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.”

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.

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.