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.

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?”