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?”

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!"