My eyes fluttered open at the sound of a knock on the door. My brows furrowed and I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. Due to the excitement and anticipation of what I had planned today, I couldn't bring myself to sleep. I had only fallen asleep about an hour ago. "Nicole?" Sergio's velvety voice called through the door, a soft presence that seemed void of agitation. It had always been like that ever since I met him. It made me wonder if beneath his calm exterior lay an angry and evil man, waiting to be unleashed; after all, he was Mr. Fernandez's son. And there is a saying that goes; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. With a scrunched up demeanor, I rose from my bed and made my way towards the door. But just before my hand could grasp the doorknob, I realized I had forgotten that I was supposed to be crippled. Suppressing a gasp of alarm from emerging from my mouth, I retreated to my bed and responded in a low-pitched voice. "Come in, Sergio. The door isn't locked." S
My heart rate skyrocketed as Diego Fernandez's piercing gaze bore into me. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead and my heart continued to race erratically. The walls seemed to close in on me as I realized I had been caught. In that moment, I couldn't bring myself to think of an escape route. It was over for me! "Nicole?" Diego's brows twitched as he called my name. In that split second, my heart stopped beating as I tried my hardest to fabricate a plausible explanation but to no avail. I ended up closing my mouth as no words could emerge. The intensity of his stare rendered me completely speechless and sent chills down my spine."You can walk?" His eyes broadened in surprise. "And you were talking about giving someone an extra reward. Who were you speaking to on the phone?" "It was..." My voice trailed. I tried again to come up with an excuse, but my brain seemed to have stopped functioning. I mentally cringed at my carelessness. "It was who?" He probed. "My...my friend, Ro...Ro
"I can't believe it." I continued. "Same here." "I guess it's finally time for me to move out." I forced a smile. To my surprise, Sergio nodded in concurrence. "Don't worry about not having a place to stay. For the meantime, I'm going to book a hotel for you. You can stay there for as long as a month, before you figure out a permanent place to stay."In your dreams, boy. In you dreams. "Okay. Thank you. I'll just pack my bags." "Alright. I will be waiting for you in the living room. My driver will check you in in a hotel on the way." He remarked and then ambled out of the room. "Really?" I scoffed. "Dream on, mister. I'm not leaving this house. Not anytime soon.." I felt irritated with the fact that despite all the efforts I had put in, I still couldn't get Sergio Fernandez to fall for me. The way he didn't think twice, before agreeing with me to move out made me question my charms. At that point, it seemed he would have said it if I hadn't first. He didn't care if I stayed or n
My eyelids fluttered open; heavy and gritty. It took a few moments for my vision to cooperate as the lightening in the room was a little too bright. Everything was blurry. I tried to move, only to wince as a sharp pain surged into my head. "Nicole? Nicole!" It was Sergio Fernandez. Although my vision remained blurry, I could recognize his voice. "Nicole, can you hear me?" "Sergio?" My voice emerged as a rasp. I could barely even hear myself. My whole body was hurting. I felt extremely uncomfortable lying on the bed. Slowly, the incident of how I got shot started replaying in my mind. For a horrifying moment, before I completely lost consciousness, I thought it was going to be the end for me. "You're finally awake," he smiled, taking my hand carefully in his. I can't thank God enough for this. I thought we were going to lose you. Luckily, the gun was aimed above your chest and no vital organ was hit." I already knew I was vengeful, but my action proved to what degree. I was willing
Looking at Sergio, I could see how his eyes were fixed on my lips. That was it. My moment of power. I covered my face with my hand. "I'm so sorry, Sergio. I also don't know what I was thinking. Seeing you so close, feeling your concern, I couldn't resist...." I calculatedly trailed off, letting the unspoken words hang in the air. "I shouldn't have done that." I peeked at him through my fingers, wanting to see other reaction my action might have sparked. Sergio remained completely still, then a ripple of confusion washed over his face. His brows furrowed. He hummed; his intense gaze still fixated in mine, seemingly searching for something. The kiss had indisputably ignited something in him. "I'm sorry..." I apologized again, looking everywhere but him. "It's fine," Sergio finally broke his silence. "I will speak to the receptionist." And with that, he was gone. striding out of the room. I let out a chuckle. I couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so shocked and confused by the k
"Missing you?" I furrowed, feigning confusion. "Why would I miss you? I just saw you a few hours ago." "Exactly!" he replied and turned to Diego. "You're just rambling. There is nothing like that." His last words stung a little. The dismissal was certainly not what I was expecting from him. I thought he was already considering a relationship between us. It seemed I still had a lot of work to do. "Please tell him." "Why are you both defensive?" He asked, squinting his eyes again. Sergio chuckled. "What did you eat? You're suddenly acting out of character." Diego threw him head back in laughter. "Don't mind me. I was just pulling your legs. I'm just so happy that Nicole is finally awake. I can finally sleep peacefully at night, knowing that you didn't die saving dad." he joked. I grimaced at that. Sleep peacefully at night? After his family killed mine? I forced a smile. "You will need it." He should enjoy the peace for now because I was going to make sure his future sleeps are fi
Sergio's lips were firm, yet hesitant. The collision of our lips sent a jolt of mixed emotions through me— confusion, anger and a scorching wave of irritation. I was a tad confused be cause the action ignited a desire I hadn't anticipated. Angry and irritated because I was kissing the son of my enemy. He pulled back slightly; his eyes searching mine. "Sergio..." I whispered.. "I—" "Don't say anything," he demanded, cutting me off. "Not here. Let's talk inside. Someone might see." Why was he hiding? The question echoed in my mind. Walking further into the room, I took a seat on the edge of the bed, while Sergio's tall figure hovered over me. "This..that..." Sergio stammered, looking everywhere but her. "Wasn't supposed to happen." "What wasn't supposed to happen?" I asked, raising a brow questionably. There was no way I was going to allow him back out. The pace of the plan had already been set. "The kiss," he rasped. "Back in the hospital and," he pointed to the doorway. "Just
The sharp knock on the door sent a jolt through me for I wasn't expecting anyone that late at night. Just as I was about to ask whom it was, the masculine voice echoed in the room."Nicole!" it was Mr. Fernandez. "Are you awake? I want to speak to you." "Oh," I muttered to myself. Mr. Fernandez had returned. I was prepared to face him. "Just a minute, please," I yelled back and straightened my pajamas, making myself look a little more presentable before walking to the door and throwing it open. "I can see you've healed completely," he rasped before I even got the chance to speak. "Not really," I forced a smile. "but I'm healing fast. The wound doesn't hurt that much anymore. I will be completely fine in about a week or so." "That's great to hear," he nodded his head. "I wanted to visit you in the hospital but I didn't get the chance. I'm glad the bullet just scratched you, and also, I want to thank you specially for what you did. I didn't think you were bold enough to take a bulle