting the urge to snap back, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll try to do better!¡±


    Nina¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°I don¡¯t need apologies, Geena. I want results. You are young and are expected to be more energetic than me, and now¡­¡± she gestured towards her body, ¡°look at you. Who gets a pale face by an asional weekend task?¡±


    The poor girl picked up another swatch, holding it next to the original piece, ¡°How about this


    one?¡±


    Nina made a pout, tilting her head, ¡°Hmm. Better. But not perfect,¡± she raised her eyes to look at the girl, ¡°Where is your mind today?¡±


    Geena rolled her eyes inwardly. She used to enjoy Nina¡¯spany but didn¡¯t know she could turn into a nasty prick on weekends.


    ¡°I¡¯m focused, Nina. I just need a moment¡­¡±


    ¡°Moment?¡± Nina pped her hand on her desk and got to her feet, ¡°You need a moment when the deadline is approaching? Do you know, I¡¯m paying you above the market rate? Nobody pays better than me and here you are telling me that you need a moment when all I want to do is take. you to the new heights!¡±


    Like a fool, Geena nodded.


    With an empty belly, she didn¡¯t want to understand those new heights. All she wanted to do was go to that new height right there and push Nina hard from that height.


    Looking down, she frowned when sensed Nina walking towards her.


    Just a few more minutes <i>of </i>this lecture then I¡¯ll grab something to eat. She thought to herself when her stomach started making rumbling sounds.


    ¡°Are you a virgin, Geena?¡± Nina¡¯s question caught Geena off guard. Instead of answering her, she kept looking at her boss¡¯s face.


    Did she actually ask the question, or was she imagining it due to starvation mode?


    I AL


    1/3


    116 116¨CNam¡¯s Entry in MSin


    touched her down there and she hissed near her face, ¡°I asked you a simple question. Are you <b>a</b>


    virgin?¡±


    Geena thought she had turned into a block of ice. Nina¡¯s hand was still ced there. Right on. her <b>va</b><b>*</b><b>gina</b>.


    She swallowed hard and made eye contact with her boss.


    ¡°Ver¡­ I¡­ I <b>am</b><b>¡­ </b>actually¡­ this¡­¡± incoherent words left her mouth. But then she thought it was better not to speak anything and just nodded her head.


    ¡°Hmm. Good!¡± she took a sigh of relief when Nina¡¯s hand moved away, ¡°You are a rare jewel and Rafael will definitely like it.¡±


    The skin between Geena¡¯s eyes knitted into several lines. What does Rafael Sinir have to do with my vi*rginity? She thought to herself.


    Poor girl didn¡¯t know there was another shock in store for her. Nina¡¯s hands moved to her small bo*obs and pressed them.


    Geena felt someone had stolen her breath, leaving her gasping for air. Her boss was touching her without her consent.


    She didn¡¯t know why she wanted to gag. Due to hunger or due to this sickly nonconsensual touching.


    ¡°<b>Hmm</b>. They are firm!¡± Nina remarked and then stepped back, ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you feel vited. But Sinir¡¯s daughter¨Cinw should be perfect in every aspect.¡±


    Sinir¡¯s daughter¨Cinw? Was Nina crazy?


    ¡°Nina¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°You can go now!¡± Nina dismissed her with a careless wave of her hand, ¡°Pack your bags. If you remember it was in your job description to travel along with your boss.¡±


    ¡°Wh¡­where are we going?¡± she said with quite a difficulty.


    A sudden smile broke on Nina¡¯s lips, <b>¡°</b>Kanderton. We are going to Kanderton, sweetie.¡±


    ¡°But your uing fashion week¡­.¡± Nina didn¡¯t let her continue and chuckled.


    ¡°That can wait, Geena. Right now, we need to take the first avable flight to Kanderton. Go home and pack your bags. I¡¯ll let you know about the flight timings.¡±


    Geena silently turned around and left the room in a daze.


    Nina rested her head against her seat.


    She was Rafael¡¯s mother and knew there was something fishy going on in Kanderton. She needed to dig deep.


    Her son lied to her that he was living in a hotel. She visited the MSin website of the Kanderton branch where there were supposed to be official contact numbers listed.


    But the link wasn¡¯t opening. Every time it used to give the message that the link was under


    maintenance or it was clown


    116 116- Nina¡¯s Entry In MSin


    She couldn¡¯t call an employee from here. Otherwise, an employee could easily give her an update if the woman was working for MSin Kanderton.


    She needed to go and see for herself.


    Who was this woman? Was she working in MSin?


    Why was her kid calling Rafael, daddy?


    If this woman was nning to take over MSin along with Rafael¡¯s heart then she was mistaken. Valerie was a fool who didn¡¯t focus enough on Rafael and let him go. This time Nina would train Geena in such a way that Rafael wouldn¡¯t be able to even look at any other woman.


    A timid daughter¨Cinw meant that Nina could keep an eye on their every move.


    <i>I¡¯ll </i>go to Kanderton, and I¡¯ll <i>visit </i>the <i>MSin </i>office. <i>If </i><i>that </i>woman works there then <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>show </i>her who the boss <i>is</i>.


    <i>She </i>must <i>have </i>forgotten <i>about </i><i>her </i>poverty<i>, </i>but I¡¯ll not <i>only </i><i>remind </i>her, but <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>snub </i><i>her </i>for <i>making </i><i>my </i><i>son </i>adder <i>to </i><i>climb </i>to <i>a </i><i>good </i>social <i>status</i>.


    <i>No</i><i>, </i><i>baby </i><i>girl</i><i>!</i>


    Whoever <i>you </i><i>are</i><i>. </i>You are <i>still </i><i>a </i><i>baby </i><i>in </i><i>this </i>game<i>.</i>


    Dear <i>MSin </i><i>Industries</i>. <i>The </i>real <i>owner </i>is <i>arriving </i><i>to </i>teach everyone a lesson. Let me meet all the employees. Kanderton <i>City</i><i>! </i><i>Here </i><i>I </ie <i>and </i>dere back <i>what </i><i>is </i><i>rightfully </i>mine.

 Chapter 117

    117 117- His Phone Number


    Sophia was still fuming at Marissa and Rafael. The innocent angels just wanted their favorite brands of candies.


    Why so much strictness on candies?


    Yes, she knew she was not their mom. But she was their aunt. She might not be allowed to make decisions for them, but aunts were supposed to spoil their nephews and nieces.


    She pped on the steering wheel in frustration and looked ahead.


    She was on her way to the superstore when spotted a convoy of trucksden with the whitest wood nks and a few elegant pieces of white furniture, <b>heading </b>towards the way that led to White Pce.


    ¡°Shoot! Is it sold? No way!¡± She needed to tell this to Marissa and picked up her phone abruptly but then she reminded herself that she was mad at her friend. Those sweetest kids had gotten a loaded daddy, and he couldn¡¯t even buy them sweets.


    Pathetic!


    And why were theyughing secretly as if I was also a kid?


    Without a second thought, she veered her car sharply onto a side road, following the trucks. She was very much interested to see what changes the new owners were making to it.


    She and Marissa had spent almost five years in Kanderton, and this White Pce had been their favorite. During Marissa¡¯s pregnancy days, they used toe here a lot. Marissa used to look at it and tell her that one day she wanted to build a simr house for her kids.


    There were so many memories with the White House, a house that stayed without an owner for


    <b>so </b>many years.


    After reaching the sight, she killed the engine <b>and </b>got out of the car. Today the giant gates of the pce were opened, and anyone could have a clear view of thewns and gardens. A big garage was also there on the side of the property.


    ¡°What if I talk to theborers and ask them to let me bring my friend for once? I can give Marissa


    a tour of the house.¡±


    She walked ahead in a trance, looking around, when she spotted a handsome man amidst all theborers who were trying to talk to him at once.


    He was giving some instructions to the headborer, making wild gestures with his hands. Dressed in a cream colored branded shirt and ck dress pants, he was a distinguished looking man. His eyes were covered behind dark shades.


    However, his movements halted midway when he found her standing there observing them.


    ¡°<b>Yes</b>?¡±


    All the workers turned to look at her making her a little uneasy.


    <ol>


    <li>1.</li>


    </ol>


    117 117¨CH Phone Number


    He muttered something to those workers and then walked up to her, ¡°Yes. It¡¯s sold.¡±


    He ced his hands in his pockets, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ my family¡­ we all like it so much¡­ I just wanted to meet someone who is rted to the owners, her eyes were darting around taking in the outdoor beauty of the house, and then went to his face, ¡°Are you the owner?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t maintain the smile when felt his eyes turning a little intense, ¡°Sort of


    She nodded and her mind started racing.


    How to ask him if he is single or in a rtionship? No doubt, he was a good looking man.


    Think of it, Sophie. Think hard!


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡­ I am a gynecologist¡­¡± she informed him, and he didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I just wanted to tell you this¡­ if¡­ if you have a wife¡­ a pregnant wife or a pregnant girlfriend. then I¡¯ll be very happy to help you¡±


    A trace of smile touched his lips and a knowing look crossed his facial features.


    ¡°Nice try!¡± he whispered.


    She couldn¡¯t even see his eyes and didn¡¯t know what their color was.


    ¡°Sorry? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m single,¡± atst he took off his shades and Wohoo!


    Blue eyes.


    ¡°Oh, good to know, she reached out to hold his hand. He raised a brow and looked down at her hand that she quickly pulled back, ¡°I mean if there is anyone¡­ in your life¡­ who you get pregnant¡­ I¡¯ll be there¡­ for you¡­¡±


    Shit!


    Goodness! What was the matter with her? Why was she stuttering so badly? Come on, Sophie!


    You. Are. A damn. Doctor! <i>Get </i>a <i>grip</i><i>. </i>She scolded herself.


    She quickly tucked her hair strands behind her car.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I think I should leave,¡± She tried to act somberly and turned around to walk away.


    Jerk! He could have asked for my contact number. Fine! I also don¡¯t want such lousy men in my


    life.


    She headed to her car when he called her from behind, ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡± Sophie smiled but didn¡¯t turn.


    around.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Your phone¡­!¡± the moment he said the words she spun around trying to control the big shaky


    grin.


    ¡°Yes. My phone number? I don¡¯t remember¡­


    117 117- His Phone Number


    He started shaking his head, this time with a small grin, ¡°No, ma¡¯am. Your phone. You have dropped it.¡±


    When she saw him in confusion, he came closer and knelt to pick up her phone..


    ¡°Oh,¡± her mouth made a small O, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize when¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± he said gently, ¡°Let me walk you to your car.¡±


    ¡±


    Sophie didn¡¯t try to smile this time. Her car wasn¡¯t far away, it was just a few steps away.


    Like a gentleman, he opened the car door for her, ¡°May I know your name?¡± Sophia¡¯s heart


    missed <b>a </b>beat.


    ¡°Sophie¡­ Sophia¡­¡±


    ¡°So, Dr. Sophia. Can I invite you for coffee or dinner someday? And please I need your contact details too,¡±


    Sophia this time chuckled shaking her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± She wanted to tell him that she wasn¡¯t a despo.


    He understood.


    ¡°I know,¡± he held the door open as she settled into the car, ¡°Safe travels.¡±


    Sophia rolled down the window after he closed the door, ¡°Thanks, mister. By the way, who are.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    you?¡±


    ¡°My friend purchased this property for his beloved wife,¡± he replied with a warm smile, ¡°I¡¯m Joseph,¡±


    ¡°Nice meeting you, Mr. Joseph,¡±


    With that Sophia gently moved the car forward and nced in the rearview mirror.


    Joseph was still standing there, their gazes met for a moment before she looked ahead again.


    ¡°Damn!¡± she cursed under her breath, ¡°I forgot to take his phone number. Just die, Sophie!¡±

 Chapter 118

    118 118- Forgotten Date


    +139


    At night, the kids slumbered soundly when Aunt Sophie brought them more bags of candies. They were still mad at their parents who didn¡¯t listen to them but still imed to love them.


    Marissa was looking out of the living room window when two strong hands wrapped around her waist from behind. With a smile, she rested her head on the chest.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± She felt his lips on her neck but didn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°That we should start a condom business,¡± his body started shaking with mirth when he heard that. Marissa also shook her head in exasperation, ¡°These kids!¡±


    ¡°Yeah. These kids,¡± he turned her into his arms and kissed her forehead, ¡°these kids and their


    mom. Both are awesome.¡±


    ¡°Agree!¡± she said with a yful roll of her eyes, ¡°But condoms are the best!¡± she remarked with a giggle, and he again startedughing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. I sent them alone in that section because I wanted to give them freehand. They¡¯ll sure discover much more once they grow up,¡±


    She started teasing the garment of his t¨Cshirt, ¡°For example?¡±


    ¡°For example, once they are mature enough, I might ask them to visit MSin offices and get training. After all, they are the ones who have to take care of my business.¡±


    He touched her hair strands twisting it around his finger. He meant to look down for a moment but then saw this little pout of her mouth which was partially opened, ¡°Your lips¡­¡±


    Marissa frowned and quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, ¡°Something there? Is it cleaned now?¡±


    He swallowed and looked at those plumpy treats, ¡°No. It¡¯s still there. Let me clean it,¡± he said in a hoarse whisper and when she tried to speak, his lips were already tasting them.


    Marissa¡¯s hands were t against his chest, and she was responding to the kiss with equal fervor.


    Whenever he was around, she could feel the dampness between her legs but today she was feeling much more than just that delicious wetness.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he leaned his forehead against hers not aware what to speak. These sudden alien feelings were too much to handle.


    He didn¡¯t want to give her the impression that he was taking advantage of the situation. When he woulde close to her that wouldn¡¯t be without her consent.


    Her body might be willing to do it now, but he would never be able to bear it if she would regret


    itter.


    ¡°Why such a short kiss?¡± she asked him, panting.


    ¡°Sorry?¡± He pulled back with a frown, ¡°what did you say?¡±


    118 118 Forgotten Date


    ¡°I said the kiss was short, dummy!¡± Rafael chuckled and held her face.


    ¡°We are bing confident. Aren¡¯t we?¡± he captured her lips again first softly and then bit her lower lip a littl


    ¡°Umm,¡± she moaned in his mouth and moved closer to him until her vagina wanted to grind into his crouch.


    His mind must have registered it because his hand automatically moved to her hip, holding i possessively and pulling her more to him.


    it


    ¡°Rafael¡­¡± she tried to speak his name only to realize that his tongue was in her mouth as a result an animalistic sound released out of her throat.


    Their eyes were still closed when someone started pping close to them..


    ¡°Bravo! After making their girls upset, parents are celebrating!¡± Sophia wasn¡¯t looking at them, but they didn¡¯t miss her red blotchy face after witnessing their intimate kissing.


    ¡°God!¡± Rafael pulled Marissa¡¯s head to him with a chuckle<b>, </b>¡°Aunt Sophie! We love you!¡±


    Taken aback, Sophia eyed Rafael thinking he must have lost his mind. He finally let go of Marissa after kissing her check <b>and </b>walked up to Sophie.


    ¡°A woman who is so caring towards my kids, he held her hands, ¡°I wish she finds the best in this world,¡± he said sincerely.


    ¡°L¡­ L¡­ ah thank you¡­¡± Sophie said shyly, ¡°Before dr off to sleep, the girls were again


    ¡°Oh, Sophie, Rafael pinched her nose, ¡°they were after condoms.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. As a father you should have¡­ they were after what? her jaw was hung open and she turned to Marissa who was trying to suppress her smile with a nod.


    ¡°He is right! And don¡¯t ask us how we felt when the cashier informed us that we were buying four hundred plus of that stuff in every fu*cking vor!¡±


    Covering her mouth, Sophia startedughing like crazy.


    ¡°Oh, God! My babies wanted condoms? Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Thankfully that guy didn¡¯t ask for our contact numbers, they usually want that for promotional stuff¡­¡± Rafael said and that reminded Sophie about Joseph.


    ¡°Yeah. I also forgot to ask someone¡¯s contact number,¡± she mumbled theint. Rafael, who was standing close by tapped her head with his finger.


    ¡°What are you muttering, girl.¡±


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Sophie gave him an over¨Cbrightened smile and looked at Marissa, ¡°remember the White Pce that we loved a lot?¡±


    When Marissa nodded, Sophie smiled sadly.


    ¡°It¡¯s sold. I saw workers there, making some transformations to the property.¡±


    118 118


    118 118- Forgotten Date


    Rafael slowly started moving away as if avoiding this conversation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mar. I just hope to God those changes are not too big¡±


    Sophie was dying to talk to Marissa about that dude. She was waiting to be alone with her. Though now she shared a good rtionship with Rafael but that was still not enough to share with him how attracted she felt to a man.


    Rafael went to a chair to sit on it and started scrolling his phone.


    ¡°He is staying here more,¡± Sophie bumped her shoulder to Marissa¡¯s, ¡°What is going on between you two?¡± Sophia wiggled her brows making her chuckle.


    ¡°Nothing is going on. It¡¯s the weekend and he wants to spend his maximum time with kids,¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡­¡± Sophie rolled her eyes with a fake yawn, ¡°I know how close he is getting to kids¡­ and you too,¡± she again bumped their shoulders.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Marissa stole a nce towards Rafael while whispering to Sophie, ¡°he might hear us.¡±


    Marissa was about to smack her arm when heard the doorbell.


    Sophia went to get the door and Marissa¡¯s gaze moved to Rafael who raised his face to look at her. For a moment their eyes met, and he winked before that same killer grin appeared on his


    face.


    He didn¡¯t get busy on the phone anymore and ced his hand dramatically on his chest over his


    heart.


    Marissa couldn¡¯t believe it. The rudest man on earth who was also the CEO of a multinational


    was acting like a teenager.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    The spell was broken by Sophie, ¡°Marissa. It¡¯s Gerard. He says he is here to pick you up for the d/or date.


    Ouch.


    Marissa hadpletely forgotten about the date.

 Chapter 119

    119 119¨CSophie Was Right


    With shivering hands, Kate opened her email and there it was. The contact details of Nina Sinir. The person Jake22 seemed like a genuine guy.


    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± She typed the message to <b>him</b>.


    1


    Just this morning, she transferred some funds to his ount and now instead of running away like others, he provided her with all the necessary details.


    ¡°Thank you Jake22,¡± She edited the email and sent it to him.


    This person had provided her with details about Nina, her house where she was currently residing in Sangua, and her office.


    <i>When </i><i>should </i><i>I </i>call her? Now? Or <iter</i>?


    Maybe instead of talking to her, she should first confirm if it was the genuine number. She had watched a few interviews of Nina Sinir on the inte.


    After punching the required numbers on her phone, she waited. A voice came through the phone. This voice matched with the voice she had heard in the interviews.


    ¡°Hello! Who is this¡­¡± the voice asked her and then it seemed to talk to someone else in the room, ¡°Geena. Please be a sweetheart and bring me some coffee,¡± then her voice appeared more focused, ¡°Hey. Why have you called me if you are not interested in talking, motherfu*cker¡­¡±


    Oops!


    Kate quickly disconnected the phone, her hand was ced on her chest trying to control her speeding heartbeat.


    There was another mail from Jake22 on herptop screen.


    ¡°Better don¡¯t call her from your personal number if you want to stay safe.¡±


    What! Kate didn¡¯t think of it before.


    ¡°Either call her from a PCO or your office where you work.¡±


    Jake22 sounded smart.


    How <i>about </i><i>I </i><i>call </i><i>Nina </i>from the <i>office </i>and tell her about Marissa and <i>her </i>illegitimate grandkids?


    Ha¨Cha.


    She thought with amusement.


    In this way, no one would ever be able to catch her. Or she could be smarter by cing the call from Marissa or Dean¡¯s official phones.


    How about that?


    Kate felt giddiness in her belly. The feeling that soon she would be a rich brat and could keep everyone around her on their toes.


    <i>The </i><i>first </i>thing <i>I¡¯ll </i>do after getting <i>rich</i>¡­ <i>will </i><i>be </i>to discard <i>Amir</i>!


    could find was just some leftover crumbs.


    Oh, man. This means I again must walk to that bakery!


    Standing up, she put on a jacket and went out. Thankfully, Amir wasn¡¯t home, and it felt good.


    Just let me go to the office on Monday and then everyone¡¯s life will be changed forever.


    Just one phone call to Nina and another to Valerie. Jake22 had promised to provide her with Valerie¡¯s details too.


    Nina and Valerie<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>love </i>you <i>both</i>. <i>See </i>you soon! Ha¨C<i>ha</i>.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I forgot!¡± Marissa said cing her palm on her forehead. She didn¡¯t want to look behind as she could feel his eyes on her.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Sophie nced at Rafael who had gotten busy with his phone but the nerve in his jaw had started ticking, ¡°You are going on a date with him when your husband is home and<b>¡­</b><b>¡± </b>Sophia hissed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Ok?¡± Marissa looked over her shoulder, ¡°Rafael. It was an honest mistake.¡±


    Rafael didn¡¯t speak and shrugged not bothering to answer her.


    ¡°Sophie. Ask Gerard to wait for five minutes. I¡¯ll be ready in a jiffy,¡± She held Sophie¡¯s shoulders and then dashed inside her room.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Yes, she felt bad for Rafael, but she should have called Gerard and said no. Now sending him away just like that didn¡¯t look nice.


    With supersonic speed, she opened her wardrobe and got hold of the first thing she could get her hands on.


    It was a red dress somewhat a vibrant shade of crimson. She went to the bathroom and came


    out wearing it with her hair tied in a bun.


    After applying minimal makeup, she took one look at herself in the mirror and left the room. Rafael was still upied with his phone. Her own phone had started ringing.


    It was Gerard. She typed a message for him,


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for this. Just give me two more minutes.¡±


    His reply was quick, ¡°Take your time!¡± with a smiling emoji.


    Exhaling a long breath she went to Rafael, ¡°Rafael¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rafael looked up and found her standing there looking breathtaking in that red dress. The dress hugged her curves in all the right ces.


    The sleeveless showcased her not so toned arms, while the V¨Cneckline added a touch of elegance yet not overly revealing.


    ¡°Fu*ck!¡± he cursed under his breath and stood up.


    119 119¨CSophie Was Right


    for me and¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I know. He was there for you,¡± surprisingly the edge in his voice was missing, ¡°and I wasn¡¯t. I get that, Marissa.¡±


    He held her hands in his warm ones, ¡°I must be the first husband who is sending his wife on a date. Dammit!¡± he tried to make the light of it with a chuckle, ¡°and let me tell you this.¡±¡±


    His hand brushed away the single droplet from her cheek, ¡°Now stop spoiling your makeup,¡± he warned softly.


    This time Marissa let out a teary chuckle. Sophie who was standing close by, witnessed it all in


    <b>awe</b>.


    Their chemistry. Their bond.


    When she was a practicing doctor, she used to meet couples who used to be either madly in love, or shared a friendly rtionship, or were poles apart.


    But this kind of couple was rare. They both were fools not to realize that they were made for each other<b>.</b>


    However, Sophie wasn¡¯t nning to tell them this. Let them figure it out..


    She saw when Rafael reached behind Marissa¡¯s head and took out the stic band that had her hair secured in a bun. The ck locks fell on her shoulders covering her back, ¡°You look more beautiful with your hair down,¡± he whispered.


    Take some burn<i>, </i>you <i>two</i>! Sophia thought smiling to herself, take your own sweet <i>time </i><i>but </i><i>don¡¯t </i>forget toe back to each other.


    ¡°What are you happy about?¡± she straightened and looked around only to find Marissa gone and Rafael staring at her with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°She¡­. She has gone¡­¡± Sophie asked like a silly school kid.


    ¡°Yes. She has gone,¡± he smiled sadly, ¡°but don¡¯t worry. She wille back to me if it¡¯s bound to happen.¡±


    He remarked ruffling her hair with affection. Sophia saw him picking up his jacket.


    ¡°You are leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. My kidneys and liver are sleeping, and my heart is out on a date with a guy,¡± Heughed. at his own joke, but it didn¡¯t have humor in it.


    Sophie wanted to cry when Rafael walked out of that door.


    You <i>both </i>are fools and need to open your eyes. Otherwise, someone else might <i>take </i><i>advantage </i>of

 Chapter 120

    120 120- Super Girl


    Sophie was still feeling bad for Rafael. She understood Marissa¡¯s point of view too. Gerard might be an uptight man, but he was there when Marissa wanted to promote her small cooking business. He even bucked her up and encouraged her to hire help.


    The man managed to find cooking orders from his office to support Marissa.


    But this strange pang of sadness due to Rafael was too much for her. It almost made her feel


    empty.


    Not knowing, what to do with her time, she wandered aimlessly around her apartment. The only way to distract herself was to make herself some popcorn and watch a movie.


    After a few minutes, the buttery aroma was filling up the kitchen. Humming to herself, she brought the big bowl of popcorn and switched on the TV


    While settling herself on the couch, she flipped through the channels to find something worth watching.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Out of nowhere the image of Joseph popped into her mind.


    <i>I </i>wish I had <i>taken </i><i>his </i>phone number. I am a noob<i>!</i>


    She told herself and closed her eyes resting her head back. However, she groaned when she heard the doorbell.


    ¡°Urgh. Why every time I have to get that damn door!¡± she muttered to herself and reached the door while stomping her feet on the floor, ¡°You?¡±


    Nothing had prepared her to see Rafael standing at the door.


    ¡°You are back!¡± Frowning in confusion she regarded him, who was holding a six¨Cpack of beer and an assortment of some crisps <b>and </b>snacks.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± her brows knitted together in surprise not realizing that she was asking him silly questions instead of letting him in.


    He gave her a lopsided grin and shrugged, ¡°Why?¡± he then didn¡¯t wait for her to give the way and walked past her, their shoulders brushing slightly, ¡°Rx. I was just away to buy these¡±


    ¡°Watching movie? Eh?¡± he asked ncing at the TV screen, ¡°That too a romantic one?¡± she saw him taking most of the space on the couch until he decided to make some room for her.


    ¡°Yes. Was just about to start,¡± he started arranging all the snacks on the coffee table, ¡°I also made popcorn,¡± she showed him the popcorn bowl.


    ¡°Perfect!¡± he took out two beer bottles from the pack and picked up the rest of the package, ¡°I better put it in the fridge.¡±


    Sophie was looking <b>at </b>his face for some sign of sadness or if he was still upset.


    ¡°Stop scrutinizing my face. I know I¡¯m gorgeous!¡± he said taking back his ce on the couch beside her.


    120 120¨CSuper Girl


    She rolled her eyes and increased the volume. The movie hero was saying some sweet words to the female lead and all Sophie wanted to do was pull her hair.


    And the worst thing? The name of the lead character was also Joseph.


    ¡°More beer?¡± Rafael asked her when her eyes were glued to the screen.


    ¡°Huh?


    ¡°I asked you if you want more beer¡­¡± Sophie looked at her hand that was holding the empty beer bottle, she had finished in just a few chugs.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± she nodded absentmindedly and looked back at the screen where the man on the screen was kissing the female senselessly.


    ¡°Sophie!¡± she jerked straight when found him standing there offering the bottle. But the next thing he did was pick up the remote and switch off the TV.


    ¡°Hey!¡± she protested and tried to snatch the remote control from his hand.


    ¡°What!¡± he quickly took it out of her reach, ¡°You aren¡¯t watching it anyway.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she snapped.


    ¡°Your mind is not on the movie, Sophie. Tell me what it is,¡± He demanded but she just picked up the popcorn bowl and started filling her fist transferring everything to her mouth like a starved <b>dog</b>.


    ¡°Switch on the movie, Rafael. She asked him, pushing more popcorn into her mouth. She observed him with the corner of her eye and turned to him, ¡°Switch it back, Rafael Sinir.¡±


    ¡°Tell you what. This movie is depressing me!¡± he said, and she realized he must also be going through tough time.


    ¡°How about¡­¡± he leaned forward a little, mischief evident in his eyes, ¡°we do something more


    fun!¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡± her curiosity was piqued now.


    ¡°How about a match? Where are your consoles, girl? Go get them!¡±


    Her eyes snapped to his face, with shock etching her features, ¡°Mario Kart?¡±


    Rafael shook his head, ¡°Something more challenging,¡± he thought for a moment, ¡°Do you have Call of Duty installed?¡± he asked hopefully, and she whooped in excitement,


    ¡°Hell, yes. Marissa usually loses that game¡­ just like others,¡± She quickly got hold of her remote to find the installed games in her smart TV


    ¡°Uh? Does Marissa lose? Try to beat me at it, girl!¡± Rafael retorted while raising a challenging eyebrow at her.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Sophic smirked, ¡°Well. Challenge epted, boy!¡±


    After a few minutes, they had almost forgotten their sadness. The game was loading, and they


    < 120 120- Super Girl


    They quickly selected their characters and game mode.


    ¡°Ready to lose?¡± Rafael taunted her yfully, ncing at her.


    ¡°In your dreams!¡± she shot back, her eyes fixed on the screen.


    A few minutes into the game, Rafael knew Sophia wasn¡¯t an amateur. She was handling everything like a pro. The way she was navigating through the map and then took cover and kept eliminating enemies, he was super impressed.


    ¡°Nice shot!¡± he eximed as she scored a headshot, ¡°But that¡¯s not enough to win, girl!¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop worrying about me, boy!¡± she replied, taking down another enemy, ¡°Just focus on keeping up.¡±


    The game had intensified so much that they hadpletely forgotten about their half¨Cfinished beer bottles and snack packs.


    At one point, Rafael thought that he was losing it to her. And for some odd reason, he didn¡¯t find it offensive.


    ¡°What? Scared of losing to a girl?¡± she teased him, and he chuckled.


    ¡°Not at all, super girl! You are one hell of a gamer. Who made you a gynecologist?¡± Sophie didn¡¯t want to answer that as she was too engrossed in the game, but she had to admire the man who was not only ying but was also able to carry the conversation so effortlessly.

 Chapter 121

    121 121- Bring It On<b>!</b>


    was interested in me as I was not wearing anything fancy and¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± he raised <b>his </b>index finger, ¡°Did you ask the name of this dude?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I did. Joseph. His name was Joseph,¡± Her eyes were constantly on herp while telling this embarrassing story to Rafael, but when they traveled to his face, he was trying to bite back the amusement yet was failing miserably.


    She red at him, ¡°Did¡­ did I say something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, silly,¡± Rafael ruffled her hair, ¡°I guess this is the time to make it up to you for what I did in the past.¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡± poor her didn¡¯t understand what he was saying.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± he smiled brightly, ¡°interested in another match? I mean ready to lose again?¡±


    She rolled her eyes and switched on the TV again.


    ¡°This time, I¡¯ll be the winner. Get it through your thick skull, Rafael Sinir!¡± she stuck out her tongue and Rafael smirked.


    He had to admit that he was enjoying herpany.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    He made a mental note to talk to Joseph. He owed this much to the woman who took care of his.


    kids in his absence.


    Sinir? Scared? Huh<b>?</b>¡±


    Her voice drew him out of his thoughts, ¡°What are you thinking


    Rafael smiled and held up his console, ¡°Not at all, Dr. Sophie. I¡¯m all ready! Bring it on!¡±

 Chapter 122

    122 122- Gerard¡¯s Shirt


    t


    Marissa was sitting quietly in the car, just looking ahead. She couldn¡¯t get Rafael out of her mind.


    If he had been polite in their two¨Cyear marriage, now he had be the gentlest, treating her like she was made of ss.


    ¡°You are too quiet, Gerard remarked keeping his eyes ahead while driving.


    ¡°Nah. Just¡­ maybe job problems¡­¡± she nced sideways and then started ying with her purse straps.


    ¡°Being in the job is the hardest thing,¡± he said while ncing at the rearview mirror, ¡°It doesn¡¯t give you the liberty of making your own choices. You always have to act ording to your boss¡¯s mood swings. I used to admire you so much when you started this home¨Cbased cooking. And now look at you. Stuck like me.¡±


    He pushed the brakes when he noticed the traffic jam ahead.


    ¡°But I¡¯m enjoying my job, G. It does give me liberty¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Marissa, he argued holding the steering wheel tightly, ¡°I also used to think like that. I thought I enjoyed my job but nah. I really want to n my start¨Cup and get rid of this daily very.¡±


    Marissa stayed quiet. Gerard looked upset and she didn¡¯t want to negate his feelings. How to tell him that she almost felt like an owner at MSin?


    ¡°When you own a business and you are sick or someone from your family needs you, you don¡¯t need to take permission from your boss. Because you are the boss, and you don¡¯t give a damn if someone marks your leave or doesn¡¯t tell lies against you on your back. Moreover, if the boss is an as*shole then you are in deep shit.¡±


    Kate<b>.</b>


    She was the one who always tried to malign Marissa¡¯s reputation.


    Maybe Gerard was right, and she wasn¡¯t ready to ept it..


    She took the job because they were offering attractive perks, and she could never earn this much in her home¨Cbased business.


    ¡°What if the job is for a few months?¡± she twisted in her seat to look at his face, ¡°The permanent job might affect your mental health but here they just hired me for a few months. Once the job is done, I¡¯m free to walk away. How about that?¡± she asked him with seriousness on her face, and he nodded.


    ¡°Point noted, milord, he threw a nce at her, ¡°by the way, you look beautiful.¡±


    Marissa was taken aback by the sudden, unexpectedpliment.


    ¡°Thank you,


    ¡°And you look different too. You never let your hair down. Is it a good hair day or am I lucky


    122 122¨CGerard¡¯s Shirt


    None, Gerard. It was Rafael who wanted it¡­.


    Her thoughts were interrupted by him, ¡°Here we are, Gerard said slowing down the car.


    He had brought her to a Chinese restaurant, Golden Dragon. It was known for authentic cuisine and elegant d¨¦cor.


    After handing over the car to the valet, he guided her inside. They were taken to a quiet table shielded partially with an ornate screen, offering them some privacy.


    Marissa quickly opened her menu ncing through the dishes. She wanted to get done with the meal as she was getting heart palpitations.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard their Peking duck is amazing, Gerard looked up from his menu, ¡°And the <b>dim </b>sum here is to die for.¡±


    Marissa nodded, trying hard to focus on the menu despite her wandering thoughts about the man who said she looked beautiful before sending her here.


    ¡°What do you think? Or is there anything else you are interested in ordering?¡± His eyes were scanning her face, and she felt a little uneasy.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll start with hot and sour soup then I might go for Kung pao chicken,¡± she tried to smile when saw him still staring at her.


    Maybe she had ordered less and shouldn¡¯t give him the impression that she wasn¡¯t interested ining here.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± he asked, ¡°Are you on a diet or something?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Good. Then eat! Forget about your weight tonight, this was the best thing about him. He never made fun of her weight and always encouraged her to eat a healthy diet.


    ¡°Ok¡± she again scanned the menu, ¡°Maybe a mango pudding before I leave?¡± she asked him, and his nodding face told her that he had approved it.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± he turned to the waiter and gave their orders. The water left them a pot of steaming Jasmine tea. Gerard poured them each a cup, then raised his cup for a toast.


    ¡°To the wonderful evening for two people who are silly enough to ve for someone else!¡±


    Marissaughed at the toast and raised her cup to clink against his, ¡°To a wonderful evening!¡±


    While sipping their tea, Gerard told her about histest projects and more negative things about his bosses who thought of him as their donkey.


    Poor him was sharing his worries with her while Marissa was imagining him with a shit load of work on his back like a donkey.


    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± his words drew her from her thoughts.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Huh! What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking, why you are smiling. Do you find my pain funny?¡±


    122 122¨CGerard¡¯s Shirt


    carelessly in the air, ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± she was looking for perfect words and the horrible thing was she couldn¡¯t find any. What to tell <b>him</b>?


    That I was imagining you as a donkey¡­


    He was still waiting for the exnation, she realized.


    ¡°I just realized that we¡­ are meeting after such a long time¡­ we should keep catching up. Now, see?¡± she raised her hands to show him around, ¡°You are telling me about your office problems. At least we are sharing our burdens.¡±


    He nodded in agreement and got up from his scat, ¡°You are so right.¡± Pulling her


    a hug and rubbed her back, ¡°It¡¯s so good to talk to you¡­ like always.¡±


    Marissa took a sigh of relief.


    up, he gave her


    He went back to his seat and more office talk had started. The bosses might be scoundrels, but the Gerard was a chatterbox.


    He and Marissa shared a good bond because she had always been a good listener.


    After having tea, they were waiting for their order. Marissa was being served with the soup. when a girl in a skimpy skirt approached their table with a sultry smile on her face.


    ¡°Look who we have got here. Our very own Gerard!¡±


    The girl wasn¡¯t slim but her every body part was round and perky. Her boobs and ass weren¡¯t too happy to stay behind those insufficient tight clothing and were spilling out, maybe they wanted. to jump out of there.


    Her handnded on Gerard¡¯s shirt and started stroking his chest as if she wanted to tear the garment.

 Chapter 123

    123 123- Long¨CLost Buddies.


    ¡°Ex¡­ excuse <b>me</b>!¡± Gerard tried to smile and there were tiny beads of sweat on his forehead. gliding down to his temples.


    ¡°Don¡¯t remember me, baby? It¡¯s not even a month since we had such a good time at your ce<b>, </b>Marissa didn¡¯t want to be judgmental, but the way Gerard was acting, it <b>was </b>clear that he wanted


    to hide it.


    He knew this girl.


    ¡°I ¡­ I think¡­¡± he chuckled awkwardly, ¡°you are mixing me with someone.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± she brought her face near his and grinned like she was enjoying his difort, ¡°You told me, your name is Simon, but I saw your ID. It was Gerard,¡± she then turned to look at Marissa and winked, ¡°Am I right, baby girl?¡±


    She asked for confirmation and Marissa could only nod and then started sipping her soup. <b>Poor </b>Gerard might be looking for ways to get rid of the girl and Marissa was sure that she wouldn¡¯t go away unless Gerard paid her handsomely.


    ¡°So, Gerard. Tell me did you like it that night? her fingers had started traveling on his face


    ours and Marissa was seated there feeling odd.


    ¡°I¡¯ll appreciate it¡­¡± Gerard picked up a napkin and wiped the sweat off his forehead, ¡°If you leave us alone.


    ¡°But that day you didn¡¯t want to leave me alone. All night, all day you kept screaming¡­¡±


    * ¡°Enough!¡± Marissa dropped her spoon in the soup bowl, ¡°You need to talk to him,dy? I respect


    that. But not when he is having personal time with his friends.¡±


    The girl frowned and looked at Marissa, ¡°Friends?¡± and then it dawned on Marissa. This girl was trying to ckmail Gerard quite subtly, thinking that he was here with his girlfriend.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m his friend and I¡¯m happy that he had a good time with you THAT night¡­¡± Marissa rested her back on the scat, ¡°Now if you leave then I¡¯ll be highly obliged.¡±


    Marissa kept drumming her fingers on the table surface eying the girl with a smile. The girl sighed and pped Gerard¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You are a lucky dog, man.¡± She said and then started taking back steps, ¡°but we¡¯ll meet again, Gerard.


    She turned on her heels to join someone else at another table.


    When Gerard looked at Marissa she had resumed drinking the soup.


    ¡°God! That was embarrassing!¡± he chuckled and wagged his head with wide eyes.


    For some reason, she had started missing Rafael even more. She couldn¡¯t wait to tell him <b>what </b>just happened.


    Wait! Was she really this insensitive to share such details with Rafael who was there just for the


    13


    123 123- Long¨CLost Buddies


    His easy¨Cgoing smile, the way he kissed her, the way his hand used to crawl¡­


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Gerard¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts.


    She blinked and nodded at him, ¡°Oh yes, I¡¯m fine. Just a bit tired, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Long day?¡± she could see sympathy in his cycs.


    She slowly finished her soup, feeling a pang of guilt for not being present for him, mentally, ¡°Sort


    of¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s the weekend, Mar: he waited when the waiter started cing their order.


    ¡°Yes. But remember? I¡¯m a mom.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. Thanks for reminding me. It¡¯s been a while since I met the kids. How are they? Are they still meeting their father?¡± he asked her between the bites.


    ¡°Of course, they are,¡± Actually, he was <i>home </i>when <i>I </i>came down to meet you.


    They kept talking about the office, life, and everything. Gerard didn¡¯t ask her anything personal, thankfully.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d that you gave it a thought and came here tonight, Marissa. He said when they were done with the dessert, ¡°though you were the one who made the call.


    <i>¡°</i>Oh,e on, G. I¡¯m equally d. Thank you for a lovely, evening,¡± She held his hand that was ced on the table.


    Yes. Because <i>I </i>found it extremely hical to send you back. <i>Oh</i>, <i>Lord</i><i>! </i>Wasn¡¯t <i>it </i>equally bad to think <i>of </i>someone else in his presence?


    ¡°You have been a very good friend ever since I stepped in the Kanderton, she squeezed his hand. and left it.


    ¡°Just friend? Now don¡¯t hurt my feelings, Mar,¡± he teased her, but Marissa knew better. She had been crystal clear about it from the start.


    She didn¡¯t want to cause him any pain and was never ready for a new rtionship. Gerard was not a one¨Cnight stand material guy.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hurting your feelings. I¡¯m saving you from the hurt, silly,¡± He nodded but still, he didn¡¯t look convinced.


    Her heart was now fluttering in her chest. What Rafael must <i>be </i><i>doing </i>now? <i>He </i>must be sad without me.


    Is he giving a tough time to Sophia?


    <i>Sophie </i><i>will </i><i>kill </i>me once <i>I </i><i>go </i>back home.


    Oh, God. She couldn¡¯t wait to go home and tend to Rafael¡¯s broken heart.


    After dinner, they drove back in silence.


    As they pulled up to her ce, he turned to her, a look of curiosity on his face, ¡°Why do I feel like¡­¡± he curved down his line ¡°like so ma


    123 123¨CLong¨CLost Buddies


    <i>Uh</i><i>, </i>oh. Not <i>now</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>not <i>ready </i><i>for </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>


    <b>+33</b>


    ¡°Why? No! I was present and I enjoyed the dinner. Why would I invite you in the first ce, G?¡± she ced her hand on his arm, ¡°Would you like toe over for coffee?¡± she asked him to make it up to him.


    <i>Now </i>please don¡¯t say <i>yes</i>. <i>When </i>you meet <i>him</i><i>, </i>you <i>might </i><i>think </i><i>he </i>is <i>the </i>reason <i>and </i>that <i>is </i>true <i>too </i><i>but </i>please no need toe. Don¡¯t ept the invitation<i>¡­ </i>this is called mental talking or <i>maybe </i>Reiki. Please¡­ <i>coffee </i><i>is </i><i>bad </i><i>for </i><i>health</i><i>.</i>


    ¡°No thanks,¡± he said with a smile, and she released the breath, she was holding, ¡°No coffee. It¡¯s bad for health.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Marissa¡¯s eyes went wide but then she controlled her grin, ¡°Yeah. Right.¡± She opened the car lock with a click.


    ¡°Bye, G.¡±


    ¡°Bye, Mar.¡±


    As Marissa got out of the car, she couldn¡¯t help it when the thought urred in her mind. Rafael always opened the car door for her.


    Oh, she wanted to be with him. He must be waiting, and she needed to go to him and cure his sadness. I¡¯ming, Rafael.


    In her haste, she didn¡¯t even bother to knock the door and used her keys to unlock the door. She stood frozen, unable toprehend the scene before her.


    The man who was supposed to be heartbroken after sending her on the date was sitting there holding the console beside Sophie, too engrossed in the game.


    Momentarily distracted from the game, he nced up, ¡°Oh. Hey. Wasn¡¯t expecting you so soon!¡± Sophie also barely acknowledged her friend as the two of them were ying like two long¨Clost buddies.


    Comment 2

 Chapter 124

    124 124- Geena¡¯s Flight


    ¡°So where are you traveling to?¡± A young man in his early twenties asked Geena when she was standing outside the airport. [1


    Nina was giving some instructions to her <b>men </b>about taking care of her things behind her back.


    ¡°I¡¯m going Kanderton, Geena replied to him with a sweet smile and saw Nina Sinir¡¯s men nodding wildly at her.


    The guy who was talking to her gazed at Nina Sinir with interest, ¡°Who is she? Your mom?¡±


    Geena who was too busy observing her boss turned to the boy with an embarrassed smile. She was about to say no but then changed her mind.


    ¡°Y¡­Yes. She is my mom,¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Seems like an intimidating fellow, his eyes traveled to Nina and then were back on Genna¡¯s face.


    ¡°N¡­No. she is sweet. Sometimes quite strict but very sweet, Geena liked the attention this guy was giving her. She was already having second thoughts about the decision to travel with Nina.


    The boss who used to be sweet to her, had now turned into a dragon in thesest few days and <b>had </b>started objecting to anything Geena did.


    She had started disliking the coffee, Geena made and wasn¡¯t pleased with her colorbination. suggestions either.


    ¡°Got it,¡± the boy nodded and then took out his phone from his pocket, ¡°Can I have your contact


    number?¡±


    Geena felt uneasy though he was attractive. He must have sensed because he quickly stopped a porter and asked for a pen.


    Taking Geena¡¯s hand in his, he wrote his contact number on her palm<b>, </b>¡°Contact me if you want. I like you,


    Miss¡­¡±


    ¡°Geena,¡± she finished for <b>him</b>.


    ¡°Yeah, Geena. And I¡¯m¡­¡± poor boy couldn¡¯t finish it when Nina started calling her secretary in a


    shrill voice.


    ¡°Geena! Geena! Let¡¯s go. We are gettingte!¡±


    Geene quickly pulled back her hand from the boy¡¯s grip and walked away without giving the boy a chance to say goodbye.


    Nina Sinir didn¡¯t know that today would be the most embarrassing travel of her life. Maybe she made a mistake and miscalcted Geena¡¯s intelligence.


    While approaching the boarding area, Geena was so preupied with the thoughts of this imposed travel that she instinctively stopped at the economy counter,


    C


    124 124¨CGrona¡¯s Flight


    ¡°What on earth are you doing?¡± Nina hissed, exasperated at the fact that she had to teach Geena everything like a Montessori kid.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± The girl asked her innocently.


    ¡°We¡¯re flying business ss. Over there. She held Geena¡¯s elbow quite tightly this time and guided her to the other counter.


    Geena¡¯s face reddened as she felt Nina¡¯s grip on her arm. It hurts, man.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Nina¡­ I was.


    as¡­ just¡­¡±


    ¡°No excuses, Nina cut her off, ¡°Just move,¡±


    Later they settled into their business¨Css seats, and Geena decided to do everything carefully.


    <i>You </i>can do it. <i>You </i>can do it. You are a <i>good </i><i>girl</i>. You are a good secretary<i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i>can <i>keep </i>your <i>boss </i>happy in the office, you can do <i>anything</i>. Just be confident¡­


    She was repeating the mantra again and again in her head.


    However, today fate seemed against her.


    The flight attendant came by with the beverage cart. Geena had traveled before, but she thought the business ss was supposed to be more ssy. It must have more options. No?


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about business ss, Nina?¡± she asked her boss, ¡°this is the same cart that they use for economy ss,¡± She informed her boss in a whisper.


    Nina gritted her teeth but didn¡¯t say anything. These were the same questions she asked herself when she traveled with Rafael¡¯s father for the first time in business ss.


    ¡°Can I have coffee?¡± Geena asked the attendant and reached for that cup with a little excitement. As a result, the cup tipped, spilling coffee on herp.


    ¡°Good grief, Geena. Stop embarrassing me. Can you try not to draw attention like this?¡± Nina ran a conscious nce around her. Thankfully no one noticed the mishap except the air hostess who brought them a napkin in a sh.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Nina. It was an ident, Geena stammered, blotting at her dress with a napkin.


    ¡°No. It wasn¡¯t <b>an </b>ident, Nina replied icily, ¡°it¡¯s uneptable, Geena. You need <b>to </b>get a grip and act like you belong here, you fool!¡±


    Geena wanted to die. The insult was too much to bear.


    She stayed quiet and didn¡¯t offer any further exnations to her boss. She wasn¡¯t aware of why she was being jumpy.


    Maybe the news that Nina is thinking of marrying her off to her handsome son.


    ¡°God! I¡¯m stuck in a situation.¡±


    ¡°Miss. Please pass it on,¡± the attendant passed her a tray carrying Nina¡¯s favorite grilled fish and baked potato along with some salsa sauce.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Geena knew Nina was in love with grilled fish.


    124 124¨CGeena¡¯s Flight


    ¡°Sure,¡± with a smile Geena held the tray and passed it to Nina. However, the tray slipped from her grasp, sttering the salsa onto Nina¡¯s pristine dress.


    Nina¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief and Geena felt that now Nina could kill her in this flight.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m¡­ sorry. Oh God! I truly am,¡± this time even the flight server was looking at her oddly.


    ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake!¡± Nina looked down at her dress, her face was like she was about to get a heart attack, ¡°Can¡¯t you do anything right?¡±


    Another air hostess hurried over to assist, but Nina waved her off, her face had turned blotchy due to the rage she was feeling inside, ¡°No need. My secretary seems to think it¡¯s her job to make my life difficult. I seriously don¡¯t know what demon has taken over her head.


    Geena had an extra napkin and she tried to clean Nina¡¯s dress with shaking hands. Her lips were quivering as if she could cry any minute.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­ Nina¡­ I seriously¡­ d¡­don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Nina didn¡¯t let her finish, her voice was low but furious, ¡°This is not your mistake, girl. This middle¨Css mentality of yours, Geena. You need to ovee it. How many times do I have to remind you to use your brain? You are pathetic. I made <b>a </b>mistake when I hired you.¡±


    Comment

 Chapter 125

    125 125- Enough Insults


    Passengers around them might be pretending that they were not noticing it, but Geena could feel their eyes on her.


    This humiliation was too much to handle. For the rest of the flight, she decided not to engage in any conversation and keep it to herself.


    She was trying desperately not to draw any attention anymore. And that was only possible if she wouldn¡¯t eat anything, wouldn¡¯t talk to anyone, and stayed in her seat like a dummy.


    She could feel the tears at the back of her eyelids, but she wasn¡¯t allowed to cry orin<b>. </b>Where was she stuck?


    The job description might show the traveling use, but the humiliation wasn¡¯t part of it.


    Thankfully she wanted to dance when she felt the ne slowly descending. This torture was over. She would soon be free.


    Sigh.


    Nina leaned over, ¡°When wend¡­ you and I are going to have a serious talk about the future, Geena. I¡¯ll chalk out whatever is expected from you. I¡¯ll also hire a trainer who will give you a full fledge training about how to carry yourself among the elite ss.¡±


    Geena didn¡¯t know that such training existed. She had watched it in some movies but wasn¡¯t aware that it was all real.


    ¡°Do


    you understand what I¡¯m trying to say, Geena?¡± Nina hissed near her ear.


    Geena nodded, her throat tight, ¡°Yes, Nina!


    ¡°Good!¡± Nina straightened in her seat.


    Geena couldn¡¯t wait for the flight to be over, but she was aware that the real turbulence was waiting for her ahead.


    How to avoid this situation? Am I stuck for a lifetime?


    As they exited the ne making their way through the airport, Geena¡¯s nerves were already. melting thinking about the future with this woman.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you trained. And you will be Rafael¡¯s wife,¡± Nina kept pouring the words into her ear, ¡°You need to be very alert and active. My son is very handsome, and he will not like a timid wife.¡±


    Poor son! He doesn¡¯t know what his mom is capable <b>of</b>.


    ¡°There is a woman in my son¡¯s life, and she is taking advantage of him. He is rich and handsome, and women are usually after him. His wife doesn¡¯t know his worth so I¡¯m nning to get him married to a woman of my choice. Who can stay with him and shoo away all those unwanted. visitors? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pay you handsomely.¡±


    This woman was <b>crazy</b>.


    Geena looked at her boss¡¯s face whose wrinkles were still evident despite numerous Botox


    1/3


    125 125 Enough Insults


    treatments.


    Rafael Sinir sounded to be a reasonable man. Geena didn¡¯t know that he was a man¨Cbaby wh took instructions from his mom about the girls in his life.


    She wished, she could inform the man beforehand <b>what </b>his evil mom was nning against him.


    He should have theplete liberty of which woman to choose.


    By the way, what was his wife¡¯s role in all this?


    Why Valerie Sinir didn¡¯t know what her evil mom¨Cinw was nning?


    She was so busy thinking about all this, that she pulled Nina¡¯s branded suitcase from the conveyor belt to ce it in the luggage trolley.


    Unfortunately, she misjudged the timing, causing the bag to fall off the carousel andnd with a loud thud.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Nina snapped, ¡°Can¡¯t you even manage to pick a suitcase properly? You are a prude!¡± she said ring at Geena.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She was used to bringing three or four men of her staff too, but this flight n was made on an urgent basis plus she didn¡¯t want anyone to inform Rafael that she was arriving in Kanderton.


    ¡°Hey! Watch out!¡± a traveler eximed ring at Geena and then turned to Nina Sinir, ¡°teach your daughter how to push a trolley!¡±


    The minor collision had injured his <b>foot </b>a little.


    ¡°You fool!¡± This time Nina didn¡¯t care about the people walking around causing the heads to turn


    <b>in </b>their direction.


    She rolled her eyes and took over the trolley from her secretary, ¡°Let me handle it, Geena. I can¡¯t believe he thought that you¡¯re my daughter!¡±


    ¡°N¡­Nina¡­ I.. L.¡±


    ¡°Stop


    top stammering!¡± Nina snapped, looking around the airport, ¡°We have only one day to rx. Prepare your mind Geena because on Monday we need to be there at the MSin office and tell everyone we are the boss. I might introduce you to the office employees as his fianc¨¦. In this way. they all might think that he is nning to divorce his wife or has already divorced her.


    Geena just nodded swallowing hard.


    She prayed to God that, the woman who was involved with Rafael doesn¡¯t work in MSin. Because if she does. Nina would make sure to make her life a living hell.


    ¡°Nina¡­ will¡­ will those people¡­ I mean those¡­ MSin employees¡­ will they listen to you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, why not?¡± Nina had a proud grin on her face, ¡°They will listen to me when they know I¡¯m their boss¡¯s mom.¡±


    ¡°N¡­no¡­ what I mean to say is¡­¡± Geena swiped her tongue on her lips, ¡°Even if you are his mom, <b>What </b>if they know that Rafael is the real boss, and they are supposed to follow his instructions only.


    125 125- Enough Insults


    Nina stopped walking and turned to her, ¡°What do you mean?¡± she folded her arms on her chest, ¡°Girl! You know nothing about power. Employees will obey me once I tell them confidently who the boss is. These games require lots of brain energy and loads of confidence. I have got both!¡± Nina raised her shoulder and resumed the walk.


    She was pushing the trolley, walking to the taxi stand while Geena was trailing behind her. Ninal was habitual of traveling in luxury cars but tonight hiring the taxi was herpulsion.


    ¡°Yeah. What if¡­ Rafael¡­. Geena ceased when Nina looked at her sharply, ¡°I mean to say is what if Mr. Rafael Sinir¡­ tells you that he¡­<b>¡±</b>


    She couldn¡¯t continue because Nina had stopped close to a taxi and started settling inside. The driver helped with their luggage and took the driving seat.


    ¡°He can¡¯t tell me that. You don¡¯t know how these rich people work. Leave your middle¨Css mentality behind and focus ahead, Geena. If you want MSin employees to ept you then your need to boss around confidently. 1)


    Geena had got enough insults at the airport now she wasn¡¯t aware how she would be treated at MSin by this woman and her son.

 Chapter 126

    126 126- Nerdy Boy!


    Valerie came out of Kanderton Airport along with Ethan. The city was a stranger to her, and she wasn¡¯t very eager to explore it.


    <i>The </i>only thing that brings <i>me </i>here is <i>the </i><i>woman </i><i>who </i>is a mom <i>and </i><i>might </i><i>be </i><i>staying </i><i>with </i><i>my </i>husband<i>.</i>


    It was good that they reached there on a weekend, as they could easily get enough time to rest in their hotel rooms. She was nning to go to the MSin office on Monday.


    She adjusted her sunsses, feeling odd. Ethan who was walking beside her looked at her in concern, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Valerie shook her head with a smirk, ¡°Yeah. Just feel the dry air. I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s keeping him here.¡±


    Ethan was aware she was talking about Rafael.


    They walked to the taxi stand when Ethan asked her, ¡°What¡¯s the n? Where do we start?¡± Valerie shrugged and got inside the taxi. She waited for Ethan who took the seat beside her in the back of the car.


    Taking a deep breath, she took off her sses, ¡°Right now we need to go to a good hotel and then decide what needs to be done.


    ¡°Have you informed him about your arrival?¡±


    ¡°No, silly. I can meet him directly and <b>give </b>him a surprise.¡± She muttered looking out of the window.


    She didn¡¯t want to alert Rafael. That woman and her husband should be caught when their guard would be down.


    As they reached the hotel, they checked in quite smoothly, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m dead tired!¡± she fell on the mattress and closed her eyes.


    Ethan chuckled while unpacking his suitcase, ¡°And I never saw you this exhausted,¡± he remarked. cing his shirt in the wardrobe.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she got up and walked to him, ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should have booked two rooms?¡± With a frown, he put down his socks and eyed her with curiosity, ¡°W¡­why? We have been sharing rooms on the trip, so what¡¯s the need for two rooms now?¡±


    She sighed and sat on the edge, ¡°We are here to catch my husband. I know you are rich, but you don¡¯t know my husband. I¡¯m in the process of taking over his hard¨Cearned property and we¡¯ll never get it if we don¡¯t be careful about us.¡±


    When he didn¡¯t say anything and kept looking at her, she shook her head, ¡°Look. He is not na?ve. When someone will attack him, then he needs to be ready for the counterattack. He will be searching for clues like a panther. You can¡¯t expect him to hand over his assets on a silver tter. Do you?¡±


    14:30


    1/4


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    126 126- Nerdy Boy!


    Ethan nodded in understanding and straightened, ¡°You have a point. I¡¯ll go to the reception desk and talk to them. It¡¯s best if they assign us two rooms. But baby¡­¡± he held her wrist, ¡°if we are here long term then we need to rent out a ce to stay together. We can¡¯t stay in a hotel for such a long time,¡±


    ¡°I know baby¡± she made a pout, and he kissed right on her lips, ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a minute.


    ¡°Sure, she blinked with mischief but once he left the room she rolled her eyes.


    <i>Is </i>he that dumb<i>? </i><i>Why </i>will <i>I </i><i>stay </i><i>with </i><i>him </i><i>in </i>a rented house? To give proof to <i>Rafael </i>that <b><i>ving </i></b>with a guy and sharing his <i>bed</i><i>? </i>How can Ethan suggest something this outrageous?Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    She started scrolling through her phone <b>and </b>then opened the MSin website.


    She used to visit the MSin website very easily to have an eye on all the employees before. She kept pressing the link, but it wasn¡¯t opening.


    ¡°What the¡­ dammit!¡± she closed the link and then opened it again.


    She tried other cities where they had MSin branches. <b>All </b>the websites were opening.


    Then why not the Kanderton branch?


    It was giving the message that the website was under some major work. What kind of work?


    She just wanted to go through the list of employees of the Kanderton branch, just to have a clue how many female workers were there.


    Crap!


    She tossed her phone on the bed and hit her head on the pillow. Rafael was the most organized. ? man she had seen in her life. Beforeunching a new product or business, the website was updated first. He was of the view that this was the technology era and they needed to stay


    ahead.


    Then why Kanderton branch website wasn¡¯t updated?


    y steps


    She again picked up her phone and typed ¡®MSin Kanderton. The website was still not opening, but there was another news circting.


    An event was due in the uing weeks that was in honor of Rafael Sinir, the president of MSin.


    The media was speaking about the home¨Cbased business fraternity that was invited especially for this event.


    Everyone was praising this step of MSin and took it well. It was a good sign for the boom of their economy as MSin was inviting all the big names from around the globe to attend this event. The list of guests was there. Pictures of Rafael were also circting in the media.


    But no specific information about the entrepreneurs of Kanderton.


    There was one website that was telling the names of home¨Cbased businesses. She went through that list but there were so many that she didn¡¯t bother to read and switched off her phone in frustration.


    C


    126 126- Nerdy Boy!


    Who was this woman? Was she rich? Or did she just want a daddy for her child?


    She felt like a maniac when she picked up her phone again and opened it to check the list. There was one name that was distinguished from the others.


    Mr. Dean Braganza. Secretary and assistant of Joseph.


    There was a picture of a smiling nerd on the screen whose eyes were smiling behind the sses.


    She visited the social <b>media </b>tform and put the man¡¯s name in the search.


    And bam!


    A profile matched having the same picture.


    Thankfully it wasn¡¯t locked.


    She got to it and then left <b>a </b>message in his messenger, ¡°Hello, Dean. Please contact me. It¡¯s Mrs.


    Sinir.¡±


    After sending the message, sheughed, ¡°If you are closest to Joseph and Rafael then you are the one, I was looking for, dear Dean Braganza!¡±


    She had to switch off her phone when the door opened, and Ethan came inside.


    ¡°Luckily I have gotten the next room, baby,¡± he kissed her forehead before collecting his stuff.


    Valerie wanted to roll her eyes again because the bellboy was standing there.


    Ethan handed his stuff to the bellboy and then went out. She stretched and waited for Ethan. She was also waiting for a response from Dean.


    She then realized something and quickly picked up her phone to unlock her profile, in case he was interested and wanted to confirm that she was genuine Mrs. Sinir.


    Later lying beside her, Ethan turned to her and propped himself on his elbow, ¡°So, honey. Tell me one thing.¡±


    She waited for his question with a nod, ¡°You never went to an office or never did a proper job in your life. Are you sure the people at MSin will give you respect or even bother to hear you?¡±


    She passed him a sarcastic grin as if he were a baby, ¡°They will listen to me when they know I¡¯m


    their boss¡¯s wife.¡±


    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­ what if they know that Rafael is their real boss and they are supposed to


    obey him, not you.¡±


    Valerie chuckled and wiggled her head on the pillow, ¡°Ethan. Don¡¯t you know anything about power, honey? Employees will obey me, once I tell them confidently who the boss is. These games require lots of brain energy and loads of confidence. I have got both, love¡±


    She turned her head to look at the handsome man beside her, and thought to herself,


    you can¡¯t dictate me <i>anything</i>, <i>Rafael </i>Sinir. <i>They </i>might <i>be </i>your employees, <i>but </i>I know <i>my </i><i>way </i>around. I¡¯ll not <i>only </i>boss around but <i>will </i><i>tell </i>that woman too who the real boss <i>is</i><i>. </i><i>And </i>you know <i>who </i>will <i>help </i>me?


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    126 126- Nerdy Boy!


    126¨CNerdy


    She picked up her phone and opened the messenger with the small picture of Dear ganza.


    <i>He </i>will. <i>He </i><i>will </i><i>help </i>me, dear <i>husband </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>able </i>to do <i>anything</i><i>. </i>Becauseing against me <i>publicly </i>means getting more <i>witnesses </i><i>that </i>how rude <i>you </i>were <i>with </i><i>your </i><i>wife</i><i>.</i>


    <i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i>you won¡¯t be a <i>fool</i><i>.</i>


    Later they made love because Valerie wanted Ethan to go back to his room after getting done


    with it.


    Once she was alone, she couldn¡¯t go to sleep.


    Just then she heard a ping of her phone.


    With a frown, she picked it up.


    A message notification from Dean.


    Her heart was racing when she opened the message.


    ¡°Mrs. Valerie Sinir? Really? Whoever you are, must be dreaming. Now fu*ck off and let me sleep.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± she muttered to herself, ¡°the nerdy boy is swearing!¡±


    In anger she started typing a message but oh.


    He had blocked her.


    As*shole!


    <i>Once </i><i>I </ie to your <i>office</i>, <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>who </i><i>is </i><i>your </i>boss, <i>nerdy </i><i>boy</i><i>. </i>How dare <i>you </i>misbehave <i>with</i>


    .me?

 Chapter 127

    127 127- Nieces and Nephews


    Marissa went to her room and ced her purse on the nightstand. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. The man who was on her mind all this time was busy gaming in her living room.


    With a chuckle, she went to the bathroom and changed into afy oversized t¨Cshirt and didn¡¯t bother to wear anything else except a pair of skimpy panties.


    Due to Rafael¡¯s presence, she had been wearing pajamas along with it.


    ¡°Tired?¡± She jumped when found him leaning against the side of the doorframe, ¡°Sorry, Didn¡¯t mean to scare you,¡± He left the spot and started taking small strides to reach her with that same panther like grace.


    ¡°Eh. I was just tying my hair¡­ the usual I do before going to bed,¡± she could feel his eyes while brushing her hair.


    While fixing it, a few strands of her hair fell in front of her shoulder, and he began moving them behind her.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Did you enjoy your


    into a thin line.


    dinner?¡± he asked her in a hushed whisper, and she pursed her lips tightly


    ¡°Very much,¡± the spirit was missing from her voice, he noticed.


    ¡°Are you upset?¡± he inquired gently.


    ¡°Upset? Me? Nah!¡± she clicked her tongue against her inner cheek, ¡°Tsk. Why will I be upset?¡±


    ¡°Because, his fingers were back in her hair brushing the strands, ¡°I wasn¡¯t upset!¡±


    Damn. He was right. She was upset because he wasn¡¯t upset.


    ¡°No¡­ why would I want you to be upset, Rafael?¡± Marissa started pulling her hair in a ponytail.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Marissa. I think you are angry at me for some reason,¡± he shrugged putting his hands in his pants pockets.


    This time she didn¡¯t offer any exnations but just smiled and kept looking at him. His hand raised and the index finger touched hershes.


    She blinked and closed her eyes.


    ¡°Do you remember, tomorrow is my turn?¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Umm hmm. What turn?¡±


    ¡°To take you on a date,¡± he kept teasing hershes and she wished that she had the same length


    <b>as </b>him.


    Those ckshes on his green eyes always looked so breathtaking.


    ¡°Oh. Date. Yes. I would love to¡­¡±


    She held his hand that was still touching her eyes, ¡°Why did you let me go?¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡± it felt like someone had pulled him out of a trance. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    It


    127 127- Nieces and Nephews


    Nothing, she left his hand and headed to the wardrobe trying to get busy with something.


    He was already doing so much for her to ovee his guilt. They were married identally and low kids were involved.


    For a moment, she felt as if Valerie was there holding her cor, ¡°Marissa. <i>What </i>do you <i>think</i>? If the kids weren¡¯t there, would he ever even bother to look at


    you?¡±


    Oh, man. Valerie was right. There were kids involved along with a little sexual tension. Nothing


    lse.


    He was just honoring what he did when he was blind. Rafael Sinir was being a gentleman


    about it.


    The man followed her to the wardrobe as if he were attached to her by a ma string.


    What are you thinking?¡± Enveloping her in his arms, he asked her when found her looking at


    im continuously. He could feel that her mind was somewhere else, calcting something.


    ¡®Nothing,¡± sheughed and freed herself from his grip. Stepping back, she didn¡¯t miss the look of sheer hunger in his eyes when theynded on her chubby legs.


    One minute she used to share jokes with him being all easy around him and the next moment there was so much tension between them that she could feel herself melting with the heat.


    ¡®Are you going to wear something or stay like this?¡± he pointed towards her bare legs, and she looked down pulling her t¨Cshirt to cover her thighs.


    ¡°This is my go¨Cto sleeping attire. Why? Notfortable?¡± he swallowed and then shook his head, ¡°No, little Greene. Wear whatever you want.¡±


    He kissed her forehead and then turned to exit the room, ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a minute,¡±


    She went to bed and started scrolling her phone, the minute her head hit the pillow.


    As always, he joined her on the bed in a pair of shorts only and took her in his arms.


    ¡°Put your phone aside, sweetie,¡± he murmured near her ear, and she did like an obedient child.


    She was waiting for Rafael in the dimly lit hallway of the office wondering why he brought her here. She was dressed in a blue gown and looked beautiful as always.


    That¡¯s what Rafael told her and left her there for a few minutes.


    ncing around, she smiled to herself.


    Who brings <b>a </b>woman to his office for a date? She asked herself and nced at the wristwatch. It was taking him long but never mind.


    She could wait for <b>him</b>, for an eternity.


    She straightened when felt a presence behind her.


    ¡°Dean?¡± she covered her mouth in surprise, ¡°what are you doing here <b>on </b>a Sunday night?¡± he shrugged <b>and </b>started cing mouth¨Cwatering dishes on the office desk.


    127 127¨CNieces and Nephews


    <i>¡°</i>My, my. Are you our waiter tonight?¡± sheughed when saw his solemn face. He bowed down submissively like she was a princess, and he was her ve


    ¡°At your service, ma¡¯am,¡± he stepped back and then pped in the air. Someone else stepped in the hallway and she was taken aback, ¡°Delinda?¡±


    The woman¡¯s face was intensely serious, and she didn¡¯t even bother to acknowledge her presence and kept arranging sses and wine bottles on the desk.


    Marissa held her friend¡¯s wrist, ¡°Did Rafael force you to do all this? I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± Feeling guilty Marissa shook her head, ¡°I was about to tell you about Rafael and me¡­ but¡­¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± Delinda said the words with a straight face and turned on her heels to leave. Marissa wanted to stop her. Why did Rafael ask his office staff to serve them dinner?


    They might start hating her.


    She went still when sensed a presence behind her. The perfume was familiar, and it didn¡¯t belong to Rafael.


    With a racing heart, she slowly turned around and felt her breath hitch in her throat.


    ¡°N¨CNina! Y¨Cyou?¡±


    ¡°And she isn¡¯t alone sister, another voice sent chills down her spine, ¡°I also arrived here to wee you on board. By the way. How are my nieces and nephew?¡±

 Chapter 128

    128 128- I Don¡¯t Need Rafael


    Marissa was meeting both women after such a long time. They hadn¡¯t changed a bit. Still, that same evilness surrounded them.


    ¡°What did


    you <b>think</b>?¡± Nina brought her face near her ear, ¡°You¡¯ll keep living with my son and we


    won¡¯te to know?¡±


    All Marissa wanted to do was run away from there.


    ¡°R¡­ Raf¡­ Rafael¡­¡± She tried to speak the <b>words</b>, but they didn¡¯t want toe out of her mouth.


    ¡°What? Calling my husband, love?¡± Valerie trailed her finger on Marissa¡¯s bare arm, ¡°he knows about our presence, dear. Don¡¯t worry,¡± She leaned towards her other ear, ¡°we won¡¯t tell him a thing about kids.¡±


    ¡°W¡­what¡­ d¡­ do¡­you¡­¡± God! Why was she having difficulty in uttering the proper words?


    ¡°Rafael knows that those kids are not his, Nina said with a smirk, ¡°and he doesn¡¯t have a problem with what we want to do with you and your little mice.¡±


    Marissa didn¡¯t like it when she called her kids, mice.


    ¡°I¡­ I want to m¡­ meet Rafael¡­¡± tears had started rolling down her cheeks, ¡°I w¡­.want to meet h¡­ him¡­¡± she trailed off when saw them shaking their heads.


    ¡°Are


    <b>you</b>


    that gullible, Marissa? Rafael isn¡¯t interested in you. He was here because of his kids but once¡­¡± Now Valerie¡¯s index finger was traveling on her nose bridge, ¡°Once we tell him that <b>someone </b>else is the father of those kids, he will make our task easier.


    Marissa wanted to stand from the chair, but her feet seemed to be tied to the floor. Her body was glued to the chair.


    ¡°T¡­ Task?¡±


    ¡°Yes, honey,¡± Nina held her jaw tightly, ¡°we are here to make things easy for him. My son is at gentle soul, and he would never harm a fly. So, we have decided to do the job.¡±


    Marissa was getting irritated and scared too. What job were they talking about?


    With Nina holding her jaw and Valeric touching her face she wanted to push them away. But her


    arms had turned into lead.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you ask what task we are talking about?¡± Valerie asked her and she, this time, couldn¡¯t


    even blink.


    ¡°Aww. Poor mom. Don¡¯t you know that we have arrived in Kanderton to do the task?¡±


    <b>Again</b>, the task! What was the damn task?


    Marissa moved her eyes desperately for help. Where was Rafael? Why was he taking this much


    time to return?


    ¡°D¡­ Dean!¡±


    She tried saving the name of the secistant ear saura alimner <b>of </b>Delinds outside the door


    1/3


    <


    128 128¨CI Don¡¯t Need Rafael


    She couldn¡¯t hear Marissa but luckily saw her face and came inside with a frown.


    Marissa cried with relief when saw her friend approaching her in concern. The dirty hands of both the women thankfully moved away from her face when they saw Delindaing inside.


    ¡°Marissa. Dear. What happened?¡± Marissa gestured towards the crappy women of Rafael¡¯s family. She wanted Delinda to get the message through her eyes.


    ¡°Talk to me, Marissa. You seem to be in trouble, Delinda leaned to examine her face when Nina


    chuckled.


    ¡°She is worried that now the whole MSin wille to know about her reality¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Reality?¡± Delinda touched Marissa¡¯s chin lightly, ¡°You should have thought about it, Marissa when you decided to be a homewrecker.¡±


    ¡°De¡­De¡­ linda¡­¡± the words left her mouth in parts. Why was Delinda talking like she know about her?


    this? Didn¡¯t


    She wanted to remind Delinda that she was the same woman who helped her in saving the life of


    her son.


    ¡°I know you are a kind¨Chearted girl, Marissa. But having an affair with your boss, a man who is already married, is simply a deal breaker for me. And look at the audacity! You had children with the man!¡± Delinda started shaking her head.


    Marissa wanted to shake the woman. She wanted to tell her that her kids were in danger. If she wanted to hate Marissa that was fine with her. But her kids needed protection.


    She tried moving her feet and stomped them a few times to get her attention.


    <i>Delinda</i><i>, </i>please let me talk. <i>Do </i>something. <i>At </i><i>least </i>call Rafael <i>for </i>me.


    This time Delinda seemed to understand her words,


    ¡°You want me to call Mr. Sinir for you? When Marissa tried to nod, Delinda smirked.


    ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen, baby girl,¡± Delinda tilted her head to look at Valerie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Delinda,¡± Valerie tried to pour all the love into her voice, ¡°We¡¯ll take care of you and your boy.¡±


    Delinda happily pped her hands and bent her head a little to pay Valerie her respect, ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much, Mrs. Sinir.¡±


    ¡°D¡­Delinda¡­ S¡­ stop¡­ Do¡­don¡¯t go¡­¡± Marissa tried to plead but Delinda seemed to have turned a deaf car.


    ¡°Valerie!¡±


    we are here?, Called her daughter¨Cinw when Delinda left, ¡°Can you tell Marissa, my dear, why


    ¡°dly, mother¨Cinw!¡± Valerie said with a smile, ¡°We are here to kill those little bastards you gave birth to, Marissa, her eyes had this strange kind of wicked glint.


    Marissa¡¯s tear¨Cfilled eves raised to their faces


    128 128¨CI Don¡¯t Need Rafael


    Who told them that she had Rafael¡¯s kids?


    ¡°N¡­N¡­¡± she wanted to say No but <b>the </b>words were again stuck inside. Nina¡¯s hand was again. clutching her jaw tightly, while Valerie was again trailing her finger on her sister¡¯s face like a creep.


    ¡°Aww. Don¡¯t cry, baby girl.¡± Nina made a pout. Marissa¡¯s jaw was hurting now. She wanted to shout and scream Rafael¡¯s name.


    And just likest time, he wasn¡¯t here. He had left her again to fight the world all by herself. Her babies¡® lives were in danger and Rafael was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Aww, cutie. Do you want to scream? Go ahead!¡± Valerie¡¯s index finger stayed on her lips for a moment.


    Marissa blinked and tried to look at her sister through her tears.


    ¡°No, Valerie,¡± she thought to herself, ¡°I won¡¯t be the one who would scream from pain. Whether Rafael is with me or not. But this time I¡¯ll make you scream. I swear, big sister.¡±


    With this thought, she tried to tilt her head and opened her mouth a little. The moment Valerie¡¯s finger slipped inside, using all her strength Marissa chewed her finger hard between her teeth.


    Valerie¡¯s screams pierced the air, echoing through the room. She tried to jerk her hand away, but Marissa didn¡¯t let go of it.


    You are after <i>my </i><i>kids</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>need </i><i>any </i>Rafael to protect <i>them </i><i>you </i><i>bit</i><i>*</i><i>ch</i>!

 Chapter 129

    129 129- Snakes


    ¡°Marissa! Little Greene,¡± Rafael¡¯s gentle voice reached her ears, ¡°open your eyes.¡±


    The darkness that was enveloping her slowly started dissipating.


    Marissa kept crying and grinding her teeth but that soft familiar touch was on her cheeks now brushing away the tears.


    ¡°Come on, my brave girl. Try to wake up, she felt the familiar lips on her face kissing her tears With a hup, she opened her eyes and found him looking at her in concern.


    ¡°Marissa!¡±


    ¡°Raf¡­ Rafael¡­ where¡­ were you?¡± she sobbed, her voice breaking.


    ¡°I was here. I was with you the whole <b>time</b>,¡± his fingers were gently wiping the wetness off her cheeks.


    ¡°N¡­No¡­ you weren¡¯t¡­ wh¡­why¡­¡± she sobbed and felt him tightening his arms around her.


    ¡°Shh. Go to sleep. I¡¯m right here with you,¡± She could feel <b>his </b>rough check against hers and closed her eyes.


    ¡°D¡­don¡¯t go¡­ don¡¯t¡­ 1¡­ leave¡­ m¡­ me¡­ Ra¡­ Rafael¡­¡± she whispered to him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. I promise¡­ his gentle voice made her eyes flutter closed, and she slipped back into a deep sleep. The dream was so raw and so real that it almost felt like it actually happened.


    She scrunched her nose and scratched it with the back of her hand. After cing her hand down, she realized that the mattress wasn¡¯t as soft as it wasst night.


    With her brows, knitted in confusion she raised her face only to find herself staring straight into those familiar green orbs.


    She looked down and found herself all sprawled on his naked chest. She gulped her saliva and tried to smile, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± cing her palms on his body, she tried moving away. But his hands were quick to cover hers, pressing them against him.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    There were dark circles around his eyes.


    Didn¡¯t he get enough sleep? The exhaustion was evident on his face.


    His body under her and the quilt covering <b>them </b>had kept her well warm.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked her in a hoarse whisper when saw her shifting slightly on top


    of him.


    ¡°I need to get up and¡­ need to go to bathroom¡­ if you know what I mean¡­¡± she raised her shoulder and turned away her head to hide her blush.


    His eyes were scrutinizing her face. She bent her face shyly leaning her forehead against the hard contours of his chest.


    <b>14,12</b>


    1/4


    <b>C</b>


    129 129- Snakes


    +79


    ¡°Hungry?¡± she felt his fingers through her hair and nodded without looking up.


    ¡°Then let me fix you breakfast,¡± after she felt him kissing her hair, she left the bed but had to pause, holding her reeling head.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he was immediately by her side, holding her body close to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I feel this dizzy,¡± she said wiggling her face and tried to squeeze her cyes shut.


    ¡°Let me help you back to bed. No need to move so hastily.¡±


    Sheughed holding his arms, ¡°But I need to go to the bathroom!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you there,¡± snaking his arm around her waist, he let her lean her body into him, but <b>she </b>didn¡¯t take another step.


    ¡°What do you mean by this? Are you nning to apany me to the bathroom?¡± she tried to chuckle, but he couldn¡¯t be serious.


    ¡°Yes. I would apany you anywhere you want, he said while guiding her to the toilet seat. and that was when her face turned pale.


    ¡°Apany me?¡± herplexion drained of color when she recalledst night¡¯s dream, ¡°B¡­ but¡­ you weren¡¯t there with me¡±


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he could tell from her expression that her smile had vanished and now she was again behaving oddly.


    ¡°Rafael¡­ leave me¡­ please¡­¡± she started squirming to get out of his embrace.


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t. You might fall, Marissa!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t. Trust me. Please leave,¡± She snapped, and he didn¡¯t seem to mind her sudden rudeness. What was he made of?


    ¡°Fine!¡± he atst gave up, ¡°I¡¯ll just be outside the door¡±


    ¡°No need. I don¡¯t need you here, Rafael¡­¡± he didn¡¯t let her finish and turned her to him.


    ¡°What is it, little Greene? Is it something about thest night¡¯s¡­.¡±


    ¡°Rafael¡­ leave if you don¡¯t want me to throw my pee on the floor!¡± he stepped back when her voice raised.


    ¡°Sure!¡± he left and closed the door behind him.


    She started massaging her temples. What a scary dream it was!


    Nina and Valerie were there in the MSin office. That too when Rafael took her for a date


    there. All of it was odd.


    ¡°Marissa! You alright?¡± she heard Sophie¡¯s voice outside the door and then she started talking to someone, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll stay here with her!


    Oh. So, Rafael asked Sophie to check on her.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m good, Sophie!¡± Marissa called out and got done with her business.


    120 129- Snakes


    drawers.


    ¡°What did you eat, sweethearts?¡± she asked them after kissing their foreheads.


    ¡°I made them French toasts, Sophie said regarding her face, ¡°with homemade maple syrup<b>.¡±</b>


    Marissa went to the kitchen and switched on the coffee machine.


    ¡°Why is your face so puffy at this hour, Mar?¡± Sophie asked in a low whisper not to attract any attention from the kids, ¡°Have you been crying?¡±


    ¡°Long story,¡± she muttered under her breath and tried to suppress her yawn. She had to act that no matter how scary the dream was, he was there to take care of her.


    But <i>but </i>but¡­ why didn¡¯t hee to <i>help </i>me in <i>my </i>dream?


    ¡°He was so concerned about you,¡± Sophie gazed at the living room where Rafael was exining something to Ariel from her picture book.


    Instead of saying anything, Marissa shrugged trying to forget the faces of Nina and Valerie.


    Sophie poured her the coffee and handed over the cup to her, ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± the doctor in her kept examining her friend¡¯s face.


    ¡°Later,¡± Marissa pressed the rim of the cup firmly to her lips.


    The dream had boggled her mind. The presence of her enemies and then the strange behavior of Dean and Delinda. The way Rafael didn¡¯t return after leaving her in that room, it almost felt like he had abandoned her again, ¡°Should I order something for you?¡± Rafael came behind her and kissed her head.


    She shook her head with a smile. The digestive juices in her belly were rising threatening to make their way up to her throat.


    Thankfully he didn¡¯t force her and was walking away after Ariel called him from the living room when Marissa quickly held his wrist, ¡°Rafael!¡±


    Instead of responding to her, he first raised his wrist to kiss her hand, ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a request.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Shoot it, princess,¡± However, her unexpected request caught him off guard.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go on that date with you, tonight,¡±


    ¡°W¡­What?¡± he stammered, clearly taken aback.


    ¡°I said I can¡¯t go on that date. Sorry, her voice trembled slightly, ¡°But your office has snakes, Rafael:

 Chapter 130

    130 130- Fumigation


    ¡°Mar! What are you saying?¡± Sophie thought her friend had lost her mind, ¡°Are you crazy.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. 1¡­ I no longer want to go on that date with Rafael,¡± she mumbled.


    Rafael didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He had somewhat guessed that this decision was based on the nightmare she <b>had </bst night. The problem was that he was trying hard to be her friend so that she could open up. He wasn¡¯t nning to force her.


    Trust can¡¯t be forced <b>on </b>someone, it must be earned.


    He was trying hard to go slow with her. But every time either her smile used to entangle him in its charm, or her chubby body used to do things to <b>him </b>in unexinable ways.


    He could hear the two women arguing with each other. Poor Sophie was asking her to take back her decision.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell her that!¡± he snapped at Sophie, ¡°If she doesn¡¯t want to go then let it be. Take your time, princess.¡±


    a


    Thest statement was told in a very friendly way. He looked the least bit offended.


    ¡°Wh¡­ what¡­ you don¡¯t mind that I said no to your date? Marissa asked him in disbelief.


    Her eyes searched his face for any sign of disappointment. Even with Valerie, he was known for his cold demeanor with everyone else. But all she could see was a soft smile on his face, ¡°For me, your happiness is more important, Marissa. By the way, if you allow me, can I take kids with me?¡±


    When both thedies didn¡¯t respond, he tilted his head sideways, ¡°To the hotel where I¡¯m staying. Nothing fancy. Just daddy and the kids having their time.


    Once again there was confusion on her face. Till yesterday she was all easy for sending the kids with him. What if Valerie and Nina were in Kanderton?


    Her mommy antennae were in action. Her protective instincts were ring up at the thought.


    ¡°Can you make sure that they don¡¯t go outdoors like¡­ not going outside the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Sure, mommy,¡± he said softly and kissed her cheek.


    Marissa felt bad when he asked the kids if they wanted to apany him. Alex gave her the look and this time Marissa nodded at her son, pleading him silently to give one chance to his father.


    What would Rafael feel if, after Marissa, Alex would also reject him?


    Rafael wasughing in the bed along with the kids while watching TV when a loud knock on the door startled them.


    ¡°Come in!¡± he called out from there. Kids were already excited by the room service and <b>the</b>


    < 130 130¨CFumigation


    hotel suite d¨¦cor.


    The suite must be bigger than their home.


    ¡°Oh. I was dying to meet them!¡± Joseph came inside and the girls who were giggling while teasing Rafael got serious abruptly.


    ¡°Hello, dear ones!¡± he extended his hand towards the ck¨Chaired girl who had a striking resemnce to Marissa.


    She shyly held Joseph¡¯s hand and gave a nervous nce to her father.


    ¡°This is your uncle Joseph, children. And he is here to meet you all today.¡±


    Joseph studied Ariel who was looking at him with an attitude, ¡°My, my. You are a beauty, little


    one!¡±


    He shook Ariel¡¯s hand and then turned to Alex. Rafael had already told him about his son¡¯s reserved nature and Joseph didn¡¯t want to impose himself on the little boy.


    ¡°Hello. Alex here!¡± the boy came to <b>him </b>and shook hands as if someone had pushed him to doAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    that..


    ¡°Hey, Alex!¡± Joseph greeted the little man cheerfully and then turned to the girls, ¡°What are all watching?¡±


    you


    Both the girls started talking at once and poor Joseph couldn¡¯t understand what they were


    trying to say.


    . He raised his hands awkwardly trying to shoo them, but they were not ready to listen. He threw


    a pleading nce to his friend who was enjoying his helplessness.


    ¡°Help me!¡± looking at his friend, he mouthed silently.


    But Rafael just shook his head, enjoying the situation.


    Abigail told Joseph about the books she was reading nowadays while Ariel started telling him about the cartoons she just watched.


    Joseph¡¯s eyes were wide with panic until his eyesnded on the small man who had amusement in his green eyes that looked exactly like Rafael¡¯s.


    The boy had taken attitude and the demeanor from his father. He was holding the TV remote which he put aside before approaching the girls.


    ¡°Abi. Ariel. He called his sisters one by one. There was something in his voice that made them go quiet.


    ¡°Speak one by one just like Mom has been teaching


    Joseph was impressed and could see the leadership skills in him even before starting school.


    After a few minutes, Joseph <b>spent </b>the best time with the kids. Even Alex was talking to him like they had been best friends.


    23


    130 130¨CFumigation


    men were now enjoying their non¨Calcoholic drink in the presence of kids.


    ¡°Don¡¯t treat him as your son,¡± Joseph said resting his head on the sofa, ¡°treat him as a man.¡±


    ¡°He is too grown up for his age, Jo,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because he has seen his mom more closely and has be sensitive. For his mom, het doesn¡¯t take himself as a boy or her child. He is a man, and he took this role a long time back when he was a baby.¡±


    Rafael agreed to what Joseph said. The girls had him wrapped around their little fingers, but their brother and mom were giving him a tough time.


    <i>¡°</i>I said I can¡¯t go on <i>that </i>date. Sorry, <i>but </i>your <i>office </i>has snakes, Rafael.<i>¡± </i>Marissa¡¯s voice echoed in his head.


    With a scowl, Rafael grabbed his phone<b>..</b>


    ¡°Who are you calling?¡± Joseph straightened to ce his ss on the table.


    ¡°I¡¯m calling Dean,¡± Rafael was waiting for the call to be picked, ¡°Need to announce an off for MSin Kanderton branch tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Off? On Monday? Why?¡± Joseph inquired, puzzled.


    ¡°My girl thinks there are snakes in MSin. There should be proper fumigation in the building.¡±

 Chapter 131

    131 131- Blind Trust


    ¡°So, you acting crazy because you had this nightmarest night? Come on, Marissa,¡± Sophie handed over the Diet Coke can to her and took the ce beside her on the couch.


    Kids were still with their daddy, giving the girls enough time to catch up.


    ¡°So, you think that I¡¯m crazy?¡± Marissa asked and squinted one eye as a whizzing sound escaped from the can she was opening.


    Flint, reading an old newspaper, folded it and ced it on hisp, ¡°You used to have these nightmares when you left Sangua,¡± he reminded her in concern and took off his reading sses too, ¡°and they continued until a couple of weeks back¡­¡±


    Marissa nodded and took a sip of the frizzy drink.


    ¡°This time my gut feeling is so strong, Flint,¡± she pulled her hair in a fist, ¡°I think Nina and Valerie are up to something. At the moment, my top priority is my kids.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you said no for this date?¡± Sophie asked her but Flint was the one who responded to


    <ol>


    <li>it.</li>


    </ol>


    Flint looked puzzled, ¡°Date? Am I missing something?¡±


    ¡°They were supposed to have dinner tonight because it was her birthday and she ruined it,¡± Sophia exined to him, ¡°Rafael so wanted to take her.


    She said throwing a cushion on Marissa¡¯sp.


    ¡°He must be mad about it,¡± Flint ced his reading sses back on his nose and got hold of his


    newspaper.


    Marissa started shaking her head, ¡°Ah! sh news, Grandpa. He wasn¡¯t mad at all!¡±


    With a frown, Flint took off his sses again and eyed the girls sitting on the couch.


    ¡°Rafael was all cool about it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He keeps treating her with so much gentleness¡­¡± Sophie had a dreamy look in her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m trying hard not to break the sister code here otherwise I could have stolen him and never returned to <b>anyone</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    This time Marissa was the one who tossed the cushion back at her, ¡°Brat!¡±


    ¡°Are you scared of them, Marissa?¡± Flint asked her softly. For his age, there weren¡¯t that many wrinkles on his face but the way he sacrificed his privacy and let Marissa in along with her three kids. Marissa was obliged to him.


    ¡°For kids? Yes, I am. But do you want to know the best thing about that dream?¡± she said with augh, ¡°I almost chewed her finger<b>.¡±</b>


    She chugged down all her drink from the can and ced it aside on the couch.


    When the doorbell rang<b>, </b>Sophie closed her eyes as if she didn¡¯t hear it, ¡°I¡¯m not taking it. I¡¯m asleep. My sleep is too deep¡­¡±


    131 <b>131</b>¨Cnd Trust


    Marissa gave a yful punch on her shoulder and got up to get the door.


    The delivery guy handed over the pizza to Marissa along with the bill.


    ¡°Guys! Who ordered pizza?¡± she ced the boxes on the table.


    ¡°Oh. How could I forget pizza? I did,¡± Sophie face palmed and got to her feet.


    ¡°I have paid. You can rest the


    your royal ass, back on the sofa, Marissa teased and went to


    kitchen to fetch the tes.


    Sophia hungrily grabbed a slice and started eating it like a beast, ¡°Oh. I love pizza,¡±


    Her eyes rolled back in her head.


    ¡°And in the morning, you drink those herbal teas to get rid of the tire around your midriff,¡± Marissa mocked her again.


    She could never understand why Sophic made her weight an issue when she was smart and was in much better shape than Marissa.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of joining a gym,¡± Marissa stated nibbling on her pizza, ¡°This weight isn¡¯t shedding off after the kids. And then my poor diet choices¡­¡± she showed the slice to her friends.


    Flint was least interested in pizza.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about poor diet choices, Sophie took out another big slice from the box, ¡°Pizza is the healthiest junk ording to a new survey report¡±


    Flint startedughing and hid his face behind the paper.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Grandpa, Sophie passed them a warning re, ¡°just look at the amount of cheese, veggies, and chicken. Proteins, dairy, vitamins. Everything is <b>there</b><b>.¡±</b>


    ¡°Yeah. With loads of carbs! You need a doctor, Dr. Sophie.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t!¡± Sophie snapped in ¡®Ariel style¡® making them crack up with mirth.


    After the banter, Marissa felt much better. Otherwise, Nina and Valerie had almost given her a heart attackst night.


    ¡°And the way Rafael calmed me?¡± she thought to herself.


    This time when her phone started buzzing, Marissa rested her head back, ¡°It¡¯s in my room and you are bringing it, Sophie.¡±


    Sophie groaned in frustration, ¡°Urgh! On it.¡±


    She left the room stomping her feet and returned with Marissa¡¯s phone..


    ¡°Dean is calling you,¡± she said giving the phone to Marissa.


    Why will he call me at night when we are already meeting tomorrow morning?


    Thinking this to herself, she received the call, ¡°Yes, Dean! Hi!


    ¡°Hey, Marissa. Can youe tomorrow early morning? I mean before the usual arrival time?¡±


    Marissa mouthed Sophie silently for <b>another </b>Diet Coke can ¡°Wha? le <b>mon</b>


    131 131¨CBlind Trust


    ¡°Nothing serious. Tomorrow is off for all the employees. I have asked Delinda too toe early and lock your foodstuff if there <b>is </b>any. Or maybe take it home.


    ¡°Tomorrow is off?¡± she pressed her phone between her shoulder and neck and took hold of the Coke can, Sophie brought for her, ¡°Why off? And why are we supposed to move the edibles away?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Our CEO seems to have be paranoid. He wants an immediate fumigation tomorrow. The office needs to be closed for twenty¨Cfour hours. We are nning to open the officeste <b>on </b>Tuesday.¡±


    Marissa¡¯s mouth opened in an O shape.


    ¡°Fumigation? What¡¯s this about? Mice?¡± she folded her legs under her and took a chug from the


    <b>can</b>.


    ¡°Nah. I don¡¯t know why he wants to do it. He gave some strange excuse.


    ¡°Strange excuse?¡± she asked Dean but could feel Flint¡¯s and Sophia¡¯s eyes on her.


    ¡°Yeah. He thinks our offices have snakes.


    What? Snakes?


    ¡°O.M.G!¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I know. Pleasee early and remove those food packages, especially the ones that are


    not canned.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Dean. See youter.


    She ced the phone down and eyed her friends.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Flint inquired.


    *Rafael has ordered the entire MSin building fumigated. The excuse is kind of strange¡­ he thinks that there are snakes in the office.


    Flint curved down his lips, ¡°Snakes?¡±


    Sophia covered her mouth with her palm, ¡°Oh,


    Flint and Marissa both turned to her, ¡°What?¡±


    my God!


    *Do you even remember what you told him this morning when you said no to the date, Mar?¡± Marissa still had confusion on her face.


    ¡°You, dummy. You <b>said </b>there are snakes in his office. The man trusts you blindly, Marissa. And yet you keep convincing us that he is with you just because of kids.¡±

 Chapter 132

    132 132¨CY¨CYou?


    Marissa kept tossing and turning in her bed. Rafael had stayed back in the hotel and the kids. were staying with him.


    And here she was! Doing nothing but missing him.


    She looked at the space beside her, her handnded on the mattress<b>, </b><b>and </b>started stroking the


    space.


    ¡°You are still that charming man who used to speak to me so gently when I was your sister¨Cinw,¡± She said in a hushed tone, ¡°I never knew about this side of yours Rafael. There might be sexual tension between us. But I¡¯m not willing to give up on the lust part, taking a long sigh shey straight, staring at the ceiling.


    ¡°I wish¡­ I wish we had met under different circumstances. We might be good friends.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She thought with a pout.


    The way he was caring towards her and the way he used to look at her and smile at her and breathe¡­


    His every action had got ss.


    However, the reality was harsh. He had a wife back home and Marissa didn¡¯t want to jeopardize her rtionship further.


    She was already in a mess.


    And the man was trying hard to clean this mess for her.


    ¡°I knew you must be awake,¡± she heard Sophia from the doorway but didn¡¯t look at her.


    I¡¯m missing him,¡± this must be the first time she was confiding in her friend so openly about what she felt for Rafael.


    Sophia walked inside and headed to the bed. After settling herself, she covered her body with the quilt almost pulling it from Marissa.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s stopping you. Mar?¡± she asked her friend and ced the pillow on herp.


    ¡°He is married, Sophie!¡±


    ¡°He is married to you,¡±


    ¡°But nobody knows about it.¡±


    ¡°You know about it, <b>Mar. </b>He also believes it now. Don¡¯t you see how he goes above and beyond to make you happy andfortable around him? Or are you blind?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not blind, Sophie. But why would I be his bed partner when he is still with my sister? I went back to him because of kids.¡±


    When Sophie didn¡¯t speak, Marissa gave her a tightlipped smile. ¡°You know, what¡¯s worst? I don¡¯t know if I even deserve the divorce. Because there is nothing that <b>can </b>prove that we married


    hai i trak <b>ndare </b>in Valerie¡¯s name I <b>was </b>inst a bed nartner to him Bernice Nina


    itz


    132 132¨CY¨C<b>You</b>?


    ¡°And now what¡¯s next, Mar?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Marissa chuckled sarcastically, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything except my kids, and I need to protect them and do anything for their safety. Someday I need to tell, Rafael that his mom and wife are a threat to the kids. If he believes me, then we are good. If he won¡¯t then I¡¯ll run away once again to some faraway country and will return once they turn eighteen.


    ¡°Uh, huh!¡± Sophie threw her arm over her friend¡¯s shoulders and squeezed her, ¡°Now no need to be Indiana Jones. I think he¡¯ll believe you.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡± Marissa propped herself up on her elbow, ¡°Because, what I have learned, Valerie and Nina are the biggest maniptors and can easily turn any situation in their favor.¡±


    ¡°That was five years ago, Mar. <b>Back </b>then you were na?ve. But not anymore. Remember how you chewed Valerie¡¯s finger in that dream? Did you do any such thing in any of your nightmares before?¡±


    Marissa shook her head, not able to speak anything.


    ¡°See? You are a mama bear. And nobody can even bat an eye on your kids. Just remember to take


    a dentist appointment, Marissa watched her friend¡¯s face in bewilderment.


    ¡°What has the dentist got to do with all this?¡±


    ¡°Silly! Chewing Valerie¡¯s finger won¡¯t be an easy task. Just keep your teeth ready. Make them sharper.


    Throwing back her head, Marissaughed loudly.


    Sophie was right. She needed a good dentist indeed.


    Holding Ethan¡¯s hand Valerie left the dining room of the hotel. She wanted to sleep early as tomorrow she needed to be at MSin.


    This was a five¨Cstar hotel. There was a seven¨Cstar hotel in Kanderton, but its upancy was so high that they couldn¡¯t get rooms there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a night, Ethan,¡± Valerie said ncing sideways as they walked, ¡°We have an early.


    start at MSin tomorrow.¡±


    Ethan squeezed her hand, ¡°I know, love. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t keep you awake.¡±


    Valerie chuckled softly, shaking her head, ¡°It¡¯s not crowded anymore. Otherwise yesterday I didn¡¯t <b>want </b>to leave my room.¡±


    <b>¦§</b>


    ¡°Must be due to the weekend. Now it¡¯s ending so thankfully we can have more privacy here,¡± He then turned to her with furrowed brows, ¡°Nervous about tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Nah!¡± she fined back her hair over her shoulder, ¡°Why would I be? When I¡¯ve got you


    side.


    They stopped for a minute because Ethan now wanted to kiss her.


    by my


    132 132¨CY¨C<b>You</b><b>?</b>


    ¡°Ethan. We are standing in the hotel lobby¡± she saidughingly but instead of giving her a chance to argue further he started kissing her.


    ¡°You are getting bolder day by day,¡± she rolled her eyes making him chuckle.


    He pinched her cheek, ¡°Yeah. I want to be bold when you are around.¡±


    They kept roaming around in an attempt to discover the hotel that didn¡¯t have much to offer.


    ¡°Tomorrow will be an exciting day for me!¡± she eximed with a shrug and squeezed her eyes in delight.


    She was sure whoever the woman was must not be as beautiful as her. If she had kids, she must be ugly and if she had multiple kids then she must be fat and ugly.


    Rafael was a desirable man and might have slipped for that woman temporarily. But now Valerie wanted to remind that woman of her ce.


    These low¨Css bimbos think that they could steal a guy and then keep milking him for his property, money, diamond jewelry, and expensive gifts.


    Holding her by her waist, Ethan started walking to the elevator.


    As the elevator doors slid open, Valerie froze, catching her breath in her throat.


    Standing inside the elevator was Nina, wearing a stern expression on her face.


    The moment Nina¡¯s eyesnded on Valerie she also went still.


    ¡°V¡­Valerie? Y¨Cyou?¡±


    ¡°N¡­Nina? Y¨CYou?¡±

 Chapter 133

    133 133- White Pce In Wife¡¯s Name


    Nina¡¯s brows knitted into several lines when <b>she </b>saw a handsome man standing behind Valerie, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she then regarded her daughter¨Cinw from head to toe, ¡°You are all tan. And who is this man with you?¡± she demanded, and Valeric could detect doubts in her condescending tone.


    She raised a brow and her lips curled up unto a smirk, ¡°Why, Nina? Do I have to inform you what I¡¯m doing in the city where my husband lives? By the way, meet Ethan. My¡­wyer.¡±


    ¡°Lawyer? What bullshit is this? You are in your husband¡¯s city without your husband, girl. That too with a man who you are calling awyer. He might be awyer. But you are a Liar. Ha¨Cha!¡± Nina then turned to Ethan and smiled at him, ¡°I didn¡¯t know thatwyers nowadays are babysitting rich family daughters¨Cinw.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s face flushed and Valerie narrowed her eyes while looking at her mother¨Cinw, ¡°And why are you here? For giving your unsolicited fashion advice to random people? Calling them liars? I would love to have a look at your Miserable¡¯s collection, Nina.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to back off. She might be in hot waters due to the presence of Ethan. He was found with her but thankfully due to her cleverness, they had booked separate rooms.


    Nina wasn¡¯t expecting such rude responses from Valerie. She had been a very sweet and good. daughter¨Cinw. Her eyes shed with anger, ¡°At least that¡¯s my collection. I¡¯m a career woman and not like spending any man¡¯s hard¨Cearned money. Just look at you.¡±


    Ethan looked around as he could see both the women were attracting attention. They both were trying to keep their voices low but still, they were failing miserably.


    ¡°Rafael is my husband, and I can spend his money the way I please, Nina. We all know how you started your OWN business¡­¡± Valerie rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nina smirked, ¡°at least I don¡¯t need to drag around a puppy for my OWN business. Who else is enjoying Rafael¡¯s money besides you? Is it just onewyer or the whole bar? Ha¨Cha!¡±


    Good one! Ethan thought to himself with a subtle smile.


    Valerie took a step closer to the olderdy, ¡°Better a puppy than a leech. Tell me, Nina. Are you here because of Rafael or that woman? Or is it your old urge to keep an eye on me?¡±


    Ethan looked at the girl standing behind Nina who now had a bored look on her face.


    Nina folded her <b>arms </b>on her chest, her jaw clenched, ¡°Ah. Coming from someone who can¡¯t keep her man interested?¡±


    By now Valerie¡¯s smile had turned icy, ¡°Oh. Don¡¯t worry about my man¡­ your man already died due to a heart attack. We don¡¯t know how much tensed he must be from your¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Nina¡¯s hand raised in the air as she was about to p Valerie when Ethan was quick to hold her wrist.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. Please,¡± he then turned to Valerie, ¡°Maybe we should sit somewhere and¡­¡±


    133 133- White Pce In Wife¡¯s Name


    ¡°Stay out of it!¡± both women snapped at him with a re.


    Nina turned her attention to Valerie, ¡°I guess you are nning toe to MSin tomorrow. Am I right?¡±


    For a minute Valerie felt as if she had gone mute. Why was Nina asking this question? Was she nning to visit MSin too?


    ¡°If you are nning any such thing Valerie then let me remind you. I¡¯m his mom and hold a top position in MSin. I hold fifteen percent of the shares,¡± She announced proudly.


    Valerie¡¯s smile was pure venom. She didn¡¯t feel any more respect for her mother¨Cinw, ¡°Spoiler alert, Nina. Not anymore. Because I wasn¡¯t there topete with you,¡± She then noticed a frail girl behind Nina, ¡°Who is she? Are you into girls now? Ha¨Cha!¡±


    Nina¡¯s face turned beet red with insult, ¡°Are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you are saying? She is my assistant Geena. Better behave yourself.¡±


    A suited man who must be the manager of the hotel approached them with a polite smile, ¡°Ma¡¯am. Can you take your meeting somewhere else? We have got empty conference rooms. Our guests might get disturbed.¡±


    He said while fixing his tie.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± this time Nina had to struggle with that friendly smile, ¡°Do you even know who I am? Nina Sinir. The leading designer.¡±


    Nina couldn¡¯t believe it when the manager gave her a confused grin, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not much <b>into </b>fashion. Maybe my wife knows you¡­. can you please move to a conference room or go back to <b>your </b>rooms¡­¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nina¡¯s eyes were zing with anger, ¡°If you don¡¯t know me then you clearly don¡¯t know this young woman too. She is a nobody and couldn¡¯t make any name for herself.


    The poor manager this time turned to Valerie, ¡°Who are you, ma¡¯am?¡±


    Valerie smirked confidently, ¡°Ever heard Rafael Sinir¡¯s name? President of MSin? I¡¯m his beloved wife.¡±


    His eyes were wide in disbelief, ¡°My, my. Rafael Sinir? Who doesn¡¯t know him? You should have told me before that you are his wife. Don¡¯t forget to take a voucher for your next visit to our hotel.


    Valerie wanted tough hard. Why was she never this confident before? Why did she allow Nina to bully her so openly?


    Look how she was winning by just using her brains!


    She so wanted to pass a secret nce to Ethan because she was sure he must be proud of her.


    The manager had gone back and the fire in Nina¡¯s eyes was enough to set the hotel on fire.


    ¡°Now no more arguments, Nina. I¡¯m his wife and I deserve the best,¡± she flipped her hair behind her shoulder in style and rolled her eyes.


    133 133- White Pce in Wile¡¯s Name


    to buy the most expensive property in Kanderton. Once I¡¯ll buy it, I won¡¯t need my son¡¯s name for the recognition. So, keep enjoying his name and his money,¡± she walked past her but then stopped, ncing sideways, ¡°And yes. Be prepared on Monday. Let¡¯s see who MSin employees.


    listen <b>to</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    With that Nina headed out along with her assistant leaving them behind, staring at her back.


    Valerie was pacing around in the room like a wild cat. All she wanted to do was try her ws on


    Nina¡¯s face.


    All this time, when she thought that she was only worried about that woman who was in Rafael¡¯s life, Nina had increased her worries, tenfold.


    ¡°Can you please sit down, honey?¡± Ethan had followed her into the room and was now observing her while sitting on the edge of the bed.


    ¡°How dare she talk to me like that? See, how she was trying to insult me. Thankfully the manager knew me!¡± she wanted to kill her mother¨Cinw.


    The look on Nina¡¯s face refreshed in her mind when she was shocked to hear that Manager knew


    Valeric but never heard of Nina. Ha¨Cha.


    Thankfully Ethan remained calm, watching her carefully, ¡°Honey. Please¡± he got up and walked to her holding her by her arms tightly, ¡°Just take a deep breath. Ok? I promise we¡¯ll figure this out together.¡±


    Valerie shoved his arms away and looked at him, ¡°Figure this out? She is clearly nning to take over MSin. She is no less a witch. Rafael¡¯s strings are in her hand. It won¡¯t be an easy war, Ethan. And then her ns to buy that expensive property¡­¡±


    She then stopped for a minute and held her forehead with one <b>hand</b>, ¡°Ethan. Ca¡­can you look for me? What¡¯s the location of the most expensive property in Kanderton?¡±


    Ethan nodded, his expression serious, ¡°I¡¯ll look into it right now¡­¡±


    He took out his phone from his pocket and started scrolling and searching the property site.


    ¡°Here it is!¡± he showed her a picture, ¡°White Pce. It was built by a businessman for his son but unfortunately, the son died in an ident.¡±


    Valerie was impressed. The White Pce was a work of art.


    ¡°Is there any contact number mentioned?¡±


    ¡°Yes. There is. Let me talk.¡±


    He dialed the numbers and waited for the call to be picked up, ¡°Maybe they won¡¯t take the call because their working hours must have ended by now¡­¡±


    He was about to cut the call when someone received it.


    ¡°Hey. Hello. My name is Ethan. This property¡­ White pce. I need to know its details.¡±


    He stayed quiet and then found Valerie staring at him. He sent her a flying kiss and kept


    133 133- White Pce In Wife¡¯s Name


    listening to this man.


    When the call ended, he shook his head.


    ¡°They just sold it three days back,¡± Valerie felt disappointment surging through her heart.


    ¡°Ask them if we can buy it after paying them slightly more than the market rate.¡±


    Ethan shook his head, ¡°The man who bought it already paid the owner thrice the price as the owner wasn¡¯t interested in selling it. This buyer wants to gift White Pce to his wife.¡± ¡°Damn!¡± Valerie made a pout, ¡°he must be into this woman. Tomorrow when I¡¯ll go to MSin, I¡¯ll ask Rafael to buy it for me. He is the only one who can afford to pay this much amount.¡±


    ¡°But the man who bought it will never sell it if it¡¯s for his wife.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, Ethan,¡± she went closer to him and tied her arms around his neck, ¡°Don¡¯t you know everything has a price? If Rafael sets his mind on something, he can make it happen, no matter what the cost is.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he said softly, slowly pushing away her arms, ¡°But the property is NOT in his name. It¡¯s in his wife¡¯s name<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Valerie scrunched her nose. Who is this man? Husbands usually do give expensive gifts and properties to their partners.


    But they never make their wives legal owners.


    The man seemed to be madly in love with his wife. She wanted to meet the couple.

 Chapter 134

    134 134- Small Punches


    You <b>are </b>such a fool, Marissa, Sophie told her while taking the left turn and then hitting <b>the</b>


    brakes, ¡°The man thinks his office has snakes and is now ready to fumigation the whole damn ce. Who does that?¡± a


    Marissa looked out of the passenger seat window where she could see one or two customers. through the ss door sitting in the caf¨¦, ¡°Why exactly are we here?¡±


    She asked Sophie when saw her unbuckling the seat belt.


    ¡°To dance! Of course, we¡¯ll have coffee along with donuts, Goofball,¡± she got out of the car and stood outside with a hand on her hip.


    Marissa drummed her fingers for a few moments. She didn¡¯t want to try her friend¡¯s patience who was already pissed for declining Rafael¡¯s date due to the nightmare.


    ¡°Are youing out or do I need to drag you out? Marissa sighed and freed herself from the belt. Her friend was acting like a drill sergeant.


    They needed to reach the office to move the foodstuff to a safe ce. Before that Marissa was supposed to deliver theptop to Rafael at his hotel.


    Kids spent the night with him, and she and Sophie sleptte after chatting.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to gette for the office, Marissa mmed the car door and earned a re from


    Sophia whose car was a kiddo to her.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Not epted,¡± Sophie snapped, ¡°now buy me a coffee.


    Marissa was more worried about Rafael who must be waiting for hisptop and then Dean who must be waiting for her at MSin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Punctual. You¡¯ll be on time. Just enjoy the coffee!¡± Sophic signaled a waiter to take their orders.


    After telling him to bring donuts and croissants along with coffee, Sophie rested her arms on the coffee table, ¡°I don¡¯t understand one thing, she leaned over being a little secretive and Marissa had to bite back her smile. Sometimes Sophie acted as if she wasn¡¯t a gynecologist but a


    teenager.


    ¡°Why such secrecy when there is literally no one here, Sophie?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Whatever. But answer me. Why did Rafael want ME toe along with YOU? It was just aptop, and you could easily have delivered it.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Maybe because the office car wasn¡¯t avable,¡± Marissa shrugged, ¡°and maybe he might want you to meet a hot guy in that hotel!¡±


    Sophic pped her hand, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me. I¡¯m literally in my PJs. If that was the case, he should have informed me!


    ¨C ¡ªIL.


    1M 134¨CSmall Punches


    wants to talk to you. After all, you two are friends now, She poked her finger on the back of her hand, ¡°Gamer buddies! Huh!¡±


    She teased her friend, but this was Sophie who couldn¡¯t be deterred easily.


    ¡°Yeah. We are gamer buddies! Jealous? Huh!¡±


    The teasing had to stop when the waiter brought their orders.


    Keeping in mind Marissa¡¯s punctuality, Sophie kept her eating pace fast.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s deliver thatptop to your man and then head to the MSin office.¡±


    Marissa felt warmth spreading through her heart. Your man?


    During the ride, she didn¡¯t speak much, and Sophie kept tilting her head to observe her friend. She might have canceled her date with Rafael but for some reason, she <b>had </b>been happy. Sophie knew the cause of this happiness.


    he barged in her office and threatened her, she could still smile on the


    Five years back the way he <i>bar</i>


    memory.


    Lately, he had been nothing but a gentleman.


    Marissa must be blind not to notice it, but Rafael¡¯s eyes used to be glued to her wherever she went. What was she thinking? What was going on inside that mommy brain?


    Rafael used to admire everything about her friend.


    Still, they both were fools to think they were being together for the sake of kids.


    After reaching the hotel¡¯s entrance, they were guided to the private parking lot for VIP guests. When she pulled over, a familiar figure approached their car and opened the door to Sophie¡¯s


    side.


    What


    are you


    you doing here in this parking lot?¡± she came out with a surprised look on her face and saw him going to Marissa¡¯s side to open the door for her.


    ¡°Just wanted to wee you two,¡± Rafael held Marissa¡¯s hand and helped her out. However, the smile on Sophia¡¯s lips vanished when he mmed the <b>door</b>.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± She screamed. Poor him wasn¡¯t expecting that warning re.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± his face broke <b>into </b>a smile as he pulled Marissa into his arms and kissed her.


    ¡°Hello! Mr. Rafael Sinir. Yourptop is here!¡± Sophie rolled her eyes and then announced with a professional smile. She had to struggle a little to get it out from the back of the car.


    These two love birds! Sigh!


    ¡°Sophie. Be a sweetheart and take it to the penthouse. It¡¯s marked as P on the elevator button.¡±


    ¡°Seriously. Am I your delivery guy?¡± Sophic frowned at him whose eyes were still on Marissa.


    ¡°I know. Why don¡¯t you give me the car keys and I drop Marissa to the office?¡± he was asking Sophie, but his eyes were on Marissa¡¯s face, ¡°You can enjoy the room service. He offered her,


    ¡°Urgh! You two disgust me,¡± She huffed and threw the keys in the air before heading to the


    2008


    134 134¨CSmall Punches


    elevator.


    Rafael caught them in mid¨Cair quite expertly.


    ¡°Kids¡­ are


    S¡­ are they alone?¡± Marissa asked him while trying to look at her friend. But what to do with her eyes when they wanted to keep staring at his face?


    ¡°No. They aren¡¯t alone,¡± he held her face in his hands and leaned his forehead against hers, ¡°God. It was just one night and how I missed you.¡±


    Marissa held his wrists and closed her eyes.


    ¡°We might gette if we keep standing here like this¡­¡± she reminded him softly.


    ¡°Umm hmm. Beingte is not a bad thing, he muttered making her chuckle.


    ¡°Says a man who always taught me to be punctual,¡± the remark made him jerk his face up and Marissa found an odd expression crossing his features.


    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± they both were caught off guard when they saw a security guard. passing by.


    ¡°He might think we are here to do naughty things,¡± she giggled and this time his shoulders started shaking with mirth.


    ¡°What naughty things? For example?¡±


    ¡°Umm. For example, she made a face like she was thinking hard, ¡°Like blow job?¡±


    The seriousness with which she said it made him throw back his head andugh hard, ¡°Blow job? Seriously? I won¡¯t mind it at all! Should we start now¡­¡± he keptughing when she showered him with small punches.

 Chapter 135

    135 135- My number is¡­


    ¡°Urgh. So, they n to have romance in my car and send me


    apany the kids. Smart move, Rafael¡±


    to deliver thisptop. And t


    She was still talking to herself when she stepped out of the elevator and rang the bell of the penthouse entrance.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± she heard a man¡¯s voice inside.


    Who was with the kids? Rafael never mentioned anyone here.


    Oh <i>my </i>God<i>! </i><i>I </i>hope the kids are safe.


    Should <i>I </i>call Marissa?


    No. She would panic.


    How about hotel security?


    ¡°Who the fuck is this?¡® the man was annoyed and raised his voice a little. Sophia realized that it had a hint of sleepiness to it. She was still standing there in confusion when the door opened with <b>a </b>click and a man came out wearing a slick waffle robe with disheveled hair.


    He was looking at her through half¨Cclosed eyes and Sophia thought she was familiar with the


    face.


    ¡°Umm. I think I have knocked on the wrong door,¡± she showed him theptop, ¡°I needed to deliver it to Rafael Sinir. No problem. I¡¯ll ask the reception desk.¡±


    She had turned on her heels when he quickly stopped her, ¡°Hey. Did you say, Rafael Sinir?¡± He rubbed his eyes with his fists and tried to open her eyes wide.


    He even pped his face a few times.


    When he looked at her again his eyes turn into thin slits, ¡°Y¡­you? Doctor Sophia?¡±


    Sophia frowned, ¡°Oh my God! Joseph?¡±


    It dawned on her, what Rafael tried to do here. She wanted to strangle his neck.


    For God¡¯s sake. She was in PJs and didn¡¯t even apply makeup.


    ¡°Pleasee he stepped aside and opened the door wider.


    She was hesitant at first but now there was warmth in his eyes.


    She entered the penthouse and couldn¡¯t help but admire everything about this ce. The d¨¦cor was modern but sleek.


    ¡°If you haven¡¯t arrived here yet, Marissa then you are missing so much, She thought to herself. Walking slowly, she went to the ss walls where the curtains were drawn back, offering the panoramic city view of Kanderton.


    ¡°It¡¯s breathtaking, she nced around and then turned to him, ¡°You have great taste.¡±


    He shook his head and stood right close to her. The credit goes to Rafael. I have got my house


    113


    135 135- My number is¡­


    here it¡¯s on twenty¨Cninth street. I hope you¡¯ll like it.


    Was it a subtle invitation she detected in his tone?


    He was now scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. She also felt a little clumsy standing like


    this.


    ¡°Umm. I think¡­ I should meet the kids and say hi. Where are they?¡± she looked around for the mini army who could wreck the ce in minutes.


    He chuckled softly, ¡°They are sleeping. Sleptte due to the movie night.¡±


    Sophia nodded with a nervous grin, ¡°Right¡­ umm. Then I think¡­ I should go¡­¡±


    ¡°How did you get here?¡±


    She pointed her thumb to the door, ¡°By elevator<b>,¡±</b>


    He tried to suppress the grin and rolled his lips between his teeth, ¡°I¡¯m talking about the hotel. How did you get here? Do you have a car?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Rafael took it to drop Marissa to the office. Why?¡±


    He shrugged and Sophia¡¯s eyes stuck on the low neckline of his robe that was widening with his. every movement. It made her heart race as she tried to focus on the conversation.


    He was saying something, and Sophia was staring at his mouth like a fool, ¡°Wh¡­what¡­ what did <b>you </b>say?¡±


    He paused and regarded her face for a minute making her more nervous, ¡°I¡¯m saying¡­¡± he said softly, ¡°How will you go back without your car? Why don¡¯t you wait for Rafael?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± she nodded wildly and brushed her fingers through her hair, ¡°you are so right.¡± She wanted to ignore the warm sensation in her chest, but it was bing too much.


    ¡°Would you like some breakfast? Or anything else you want from room service?¡± he offered her


    with a smile.


    ¡°Nah! No need,¡± she held up her hand, ¡°I just had coffee.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? They make great omelet here,¡±


    ¡°N¨CNo. Tha How to tell him that she gulped down those croissants and donuts beforeing here? Urgh.


    <i>My </i>tummy <i>isn¡¯t </i>t. <i>Why</i><i>?</i>


    Being a <i>gynecologist </i>how <i>I </i>used to guide everyone <i>to </i>stay on their <i>diet </i>and how I used to refer


    them to <b>a </b>nutritionist.


    This time she swore she would visit one herself. Her body needed a diet n.


    She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she realized that he was staring at her.


    ¡°Do you dye your hair?¡± the unexpected question was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. It caught her off guard.


    ¡°What?¡±


    135 135- My number is¡­.


    ¡°Y¨CYour hair color. It¡¯s unique,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s unique because it¡¯s dyed,¡± this time there was amusement in her voice. The corners of his mouth also curled up.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being a bad host. Please take a seat and excuse me for a minute. I need to go and change.¡±


    ¡°Why? You look fine!¡± she atst took a seat near the ss wall and folded her legs under her. There was so much ease in this action that he paused for a minute.


    ¡°Fine?¡± he looked down to examine his attire and she pinched the soft cloth of her cotton PJs, ¡°You are looking better than me. At least you are not delivering theptop like this.¡±


    They both cracked up together.


    Sophia felt the initial awkwardness melting away as he walked over and took another chair across from her.


    He was handsome and thankfully had a good sense of humor.


    ¡°So, Dr. Sophia. Tell me who you are. And yes,¡± he got to his feet and went inside. When he returned, he had his phone in his hand, ¡°this time I don¡¯t want you to leave without giving your contact details. Now please¡­¡±


    He waited for her to say the numbers.


    Sophia grinned and sent a silent thanks to Rafael, ¡°Sure. My number is¡­¡±

 Chapter 136

    136 136- Home Wrecker


    They were in the parking lot of MSin which was only reserved for Rafael and Joseph with the private elevator. Co


    ¡°You made mete,¡± she said ncing at him. After getting done with his seat belt, he leaned over to unbuckle <b>hers</b>.


    ¡°Nopes. I didn¡¯t. It was Sophie. She drove slowly to reach the hotel,¡± Marissa stretched her lips. into a forced smile knowing full well that he was jesting with her.


    ¡°Are you serious? It was yourptop, Rafael. Not Sophie,<b>¡±</b>


    Holding her face, he bumped their noses, ¡°Why not take away the me from Sophie <b>and </b>myptop and pin it on something else.¡±


    Marissa was already getting conscious of his closeness, ¡°And who will you pin it on?¡± she cocked up a brow, ¡°Will it be a person or a thing?¡±


    He cleared his throat and got serious. But Marissa had already seen that mischievous glint in <b>his </b>emerald green eyes, ¡°I would like to pin it on the blow job!¡± he said.


    A puny punchnded on his shoulder, ¡°Jerk!¡±


    She turned around to unlock the door, ¡°Hey. I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± she heard him behind her and


    froze.


    Chewing her lower lip, she looked back over her shoulder, ¡°Dean might kill me. I was supposed to be here earlier than usual.¡±


    His arms enveloped her, drawing her to him, ¡°And why Dean would kill you?¡±


    This was his no¨Cnonsense tone and those green orbs shed iciness while roaming on her face. She tried to shrug it off with a chuckle, ¡°Because I¡¯mte.


    ¡°Even if you arete, Marissa. So what? Nobody can dictate to you or get mad at you,¡± he said. looking into her eyes, ¡°got that?¡±


    She wanted to ask the reason. Why couldn¡¯t Dean or Joseph say anything? Rafael was making her feel <b>as </b>if she was the owner there.


    He was still looking at her. She cupped his cheek and nodded at him with a soft smile, ¡°Got that!¡±


    He gently tilted his head into her hand and kissed it.


    She was feeling giddiness while walking to the office. The feeling that Rafael was waiting for her in the parking lot was giving her butterflies <b>in </b>her tummy.


    ¡°Hello!¡± she announced her presence when found Dean and Delinda sliding small cartons in the hallway.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Dean hugged her and whispered, ¡°Any idea why our boss thinks that we have snakes?*


    136 136¨CHome Wrecker


    Because I <i>told </i>him.


    ¡°I wish I could exin this,¡± she then eyed Delinda who was asking the workers to shift the food


    cartons to the truck.


    Like always she didn¡¯t arrive to greet her or hug her.


    ¡°Hey, Del,¡± Marissa walked over to her friend, ¡°How is George?¡± she asked about her boy praying mentally that he was alright.


    ¡°He is good, Delinda shifted her focus to the man who was packing the stuff and taping it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte, Delinda. Sophie¡­ my friend¡­ she took me for coffee¡­¡±


    Dean who was standing behind her, ced his hand on her shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have packed <b>most </b>of your stuff.¡±


    Marissa felt guilty. It wasn¡¯t Dean¡¯s job.


    ¡°My apologies again¡­ I¡¯ll be more careful in the future.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem, Marissa,¡± theborers were sliding the cartons outside the hallway and Marissa could see uniformed men who must be here for fumigation, setting the chemical packages and containers.


    Marissa noticed Delinda struggling with the heavy paper bags and immediately went over to take them from her, ¡°Let me do that, Del. Move back.


    But Delinda almost snatched it from her grip quite harshly, ¡°No thanks,¡± she said in a clipped


    voice.


    Even Dean seemed surprised at her rude tone. When his eyes met Marissa¡¯s, he just shrugged in


    confusion.


    What went wrong?


    <i>Why </i>is <i>Del </i><i>treating </i>me <i>like </i>this<i>?</i>


    Is she in trouble?


    Is it about her baby?


    ¡°Del!¡± she called her name, but Delinda didn¡¯t even bother to look at her.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong? Did I <b>hurt </b>you?¡± she asked <b>and </b>tried grasping her friend¡¯s wrist.


    Delinda gently freed h and and shook her head, ¡°No. You didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Del. I¡¯m just worried¡­¡±


    ¡°No need to get worried for me, Marissa. Excuse me¡­. I have got a job to do¡­¡± Delinda walked away with a firm face.


    Marissa felt hurt. Shouldn¡¯t Delinda confide in her? As a friend shouldn¡¯t she tell her about the


    issue?


    After that Marissa got busy with work. She kept instructing the workers afterbeling the


    cartons


    136 138- Home Wrecker


    They needed to get it done quickly so that fumigation could be started.


    She took out the phone from her purse when heard the ringtone.


    Rafael.


    With a smile, she moved to a private corner and spoke, ¡°Yes?¡±


    His impatient voice reached her ears, ¡°How long will it take? I¡¯m waiting.¡±


    She smiled and eyed the other corner where Dean was busy, but Delinda was looking at her <b>not </b>trying to break the eye contact this time. Marissa shuddered when she realized what it was in


    her eyes.


    Hatred.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be down soon,¡± Rafael cracked a joke about a blow job, and she couldn¡¯t evenugh.


    ¡°Thank you,dies. Now you two should leave,¡± Dean said good¨Cnaturedly.


    Marissa lifted herself on her toes and kissed his check, ¡°You are a sweetheart: Dean wasn¡¯t prepared for the kiss and gave her a sheepish smile.


    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks,¡±


    She came out of the building with Delinda behind her. She spun around to face her, once they were out. Rafael was waiting for her in the private parking but here she needed to talk to her.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s talk like adults, Del. What did I do?¡±


    Delinda who was looking at her, smirked, ¡°You did nothing. You are too innocent to do anything bad.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Delinda. This isn¡¯t the time to be sarcastic. What happened?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°I was there in the superstore two days back!¡± she snapped.


    ¡°Superstore? Two days back?¡± Marissa wasn¡¯t understanding anything.


    ¡°Yeah. When your girls bought condom packs. I was enjoying it until¡­ until I saw Mr. Rafael Sinir¡­¡±


    Marissa¡¯s head started reeling,


    ¡°And don¡¯t you dare say it wasn¡¯t you? I¡¯m not blind, Marissa. For how long it¡¯s been going?¡±


    ¡°Delinda¡­ I¡­ I <b>can </b>exin.


    ¡°Exin? Exin what ow you became a home breaker? When his wife is back <b>home </b>waiting for him, he is with you and taking your kids¡® responsibility? I misjudged you, Marissa.¡±


    ¡°Th¡­ this¡­ Isn¡¯t fair¡­¡± Marissa tried her best not to cry, ¡°You aren¡¯t even allowing me to offer any exnations¡±


    ¡°There is no exnation for cheating, Marissa. Now I understand¡­why he was giving you these huge favors in office. Kate was so right. How wrong I thought of her. Delinda closed her eyes and shook her head, ¡°She was right all along. Now I understand how you got that position.¡±


    16:57


    136 136- Home Wrecker


    ¡°Delinda. I thought we were friends,¡± she whispered.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Not anymore. I can never be friends with a home wrecker, Marissa. Don¡¯t you ever try to talk to


    me.¡±

 Chapter 137

    137 137- She Was Wrong


    Rafael nced at the passenger seat where she was seated and was extremely quiet. She was in <b>a </b>good mood earlier when they came to the office.


    He was waiting for her in the parking lot when he received her call, ¡°I¡¯m standing outside the building. Can youe and pick me up?¡±


    ¡°On it, princess,¡± when she was getting in the car, her friend was standing there at some distance waiting for her car.


    It had hardly taken her thirty minutes toe out of the building.


    ¡°Are you


    worried about something?¡± He asked her, keeping his eyes ahead on the road. The traffic was slowly increasing due to the office timings.


    When she didn¡¯t reply, he threw a concerned nce at her. She was still looking outside the window. Rafael didn¡¯t fail to notice that her shoulders seemed tensed.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he called her name, and she still didn¡¯t move. He reached over and held her hand lying on herp <b>and </b>squeezed it.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Marissa almost jumped in her ce and twisted in her seat to face him.


    ¡°Yes?¡± there was a wildness in her eyes like she was too busy in thinking something deep and someone woke her up.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Didn¡¯t mean to scare you,¡± he pulled his hand to ce it back on the steering wheel. ¡°It¡¯s OK. You were saying something?¡± he saw her pulling the stic band from her hair and giving her hair a hard shake until the locks fell over her shoulders.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she tried to smile, ¡°just something rted to work,¡± She kept fixing her hair to tie it again into a messy bun.


    Rafael didn¡¯t seem convir ced. The smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes like it used to.


    ¡°Why did


    you send Sophie upstairs?¡± she tried to change the topic in an attempt to move his focus to something else other than her.


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± he smiled, ¡°Joseph stayedst night in the hotel penthouse. I just wanted them to meet,¡± he turned his face to look at her and found confusion there, ¡°she met him when she visited White Pce and¡­ I somewhat knew that the man was Joseph¡­¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± she folded her arms on her chest and gave him a tightlipped smile, ¡°And here I thought that maybe¡­ you are interested in spending time with me.¡±


    Thest part was said in such a low whisper that Rafael thought he heard her wrong.


    ¡°Sorry?¡±


    ¡°Nothing Forget it¡± che wrse amain looking out of the window


    137 137- She <b>Was </b>Wrong!


    Rafael pulled in a long breath. For once he was tempted to park the car aside and ask her what the issue was. Was she mad at him?


    But she might take it the wrong way.


    ¡°Marissa!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Did something happen at the office?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°1. Asked. Did. Something. Happened. At. The. Office.¡±


    He spoke every word very slowly, with great patience..


    ¡°Nothing happened at the office, she stated and got busy with sightseeing.


    Rafael wasn¡¯t liking this silence. What was the problem<b>?</b>


    ¡°Do you want to stay somewhere for a while and have coffee?¡± he tried to talk to her, but she just shook her head.


    ¡°No. Already had it with Sophie, the smile was again a forced one. Not the genuine one, ¡°Plus we need to reach there on time. Sophie is nning to go out of Kanderton City to visit Flint¡¯s sister. Flint will also apany her.


    Rafael nodded thoughtfully, ¡°When will they return? Evening? Late night?¡± she could detect concern in his voice.


    ¡°They are nning to stay there for two to three days,¡±


    ¡°Woah. Hold it there. And you¡¯ll be all alone, Marissa? How will you <b>and </b>the kids stay¡­¡±


    ¡°Rafael, please,¡± she raised her hand, ¡°Sophie and Flint deserve this trip. They have been taking care of the kids for the longest time. In fact, I was the one to encourage them to take it.¡±


    Rafael pursed his lips and nodded in understanding, ¡°That makes sense.¡±


    Delinda.


    He got quiet after that, but Marissa¡¯s mind stayed on the words uttered by


    Delinda was such a sweet soul and when Marissa helped her it was a genuine gesture without any selfishness involved.


    Being a friend, shouldn¡¯t she havee to her and asked her.


    Just a few days back Delinda told her that she knew she had kids, but she would respect her boundaries, and today¡­.


    ¡°There is no exnation for cheating, Marissa. Now I understand¡­<i>why </i>he was giving <i>you </i>these huge <i>favors </i><i>in </i>office. Kate was <i>so </i><i>right</i>. <i>How </i>wrong I <i>thought </i><i>of </i>her. <i>She </i>was <i>right </i><i>all </i><i>along</i>. Now I understand <i>how </i>you got that position.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Delinda. I thought we were friends,¡±


    ¡°Not <i>anymore</i>. <i>I </i>can never be friends with a home wrecker, Marissa. Don¡¯t you ever try to talk to


    137 137 She Wire Wrong!


    Marissa felt a wave of disappointment washing over her.


    She wished she could stop Sophie from leaving the city and was aware that just one word from her and Sophie and Flint would cancel this trip. But Marissa didn¡¯t want to be self¨Ccentered.


    All she needed was a shoulder to cry on. Nothing much. Sophie could be the best option. But with her gone, she might request Rafael to take care of the kids and then she could stay back at home and cry her heart out with her face in the pillow.


    Yes. That made <b>sense</b>.


    She needed to cry. She needed to mourn the loss of a genuine friend. A friend whose words were enough to hurt her deeply. In the future, she might not be able to trust someone so easily.


    Right now, her strength should be used to stop herself from crying. To not let those tears slide down her face that were fighting toe out of her lids.


    Because once this man would see tears in her eyes, he would never let her leave the hotel.


    She could feel his nces now and then and was scared of those damn tears. He had felt something was wrong and it made her more sensitive.


    How could he sense her every need, her every emotion, her every urge?


    She squeezed her eyes when the car entered the parking area of the hotel. Trying to forget everything about Delinda, she tried to smile and found Rafael calling someone.


    ¡°Who are you calling?¡±


    ¡°Just sending a message to Joseph,¡± he said cing the phone back in his pocket, ¡°so that he can send down Sophia.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the pick and drop, she took him by surprise when held his <b>hand </b>without any warning.


    His eyes were staring <b>hard </b>at her face like an X¨Cray machine.


    She saw the elevator doors opening and found Sophieing out of it with a big grin on her face.


    ¡°Whatever it is, Marissa. I want to hear it,¡± Rafael told her. He must have seen Sophia who was heading to them.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± she asked him in confusion.


    ¡°We both know you are upset about something, Marissa. I want to give you space and time¡­ but not at the cost of your mental health. Whatever it is. Share it and get done.¡±


    He then managed a fake smile and got out of the car teasing Sophie about something.


    When Sophie took the driving seat, he closed the door for her and then stepped back. <i>¡°</i><i>Bye</i>!¡± So


    her.


    Sophic rolled down the window and waved. He waved back and then looked straight at


    ¡°Better do it before midnight, Marissa,¡± he called out and Sophie frowned. Her eyes were darting


    137 137¨CShe Was Wrong


    ¡°Better do what?¡±


    ¡°An official report!¡± he told Sophie, his eyes not leaving hers. Marissa had gotten the message. He wanted her to share it with him before midnight. It was somewhat of a threat.


    But what would he do?


    ¡°Nothing!¡±


    She answered herself with a sarcastic smirk, ¡°You can do nothing


    Rafael Sinir.¡±


    Oh, boy. How wrong she was.

 Chapter 138

    138 138- Wives


    Valerie was ready to conquer the world. All dressed up, looking pretty, she twisted around, showing it off to Ethan.


    ¡°You look beautiful. I¡¯m sure they all will be blinded by your beauty.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, love.¡± She kissed his cheek and turned back to look into the mirror.


    He eyed her through the mirror and ced his hands on her shoulders, ¡°You look quite confident this morning. No more scared of Nina Sinir?¡±


    Valerie who was fixing her makeup, stopped mid¨Cway, ¡°I wasn¡¯t scared of her. Just angry,¡± She kept fixing her face using a beauty blender, ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ she will never say mean stuff about me, in front of Rafael.¡±


    ¡°And why do you think that?¡±


    ¡°Because making me look bad in his eyes means¡­ Rafael wille to know her reality too. I <b>might </b>get divorced and go away to avoid his hatred. But Nina as <b>a </b>mom? She would never be able to go anywhere. Plus, her social circle in Sangua is very dear to her. So, no. I¡¯m pretty confident about it.¡±


    ¡°Well! That makes sense. He smiled, ¡°should we go?¡±


    She nodded and picked up her purse, ¡°Here Ie MSin.¡±


    Last night, she prepared the speech that she was supposed to give to all the employees of MSin. She wanted to see their facial expressions when they would learn that she was Mr.


    Sinir. Enjoying her husband¡¯s wealth was one thing but the thought of enjoying that power was too much to bear.


    Valerie stepped out of the cab along with Ethan and looked up at the tall building of MSin.


    ¡°Good God! It¡¯s more splendid than the Sangua one,¡± she told no one in particr. She wasn¡¯t expecting such a posh structure in Kanderton.


    Well done, Rafael. I¡¯m impressed. She praised her husband silently.


    Ethan wanted to hold!¡­ hand, but she quickly freed it from his grip and spoke through her clenched teeth, ¡°Ethan. Not publicly.¡±


    He got the message and stepped back to follow her instead of walking beside her.


    ¡°Just remember, Ethan,¡± she said while walking, ¡°I¡¯ll be needing you here at every step. And will introduce you to everyone as mywyer. In this way, they all will think twice instead of double¨Ccrossing me¡­¡± she sighed, ¡°including Nina.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his face almost expressionless, ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be there, baby. Just like a shadow!¡± he pulled down his dark shades to the bridge of his nose and winked making her chuckle.


    As they approached the entrance, a uniformed guard stepped forward, blocking their path,


    1/3


    118 138- Wives


    It was quite insulting for her. Her eyes narrowed to look at the tall man, ¡°Do you even know who I am? Because once you know, I¡¯m sure you will be fired straightaway from this ce.¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem the least bit offended by the threat, ¡°Sure ma¡¯am. Go ahead. But you are not allowed to step inside.¡±


    How dare he<b>?</b>


    For God¡¯s sake, she was not a random person. She was the President¡¯s wife.


    ¡°What is your name, mister,¡± Valerie narrowed her eyes to look at his badge and read his name, ¡°Mr. Fredrick ¡­¡± She looked up to make eye contact, ¡°Do you know the president?¡±


    The smile on her face vanished when he shook his head not much impressed, ¡°There are two entrances to this building. My duty is usually here on this gate.¡±


    ¡°Which one is it? I mean which entrance is used by the president?¡±


    *Im


    not bound to tell you, ma¡¯am. And please. Don¡¯te close to the door otherwise, I can call the police and p you behind bars.¡±


    ¡°Behind bars!¡± Valerie was <b>fuming</b>, ¡°Ethan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, babe¡­ I mean Valerie. Ms. Valerie¡­ sure¡­¡± he then turned to the guard, ¡°I¡¯m awyer. Thisdy is the wife of your president.¡±


    Guard¡¯s brows furrowed, ¡°Mr. Sinir?¡±


    ¡°No! President of the United States of America,¡± Ethan snapped, ¡°Seriously? Are you crazy? I demand you to let us pass right this minute otherwise it will be your assnded in jail.¡±


    The guard was again back to his poker face, ¡°I can¡¯t allow anyone. MSin is off. All the employees. were informed in a generic text message. If you are President¡¯s wife, then howe no one bothered to inform you about it.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Valerie was taken by surprise, ¡°It¡¯s off? But why?¡±


    ¡°They carried out fumigation today.¡±


    ¡°Fumigation?¡± Valerie thought she heard wrong and turned back to look at Ethan. He nodded in


    confirmation.


    ¡°Yes. Fumigation. Someone saw snakes here, so the staff was given an off and they had to carry it out today!¡±


    The color drained from Valerie¡¯s face, ¡°Snakes! Are you serious?¡±


    This time the guard didn¡¯t bother to answer her.


    Just <b>then </b>another familiar voice reached Valerie¡¯s ears, ¡°What is going on here?¡± Valerie closed her eyes and chewed her lower lip. Her mother¨Cinw was here.


    ¡°Move aside. I need to get in,¡± she asked Valerie in a booming voice. Valerie quickly followed her order and gestured for her to <b>go </b>ahead.


    ¡°Yes, please. Go inside and don¡¯te back without spending hours!¡±


    < 138 138¨CWives


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. As I said I can¡¯t allow you to enter here,¡± The guard¡¯s patience was running out.


    ¡°Do you even know who I am?¡± Nina Sinir screeched in frustration. She wasn¡¯t even looking at


    Valerie.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I know,¡± the guard nodded, ¡°You must be the wife of the president.¡±


    Nina¡¯s face turned pale. She shot a warning re to the guard,


    ¡°Are you in your senses? Who appointed you here? I¡¯ll personally make sure that you get fired,¡± Valerie tried to stifle herughter. Even the feeble girl fromst night who was with Nina, was trying to hide her amusement.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. Don¡¯t youdies have anything better to do?¡± the poor man seemed annoyed, ¡°They just got done with the fumigation and here you two are¡­¡±


    He started wiggling his head in annoyance. However, the small audience looked up when a small team of uniformed men came out of the ss doors wearing overalls, followed by a young man. Dean pulled off his face mask and fixed his sses.


    He raised a brow and turned to the guard, ¡°Who are these people?¡±


    Before Valerie could exin to him, the guard said, ¡°These are the wives of the president of the United States of America.¡±

 Chapter 139

    139 139- No Rules, No Dictation


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Sophie who was singing along with Jenifer Lopez lowered the volume of the car stereo system and asked <b>her</b><b>.</b>


    She had been so happy after leaving that hotel that she was either talking about Joseph or singing loudly during the drive.


    ¡°Nothing! Why?¡±


    Sophie looked at <b>her </b>anxiously, ¡°You are not yourself. Did Rafael say something?¡±


    ¡°No! He said nothing,¡±


    ¡°We always sang this song together and today you seem miles away as if you can¡¯t hear the singer or me¡­ Did you even listen to what I said about Joseph?¡± Marissa felt guilty.


    Her friend was very close to finding her happiness and she didn¡¯t want to make it about herself. All these years it had been about her pain, her kids, her husband, her sister, her heart¡­ and her fate.


    And Sophie not only listened to her quite patiently but kept counseling her.


    Today she deserved the same enthusiasm from Marissa.


    ¡°I was just thinking¡± Marissa brought a yful tinge to her voice.


    ¡°Thinking? And what is that?¡±


    ¡°Joseph told you about the location of his house. Are you nning to do it there or should I book a room in the same hotel so that you two can bang each other and¡­ ouch!¡±


    She screamed with fake pain when Sophie smacked her thigh, ¡°Brat!¡± she spat but Marissa could see the glow on her fac


    ¡°So, what do you think? Do your vibes match?¡± she asked her friend curiously.


    Sophie gave her a shy smile and shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know. We talked about History and then the


    topic switched to our professions. We both have been alone for most of our lives¡­¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking for these vibes, silly!¡± Marissa rolled her eyes and huffed loudly.


    ¡°Then what vibes we are talking about here?¡±


    ¡°Se*xual vibes, dork!¡± she touched her tongue tip to her upper lip to show some kinkiness.


    Sophie¡¯s hand again lifted to p her leg, but this time Marissa quickly moved to the door and started giggling.


    ¡°Did you two kiss?¡± another silly question from Marissa.


    ¡°Marissa! What has gotten into you?¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Come on. Tell me, dude. Did you?¡± she whooped when found Sophie¡¯s cheeks blushing, ¡°You did! Oh my God!¡±


    ¡°Well!¡± Sophie slowed the car when they neared the house. ¡°Nobody ever told me that a kiss


    130 130¨CNo Rules, <b>No </b>Dictation


    could be so ecstatic!¡±


    Yes. She was happy for her friend.


    Yes. She felt lucky she had Sophie in her life.


    Yes. She didn¡¯t need any negative Delinda in her life.


    Yes. She didn¡¯t want to give a damn about that fake friend.


    But why did it hurt so much?


    What <i>will </i>they all do once they <i>learn </i>about Rafael <i>and </i>me? <i>Will </i>all of them start hating me?


    Oh, God please, no.


    She hugged Flint before he got inside the car.


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Mar, he said from the passenger window.


    ¡°Instead of staying here alone go to the penthouse and enjoy the room service,¡± Sophie whispered while hugging her.


    She didn¡¯t want Marissa to spend any minute here without kids or Rafael.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll see!¡±


    She waved them goodbye and got back to an empty house.


    ¡°Gosh! This doesn¡¯t feel the same house anymore<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    She told herself standing in the lounge.


    Instead of going anywhere, she ordered several tubs of ice cream and nned to stay in her PJs.


    The n was to watch her favorite movies. After that, if she would need the feel to cry then her pillow would be easily avable.


    She spent her time in the shower and then wearing a robe and tying a towel around her hair like a turban, she was out of the bathroom.


    The first vor she selected was caramel crunch. She opened the tub and started eating it directly with the spoon.


    After switching on the TV, she kept switching the channels until settling for a movie. She had to detach her eyes from the screen when she got a message on her phone.


    ¡°Gerard?¡±


    ¡°Interested in having dinner?¡±


    Nah! Not at all.


    She decided to type a decent reply, ¡°Sorry, Gerard<i>. </i><i>Tonight</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i>busy.¡±


    Watching a movie, jerk!


    She typed more, <i>¡°</i><i>Busy </i>discussing some office work online with a colleague.¡±


    139 139- No Rules, No Dictation


    Now let me cat my ice cream in peace, Gerard. She pleaded with him silently.


    <i>¡°</i>This is way past your office <i>time</i><i>, </i><i>Mar. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i>want, you can join mete.¡±


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>think my work <i>will </i><i>be </i>finished <i>by </i><i>then</i>, G. <i>I¡¯ll </i>let you <i>know </i><i>if </i>it does.¡±


    ¡°<i>My </i>date ditched me at thest minute so <i>if </i>you change your <i>mind </ie and <i>join </i>me <i>in </i><i>the </i>Blue Nightclub.¡±


    Whoa. So, the guy was inviting her because his date ditched him? Great! Thanks, Delinda you were super helpful for killing my morale.


    She went back to the movie and tried finishing that ice cream tub.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯m happy with my ice cream, movie, and PJs. Just what Sophie and I prefer<b>.¡±</b>


    The romantic movie ended, and she wanted to break the TV screen. Such type of love only happens in movies. Not in real life.


    This time she opted for an action movic and a dark chocte¨Cvored


    ¡°Perfect!¡± she wanted to pat her back for taking Delinda¡¯s shit so well.


    She hissed when heard the message tone of her phone.


    <i>Oh</i><i>, </i>please, Gerard. Enjoy the night club and <i>stop </i>messaging me.


    With a pout, she fished for her phone that was lying under the cushion.


    e cream i


    The message was not from Gerard but from the man she was least expecting.


    ¡°You still have got time to tell me about what happened today.¡±


    Oh, brother. She rolled her eyes. Why can¡¯t he let it go? She was a big girl and could handle her


    life well.


    She frowned when another message popped up, ¡°Just remember. Midnight.¡±


    She checked the time. Two hours were there to Midnight.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    She quickly got up to get ready. She needed to leave the house and stay out past midnight. Maybe Gerard was right when he offered her to join him.


    She wasn¡¯t in the mood to share anything with Rafael. Being a crybaby will never let her achieve


    anything.


    By any chance if Rafael would get to know what Delinda did to her, he might fire her at once.


    No! She would fight. But on her terms. Rafael wouldn¡¯t decide the rules for her, nor he would dictate them to her.

 Chapter 140

    140 140- She Is Mine!


    Marissa could sense lingering gazes from the men around her when she stepped into the nightclub. The grey shimmery dress she was wearing was catching the light with her every move. It was hardly covering her thighs, but Marissa wanted to take advantage of the chance when the kids were staying with their father.


    Though Sophie and Flint kept encouraging her to unwind, she never went with it.


    She scanned her surroundings and found Gerard sitting at the bar.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she greeted, sidling up next to him.


    ¡°Woah! Look at you!¡± His eyes lightened up, ¡°You look beautiful. As always!¡±


    Marissaughed. Tonight, she felt different. Her ck hair was down and was just secured from the front, ¡°I know. Now you can keep your ttery to yourself, G.¡± she then looked at his ss, ¡°What are you drinking?¡±


    ¡°A wh


    ¡°A whiskey. Want one?¡±


    Marissa nodded and then checked her phone. She was sure that Rafael would try to contact her


    when wouldn¡¯t find her at home.


    She switched it to silent mode and ced it back in her purse.


    With a grin, she epted the drink, Gerard handed her and took a sip. She observed her ss. A strong drink after ages!


    ¡°More!¡± she mmed the ss on the counter and yelled at the bartender.


    The music was loud, and Marissa started tapping her foot with the beat. She didn¡¯t know how many sses she had but why bother?


    She eyed the dance floor which was a sea of bodies.


    <i>So </i><i>much </i>crowd on a weekday. Are all of them having fumigation at their workce? She thought.


    with amusement.


    ¡°G! Let¡¯s dance!¡± she suggested and then started pulling him towards the dance <b>floor</b>. He didn¡¯t resist and followed her eagerly.


    Once they were there, their bodies started moving in sync. Marissa felt like a free soul whose worries were melting away with each dance step.


    At least for the time being she stopped thinking about Rafael and kept dancing. She joked and flirted with the other guys around her.


    For one crazy moment, she wanted to call Delinda and tell her that she was dancing and flirting with men and a few of them might be married.


    With a shake of her head, she threw Delinda out of her head.


    She wanted to feel alive and for that, there wasn¡¯t any need to remember the dead rtionship.


    While mowiner with the rhythm a man in his fortice caught her eve. He <b>was </b>standing at the <b>ador</b>


    140 <b>140</b>¨CShe Is Mine!


    of the dance floor, his eyes were fixed on her.


    His gaze was too intense, and he was giving her an ufortable vibe.


    <i>Urgh</i>. <i>This </i>is unsettling. <i>Why </i>can¡¯t <i>he </i>let me <i>enjoy</i><i>?</i>


    She held Gerard¡¯s cor who was dancing with her and drew him closer to whisper in his <b>ear</b><b>, </b>¡°Who¡¯s that creep?¡±


    Gerard saw her nod in the man¡¯s direction and nced over with a frown, ¡°Ignore him. Such weirdos are always found in the nightclubs. You just enjoy your time<b>.¡±</b>


    Yeah. He <i>is </i><i>right</i>. <i>I </i><i>already </i><i>have </i>enough <i>problems </i><i>in </i><i>life</i>. No <i>need </i>to <i>add </i><i>more </i>to <i>my </i><i>te</i>. She tried to brush it off but the odd feeling that she was being watched and was on someone¡¯s radar. She couldn¡¯t shake it off.


    She tried hard to throw herself into the music and resumed her dancing andughing.


    But every time she would nce around, the man was still there, his eyes following her like a


    hawk.


    At one point, her dancing became so intense that she stumbled slightly. Her vision started swimming and she had to lean on Gerard for support, ¡°I think I drank too much,¡± she giggled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you back to the bar,¡± he led her back and made her sit.


    ¡°G! I think I need water,¡± Gerard nodded and was talking to the bartender when a couple moved. closer to them. Their excitement and panting were the telltale signs that they wereing fromProperty belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    the dance floor.


    ¡°Why are you here, Gerard?¡± the man asked him, ¡°Come back. The party just started, then the couple saw how she was holding his sleeve.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± the girl asked <b>him</b>.


    ¡°She is a friend of mine. I invited her after getting dumped by my date, Gerard exined and gave the ss of water to Marissa.


    Marissa had gotten the idea that they were Gerard¡¯s friends.


    The girl didn¡¯t even smile at Marissa as if she wasn¡¯t there at all, ¡°She doesn¡¯t look much used toing here. Nowe back. She isn¡¯t a baby and can take care of herself, she then gave a fake smile to Marissa, ¡°won¡¯t you, honey?¡±


    Marissa gave a subtle push to Gerard, ¡°You go ahead. She is right. I¡¯m not a baby¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± she nodded with a smile and saw him going to the floor with his friends. She had reachedte so there weren¡¯t any introductions made.


    She took a few sips from her ss but now the taste of water felt nd. She should have taken it <b>easy </b>and not get so drunk.


    She would ask Gerard to drop her back home¨Cmust be nning to stay here all night but still, as a friend, she could push him to do it for her.


    Just then she felt a hand <b>on </b>her <b>shoulder </b>She turned and found herself face to <b>face </b>with the


    140 140- She Is Minel


    man who had been staring at her from a distance.


    ¡°Hey beautiful,¡± he said <b>in </b>a drunk voice, ¡°Are you having a good time?¡±


    For some reason, Marissa¡¯s skin crawled at his touch, ¡°Uh, yeah,¡± she tried to keep her tone light,


    ¡°I am¡­¡±


    here


    She tried to remind herself that she wasn¡¯t alone and this man would never dare to harm her among so many people.


    ¡°Maybe we both should dance together on that dance floor and set that stage on fire?¡± he suggested stepping closer and Marissa felt her heart racing in her chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ but¡­ I don¡¯t think ¡­ we¡­<b>¡± </b>She looked around and then watched the dance floor where she got a glimpse of Gerard.


    She grabbed her purse and tried to stand to get to him when the man held her upper arm in <b>a </b>tight grip.


    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± he whispered and even in this perfectly air¨Cconditioned room, Marissa felt sweat tickling down her forehead..


    His hand moved down and rested on her thigh, ¡°I¡¯m a rich guy who is here for a two¨Cday trip. Stay with me and I¡¯ll make sure to shower my love on you.¡±


    Marissa gave him a quivering smile and nodded at him, ¡°Really?¡±


    He nodded looking into her eyes.


    ¡°Th¡­that¡¯s great. Where do you want to do it? Here or bathroom?¡± the man seemed to get excited at the offer. He licked his lower lip and nced around.


    ¡°A piece like you deserves privacy. Let¡¯s go to the bathroom,¡± during all this his grip had loosened. It was a golden chance, so she used it and pushed him with all her might.


    Maybe she was drunk. Or maybe her mind was cked out.


    In sheer panic, instead of making a run for the dance floor, she dashed for the exit.


    The room was spinning before her eyes, but she wanted to get out of here.


    The moment she was out, she took deep breaths in the cool air and held her reeling head. Her first impulse wa ke her phone out and call Rafael.


    Yes. He¡¯ll pick me up without dy.


    Everything was swaying before her eyes. How would she make the call if she won¡¯t be able to make sense of the screen<b>?</b>


    With shaking hands, she took out her phone and wanted to switch it on when someone pushed her back a little brutally making her drop the phone.


    ¡°Where were you running, beautiful? You meaty treat! Now stop resisting me ande to <b>that</b>


    140 140¨CShe Is Mine!


    Gulping hard, Marissa took a step back, but he moved closer quite abruptly, his breath was hot, ¡°Come on, darling. Don¡¯t be shy. Don¡¯t you want a good time with me?¡± he kissed her ear lobe and Marissa felt nauseated by the unwanted touch.


    ¡°L¨CLeave me a¨Calone¡­ p¨Cplease,¡± what on earth was she thinking when she decided to leave home without informing anyone? Nobody knew where she was except¡­ except Gerard.


    <i>Oh</i>, God<i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>I </i><i>go </i>to <i>him</i>? <i>Has </i>he <i>even </i><i>realized </i>that I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>there </i>anymore?


    Even if she had called him, he would never hear the phone ring due to loud music.


    She felt the man¡¯s hand touching her arm, ¡°There is nothing to think about. I promise, I¡¯ll make it memorable,¡± he was whispering meaningless words. His speech wasn¡¯t slurred which meant he wasn¡¯t as drunk as her.


    He grabbed her from behind and kissed her neck.


    Marissa started struggling to free herself, looking around in the deserted street. Her skin was crawling at his touch.


    ¡°Help!¡± she let out a trembling scream that had fear in it because the man was now holding her long locks tightly in his fist. His other hand, held her jaw to kiss it when a punchnded on his face. The creep let Marissa go and held his nose with a scream.


    Gerard? She thought.


    ¡°How dare you touch her?¡± Marissa froze when heard the familiar iciness in Rafael Sinir¡¯s voice. Her abuser had also gone still when the samemanding voice cut through the air with a snarl, ¡°How dare youy your hand on her? She is mine!¡±

 Chapter 141

    141 141- Her Knight In Shining Armor


    ¡°How dare youy your hand on her? She is mine!¡±


    Marissa saw him going after the man who was trying to run away but then stumbled. The poor fellow wasn¡¯t expecting an interference when he was threatening Marissa.


    Rafael made him stand holding his shirt quite brutally and punched him on his nose. This time it was bleeding.


    Marissa was standing there almost shivering. The face of that man wasn¡¯t visible anymore but the red color on his face could be seen.


    He was grunting in pain and wanted to throw some profanities in Rafael¡¯s direction when a well¨Cbuilt man approached them and held him by the neck quite easily to throw him against the


    wall.


    Just then Marissa realized that they were no longer alone. Two well suited men who must havee out directly from a Bond movie were also there.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to batter his face, Rafael told the men, ¡°And chop off his hand.¡±


    Marissa gasped at the order.


    The man who was trying to touch her and was too confident a few minutes back was now pleading, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. Please let me go, Mister. I didn¡¯t know she was your woman.¡±


    Marissa wanted to tell him that she wasn¡¯t anyone¡¯s woman, but his wailing was so loud that her ears were ringing.


    ¡°Sir, please forgive me. This won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯m a guest here. Please let me go. I swear I will never set foot in Kanderton again.¡±


    Marissa saw Rafaeling her way unbuttoning his shirt.


    What is <i>he </i>doing?


    He took it off and helped her putting it on.


    Crap! It reached lower than her dress. She looked down at the shirt that was surpassing the hem of <b>her </b>dress. The shirt also covered her bare arms.


    Rafael¡¯s arms were en loping her in his warm embrace.


    ¡°You alright?¡± he held her chin and regarded her face. Maybe looking for some injury.


    Marissa who was feeling like her body was swimming through the air, at once leaned into him.


    She raised her face and found him still looking down at her, ¡°Can you take me out of here, Rafacl?¡±


    ¡°You can go and sit in the car. I¡¯m not leaving the ce without meeting a friend, Marissa found


    it odd.


    Meeting a friend? She thought he was here to save her. Whatever! At least she was safe.


    <


    141 141- Her Knight in Shining Armor


    <b>+95</b>


    He snapped his fingers to signal a suited man, ¡°Take her to the car and make her sit. I need to


    <ol>


    <li>hi. get inside the club and say</li>


    </ol>


    ¡°Ca¡­can you¡­ take me? To the car?<b>¡± </b>she asked him and found him looking at her face again.


    ¡°Sure, princess, he kissed her forehead and helped her walk towards the car. However, his grip tightened when her steps faltered.


    Cursing under his breath, he got down to scoop her up and carried her to the car.


    Once she was settled in the back seat, he buckled the seat belt around her and a cocky grin crossed his face, ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a minute.


    His face was so close to her that even in her drunken state she could see every facial feature so


    clearly.


    ¡°The only thing that¡¯s not swimming before my eyes,¡± she told him with a giggle, ¡°is your face.¡± This time again he didn¡¯t speak but just watched her face for a few minutes.


    His eyes. Theycked the usualughter that used to be there for her.


    She asked him in concern, ¡°Are you mad at me<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°That I can answer, once I return,¡± he said in a low murmur. Marissa could only nod and then wrapped her arms around his neck.


    ¡°Meet your friend tomorrow,¡± she said, ¡°Stay here,¡± She felt his body bing a rock against her, but his touch remained gentle.


    ¡°That won¡¯t take time,¡± he said softly in her ear and kissed her cheek, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Seeing him shirtless in her room was one thing but letting him go like that in the swarm of


    women was another.


    She quickly took off his shirt.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± this time his voice had a tinge of irritability.


    ¡°Wear that, Rafael!¡± she ordered him, ¡°This is too revealing!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? Look who is talking,¡± with a chuckle he closed the door. She could still detect the smile on his face through the window.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    True to his words, he joined her in the back seat after a few minutes. The Bond movie men were sitting in front, and one of them was driving the car.


    Marissa whose cheek was leaning against the window, quickly moved towards Rafael after unclipping the seat belt and leaned into his body.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a night!¡± she said and then yawned loudly closing her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m so tired.¡± But then her eyes were wide in surprise.


    ¡°Rafael<b>! </b>Kids!¡±


    <


    141 141- Her Knight In Shining Armor


    ¡°They are safe,¡± he tightened his grip around her, ¡°They are still in the hotel. Obviously, I wouldn¡¯te to meet you without having them looked after by someone I trust.¡±


    ¡°Who is with them?¡±


    ¡°Joseph.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Ok¡± All satisfied after investigating him like a police officer, she again rested her face against his chest.


    He smelled amazing.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± her eyes went wide when she heard him.


    Horrified, she raised her head and looked into his eyes which had amusement in them.


    ¡°Did I say that out loud?¡± and he simply nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me!¡± she hid her face in his chest and moved her ass a little closer to him. She gasped loudly when his hand reached below her thighs and lifted her up to make her sit on hisp.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m trying to make things easier for you. Now keep smelling me as much as you


    want.¡±


    Marissa could feel the blush crawling from her neck to her earlobe.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°How you got here?¡±


    ¡°I have got my resources,¡± he said with a careless shrug, and she pped his shoulder.


    Her arms went around his waist, her face was under his chin and her nose was poking in his chest. He didn¡¯t seem to mind any of it.


    He was her knight in shining armor.


    142 142¨CWhen Rafael

 Chapter 142

    142 142- When Rafael Sinir Makes Love


    ¡°Maybe you can show me how to love¡­ oh ooo¡­¡± she started singing as soon as she got down from the car.


    ¡°Marissa, wait!¡± she didn¡¯t even give him a chance to open the door for her.


    ¡°I can open my Goddamn door. Hehe¡­¡± she twirled and then tried to shake her ass, ¡°Maybe you can show me how to love, maybe¡­ I¡¯m going through with drawls¡­ maybe you can show me¡­¡± She stumbled a little and was about to fall when two strong arms were at once around her waist. ¡°Dear, old Rafael. Always on time. Like a superhero!¡± she was so loud that Rafael was sure the neighborhood could hear her announcement.


    ¡°Give me your purse, honey,¡± he spread his palm in front of her eyes. Marissa who was leaning into his hard body scrunched her nose.


    ¡°My purse? No! Go get your own money. Haha. It¡¯s mine,¡± she was in stitches.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Rafael rolled his eyes, ¡°I need the door keys. Nowe on, sweetie.¡±


    ¡°Sweetie! Did you call me sweetie? Nobody ever called me sweetie, Rafael!¡± her eyes welled up. She wanted to cry but then stopped and frowned to herself, ¡°I think I¡¯m forgetting something.¡±


    ¡°Forgetting what?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember what I¡¯m forgetting, silly. Ha¨Cha.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Rafael tried to take her purse, but she pulled it away, tightening her grip, ¡°No. It¡¯s useless for you anyway. It¡¯s ady¡¯s purse. Or are you nning to present it to your dear wife? Ha¨C<b>ha</b>. Again, she found it funny.


    Rafael managed to get hold of her purse and started fishing for the keys.


    ¡°Tell me, Rafael, her voice was barely above a whisper, ¡°Will you give my purse to her? To


    Valerie?¡±


    ¡°And why would I do that?¡± he was having problem with the contents inside it. Everything could be seen there except the damn pair of keys.


    ¡°Because you love your wi¡­ Right?¡±


    ¡°Dammit, Marissa. She isn¡¯t my wife, out of frustration he flipped her purse and emptied the contents on the concrete trail outside the entrance door.


    There it was.


    He looked over his shoulder where the suited men were standing, ¡°ce everything back in


    there.¡±


    He leaned over to scoop her up in his arms and started walking to the door.


    ¡°You are asking him to ce everything back, she made a pout, ¡°sh news, Rafael. Not


    1/4


    142 142- When Rafael Sin


    Sinir Makes Love


    everything could be ced back now.¡°¡±


    He quietly opened the door and got inside.


    ¡°Put me down,¡± she stifled her nose, ¡°I still don¡¯t remember what I¡¯m forgetting She made a pout, ¡°I want to cry, she then red at him, ¡°I said put me down!¡±


    ¡°Not here,¡± he managed to switch on the lights and walked to her room.


    ¡°So, what was I saying?¡± she thought hard.


    ¡°To put you down,¡± he tried to twist the handle of the door.


    ¡°Nah! Before that,¡±


    ¡°Not everything could be ced back, he reminded her and then ced her <b>gently </b><b>on </b>the bed.


    ¡°Yeah. Not everything can be ced back¡­ <b>and </b>you can¡¯t ce me back. And no one can¡¯t ce


    me back too.¡±


    She was chattering like a toddler not realizing about the sentence formation or the grammar.


    ¡°But I just did,¡± he gestured towards her bed and moved ahead to take off her sandals.


    ¡°N¨Cno. I¡¯m not talking about this bed, silly, she hupped, ¡°Oh look at this room. It¡¯s also spinning,¡± her voice dropped to a whisper, ¡°Rafael. Are you sure it¡¯s not an earthquake?¡±


    He tossed her sandals aside and started pressing her feet.


    ¡°Who asked you to gulp down so much alcohol? Your system isn¡¯t used to it, princess,¡± his voice remained soft while talking to her.


    ¡°Yeah. But I dressed like this after such a long time. How do I look?¡± she spread her arms on both sides and asked him in an over¨Cexcited voice.


    ¡°Beautiful. As usual,¡± he got up to look for her night dress and then drew a t¨Cshirt from her wardrobe, ¡°let me help you in changing this dress.¡±


    She hurriedly folded her arms in front of her chest, ¡°I can¡¯t. I <b>don¡¯t </b>want you to look at these¡­ fatty¡­¡± With one hand she held her boob and pressed it with a pout, ¡°Don¡¯t you think they should be a bit smaller?¡±


    She asked <b>him </b>innocently and this time <b>he </b>bit back a smile, ¡°They are perfect.¡±


    ¡°Are they?¡± she looked at his face closely, ¡°Even better than Valeric?¡±


    Rafael got a little uneasy with the discussion.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Little Greene. Come on. Let me help you. I promise I won¡¯t look at you,¡± He said and held the hem of her dress, ¡°now lift your hips a little so that I can lift it up.¡±


    At first, she didn¡¯t move and then ced her hands on his shoulders to lift herself up. Rafael wanted tough. He wasn¡¯t expecting her to hold him for this task. She could easily do it by cing her palms on the bed.


    As a result, she was in a very awkward position. Using both hands, he pulled the dress up to her waist, trying to ignore that she wasn¡¯t wearing shorts but a pair of skimpy panties,


    142 142¨CWhon Rafael Sinir Makes Love


    ¡°Hell!¡± he shifted his focus to her face<b>, </b>she was yawning now and then<b>..</b>


    ¡°See! Just to avoid that discussion you ran to the nightclub. And that fool. He couldn¡¯t even keep you safe¡±


    ¡°Gerard didn¡¯t know that this man could do something like this,¡± Rafael didn¡¯t like it when she tried to defend that man even when she was this tipsy, ¡°by now he must be getting worried


    about me.¡±


    ¡°Worried? My ass!¡± he reached behind her to pull her zipper down. When she leaned ahead, she found his shirt opened from the front.


    ¡°Your muscles¡­ I always loved them¡­¡± Her finger started trailing on his chest.


    ¡°Stop teasing me, Little Greene., let me do my job.¡±


    ¡°Job!¡± her eyes snapped up, ¡°and what is it?¡±


    ¡°To keep you safe!¡± he slowly lifted her dress above her head.


    Damn<b>!</b>


    He didn¡¯t <b>want </b>to look at her. Just a few days back he already teased her for seeing his body when he was blind while he didn¡¯t know what she looked like.


    Yes. His hands knew her every body part. They knew how she felt. He had touched her everywhere.


    ¡°Rafael!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± he unhooked her bra and took it off. This was proving to be the biggest test of his life.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you like me? Look at me!¡± before he could say something, she held his face and


    turned it to her.


    Their eyes met and she could see fire in those eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like me?¡± she repeated her question.


    With a hint of mischievous glint, without breaking the eye contact, he picked up her t¨Cshirt and started pulling it over her head.


    ¡°No matter how much I like you, princess,¡± he helped her with the sleeves and then let the t¨Cshirt fall, covering her body. He then bent a little to get closer to her mouth, ¡°Whenever I¡¯ll make love to you. That will be with your consent. Not when you won¡¯t be able to enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°B¡­but I will enjoy it now too,¡± Her eyes and voice showed desperation.


    He shook his head and kissed her nose tip, ¡°Yes. You will. But you won¡¯t remember any of it in the morning. When Rafael Sinir makes love to his wife, <b>his </b>voice had dropped to a whisper, ¡°he¡¯ll make sure that she remembers every detail the next morning.¡±


    14

 Chapter 143

    143 143- They Are Back, Rafael!


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± Marissa¡¯s eyes again got misty.


    Rafael cupped her check. ¡°Why? Why can¡¯t you believe me, Marissa?¡±


    He then shook his head. She wasn¡¯t in her senses and no matter what, he could never convince her for anything in this state.


    She sobbed ncing down on herp, ¡°Marissa,¡± he held her tightly, ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He kissed her wet cheek.


    ¡°M¨Cmay be because¡­ I¡¯m upset.¡±


    ¡°And why are you upset?¡±


    ¡°B¡­because¡­because¡­ I still don¡¯t remember what I¡¯m forgetting,¡± she quit crying and closed


    her eyes.


    ¡°This is something important and I¡­¡± she clutched her t¨Cshirt in her fist that raised a little reminding Rafael that she was still wearing those panties.


    He was on his feet abruptly making her look up at him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± She held his shirt¡¯s corner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a minute,¡± he said kissing her cheek.


    ¡°No. Stay here. No need to go anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he sat back on the bed and tried to free his shirt <b>from </b>her fist, ¡°God. You are a


    dinosaur when drunk,¡± He gave up when she didn¡¯t leave his shirt and took it off instead.


    Marissa watched his body in fascination, ¡°You are going again<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the bathroom, take a shower, and be back in a minute till then¡­¡± he stopped when her jaw hung open.


    ¡°Now I remember. I remember everything, ¡°she chuckled and tried to get up, ¡°I need to pee. Oh, God. I really need to¡­. Rafael, help.¡±


    Rafael again bent down and carried her to the bathroom.


    He had turned his back towards her to give her some privacy.


    ¡°Are you <b>done</b>?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Umm hmm,


    ¡°Should I turn around?¡± he inquired <b>again</b>.


    ¡°<b>Umm </b>hmm,¡±


    He turned to face her but found her still sitting on the seat.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he watched her in confusion, ¡°You¡­ want to take longer?¡±


    17


    143 143- They Are Back Hell


    ¡°Nah! It¡¯s just that¡­ I need to get up and pull on the panties,¡± She giggled, and he smirked looking at her.


    ¡°Let me help you, he held her waist <b>again </b>and when she got to her feet holding the counter, he pulled her panties up.


    ¡°All set! <b>Now </be on,¡± he said after helping her in washing hands. This time she raised her hands like a baby asking him silently to lift her.


    When he carried her back to the bed, her eyes kept wandering on his face.


    ¡°I never knew this side of yours,¡± she ced her finger on his cheek. Rafael was aware of what she was talking about.


    For two years, she kept <b>taking </b>care of him while in return he couldn¡¯t do the same for her. He still missed those days.


    She had been a wholesomepany to him. The meaningful conversations he had with her were ones, he could never have had with anyone else except Joseph.


    ¡°You know what?¡± she whispered, ¡°You should go after your happiness, Rafael. Why get stuck with <b>a </bdy just because of the kids? You deserve better.¡±


    Rafael spread the quilt over her and kissed her forehead, ¡°I¡¯ll be back just like that,¡± he clicked his fingers, ¡°<b>And </b>no. I¡¯m not <b>in </b>your life JUST because of the kids Marissa. I wish I knew how to make you believe me or trust me. But kids aren¡¯t the only reason.¡±


    He moved back the ck hair lock away from her face and tucked it behind her car, ¡°You should go to sleep,¡± he kissed her lips and went to the bathroom.


    With a big smile on her face, <b>she </bid back. That smile widened when heard the shower sound


    from the bathroom.


    His presence brought happiness. The room where Rafael used to be, got filled withughter and


    joy.


    He was a natural talker and could be brutal when he wanted to be. Except with her.


    Once she would be somber enough, she would visit a dietician to shed some weight. She wanted to feel sexy in his presence.


    When he came out, the smile on her face vanished <b>and </b>was taken ce by a look of astonishment. He looked so handsome with that towel around his <b>waist </b>that hung too


    low.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She cleared her throat. F some reason, she had started feeling hot.


    ¡°Rafael!¡± her mouth moved but no voice came out of it because it <b>had </b>gone dry. The water droplets on his chest were running down and were getting absorbed in the towel.


    She swiped her tongue on her lips and swallowed hard, ¡°Your


    body¡­¡±


    He was running his fingers through his wet hair when she pointed to his chest. He looked down and then frowned, ¡°what happened to my body?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± she stuttered badly, ¡°Why you didn¡¯t dry it? My carpet can get wet!¡± her voice wasn¡¯t


    143 143- They Are Back, Rafael!


    His eyes sparkled with mirth, ¡°There is no carpet <b>in </b>your room, love.


    Her eyes kept following him like a predator who was keeping tabs on his target.


    ¡°Yes. I know,¡± she retorted, ¡°now look. You¡¯ll wet the floor and¡­ one can slip¡­ anyone can slip¡­ I can slip¡­ or you can slip¡­ our kids¡­ they can slip too.¡±


    She got quiet when saw him joining her on the bed under the quilt.


    ¡°Oh God! It¡¯s too hot!¡± before he could say anything she quickly reached behind her and pulled


    off her t¨Cshirt.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± Rafael¡¯s eyes bulged out in shock, ¡°Stop!¡±


    She was no longer listening to him. After getting rid of the t¨Cshirt, she lifted her hips and took off her pantics, throwing them on the floor.


    She sighed with a smile, ¡°This feels nice!¡±


    With a resigned sigh, he nodded and ced the quilt on her body. But then he couldn¡¯t move when she glued herself to him.


    ¡°Mar! Honey! Little Greene!¡± he was trying hard to control the bulge in his towel.


    Using all his strength, he pushed her a little and then wrapped the quilt around her, before taking her in his arms.


    She was smiling widely like a silly ape, looking at the ceiling, ¡°Go to sleep, Marissa,¡± he told her tiredly. It was the best for both of them.


    ¡°Tell you what. I¡¯m not sleepy anymore.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he kissed her forehead, ¡°then tell me what you saw that night?¡±


    ¡°Which night?¡±


    ¡°The previous one when you canceled our date. I know it was a nightmare,¡± she went rigid in her arms <b>and </b>then started crying silently.


    ¡°Th¡­they are back¡­ Rafael¡­¡± she hupped.


    ¡°They?¡± his brows knitted, ¡°Who?¡±


    Her ck eyes raised to meet his, ¡°Valerie and Nina!¡±


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 Chapter 144

    144 144- Was She Beautiful? Was She A Blonde?


    Ethan wanted to go for a beach trip to enjoy this unexpected off from the MSin office, but Valerie wasn¡¯t interested so he decided to discover the city himself.


    The weather was humid, but the people were hospitable<b>.</b>


    He was passing through the hotel lobby when he heard someone growling under her breath. Her voice might be low, but her words were sharp. He pecked from the huge vase ced in front of the dining area.


    ¡°Nina Sinir?¡±


    She was scolding the girl who used to apany her usually everywhere. The poor girl wasn¡¯t even trying to defend herself. There was a huge yellow stain of a curry in front of the girl¡¯s dress. It seemed like she spilled some runny food on her dress and was now getting bashed for her clumsiness.


    Poor <b>girl</b><b>!</b>


    ¡°Nina. I¡¯ll clean it in the bathroom,¡± She was asking her employer quite timidly.


    But Nina kept hurling insults <b>at </b>her with a venomous hiss.


    How much did Nina own in MSin? Fifteen percent or twenty? Whatever it was. It wasn¡¯t a small


    chunk.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He quickly moved aside when they passed by without even noticing him.


    ¡°Tomorrow when we go to MSin, will you be doing this careless stuff there too? Who will take you seriously Geena?¡±


    <i>So</i>, Nina also has a big purpose to enter MSin! He thought to himself.


    In Valerie¡¯s room, he was still thinking about Nina. Instead of taking it lightly, they should be prepared for what was about toe.


    Valerie was lounged on the couch, with eyes glued to the TV. It was David Birmingham¡¯s show, and they usually invite big celebrities to it.


    With a rxed mind, she was enjoying the show with a nonalcoholic drink. She didn¡¯t want to appear drunk in the office tomorrow.


    Meanwhile, Ethan was sitting by the coffee table working on hisptop. His feet were propped up on the table and his fingers were tapping with lightning speed as he kept working about something online.


    After a few minutes, he stretched his arms letting out a small yawn, ¡°The weather was pretty good today,¡± he remarked ncing up from his screen, ¡°We could go to the beach.¡±


    Valerie smiled but her attention stayed on the TV screen, ¡°Yeah. And then get caught together. No thanks.


    (144 144- Was She Beautiful? Was She A Blonde?


    Ever since he apanied her to Kanderton, she wanted to y it safe. Showing the whole. world that Ethan was with her, meant her chances of getting the money were slim.


    Ethan stood up and walked over to the room fridge to fetch a bottle of water. His room was right next to hers but still, he liked being here with her.


    ¡°Hey, Val. I¡¯ve been thinking about something¡± he took a sip before continuing, ¡°Your mother¨Cinw, Nina.¡±


    Valerie¡¯s smile faded slightly and atst, her eyes flickered towards him, ¡°Oh? What about her?¡± she muted the volume.


    Ethan returned to hisptop and sat back on <b>his </b><b>chair</b>, ¡°Why don¡¯t you shake hands with her?


    he then capped back his bottle and ced it on the coffee table, ¡°Just think of the benefits you will get. She is Rafael¡¯s mom and ording to you, she tries to control her son all the time. She has connections and can make things easier for you.¡±


    Valerie frowned and she almost tossed aside the TV remote, ¡°Shake hands with Nina? Trust me. You don¡¯t know what you are talking about. She is a very difficult woman, someone who is impossible to deal with. Urgh<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    She rolled her eyes and shifted her focus to the screen, but the TV volume was still mute.


    He chuckled while still busy with theptop, ¡°Think of the bigger picture, darling. Sometimes you need to y games and be in the good books of the people you dislike. This is the number one


    rule of the business.


    ¡°Rafael never followed this rule,¡± she asked raising her one shoulder carelessly.


    ¡°That¡¯s because he is a business pro. His mind is of higher IQ than many businessmen out there.¡±


    For some reason Valerie found it funny, ¡°Higher IQ?¡± she couldn¡¯t control the mirth, ¡°Seriously, Ethan,¡± she twisted in the couch to look at him, giving him her undivided attention, ¡°and this. higher IQ man couldn¡¯t do a thing when I tried to make him a fool. Hahaha.¡±


    Ethan got quiet and didn¡¯t say anything. Valerie watched him still ying with hisptop keys and inhaled a long breath.


    Ethan didn¡¯t know anything about her past. The game she yed with Nina against Marissa.


    ¡°Nina is a maniptive bitch. I just can¡¯t trust her, Ethan.¡±


    Ethan looked <b>up</b>, cocking up a brow, ¡°But isn¡¯t that the point? Keep your enemies closer?¡±


    Valerie started shaking her head. She was aware of what he was trying to tell her but still, she wasn¡¯t convinced, ¡°Believe me, Ethan. Nina is bad news. I would never be involved with her or team up with her.¡±


    This time Ethan closed hisptop, watching her closely, ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to like her, honey. You are just working with her and treating her as a colleague¡­ who you don¡¯t like much.¡±


    Valerie¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Ethan. Why are you so adamant?¡± her voice was rising slightly, ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about her. It won¡¯t be an easy job to work beside her.


    She is toxic.¡±


    213


    144 144¨CWas She Beautiful? Was She A Blonda?


    Ethan sighed closing hisptop. He walked over to the couch and sat beside her, cing a hand on her shoulder, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be upset, love. You know that. Right.¡±


    She didn¡¯t say anything. Why would he bring up something so insignificant while she was watching her favorite show?


    ¡°I just wanted you to thrive because you have never worked¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ I know I don¡¯t have any experience in this, Ethan. I have never worked in my life. And¡­. and I¡¯m ready to learn. But please don¡¯t ask me to work beside her. She will not only destroy me


    but her son too.¡±


    That g


    got Ethan¡¯s attention like anything.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he nced down, ¡°she is his mom, and I don¡¯t think¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know nothing about her. She is a witch¡­ trust me.¡±


    Ethan nodded and kept squeezing her shoulder. Valerie switched on the TV but now her mind


    wasn¡¯t on the show.


    Her mind was on the woman Rafael was dating. Was she beautiful? Was she a blonde like her?


    Comment

 Chapter 145

    145 145- Nina¡¯s Handsome Son? My A*ss!


    Tomorrow in the office Valerie needed to tackle three people.


    Rafael <b>Sinir</b>.


    Nina Sinir.


    The woman Rafael was having an affair with.


    She didn¡¯t know who would create more difficulties for her. But for now, she didn¡¯t want to give up. Rafael Sinir could be easily handled by some sweet words and her beauty. In the past, she had always melted his heart sessfully.


    Once he was with her, she could easily tackle Nina and that woman.


    She turned the volume back up on the TV but couldn¡¯t shake off the uneasy feeling that was settling in the pit of her stomach.


    The only thing that used to boost her morale was, <i>¡®</i><i>If </i><i>I </i><i>could </i>throw away Rafael¡¯s <i>legal </i><i>wife </i>Marissa out of his life then this woman <i>is </i>nothing more than a mere <i>fly</i><i>.</i><i>¡±</i>


    <i>Flies </i>are <i>usually </i>shooed away but <i>if </i><i>they </i><i>don¡¯t </i>go away then <i>they </i>should be <i>crushed</i><i>. </i>Whoever <i>this </i>woman is, she better <i>be </i><i>prepared </i><i>to </i>leave MSin and <i>find </i>some other rich hunk for her kid<i>. </i>Because <i>if </i><i>she </i>won¡¯t budge then she¡¯ll be crushed just as <i>I </i><i>did </i>to <i>Marissa</i>.


    Nina:


    ¡°What are you doing? All these clothes?¡± Geena nced at all the clothes piling around. Two girls approached her like a hungry moth getting closer to the me.


    Poor her was washing the big oily stain from her clothes and it took some of her time. But when she entered Nina¡¯s room, she found theContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    and


    Nina was seatedfortably in her bed, with a magazine in her hand<b>, </b>she looked up smirked, ¡°These are seamstresses, Geena,¡± she told her in a bored voice, ¡°They are here to help you with your office dressing.¡±


    Geena looked at those dresses and found this situation a bit ufortable. None of them were ording to her taste.


    ¡°B¡­but I¡­ never wore such¡­¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Nina raised her hand, ¡°You used to be my assistant before but now you¡¯ll be joining the office for some other purpose. Your dressing sense needs to be up to date, and your dresses should be ssy and a bit revealing. Don¡¯t you want to attract him?¡± Nina didn¡¯t take Rafael¡¯s name due to the presence of those girls, but Geena felt embarrassed.


    ¡®D¨Cdon¡¯t you think¡­ this is too much?¡± she spread her arms, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t need¡­ to¡­¡± The smirk on Nina¡¯s face was reced by a cold and hard stare, ¡°I don¡¯t need to what, Geena? Don¡¯t you want to look better? Don¡¯t you have any wish to stand out more?¡± she rose slowly from the bed and started taking small steps towards her, ¡°If you think that your outdated fashion sense is going to get you a cut in the corporate world, you are sorely mistaken,¡± she


    13


    145 145- Nina¡¯s Handsome Son?


    My Ass<b>!</b>


    brought her mouth closer to her face, ¡°that woman might be the mom of a kid but I¡¯m sure she must have maintained herself quite exceptionally.¡±


    Urgh. Again, that woman. Geena wanted to meet that <b>woman </b>and kill her. Before her, Geena¡¯s life. was at peace.


    But now everything <b>had </b>moved upside down.


    Nina¡¯s presence was suffocating her now, ¡°Th¨Cthere must be other ways to impress your son,¡± she whispered giving a secret look to those girls who were busy discussing something over the pile of clothes, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he like brains?¡±


    Nina looked at her and thenughed loudly, ¡°Brains?¡± she startedughing again. Geena felt her face heat up, ¡°As if¡­ as if¡­ you have got those brains. Haha. How stupid you are!¡± she snarled at Geena, ¡°You know nothing about men. They are never after brains. Beauty is the only thing that attracts them.¡±


    Nina then scoffed, waving her dismissive hand, ¡°Your opinion is irrelevant, Geena. You know nothing about impressing my son. Just stand there and watch. You might learn something. Now let these beautifuldies continue their job.¡±


    Nina then turned to thosedies, ¡°Girls! Continue, please. I want something that screams elegance. It should be intriguing enough to grasp a certain man¡¯s attention.¡±


    Geena saw one of them nodding and picked a sleek ck dress with a daring slit, ¡°How about this one, Ms. Nina? You are a fashion designer yourself. We have learned a lot from you over time.¡±


    Nina felt good after hearing praise from them. Her eyes s


    with approval, ¡°This is perfect. Now, Geena. Take notes. Learn a fewbinations and know, how to make an impression.¡±


    She shot Geena a scathing nce before turning back to the seamstresses, her voice was dripping with satisfaction, ¡°Girls. Teach her something. She¡¯s been working with me for thest two years. I hope maybe she will learn something from you.¡±


    Geena felt her checks burn with humiliation, but she remained silent. There wasn¡¯t any need for protest as Nina could easily turn a deaf ear.


    The boss who used to be so understanding was lost somewhere and in her ce was a female vampire who didn¡¯t like it when Geena used to breathe against her will.


    Geena didn¡¯t know how to tackle the situation.


    She was stuck.


    Whom to go? Who to call?


    She didn¡¯t have anyone in her life who she could confide in. There weren¡¯t any friends.


    She stayed there like a doll and those seamstresses kept trying different dresses on her. Geena kept standing there like a statue and stayed quiet when they kept taking her clothes off and trying new stuff on her.


    She didn¡¯t have any free will and felt like a ve who could be sold to anyone, her owner wanted.


    13:56


    <


    145 145¨CNina¡¯s Handsome Son? My Ass!


    And then something shed in her mind! Why didn¡¯t she think of it before?


    A small smile cracked on her lips. She was following Nina like a dummy. What if Rafael Sinir rejected her by himself?


    What if instead of creating further rifts between the couple she helps them to mend their ways? This might give her enough time to find a new job for herself.


    She chuckled soundly, forgetting for a moment where she was.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± one of the girls asked her while taking her chest measurement.


    ¡°Oh. I¡¯m fine,¡± she said in a good mood, ¡°I¡¯m absolutely fine.¡±


    Marrying Nina¡¯s handsome son<i>? </i>My ass<i>!</i>


    140 146- Rel! Put Me Downl

 Chapter 146

    146 146- Rafael! Put Me Down!


    Marissa was still hupping in her sleep, and he couldn¡¯t understand, why she was still scared of Valerie and his mom. 1


    Or was it about that nightmare?


    He needed to tell her that dreams meant nothing. We only dream what we have in our subconscious. It didn¡¯t have to do anything with the reality.


    He looked down when she shuddered in his arms. Tightening them around her, he lowered his face to her car, ¡°Nothing would happen, Marissa. You need to trust me this time. No one will hurt you ever¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to cry but wasn¡¯t aware of how many wars he needed to fight to make her believe that the kids weren¡¯t the only reason he was here.


    He could fight the world and didn¡¯t give a damn about Valerie. Even his businessmunity. could go against him, but he could fight them all. But for all those challenges she needed to be


    with him.


    ¡°P¡­please believe me¡­I¡¯m¡­ not a home wrecker¡­¡± she cried in her sleep. Rafael frowned and pulled back to have a better look on her face.


    ¡°Marissa!¡± he didn¡¯t want to wake her up, but if this was again a nightmare, he wouldn¡¯t have any


    choice.


    Thankfully she went back to sleep but he didn¡¯t feel like sleeping anymore. That night, her nightmare had left him mentally disturbed, and he stayed awake with his mind racing with worry and his heart aching for her.


    And now tonight she again seemed restless.


    Before slipping into deep sleep, she took the names of Valerie and Nina. As if¡­ as if she was


    scared of them.


    He needed to find out about it. He needed her to trust him.


    The quilt was wrapped around her, and he smiled when he remembered how she threw away her clothes.


    ¡°You are a naughty fellow, Little Greene. Aren¡¯t you?¡± he kissed her forehead andy beside her, sharing one pillow.


    He knew somewhere in the middle of the night she would climb over him and sleep on his chest. He kept brushing his fingers through her hair.


    Marisa turned in bed and then bolted up when saw broad daylighting through the window.


    ¡°Crap! Don¡¯t I have office today?¡± though facing Delinda was almost giving her a heart attack but then she needed to go on.


    If Valerie and Nina couldn¡¯t stop her, couldn¡¯t kill her then no one else could. If she could manage to run away from those evildies¡® clutches, then she could conquer the world.


    She


    tossed the quilt aside and got still.


    ¡°Damn!¡± in panic she glued it back to her body. She wasn¡¯t wearing anything underneath.


    ¡°Wh¡­what did I do?¡± Oh, Lord! She got drunkst night. What got into her after that? And then all those memories kept returning to her slowly in small bits and pieces.


    That creepy man. How he followed her outside. How Rafael saved her.


    ¡°Oh God!¡± she looked around for Rafael. He wasn¡¯t there.


    With the quilt still wrapped around her, she managed to walk to her wardrobe and took out a decent wear. Her eyes fell on her nightshirt and panties neatly folded and ced on the small study table.


    oing to


    Ignoring the little mess, she went to the bathroom and there other glimpses starteding her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now </i><i>I </i>remember. I remember everything. <i>I </i><i>need </i>to pee. Oh, <i>God</i>. <i>I </i><i>really </i>need <i>to</i>¡­. Rafael, <i>help</i><i>.</i><i>¡±</i>


    He stood there with his back to her, waited for her, and then brought her back to the bed.


    ¡°<b>I </b>hope, I didn¡¯t do anything indecentst night. Oh, God!¡± she hid her face behind her palms and shook her head in frustration. She slightly knocked her head against the bathroom wall.


    ¡°<b>I </b><b>am </b>a jerk¡­ jerk¡­ jerk¡­¡± She pped her cheek twice or thrice and then opened the shower.


    While showering she kept trying to remember if she and Rafael attempted to bang each other. Shezily got dressed and came out of the bathroom.


    However, when she went to the living room, she found Rafael cing tes on the dining table.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± he smiled at her. A drop¨Cdead gorgeous man who was shirtless wearing nothing but just a pair of trousers, with a kitchen cloth draped over his shoulder.


    What could be se*xier than this?


    ¡°Now stop staring at me, little Greene, and tell me how it is, he pointed towards the omelet and¡­


    It wasn¡¯t burnt!


    ¡°Wow!¡± she breathed, and he raised a brow when heard her, not knowing if the wow was for the non¨Cburnt omelet or him.


    ¡°Now move your ass over here. I came to wake you up, but you were already in the shower,¡± she nodded and took a seat. He went back to the kitchen and came out with steaming hot coffee cups.


    He took another <b>chair </b>across her and then made a pout.


    She watched him in confusion, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sit here. I can see you but not close enough to you. However,¡­ he pointed to


    146 146- Rafael! Put Me Down!


    ¡°Oh,¡± she made a pout with fake worry, ¡°Now that¡¯s a problem.¡±


    With a chuckle, he left his chair, and rounded the table to sit next to her, ¡°That¡¯s better.


    She agreed without saying much.


    He transferred some omelet onto her te and ced a fork, ¡°Do even remember anything aboutst night?¡±


    Her heart missed a beat at this unexpected question, and she felt her face blushing. He was looking at her closely, so she avoided the eye contact.


    ¡°Umm¡­ No¡­¡± she cleared her throat, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t think I remember anything,¡± she kept her eyes. glued to her food and started eating it.


    His deep chuckle reached her car, ¡°Liar!¡±


    She couldn¡¯t even argue. How could she when she remembered most of it except that¡­.


    ¡°D¡­did ¡­ something happenst night?¡±


    ¡°For example?¡± he was serious, but she didn¡¯t miss the mischief in his voice.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You know what I mean. Now please tell me,¡± she urged him, with a hint of frustration.


    A yful smile graced his lips, ¡°Tell you what?¡±


    She pushed back her te and got to her feet.


    He wasn¡¯t expecting this reaction, ¡°Marissa!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m getting ready for office,¡± she said heading towards her room.


    She was caught off guard when without warning, he came behind her and lifted her up air.


    She squealed in surprise, ¡°Rafael! Put me down!¡±

 Chapter 147

    147 147- MSin For Miles Sinir?


    ¡°Rafael! Put me down!¡± (O


    He did but also pinned her against the wall, ¡°Put you down? Huh. Last night you were very much. interested in¡­¡± She didn¡¯t let him finish and ced her palm on her mouth.


    ¡°No! Stop!¡± she could see his eyes dancing in mischief.


    ¡°Last night¡­¡± he spoke again but she pressed her palm more into his mouth.


    ¡°Shut up! Another word from you and I won¡¯t eat this breakfast. Moreover, I¡¯ll tell everyone in the office what a horrible chef you are.¡±


    The threat seemed to work because his eyes went wide with shock, ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Yeah seriously, she nodded, and he could seeughter in her eyes too.


    He nodded in agreement and raised his hands to show her, that he not only gave up but also epted her conditions.


    She showed him a thumbs¨Cup sign and removed her hand from his mouth.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He wasn¡¯t speaking anything, but she was still pinned between the wall and his hard body. ¡°Marissa¡­¡± He scratched his head, but her eyes bulged out.


    ¡°You go back on your word, and I¡¯ll tell everyone the president of MSin slept with mest night,¡± she gave him a proud grin, but he was wearing a serious expression on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honored if you do that,¡± he whispered looking into her eyes. She swallowed hard and eyed his lips.


    They were standing so close, and she realized that they were staring at each other. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest and wondered if he could hear it as well.


    The tension between them had been building all night. His chest was touching hers most intimately, while his face was just inches away.


    Their eyes were locked, and she could see the intensity in those emerald¨Cgreen orbs.


    ¡°Your eyes¡­ there are so many shades of green,¡± she whispered and felt him holding her chin between his thumb and index finger.


    ¡°And your ck eyes have everything in them. It¡¯s so easy to tell what¡¯s going on in your mind just by looking into them.


    She swallowed her saliva and felt her breathing hitched in her chest. Slowly she felt the world around them fading away in the background.


    The time seemed to go still.


    Marissa¡¯s lips parted slightly, her breathing in shallow gasps. It felt like she had been running in a marathon.


    He slowly leaned forward, his gaze not leaving hers. Marissa¡¯s heart fluttered wildly when she


    147 147 MSin For Miles Sinir?


    on her face.


    felt <b>his </b>hot breath on her face.


    Warm and inviting.


    She was no more in a position to ignore this heavy maic pull between them. Her eyes fluttered closed as his lips brushed against hers.


    Soft. As always. Umm¡­


    A <b>shiver </b>ran down her spine as she leaned into him. Her hands touched his bare chest and then traveled to his shoulders until they were tied around his neck.


    She felt his hands around her waist, pulling her closer. She wanted to melt into his embrace. His lips sucked hers initially and then he started kissing her more intensely after biting her lower lip. She moaned in his mouth and moved closer to him except there wasn¡¯t any more space left to be.


    covered.


    She moaned loudly when felt his hand moving inside her shirt. She waited¡­


    The touch of his hands on her skin¡­ she waited when it started grazing her skin until it was cupping her boob above her bra.


    She didn¡¯t know if his hand was doing more delicious things or if it was his mouth. His tongue had entered her mouth and was now trying to discover every nook and corner.


    Her hand brushed over his chest and came down to rest on his nip*ple.


    How she used to enjoy licking it.


    She flipped her hand until her knuckles started traveling down, touching his skin throughout until it reached near the band of his pants.


    She tried to insert her hand, but it was too tight. His grazing teeth stopped when he felt her struggle.


    When she didn¡¯t seed, her hand traveled lower above his pants and fondled his cock in her hand.


    Big mistake.


    He gasped and jumped. Their kiss broke and Marissa came back to the real world.


    Was this kiss a mistake?


    She looked up to find guilt on his face. But no. There was just this gentleness there.


    ¡°You naughty little thing,¡± he remarked holding her face and she was happy that he was as affected by the kiss as her.


    The way he was panting, the way he was huge down there. He wanted her.


    Marissa was yearning for more. She wanted more.


    But¡­ but he thought of her as his babies¡® mom. Nothing else. If he took Valerie as his wife, then this was cheating.


    147 147. MS


    1 FORM


    Milos Sinir?


    ¡°<b>Marissa</b><b>¡­</b>¡± he trailed off when she didn¡¯t let him speak.


    ¡°Rafael. If you want anything else other than my involvement with babies, then it has to be fair and square.¡±


    He shrugged in confusion, ¡°Meaning<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Meaning is¡­¡± she touched her tongue to her inner cheek, ¡°You need to be very clear what we are. The world should know about our rtionship. We need to tell Valerie and Nina too.¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for you, Marissa. Remember? You asked me not to tell them about our kids?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do remember that,¡± she reminded herself about Delinda¡¯s words, ¡°I just don¡¯t want the people to think that I¡¯m a third wheel in your marriage<b>.¡±</b>


    He nodded in understanding, ¡°What do you have in <b>mind</b>?¡±


    ¡°We need a court statement if we are married. If they think you are married to my sister, then a proper divorce should be there before wee closer. Getting intimate with a married man? A big no! And if you are married to me then a proper announcement must be there. You can¡¯t enjoy my body when you are married to my sister.¡±


    To him, her every word made sense.


    ¡°Got it. I know. This is basic decency, he agreed.


    ¡°Until and unless things get resolved, I still insist. Try to keep our kids <b>a </b>secret.¡±


    He smiled, watching her closely, ¡°So why do you think the MSin website isn¡¯t working anymore.


    little Greene?¡±


    ¡°What. Do. You. Mean?¡±


    ¡°The moment you joined MSin, I asked Dean to get it removed. I couldn¡¯t let my employees¡® names go out when yours was still there. It was meant to respect your privacy.¡±


    She chuckled and then remembered something, ¡°By the way, Sinir Industries was a catchy. name. What happened to it? Why MSin? Is it because of Miles Sinir? I remember how you loved


    your grandfather,¡± he kept looking at her face and then kissed her cheek softly and started taking back steps,


    ¡°Get ready. I need to be in an official meeting with someone outside the office and no,¡± he stopped before disappearing into her room, ¡°MSin doesn¡¯t stand for Miles Sinir.¡±


    With a restrained smile, he went inside without offering any further exnation and closed the door behind him.


    Marissa thought in confusion.


    <i>MSin </i>doesn¡¯t stand for <i>Miles </i>Sinir. Then <i>who </i>does it stand <i>for</i><i>? </i><i>His </i>great grandfather?¡±

 Chapter 148

    148 148- Valerie In MSin


    ¡°Are we going to the hotel?¡± she asked Rafael when saw him taking the first turn.


    ¡°Yeah. My office clothes are there, and you can meet the kids,¡± she leaned back with a nod.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You are spoiling them,¡± he just tilted his head at her remark to give her the look that clearly


    <b>said</b>,


    <i>Of </i>course, they are my kids<i>, </i>and they are meant to be spoiled.


    ¡°I need to discuss something with you,¡± he said, his eyes scanning the road ahead.


    ¡°Yeah. Shoot.¡±


    ¡°I have invited a few women to the hotel, he touched the tip of his tongue to his upper lip.


    She crossed her arms over her chest, clearly unsettled, ¡°Invited few women? But why?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to discuss itst night but couldn¡¯t get a chance¡­¡± he paused when she nodded at him to continue, ¡°If you find it OK then I want to hire a nanny for the kids.¡±


    Marissa got quiet.


    ¡°Listen. I already told you, that you are the best mom for my kids, and no one can take your ce. You have got the best help in your absence in the form of Sophie and Flint. But¡­ don¡¯t you think now they need their time?¡±


    Marissa shot him a puzzled look, ¡°Their time?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. They both are amazing but now they need to refocus on their lives as individuals, Marissa. You were alone and they came up to help you. But now I¡¯m also here for the kids. Sophia is a gynecologist who dropped her practice because she was hiding from me,¡± Marissa detected guilt in his voice, ¡°And now I want to do something for her.¡±


    She raised a brow, ¡°You mean Joseph?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Joseph is a very good friend of mine. If they hit it up, then our favorite people can be closer¡­ and together. What do you say?¡± Marissa thought for a moment.


    ¡°As a mom, you¡¯ll decide who to hire for our kids. These governesses will be trained <b>and </b>know how to tackle a kid.¡±


    Marissa was quiet after that.


    ¡°So, you expect me, she raised her index finger in the air, ¡°to interview them this morning?¡±


    He shrugged while applying brakes for the signal, ¡°If there is a problem then I can reschedule the interviews.


    ¡°B¡­but Rafael, I have a meeting before lunch break where I need to give a final presentation.¡±


    ¡°And we can postpone the presentation after the lunch break, Marissa thought of Delinda who might think she was again taking advantage.


    ¡°What if people will think that I¡¯m dying the presentation without any reason?¡±


    148 148¨CValorie in MSin


    ¡°Why care for the people, Marissa? If you think you are not harming anyone or not taking undue benefit, then all is good. Who cares what others think about you?¡±


    The car had stopped in front of the hotel entrance, ¡°Plus, I¡¯m with you,¡± he said holding her hand.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, she smiled, ¡°then I¡¯m in.¡±


    <i>Fu</i>*<i>ck </i>you, Delinda.


    ¡°Oh God. I¡¯m excited,¡± Valerie said sitting in the cab. Though she couldn¡¯t make her appearance yesterday in MSin but now she was all ready for Nina, Rafael, and that woman.


    All the way, her heart kept racing in her chest. Ethan even kissed her to calm her nerves, but she


    was too thrilled for this.


    Ruling on the army of servants at home was something else. But being a queen in the corporate world was a different feeling.


    Oh<b>, </b>I wish Marissa was there. I would have shown her that ¡°Look! See, where I am now.¡±


    When they got out of the cab, she walked to the entrance door while Ethan paid the driver.


    The same watchman was standing there who didn¡¯t stop her today and opened the door for her.


    With Ethan following her, she went inside <b>and </b>was amazed when looked around.


    Was this MSin office? Her office? It was so luxurious and somewhat imposing.


    Taking off her dark sses, she approached the receptionist, ¡°I need to go to the Presidential floor!¡±


    The receptionist had one look at the confident woman and frowned, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Who are you? Do you have an appointment there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need an appointment. I¡¯m Mrs. Rafael Sinir, Valerieughed internally when the receptionist¡¯s face went pale.


    ¡°C¡­can I have some¡­ iden¡­ identification, ma¡¯am?¡±


    Valerie shook her head, ¡°No!¡±


    The receptionist seemed to be smart. She quickly searched for Rafael¡¯s images on the inte and that was when she found a few rare pictures of Valerie Sinir.


    Oh my God! Thedy was right.


    She signaled a guard, ¡°She is Mrs. Rafael Sinir. Please take her to his office, Valerie wasn¡¯t expecting this type of VIP protocol.


    So<i>, </i><i>I </i>was <i>right</i>. I just <i>need </i><i>to </i>be confident and that¡¯s it.


    When the elevator doors opened, she stepped on the VIP floor and was in awe. Everything there seemed to be gleaming with elegance.


    There was a group of employees who were busy talking and had to stop when saw her walking


    C


    148 145¨CValerie In MSin


    to the office with such protocol. Along with Ethan two guards were behind her,


    ¡°Hello. Nice meeting you,¡± she waved at them with a friendly smile and then saw the confused look on their faces.


    ¡°I¡¯m Mrs. Sinir,¡± the group¡¯s jaws dropped at the unexpected introduction.


    ¡°Oh my. Is she Mrs. Sinir? Really?¡± a woman from the group came closer,


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Sinir. I¡¯m Kate. Please call me whenever you need me. I¡¯m sure I have so much to


    tell


    you about whatever is going on here in the MSin building.¡±


    That was great.


    Valerie wanted someone from the office who could provide her with the correct details.


    ¡°Sure, Kate. I¡¯ll definitely call you in my office,¡± she shook hands with the woman and then turned her attention to the other employees.


    ¡°They are our colleagues. Delinda. Shang Chi. Peter,¡± Kate kept introducing them all.


    ¡°You, my dear, must be the program in¨Ccharge, Valerie shot a probing nce at her. What if this Kate was the woman Rafael was involved with?


    ¡°In charge? Ha¨Cha. No!¡± Kateughed with the shake of her head, ¡°You are too sweet to think that. Reality is¡­ I am not the in¨Ccharge. Someone else is¡­ someone who doesn¡¯t even have enough certifications,¡± Kate tried to keep the hatred off her tone.


    ¡°Then who is in¨Ccharge?¡± Valerie asked flipping behind her freshly blow¨Cdried hair.


    Kate cleared her throat, ¡°Our in charge is¡­¡±

 Chapter 149

    149 149- Valerie Wants A Meeting


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal here?¡± They all were giggling when Dean made an appearance in the room. He saw a womanughing along with the staff of MSin. A man was standing behind her with his arms crossed over his chest.


    ¡°Dean!¡± Kate got up from the seat and gestured towards Valerie, ¡°Meet Mr. Sinir¡¯s wife. Valerie Sinir.


    Dean kept looking at the blonde woman who was trying her best to look ssy but was falling miserably. He had been in the corporate world for so long and this woman thought she wouldpete here just by wearing expensive clothes then she was mistaken.


    ¡°And do you know?¡± Kate touched Dean¡¯s arm lightly, ¡°I was about to tell our incharge¡¯s name when she stopped me because our leader isn¡¯t Katy Perry, so she isn¡¯t interested in knowing her name. How funny! Ha¨Cha.¡±


    Valerie¡¯s face also reminded him of the message he got two nights back in his messenger. So, she <b>wasn¡¯t </b>a fraud. Rafael¡¯s wife was atst <b>here</b><b>.</b>


    But still, Marissa was ssier<b>!</b>


    <b>was </b>the


    Now why that thought crossed his mind? No matter how polished Marissa was. <i>She </i>wa


    third wheel.


    This poor woman!


    Valerie must have entered MSin to stay close to her husband who wasn¡¯t interested in her.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am,¡± Dean ced his palm on his chest and bent his head a little, ¡°how are you?¡±


    The blonde woman eyed him for a moment and then left her seat, ¡°I¡¯m good, Dean,¡± she approached him taking purposeful steps, ¡°I know you.¡±


    She then leaned her hip against the edge of the desk, ¡°I want to use my husband¡¯s office, DeanProperty belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    It was a confident request, but Dean wasn¡¯t a fool.


    The bodynguage and the way she was fumbling with her fingers were a telltale sign that this confidence was a sham.


    ¡°No one can enter his office without his permission, ma¡¯am,¡± he muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°B¡­but, Dean, Kate moved closer to him after giving an over¨Cbrightened smile to Valerie, ¡°SHE uses Mr. President¡¯s office in his absence.¡±


    She was talking about Marissa. Dean turned his head to look at Kate. His job was not to be judgmental towards his boss though he felt bad for Valerie.


    The poor wife must have heard from someone that his husband had a mistress. That kid. resembled his father so much that he was sure their affair went way back.


    ¡°I onlyply with his orders, Kate. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me<b>, </b>I have got a job to do and I¡¯m sure MSin pays you too for doing <b>that</b>


    149 149¨CValerie Wants A Meeting


    He nodded at Valerie and walked away but then was stopped by Shang Chi.


    ¡°Hey, Dean. We have a presentation by our in charge and she is nowhere to be seen.


    Dean shifted slightly on his feet, ¡°Your in¨Ccharge will be here for the presentation after the lunch break,¡± he said and heard Delinda¡¯s sarcastic chuckle.


    What happened to Delinda? Wasn¡¯t she the same woman whom Marissa tried to help when her kid was in hospital?


    Straightening up in her seat, Valerie nced at her wristwatch, ¡°Which presentation is this?¡±


    Delinda raised her hand, ¡°Our head was supposed to give the presentation this morning,¡± she sighed, ¡°I guess she has better things to do today.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kate nodded, ¡°she is bing habitual of doing it and no one says a word to her<b>¡±</b>


    Valerie gave a meaningful nce to Ethan over her shoulder. This was the woman they were looking for.


    The one who was taking advantage of her husband. Rafael had always expected his staff toplete their tasks on time and how easily this woman was manipting him.


    <b>¡°</b>Fine! Whenever this presentation happens. I would like to be a part of it,¡± Valerie twisted a thick strand of hair around her finger.


    This was the first step. She needed to tell the woman that who was the boss. No matter how many incharges Rafael would make, Valerie would always be the boss.


    ¡°And please let me know which office to use if I can¡¯t use my husband¡¯s office,¡± she asked Dean fluttering hershes.


    Dean nodded and then thought to make her sit in the new office that Rafael asked to be set. before the next weekend. ording to Dean, Rafael might be nning to hand it over to Marissa but now Dean didn¡¯t have any choice.


    He might be in the middle of an unwanted family fight and didn¡¯t know what to do. Valerie was following him, and he opened the door to get inside the room.


    ¡°Here. You can stay here for the time being and thenter we can ask Mr. Rafael about which room to assign you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not a problem,¡± sheughed awkwardly, ¡°I don¡¯t need an extra office. My husband¡¯s office will be enough for me!¡±


    Dean nodded and was about to walk away when Valerie stopped him, ¡°Listen, Dean. Do you know where is my husband? Is hete today?¡±


    Dean gave a hard stare to Valerie, ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you know he has got an official meeting outside with some client? He must have told you.¡±


    Valerie first observed his face and then giggled, ¡°Yes¡­ yes, he told me¡­ I forgot¡­ I guess. Ha¨Cha!


    Dean smiled and was heading out when he bumped into the man who was standing behind


    149 149¨CValerie Wants A Meeting


    ¡°Sorry, man,¡± he apologized with a friendly smile and then closed the door behind him.


    So, did Valerie Sinir bring an assistant with her?


    ¡°Ms. Valerie is so friendly!¡± Dean heard Kate praising the woman, ¡°Just look¡­ at how she knew about my intelligence just like that! And do you know what her presence means?¡± she asked her colleagues excitedly.


    Then looked at Delinda in a friendly way, holding her arms, ¡°It means that she will observe how qualified each one of us is.¡±


    ¡°You are so right,¡± Delinda nodded, ¡°I think now she will do justice. The rewards will only go to the deserving employees this time.¡±


    Kate was chirpier more than usual. At least, her prayers were answered and slowly her office. colleagues could see the injustice done to her.


    Some more people on the team had joined them, and Kate was acting among them as if she was already their leader.


    With a side smirk, Dean took his seat and started working. He wanted to wait for Rafael Sinir till then he couldn¡¯t take any step.


    When his inte started ringing, he knew it was Valerie as Joseph and Rafael hadn¡¯t arrived at the office yet.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Dean. Ask all the teammates to gather in the conference room. I need to talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Teammates<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Yes. The ones who are participating in the uing event. I¡¯d like to hear what they are up to.¡±


    What are they up to? Seriously? Staying four years with a businessman husband didn¡¯t teach her anything?


    Strange!

 Chapter 150

    150 150- Nina In MSin


    ¡°You are impossible to work with, Geena, Nina snubbed her angrily. This morning Geena dropped hot coffee on her office clothes that were bought by Nina exclusively for her. They had to go back to the hotel suite to wash it off.


    When it didn¡¯te off that easily then Nina decided for Geena to get it changed.


    ¡°I am so sorry, Nina, Geena said guiltily and in answer Nina just huffed.


    The n was to get ready as early as possible and then reach MSin on time, but Geena spoiled. Nina¡¯s ns.


    Last night, she was wondering <b>if </b>she did the right thing to hire Geena as Rafael¡¯s potential wife. But then she couldn¡¯t afford to hire a sensible wife.


    A silly wife would never ask for her rights and would never demand her cut from the property. Obviously, Nina was nning to pay Geena a good amount.


    Hiring a cunning girl meant, she could use Rafael for her benefits.


    Without saying anything further they went to sit in the cab.


    Nina was still angry, and Geena was feeling guilty. She hesitated before talking to her boss, ¡°Are you mad at <b>me</b><b>, </b>Nina?¡±


    Nina tilted away her head and kept looking outside the window. Geena felt humiliated but she couldn¡¯t afford her fury.


    She nced at Nina, trying to control the tremble in her voice, ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ ruin the schedule. It¡­ it was just an ident, Nina.¡±


    ¡°ident? Hah!¡± Nina¡¯s voice was dripping with sarcasm, ¡°I was nning to reach earlier than usual. I never gotte in my life and who knows it better than you, Geena?¡± Nina shook her head, ¡°That woman¡­ my daughter¨Cinw must have reached there before me and now I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Nina started rubbing her temples.


    She was almost having a heart attack thinking what Valerie must have told her son. about her arrival.


    Her voice turned soft by the end of it, ¡°What will I tell the staff members of MSin? That I¡­ I¡­ the mother of Rafael Sinir gotte because¡­¡± her voice was slowly rising now, ¡°because her assistant¡­ her clumsy assistant dropped the coffee cup on her dress. I don¡¯t know, Geena what has gotten into youtely.¡±


    Geena kept chewing her lower lip, not aware of how to defuse her boss¡¯s anger.


    ¡°Nina. Believe me. Your son deserves better. Just look at me. I don¡¯t suit him at all!¡±


    Nina startedughing at the remark like a manic, ¡°Now don¡¯t be a fool. Why do you think you don¡¯t suit him, you fool!¡±


    Geena shrugged and started looking out of the window.


    150 150- Nina in MSin


    the elite ss?¡±


    ¡°<b>Perhaps</b>!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t worry about that. I have hired ady who can teach you how to move around among


    elites.


    Geena wanted to roll he eyes. Why was she going to the trouble of training her when she could hire any other girl with an ounce of brains?


    Nina who loved staying young,tely had been grumbling like an old crankydy.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do better, Nina. I want to work on myself and really want to make things better.


    A frustrated sigh left Nina¡¯s mouth, ¡°Your promises can¡¯t get us to the office on time, Geena. Do you even realize how important it was to reach there on time? That Valerie¡­ her hands balled into tight fists, ¡°I don¡¯t know anymore, what she must be doing there.¡±


    ¡°Can I give you a suggestion, Nina?¡± Geena asked her boss.


    When <b>Nina </b>didn¡¯t react, she spoke again, ¡°Why don¡¯t you shake hands with Valerie? Why don¡¯t you two work together ande up with somethingmon<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Nah!¡± Nina started shaking her head, ¡°I can never work with a prude like her. Don¡¯t even think about it. We are poles apart, Geena. Impossible!¡±


    Geena nodded, her eyes downcast, ¡°Don¡¯t take tension, Nina. We¡¯ll see what we can do over there. In this mental state, you won¡¯t be able topete with Valerie.


    Nina nced at Geena, her eyes narrowing, ¡°I don¡¯t know aboutpetitions. I just don¡¯t want.


    to let her win.¡±


    Geena nodded in understanding.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She needed to keep it together otherwise losing against Valerie might cost her, her job, and maybe her life as well.


    Because her whole life depended on this well¨Cpaying job.


    She didn¡¯t dare to speak to Nina anymore. The rest of the ride was silent, both women seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.


    When the cab stopped at the MSin office they both got off it.


    Geena silently followed her boss and was in awe when entered the MSin building.


    Wow. Beautiful<i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>no </i>one ever told me that it was such an impressive ce?


    Her eyes moved to thedy sitting at the reception desk when Nina¡¯s voice reached her ears, ¡°Nina Sinir. Rafael Sinir¡¯s mom!¡± she said in a harsh tone.


    The girl must have got confused and asked for identification.


    ¡°Identification?¡± Nina took off her sses, ¡°Are you out of your fu*<b>cking </b>mind or what?¡± she <b>a </b>hard stare to the girl who got scared a bit.


    ¡°Tin¡­ I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you actually¡­ Ha¨Cha!¡± she tried to shrug it off with the


    150 150- Nina in MSin


    ¡°If you haven¡¯t seen me!¡± she leaned over the counter, ¡°then is it my mistake?¡±


    Geena thought Nina could easily hold the reception girl by her cor and toss her aside.


    The receptionist gulped hard and gestured for a guard to take Geena upstairs.


    ¡°Look at my face carefully,¡± Nina hissed, ¡°and don¡¯t mess with me next time, bitch!¡± she put back her sses and followed the guard.


    Geena passed an apologetic smile to the receptionist and rushed after Nina to enter the VIP


    elevators.


    ***


    Dean wanted to roll his eyes. Valerie Sinir wanted the biggest conference room for the meeting which was reserved for Marissa¡¯s presentation.


    She did agree with the smaller room but now all he could see was Valerie just talking randomly to all the employees in the name of meeting. Nothing professional was being discussed.


    She was talking about fashion and then started telling them about the countries she had recently visited.


    Even the man whose name was Ethan had gone to the office caf¨¦ to nibble on something.


    Dean could see the easygoing attitude of the staff around Valerie who was trying so hard to be liked by everyone.


    He heard the clipped voice of a woman from the elevator area, ¡°Ok. So, this is Rafael¡¯s floor. Impressive!¡±


    He saw the same woman he met yesterday morning,ing out of the elevator, followed by her


    assistant.


    Oh, Mr. Rafael¡¯s mom was here. Great!


    ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am. How can I help you?¡± Dean went to her, but her eyes were on Valerie who was visible through the half¨Copened door of the conference room.


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Dean followed her gaze, ¡°Ma¡¯am. She asked to have a meeting with¡­. He tried exining to her, but <b>she </b>didn¡¯t let him finish.


    ¡°Hah. What does she know about these meetings? Rubbish!¡± without warning, she barged into the conference room.


    ¡°Hello everyone,¡± she gave a proud grin to her audience, ¡°I¡¯m Nina Sinir. Rafael Sinir¡¯s mom! Hope you all are doing well!¡±


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