Chapter 1
Valerie is served divorce papers from her husband, Hudson, after being accused of a crime she did not commit. A crime against the very woman Hudson wouldn’t stop thinking about, his foster sister. Filled with anger and heartbreak at her husband’s downright neglect in all their three years of mariage, Valerie signs the divorce papers and walks out on Hudson. Not knowing that, this singular act finally caught his eye.
Despite his relationship with his foster sister, Hudson secretly searches for Valerie after her abrupt disappearance, all to no avail. Until finally, after 5 years, Valerie shows up as the remarkable and intriguing CEO of the top 10 leading furnishing and design companies in the city, completely sweeping Hudson off his feet with her newfound confidence and elegance.What happens when Hudson suddenly finds himself wanting to be with the very woman he rejected? What happens when he discovers Valerie was pregnant for him and his kids want him, but Valerie has moved on?
Chapter 1
VALERIE POV
“Goodness! I have no idea which rapid dog bit my son that day when he married you.” I clenched my fingers unconsciously around the damn papers while my “dear” mother-in-law rained insults on me.
“Not only did you stop him from marrying someone decent like Charlotte, you also went ahead to hurt her and my grandkids!”
“I never pushed her! Sh-”
“You’re a monster!” she yelled venomously. I took shaky steps backwards in disbelief. Me? A monster!?
“Aren’t you going to say anything?!” I spat angrily at Hudson, the very man who was supposed to be my husband.
“You mean defend your lies?” He questioned; his expression was cold and mocking.
“How about you tell everyone how you secretly stopped donating blood for Charlotte, huh?” I froze at his words. How did he find out? That was just two months ago.
I had been feeling weak a lot and missed going one time, and the second time I went for it, I found out I was pregnant. I was finally pregnant after trying so hard for three years.
Surely, they could understand my plight, right?
But who was I kidding? This was Charlotte we were talking about. The most cherished foster daughter of the Rodriguez family and the very woman Hudson can’t stop thinking about.
“Can’t speak now? Cat got your tongue?” Claire, Hudson’s aunt, fired hotly. She looked just about ready to pull my hair out.
I looked between them: an angry mother-in-law, a crazy aunt, an even crazier sister-in-law, and a seething Hudson. A pang of rejection hit me at how vigilant they were for Charlotte. Not once did any of them show me an ounce of affection or talk more about defending me.
I had given my all for this family to fit in. I even gave up on my studies to be the perfect wife for Hudson. But still, it was not enough.
They just hated my guts.
“I had... a situation, a health situation,” I grunted out, holding back my tears.
“What? Are you sick?” Hudson asked almost immediately, a worried expression on his face.
What was that? Was he worried about me? He was that worried, and he just served me divorce papers??
“Situation...” Alma, Hudson’s sister, scoffed loudly. “I bet you're just making up stories, just like all the other times, murder.”
“What? I-
“Enough!” Hudson's voice boomed.
“Sign the documents, Valerie. I have already signed, so hurry up! I want to finish the legal procedures before Charlotte comes back from the hospital,” he commanded, roughly running his fingers through his blonde hair. A habit when he was stressed out.
My heart twisted at the mention of her name on his lips. Even until this moment, I still had feelings for him. Stupid heart!
“We’ve already agreed on the assets before marriage, so there won’t be any issues with that. However, I will compensate you with another $20 million; you will be leaving with nothing else. It will be hard for me to explain that to Grandpa later if you do.” He stated coldly.
I gritted my teeth in anger at his speech. “Does grandpa know you’re divorcing me?”
“So, what if he knows? You think it will affect my decision?”
“Can we... can we not get divorced?” I asked in desperation, swallowing back my tears. We had a baby coming; if anything, we had to work out for the sake of our child, right?
I watched, teary-eyed, as the muscle in his jaw twitched in anger, his handsome features going stoic as he looked at me with those electrifying blue eyes blazing in anger.
I had witnessed his anger before, several times even but this. This was different.
“You’re really shameless, you know that? After forcing your way into my life using sick grandpa as your shield, you couldn’t even make yourself useful! You couldn’t make a good wife or daughter-in-law; you couldn’t even do well in your studies that I paid for with my damn money! I got stuck with you, a psycho who won’t stop seeing her dead parents in broad daylight! And when my life was finally looking great with Charlotte, you just went ahead to ruin it!” He boomed; his voice echoed loudly in the house and permanently registered in my mind as I flinched at his words; my tears ran freely, soaking my top.
His words cut deeper than all my bandaged injuries combined. “You should be apologizing right now. You should be sorry for what you did. Charlotte was pregnant, Valerie! Pregnant! She lost one of the twins!”
I was pregnant too!! I am still pregnant!!
I wanted to yell out, but the words wouldn’t come out.
The sheer reality that he didn’t give two sh*ts about me or my well-being hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been wasting my time all along, loving him and hoping he would see me one day.
Wasted years!
“Charlotte!!!”
I heard my mother-in-law call out in panic, and I raised my head only to be faced with a teary-eyed Charlotte rolling in with a wheelchair.
“Hudson,” she called out and broke into tears. He rushed her and cradled her form on the wheelchair right in front of me!
“We lost our baby Hudson,” she gushed out in tears. “I don’t... I don’t know what I did to her; why would she do that to me?” She cried out, her tears rushing down in big drops. The sight was so touching that I was crying myself.
If I hadn’t experienced it myself, if I hadn’t fallen off the top of those stairs after she pushed me, I would believe her completely.
Slowly, Hudson let go of her and stood upright, facing me. “Apologize; apologize to her, and I will forget about our divorce, and you can still live here.”
I blinked apologize?
“Wah… what?” I let out in a weak voice.
“I’m giving you an opportunity to redeem yourself. Apologize for what you have done, and you still get to have a roof over your head.”
“I didn’t do anything wrong! Check the CCTV cameras. She pushed me o- “
“You really think I have not done that?!” He growled and took dangerous steps towards me. I could feel my heart pounding loudly as his domineering energy surrounded me. But then “You checked the camera? So yo… you know? And you’re still divorcing me?” I stuttered.
He said nothing and just stared blankly at me. That was when it dawned on me.
He really didn’t care; he didn’t care what happened at all. This was just an opportunity to divorce me; he had made it clear several times that he had feelings only for Charlotte. Just the thought alone filled me with rage.
I had been so stupid—so stupid—to tie myself down to this asshole. After everything I did for this family—all the numerous insults and abuse I endured—I dropped out of school and practically turned to a maid. He had the guts to abandon me and then want to force me to beg?
This was ridiculous. I crunched the papers in my hands as anger burned within me.
This ingrate doesn’t deserve me or our unborn child!
You know what? That’s it!
I suddenly let out a chuckle. Hudson’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What’s funny?”
“You are,” I replied softly, wiping my tears dry. With a deep breath, I looked at everyone and then at the crunched-up divorce papers in my hands.“You wanted a divorce, right?” I picked up the pen on the sofa, gently walked up to the nearest wall, and signed down my name.
“Done, you can have it!” I shoved it into Hudson’s hand, who was gawking in surprise. The surprise on everyone’s face was Hella worth it.
I stood still for a moment, and my mind raced with different thoughts. I just divorced Hudson, the man I had loved for 3 years of my life and the father of my unborn child.Tears welled in my throat as the realization dawned on me. I was going to be a single parent.
But it didn't matter. I would be free from all of this! This family and all the heartache they caused me!
In a swift motion, I took out my phone and dialed the number I had blocked for three whole years: “Val?” Liam’s voice sounded through the phone in disbelief.
A sense of relief washed over me at the familiar protective voice of my cousin. I turned around and took in the faces of my tormentors. He would have their heads if he knew what they had done to me. They all looked like I had grown two heads. It was obvious they didn't expect me to sign the papers. And immediately I felt good—liberated even.
From now on, I would do what I wanted.
I turned to face Hudson, not breaking eye contact. I said, “Tell grandpa I’m coming back home.”
CHAPTER 2
VALERIE POV
It’s been over an hour since I signed the divorce papers and left the entire Rodriguez family gawking in surprise downstairs, and yet here I was still crying.
I may have been quite bold downstairs but honestly? It hurt, so fucking much! My heart felt like a thousand horse had stepped on it and I couldn’t breathe. My 4 years obsession had finally come to an end and with it my shattered heart. For 4 years of my life, I had loved and cherished one man, did everything in my power to make him see me but somehow it only seemed to make him hate me more.
I stared down at the little garden below my window, a rose bunch that Grandpa had specially planted for me. Poor man, he didn’t know what had gone down today. The flowers danced happily with the gentle breeze, as though mocking me. "Go ahead, laugh at me," I croaked, my voice cracking with emotion. "I'm pretty stupid, aren't I?"
"You most definitely are." I spun around immediately, my anger flaring as I faced the evilness herself. “What the hell are you doing in my room?” I spat hotly. Her crackling laughter filled the air, “Your room? Oh my! You let a rat into your home for long then it will think it runs the place!” She taunted.
“You are just a low life garbage Grandpa brought in here, a charity case. You must be really dense to think you can steal Hudson away from me! A low life school dropout like you, daring to love a business mogul like my Hudson?
I clenched my fists in anger, “You don’t deserve any of this,” She spat, sweeping her arms, sending items crashing to the floor. “This is all mine!” All of it!” and suddenly she drew down the curtains, making a mess with a satisfied grin plastered on her face, “Go back to the slums, Valerie. That’s where you belong!”
I looked at her, a mixture of anger and disbelief clouding my features. I had received much more insults from members of this house, so it didn’t really bother me. What stung was I got to hear the very truth I had ignored from a two faced b!tch like her.
Yes! I shouldn’t have taken advantage of the old man and married the very man I couldn’t stop thinking about despite his resistance. That was my sin and I fully regret it. My phone buzzed in my hands, signaling Liam was already here.
I looked at the mess in the room, my face scrunching in disgust as they landed on the vile chameleon called Charlotte, “I thought you had a miscarriage yesterday?” I asked, her grin immediately fell. “You will go as far as killing your own child just a get a man to pity you? You truly are something,”
With a quiet strength, I turned and walked out of the room, closing the door on Charlotte's malice, and opening a new chapter in my life.
*****************
“Ballocks!!” He yelled and smashed his drink in anger. “How dare those imbeciles belittle and downgrade my princess to a slave!”
"Papa, please, you need to calm down. This isn’t good for your health either,” I begged in desperation.
Ever since Liam, my cousin, brought me home, the entire household has been in an uproar. Well, not everyone, but then...
“You should have seen how they looked at her when I went to pick her up; only heaven knows what Val endured in that family!” Liam added furiously.
“She herself decided to go there, didn't she?" Liam's mom walked in. "I thought you found the love of her life.” She taunted, her voice dripping with scorn.
“Youngsters and reckless decisions, where’s the undying love you wouldn’t shut your mouth about now, huh? Her husband added with a chuckle.
I hate to admit, but their jabs did hit a spot—a very wounded spot at that. But I couldn’t continue with that; it was high time I moved on.
Three years was more than enough. “Yeah, very funny, Uncle. I was stupid, but I’m home now, aren’t I?” I shot back with a straight face.
“You-
“Enough! She’s home now; that’s all that matters." Papa cut him off, taking my side.
Just then, the doors of the mansion banged open, “HELLOOOO Family!”.
"Argh, not these two,” Liam’s mom groaned.
"Good morning, ma'am Patricia, ma'am Barbara." Their pointy red heels clacked against the tiles as they swayed in perfect rhythm with each other, almost blinding everyone with their ridiculously gold accessories.
"Duh, it's Pat, not Patricia." Aunt Patricia reprimanded the staff with clear irrigation, and almost immediately she smiled brightly.
"BARB! not Barbara Moron," Barbara added with disgust.
"C'mon, sis, don't let her ruin your mood," Patricia said cheerily as she walked into the luxurious living room.
“Aaah, don’t you just love the air?” Patricia sighed while she took off her glasses. “I know, right? Perfect day for witches to bring out their thorns,” Barbara spat out, and shot Liam’s mom a glare that she equally dished out right back with hers.
And there we have it: the twins of the Hernandez family or the "disasters,” as Liam's mom loved to call them. Both were my direct aunts as they are siblings of my late father.
Okay, let me break down for you. There is Papa, my grandpa and guardian. Then there is, Uncle Davis, Liam's father, and second child of Papa, Aunt Barbara and Patricia, the last of Papa's children and Marcus, my late father and first child of Papa.
Susan, Liam's mom, Liam, Uncle Davis and Jessy (Liam's stepsister) are under one umbrella. Aunt Patricia and Barbara had each other and then there is me, alone and both parents dead.
Suddenly, Patricia gasped loudly and ran towards me. "Oh, my precious Valerie, so sorry about what happened.”
She gushed out and pulled me in for an awkward hug. "Uhm, thank you, aunt?" I managed to get out awkwardly.
I know you might be wondering why I was being this way when she was just trying to be nice, but then...
"Out of the way, bozo," Barbara roughly pushed us to the side and went to hug Grandpa. "Hello Papa.”
"Ouch! Don't be mean to Val; she's all we have left of brother Marcus and his lovely wife," Patricia said meekly, emitting a few knickers from Liam's mom and a disgusted reaction from me.
It was fine if she wanted to play her nice lady card whenever she liked, but what the hell has that got to do with my dead parents? May their souls rest in peace.
“Are we here to talk business or listen to some meaningless sorry tales?” my uncle interrupted with clear irritation. “We were called here at midnight; let’s get to it, please!”
“Relax, will you? You didn’t have to catch a 6 a.m. flight!” Barbara shot back.
Before they could get into it, Grandpa interrupted, “I called you all!"
Everyone immediately quieted down and took their seats. It was rare to see him raise his voice; he was mostly calm and observant.
"I called to inform you about the new family structure.”
“Structure?” Aunt Patricia shot up in alertness, completely forgetting her soft lady demeanor.
Luckily, Papa shot her a look, and she immediately composed.
“Toberto? Read it,” Papa commanded the chief butler.
“All accounts, both business and personal, branches, and every other asset under the name of De Hernandez Dreamz will be accorded to my grandchild and sole owner, Valerie Anne Hernandez.”
"What!" Liam's mom yelled.
I just sat frozen in my plush chair. "Are you drunk, Papa?" Barbara asked with a bored expression.
"Just what are you reading, Toberto?" Patricia asked in an exasperated, childish tone.
"I'm not drunk, and what you just heard was indeed written and signed by me."
"What nonsense! You will not give everything that I have worked for to this ignorant child that cut off from her family to go marry some fool!” Uncle yelled.
“She’s no child! She is my granddaughter, the first legitimate granddaughter of Henry Hernandez! And she will run my assets,” Papa growled out in anger.
“Shoot Papa! Le-gi-ti-mate” Barbara jabbed in a mocking tone that was obviously directed at Uncle.
From the daggers Liam’s mom threw at Barbara, I was sure she had not yet gotten over the fact that Uncle brought his mistress's daughter for her to raise.
“I say Valarie is up for it; she is qualified and has trained for the position for a while now. It’s time I step down anyway,” Liam chipped in, and his mom shot him a murderous glare.
I looked at him like he had grown three heads, but he just flashed me a comforting smile. “What nonsense are you saying, Liam? Pa, you cannot just brush Liam to the side after all his efforts for the business all these years!” Liam’s mom yelled out in anguish.
“Valerie is not qualified! She knows nothing about business; she should stay home and nurse her unwanted pregnancy!” she yelled.
That immediately fired me up. “DON’T. YOU. DARE.” I warned her directly, “Don’t you dare! Call my unborn child unwanted. What makes you feel I am not qualified, huh? Because I am pregnant? Or divorced?!”
“You! Cannot run a business! You couldn’t even keep your husband or your sanity! How can a young girl who claims to see her parents, who died almost 16 years ago, in broad daylight run De Hernandez Dreamz!?” Uncle roared.
Unconsciously, I took a step back in fear, and my heart hammered loudly in my chest. And then a hot rage surged inside of me.
What’s with people thinking they can walk all over me? First it was Hudson and his evil family, and now it was my own family members that were supposed to be my shield.
How could they be so cruel? I looked between them all as tears stung my eyes. Only the soft gaze of Papa and Liam welcomed me; the rest were monstrous.
“AAAAH!!” Patricia screamed like a crazy woman, tugging at her hair roots.
Everyone just stared at her. “How can you say something so ruthless, Papa? You want to make Valerie the head of everything? She’s a nobody!”
“I won’t change my mind, no matter what. First thing tomorrow, Liam, hold a shareholder meeting. Let’s make this official.”
“Noooo!” Patricia screamed.
“Do something!” Liam’s mom yelled at Uncle, but he stood still, staring daggers at me.
“Now, Pumpkin, can you handle it?” Papa asked me softly. “Anything you decide, I will respect it.”
Barbara smirked. “I knew this would happen.”
Everyone stared at me in apprehension, the air thick with tension.
I thought of everything that had happened in my life these past years. I always had to suck up to everyone, despite coming from such a respectable family. I did all I could to fit in and be accepted as part of the family.
It was the very reason I had agreed to marry Hudson, a new family, that I could fit in, but that turned out to be a disaster.
Now, I am done sucking up to anyone. I’m done letting anyone belittle or downgrade me.
It will be me and my baby; the rest can burn in hell for all I care. With a surge of determination, I made my decision. “I will take your offer, grandpa; I will become the head of De Hernandez Dreamz.”
“Splendid! It’s settled then.”
Chapter 3
HUDSON’S POV
“Who would have thought that we would be free of that ungrateful brat?” Mom beamed, casting me a meaningful look.
“I know, right? Good riddance to bad rubbish." Aunt Claire added with a chuckle. “What’s important now is for Charlotte to nurse her health; my grandson can’t suffer any more stress, okay?”
“Yes, aunt, I will be careful now,” Charlotte said with a big smile.
“Nonsense, call me mom,” my mom gushed out. And it only made Charlotte smile brighter.
It was comforting to see her smiling now, rather than shed those tears that broke my heart.
Suddenly, Valerie’s crying face flashed through my mind. Her pouty pink lips, trembling from holding back tears that dripped down those soft cheeks. A strange feeling overtook my body at the memory and left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I immediately pushed it down.
She tried to hurt Charlotte and my unborn children as well. That’s unforgiveable!
“Baby, baby, are you okay?” Charlotte gently tapped me. I blinked in surprise. “Yeah, yeah, I am good,” I coughed out. “But you’ve barely touched your food,” she said worriedly.
“Are you sure you’re okay, son? Getting a divorce is never easy; maybe you should reconsider and fix things with Valerie, don’t you think?” Father said calmly. This was the first time I heard his voice since Valerie left this afternoon.
I opened my mouth to reply, but mom beat me to it: “My son said he is fine, so he is fine! Why wouldn’t he be fine?”
“But-
“The woman he loves is right here, carrying his child. If not for that seductress who confused Grandpa into marrying her to Hudson, Charlotte would have been married to this family from the start.”
Mom was right about that, though. Despite how Valerie tricked her way into my life, I never tried to deceive her.
From the start, I told her about my feelings for Charlotte. I let her live in this prestigious house under the title of my wife. I even let her continue with her studies, but all she did was fail repeatedly, wasting my money and resources. She even almost burned down one of my villas out of jealousy for Charlotte.
And now, despite what she did to Charlotte, I offered to let her live with us. I was willing to drop the issue of divorce, only that she apologized for what she did. But no! She went right ahead and stubbornly signed the damn papers!
Trampling all over my good intentions. Humph! She doesn’t know what’s coming for her. I already had my men searching for her, and when I do find her, I will sue her for damages!
“Right son?” I looked up, realizing I had been clenching my spoon a bit too hard. I was about to reply when my phone rang. I checked the ID, and it was James, my right-hand man.
It’s about time. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” I grunted out and went directly to the large window in the living room, far away from the dining room.
“Boss,” James greeted.
“You found it, right?” I went straight to business. "No, boss, it came back invalid.”
“Invalid?” I asked, a deep frown in my face. “How can you say the plate number is invalid? She got into that goddamned car!” I growled as a new sense of dread washed over me.
Valerie made a call just before she left, and I watched her from this very spot as she got into a car. I had thought she had called a taxi, but come to think of it, that car was way too flashy to be a taxi.
My heart hammered in my chest as thoughts of her being kidnapped flooded my mind. I shouldn’t feel this way for a woman who killed one of my unborn children and for whom I 'clearly' had no feelings.
But I couldn’t help it; she had to be okay for me to sue her, right?
“Find her, James; do everything; get whoever on board; just find her!” I spat angrily and cut the line immediately.
“It’s for the lawsuit. For the lawsuit,” I reminded myself.
******************
5 YEARS LATER
“Perfect! It’s great doing business with you, Mr. Brickz.”
“You too, Mr. Rodriguez,” he said sternly as we shook hands. “A date will be passed across to you for the signing; our CEO will be present as well.”
“I finally get to meet him; look forward to it,” I concluded in relief, and he left. “Life is so good,” I mumbled while pouring myself a glass of champagne.
With a sip, I stared at the buildings before me through the vast glass windows of my office, mentally counting the buildings I owned in the city. And a big smile forced its way through my face. “Aaah, nothing will hold back the project now.” I said with a sigh.
The best men for the job were now on board, from the construction to the furnishing of “Sky Castle.”
My legacy, which I would pass on to my children.
The project was budgeted to make an estimated figure of $400 billion annually. It was a good investment and held no risks that I could not handle.
Only that big-headed CEO of De Hernandez Dreamz was proving to be difficult. He almost caused me huge problems. Who does he think he is?
Just because his company had such massive growth that went even beyond borders, he felt he could put up airs, and kept me hanging for so long.
As much as I hate to admit it, they were good at what they do. Their designs and quality were second to none. Being the number one in the design and furnishing business was no joke.
Good thing he was now on my side; I just needed to sign the paperwork, and everything would be official.
*****
“You’re leaving? Isn’t it a bit too early?”
I paused just at the center of the huge living room and took a scan of the neat and cold kitchen area, then back to the blonde-haired woman that was once an excitement to me. “No breakfast?”
“Oh, no. Your mom gave the maids an off day today,” Charlotte replied, and she continued to munch on peanuts. Something Valerie would never have done.
She used to prepare a yummy breakfast and even pack me lunch before I was ready for work every day. Deep inside of me, I do miss that.
With a sigh, I walked off. Today was the big day.
Greenland Holdings and De Hernandez Dreamz will officially become partners today.
And I finally get to meet that damned CEO.
“Good luck today! It’s such a pity I can’t join you; Aby has a school function today,” Charlotte called out behind me.
“Kiss her goodbye for me,” I replied calmly. The name of our daughter instantly uplifted my spirits.
“Let’s go, James.”
*****
"Congratulations, Mr. Rodriguez.”
‘Congratulations again, sir,” was all that filled the air, directed at me, and I basked in the glory of it.
But then, an hour later, it didn’t seem so good anymore. The luxuriously furnished hall was full to the brim with different respectable men of different calibers and paparazzi flashing their cameras at every corner of the hall.
But still, there was no sign of the people from De Hernandez Dreamz. “What the fuck is going on?!” I growled angrily at my assistant.
These people better not back out now; otherwise, I’m going to sue every last one of them!
“Sir, I-
“The CEO from De Hernandez Dreamz is here!” Someone suddenly screamed, and immediately all eyes went to the entrance of the hall.
Cameras were flashing furiously at the coming entourage of suited men at the entrance. “Fucking pompous jerk,” I growled under my breath and straightened up to welcome my ‘dear’ business partner.
The entourage fully entered the hall and slowly parted to present a ... woman??
I almost choked on my breath at the sight before me.
She was clad in an exceptionally sown white, pristine suit that did justice to the well-endowed curves of her body. Her every stride in those white pointy heels exuded poise and remarkable confidence that had the hairs on my skin rising.
Her shiny honey brown hair was held up in a high ponytail, leaving her absolutely gorgeous face to be captured by the cameras.
I felt myself swallow deeply the more I stared; I couldn’t help it.
She was stunning!
But as she got closer, I felt my heartbeat beat faster, and the frown on my face got deeper. “Boss, is that?” I heard James call out beside me, but he seemed so far away as my heartbeat grew louder and louder in my ears until one word registered in my brain.
“Boss, that is-
"Valerie,” I said breathlessly.
Chapter 4
VALERIE’S POV
“Ma’am?” Rob, my assistant, called out for the third time since we arrived at the building for the signing. We are currently in the underground parking lot kept specially for VVIPs.
It's been almost 30 minutes and I still couldn’t find it in me to get down from the car.
Trust me, this was not the first time I had to come for a partnership signing, but this was the first time I would be seeing Hudson after our divorce. If I said I wasn’t tense about it, I would be lying.
It’s been 5 years already, but it still seemed like yesterday. The memories of him and his family are still fresh on my mind. And especially today, it felt more like an open wound.
Liam had repeatedly offered to come on my behalf, to save me the heartache, but I refused.
This was my fight.
After my experience with them, I fought constantly to be who I am today, building up my walls and confidence that they had trampled upon so ruthlessly. And I most definitely cannot let one meeting shatter all my efforts.
I was no longer that girl living as Hudson’s wife as her only identity, I was now Valerie Ann Marie Hernandez and the youngest female CEO of the number one leading brand in the city.
With that, I opened the door. “Let’s go.”
“Oh, yes ma’am” Rob quickly closed the door, flustered by my sudden announcement. Within minutes, we were in the elevator and waiting for it to open up at the very top floor of the building which was used for the event.
Sounds of soft classical music could be heard as we got closer. I bet the designs of the hall would be exquisite. Hudson had always been one for peculiarities and excellence.
Less than a minute later, the doors opened, and we stepped out. “The CEO of De Hernandez Dreamz is here”. Immediately, numerous camera lights started clicking at me. It was so bad that my men and a few shareholders that came with me had to form a shield around me to stop the reporters.
With a deep breath, I walked confidently into the hall.
Mumblings of me being the CEO of such a huge business at 26 filled the air. But I didn’t give a shit, I was used to it by now.
The hall truly was exceptional, with a red carpet at the center separating several sets of glass round tables and chairs that were already served with champagne. Several crystal lights hung from the ceilings that gave the imitation of a lit up sky.
The stage, right in front, seemed like it held a thousand crystals that were constantly reflected in the bright colors of the chandeliers in the hall, paired with a dignified podium at the center.
It was breathtaking.
The crowd parted as we stepped deeper into the hall, silent whispers following us. Every step I took brought me closer and closer to Him, until I was finally standing right in front of him.
Hudson was suited in a well tailored dark blue suit, that seemed to make his dirty blonde hair brighter than I remembered. His broad frame and painfully chiseled jawline was now framed with a little mustache, that somehow enhanced his gorgeous features. I immediately reminded myself of his disgusting character before finally stopping in front of him.
His musky scented cologne was so strong, and it filled my lungs as we stood within radius of a handshake. The same electrifying blue eyes that I used to love now held every atom of disbelief a human being could possibly muster.
I bet he never expected this. I had imagined this very moment, over and over. But now I was here? I felt nothing but hatred “Nice to meet you Mr. Rodriguez”, I said sternly, and stretched out my hand for a handshake.
He just stood still; eyes wide as he took in my appearance. After about a minute, his assistant nudged him a bit, and he immediately took my hands, caressing them a little before letting go.
His palms still held that soothing warmth that I used to crave, and I silently cussed myself for remembering such a detail.
Before he could get a word out, I spun on my heel and greeted other important guests. For the rest of the evening, Hudson repeatedly tried to get my attention or talk to me, but I made sure not to give him none.
This was strictly business, as far as I was concerned, I didn't know him at all.
“Congratulations Miss Hernandez”
“Thank you” I said softly with a smile to at least the 100th person I had greeted today. “You should make an introduction, you’re the star of the event.” One of the men suggested with glee. “As well as Mr. Rodriguez, of course”, he quickly added, smiling sheepishly after a glance behind me.
I looked behind and the deadly stare from Hudson at the man said it all. As if on cue, he turned to me, his lips paused in an underlying annoyance at my attitude towards him.
Without a word, I walked calmly to the podium, my heels clacking on the white tiles of the stage. The gathering grew quiet as I adjusted the mic, many took their seats and with a quick sweep of the crowd with my eyes, holding Hudson’s burning gaze a few seconds longer, I began…
“Good day ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for making time to bear witness to this partnership between Greenland Holdings and De Hernandez Dreamz.” I smiled softly as they clapped. “I am Valerie Ann Maria Hernandez, Granddaughter to the president of De Hernandez Dreamz, and I am the CEO of De Hernandez Dreamz.”
A series of ‘wow” filled the air and claps resounded everywhere. On cue, Rob offered me a glass of champagne. “A toast! To a new season and growth. A toast! To every one of you and a toast to you, Mr. Rodriguez, my partner. Cheers!”
“Cheers!” they chorused.
Holding Hudson’s burning gaze, in the gathering I took a sip, the look of disbelief on his features boosting my growing excitement.
“Have a wonderful evening ladies and gentlemen”, I concluded with a bright smile and walked elegantly to the table of documents that required my signature.
A series of claps and camera flashes followed my every step. “That was wonderful, ma’am”, Rob whispered, less than a step behind me. His eyes shunned with an undiluted support and pride.
He had been an unwavering support system throughout these years. “Let’s leave immediately after this.” I whispered back with a small smile. He gave a curt nod in confirmation and stepped aside as we approached a waiting Hudson at the table.
After about an hour or so, “Done?” I asked Hudson, with an eyebrow arched. "No," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Actually long time no see, Valerie", spitting out my name with distaste.
I looked at him quizzically," I'm afraid you have the wrong person, Mr... [pretending to scan the documents] Rodriguez. I'm Valerie Ann Maria Hernandez, CEO of De Hernandez Dreamz."
Hudson's mouth parted in disbelief "Valerie you..." he paused and released a breath before speaking lowly, hands in his pockets and venom lacing his every word "I have been watching you all evening, you're seriously going to pretend you don't know me?"
My eyebrows furrowed in fake confusion" I'm afraid I don't have the pleasure of knowing you, Mr. Rodriguez." The muscles in his jaw ticked in annoyance and I smirked, enjoying his displeasure. "Though I must say, you do seem quite... familiar."
"Familiar?" he repeated, his voice rising in outrage." You're playing dumb, aren't you, Valerie? Think you can just dismiss me?" taking steps closer to me.
Narrowed my eyes at his display, "Mr. Rodriguez." my voice firm and measured "I'd advise you to tone down the aggression - you're speaking with the CEO of Hernandez Dreamz after all."
Hudson's blue eyes literally went a shade darker, and he leaned in to my face, his voice dripping with malice "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. The little gold-digger is trying to act tough." he sneered, "You're nothing but a pretty face, Valerie. Do you think you can just waltz in here and pretend to be a businesswoman?"
Anger boiled inside of me at those words, but I clenched my fists, my voice low and even as I closed the distance between us, "That's enough, Rodriguez." my gaze never leaving his," I suggest you focus on the contract at hand, rather than making baseless accusations." Casting a glance at a reporter taking pictures of us from above his shoulder, I added "You're the one that wanted to sign a partnership with De Hernandez Dreamz, Not the other way around, remember that"
I smirked as he clenched his jaw in anger, his electrifying blue eyes shooting daggers at me. If any of the guests were looking, I'm pretty sure we looked just about close enough to be kissing. "Fine!" he spat with a growl "But this isn't over, Valerie. I'll make sure everyone knows the truth about you and your little company."
"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots", I taunted him with a mock smile, slanting my eyes to the signed documents on the table beside us, and back at him, straight in the eyes, enjoying the fact that he mirrored my movements.
“It’s clear you lack apt knowledge of the contract you just signed." I whispered. "Be careful though, I might just end up with everything you have when I sue you for damages” His eyes widened a bit at my words, but it only made my smile bigger.
Mission accomplished. “Enjoy the rest of the evening, Mr. Rodriguez,” I taunted and joined Rob, who was less than 4 steps behind us struggling to contain his laugh after a glance at Hudson’s face.
Chapter 5
VALERIE'S POV
“Mommy!”
“Oh no,” I moaned, paused mid-air, and gritting my teeth at my poor attempt to tiptoe to my room.
“I can see you mummy, there’s no need to hide” Mason said in his ‘as a matter of fact’ tone.
I sighed ‘Okay Okay, you got me.” I said with a soft smile and raised my hands in defeat. But he didn’t seem phased at all, he just stared at me with a bored expression.
I had to change tactics then. “Oh, baby, you shouldn’t be up, look at the time. Gosh!” I exclaimed.
“Mommy you deceived us!” Miley voice rang out from the kitchen. “Me?” I replied with fake disbelief.
Almost immediately sounds of her little flip flops filled the air as she ran to the living room, with an …ice cream coated hair??
“Whoa! What’s with your hair?” I exclaimed and touched her hair; it was indeed ice cream.
I looked at her tiny frowning face for explanation, but she just huffed and turned to the side. “Little Miss dramatic huh?” I teased as a slight chuckle left my lips.
Just then, I heard tiny feet’s shuffling around. I turned to the direction and gasped at the sight. “Even you?” I cried out in alarm when I saw Miles with a heavy coated ice cream hair.
Emphasis on “heavy”
“Wah… Did you-
“Food fight.” Mason cut in calmly, confirming my exact thoughts. “Why? I leave you guys for some hours and come back to this?” I asked, totally stupefied.
I turned back to Miles, who was shyly picking his fingers just beside the entrance of the kitchen “Come here sweetheart” I beckoned at him, and he ran into my opened arms instantly, wrapping his tiny arms around my neck.
“I’m sorry mommy. I know you said we shouldn’t fight” he said softly, snuggling his face in my neck.
“It’s okay.” I rubbed his back as his hug got tighter.
Such a baby, my neck would be loaded with ice cream by now, I’m sure.
“C’mon let’s get you all cleaned up” I stood up from my bent position with Miles still in my arms and Mason took my purse.
After we took few steps, I turned back and saw Milly still pouting where she was “Mill? Get here young lady” I scolded.
She stood still for a moment and said “You deceived me mommy” then ran past us to the stairs, sniffling back tears. “Oh, my goodness” I signed, an ache forming in my head.
Yeah, maybe I did deceive them, but they were convinced I was going to meet their daddy and wanted to go with me! I could not let that happen, especially not today that I knew I would see Hudson.
“Argh!” today was way too stressful.
After about an hour later, with everyone all cleaned up from ‘ice cream’. Everyone except Mason that is.
My man, as he loved to call himself, didn’t even have a touch of ice cream on him. He just watched the other two argue and squabble inside a bowl of Strawberry ice cream.
Dealing with 4-year-old triplets and been CEO of a busy company was one hell of a job.
Not that I was complaining or anything, I loved my babies. They were a ball of bright light in my dark, lonely world.
The only good things that came out of my wasted years with Hudson were my babies, Mason, Milly, and Miles. I thank God every day I kept them.
They came out in that order as well, with Mason being the eldest boy, Milly the middle child and our princess of course and Miles, the baby of the house and youngest.
Mason had this dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes that made his boyish features stand out even though he was just 4-year-old. And I sure as hell know where that came from.
Milly, my princess, had my honey brown hair and green eyes. She was just a mirror reflection of me. As nanny Beth loved to say. I mean, she would know because she was my nanny as well when I was little.
Then Miles, my shy prince, had similar dirty blonde hair as Mason but green eyes like Milly, with deep cute dimples on his face. “We are ready mommy” Miles called out excitedly as he ran to Milly’s bed. Everyone was already in their pajamas and ready for story time.
“Stop pushing Milly, you’re pushing me” Miles grumbled.
“I am not! This is my bed!” She retorted.
I really don’t get why those two loved bickering so much. “That’s enough you two” I interjected quickly before it would turn into another bedtime quarrel.
“I will seat next to Milly this time, it’s her turn” I said and settled on the plush pink mattress, a story book in hand.
“Told you” Milly jabbed at Miles and stuck her tongue out at him.
“that’s enough or no more story” I warned and immediately their exchange ended.
*****
“And they lived happily ever after. The end.” I whispered and all three sighed softly. I smiled as I noticed Milly and Miles huddled together on the pillow closest to me. They loved each other after all.
“Let’s read another one pretty please,” Miles whined. “No baby, it’s already late” I declined, pecking the top of Mason’s head as he leaned on me.
“Mommy? When do we get to meet daddy?” Milly probed for the one billion time ever since she learned how to talk.
I frowned, racking my brain for another excuse “well, um, daddy… daddy is busy! You will meet him soon sweetheart.”
“But that’s what you said last time” she argued pouting her tiny lip. “doesn’t he want us?” Mason asked.
“Maybe he doesn’t love us,” Miles joined in, his voice almost inaudible.
“He doesn’t want us mommy?” Milly asked, her teary eyes already dripped with tears.
The look on their faces broke my heart so much that I started tearing up myself. “Where did you hear such a thing from, huh?” I asked amid tears.
“Your daddy loves you. All of you. He loves you so much.”
“Why doesn’t he want to see us then?” Mason asked in a quiet murmur. I sniffled and dried my eyes. I cannot be crying like this in front of them. “He’s just busy, don’t worry you will meet him soon. Promise” I replied, wiping each of their tears and pulled them all to my chest for a group hug.
“Don’t cry anymore mommy, it takes away your beauty” Milly complained and hurried to use her blanket to wipe my eyes.
A bubble of laughter left my lips at her attempt to comfort me. She was definitely a girly girl, always bothered by her looks.
“Okayy, bedtime!”
“Good night my babies” I kissed each of them on her foreheads as they settled in their various beds.
“Good night mommy” they chorused. I decided to wait for a moment and watched them sleep.
My heart was still aching from their cries and complaints this evening. They had always asked questions but… but it was never this bad.
Will it get worse? I don’t want them to grow up thinking their dad hates them. I was the one he detests not them.
Believe me, I had always known I won’t be able to hide the truth forever but what do I do?
I can’t tell Hudson about them. What if he tries to take them away from me? Following his mother’s nature, I wouldn’t put it past her at all.
“Oh, goodness” I sighed. They were already fast asleep, so I decided to go to bed.
I don’t know how all this will turn out, but one thing is for sure “I will never allow Hudson take my babies away from me” I concluded my thoughts, and determination surged in my veins.
Just then, the loud vibration of my phone snapped me out of it. “Unknown number?” I murmured, watching it cut.
I never took calls from unknown ID’s, if it was business related Rob would have given me a call. Since he didn’t, I had nothing to worry about.
I ignored it and walked towards my room but whoever it was kept calling.
I did my night facial routine that took almost 30 minutes only to return to check my phone and saw 30 missed calls.
All from the same number!
I had grown apprehensive earlier before going to the bathroom but now I was terrified.
I could feel my palms become sweaty as I stared at my screen, goosebumps appeared on my arms as I debated whether to call back. Just then my phone vibrated again and fell off my shaky hands. “What the hell!”
I grabbed my phone and accepted the call “Hello? Who this is!” I spat angrily.
The words that followed had chills going down my spine, freezing me at the spot. “I know what you did Valerie” he growled, breathing heavily.
My grip on the phone on my ear tightened as I immediately recognized his voice. I could never forget.
“H…Hudson?”
Chapter 6
HUDSON’S POV
“James?”
“James!” I roared, glaring daggers at anyone that dared gave me side glances. “Yes, boss” he replied and immediately appeared at my right-hand side. “I need every single detail about Valerie and all her movements from the last 5 years!”
“Yes boss, I completely understand” he replied hastily.
“And this time, do it right!” I barked and tugged the keys of my black Bentley out of his hands.
With anger surging inside of me, I just turned on the car and sped off, away from the building for the event. Most important guests were gone already and that bloody twat was the very first to leave!
The nerves! Leaving me behind to the guests like I was some errand boy of hers!
She even dared to threaten me. Me! "Can you believe it?" I chuckled darkly, my annoyance increasing. After 5 years of her disappearing on me, she shows up and does this?
Pretending like I never existed? That gold digging bitch! She had clearly found a new rich man to prey on, one that even allowed her to be the face of his company. That's why she's so full of it.
Calling me, ‘Mr. Rodriguez,’ all over the place like I was some sort of stranger! I can't even believe it.
Just the memory of her last words had my blood boiling, "she wants to sue me?" I spat angrily and scoffed"Dream on!" while stepping on the accelerator even more.
At this rate I would arrive home in mere minutes but I could hardly give a fuck about it right now.
“I will find out all your dirty little secrets Valerie and when I do, I will spill it all over your face! Don’t you worry.” I said with a growl, clenching my steering wheels, “let’s see who will be sued at the end.”
In less than 10 minutes my tires came to a screeching halt as I stepped out of the car and then into the front doors of my mansion, leaving the keys to a staff.
My steps echoing in the large house as I walked angrily into the brightly lit luxurious living room. But I was in no mood to speak to anyone so I went up the stairs to the master bedroom while roughly tugging at my tie and cussing under my breath “A good day suddenly turned sour just because of one woman.”
Why was I even surprised? Valerie has always had a knack for ruining good moods. She ruins things and then leaves you hanging out dry in the open.
Just like how she barged into my life before, turned my grandpa on me, signed the divorce papers out of nowhere and then disappeared!
“Poof!” Just like that. No records, no friends or family she could have gone to. Fuck, no trace of the damn plate number of the very car she had left our house with!
It was like she never existed, trust me I searched. Now, she was back again, “As a damn CEO??, Ridiculous!”
Suddenly, an excited shrill sounded behind me causing me to jump a little “Welcome back, baby!"
"Argh, Charlotte..." I groaned inwardly. Her voice startled me a bit, when did she come in? I must have been so lost in thoughts that I didn’t even hear her come in.
I turned, meeting her smiling face and instantly a scowl built up on my face. Why was she smiling so much? I was in no the mood for smiles and here she was smiling like she won a medal.
A little 'read the room' would be nice. Without a word to her, I moved to pour myself a drink from my mini bar in the room. I heard her huff and her soft voice followed "Baby! Don't you see me standing here?" she whined, pouting like a child.
Heavens knows I was in no mood for this at all. I heard her heels clacking the tiles, signaling she was approaching me and soon they stopped right beside me. Not able to hold it in any longer I snapped “Why are you here?” a bit surprised at the coldness in my tone but I was already irritated “Can’t you knock?”
She blinked, taken aback by my statement, “Knock?” she asked, her brown eyes widened in disbelief. “This is our room, why do I have to knock baby?”
I narrowed my eyes at her statement, she did have a point. We shared the bedroom “Or… do you want us to... sweat a little under the covers?” she teased, her voice sultry and her hands slowly moving to my chest. “What do you say, Huddie bear,” she whispered and pecked my collar lightly. I scrunched my nose at the nickname and immediately stepped away from her touch, causing her smile falter a bit. "Wah... did I do something wrong?" she asked quietly, her lips quivering a bit.
Though her moves were seductive and all, just that... something about her felt particularly repellent today. Which was very unusual, It must be because of my mood. "I'm not in the mood for any of that today, just leave Charlotte" I stated firmly.
"Well then, let me help you out of your clothes so you can take a shower" she suggested, moving to touch me and without thinking a frustrated groan escaped my lips "Why can't you just listen? I said let me be!"
She flinched back with a jump, a shocked expression appeared on her face. For about a minute, a wave of emotions passed through her eyes and eventually they became shrouded in tears.
I turned away, moving to the window to avoid the wave of guilt that passed through me at seeing her cry. Charlotte has always been a softie, so fragile and soft . It was one of the reasons I fell for her, she was easy to talk to and could easily evade my anger with her gentle presence.
But tonight, it just wasn't working. Her presence was not giving that usual comfort. In fact I wanted her far from me at the moment.
After a few minutes, I heard sniffles. She was most definitely crying now but I refused to look at her. Seeing I wouldn't budge she turned on her heels towards the door but stopped right in front of it, " I don't know what I did to make you speak to me like this Hudson, but" her voice shaking, i turned to face her.
My eyes ran through her choice of clothing, a short pink mini skirt and deep v- line white blouse and in a split second, the image of Valerie walking into the event hall in a well tailored white suit, her bright green eyes staring intently at me flashed before my eyes and my heart skipped a bit.
I blinked immediately, and Charlotte stood beside the door with hopeful eyes. Flustered at my own thoughts I quickly faced the window " Leave my room Charlotte"
With a huff the door slammed shut and my phone rang almost immediately, startling me for the second time today.
"What the fuck," I checked the ID and instantly took the phone to my ear as James breathless voice flowed through the speaker.
"Boss, you won't believe what I found"
My breath hinged in my throat as a million thoughts ran through my mind. What the heck did he find? I knew Valerie was up to something, that sneaky gold digging bitch! "Tell me you got something on her" I said darkly, clenching my phone in anticipation.
" I just forwarded the files to you Boss, check it out," he replied and I immediately cut the line.
Quickly, I clicked on the file and watched it load painfully slow. it was barely a minute but it seemed to take forever. But when the file opened and my eyes read the first few sentences, my eyes widened in surprise at first and then in anger.
In a split second without thinking, I smashed my phone to the floors in anger, unable to read more. Glass splinters from the screen flew everywhere, cutting a bit on my chin but despite the mess, only one word registering in my head and I roared in anger, "VALERIE!"