She arrived at the church ten minutes before Kieran’s memorial service started. The place was packed with Kieran’s friends, most absent at the funeral, but Rhiannon managed to find an empty seat. Luckily, it was as far away as possible from all the Ridgways… especially from Paxton. She wasn’t really a part of that family so, it was even more necessary to sit a few rows back, on the other side of the church.
Just as she’d expected, Paxton stood away from her, also. They seemed like two perfect strangers. Not even that sad moment could bring them together. She remembered how close she had felt him during the funeral. How attentive he had been, holding her, soothing her. That day, they seemed a real… family, comforting each other.
That’s why, seeing him
“No thanks necessary. Now, give me a big hug, ‘cariño’.” Mrs. Ramirez opened her arms, and Rhiannon stepped into them.“I’m sorry I wasn’t present at Santi’s funeral…” she said slowly.“Oh, but you were. In spirit. I can see how much you care about our Santi. It has been tough, for our family. But somehow, we got through. Mr. Ridgway helped us so much. You see, my sister wanted her boy back home, so, since we’re not a rich family, Mr. Ridgway paid for all the traveling expenses and the funeral.” A bit embarrassed for being called up, Paxton gave Santiago’s aunt a shy smile.“My sister wanted me to thank you again. We will pray every day for Kieran like we pray for Santi,” Sonia Ramirez said.“Thank
HEY, Y'ALL!!!!!THANKS TO MY AMAZING EDITOR, I WAS ABLE TO CANCEL THE 2 UNNECESSARY CHAPTERS UPLOADED BY MISTAKE. ONCE AGAIN, I WANT TO TELL YOU HOW MORTIFIED I AM FOR THE MESS I'VE CREATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR UNDERSTANDING. IF BY ANY CHANCE, YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE COINS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, CONTACT THE SERVICE CENTER AND THEY WILL HELP YOU GET THEM BACK. IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS, LET ME KNOW AND I WILL TRY TO HELP YOU AS MUCH AS I CAN. EMMA
“You thought I would’ve judged you, lil bro… That I would’ve loved you any less… You stood in silence, keeping me at arm’s length. But you could’ve told me I would’ve accepted it, Kieran. I swear! Because you are my brother, the only person in this world who really loved me despite my shitty personality. And I love you no matter what.” Paxton got up and started pacing the room, looking around at the empty shelves, not long ago filled with photos and memories of Kieran and Santiago’s life together…“I would have understood…” Suddenly, Paxton stopped in the middle of the room.“No wedding photos…” he whispered. “Oh, that’s why…” Rhiannon hadn’t displayed a single photo of her wedding with Kieran or a single photo of Kieran in her apartment because they’d been just good friends, not lovers. Just like she’d said. She’d been telling the truth about that at least. So why the hell had Kieran married her? Paxton remembered
After the way he’d treated her, Paxton knew he deserved that answer or worse.“Which was it going to be?”“I don’t know, Paxton. After the way you dismissed me, after all the awful things you said to me... I had to gather a lot of strength to even take into consideration the idea of looking for you, of getting in contact with you…” Paxton raked a hand through his hair. His heart was hammering violently. God, what had he done? Had he thrown away the best thing that had ever happened to him?“Rhiannon, I…”“On that night, you made your feelings for me very clear, Paxton. You made it clear every single time since.” His gut twisted. That first night, he’d sweet-talked her and made love to her until she’d become radiant every single time he looked at her. He’d caressed her so seductively. She’d trembled when he barely touched her. Her every nerve had leaped in response to him, but he’d thought she’d been faking. But she hadn’t been.
Hey, Y'all!!!!!Thank you again for being so invested in this story, and for your wonderful, funny, uplifting comments and reviews (here and on my socials). I'm here to let you know that THE NEXT UPDATE IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY, 18TH. Much love to you all. Baci & Abbracci, Emma.
“Okay, Rob. We’ve covered every single point on our agenda, so we can stop here.” With a quick gesture, Paxton closed his notebook and rubbed his temples. His head was aching. A consequence of his lack of sleep and too much work.“Can I get you something, Paxton?” his collaborator asked. “Would you like me to call the butler?”“No, don’t worry. I’m fine,” Paxton replied. “Listen, I know how crazy your schedule is, so thanks again for coming here.”“Don’t mention it. I was passing through Abu Dhabi on my way to Bangkok anyway, so stopping here is no big deal. Besides, you know how much I love my job. And Ridgway is like a playground for me.”“Yeah… Working for the craziest Ridgway of them all…” he said, and a bitter laugh escaped his throat.“You gave me an opportunity when I was just a youngblood. I like your business vision. I envy your sixth sense when it comes to new projects. This is why I’ll always play on your team.” Robert Midland was his right hand in the M
Rhiannon looked in the dining room from the little kitchen window. He was there… again. It was his ninth morning in a row, coming to the “King’s Wish” for breakfast and this thing was becoming so damn exasperating. What point was he trying to make? Why was he tormenting her with his unrequested attention and presence?“The nerve of this guy!” she murmured extremely irritated. “Coming in my restaurant uninvited, bothering me endlessly, giving me the eye, acting like he cares about the baby or me, for that matter… Who is he trying to fool?” Sandra, her friend, entered the kitchen and saw her near the window, spying around the dining room of the restaurant. When Sandra saw who was Rhiannon watching, a little smirk appeared on her lips.“I think you should go out there and give him your two cents or stop right now whatever it is you’re doing, Rina,” she said, handing a note to one of the sous-chefs. “Eighter way, you need to do something because sta
Rhiannon raced ahead of Sandra. She was determined to get as far away as possible from Sandra since her friend wouldn’t stop nagging Rhiannon about Paxton… Again.“I really think you should reconsider giving Paxton a chance, Rina,” Sandra was saying as she caught up to Rhiannon after stooping to tie her tennis shoe. Rhiannon, who had finally had enough, stopped abruptly and gave Sandra a harsh look.“I mean... If someone like Paxton was interested in me and wanted to ‘buy me’ as you put it,” Sandra continued, undeterred, “I’d let him.”“Listen, Sandy. I came here to exercise and relax and get away from my problems for a change. But I can’t since you’re mentioning the biggest of them all. So, please stop talking about Paxton or go home right now.”