(Alana)
I was woken up by the noise of chirping birds somewhere by the window. Oh, how I hated waking up in the morning. I shifted a little to the left, and it was awfully cold. Grabbing a pillow I snuggled to it and attempted to ignore everything and go back to sleep.
“Mom, close the darn window,” I mumbled and curled into a ball, I could feel my feet getting colder. Why was the window open, mom knew how I hated anything interrupting my sleep? Unfortunately, that was interrupted when I realized where I was.
I sat up immediately, scanning the room I was in, and reality hit me hard. I was in a foreign room, decorated beautifully with red roses and some other romantic fabrics.
“Darn it,” I ran my hands through my hair, of course, I wasn't at home. For one thing, I was tired after a long night at the farewell party. By the time I came to the room to sleep, it was past midnight. I recalled Erin teasing me and making remarks about a beautiful wedding night with my husband
Of course, this was nothing, both Ricardo and I came to the room together. It wasn't like I was expecting anything but his rude behavior got me angry
He said something about sleeping in a different room because their marriage was just for a show. I wanted to tell him things, but out of respect. I bit my tongue and let him insult me. He left the room immediately which I appreciated
Although getting some sleep was hard since it was a foreign place
“What to do… oh god help me,” I said desperately and jumped out of bed when suddenly, the door burst open, startling me. I lost balance and landed heavily on the floor when two females dressed in servant's uniforms walked in holding what looked like trays of food
“Good morning madam,” the two girls greeted me respectfully and walked towards the small sitting area I didn't notice was part of the room. I got up feeling embarrassed, it seemed everyone minded their own business. Not only that, but I expected them to laugh
“Please, your breakfast is ready,” one of them said, still with their heads bowed. I was confused why they were acting so formal
“I'll make your bath available … I already fixed your clothes and packed all your belongings,” the other one said, showing me the dress and shoes she kept neatly to the sides. For a second, I wanted to say no to preparing my bath. I was a grown woman, why did they bother? However, since this wasn't my house. I smiled helplessly,
“Thank you, you can go,” I said while trying my hair in a loose bun. I glanced up after a while, and they were still there
“Madam Erin asked us to help you, please, if you don't mind,” they said in unison and gestured to me to go to the sitting area. I was left with no choice but to do as they said
After a while, I was done with my shower and ate half of the food. The food was different from what my mom's cooking; however, I knew I had to adjust
The dress I was wearing was beautiful, a little short with straps at the back and a deep V-line, but it was okay
“Good morning dear… did you sleep well,” it was my new mother-in-law Marcela who asked me as soon as I was guided downstairs. I was a little nervous about meeting the family. She was looking as elegant and fresh as the first time I saw her. Her smile was beautiful
“Good morning ma'am,” I said with a low bow, not sure what to do. She was my mother-in-law, I didn't know what to do
“Don't be shy, I'm sure you had a wonderful night… Come on, your parents are waiting… Ricardo can't wait to leave us,” she said with a smile and held my hand and started walking toward the door. I didn't know what was happening, but when I saw the entire family outside, including my parents. I understood what was happening
“Aww, our favorite bride…she's so beautiful,” it was Erin so said as soon as we walked up to them and pulled me for a hug
“Good morning,” I greeted her, and she hugged me tightly, everyone came forward and hugged me. I had to say it was a beautiful family. They were all so lovely, although Erin told me some family members were in other countries. For example, Armando and Ricardo's little sister and her husband
“Mom, dad,” I muttered when it was time to say goodbye to my mom and dad. They seemed emotional when they both hugged me
“Take care of yourself sweetie…remember we love you and don't fail us,” my mom said while cupping my face, the sadness in her eyes. It was like she had been crying all night
“Sweetheart, call us if you feel sad… we love you another,” my dad added, and I nodded and hugged them both again, I didn't know leaving them to another country would be so heartbreaking. My heart ached as I felt my parent's warmth for the last time
“I love you so much,” I whispered when they let go of me.
“Don't worry, I'll be there to take care of her… she's my daughter now,” Marcela said, and my parents nodded, my mom gave me my phone. For a second I forgot about my phone. I never went anywhere without it
Everything was ready, I saw the servants loading my suitcases into the car and I knew it was time to go. Looking around, I didn't see Ricardo. Did he go as he said, "Here, if you feel bored reading this book, it's my favorite and written by me,” Erin said when I was about to walk to the car? I was a little confused but took the book anyway
“He can be a little stubborn at times… but I'm sure you'll break the ice… if he doesn't listen, give me and Armando a call, and we'll sort him out,” Erin said mischievously, and I nodded. “Go, he's in the car…” she guided me to the car. Three cars were lined up in the driveway and ready to leave. I was taken to the one in the middle. The driver opened the back seat for me, and to my surprise. The man was already seated.
“Your bride Ricky, take care of her or else… I'll fly to Paris and drop some thunder on you,” Erin threatened Ricardo, knowing full well he was acting stubborn. Ricardo didn't even bother as he continued scrolling through his phone. Even when the woman settled beside him,
He didn't care, all he wanted was to get back home and attend to his work. He left Santiago with his nanny, he wasn't worried, but he missed his son
“G-good morning,” Alana greeted the man nervously once the door was slammed and the car started moving
“Hm,” he hummed without even looking at her. Alana didn't bother as she relaxed in her seat. It was going to be a long journey. Glancing back, she spotted the entire family waving at them. She gave a half-wave and smiled helplessly. The knot in her chest tightened as she gripped her phone tightly. She didn't even get to tell her best friend she was leaving,
Her friend was unable to attend the wedding because she was busy with her new project. Joslyn Cooper was her friend from a rich family, she was down to earth and someone she trusted. Unfortunately, Joslyn was occupied with her new job, she was a model and hence had some shoots to do and travel all around the world
She heard Erin say they were taking a private jet to France. The flight was not long, but 2 hours and some minutes. Soon she would start a new life, far away from home.
(Alana)The flight was two hours and some minutes. When the jet landed, It was in the afternoon. The sun was bright and at its full peak. Throughout the journey, I was completely occupied with going through the city's brochure. I wanted to pin down some nice places I was going to be visiting. The city was huge, with countless things to explore. Paris had a reputation for being a romantic and cultural city. The city was also known for its high-quality gastronomy and the terraces of its cafés. Other than fashion, I was eager to know more and learn the French language. Although this was new to me and the people, I was going to try my best to adjust When we exited the jet, we found two cards already waiting for us. A slightly medium-height man wearing a black suit came to us. He looked to be French and well-kept“Good day, Mrs. Romero… welcome sir,” the man greeted us with a low bow. I responded with a bow, not sure how to react since I had no idea who he was. While Ricardo ignored him
(Alana)The lady told me Ricardo had a five-year-old son. I didn't believe it but, I wanted to ask him why none of his family members told me he had a sondid they think marriage was a joke, how was I going to be a mother to a five years old boy? This wasn't right, I was too angry to do anything; hence I started unpacking my things. The room they gave me was okayI didn't like big rooms, although this one was like the master bedroom“This should be burned,” I said once I took out my designs and sketchbook. I just needed to find time and a place to burn everything. “What's this?” I said once I took out a white envelope, I didn't remember having it. Maybe it was something my mom packed without knowing With ease, I carefully opened the envelope. There was some document inside. When I pried it open, I was stunned to find something I wasn't expecting, “No way, when did this come in!” It was unbelievable, it was a letter of acceptance. I applied for a job at several companies. I didn't mi
Alana had woken up early after her alarm clock went on just as she managed to get some shut eyesTo be honest, she didn't get any sleep. She kept tossing and turning until it was morning. Only when she closed her eyes to get some sleep did she hear her buzzing alarm which startled her“Oh gosh, I only have thirty minutes to get ready,” she jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. She didn't even manage to arrange what she was going to wear. Getting in the shower room, Alana didn't even mind bathing in cold water. She was getting late for her first day hence had to be quickAfter minutes of showering, she was finally done. Alana quickly got ready, she didn't have to wear too much makeup but just blow-dried her hair. Straightened it and was good to goShe grabbed her files and purse and rushed out of the room when she met Mrs. Marks on the way“Ah, good morning madam…breakfast is ready…what…” the lady said adjusting her specs“Well I can't eat…maybe later,” I said as I walked towa
The Romero jewelry company had existed for years and Armando had run the company to success and greater heights that it became the number one leading jewelry company across the world. A highly fragmented sector of most developed economies, the jewelry industry was the sector that involved the making, distribution, and repair of jewelry, such as watches, rings, and necklaces. The company offered a wide range of career opportunities. When Ricardo took over the company, he decided to make some changes. Used fine gems and diamonds to extend their business. Moving to France, Paris was a good idea because of its rich in fashionEvery week, the company got over a million clients, and Ricardo knew he had to produce the best. The reason why he needed a highly trained secretary. He needed a person he could trust, a woman for that matter. He knew women had creative ideas, and something new on the tableHe fired some employees due to their lack of experience, Two years ago, Armando decided to
(Alana)After I was told what to do by Ricardo, one of the employees dragged me away an empty office so I could get rid of the clothes I was wearing “This should do…please be still”“You don't have to… I'm fine,” I tried to say slightly, pushing the lady's hands away, but she looked up at me with a frown. To be honest, it was my fault that I climbed that tree and got hurtThe lady cleaning my wound was the same receptionist who guided me to the boss's office and told me I got the job…her name was Brigitte, and she was French and beautiful as well as friendly“You are new here… you should get your wound cleaned before you suffer any infections… we don't want you going on leave before you even work for two days,” the lady said with a smile and gently cleaned my arm. I was a little nervous, but she was so welcoming and lovely. No wonder she was given a position at the reception. She knew just how to treat people “Thank you, it's terrible that my first day is this disastrous, oh I do ap
(Alana)“Do you need a ride?” Brigitte asked when we were heading out, it turned out my first day wasn't so bad, I attended the board meeting. And no one found out about my identity “No, I'll take a taxi,” I said while glancing at my wristwatch. It was just 7:30 pm. I wondered if Ricardo already left. Earlier in the day, I heard Brigitte say the boss left for a meeting. He didn't tell me to come with, so I didn't bother. “Are you certain, or is your husband coming to pick you up?” She asked throwing a mischievous look, I shook my head feeling a little embarrassed “Nope… it's just that I have someplace to go to,” it was true, I had plans to get some nice fabric at some local shop I saw online. I wanted to buy a sewing machine as well. I thought of asking Ricardo to let me have space for setting up my office in the house for making my designs“Fine Alana, you seem like a pretty secretive girl…but, see you later,” Brigitte said with a loud exhalation but smiled once we left the buildi
Alana Woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. Like always, Mrs. Marks was already arranging her things. Alana sat upright. Rubbing her eyes a little while trying to get out of bed“Good morning, madam, I hope you slept well,” Mrs. Marks said with a smile which Alana returned “You don't have to… I'll arrange my clothes once I get back,” Alana said and got out of bed. “It's my job, don't worry madam, I'll make sure you are comfortable" Mrs. Marks smiled and finished up what she was doing…she was a happy lady. I wondered why Ricardo was hiring that nurse. Especially when she said Santiago was mute“Mrs. Marks, about Santiago…well, I want to meet him but…” I started saying, I was hesitant. Afraid I might say something inappropriate, but I feared talking to Santiago. The idea of being labeled a stepmom scared me. What if he didn't like me“He's a sweet boy, actually you can go and see him now… he just woke up,” Mrs. Marks said and took the laundry basket and left the room. “Oh gosh,” o
Alana reached the company earlier than the first day before Ricardo could show up"Good morning love…did you sleep well," Brigitte greeted her as they proceeded to the check room. "Yeah, how about You?" Alana asked although she had a terrible morning. To think she was still troubled about Ricardo's stipulations. She failed to sign the contract unless he uttered it and made a few changes"Well, great as always… today is special though, I hope you are ready?" Brigitte asked as both picked up their ID'S and left the room"What is it?" She was new to the company. Already she had a quick orientation and knew a few departments and heads. However, she was yet to know more about it. Especially where all the merchandise was made"Every month end, the boss throws a small party for his employees…especially new ones… it's to welcome them to the company and team, so today we'll hear what plans he has for us " Brigitte explained as they headed to the canteen to grab some breakfast. Like yesterda