TWO AND HALF YEARS LATER."Jaden, come back here" Gabriella hollered trying to adjust her graduation gown as a small boy not less than one year old came running towards her and before he could reach her, someone else scooped him into their arms.Gabriella raised her head as a soft smile appeared on her face."Skipped a meeting?" she asked with an amused smile as Diego shrugged."Actually felt the shareholders arguing"Diego said as Gabriella shook her head while laughing as Diego reached towards her and dropped a small kiss on her forehead."You came right on time else we would have had to fix a picture of you into it"Trisha said as everyone burst into laughter"We were just about to take pictures"Trisha added as Diego snorted at her moving towards Gabriella and standing beside her.He had been reckless during one of their nightlife and Gabriella ended up getting pregnant. The latter was almost in her final year so she didn't mind and gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and his great
Gabriella 's POVI observed my mother as she prepared me for a marriage to a man she deemed suitable. The fact that they considered this normal repulsed me, but I had come to accept that I had no control over the situation. They desired it, and I was compelled to comply. Whether or not I liked it, they believed it was appropriate for me to marry the man of their choosing."He is a good man, Gabriella . He has agreed to assist our family, and you must understand that nothing comes without a price," she remarked, causing me to chuckle involuntarily. I couldn't help it. The man was demanding compensation for his help. It wasn't as though he was doing it out of pure benevolence."Mother, he is marrying me," I replied, meeting her gaze squarely. "And he is not doing it for free." Does that mean, I'm the price for his actions?"Marrying him doesn't mean you are paying a price for anything. If anything, it will elevate us from a financially struggling family to one that is wealthy and has re
Chapter 2Diego 's POVI observed with a raised eyebrow as she entered the hall, her gaze evading everyone while fixated on her feet. It wasn't until she took a deep breath that she mustered the courage to meet my eyes. Only when she reached me at the end of the aisle did she manage a smile. However, the smile failed to reach her eyes, and as I returned the gesture, I knew mine lacked sincerity as well. Nevertheless, the scrutiny of the onlookers demanded we play our parts convincingly, for failure would have consequences for both of us.As she stood before me, I clasped her hand in mine. We recited our vows, and people watched in amazement, believing we were a couple deeply in love. In truth, the last thing I desired was to marry her, yet circumstances led us to this impromptu union. She averted her gaze from mine when she uttered her "I do," and in response, I leaned in, briefly pressing my lips against hers.She returned my kiss, pausing briefly as if expecting me to intensify it.
Gabriella 's POVWe stood in front of the cameras, their flashes blinding us, while a pack of cameramen trailed behind, capturing our every move. As we made our way towards our private plane, I couldn't help but feel trapped in this media circus. Putting on a fake smile, I glanced at Diego , who was equally struggling to maintain his composure. The incessant clicking of the cameras made it evident that we were growing weary, yet it appeared that nobody really cared."It seems we're stuck here for a while," I murmured, my words laced with forced cheerfulness. Diego , trying his best to hide his frustration, mustered a smile in response. We both knew that we couldn't escape the relentless paparazzi, but how did they even manage to infiltrate the runway? We would have to address this issue with the person in charge.Diego voiced his bewilderment, "I don't understand how they gained access to the runway. We'll need to have a discussion with the responsible party." I shook my head in agree
Diego 's POVI observed in silence as Gabriella entered the house, refraining from uttering a single word. We both understood that we would be occupying separate bedrooms, and thankfully, she chose not to address the situation. The resentment I harbored towards her for daring to betray me by issuing a challenge was not something I would easily let go of. However, at present, I had pressing matters to attend to. Unfortunately, the wedding had caused work delays, which only added to my frustration."Boss..." Pedro attempted to approach me, but I swiftly intervened, preventing him from coming any closer. I had no desire to entertain anyone's nonsense at this moment, and the last thing I needed was to be burdened by whatever issues awaited me."Diego , Valentina awaits you in your bedroom," Pedro interrupted, halting my steps. Confusion wrinkled my brow, and as I turned to face him, I arched an eyebrow inquisitively. He responded by crossing his arms firmly across his chest."I sense your
Gabriella 's POVSitting on the edge of my bed, I pondered the overwhelming situation I found myself in. The night had been restless, leaving me with little sleep. However, I knew I had to rise much earlier than him to prepare myself. The last thing I wanted was to create a negative impression that could lead to unfavorable gossip about me.Having already dressed myself, I opted for a modest navy blue dress and paired it with white heels. That was the way we were taught to present ourselves. Whether it was a dress or an elegant combination of pants and a shirt, heels or sneakers, we were expected to maintain a certain appearance in case we had guests. Sneakers were reserved solely for activities like the gym, yoga, or pilates. Generally, my outfits were chosen to be presentable even if we had unexpected visitors.Although it was already past nine in the morning, I had already completed my makeup. This was the norm in our family, regardless of the hour.Taking a deep breath, I rose fro
Author’s POVIt's been a few days and two weeks since Gabriella and Diego got married and the both of them had a lot to do and say. Gabriella certainly didn't have something she was looking forward to when she got married but it didn't include her getting forehead kisses early in the morning, it didn't include her always waking up in Diego 's arms, it didn't include Diego accompanying her to school a few times, it didn't include patiently waiting for Diego in the evening so she could share how her day went and what lecturer pissed her off and what her friends Mona and Angel did to her that day, it didn't include Diego laughing hilariously at her and then making nerve cracking jokes, it certainly didn't involve her chest beating furiously on her chest each other she stared at him. It was supposed to be an arranged marriage, an arranged marriage that neither of them expected to be able to co-exist peacefully under the same roof. Diego had surprisingly transformed from being the arroga
As soon as Diego dropped the call, he turned to face the Director who had submitted the proposal. Everyone was sure he was going to fire him moreover, six directors had been fired ever since he took the President position. "I want a new proposal before the day ends," Diego said as he stood up and stepped outside. The director in person fell to the ground, relief coursing through his veins as his other colleagues helped him up while congratulating him on not losing his job. Only in Rodriguez Corporations would you congratulate someone for not losing their jobs. "Send Gabriella's picture to the bodyguards and securities, whenever she's coming over, no one is allowed to stop her" Diego said as his secretary nodded. 'Is Miss Gabriella coming today?" he asked as Diego continued walking in long strides. "Probably" Diego replied as he walked into the office. "Set up the online meeting with the branch in Vietnam," Diego said as his secretary nodded. "On it sir" he replied. Mona burst